Washington is electric this morning. It is morning in America as literally billions around the world celebrate the Inauguration of our 44th President.
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Category: Politics
Stanislav Markelov, a leading human rights lawyer, and reporter Anastasia Baburova have been assassinated in Moscow — the latest fatalities of critics of the government. This assassination was done with a silencer on a public street just a half of a mile from the Kremlin — as if meant to send a message to other lawyers, reporters, and civil libertarians.
Continue reading “Human Rights Lawyer and Russian Reporter Assassinated in Moscow”
The Wise and The Commission on Judicial Performance in California is worried about the work ethic of Riverside Superior Court Judge Christopher Sheldon. Years ago, Sheldon was admonished for spending too much time jogging on the courthouse stairs and too little time judging in the courthouse. Now, he is again the subject of an investigation into his habit of blowing off the court around noon everyday.
Amnesty International has entered the controversy over Israel’s alleged use of white phosphorus in civilian areas of the Gaza Strip. The use of white phosphorus in a civilian area — let alone a compacted urban area like Gaza — would violate international law. Amnesty’s own investigation found what it claims to be clear evidence of such violations.
On his last full day in office, President George Bush issued commutations for former U.S. Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean. These were notably commutations and not full pardons. He has not yet issued any pardons on the torture program. I will be discussing the possible investigation of war crimes under the Obama Administration tonight on Rachel Maddow’s show.
Continue reading “Bush Pardons Former Border Patrol Officers Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean; Nothing on Torture Pardons”
A Swiss lawyer has cited threats to the life of Muntadhar al-Zeidi and beatings in custody as the basis for a request for political asylum in Switzerland. The Iraqi journalist is still in prison after throwing his shoes at George W. Bush.
In yet another outrage by the Thai government’s use of the country’s Lèse majesté (prohibiting offenses against the crown), Australian writer Harry Nicolaides has been sentenced to three years in prison for insulting the crown in his 2005 book Verisimilitude. The sentence was originally six years but cut in half because of his guilty plea. In the meantime, British reporter Jonathan Head was charged under the laws for remarks that he made on a panel discussion at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand.
In what appears the first time that an Arkansas Supreme Court justice has been reprimanded, the Court sanctioned Justice Jim Gunter for hitting and shoving his sister of hitting and shoving at his father’s home in September 2007 in Hope, Arkansas.
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Another representative of the faith-based political movement has been arrested on morals charges. Police have been looking for a man for years who solicited prostitutes on the Internet under the name “Sullivant Guy,” “Broad Street Guy,” “Toby” and “God O Thunder.” It turns out that “God O Thunder” is allegedly Robert Eric McFadden, who was the director of Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.
Continue reading “God O Thunder: Former Head of Faith-Based Programs in Ohio Arrested on Prostitution Charges”
Sen. John Huppenthal (R., Chandler, Arizona) has been arrested and charged with stealing a campaign sign. Notably, Huppenthal has invoked legislative privileges to get the trial delayed.
Continue reading “Arizona Legislator Charged Criminally With Stealing Campaign Signs”
A clip of Rick Warren from April 17, 2005 is making its way around the web on which the controversial preacher appears to call on the faithful to follow Jesus like Nazis. In the clip below, Warren cites the faith and commitment of young Nazis and suggests that Christians need to show the same passion. Warren was selected by Obama to give the Inauguration prayer for the nation.
Continue reading “Getting Reich With Jesus: Rick Warren Calls on the Faithful To Follow Jesus With The Passion of Nazis”
Now this is a story that fits perfectly in our bizarre category. Rep. Steve King (R-IA) previously said that al Qaida would “be dancing in the streets” if Barack Obama were elected president “because of his middle name.” Now, he is again drawing criticism after reportedly calling it “bizarre” that Obama will use his middle name — Hussein — in his taking of the oath. He has asked whether the name has become a “double-standard” on who and when it can be used.
Continue reading “Rep. Steve King Calls Obama’s Use of Middle Name at Inauguration “Bizarre””
Former FBI Director Louis Freeh testified today that the Marc Rich pardon was “corrupt” and that Attorney General-designate Eric Holder allowed himself “to be used” by the Clinton White House in January 2001. I discussed today’s testimony on Countdown in this segment.
Krispy Kreme thought that it was just getting into the Inaugural fun with a promotion of a free doughnut. The “freedom of choice doughnuts” is being labeled “abortion doughnuts” by the American Life League, which charges that Krispy Kreme is glazing over Obama’s pro-choice views.
There has been little attention to a shocking figure placed on the Obama Inauguration: $170 Million. At a time of millions without work and a crumbling economy, it is fair to ask if spending that record amount of money sound the wrong signal to the country. One group, however, insists that this figure is inflated.