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"Armed and Dangerous": Secretary Paulson's radical remedies
This week, with the nation’s financial infrastructure crumbling before our very eyes, the nation’s top two economic policy makers made their way to the Congress for an extraordinary episode of political theater. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the quasi-government entities that form the backbone of America’s gargantuan mortgage market, appeared to be cracking. To the somewhat bewildered members of Congress, Ben Bernanke and Henry Paulson offered radical remedies to save the lenders. Despite the fact that the proposed policies would thoroughly redefine America’s supposedly capitalistic pedigree, the moves were presented as wholly inevitable, and in the end, benevolent and costless.
If you are looking for a new chapter in American history, it has just begun.
The most memorable moment in the episode came when Secretary Paulson explained that the best way to minimize the chances that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will need a government bailout would be for Congress to grant the Treasury unlimited authority to lend to the two institutions. His analogy: When the bad guys see a bazooka on your hip, you are less likely to be challenged to a gunfight...
... At present, the best the government can do for housing and the economy is to leave both alone, cease interference in the free market, restore sound money, and allow capitalism to work.
Unfortunately, the laws of capitalism are now demanding that home prices continue to fall precipitously. But, based on the speed in which our government, public and financial institutions are willing to abandoned free market principals at the first whiff of economic pain, the likelihood that this impulse will take hold is increasingly remote. So hunker down as the United States finds itself on the express track to state socialism with Paulson’s Bazooka locked, loaded and pointed right at us. When the government pulls the trigger the blast will blow the dollar, and what’s left of our capitalist economy, to smithereens."
(End of excerpt)
Full commentary "Armed and Dangerous" (July 18th, 2008) at link by Peter Schiff, President & Chief Global Strategist// Euro Pacific Capital This week, with the nation’s financial infrastructure crumbling before our very eyes, the nation’s top two economic policy makers made... more -
Love
The posture of humanity needs direction of love to cure qualm and hate hypocrisy from monotheism. The zeal of humanity is to diminish symbolism to prevail freedom from labyrinth ideologies of religious and political leaders for peace. We all human beings are the heart of humanity in which human faith religious is the xylem to dissolve distastefulness from monotheistic and non monotheistic faiths.
Dust Colored
The posture of humanity needs direction of love to cure qualm and hate hypocrisy from monotheism. The zeal of humanity is to diminish ... more -
Anti-gay slurs painted on houses and cars in South Florida's gayest neighborhood
"Three homes and five vehicles were sprayed with anti-gay slogans in the 2800 block of NW 7th Ave in Wilton Manors early Friday morning.
One resident was using soap and water to wash out the anti-gay messages sprayed on his property that said "fag".
He explained to CBS4 Reporter Ted Scouten that he's not gay, which is all the more worrying why he was a target.
Another resident, Ron Helfrich, said his home and car were defaced, "They wrote gay on the door, in the living room, and on the couch."
''There's no reason for this to happen,'' Aaron Challancin said. ``We didn't do anything to anyone. We're normal people trying to live normal lives.
The incidents are being investigated by the Wilton Manors police department." "Three homes and five vehicles were sprayed with anti-gay slogans in the 2800 block of NW 7th Ave in Wilton Manors early Friday mornin... more -
Biggest crane in US collapses, killing 4
One of the largest cranes in the US has collapsed at an oil refinery in Houston, TX, killing four workers and injuring seven others. The massive 30-story-tall machine is capable of lifting 1 million pounds, and caused understandable devastation when it toppled: the cause is as yet not fully explained.
The casualties were reported to be "in the area of the crane": My condolences to the victims' families, but no s*** CNN! One of the largest cranes in the US has collapsed at an oil refinery in Houston, TX, killing four workers and injuring seven others. T... more -
United Kingdom Talk Saturday 19th July 2008
Saturday's edition of my three times a week talk show.Watch the show here on CURRENT TV on Tues, Thurs & Sats.
In today's show :
A rather different start to show show !
Photographs.
Singing.
Matthew's gardening tip.
How much is there to do in Florida ?
Programmes from many countries.
Thank you to the Wiz.
Clubs that you can be anyone in.
A clean programme.
Someone else considers a wind turbine.
C.R.
A new loaf.
Though the doors.
Jerry has a Flip Cam.
A mini television screen.
Technical difficulties sorted.
Where does the "X" (kiss) come from ?
Country music.
The youngest, and the oldest.
Fragments on metal.
My new hat.
"Zee" or "Z" ?
The red sparkly Bingay jacket.
chris@unitedkingdomtalk.co.uk
WWW.UNITEDKINGDOMTALK.CO.UK Saturday's edition of my three times a week talk show.Watch the show here on CURRENT TV on Tues, Thurs & Sats. ... more -
Father tries to beat the 'gayness' out of own son with baseball bat
"An Anderson, South Carolina man is being investigated for assault and potential hate crime charges after beating his son on two separate occasions following a pride parade on Sunday. Yes, this is in the same state that just ran out on its credit to an advertising agency after running thousands of “South Carolina is so gay” ads, leaving a pride group in the state to volunteer to pick up the check.
The 49-year-old man greeted his son in the street after the boy had returned from the Anderson pride parade, already in a fit of rage. He commenced striking his own son with a baseball bat while cursing, praying, and “casting the demon of homosexuality” out of his 18-year old." "An Anderson, South Carolina man is being investigated for assault and potential hate crime charges after beating his son on two separ... more -
Spes ultima dea
Domani inizia l'incontro tra USA e IRAn, insieme agli altri Paesi mediatori, al fine di dirimere e, speriamo tutti, raggiungere un accordo sul nucleare iraniano.
L'IRAN si dichiara speranzoso nella "costruttività" dell'incontro.
Noi incoraggiamo tutte le parti a lavorare seriamente per il buon esito della trattativa e per la salvaguardia del bene universale della pace.
Riporto l'articolo:
Iran spera in dialogo "costruttivo" sul nucleare domani
Reuters - da 2 ore 27 minuti
TEHERAN (Reuters) - Il negoziatore capo dell'Iran ha espresso speranze per "buoni e costruttivi negoziati", alla sua partenza da Teheran oggi per incontrare a Ginevra le potenze mondiali, con le quali discuterà del controverso programma nucleare del suo paese.
I media iraniani hanno detto di aver chiesto a Saeed Jalili della presenza -- attesa -- di un alto diplomatico statunitense nei colloqui di domani nella città svizzera.
"Se mostrano un atteggiamento costruttivo verso i negoziati ed evitano errori precedenti, possiamo di sicuro portare avanti trattative buone e costruttive", ha risposto Jalili all'agenzia di stampa Isna.
"Quello che conta dal nostro punto di vista è l'approccio mostrato dall'altra parte nei negoziati".
"L'approccio è più importante di quali persone siano presenti ai negoziati", ha sottolineato Jalili.
Gli Usa hanno detto mercoledì che invieranno a Ginevra un rappresentante per condurre per la prima volta un dialogo sul nucleare con l'Iran, per sottolineare nei confronti della repubblica islamica e di altri che gli Usa vogliono una soluzione diplomatica all'impasse.
Il sottosegretario di Stato William Burns si unirà dunque al capo della politica estera Ue, Javier Solana, e a funzionari di Gran Bretagna, Francia, Germania, Russia e Cina per i colloqui.
Gli Usa, che hanno interrotto i rapporti diplomatici con l'Iran poco dopo la rivoluzione islamica del 1979, accusano Teheran di portare avanti un programma nucleare finalizzato a costruire armi.
L'Iran, il quarto esportatore al mondo di petrolio, ha detto che il suo programma nucleare è solo mirato a produrre elettricità.
Domani inizia l'incontro tra USA e IRAn, insieme agli altri Paesi mediatori, al fine di dirimere e, speriamo tutti, raggiungere un acc... more -
US army to shoot live pigs for medical drill
The Army says it's critical to saving the lives of wounded soldiers. Animal-rights activists call the training cruel and outdated.
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CITGO hands out energy efficient light bulbs in US
Venezuela's CITGO Petroleum Corp. is handing out energy efficient light bulbs across the U.S., despite political tensions between the two nations.
Houston-based CITGO is teaming with nonprofit Citizen's Energy Corp. of Boston to hold workshops on energy conservation.
They plan to distribute nearly 500,000 small fluorescent bulbs in 11 cities.
The program kicks off in Houston Thursday, two days after it began in Washington.
The companies joined in 2005 to bring Venezuelan heating oil to low-income U.S. households. Critics alleged that President Hugo Chavez was attempting to spread his leftist ideals.
Chavez often threatens to cut off oil shipments to the U.S. But Venezuela remains its fifth biggest supplier.
Venezuela's CITGO Petroleum Corp. is handing out energy efficient light bulbs across the U.S., despite political tensions between the ... more -
Paterson: Obama Defeat Would Be Victory For Racism
Mr. Paterson, a former lieutenant governor whose sudden rise to power following the resignation of Eliot Spitzer has led the press to dub him the "accidental governor," said he is offended by the label and suggested that it was motivated by racism.
Mr. Paterson, who supported Senator Clinton throughout her campaign and was a Clinton super-delegate before endorsing Mr. Obama after Mrs. Clinton conceded, cast the presidential race in stark racial terms, saying its outcome would decide whether the nation could finally move beyond its legacy of slavery and segregation. Mr. Paterson, a former lieutenant governor whose sudden rise to power following the resignation of Eliot Spitzer has led the press to ... more -
'Bush Imperial Presidency' Congressional hearing set..
In a release Thursday, House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) announced he will hold a hearing July 25 examining "the imperial presidency of George W. Bush and possible legal responses."The word "impeachment" was not mentioned in the announcement, but it appears the hearing is going to examine issues raised by Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) in his resolution to impeach Bush. A Judiciary Committee spokesman tells RAW STORY Kucinich will testify at the hearing. “Over the last seven plus years, there have been numerous credible allegations of serious misconduct by officials in the Bush Administration,” Conyers said in a news release. “At the same time, the administration has adopted what many would describe as a radical view of its own powers and authorities. As Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, I believe it is imperative that we pursue a comprehensive review commensurate to this constitutionally dangerous combination of circumstances. Next Friday’s hearings will be an important part of that ongoing effort.”Conyers did not say who would testify at the hearing, but he laid out a variety of abuses that would be examined, including:(1) improper politicization of the Justice Department and the U.S. Attorneys offices, including potential misuse of authority with regard to election and voting controversies; (2) misuse of executive branch authority and the adoption and implementation of the so-called unitary executive theory, including in the areas of presidential signing statements and regulatory authority; (3) misuse of investigatory and detention authority with regard to U.S. citizens and foreign nationals, including questions regarding the legality of the administration’s surveillance, detention, interrogation, and rendition programs; (4) manipulation of intelligence and misuse of war powers, including possible misrepresentations to Congress related thereto; (5) improper retaliation against administration critics, including disclosing information concerning CIA operative Valerie Plame, and obstruction of justice related thereto; and (6) misuse of authority in denying Congress and the American people the ability to oversee and scrutinize conduct within the administration, including through the use of various asserted privileges and immunities.After the committee ignored Kucinich's first impeachment attempt last month, the former Democratic presidential candidate re-introduced a single article on Tuesday. In response, Conyers promised a hearing that would accumulate "all the things that constitute an imperial presidency."However, Conyers indicated his unwillingness to actually vote on impeachment, regardless of Kucinich's presentation.While no one has really asked lately, the White House has previously brushed off questions about impeachment in the past."I'm not going to comment on something as ridiculous as that," Bush spokeswoman Dana Perino said last year when asked about impeachment.Kucinich has been relentless in his push to impeach Bush. On Tuesday, the House formally sent his latest impeachment resolution to the Judiciary Committee. Its title: "Deceiving Congress with Fabricated Threats of Iraq WMDs to Fraudulently Obtain Support for an Authorization of the Use of Military Force Against Iraq."He also suggested in an interview with Congressional Quarterly that the Judiciary hearing could serve as a forum for some new revelations.“I’ve been contacted by representatives of a U.S. ally who are seeking an opportunity to appear before the Judiciary Committee,” he told CQ's Molly K. Hooper.“Legislative leaders of a foreign capital” have a “new angle that I haven’t thought of before but is relevant,” he said. “This interest in whether we’ve been told the truth has extended to other countries.” In a release Thursday, House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) announced he will hold a hearing July 25 examining "the ... more
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EPA Climate Report, devastating..
Climate change puts US way of life at risk
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, under fire for apparently discounting the impact of climate change, on Thursday said global warming poses real risk to human health and the American way of life.
Risks include more heat-related deaths, more heart and lung diseases due to increased ozone and health problems related to hurricanes, extreme precipitation and wildfires, the agency said in a new report.
The study comes on the heels after an off the cuff remark from President George W. Bush at a G8 summit last week, where he ended a private meeting with the quip, "Goodbye from the world's biggest polluter," before punching the air.
The EPA doesn't agree.
"Climate change poses real risk to human health and the human systems that support our way of life in the United States," the agency's Joel Scheraga said in a telephone briefing.
The report does not specify how many people in the United States could die due to climate change, because that number can be changed by taking action, Scheraga said.
"We are not saying in this report that more people will die in the future due to climate change," he said. "What we are saying is that there's an increased risk of deaths due to heat waves in the future as the climate changes.
"We have an opportunity to anticipate these increased risks ... and to due to prepare for the future in order to mitigate these risks."
Limited to climate change impacts in the United States, the report found a likely increase in food and water-borne germs as the world warms and habitat ranges expand for some disease-causing organisms.
Also, the inequities now found in the U.S. health care system are likely to be exacerbated by global warming: "Many of the expected health effects are likely to fall disproportionately on the poor, the elderly, the disabled and the uninsured."
Global warming is expected to affect water supplies across the country, with reduced water flow in rivers, lower groundwater levels and more salt creeping into coastal rivers and groundwater, the report said.
People who live along the coasts will face the consequences of rising sea levels and severe weather events while city dwellers can expect higher energy demand to cool buildings -- though the demand for heat will probably decline.
The report covers much of the same substance as an EPA document released on Monday that found global warming endangers human health. This document was part of the agency's response to a 2007 Supreme Court ruling that found the EPA had the power to regulate climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions if it was found that they hurt human health.
However, the agency has indicated no action is likely before the Bush administration leaves office next January.
Stephen Johnson, head of the environmental agency, has been called to testify on July 30 before the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on alleged White House interference with the agency. Researchers have repeatedly complained of White House censorship of environmental science.
Climate change puts US way of life at risk ... more -
Three Lost
Three people with out shelter because of addition. Right now there are thousands of men woman and children living on the streets because of this problem Three people with out shelter because of addition. Right now there are thousands of men woman and children living on the streets becau... more
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Gang Banging or Not June 2008
Who's banging, ATF Compton gang or Lynwood dance crew. Street interviews from documentary Banging Peace Crips/Bloods. Raw as it comes
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Hip Hop To The Street (rap artist Cameron gets Jacked in LA hotel for his bling)
Fan and celebrity interviews. What is really going on on the streets, the real look in hip hop and the streets. Celebrities, and hood issues old news discussion on the streets (reality news show) We want the hip hop community to help stop the violence and crime. Fan and celebrity interviews. What is really going on on the streets, the real look in hip hop and the streets. Celebrities, and hood ... more
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War In Public Schools
Looking at race relations in public schools
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LA Mayor Gang Reduction Plan
Jeff Carr appointed by Antonio Villaraigosa to reduce gang activity and head youth development
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Banging Peace Raw Ruff Cut Footage
Daude Sherrrills tells John Van Zante the owner of the largest cosmetic manufacturer in the hole continent of Africa, Paul Darafeev the owner of a furniture manufacturing company in California, Rosell Newbill a hair product manufacturer how peace politics work in LA. This clip is part of the documentary Daude Sherrrills tells John Van Zante the owner of the largest cosmetic manufacturer in the hole continent of Africa, Paul Darafeev t... more
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Cinema. Tarantino a caccia di Brad Pitt e Leonardo DiCaprio.
Quentin Tarantino è disposto a tutto pur di avere Brad Pitt nel suo prossimo film, Inglorious Bastard. Il regista di Kill Bill è volato fino in Francia per convincere di persona l’attore, che al momento è al capezzale della moglie Angelina Jolie, neo mamma da pochi giorni. Il film sarà ambientato durante la Seconda Guerra Mondiale e lo script è stato redatto dallo stesso Tarantino che comincerà le riprese a settembre. Le recensioni sono ottime e c’è già chi grida al capolavoro, come il critico El Mayimbe che al Latino Review ha detto: “Mani in basso. La sceneggiatura è una delle migliori che abbia mai letto quest’anno”. Il protagonista della storia, ruolo offerto a Pitt, si chiamerà Lieutenant Aldo Raine... continua Quentin Tarantino è disposto a tutto pur di avere Brad Pitt nel suo prossimo film, Inglorious Bastard. Il regista di Kill Bill è volat... more
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