Friday, April 21, 2006

Random News & Views Roundup

- New York Times headline, "Democrats Eager to Exploit Anger Over Gas Prices", and the article begins with, "Democrats running for Congress are moving quickly to use the most recent surge in oil and gasoline prices to bash Republicans over energy policy, and more broadly, the direction of the country." Who really wrote that? Ken Mehlman? Meanwhile, oil prices are at $75 US/barrel and every time the costs go up, so do company profits and government tax revenues. Despite decades of public protests, nothing has changed. Of course people are angry.

- And the Washington Post doesn't fare any better today with this headline, "China and Its President Greeted by a Host of Indignities". Poor President Hu, subjected to the "indignity" of being heckled by a human rights protester (video) who has now been formally charged "with harassing, intimidating or threatening a foreign official". You want to talk indignities, Dana Milbank? Why not start with China's human rights abuses? Glenn Greenwald takes a look at how the US treats China as opposed to Iran.

- Will Harriet Miers be the next victim of the faux "shake up" at the White House?

- Knight Ridder has the scoop on the "major increase in terrorist incidents" in 2005 and why the new definition of terrorism is skewing the numbers.

- those interested in following the latest news about US immigration issues should keep an eye on these blogs: Man Eegee, Migra Matters, ¡Para Justicia y Libertad! and Enemy of the State, where you'll find a fine blend of news, personal experiences and opinions.

- Alberta Premier Ralph Klein is "all hat, no cattle". His government has scrapped the controversial "third way" health reforms, which had been sold as the "my way or the highway" changes to our health system that would have seen mucho privatization. To add yet another cliche, Klein is and always has been "all bark and no bite", so his backing off shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone.

- Shades of Ipperwash. The Toronto Sun Columnist, Christina Blizzard, is just a tad angry with the protesters. The CBC describes the serious escalation of tensions in this dispute.

- following enormous pressure from many fronts to step down, Iraqi prime minister, Ibrahim al-Jaafari, did just that yesterday. Forbes.com announces his replacement, Jawad al-Maliki, a "top ally" of al-Jaafari's who has yet to be accepted by all parties involved. Juan Cole has an extensive article about al-Malaki.

- news from Gitmo: "Nearly 30 percent of the Guantanamo detainees have been cleared to leave the prison but remain jailed because the U.S. government has been unable to arrange for their return to their home countries, the Pentagon said on Friday."

Update:
- a CIA agent has been fired for leaking classified information to the press. We don't know which leak this relates to. "As for the CIA's investigation, "This is just the beginning," said Neff."

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