As marijuana goes legit, investors rush in

What's striking is how conventional many of the business people's backgrounds — and their plans — increasingly are. Instead of backing marijuana dispensaries, investors such as Privateer and San Francisco-based ArcView Group are rushing to find consulting firms, software companies and insurance agencies to serve the new market. Even Privateer's strategy of merging small companies to form a big one is familiar: In traditional buyout shops, it's called a 'roll-up.' Just don't say that word to Kennedy, unless you want him to blush. Scratch the term 'growing the business' — he catches that one in midsentence, correcting his wording to 'expand.'" Continue reading

Continue ReadingAs marijuana goes legit, investors rush in

Obama: US Tyranny Impossible Because ‘Government Is Us’

"The government is most assuredly not us – at least not all of us – which is why our system of government is designed to protect the rights of minorities while still allowing majorities to legislate without violating those rights. Obama’s defense to charges of incipient tyranny is that tyranny can never happen here. Which, of course, makes it more likely that tyranny will happen here. The second odd angle is Obama’s insistence that the Constitution constrains him. The natural inference seems to be that if it were not for the Constitution, Obama would indeed pursue a federal gun seizure." Continue reading

Continue ReadingObama: US Tyranny Impossible Because ‘Government Is Us’

NATO air strike kills 10 children in Afghanistan

"A NATO air attack in eastern Afghanistan has killed 10 children, officials said Sunday, the latest case of civilian casualties which provoke great anger in the war-torn country. The children were killed during a joint Afghan-NATO operation in the Shigal district of restive Kunar province bordering Pakistan late on Saturday. An Afghan official involved in the operation who did not want to be named said air support was called in after local and coalition forces came under attack, resulting in the death of an American and injuries to several Afghan soldiers. The official said the force did not know there were women and children in the houses that were hit." Continue reading

Continue ReadingNATO air strike kills 10 children in Afghanistan

Climate Change: Key mission for the US Navy

"Not only is the Navy concerned about climate change, they are attempting to do something about it. Both the Navy and the Air Force have established goals to use a 50/50 blend of biofuel and petroleum-based fuel for planes and ships. Navy plans call for establishment of a 'Green Strike Group' task force by 2016, fueled by the biofuel blend, and for alternative fuels to power half of all energy consumption by 2020. In 2011, the Navy and the Departments of Energy and Agriculture publically committed to invest $510 million to create an 'advanced biofuel industry' based on algae." Continue reading

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Military Presentation Labels Evangelicals, Catholics as ‘Religious Extremism’

"The incident occurred during an Army Reserve Equal Opportunity training brief on extremism. Topping the list is Evangelical Christianity. Other organizations listed included Catholicism, Al Qaeda, Hamas, the Ku Klux Klan, Sunni Muslims, and Nation of Islam. The military also listed 'Islamophobia' as a form of religious extremism. Army spokesman George Wright told Fox News that the briefing happened last year and is just now coming to light. This was an 'isolated incident not condoned by the Dept. of the Army,' he said." Continue reading

Continue ReadingMilitary Presentation Labels Evangelicals, Catholics as ‘Religious Extremism’

Disabled Grandfather Charged With Terrorism After School Complaint

"A disabled grandfather from Centerville is behind bars facing terrorism charges. We talked with 52-year old Brian Davis from the Appanoose County Jail where he is charged with felony threat of terrorism. He says he was making small talk with his physical therapist, complaining about what he considers to be lax security at his granddaughter’s school, when the therapist claimed Davis made a threatening comment about going into the school and opening fire. Davis, who has no criminal record and says he doesn’t even own a gun, says this is all a big misunderstanding. But police say they won’t take any chances when it comes to children’s safety." Continue reading

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Unhappy about new limits, gun makers urged to move to New Hampshire

"Firearms manufacturers upset over newly restrictive gun laws and proposals in their home states are getting a message from other places: Move here, where the climate is favorable to your products, and so are the tax codes. When the debate over gun laws reignited after the mass shooting in Newtown, Conn., in December, critics of proposals to toughen state laws cautioned that gun manufacturers could move and take local jobs with them. And indeed, now lawmakers and residents in a few states are using restrictions on guns recently passed and proposed elsewhere as an opportunity to attract affected businesses." Continue reading

Continue ReadingUnhappy about new limits, gun makers urged to move to New Hampshire

Democrats push for $10K fine for gun owners without liability insurance

"A group of congressional Democrats has signed on to new legislation that would mandate liability insurance for all gun owners in the United States — and fine those who refuse to purchase it as much as $10,000. The Daily Caller reports that New York Rep. Carolyn Maloney’s Firearm Risk Protection Act says that all gun buyers — before they buy — purchase and show proof of 'a qualified liability insurance policy,' and that those caught owning a weapon without the insurance are subject to harsh fines." Continue reading

Continue ReadingDemocrats push for $10K fine for gun owners without liability insurance

Rep. Peter King: US could make preemptive strike on North Korea

"Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) said Tuesday that the U.S. had the right to take preemptive military action against North Korea if there was 'solid evidence' that Kim Jon Un planned to attack the U.S. or South Korea. 'I don't think we have to wait until Americans are killed or wounded or injured in any way,' he continued. 'I'm not saying we should be rushing into war, don't get me wrong, but if we have solid evidence that North Korea's going to take action, then I think we have a moral obligation and an absolute right to defend ourselves.' North Korea's actions are thought to be driven by additional United Nations sanctions that resulted from its recent nuclear test." Continue reading

Continue ReadingRep. Peter King: US could make preemptive strike on North Korea

World War II bomb found near Berlin’s main train station

"An unexploded World War II bomb has been unearthed near Berlin’s main train station, risking possible disruptions to rail and road traffic, authorities said Wednesday. 'The bomb was found yesterday afternoon on property belonging to the rail company,' a police spokesman told AFP, adding that the 100-kilogramme (220-pound) explosive was dropped by the Allies during the Second World War. More than six decades after the war, authorities believe there are still some 3,000 bombs buried beneath Berlin alone, and unexploded devices are regularly discovered in construction work." Continue reading

Continue ReadingWorld War II bomb found near Berlin’s main train station