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U.S. condemns ‘outrageous’ Tunisia assassination

“The United States on Thursday condemned the assassination of a leading critic of Tunisia’s ruling Islamists, saying violence had no place in the country’s transition to democracy. Tunisian MP Mohamed Brahmi was shot dead outside his home Thursday in the second such slaying this year, with fingers again pointed at the authorities. ‘We offer our sincere condolences to Mr. Brahmi’s family, friends and colleagues and to the people of Tunisia,’ State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf said, adding US officials ‘strongly condemn’ the killing.” Continue reading →

Bush Presidential Library Misleads Visitors On WMDs In Iraq

“If you go to war based on what’s later shown to be a lie, how does a museum dedicated to your legacy address it? That’s the overarching question as you set foot into the George W. Bush Presidential Center, which opened last month on Southern Methodist University’s campus. The answer: uncomfortably. In at least eight separate instances, the library offers displays, audio, or video designed to give the impression that Saddam Hussein either possessed weapons of mass destruction, or was on the verge of getting them. It’s the Beetlejuice approach: say ‘weapons of mass destruction’ enough times and they will appear.” Continue reading →

U.S. Senator Wants Resolution Authorizing War With Iran If ‘Nothing Changes’ In Two Months

“Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said on Tuesday that he plans to introduce a resolution authorizing war with Iran if ‘nothing changes’ regarding the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program by the end of the year. ‘If nothing changes in Iran, come September, October, I will present a resolution that will authorize the use of military force to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear bomb,’ Graham told a ‘cheering’ audience at a conference put on by the right-wing group Christians United for Israel, according to CQ Roll Call.” Continue reading →

Six ways Congress may reform NSA snooping

“The narrow 205-217 vote showed that there is significant support in Congress to reform NSA surveillance programs. Here are six other legislative proposals on the table. 1) Raise the standard for what records are considered ‘relevant’; 2) Require NSA analysts to obtain court approval before searching metadata; 3) Declassify Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court opinions; 4) Change the way Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court judges are appointed; 5) Appoint a public advocate to argue before the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court; 6) End phone metadata collection on constitutional grounds.” Continue reading →

House leaders defend voting against bill to rein in NSA spying

“Republican and Democratic leaders in the House of Representatives defended their support for a spy program that sweeps up vast amounts of electronic communications after it survived a surprisingly close vote a day earlier. Although Speaker John Boehner said he was glad the House had the debate, he was unapologetic about his vote, echoing the contention of the Obama administration and intelligence chiefs that the NSA program was essential for national security. Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in the House, who voted against the amendment, said Democrats voted on both sides of the resolution, but ‘stand together’ in their concerns about the program.” Continue reading →

Tax Haven: Russia

“Russia has set up regional zones as tax havens. Factories are taxed at low rates. How low? This low. What if Detroit were allowed by the U.S. government and Michigan’s government to offer this? What if Detroit had been allowed to offer it in 1960? If it works in one region temporarily, why not all regions permanently? Most Russian [companies] pay 20% in income taxes. What do you pay in the USA? Add Social Security and Medicare. Add state income taxes. Pity the Russians. They live under tyranny. Right?” Continue reading →

Tax Haven: Russia

White House: Fed Chief Race Down To Two

“The White House whittled down its candidates to succeed Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke to two names: Current Fed Vice-Chair Janet Yellen and long-time Washington, D.C., economic guru Larry Summers. Both candidates bring strong resumes, decades of experience with U.S. monetary policy, and about an equal amount of baggage. Yellen’s favorables include serving the past three years as Bernanke’s second in command, a factor that would presumably soothe potential market fears of a significant change in Fed policy. Yellen is known as a strong supporter of the easy money policies initiated by the Fed in the wake of the financial crisis.” Continue reading →