Clipmarks | papananook's 'congress' clips

The U.S. commitment to maintaining Israel's qualitative military edge

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:20:22 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: Today the Palestinian ghetto in the desert, tomorrow, bombing Iran's Nukular installations... Hurray for Israel!!! May the war profiteers flourish forever! the bastids.

Clip Source: www.jta.org

Congress and President Bush kept their pledge to boost defense assistance for Israel despite deadlock on budget issues.

The final version of the supplemental appropriations bill passed last week in Congress includes an additional $170 million in defense assistance for Israel. Bush signed the bill Monday.

The sum will be added to $2.38 billion for Israel in a "continuing resolution" likely to be passed later this year, bringing defense assistance up to the $2.55 billion that President Bush promised last year.

"The U.S. commitment to maintaining Israel's qualitative military edge is the cornerstone of American policy in the region," the American Israel Public Affairs Committee said in a statement. "The effort to secure this vital increase in American aid to our ally Israel could not have happened without the active support of the bipartisan leadership of the House and Senate, and AIPAC applauds their effort."

Mandela off U.S. terrorism watch lists

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:10:43 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: DHS of USA is soooo stupid.

Clip Source: www.cnn.com

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Former South African President Nelson Mandela is to be removed from U.S. terrorism watch lists under a bill President Bush signed Tuesday.

Nelson Mandela arriving in London last month for his 90th birthday celebrations.

Mandela and other members of the African National Congress have been on the list because of their fight against South Africa's apartheid regime, which gave way to majority rule in 1994.

Apartheid was the nation's system of legalized racial segregation that was enforced by the National Party government between 1948 and 1994.

The bill gives the State Department and the Homeland Security Department the authority to waive restrictions against ANC members.

"He had no place on our government's terror watch list, and I'm pleased to see this bill finally become law," said Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts.

He spent 27 years in prison on charges that included sabotage committed while he spearheaded the struggle against apartheid. He was released in 1990.

Obscene Military Budget is much biger than Reported Legally

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 13:57:57 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: see the article for the cuts behind the figures here:
Now, imagine that, due to a little more Pentagon/Bush administration wizardry, even this black budget estimate is undoubtedly a low-ball figure. One reason is simple enough: The proposed $541 billion Pentagon 2009 budget doesn't even include money for actual wars. George W. Bush's wars are all paid for by "supplemental" bills like the $162 billion one Congress will soon pass -- so the Department of Defense's $34 billion black budget skips "war-related funding." This means that even the overall figure for that budget remains darker than we might imagine (as in "black hole"). The Pentagon not only produces stealth planes, it is, in budgetary terms, a stealth operation. If honestly accounted, the actual Pentagon yearly budget, including all the "military-related" funds salted away elsewhere, is probably now more than $1 trillion a year.

Clip Source: www.alternet.org

At $34 billion, you're already counting pretty high. After all, that's Harvard's endowment; it's the amount of damage the triple hurricanes -- Charley, Ivan, and Jeanne -- inflicted in 2004; it's what car crashes involving 15-to-17-year-old teenage drivers mean yearly in "medical expenses, lost work, property damage, quality of life loss and other related costs"; it's the loans the nation's largest, crippled, home lender, Countrywide Financial, holds for home-equity lines of credit and second liens; it's Citigroup's recent write-off, mainly for subprime exposure; it's what New Jersey's tourism industry is worth -- and, according to the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, it's the minimal figure for the Pentagon's "black budget" for fiscal year 2009 -- money for, among other things, "classified weapons purchases and development," money for which the Pentagon will remain unaccountable because almost no Americans will have any way of knowing what it's being spent for.

Endless Funding for Endless Wars

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 01:01:44 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: On and on and on and on it goes....Why don't we just take the babies from their moms when they're born and be done with it...give 2/3 of all you earn to the Pentagon...

Clip Source: www.commondreams.org

WASHINGTON - The US Senate on Thursday overwhelmingly approved a much-disputed bill alloting 162 billion dollars for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The bill gives funding for the conflicts through to mid-2009 after President George W. Bush, who must now sign the bill into law, has left office.

The legislation passed 92 votes to six in the Senate after its approval by the House of Representatives June 19 topped weeks of haggling between Democrats and Republicans.

Bush has indicated he will sign the legislation despite opposing some of the measures included in it.

The deal was reached after Democrats agreed to drop a withdrawal timetable from the bill. The majority party has repeatedly failed to force Bush’s hand on Iraq since taking over Congress in 2006 elections.

Democratic Senator Robert Byrd noted that with this new funding, Congress will have approved over 656 billion dollars for the war in Iraq.

U.S. Intelligence Agencies Weigh Climate Change Impact on Global Political Stability

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:15:31 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: Today, Wednesday the 25th, National Intelligence Council chairman Dr. Thomas Fingar and Energy Department intelligence chief Rolf Mowatt-Larsen will testify to Congress about the 58-page document, "The National Security Implications of Global Climate Change Through 2030," compiled by U.S. intelligence operatives.

"Climate change is a threat multiplier in the world's most unstable regions," a source familiar with the document told the Wired blogs. "It's like a match to the tinder."

Clip Source: www.dailygalaxy.com

It seems to be a general rule that any government body will always get to an issue late in the game. For example, it seems that the U.S. intelligence community has just finished up an assessment of whether the changing weather patterns could affect political stability around the world.

This has been a concern that has been raised time and time again by environmental and humanitarian groups. We’ve already seen conflicts and wars arise over natural resources; it only makes sense that the diminishing of these resources – especially water – due to the supposed global warming would cause, and in some cases heighten, political strife.

Without putting a too finer point on things, this is especially a concern for African nations. Not for any increased intrinsic desire to fight, but because Africa is a continent that has been severely affected by climate changes.

areas of Europe and Asia are also going to be suffering, from an increase in drought and floods respectively.

Time to end waste at the Pentagon

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 19:10:34 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: These are complex problems that will require multifaceted solutions. A good way to start would be by slowing down the “revolving door” that allows high-level Pentagon bureaucrats and military officers to go to work for major defense contractors.

The problems with the revolving door are twofold. First, officials looking forward to employment in the arms industry may favor certain companies in hopes of getting lucrative job offers after leaving government service. Second, once they have moved into the private sector, these former government employees can use their specialized knowledge and inside contacts to give an unfair advantage to their new employer.
It's a shame that we have to put up with this crap every year and nothing changes except the scum make MORE $$$$

Clip Source: www.politico.com

As Congress prepares to consider the annual Department of Defense authorization bill and other military spending legislation totaling more than $700 billion, the need for more aggressive scrutiny is abundantly clear. At a time when we have a $9.3 trillion national debt and large unmet social needs, oversight of these enormous and ever-increasing sums has failed to keep up.

The Pentagon’s procurement and budgeting processes are rife with problems. For example, the Government Accountability Office has identified $295 billion in cost overruns on 72 major weapons systems, even as the Pentagon can’t balance its books or keep track of its vast inventory. These problems can lead to bizarre results, such as the fact that the Pentagon has hundreds of millions of dollars in spare parts now on order that are already marked for disposal.

Despite huge cost overruns, major contractors have received $8 billion in performance bonuses that have been paid out regardless of the results of their work.

Support Oceans 21 for Healthy Marine Ecosystems

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 22:06:45 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: Sign it or yer a Willie!

Clip Source: www.thepetitionsite.com

Sponsored by:

Pew Environment Group

From hazards like roadway oil that makes its way to the water and development that eats away at coastal habitats, our world's oceans are in trouble. But Congress has a chance to act now. Oceans 21, legislation introduced in the House of Representatives, establishes a national policy to protect, maintain and restore marine ecosystem health.

Oceans 21 provides common-sense solutions to help marine ecosystems in crisis. The bill will be voted on in the House Natural Resources Committee before the end of July. Please write your congressional representative urging them to support Oceans 21, to oppose weakening amendments to the bill, and, ultimately, to work for enactment of this critical legislation.

McCain Adviser's Work As Lobbyist Criticized

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:33:39 GMT

clipped by: papananook

Clip Source: www.huffingtonpost.com

Longtime uber-lobbyist Charles R. Black Jr. is John McCain's man in Washington, a political maestro who is hoping to guide his friend, the senator from Arizona, to the presidency this November.

But for half a decade in the 1980s, Black was also Jonas Savimbi's man in the capital city. His lobbying firm received millions from the brutal Angolan guerrilla leader and took advantage of Black's contacts in Congress and the White House.

Clip Source: www.washingtonpost.com

The lobbying shop represented Bethlehem Steel, the Tobacco Institute and the government of the Philippines. The political consulting firm helped elect a slew of lawmakers -- including Sens. Phil Gramm, Jesse Helms, Charles McC. Mathias Jr., Arlen Specter, Paula Hawkins and David F. Durenberger -- who worked on legislation that directly impacted the firm's clients.

"The bond of going through an election with somebody is like going through a war. That bond is very powerful,"

"They are like a family. It's a very strong bond, much stronger than money."

Put Oil Firm Chiefs On Trial, Says Leading Climate Change Scientist

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 01:56:24 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: Good Idea...hang 'em high

Clip Source: www.commondreams.org

James Hansen, one of the world’s leading climate scientists, will today call for the chief executives of large fossil fuel companies to be put on trial for high crimes against humanity and nature, accusing them of actively spreading doubt about global warming in the same way that tobacco companies blurred the links between smoking and cancer.

Hansen will use the symbolically charged 20th anniversary of his groundbreaking speech (pdf) to the US Congress - in which he was among the first to sound the alarm over the reality of global warming - to argue that radical steps need to be taken immediately if the “perfect storm” of irreversible climate change is not to become inevitable.

Speaking before Congress again, he will accuse the chief executive officers of companies such as ExxonMobil and Peabody Energy of being fully aware of the disinformation about climate change they are spreading.

considering personally targeting members of Congress who have a poor track record on climate change

Buy only what you absolutely NEED

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 01:39:43 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: Good Idea...living on $634/mo., i usually do anyway.

Clip Source: votestrike.com

Congress & the president have failed to come up with an exit stategy for our troops. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. Constant redeployments, lack of equipment or medical leave, destroying families & creating thousands of widows & orphans on both sides, etc. MUST STOP & NOW.

Here is our EXIT STRATEGY until every troop comes home. And we have a hero's welcome home parade for our brave sons & daughters:

1. ECONOMIC STRIKE STARTS NOW

Immediate Consumer Fast from all non essentials.

It is the only thing that will make a change. Look what happened to GMC
when for the last few weeks SUV sales dropped- they have shut down four plants. Best example to predict what a movement like this will do.

Shut 'Em Down!

When Bush says to shop, WE MUST STOP!

Congress has borrowed trillions of dollars on top of our outrageous debt to hand out tax rebates to folks that don't even pay taxes. Why? To save the New World Order. This is our time to STRIKE BACK!

GENERAL STRIKE!

Or...continue impotently complaining.

Pentagon: Over 1000 Nuclear Weapon Parts Missing?

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 19:08:18 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: Billions of $$, nukes, what else? they can't be frickin' trusrted to find their own butts in the dark with both hands...oh, wait...the DO cover their asses!

Clip Source: www.opednews.com

http://www.opednews.com

Many people have raised the specter of nuclear WMDs being sourced from nefarious sources-- from errant former Soviet states, from N. Korea, Iran or Pakistan> It may be that to those fears must be added the threat that American nuclear weapon technology may be circulating in the black market as well.

Recently, the Air Force has faced serious lapses in Nuclear weapons security. A bomber carried six nuclear bombs across the US without anyone in charge knowing about it, and nuclear nose cones were unintentionally shipped to Taiwan without anyone discovering the error for 18 months.

Apparently, according to a closed, classified briefing the Pentagon made to congress, the nuclear security problem is much worse.

Yesterday, the Financial Times ran an article, by Demetri Sevastopulo headlined, "US N-weapons parts missing, Pentagon says."

Las Vegas Review Journal reported, said "the problem has been mounting "for at least a decade. Some say longer

President Bush Urges Quick Passage of Wiretapping Bill

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:22:18 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: I'm watchin' on CSPAN the debate on this bill in the House of Reps. Supporters of the House version say this will NOT give Telecoms immunity and make the 4th Amendment (right to privacy, search and siezure) virtually shredding another piece of the Constitution, like the Senate version., but if The Preznut supports it, I have my doubts.

Clip Source: www.washingtonpost.com

President Bush today lauded Congress for reaching agreement on surveillance legislation that could shield telecommunications companies from privacy lawsuits and urged quick passage of the bill, saying it was vital to help thwart new terrorist attacks.

In a brief statement in the White House Rose Garden, Bush also hailed House passage yesterday of two bipartisan bills -- one that funds the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan into 2009 and another that would allow veterans of those wars to received increased education benefits.

Bush said he was informed by his director of national intelligence and attorney general that the proposed surveillance legislation "is a good bill" that would help U.S. intelligence learn enemy plans for new attacks on the United States. He said it ensures that telecommunications companies will be "protected from liability for past or future cooperation" with the federal government.

GAO backs whining local war profiteers

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:24:47 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: What?! We can't spread the taxpayers' money for cozy deals overseas! Unthiinkable.

Clip Source: www.npr.org

All Things Considered, June 18, 2008 · The Government Accountability Office Wednesday upheld Boeing's protest of a $35 billion Air Force tanker contract awarded to Airbus and Northrop Grumman. The decision is not binding but there may now be pressure on the Air Force to re-examine the deal.

April 10, 2008
Boeing Protests Rivals' Plan for Ala. Aircraft Plant
April 4, 2008
Boeing Official: Air Force Manipulated Tanker Deal
April 1, 2008
Northrop Grumman CEO Defends Air Force Deal
March 6, 2008
Air Force Deal with Airbus Enrages Congress

Honda Rolls Out Petroleum-Free Fuel Cell Car

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:17:57 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: Great site for Environmental news.

Clip Source: www.ens-newswire.com

Honda's first hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicle other than concept cars rolled off the assembly line today in Tochigi Prefecture at the world's first dedicated fuel cell vehicle manufacturing facility. Nineteen years in development, the FCX Clarity was designed from scratch as a fuel cell vehicle. Only water is emitted from the tailpipe - no greenhouse gases, no smog or soot or other by-products of burning gasoline. >>more

ELECTRONICS WASTE SHIP EXPOSED
IN HONG KONG HARBOR

Global Spring Temperature Seventh Warmest on Record

Zimbabwe's NGO Crackdown Threatens Millions With Starvation

New York Governor Encourages Unique Clean Coal Plant

Congress Probes White House Delay of Chemical Assessments

Pennsylvania Warns Gas Industry to Respect Natural Treasures

500 Year Flood Submerges Iowa

GREEN LOG Home & Lifestyle Awards Announces Winners In Web's First Dedicated, Eco-Social Awards

Biodiesel -- How Do We Proceed?

Operation Iraqi Takeover Hits a Dead End (For Now)

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 01:21:02 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: See article for a timeline of how all this rolled out.

Clip Source: tvnewslies.org

It’s not on the network news programs, because, in fact – it’s kind of secret. Even the print media, where they’ve covered a bit of this story, don’t know very much about it. Whatever it is, U.S. officials refuse comment on the details. Even members of Congress are out of the loop, but it really does sound super!

It’s got one of those feel good Bushco names, - you know – like the Patriot Act, No Child Left Behind, Clear Skies, and – of course, Operation Iraqi Freedom. All these clever captions successfully sold Americans some really toxic legislation, and anesthetized their free fall into dictatorship and economic collapse.

So what’s to worry about a US-Iraq Security Pact with our good buddies in Iraq?