SOA
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NEWS
Syncretic Order Associates
Government & Politics -
New Hampshire Legislature wanting to 'un-hook' from Federal Gun Laws
New Hamspshire, as well as, many other states, are exercising their 10th Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution, and are crafting laws that will push back federal laws, rules and regulations.
Within the proposed New Hampshire law is found this item:
Federal Agents:
Any official, agent, or employee of the government of the United States, or employee of a corporation providing services to the government of the United States that enforces or attempts to enforce a act, order, law, statute, rule or regulation of the government of the United States upon a personal firearm, a firearm accessory, or ammunition that is manufactured commercially or privately in New Hampshire and that remains within the State of New Hampshire shall be guilty of a class B felony. (emphasis added)
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/realityzone/UFNnhnofedgun.html
US Supreme Court Extends Gun Rights
BBC.co.uk - June 28, 2010
"The US Supreme Court has restricted the rights of state and city governments to enforce controls on gun ownership.
The US's highest court ruled by 5-4 that a ban on handgun ownership in the city of Chicago was unconstitutional.
Justices said the US Constitution protected the right to keep and bear arms for the purpose of self-defence.
The ruling could potentially change laws on gun ownership in many of the 50 US states......"
(ED. Note: The real reason Americans have the right to own weapons, is to protect themselves against a tyrannical government!)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/us_and_canada/10438332.stm
87 Senators Tell Obama: Stand Behind Israel!
By HILLEL FENDEL - Israel National News - June 26, 2010
"An overwhelming majority of the United States Senate has signed a letter to President Obama encouraging him to stand strongly behind Israel in the face of "challenges" to its international standing.
.....The missive has been signed by 87 senators, and was spearheaded by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nv) and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky).
“Israel’s opponents have developed clever diplomatic and tactical ploys to challenge its international standing,” the letter states, including “the effort to isolate Israel at the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty review conference [and] the recent effort to breach the naval blockade around Gaza… Israel’s naval blockade, which is legal under international law, allows Israel to keep dangerous goods from entering Gaza by sea.”....."
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/138242
EFF Demands Records on PATRIOT Act Effectiveness, Lawfulness, and Misuse
EFF.COM - May 11, 2010
Washington, D.C. - The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) filed suit today against the Department of Justice (DOJ), demanding records on three controversial PATRIOT Act surveillance provisions that expire early next year unless Congress renews them.
EFF is seeking the immediate release of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reports on the provisions' effectiveness, lawfulness, and potential misuse in a lawsuit filed under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). These controversial PATRIOT provisions give the FBI expanded powers to seize electronic records and property and to wiretap phone conversations, and are set to expire in February of 2011. Congress will likely begin debate on potentially reauthorizing the provisions before the end of the year...."
http://www.eff.org/press/archives/2010/05/11
Lawmakers Ask FBI Director to End Abuses Over Records
CongressDaily April 16, 2010
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., and two senior lawmakers on his panel asked FBI Director Robert Mueller Thursday to take action to ensure that bureau employees do not abuse their powers when requesting telephone records.
The lawmakers pointed to a January report by Justice Department Inspector General Glenn Fine documenting the improper use of emergency, or exigent, letters to obtain phone records of Americans between 2003 and 2006....."
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0410/041610cdam2.htm
President Obama Says He Wants to 'Reign in Derivatives'
White House Blog - Posted by JESE LEE on April 16, 2010
"...Leaving no doubt that he was serious, when asked whether he would veto legislation that did not reign in derivatives and other risky ventures that massive banks gamble with, he answered, "I will veto legislation that does not bring the derivatives market under control and some sort of regulatory framework that assures that we don’t have the same kind of crises that we’ve seen in the past.".."
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/04/16/every-member-congress-going-have-make-a-decision
OMB Details Many Concerns with Intelligence Bills
CongressDaily - March 16, 2010
The White House has numerous objections to intelligence authorization bills passed by both the House and Senate and hopes significant changes can be made in conference, Office of Management and Budget Director Peter Orszag said Monday in letters to leaders of the House and Senate Intelligence committees.
At the top of the list of concerns are congressional notification provisions in both bills, especially the "unreasonable burdens" imposed by proposed Senate requirements that any change in covert actions must be reported to the Intelligence panels, Orszag wrote.
OMB also has concerns about allowing the Government Accountability Office to conduct oversight of intelligence agencies, as provided in both bills; about requiring that all interrogations be videotaped, even when conducted in remote locations; and about a $60 million cut in funding authorized for fiscal 2010, the letter said.
The House passed its intel measure 235-168 on Feb. 26, and the Senate passed its bill by unanimous consent last September.
(ED. NOTE: Well what kind of government do you have when they can spy on anyone without oversight? A TOTALATARIAN GOVERNMENT! Friends, its things such as this that gives such rise to the 'Tea Parties', militia groups and others. Our government is being 'misused' by control freaks!)
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0310/031610cdam2.htm
Nominee's Ties to TSA Contractors Raise Ethics Concerns
BY CHRIS STROHM - CongressDaily - March 16, 2010
"Several companies identified as business partners and clients by a security firm founded by President Obama's choice to head the Transportation Security Administration are major contractors with the agency, according to government records, news releases and other documents.
The McLean, Va.-based firm, Harding Security Associates, has had a formal "mentor-protege" relationship with SAIC, which has part of a $500 million contract to modernize TSA's operations. The firm also has worked with L-3 Communications, which has a $164 million contract to supply whole-body passenger screening devices to airports nationwide....."
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0310/031610cdam1.htm
FEMA Seeks to Boost Regional Offices
BY KATHERINE MCINTIRE PETERS - Governmentexecutive.com - March 16, 2010
"House lawmakers applauded actions by Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Craig Fugate to boost the authority and capacity of FEMA's 10 regional offices, but personnel shortages could jeopardize those efforts, said Rep. Bennie Thompson, chairman of the Homeland Security Committee......"
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0310/031610kp1.htm
The Euro System is on the Brink of Collapse -
BY HELGA ZEPP-LAROUCHE - EIR - Feb. 19, 2010
With the economic problems facing Greece, all of the European Union are asked to 'do something'.
Some want Germany to 'bailout' Greece, others call for 'stricter' controls.
http://www.larouchepub.com/eiw/public/2010/2010_1-9/2010-07/pdf/18-19_3707.pdf
Greece Loses EU Voting Power in Blow to Sovereignty
By AMBROSE EVANS-PRITCHARD - Telegraph U.K. - Feb. 16, 2010
"The council of EU finance ministers said Athens must comply with austerity demands by March 16 or lose control over its own tax and spend policies altogether. It if fails to do so, the EU will itself impose cuts under the draconian Article 126.9 of the Lisbon Treaty in what would amount to economic suzerainty.
While the symbolic move to suspend Greece of its voting rights at one meeting makes no practical difference, it marks a constitutional watershed and represents a crushing loss of sovereignty......"
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/financialcrisis/7252288/Greece-loses-EU-voting-power-in-blow-to-sovereignty.html
U, S. Denies 'Defense Crisis' with Russia -
By CHRISTOPHER SCHMIDT - AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE - Feb. 10, 2010
"WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama's administration denied a row over the U.S. anti-missile shield was slowing a landmark nuclear treaty with Moscow on Feb. 9, after days of sharp Russian criticism of NATO.......
......But on Feb. 10, Gen. Nikolai Makarov, chief of staff of the Russian armed forces, raised eyebrows in Washington by saying the START talks, which have dragged past several deadlines, were stuck on the anti-missile issue.
Moscow has reportedly insisted that any new pact regulates both strategic offensive missiles and the anti-missile systems designed to thwart them, a linkage that the United States has never favored.
"The development and deployment of missile defenses is aimed against the Russian Federation," Makarov was quoted as saying by domestic news agencies......"
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4492834
Next War with Israel Will Be Regional -
Jpost.com staff - jpost.com/Jerusaleum Post - Feb. 12, 2010
".....Senior Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal warned that if war breaks out with Israel it will not be limited to the Gaza Strip but will involve the entire region, in an interview with London-based Al Hayat newspaper that was published Friday.
According to the report, Mashaal stressed that Hamas was not interested in war and bloodshed.
The last war was enough, he said, adding that if a war were forced on Hamas the group would stand strong....."
http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=168546
Arizona Decides NOT to Use 'Cap and Trade' - Citing That it Will Harm the State's Economy -
By SINDYA N. BHANOO - New York Times - Feb. 11, 2010
Governor realizes that 'cap and trade' is not good for the economy. Instead the state will look at using nuclear, solar and wind energy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/12/science/earth/12climate.html?hpw
Drone Helps Police Make Arrest -U.K.
By LIZ HULL - Mailonline -feb. 12, 2010
It has been nicknamed the flying saucepan and looks an unlikely weapon in the war against crime.
But yesterday it emerged that a suspected car thief had become the first person to be arrested in Britain thanks to the help of this miniature remote-controlled helicopter.
The Air Robot or drone was deployed by Merseyside police after officers lost the alleged offender who had escaped on foot in thick fog.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250177/Police-make-arrest-using-unmanned-drone.html
Ukraine - Experiencing the Same Political Oppression as Here in the U.S.-
LaRouchePAC- Oct. 18, 2009
A Presentation by Natalia Vitrenko - (video)
Natalia Vitrenko was a presidential candidate in the Ukraine. She was also a member of their parliament.
In this presentation she is addressing the current world-wide financial crisis. She atalks about philosophically about what is wrong, and what should be done to correct it. She advocates 'infrastructure building', regulation of 'speculative finance', 'protection of domestic currencies', etc. She also exposes the deceit and oppression that still exists in the 'breakway republics' of the former Soviet Union, e.g.'stolen elections', assassination attempts, violence against peaceful demonstrators, etc.
The sad thing is, that it isn't supposed to be happening now over there, but still worse, is that it is happening in America!
http://www.larouchepac.com/lpactv?nid=12274
Court Sides with NSA vs. Gitmo Lawyers -
By DAVID KRAVETS - Wired.com - Dec. 30, 2009
"A federal appeals court on Wednesday upheld the government’s refusal to admit or deny it has documents related to warrantless eavesdropping on Guantanamo Bay detainees and their lawyers.
In doing so, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals accepted a little-known defense called the Glomar doctrine. The doctrine, the court ruled, allows the National Security Agency to refuse to acknowledge to the lawyers suing under the Freedom of Information Act that there are any documents responsive to allegations their clients had been or are being targeted under the Terrorist Surveillance Program adopted following the 2001 terror attacks......"
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/12/gitmo-lawyer-eavesdropping/
U.S. Journalist Grilled at Canada Border Crossing
Officials demanded to know what she would say publicly about 2010 Olympics
CBC News - Nov. 26, 2009
'Democracy Now' journalist Amy Goodman, was questioned and detained by Canadian authorities recently, and questioned for about 90 minutes. The Canadian border guards were interested if Miss Goodman was going to speak in Cananda about the 2010 Olympics...... Odd?
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2009/11/26/bc-amy-goodman-border-incident.html
Sen. Ben Nelson: ‘I’m Not Going to be Able to Answer That Question’ - of Where Constitution Authorizes Congress to Force Americans to Buy Health Insurance'
By EDWIN MORA - CNSNEWS - Nov. 11, 2009
This headline speaks for itself.
http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/57007
U.S.-China Military Cooperation Key to Peace, Air Force General Says
By Maj. SAM HIGHLY/13th Air Force Public Affairs -(AFNS0 Nov. 13, 2009
"....A string of recent visits by Chinese military officers to the United States, including the high-profile October visit by Gen. Xu Caihou, China's second-highest ranking officer, are promising signs of increasing cooperation, General Carlisle said.
Additionally, upcoming visits to China by Secretary of Defense
Robert M. Gates will only further this burgeoning relationship, he added....."
(ED. NOTE: notice how the U.S. Air force officer uses the word 'stakeholder', this jargon is part of the 'new paradigm' of transitioning our world to 'new goals'.)
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2009/11/mil-091113-afns03.htm
Obama Administration Seeks to Block Wiretap Suit
AP Newsmax.com - Oct. 30, 2009
"WASHINGTON – The Justice Department invoked the state secrets privilege Friday to try to stop a lawsuit over Bush-era wiretapping — the first time the Obama administration has done so under its new policy on such cases......
....Kevin Bankston, a lawyer for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a civil liberties group in San Francisco that is pursuing a similar lawsuit against the government, called Holder's decision "quite disappointing."
"The Obama administration has essentially adopted the position of the Bush administration in these cases, even though candidate Obama was incredibly critical of both the warrantless wiretapping program and the Bush administration's abuse of the state secrets privilege," said Bankston.....".
http://www.newsmax.com/us/us_warrantless_wiretapping/2009/10/30/279778.html
US Boots Up New Unified Cybersecurity Center
AFP - Oct. 31, 2009
"...The National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) brings together various government organizations responsible for protecting cyber networks and infrastructure and private sector partners......US-CERT currently partners with a number of private sector companies such as telecommunications firms and others in monitoring cyber threats...."
http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/technology/6412265/us-boots-up-new-unified-cybersecurity-center/
Marines Leaving Al Taqaddum Little by Little
By Gunnery Sgt. KATESHA WASHINGTON /Combat Logistics Regiment 27 (FWD) U.S. Marines.mil
Oct. 31, 2009
"Marine Corps participation in Operation Iraqi Freedom is drawing to a close as Marines, sailors and equipment make their way back home or to other parts of the globe. As part of the departure, one of the Marine Corps’ largest bases in the country is on its way to being in the hands of the Iraqi government once again.
Drawdown operations are in full swing at Camp Al Taqaddum, a base located about 50 miles west of Baghdad in western Al Anbar province...."
http://www.marines.mil/unit/2ndmlg/hq/Pages/Marines,sailorsshutdownmajorbaseinIraqoneareaatatime.aspx
FBI CITIZENS' ACADEMIES - An Eye-Opening Experience
Oct. 26, 2009
This is an article from the FB website wherein they talk about their 'citizen academies' program.
This type of program is also offered by numerous police departments around the country.
It is supposed to make citizens like the police more!- They figure that if you get together, and learn about what the police have to do, and get to hear what they think etc., people will 'trust' the police more and so forth.
I went to one in St. Louis County. Yes, it was interesting to hear and see what the police do, and I believe that most of the officers that we related with were probably 'all-right' people. But that doesn't make me want to 'rollover and get my tummy rubbed by them'!
It doesn't excuse the times when the police are harassing citizens and stepping on our rights. No way brother!!!
http://www.fbi.gov/page2/oct09/citizens_academies_102609.html
Britons Weary of Surveillance in Minor Cases
By SARAH LYALL - New York Times/Europe - Oct. 24, 2009
"POOLE, England — It has become commonplace to call Britain a “surveillance society,” a place where security cameras lurk at every corner, giant databases keep track of intimate personal details and the government has extraordinary powers to intrude into citizens’ lives.......
But the intrusions visited on Jenny Paton, a 40-year-old mother of three, were startling just the same. Suspecting Ms. Paton of falsifying her address to get her daughter into the neighborhood school, local officials here began a covert surveillance operation. They obtained her telephone billing records. And for more than three weeks in 2008, an officer from the Poole education department secretly followed her, noting on a log the movements of the “female and three children” and the “target vehicle” (that would be Ms. Paton, her daughters and their car)....." etc., etc., etc.!!!!
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/25/world/europe/25surveillance.html?_r=2&hp
Administration Officially Ends HIV Travel Ban
Kaiser Health News = Oct. 30, 2009
"The White House today announced an end to a travel ban for HIV-infected travelers.
The Washington Post reports: "President Obama called the 22-year ban on travel and immigration by HIV-positive individuals a decision 'rooted in fear rather than fact' and announced the end of the rule-making process lifting the ban. The president signed the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009 at the White House Friday and also spoke of the new rules, which have been under development more than a year. ... The regulations are the final procedural step in ending the ban, and will be published Monday in the Federal Register, to be followed by the standard 60-day waiting period prior to implementation."
The ban, which has applied to travel and immigration to the U.S. by individuals with HIV, "was first established by the Reagan-era U.S. Public Health Service and then given further support when Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.) added HIV to the travel-exclusion list in a move that was ultimately passed unanimously by the Senate in 1987."......"
http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/Daily-Reports/2009/October/30/HIV.aspx
EU Summit to Back 95% Emissions Reduction Goal
World Business Council for Sustainable Development - EurActiv.com - Oct. 29, 2009
" Europe will attempt to reassert its global leadership on climate change during a two-day summit kicking off today in Brussels (29-30 October), with EU leaders set to back emissions reductions "of at least 80-95%" for the developed world by 2050, according to a draft statement obtained by EurActiv.
The EU's pledge comes as part of international negotiations on climate change to take place in Copenhagen next month but will only become effective if other developed nations follow suit...".
http://www.wbcsd.org/Plugins/DocSearch/details.asp?DocTypeId=32&ObjectId=MzYyOTA&URLBack=%2Ftemplates%2FTemplateWBCSD4%2Flayout.asp%3Ftype%3Dp%26MenuId%3DODQ
DHS Trips On Watchlist Redress
By JAY BOEHMER -25 BTNonline Business Travel News - Oct.19, 2009
"The Traveler Redress Inquiry Program "in most cases" has done little in the way of improving the situation of travelers who used the program, according to a U.S. Department of Homeland Security inspector general report dated Sept. 11 and released this month.
When the Department of Homeland Security in early 2007 launched TRIP, it promised an expedited one-stop shop for travelers misplaced on the no-fly and selectee watchlists to gain relief from the woes that awaited them at the airport. What the public got was a program rife with inefficiencies, slow processing times, insufficient technology and miscommunication......
....."Redress-seekers generally do not benefit from their participation in TRIP," DHS Inspector General Richard Skinner .....American Civil Liberties Union legislative counsel Christopher Calabrese said the report "reveals that DHS is promising travelers that their watchlist problems are solved, while privately admitting that airlines don't use the so-called 'clear' lists that would allow innocent travelers onto their flights."
http://www.btnonline.com/businesstravelnews/headlines/frontpage_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1004023167
Republicans Move to Delay Climate Bill Progress
By Richard Cowen - Reuters - Oct. 31, 2009
All seven Republicans on the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee plan to boycott next week's work session on a climate-change bill, an aide said on Saturday, in a move aimed at thwarting Democratic efforts to advance the controversial legislation quickly.........
.......The seven Republicans have not indicated they ultimately would vote for the bill, which Boxer wants to move through her committee before December's international climate-change summit in Copenhagen.
Even with committee approval of the bill, the full Senate is not expected to vote on it this year. The legislation, as currently written, would have a hard time gaining the support of the 60 senators needed to pass major bills......"
http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE59Q0JY20091031By SINDYA N. BHANOO
Published: February 11, 2010
New Hamspshire, as well as, many other states, are exercising their 10th Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution, and are crafting laws that will push back federal laws, rules and regulations.
Within the proposed New Hampshire law is found this item:
Federal Agents:
Any official, agent, or employee of the government of the United States, or employee of a corporation providing services to the government of the United States that enforces or attempts to enforce a act, order, law, statute, rule or regulation of the government of the United States upon a personal firearm, a firearm accessory, or ammunition that is manufactured commercially or privately in New Hampshire and that remains within the State of New Hampshire shall be guilty of a class B felony. (emphasis added)
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/realityzone/UFNnhnofedgun.html
US Supreme Court Extends Gun Rights
BBC.co.uk - June 28, 2010
"The US Supreme Court has restricted the rights of state and city governments to enforce controls on gun ownership.
The US's highest court ruled by 5-4 that a ban on handgun ownership in the city of Chicago was unconstitutional.
Justices said the US Constitution protected the right to keep and bear arms for the purpose of self-defence.
The ruling could potentially change laws on gun ownership in many of the 50 US states......"
(ED. Note: The real reason Americans have the right to own weapons, is to protect themselves against a tyrannical government!)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/us_and_canada/10438332.stm
87 Senators Tell Obama: Stand Behind Israel!
By HILLEL FENDEL - Israel National News - June 26, 2010
"An overwhelming majority of the United States Senate has signed a letter to President Obama encouraging him to stand strongly behind Israel in the face of "challenges" to its international standing.
.....The missive has been signed by 87 senators, and was spearheaded by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nv) and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky).
“Israel’s opponents have developed clever diplomatic and tactical ploys to challenge its international standing,” the letter states, including “the effort to isolate Israel at the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty review conference [and] the recent effort to breach the naval blockade around Gaza… Israel’s naval blockade, which is legal under international law, allows Israel to keep dangerous goods from entering Gaza by sea.”....."
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/138242
EFF Demands Records on PATRIOT Act Effectiveness, Lawfulness, and Misuse
EFF.COM - May 11, 2010
Washington, D.C. - The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) filed suit today against the Department of Justice (DOJ), demanding records on three controversial PATRIOT Act surveillance provisions that expire early next year unless Congress renews them.
EFF is seeking the immediate release of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reports on the provisions' effectiveness, lawfulness, and potential misuse in a lawsuit filed under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). These controversial PATRIOT provisions give the FBI expanded powers to seize electronic records and property and to wiretap phone conversations, and are set to expire in February of 2011. Congress will likely begin debate on potentially reauthorizing the provisions before the end of the year...."
http://www.eff.org/press/archives/2010/05/11
Lawmakers Ask FBI Director to End Abuses Over Records
CongressDaily April 16, 2010
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., and two senior lawmakers on his panel asked FBI Director Robert Mueller Thursday to take action to ensure that bureau employees do not abuse their powers when requesting telephone records.
The lawmakers pointed to a January report by Justice Department Inspector General Glenn Fine documenting the improper use of emergency, or exigent, letters to obtain phone records of Americans between 2003 and 2006....."
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0410/041610cdam2.htm
President Obama Says He Wants to 'Reign in Derivatives'
White House Blog - Posted by JESE LEE on April 16, 2010
"...Leaving no doubt that he was serious, when asked whether he would veto legislation that did not reign in derivatives and other risky ventures that massive banks gamble with, he answered, "I will veto legislation that does not bring the derivatives market under control and some sort of regulatory framework that assures that we don’t have the same kind of crises that we’ve seen in the past.".."
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/04/16/every-member-congress-going-have-make-a-decision
OMB Details Many Concerns with Intelligence Bills
CongressDaily - March 16, 2010
The White House has numerous objections to intelligence authorization bills passed by both the House and Senate and hopes significant changes can be made in conference, Office of Management and Budget Director Peter Orszag said Monday in letters to leaders of the House and Senate Intelligence committees.
At the top of the list of concerns are congressional notification provisions in both bills, especially the "unreasonable burdens" imposed by proposed Senate requirements that any change in covert actions must be reported to the Intelligence panels, Orszag wrote.
OMB also has concerns about allowing the Government Accountability Office to conduct oversight of intelligence agencies, as provided in both bills; about requiring that all interrogations be videotaped, even when conducted in remote locations; and about a $60 million cut in funding authorized for fiscal 2010, the letter said.
The House passed its intel measure 235-168 on Feb. 26, and the Senate passed its bill by unanimous consent last September.
(ED. NOTE: Well what kind of government do you have when they can spy on anyone without oversight? A TOTALATARIAN GOVERNMENT! Friends, its things such as this that gives such rise to the 'Tea Parties', militia groups and others. Our government is being 'misused' by control freaks!)
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0310/031610cdam2.htm
Nominee's Ties to TSA Contractors Raise Ethics Concerns
BY CHRIS STROHM - CongressDaily - March 16, 2010
"Several companies identified as business partners and clients by a security firm founded by President Obama's choice to head the Transportation Security Administration are major contractors with the agency, according to government records, news releases and other documents.
The McLean, Va.-based firm, Harding Security Associates, has had a formal "mentor-protege" relationship with SAIC, which has part of a $500 million contract to modernize TSA's operations. The firm also has worked with L-3 Communications, which has a $164 million contract to supply whole-body passenger screening devices to airports nationwide....."
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0310/031610cdam1.htm
FEMA Seeks to Boost Regional Offices
BY KATHERINE MCINTIRE PETERS - Governmentexecutive.com - March 16, 2010
"House lawmakers applauded actions by Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Craig Fugate to boost the authority and capacity of FEMA's 10 regional offices, but personnel shortages could jeopardize those efforts, said Rep. Bennie Thompson, chairman of the Homeland Security Committee......"
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0310/031610kp1.htm
The Euro System is on the Brink of Collapse -
BY HELGA ZEPP-LAROUCHE - EIR - Feb. 19, 2010
With the economic problems facing Greece, all of the European Union are asked to 'do something'.
Some want Germany to 'bailout' Greece, others call for 'stricter' controls.
http://www.larouchepub.com/eiw/public/2010/2010_1-9/2010-07/pdf/18-19_3707.pdf
Greece Loses EU Voting Power in Blow to Sovereignty
By AMBROSE EVANS-PRITCHARD - Telegraph U.K. - Feb. 16, 2010
"The council of EU finance ministers said Athens must comply with austerity demands by March 16 or lose control over its own tax and spend policies altogether. It if fails to do so, the EU will itself impose cuts under the draconian Article 126.9 of the Lisbon Treaty in what would amount to economic suzerainty.
While the symbolic move to suspend Greece of its voting rights at one meeting makes no practical difference, it marks a constitutional watershed and represents a crushing loss of sovereignty......"
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/financialcrisis/7252288/Greece-loses-EU-voting-power-in-blow-to-sovereignty.html
U, S. Denies 'Defense Crisis' with Russia -
By CHRISTOPHER SCHMIDT - AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE - Feb. 10, 2010
"WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama's administration denied a row over the U.S. anti-missile shield was slowing a landmark nuclear treaty with Moscow on Feb. 9, after days of sharp Russian criticism of NATO.......
......But on Feb. 10, Gen. Nikolai Makarov, chief of staff of the Russian armed forces, raised eyebrows in Washington by saying the START talks, which have dragged past several deadlines, were stuck on the anti-missile issue.
Moscow has reportedly insisted that any new pact regulates both strategic offensive missiles and the anti-missile systems designed to thwart them, a linkage that the United States has never favored.
"The development and deployment of missile defenses is aimed against the Russian Federation," Makarov was quoted as saying by domestic news agencies......"
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4492834
Next War with Israel Will Be Regional -
Jpost.com staff - jpost.com/Jerusaleum Post - Feb. 12, 2010
".....Senior Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal warned that if war breaks out with Israel it will not be limited to the Gaza Strip but will involve the entire region, in an interview with London-based Al Hayat newspaper that was published Friday.
According to the report, Mashaal stressed that Hamas was not interested in war and bloodshed.
The last war was enough, he said, adding that if a war were forced on Hamas the group would stand strong....."
http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=168546
Arizona Decides NOT to Use 'Cap and Trade' - Citing That it Will Harm the State's Economy -
By SINDYA N. BHANOO - New York Times - Feb. 11, 2010
Governor realizes that 'cap and trade' is not good for the economy. Instead the state will look at using nuclear, solar and wind energy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/12/science/earth/12climate.html?hpw
Drone Helps Police Make Arrest -U.K.
By LIZ HULL - Mailonline -feb. 12, 2010
It has been nicknamed the flying saucepan and looks an unlikely weapon in the war against crime.
But yesterday it emerged that a suspected car thief had become the first person to be arrested in Britain thanks to the help of this miniature remote-controlled helicopter.
The Air Robot or drone was deployed by Merseyside police after officers lost the alleged offender who had escaped on foot in thick fog.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250177/Police-make-arrest-using-unmanned-drone.html
Ukraine - Experiencing the Same Political Oppression as Here in the U.S.-
LaRouchePAC- Oct. 18, 2009
A Presentation by Natalia Vitrenko - (video)
Natalia Vitrenko was a presidential candidate in the Ukraine. She was also a member of their parliament.
In this presentation she is addressing the current world-wide financial crisis. She atalks about philosophically about what is wrong, and what should be done to correct it. She advocates 'infrastructure building', regulation of 'speculative finance', 'protection of domestic currencies', etc. She also exposes the deceit and oppression that still exists in the 'breakway republics' of the former Soviet Union, e.g.'stolen elections', assassination attempts, violence against peaceful demonstrators, etc.
The sad thing is, that it isn't supposed to be happening now over there, but still worse, is that it is happening in America!
http://www.larouchepac.com/lpactv?nid=12274
Court Sides with NSA vs. Gitmo Lawyers -
By DAVID KRAVETS - Wired.com - Dec. 30, 2009
"A federal appeals court on Wednesday upheld the government’s refusal to admit or deny it has documents related to warrantless eavesdropping on Guantanamo Bay detainees and their lawyers.
In doing so, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals accepted a little-known defense called the Glomar doctrine. The doctrine, the court ruled, allows the National Security Agency to refuse to acknowledge to the lawyers suing under the Freedom of Information Act that there are any documents responsive to allegations their clients had been or are being targeted under the Terrorist Surveillance Program adopted following the 2001 terror attacks......"
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/12/gitmo-lawyer-eavesdropping/
U.S. Journalist Grilled at Canada Border Crossing
Officials demanded to know what she would say publicly about 2010 Olympics
CBC News - Nov. 26, 2009
'Democracy Now' journalist Amy Goodman, was questioned and detained by Canadian authorities recently, and questioned for about 90 minutes. The Canadian border guards were interested if Miss Goodman was going to speak in Cananda about the 2010 Olympics...... Odd?
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2009/11/26/bc-amy-goodman-border-incident.html
Sen. Ben Nelson: ‘I’m Not Going to be Able to Answer That Question’ - of Where Constitution Authorizes Congress to Force Americans to Buy Health Insurance'
By EDWIN MORA - CNSNEWS - Nov. 11, 2009
This headline speaks for itself.
http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/57007
U.S.-China Military Cooperation Key to Peace, Air Force General Says
By Maj. SAM HIGHLY/13th Air Force Public Affairs -(AFNS0 Nov. 13, 2009
"....A string of recent visits by Chinese military officers to the United States, including the high-profile October visit by Gen. Xu Caihou, China's second-highest ranking officer, are promising signs of increasing cooperation, General Carlisle said.
Additionally, upcoming visits to China by Secretary of Defense
Robert M. Gates will only further this burgeoning relationship, he added....."
(ED. NOTE: notice how the U.S. Air force officer uses the word 'stakeholder', this jargon is part of the 'new paradigm' of transitioning our world to 'new goals'.)
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2009/11/mil-091113-afns03.htm
Obama Administration Seeks to Block Wiretap Suit
AP Newsmax.com - Oct. 30, 2009
"WASHINGTON – The Justice Department invoked the state secrets privilege Friday to try to stop a lawsuit over Bush-era wiretapping — the first time the Obama administration has done so under its new policy on such cases......
....Kevin Bankston, a lawyer for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a civil liberties group in San Francisco that is pursuing a similar lawsuit against the government, called Holder's decision "quite disappointing."
"The Obama administration has essentially adopted the position of the Bush administration in these cases, even though candidate Obama was incredibly critical of both the warrantless wiretapping program and the Bush administration's abuse of the state secrets privilege," said Bankston.....".
http://www.newsmax.com/us/us_warrantless_wiretapping/2009/10/30/279778.html
US Boots Up New Unified Cybersecurity Center
AFP - Oct. 31, 2009
"...The National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) brings together various government organizations responsible for protecting cyber networks and infrastructure and private sector partners......US-CERT currently partners with a number of private sector companies such as telecommunications firms and others in monitoring cyber threats...."
http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/technology/6412265/us-boots-up-new-unified-cybersecurity-center/
Marines Leaving Al Taqaddum Little by Little
By Gunnery Sgt. KATESHA WASHINGTON /Combat Logistics Regiment 27 (FWD) U.S. Marines.mil
Oct. 31, 2009
"Marine Corps participation in Operation Iraqi Freedom is drawing to a close as Marines, sailors and equipment make their way back home or to other parts of the globe. As part of the departure, one of the Marine Corps’ largest bases in the country is on its way to being in the hands of the Iraqi government once again.
Drawdown operations are in full swing at Camp Al Taqaddum, a base located about 50 miles west of Baghdad in western Al Anbar province...."
http://www.marines.mil/unit/2ndmlg/hq/Pages/Marines,sailorsshutdownmajorbaseinIraqoneareaatatime.aspx
FBI CITIZENS' ACADEMIES - An Eye-Opening Experience
Oct. 26, 2009
This is an article from the FB website wherein they talk about their 'citizen academies' program.
This type of program is also offered by numerous police departments around the country.
It is supposed to make citizens like the police more!- They figure that if you get together, and learn about what the police have to do, and get to hear what they think etc., people will 'trust' the police more and so forth.
I went to one in St. Louis County. Yes, it was interesting to hear and see what the police do, and I believe that most of the officers that we related with were probably 'all-right' people. But that doesn't make me want to 'rollover and get my tummy rubbed by them'!
It doesn't excuse the times when the police are harassing citizens and stepping on our rights. No way brother!!!
http://www.fbi.gov/page2/oct09/citizens_academies_102609.html
Britons Weary of Surveillance in Minor Cases
By SARAH LYALL - New York Times/Europe - Oct. 24, 2009
"POOLE, England — It has become commonplace to call Britain a “surveillance society,” a place where security cameras lurk at every corner, giant databases keep track of intimate personal details and the government has extraordinary powers to intrude into citizens’ lives.......
But the intrusions visited on Jenny Paton, a 40-year-old mother of three, were startling just the same. Suspecting Ms. Paton of falsifying her address to get her daughter into the neighborhood school, local officials here began a covert surveillance operation. They obtained her telephone billing records. And for more than three weeks in 2008, an officer from the Poole education department secretly followed her, noting on a log the movements of the “female and three children” and the “target vehicle” (that would be Ms. Paton, her daughters and their car)....." etc., etc., etc.!!!!
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/25/world/europe/25surveillance.html?_r=2&hp
Administration Officially Ends HIV Travel Ban
Kaiser Health News = Oct. 30, 2009
"The White House today announced an end to a travel ban for HIV-infected travelers.
The Washington Post reports: "President Obama called the 22-year ban on travel and immigration by HIV-positive individuals a decision 'rooted in fear rather than fact' and announced the end of the rule-making process lifting the ban. The president signed the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009 at the White House Friday and also spoke of the new rules, which have been under development more than a year. ... The regulations are the final procedural step in ending the ban, and will be published Monday in the Federal Register, to be followed by the standard 60-day waiting period prior to implementation."
The ban, which has applied to travel and immigration to the U.S. by individuals with HIV, "was first established by the Reagan-era U.S. Public Health Service and then given further support when Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.) added HIV to the travel-exclusion list in a move that was ultimately passed unanimously by the Senate in 1987."......"
http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/Daily-Reports/2009/October/30/HIV.aspx
EU Summit to Back 95% Emissions Reduction Goal
World Business Council for Sustainable Development - EurActiv.com - Oct. 29, 2009
" Europe will attempt to reassert its global leadership on climate change during a two-day summit kicking off today in Brussels (29-30 October), with EU leaders set to back emissions reductions "of at least 80-95%" for the developed world by 2050, according to a draft statement obtained by EurActiv.
The EU's pledge comes as part of international negotiations on climate change to take place in Copenhagen next month but will only become effective if other developed nations follow suit...".
http://www.wbcsd.org/Plugins/DocSearch/details.asp?DocTypeId=32&ObjectId=MzYyOTA&URLBack=%2Ftemplates%2FTemplateWBCSD4%2Flayout.asp%3Ftype%3Dp%26MenuId%3DODQ
DHS Trips On Watchlist Redress
By JAY BOEHMER -25 BTNonline Business Travel News - Oct.19, 2009
"The Traveler Redress Inquiry Program "in most cases" has done little in the way of improving the situation of travelers who used the program, according to a U.S. Department of Homeland Security inspector general report dated Sept. 11 and released this month.
When the Department of Homeland Security in early 2007 launched TRIP, it promised an expedited one-stop shop for travelers misplaced on the no-fly and selectee watchlists to gain relief from the woes that awaited them at the airport. What the public got was a program rife with inefficiencies, slow processing times, insufficient technology and miscommunication......
....."Redress-seekers generally do not benefit from their participation in TRIP," DHS Inspector General Richard Skinner .....American Civil Liberties Union legislative counsel Christopher Calabrese said the report "reveals that DHS is promising travelers that their watchlist problems are solved, while privately admitting that airlines don't use the so-called 'clear' lists that would allow innocent travelers onto their flights."
http://www.btnonline.com/businesstravelnews/headlines/frontpage_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1004023167
Republicans Move to Delay Climate Bill Progress
By Richard Cowen - Reuters - Oct. 31, 2009
All seven Republicans on the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee plan to boycott next week's work session on a climate-change bill, an aide said on Saturday, in a move aimed at thwarting Democratic efforts to advance the controversial legislation quickly.........
.......The seven Republicans have not indicated they ultimately would vote for the bill, which Boxer wants to move through her committee before December's international climate-change summit in Copenhagen.
Even with committee approval of the bill, the full Senate is not expected to vote on it this year. The legislation, as currently written, would have a hard time gaining the support of the 60 senators needed to pass major bills......"
http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE59Q0JY20091031By SINDYA N. BHANOO
Published: February 11, 2010
SOA NEWS - 2009 - 2010
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