BROCKPORT, N.Y. (AP) — A man was charged with murder after two people were shot dead outside a hospital and a couple were killed in their home hours later, authorities said.
Frank Garcia, 34, of Hamlin, was charged Saturday with two counts of first-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder in the shootings outside Lakeside Memorial Hospital in Brockport, Monroe County Sheriff Patrick O’Flynn said.
He has not been charged in the deaths of the couple in a Canandaigua home, but prosecutors were seeking first-degree murder charges in those slayings.
Brockport police said Garcia shot three people there Saturday morning, killing 41-year-old Randall Norman, of Holley, and 23-year-old Mary Sillman, of Albion. Police have not identified the third victim, a woman who was wounded but able to drive to a police station.
Authorities said Garcia also killed Christopher Glatz, 45, and Kimberly Glatz, 38, inside their home hours after the hospital shootings. Ontario County Sheriff Phil Povero said Garcia had gone door to door in Canandaigua looking for the couple.
The couple’s two teenage children, who were also at home, were not injured.
Officials did not disclose a motive for the shootings, but said Garcia had recently been fired from a job at the hospital in Brockport, about 17 miles west of Rochester. They said the couple from Canandaigua, about 26 miles southeast of Rochester, did not work there.
Rochester police arrested Garcia, who had a loaded .40-caliber Glock pistol, after negotiating a surrender by cell phone, O’Flynn said.
Garcia was being held at Monroe County Jail. A judge on Saturday night entered a not guilty plea on his behalf after Garcia told the judge he had left a message for a lawyer.
District Attorney Michael Tantillo said he would seek first-degree murder charges in the couple’s death.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Chris Brown says he’s ’sorry and saddened’
By JOHN ROGERS
Associated Press Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Chris Brown, who was arrested a week ago in connection with a domestic violence investigation, said Sunday he is “sorry and saddened” by what happened and is seeking counseling from his pastor and loved ones.
The 19-year-old R&B singer also said much of what has been reported of the incident is untrue, although he did not elaborate.
“Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired. I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God’s help, to emerging a better person,” Brown said in a statement issued through publicist Michael Sitrick.
“Much of what has been speculated or reported on blogs and-or reported in the media is wrong,” he added. But he said he couldn’t discuss that in detail until his case is resolved.
He also said he has not posted any comments about the incident on Facebook or any other Web site. “Those posts or writings under my name are frauds,” he said.
Brown surrendered to Los Angeles police on Feb. 8 and was released on $50,000 bail after being booked for investigation of making a criminal threat, a felony. He has not been charged by the district attorney’s office, which is still investigating the case.
His arrest reportedly stemmed from an argument with his girlfriend, fellow singer Rihanna, shortly after they left a pre-Grammy Awards party.
Both were nominated for Grammys and were scheduled to appear at the Feb. 8 awards show but canceled at the last minute. Brown surrendered to authorities just as the show was getting under way.
According to police, Brown and a woman began arguing as they were traveling in a car shortly after the Feb. 7 party. The fight escalated after they got out of the car, and Brown had left by the time officers arrived.
After Brown’s arrest, gum maker Wrigley announced last week that it was suspending an ad campaign featuring Brown plugging Doublemint chewing gum.
Associated Press Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Chris Brown, who was arrested a week ago in connection with a domestic violence investigation, said Sunday he is “sorry and saddened” by what happened and is seeking counseling from his pastor and loved ones.
The 19-year-old R&B singer also said much of what has been reported of the incident is untrue, although he did not elaborate.
“Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired. I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God’s help, to emerging a better person,” Brown said in a statement issued through publicist Michael Sitrick.
“Much of what has been speculated or reported on blogs and-or reported in the media is wrong,” he added. But he said he couldn’t discuss that in detail until his case is resolved.
He also said he has not posted any comments about the incident on Facebook or any other Web site. “Those posts or writings under my name are frauds,” he said.
Brown surrendered to Los Angeles police on Feb. 8 and was released on $50,000 bail after being booked for investigation of making a criminal threat, a felony. He has not been charged by the district attorney’s office, which is still investigating the case.
His arrest reportedly stemmed from an argument with his girlfriend, fellow singer Rihanna, shortly after they left a pre-Grammy Awards party.
Both were nominated for Grammys and were scheduled to appear at the Feb. 8 awards show but canceled at the last minute. Brown surrendered to authorities just as the show was getting under way.
According to police, Brown and a woman began arguing as they were traveling in a car shortly after the Feb. 7 party. The fight escalated after they got out of the car, and Brown had left by the time officers arrived.
After Brown’s arrest, gum maker Wrigley announced last week that it was suspending an ad campaign featuring Brown plugging Doublemint chewing gum.
Chris Brown says he’s ’sorry and saddened’
By JOHN ROGERS
Associated Press Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Chris Brown, who was arrested a week ago in connection with a domestic violence investigation, said Sunday he is “sorry and saddened” by what happened and is seeking counseling from his pastor and loved ones.
The 19-year-old R&B singer also said much of what has been reported of the incident is untrue, although he did not elaborate.
“Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired. I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God’s help, to emerging a better person,” Brown said in a statement issued through publicist Michael Sitrick.
“Much of what has been speculated or reported on blogs and-or reported in the media is wrong,” he added. But he said he couldn’t discuss that in detail until his case is resolved.
He also said he has not posted any comments about the incident on Facebook or any other Web site. “Those posts or writings under my name are frauds,” he said.
Brown surrendered to Los Angeles police on Feb. 8 and was released on $50,000 bail after being booked for investigation of making a criminal threat, a felony. He has not been charged by the district attorney’s office, which is still investigating the case.
His arrest reportedly stemmed from an argument with his girlfriend, fellow singer Rihanna, shortly after they left a pre-Grammy Awards party.
Both were nominated for Grammys and were scheduled to appear at the Feb. 8 awards show but canceled at the last minute. Brown surrendered to authorities just as the show was getting under way.
According to police, Brown and a woman began arguing as they were traveling in a car shortly after the Feb. 7 party. The fight escalated after they got out of the car, and Brown had left by the time officers arrived.
After Brown’s arrest, gum maker Wrigley announced last week that it was suspending an ad campaign featuring Brown plugging Doublemint chewing gum.
Associated Press Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Chris Brown, who was arrested a week ago in connection with a domestic violence investigation, said Sunday he is “sorry and saddened” by what happened and is seeking counseling from his pastor and loved ones.
The 19-year-old R&B singer also said much of what has been reported of the incident is untrue, although he did not elaborate.
“Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired. I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God’s help, to emerging a better person,” Brown said in a statement issued through publicist Michael Sitrick.
“Much of what has been speculated or reported on blogs and-or reported in the media is wrong,” he added. But he said he couldn’t discuss that in detail until his case is resolved.
He also said he has not posted any comments about the incident on Facebook or any other Web site. “Those posts or writings under my name are frauds,” he said.
Brown surrendered to Los Angeles police on Feb. 8 and was released on $50,000 bail after being booked for investigation of making a criminal threat, a felony. He has not been charged by the district attorney’s office, which is still investigating the case.
His arrest reportedly stemmed from an argument with his girlfriend, fellow singer Rihanna, shortly after they left a pre-Grammy Awards party.
Both were nominated for Grammys and were scheduled to appear at the Feb. 8 awards show but canceled at the last minute. Brown surrendered to authorities just as the show was getting under way.
According to police, Brown and a woman began arguing as they were traveling in a car shortly after the Feb. 7 party. The fight escalated after they got out of the car, and Brown had left by the time officers arrived.
After Brown’s arrest, gum maker Wrigley announced last week that it was suspending an ad campaign featuring Brown plugging Doublemint chewing gum.
Bills’ RB Lynch arrested on gun charge
CULVER CITY, Calif. (AP) — Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch was arrested in Southern California on a weapons charge, police said Sunday.
Police said Lynch was arrested Wednesday night after officers approached him and two other men sitting in a 2006 Mercedes-Benz in this Los Angeles suburb and found a loaded firearm.
Lynch was arrested after officers determined the gun belonged to him. He was released that night on $35,000 bail.
Culver City police did not immediately return a phone message seeking information about why officers approached Lynch and his companions.
Lynch’s lawyer, M. Gerald Schwartzbach, said his client was not involved in a traffic incident. Schwartzbach said the player was in California to visit friends.
A Bills spokesman had no comment.
The 22-year-old Lynch was the Bills’ first-round draft pick out of California in 2007. He played in his first Pro Bowl earlier this month after being added to the team in place of injured Tennessee running back Chris Johnson.
Lynch’s arrest marked the second time in less than a year that he has been in trouble with the law.
In June, Lynch pleaded guilty to a traffic violation and admitted speeding off in his Porsche Cayenne SUV after striking a female pedestrian near Buffalo’s downtown bar district on May 31. The victim, a 27-year-old woman from suburban Toronto, was treated and released from the hospital later that day after sustaining a bruised hip and cut to her thigh that required seven stitches.
Lynch said it was raining hard when he saw a woman dancing in the street and slowed to let pass, then continued on his way. He said he was unaware he had hit anybody.
A judge ordered Lynch’s driver’s license revoked but the player appealed and was allowed to keep his license.
Police said Lynch was arrested Wednesday night after officers approached him and two other men sitting in a 2006 Mercedes-Benz in this Los Angeles suburb and found a loaded firearm.
Lynch was arrested after officers determined the gun belonged to him. He was released that night on $35,000 bail.
Culver City police did not immediately return a phone message seeking information about why officers approached Lynch and his companions.
Lynch’s lawyer, M. Gerald Schwartzbach, said his client was not involved in a traffic incident. Schwartzbach said the player was in California to visit friends.
A Bills spokesman had no comment.
The 22-year-old Lynch was the Bills’ first-round draft pick out of California in 2007. He played in his first Pro Bowl earlier this month after being added to the team in place of injured Tennessee running back Chris Johnson.
Lynch’s arrest marked the second time in less than a year that he has been in trouble with the law.
In June, Lynch pleaded guilty to a traffic violation and admitted speeding off in his Porsche Cayenne SUV after striking a female pedestrian near Buffalo’s downtown bar district on May 31. The victim, a 27-year-old woman from suburban Toronto, was treated and released from the hospital later that day after sustaining a bruised hip and cut to her thigh that required seven stitches.
Lynch said it was raining hard when he saw a woman dancing in the street and slowed to let pass, then continued on his way. He said he was unaware he had hit anybody.
A judge ordered Lynch’s driver’s license revoked but the player appealed and was allowed to keep his license.
Kenseth’s Winning No. 17 Inducted Into Daytona 500 Experience
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The victory celebration of the 51st annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race continued Monday morning as Matt Kenseth’s No. 17 DeWalt Ford was inducted into the Daytona 500 Experience – the Official Attraction of NASCAR –during the annual ConAgra Champion’s Breakfast.
Kenseth, owner Jack Roush and crew chief Drew Blickensderfer participated in a fan forum inside the attraction and received their winning Daytona 500 leather jackets from Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig.
The three were joined by the rest of the No. 17 Roush Fenway Racing crew to continue the tradition of signing the car, which will be on display inside the attraction until the 52nd annual Daytona 500 on Feb. 14, 2010.
Kenseth, who earned Roush his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship in 2003, was able to deliver Roush his first Daytona 500 victory – a feat that has eluded the multi-team owner for over 20 years.
“To win the 500 is really cool,” said Kenseth, who also unveiled the logo for next year’s Daytona 500 to the media attending the event. “It’s pretty cool that the 17 group and team that Jack and Robbie (Reiser, former crew chief, current GM of Roush Fenway Racing) assembled was able to win that first championship and first Daytona 500.”
“The first 14 times that I came to Daytona for road racing I always took a trophy home – every time,” said Roush, referring to his Rolex 24 success. “As we started coming with the Cup cars and it didn’t happen right away, I kind of put it out of my mind and decided that I was snake-bit – that I had already had more success than I deserved and I would be denied this one.”
Even though “The Great American Race” was shortened to 152 of the 200 laps due to rain, the win was a popular one among the other teams.
“As the cars had started to come off the track, every single car – regardless of manufacturer, regardless of team affiliation – congratulated me on behalf of what Matt had done,” Roush said. “It was a humbling experience because I felt had the race ended and I was on the other end of that circumstance, I probably wouldn’t have been as generous and congratulatory as my peers were.”
Not wanting to jinx his chances of a victory, Kenseth was not prepared for this week’s whirlwind media tour in New York City and California. He had to fly back home after last night’s race to pack before returning to Daytona for this morning’s celebration.
“I wasn’t prepared for it kind of on purpose,” Kenseth said. “One year I was thinking, ‘They take you all these places, don’t want you to go home afterwards, you’re gone all week – so I’ll bring some extra clothes.’ That was my worst 500 I think we’ve ever had.
“I told (wife) Katie if it happens and we win, I’ll worry about it then. So I had to worry about it last night. They’re not going to let us go home until after California, so I needed to go home for a few hours.”
Among the media duties Kenseth will perform this week include appearances on the Late Show with David Letterman on Monday night and Live with Regis and Kelly on Tuesday morning.
“As a kid, I always watched Letterman with my dad,” Kenseth said. “Of any TV show I could ever be on, I’ve always wanted to be on Letterman. The first two times I’ve been on there we’ve done the Top 10 list and I’ve never got to meet him or talk to him. This time I think I get to sit down and talk to him so I’m looking forward to that.”
Kenseth, owner Jack Roush and crew chief Drew Blickensderfer participated in a fan forum inside the attraction and received their winning Daytona 500 leather jackets from Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig.
The three were joined by the rest of the No. 17 Roush Fenway Racing crew to continue the tradition of signing the car, which will be on display inside the attraction until the 52nd annual Daytona 500 on Feb. 14, 2010.
Kenseth, who earned Roush his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship in 2003, was able to deliver Roush his first Daytona 500 victory – a feat that has eluded the multi-team owner for over 20 years.
“To win the 500 is really cool,” said Kenseth, who also unveiled the logo for next year’s Daytona 500 to the media attending the event. “It’s pretty cool that the 17 group and team that Jack and Robbie (Reiser, former crew chief, current GM of Roush Fenway Racing) assembled was able to win that first championship and first Daytona 500.”
“The first 14 times that I came to Daytona for road racing I always took a trophy home – every time,” said Roush, referring to his Rolex 24 success. “As we started coming with the Cup cars and it didn’t happen right away, I kind of put it out of my mind and decided that I was snake-bit – that I had already had more success than I deserved and I would be denied this one.”
Even though “The Great American Race” was shortened to 152 of the 200 laps due to rain, the win was a popular one among the other teams.
“As the cars had started to come off the track, every single car – regardless of manufacturer, regardless of team affiliation – congratulated me on behalf of what Matt had done,” Roush said. “It was a humbling experience because I felt had the race ended and I was on the other end of that circumstance, I probably wouldn’t have been as generous and congratulatory as my peers were.”
Not wanting to jinx his chances of a victory, Kenseth was not prepared for this week’s whirlwind media tour in New York City and California. He had to fly back home after last night’s race to pack before returning to Daytona for this morning’s celebration.
“I wasn’t prepared for it kind of on purpose,” Kenseth said. “One year I was thinking, ‘They take you all these places, don’t want you to go home afterwards, you’re gone all week – so I’ll bring some extra clothes.’ That was my worst 500 I think we’ve ever had.
“I told (wife) Katie if it happens and we win, I’ll worry about it then. So I had to worry about it last night. They’re not going to let us go home until after California, so I needed to go home for a few hours.”
Among the media duties Kenseth will perform this week include appearances on the Late Show with David Letterman on Monday night and Live with Regis and Kelly on Tuesday morning.
“As a kid, I always watched Letterman with my dad,” Kenseth said. “Of any TV show I could ever be on, I’ve always wanted to be on Letterman. The first two times I’ve been on there we’ve done the Top 10 list and I’ve never got to meet him or talk to him. This time I think I get to sit down and talk to him so I’m looking forward to that.”
Culturist Lessons from Pakistan's Swat Valley
The Pakistani government has agreed to implement Islamic law across a large swath of northwest Pakistan know as the Swat Valley. This has been done to pacify the spreading Taliban insurgency. Of course, it will have no such effect. Whenever a group’s agenda overcomes resistance, their belief and enthusiasm swells. This article will discuss a few other culturist truths in regard to the situation in Pakistan. It will then offer culturist thoughts to clean up our logic and help salvage the West.
As an educator is saddens me that Pakistani negotiators were brought to the table by the burning of girls’ schools. As a westerner I shudder at the political strategy of beheading that has been employed. But notice I say “as a westerner.” Culturists thought relies on a belief in diversity and pragmatic thought. Both considerations informed that phraseology.
The West does not yet realize that diversity is real. We believe that deep down all agree on western values; on the sanctity of individual life and conscience – on the love for education. But the mere fact that many people will rejoice over the imposition of Islamic law in the Swat Valley contradicts this assumption. People like Islam. They are willing to die for it. They will exchange economic growth for it. Diversity exists.
What of the women? Great question. Two answers. One is that, as a culturist, I hold to the opinion that diversity exists. Believe it or not, many women think female genital mutilation or circumcision is great; they enthusiastically perform it on their offspring. Many say this is because they do not understand that we are right. This assumes that in a hypothetical argument, you would sit down with a Muslim man or woman and explain to them that they are wrong and you are right. They, of course, would be trying to do the same thing. You are sure that they would convert. I am not so sure. Diversity exists.
But culturism is more pragmatic than abstract. The idea of convincing them we are right reminds me too much of the failed strategy of talk with Ahmadinejad. As Sarah Palin would say, "Good luck with that." Trying to convert Ahmadinejad will work as much as appeasing those in the Swat Valley. This belief that we can and will all agree is the same logic that justifies massive Muslim immigration. This logic holds that all will be great citizens who will naturally adopt our universal culture because diversity doesn’t exist and deep down we all agree on fundamentals. Really?
The United States is attacking militants in the Swat Valley. I guess we are trying to loosen their grip in order to restore the natural state of secular humanism. If it is killing people that attacked or threaten us, I am totally for it. If it is for the purposes of conversion, I am not. Cultures enshrine different beliefs. Our military convincing them that polygamy is wrong seems to be beyond the scope of what bullets can offer. Besides, another culturist truth is that people unite when they are invaded. To paraphrase Hirsi Ali, "Me against my brother, both of us against our father, our family against the tribe and our tribe against the other and all of us against the infidel."
Affirming universal values leads to foreign entanglements and open borders. Affirming that diversity exists leads to the conclusion that we need to take care of ourselves and seal our borders from Islamic immigration. Even if you believe we need to spread “human rights” and rescue their women, this will be better done by sealing our borders and making sure we are secure than by spending our resources fighting overseas and accepting the resulting refugees on the basis of “humanitarian” values. The best route to securing or spreading our values lies in having a strong and solvent West. The best place to start our new Truman Doctrine of containment will happen, as his did, at the borders of the West. But this tactic will not be undertaken until we accept the culturist premise that diversity is deep and real.
As an educator is saddens me that Pakistani negotiators were brought to the table by the burning of girls’ schools. As a westerner I shudder at the political strategy of beheading that has been employed. But notice I say “as a westerner.” Culturists thought relies on a belief in diversity and pragmatic thought. Both considerations informed that phraseology.
The West does not yet realize that diversity is real. We believe that deep down all agree on western values; on the sanctity of individual life and conscience – on the love for education. But the mere fact that many people will rejoice over the imposition of Islamic law in the Swat Valley contradicts this assumption. People like Islam. They are willing to die for it. They will exchange economic growth for it. Diversity exists.
What of the women? Great question. Two answers. One is that, as a culturist, I hold to the opinion that diversity exists. Believe it or not, many women think female genital mutilation or circumcision is great; they enthusiastically perform it on their offspring. Many say this is because they do not understand that we are right. This assumes that in a hypothetical argument, you would sit down with a Muslim man or woman and explain to them that they are wrong and you are right. They, of course, would be trying to do the same thing. You are sure that they would convert. I am not so sure. Diversity exists.
But culturism is more pragmatic than abstract. The idea of convincing them we are right reminds me too much of the failed strategy of talk with Ahmadinejad. As Sarah Palin would say, "Good luck with that." Trying to convert Ahmadinejad will work as much as appeasing those in the Swat Valley. This belief that we can and will all agree is the same logic that justifies massive Muslim immigration. This logic holds that all will be great citizens who will naturally adopt our universal culture because diversity doesn’t exist and deep down we all agree on fundamentals. Really?
The United States is attacking militants in the Swat Valley. I guess we are trying to loosen their grip in order to restore the natural state of secular humanism. If it is killing people that attacked or threaten us, I am totally for it. If it is for the purposes of conversion, I am not. Cultures enshrine different beliefs. Our military convincing them that polygamy is wrong seems to be beyond the scope of what bullets can offer. Besides, another culturist truth is that people unite when they are invaded. To paraphrase Hirsi Ali, "Me against my brother, both of us against our father, our family against the tribe and our tribe against the other and all of us against the infidel."
Affirming universal values leads to foreign entanglements and open borders. Affirming that diversity exists leads to the conclusion that we need to take care of ourselves and seal our borders from Islamic immigration. Even if you believe we need to spread “human rights” and rescue their women, this will be better done by sealing our borders and making sure we are secure than by spending our resources fighting overseas and accepting the resulting refugees on the basis of “humanitarian” values. The best route to securing or spreading our values lies in having a strong and solvent West. The best place to start our new Truman Doctrine of containment will happen, as his did, at the borders of the West. But this tactic will not be undertaken until we accept the culturist premise that diversity is deep and real.
Roland Burris perjury allegations could have been avoided if Harry Reid had kept his word
The latest Roland Burris saga (D-IL) -- potential perjury charges -- could have been avoided if the Democratic Senate leadership had stuck to its guns and not seated a senator until Rod Blagojevich was impeached.
Illinois would have been without a senator for approximately 23 days more than in the current reality, but a legitimate, untainted person could have been serving in that seat, picked by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn.
State Republicans have called for an investigation into possible perjury charges, and some have asked for his resignation. And it's difficult to disagree with them.
Even if the situation were clean enough to eat off of, the Blagojevich taint would have remained.
Given that the subsequent forthcoming of Sen. Burris is likely linked to the fact that, as part of the federal investigation against Blagojevich, the feds may have conversations on tape that Burris did not mention when originally testifying before the Illinois House.
The backlash against Rod Blagojevich should have made it very easy for Reid to keep his promise not to seat anyone picked by Blagojevich. After all, if Reid had held to his guns, Illinois would have had a senator before Minnesota, and well before a vote on a stimulus package.
One of Reid's responsibilities as the Democratic Party leader in the Senate is to work hard to keep Democratic seats remaining Democratic. Outside of his original stance, Reid has worked hard to do the complete opposite.
Illinois Republicans are not in a strong position to take any seat, but as recent state history teaches us, Peter Fitzgerald and Michael Flanagan were elected to Congress in seats held by troubled Democrats. So a transfer of power to the GOP is entirely possible.
Every Senate seat that belongs to Democrats is precious, and there is already pressure in 2010 to retain a number of seats that otherwise seemed safe (IL, NY, DE, CO). Sen. Reid should know this better than anyone, as his seat is one of those in danger in 2010.
By making the Illinois situation more difficult, Sen. Reid needs to take responsibility for his mistake, and learn that keeping your word gets you political benefits.
Illinois would have been without a senator for approximately 23 days more than in the current reality, but a legitimate, untainted person could have been serving in that seat, picked by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn.
State Republicans have called for an investigation into possible perjury charges, and some have asked for his resignation. And it's difficult to disagree with them.
Even if the situation were clean enough to eat off of, the Blagojevich taint would have remained.
Given that the subsequent forthcoming of Sen. Burris is likely linked to the fact that, as part of the federal investigation against Blagojevich, the feds may have conversations on tape that Burris did not mention when originally testifying before the Illinois House.
The backlash against Rod Blagojevich should have made it very easy for Reid to keep his promise not to seat anyone picked by Blagojevich. After all, if Reid had held to his guns, Illinois would have had a senator before Minnesota, and well before a vote on a stimulus package.
One of Reid's responsibilities as the Democratic Party leader in the Senate is to work hard to keep Democratic seats remaining Democratic. Outside of his original stance, Reid has worked hard to do the complete opposite.
Illinois Republicans are not in a strong position to take any seat, but as recent state history teaches us, Peter Fitzgerald and Michael Flanagan were elected to Congress in seats held by troubled Democrats. So a transfer of power to the GOP is entirely possible.
Every Senate seat that belongs to Democrats is precious, and there is already pressure in 2010 to retain a number of seats that otherwise seemed safe (IL, NY, DE, CO). Sen. Reid should know this better than anyone, as his seat is one of those in danger in 2010.
By making the Illinois situation more difficult, Sen. Reid needs to take responsibility for his mistake, and learn that keeping your word gets you political benefits.
French, British nuclear subs collide in Atlantic
Posted on 02.16.09 by Thomas L. Knapp
“French and British nuclear-missile submarines collided earlier this month while on routine patrol in the Atlantic, the countries’ militaries said. No one was injured. The U.K. vessel, the Vanguard, returned to its base at Faslane in Scotland on Feb. 14, the Ministry of Defence in London said today. The French military said Feb. 6 that Le Triomphant, part of France’s submarine-based nuclear deterrent fleet, had collided with an unidentified object and returned to its home port of Brest under its own power. French military spokesmen at the time declined to give further details. … The British military said the nuclear-powered submarines ‘came into contact at very low speeds.’ The vessels “remained safe and no injuries occurred,” the ministry said, adding, ‘We can confirm that the capability remained unaffected and there has been no compromise to nuclear safety.’” (02/16/09)
“French and British nuclear-missile submarines collided earlier this month while on routine patrol in the Atlantic, the countries’ militaries said. No one was injured. The U.K. vessel, the Vanguard, returned to its base at Faslane in Scotland on Feb. 14, the Ministry of Defence in London said today. The French military said Feb. 6 that Le Triomphant, part of France’s submarine-based nuclear deterrent fleet, had collided with an unidentified object and returned to its home port of Brest under its own power. French military spokesmen at the time declined to give further details. … The British military said the nuclear-powered submarines ‘came into contact at very low speeds.’ The vessels “remained safe and no injuries occurred,” the ministry said, adding, ‘We can confirm that the capability remained unaffected and there has been no compromise to nuclear safety.’” (02/16/09)
French, British nuclear subs collide in Atlantic
Posted on 02.16.09 by Thomas L. Knapp
“French and British nuclear-missile submarines collided earlier this month while on routine patrol in the Atlantic, the countries’ militaries said. No one was injured. The U.K. vessel, the Vanguard, returned to its base at Faslane in Scotland on Feb. 14, the Ministry of Defence in London said today. The French military said Feb. 6 that Le Triomphant, part of France’s submarine-based nuclear deterrent fleet, had collided with an unidentified object and returned to its home port of Brest under its own power. French military spokesmen at the time declined to give further details. … The British military said the nuclear-powered submarines ‘came into contact at very low speeds.’ The vessels “remained safe and no injuries occurred,” the ministry said, adding, ‘We can confirm that the capability remained unaffected and there has been no compromise to nuclear safety.’” (02/16/09)
“French and British nuclear-missile submarines collided earlier this month while on routine patrol in the Atlantic, the countries’ militaries said. No one was injured. The U.K. vessel, the Vanguard, returned to its base at Faslane in Scotland on Feb. 14, the Ministry of Defence in London said today. The French military said Feb. 6 that Le Triomphant, part of France’s submarine-based nuclear deterrent fleet, had collided with an unidentified object and returned to its home port of Brest under its own power. French military spokesmen at the time declined to give further details. … The British military said the nuclear-powered submarines ‘came into contact at very low speeds.’ The vessels “remained safe and no injuries occurred,” the ministry said, adding, ‘We can confirm that the capability remained unaffected and there has been no compromise to nuclear safety.’” (02/16/09)
Pakistan and Taliban Strike Islamic Law Deal
a deal with the Taliban.
The Pakistani government has agreed to impose Islamic law in the Swat Valley region — once a tourist paradise — after local Taliban leaders said that would have to be part of any peace deal to end fighting in the area.
"We have agreed to end all non-Islamic laws in the region," said Ameer Haider Khan Hoti, chief minister of the valley’s North West Frontier Province. "This was the peoples’ demand."
It’s not as if the "people" had much choice. Extremists have gained influence through beheadings and burning girls’ schools. The Swat Taliban’s version of Islamic law — otherwise known as Sharia — is especially horrific, banning female education, forbidding many forms of entertainment and barely letting women go outdoors. Authorities are reportedly setting up so-called qazi courts to apply strict Sharia law. And it doesn’t bode well for the area’s citizens. From Britain’s Times:
The move to Sharia is likely to make the region’s already conservative culture even more repressive. Many extremists in northwest Pakistan favor the exceptionally strict brand of Sharia the Taliban imposed in Afghanistan before the U.S. invasion in 2001, where female education and music were banned. The Swat Taliban have declared a ban on girls’ education. Many civilians in the region support an Islamic justice system, and some of the regulations under discussion have been on the books but never implemented.
Without a doubt, the Pakistani government’s agreement hurts everyone. The country seems to be conceding to a way of life that oppresses women and girls, and wreaks violence on many who live within its societies. Let’s hope Pakistan rethinks this horrible decision. The U.S. should speak out against this so-called "peace deal."
Click here to read wOw’s story on Sharia finance and how some think the U.S. banking bailout may be funding Sharia-adhering terror groups.
Compromise Stimulus Bill Trims Tax Break for Car Buyers
Congress has downsized a proposed tax break for new-car buyers. The compromise version of the ginormous economic stimulus bill includes a Senate-approved provision that would allow consumers to claim a federal income tax deduction for sales taxes and excise taxes paid on new vehicles.
But the compromise worked out between House and Senate negotiators deletes another provision that senators had approved, which would have made interest on new-vehicle loans deductible as well.
Under the new version, a family could save between $300 and $600 on a new car, according to a statement released by Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), who sponsored the original tax break.
Mikulski had said her original version would have saved buyers $1,500 on a $25,000 new-car purchase.
According to Automotive News, the tax break was scaled back to appease lawmakers concerned about the high cost of the $790-billion stimulus package. Trimming the interest deduction from Mikulski's proposal cut the cost of the tax break from $11 billion to $2 billion.
Congressional leaders said Thursday that they hoped to vote on the stimulus package today and send it to President Obama by Presidents Day, which is Monday.
But the compromise worked out between House and Senate negotiators deletes another provision that senators had approved, which would have made interest on new-vehicle loans deductible as well.
Under the new version, a family could save between $300 and $600 on a new car, according to a statement released by Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), who sponsored the original tax break.
Mikulski had said her original version would have saved buyers $1,500 on a $25,000 new-car purchase.
According to Automotive News, the tax break was scaled back to appease lawmakers concerned about the high cost of the $790-billion stimulus package. Trimming the interest deduction from Mikulski's proposal cut the cost of the tax break from $11 billion to $2 billion.
Congressional leaders said Thursday that they hoped to vote on the stimulus package today and send it to President Obama by Presidents Day, which is Monday.
Old Liberal Plot To Discredit George Washington’s Birthday Angers One Guy On Internet
Did you know that according to THE LAW, this holiday is simply called “Washington’s Birthday” and not “President’s Day,” as the mattress stores and car dealers have taught you to believe. According to one person on the Internet, the misconception — like most misconceptions, as well as abortion — stems from some liberals getting together back in the day and trying to ruin America.
This guy on the Internet, “Mike gamecock DeVine” of the RedState blog community, links to this history of the name:
In 1968, Congress passed the Monday Holidays Act, which moved the official observance of Washington’s birthday from Feb. 22 to the third Monday in February. Some reformers had wanted to change the name of the holiday as well, to Presidents’ Day, in honor of both Lincoln and Washington, but that proposal was rejected by Congress, and the holiday remained officially Washington’s Birthday.
Nevertheless, there was a popular misconception that the day had been officially renamed…While the name change has never been authorized by Congress, it has gained a strong hold on the public consciousness, and is generally used on calendars, in advertising, and even by many government agencies. There have been attempts to introduce legislation requiring federal agencies to call the day Washington’s Birthday, but these have never gotten very far. No matter what’s in the law books, the popular usage is now well established…
Did you think that basic and possibly accurate description was awful and unpatriotic and liberally biased? Heh… heh… you retarded liberals believe everything. “gamecock” over there has the REAL history for you:
Reformers? Code word for the liberals that have been trashing American history as a tragedy and the Founding Fathers as mere slave owners for the past 40 years.
Their propaganda in academia and media is the reason for the so-called “strong hold” of the false name of the holiday on the public consciousness. The liberal that wrote the above let’s her guard down when she mentions her dismissal of the law. Their contempt for the real America and the Founders extends to the framers of the highest law that is the U.S. Constitution, so why would they have any respect for a “mere” statute? The only “law” they respect are those made up by activist judges that violate their Oath to uphold the Constitution.
[...]
Yet, all the “reformers” care to recall is that he was a slaveowner. Yes, he was a slaveowner, but he fathered a nation that put slavery on the path to destruction and which has freed more of humanity from tyranny than in all of human history. Ironically, many of the so-called reformers that would have us celebrate James Buchanan, Andrew Johnson and Richard Nixon, also conveniently looked the other way when evaluating the greatest enslavers and murderers of humanity in the Soviet Union and Red China.
This guy on the Internet, “Mike gamecock DeVine” of the RedState blog community, links to this history of the name:
In 1968, Congress passed the Monday Holidays Act, which moved the official observance of Washington’s birthday from Feb. 22 to the third Monday in February. Some reformers had wanted to change the name of the holiday as well, to Presidents’ Day, in honor of both Lincoln and Washington, but that proposal was rejected by Congress, and the holiday remained officially Washington’s Birthday.
Nevertheless, there was a popular misconception that the day had been officially renamed…While the name change has never been authorized by Congress, it has gained a strong hold on the public consciousness, and is generally used on calendars, in advertising, and even by many government agencies. There have been attempts to introduce legislation requiring federal agencies to call the day Washington’s Birthday, but these have never gotten very far. No matter what’s in the law books, the popular usage is now well established…
Did you think that basic and possibly accurate description was awful and unpatriotic and liberally biased? Heh… heh… you retarded liberals believe everything. “gamecock” over there has the REAL history for you:
Reformers? Code word for the liberals that have been trashing American history as a tragedy and the Founding Fathers as mere slave owners for the past 40 years.
Their propaganda in academia and media is the reason for the so-called “strong hold” of the false name of the holiday on the public consciousness. The liberal that wrote the above let’s her guard down when she mentions her dismissal of the law. Their contempt for the real America and the Founders extends to the framers of the highest law that is the U.S. Constitution, so why would they have any respect for a “mere” statute? The only “law” they respect are those made up by activist judges that violate their Oath to uphold the Constitution.
[...]
Yet, all the “reformers” care to recall is that he was a slaveowner. Yes, he was a slaveowner, but he fathered a nation that put slavery on the path to destruction and which has freed more of humanity from tyranny than in all of human history. Ironically, many of the so-called reformers that would have us celebrate James Buchanan, Andrew Johnson and Richard Nixon, also conveniently looked the other way when evaluating the greatest enslavers and murderers of humanity in the Soviet Union and Red China.
Global warming ‘underestimated’
Global warming ‘underestimated’
Prof Field said the IPCC was running behind forecasts
The severity of global warming over the next century will be much worse
than previously believed, a leading climate scientist has warned.
Professor Chris Field, an author of a 2007 landmark report on climate
change, said future temperatures “will be beyond anything” predicted.
Prof Field said the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
report had underestimated the rate of change.
Prof Field said the IPCC was running behind forecasts
The severity of global warming over the next century will be much worse
than previously believed, a leading climate scientist has warned.
Professor Chris Field, an author of a 2007 landmark report on climate
change, said future temperatures “will be beyond anything” predicted.
Prof Field said the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
report had underestimated the rate of change.
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