Florida County Moves To Shut Down Red Light Cameras With Public Vote

"The board of commissioners in Hernando County, Florida has been trying for months to force the city of Brooksville to remove red light cameras from the county's right-of-way. So far, nothing has worked and the county commissioners agreed last week to use the ultimate political persuasion -- a vote of county residents -- to force the issue. Yellow light warning times at the camera intersections were also increased on Thursday." Continue reading

Continue ReadingFlorida County Moves To Shut Down Red Light Cameras With Public Vote

Could the U.S. delay Obamacare’s mandate for individuals, too?

"President Barack Obama can expect mounting pressure to make new concessions on healthcare reform, especially the requirement that all Americans obtain insurance, after delaying penalties for businesses for the first year of his plan. The individual mandate, which the U.S. Supreme Court upheld as constitutional a year ago, is the government’s only lever to compel young healthy people to sign up for federally subsidized coverage in new online health insurance marketplaces that are slated to begin enrolling new beneficiaries on October 1. If too few younger adults enroll, insurance costs could soar and jeopardize the entire reform effort." Continue reading

Continue ReadingCould the U.S. delay Obamacare’s mandate for individuals, too?

Egypt’s army ‘ready to die’ to protect against ‘any terrorist, radical or fool’

"Egypt’s high command said on Wednesday the army was ready to die to defend Egypt’s people against terrorists and fools, in a response to Islamist President Mohamed Mursi that was headlined 'The Final Hours' on the official Facebook page of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF). Issued three hours after Mursi appeared on television to reject an ultimatum from Sisi that he share power with his opponents or face a military solution by 10:00 a.m. EDT (1500 GMT), a military source said the statement made clear that the armed forces would not abandon their demands." Continue reading

Continue ReadingEgypt’s army ‘ready to die’ to protect against ‘any terrorist, radical or fool’

Cheers erupt as Egyptian president removed and constitution suspended by military

"The head of Egypt’s armed forces issued a declaration on Wednesday suspending the constitution and appointing the head of the constitutional court as interim head of state. In a televised broadcast, flanked by military leaders, religious authorities and political figures, General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi effectively declared the removal of elected Islamist President Mohamed Mursi. Sisi called for presidential and parliamentary elections, a panel to review the constitution and a national reconciliation committee that would include youth movements. He said the roadmap had been agreed by a range of political groups." Continue reading

Continue ReadingCheers erupt as Egyptian president removed and constitution suspended by military

Hope mixes with fear as Egyptian army prepares to overthrow Morsi

"The army ultimatum has bred relief among many Egyptians, weary of what they see as Mursi’s clumsy, power-grasping rule, and who see the army as the only national institution capable of getting a chaotic revolutionary transition back on track. Signs of Egypt’s latest political uproar pop up everywhere downtown. Vendors selling socks and jewelry have supplemented their wares with small Egyptian flags. Guy Fawkes masks – an emblem of protest against authority around the world – cover store mannequins. Anti-Mursi chants break out on street corners." Continue reading

Continue ReadingHope mixes with fear as Egyptian army prepares to overthrow Morsi

Egyptian ministers resign in wave as Army deadline nears

"Egyptian foreign minister Kamel Amr became the sixth minister to tender his resignation from the Morsi government. Amr follows the ministers for tourism, environment, communications and legal affairs and water utilities. Morsi, along with the Egyptian prime minister, met with the head of the armed forces for a second day on Tuesday. Egypt’s state news agency MENA reported that millions have staged demonstrations against President Mohamed Morsi’s government since Sunday. Prior to Amr’s resignation, the other four ministers had stated that their move came as an act of 'solidarity with the people’s demand to overthrow the regime.'" Continue reading

Continue ReadingEgyptian ministers resign in wave as Army deadline nears

Turkish court throws out Taksim redevelopment project that sparked mass protests

"A Turkish court has cancelled a project to redevelop Istanbul’s central Taksim square, a copy of the court’s decision showed, ruling in a dispute that triggered a nationwide wave of violent anti-government protests. The administrative court ruled in early June, at the height of the unrest, that a master plan to reshape the square violated preservation rules, the square’s identity and other regulations, according to a lawyer for the plaintiffs. The decision may jeopardize what many saw as Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan’s personal quest to remake Taksim Square in the teeth of opposition that led to mass protests over his perceived authoritarian style of rule." Continue reading

Continue ReadingTurkish court throws out Taksim redevelopment project that sparked mass protests

The Revolution of Brazil – An Interview

"This picture was taken in Brasilia, the capital of Brazil during last week’s protests. The protests took place in front of the National Congress building where there is a small lake, the ministry buildings can be seen at the back. At some point protesters tried to invade the building across the lake and were repelled by the police with tear gas and batons. They are known to have been using rubber bullets as well. Later in the evening the protesters broke through and ended up on top of the building. It was a huge symbol to Brazil when they broke through. A few of them were quoted as saying something in the lines of 'we are taking our home back'." Continue reading

Continue ReadingThe Revolution of Brazil – An Interview

Brazilian leader asks for referendum after worst unrest in 20 years

"The move, widely supported by the public, came after three weeks of protests over corruption and public spending which marred the Confederations Cup, a dress rehearsal for next year’s football World Cup, which will also be held in Brazil. On Tuesday night truck drivers blocked roads in at least 10 states to press for the elimination of tolls and fuel subsidies. Leftist leader Rousseff last week proposed a national pact with state governors to boost public services and guarantee a balanced budget. A Datafolha poll showed that 68 percent of Brazilians back Rousseff’s proposals." Continue reading

Continue ReadingBrazilian leader asks for referendum after worst unrest in 20 years