http://www.citizensugar.com/ Breaking News, Together. en http://www.citizensugar.com/2552420 <p><span class="inline left"><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2552301?page=0,0,0" ><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/49_2008/37b09f45e3437c15_83868666.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" width="288" height="320"></a></span>This morning President-elect Obama <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/01/obama-set-to-introduce-cl_n_147363.html" target="_blank">rolled out his national security team</a>, proving that you don't have to be an Obama loyalist to get a plumb role in his administration. Hillary Clinton appeared as the next US secretary of state, delivering a moving acceptance speech. </p> <p>Joining Hillary was Vice President-elect Joe Biden, Robert M. Gates, the <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2515434" >current defense secretary</a>, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano who will be secretary of Homeland Security, Gen. James L. Jones, the former NATO commander who will be a national security adviser, Eric Holder who <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2512631" >will serve as attorney general</a>, and Susan Rice, the next UN ambassador.</p> <p>While Obama made it obvious that he wasn't going to outline his entire plan to keep the nation secure, the press conference did have some insightful moments. They include: </p> <ul> <li>Obama on what made him tap Hillary: "She possesses an extraordinary intelligence and toughness, and a remarkable work ethic. . . . She is an American of tremendous stature who will have my complete confidence, who knows many of the world's leaders, who will command respect in every capital, and who will clearly have the ability to advance our interests around the world." <li>On how he reconciled with former rival Hillary: "I extended her the offer and she accepted. I know that’s not as juicy a story as you were hoping for, but that’s all you’re going to get.”</li> <li>On his role as leader of the team of rivals: "I will be setting policy as president. The buck will stop with me.”</li> <li>After thanking her fellow New Yorkers, Hillary said: "Mr. President-elect, I am proud to join you on what will be a difficult and exciting adventure in this new century."</ul> </ul> <p><p><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-76821 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 active" href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2552301?page=0,0,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/49_2008/83868606.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-11618 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2552301?page=0,1,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/49_2008/83868775.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-22294 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2552301?page=0,2,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/49_2008/83868885.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-63963 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2552301?page=0,3,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/49_2008/83869043.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-57032 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2552301?page=0,4,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/49_2008/83869178.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div></p><br clear="all"></p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2552420#comment Barack Obama Headline Hillary Clinton Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:30:57 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2552420 http://www.citizensugar.com/2550711 <p>Moses, a supermarket bagger, says the bible inspired him to return $10,000 in cash he found in his store's bathroom. Moses explained: "I teach at Sunday school with 10-year-old kids and I always tell them to do the right thing." </p> <p><center> <div style='width:455px' id="spi_tabs_container"> <div id="spi_tabs_top"> <div id="spi_tabs_topL"></div> <div id="spi_tabs_topR"></div> </div> <div class="panel chatter_chatter fbceleb " > <center> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://images.teamsugar.com/static/js/swfobject.js"></script> <p style=margin:0px;padding:0px id="player_2550716"><a href="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer">Get Flash</a> to see this player.</p> <script type="text/javascript"> var so2550716 = new SWFObject('/static/flash/mediaplayer.swf','mpl','400','300','7'); so2550716.addParam('allowfullscreen','true'); so2550716.addVariable("file",'2550716.flv'); so2550716.addVariable('height', 328); so2550716.addVariable('image','/media/cooked/thumbs/2550716.jpg'); so2550716.addVariable('width','400'); so2550716.addVariable('logo','/static/imgs/watermark/citizensugar.png'); so2550716.write('player_2550716'); </script> </center> </div> <div id="spi_tabs_bot"> <div id="spi_tabs_botL"></div> <div id="spi_tabs_botR"></div> </div> </div></center></p> <p>CNN deemed Moses' action so unusually generous that <a href="http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=230943" target="_blank">it sent a reporter to the store to discuss his decision making process</a>. But perhaps choosing to return the money isn't so surprising. Despite the lure of free money, $10,000 on a bathroom floor seems a little fishy. Maybe Moses didn't want to get mixed up in any trouble, since someone would probably come looking for the cash.</p> <p>What would you do if you found $10,000 in a bathroom? </p> <p><a href="http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=230943" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2550711#comment Headline Lighten Up Washington Mon, 01 Dec 2008 06:00:00 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2550711 http://www.citizensugar.com/2550088 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/48_2008/e4b362061e6275e8_Picture_4.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarge" height="320" width="277"></span>For only $149 fanatical parents can <a href="http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/29/sports/30genetics.php" target="_blank"> find out where their children's natural athletic talents lie</a>, potentially securing years of enjoyable Saturday mornings on the sidelines cheering on their winning kids. </p> <p>The new genetic test analyzes DNA to determine whether a child would excel more in endurance sports, such as cross country running, speed and power sports, like football and sprinting, or whether they'd be good at both. </p> <p>Predetermining a kid's talents before he or she experiences athletic activities seems like it could limit chances for childhood fun. Then again, it might be better if a quarterback-turned-dad gets his disappointment out of the way early when he finds out his son is meant to be a figure skater. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2550088#comment Headline Science Sports Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:01:49 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2550088 http://www.citizensugar.com/2547830 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/48_2008/199b718ef9e6186f_83854997.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarge" height="214" width="320"></span>Azam Amir Kassab, a 21-year-old man from Pakistan, is the only terrorist police captured alive after the Mumbai massacre ended. Details from his interrogation <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/29/captured-terrorist-on-mum_n_147149.html" target="_blank">have been leaked</a>, and they reveal a chilling picture of a nightmarish tragedy that could have turned out even worse. After playing dead in order to survive, Kassab told police:</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/48_2008/82ee25521f81a93a_Picture_3.large.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right large" height="160" width="158"></span> <ul> <li>The synchronized attacks were planned six months ago, and intended to kill 5,000 people. So far the death toll stands at around 200. </li> <li>The group of 10 terrorists had planned to blow up the entire Taj Mahal hotel, but were unsuccessful.</li> <li>The would-be attackers posed as students on a trip to Mumbai a month ago to acquaint themselves with the city.</li> <li>The men specifically targeted "whites," especially British and American citizens.</li> <li>Kassab said he belonged to Pakistani terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, which has denied involvement.</li> <li>Kassab said he was told to "kill to my last breath."</li> </ul> <p>As those impacted by these appalling events recover and mourn, international players <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/30/world/asia/30diplo.html?hp" target="_blank">urgently want to reduce the probability of a confrontation between India and Pakistan</a>. Depending on how things play out, India might take a US approach: if one country can't deal with its terrorists, then another country has a right to do something about it.<br /> <a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2547830#comment Azam Amir Kassab Headline India Mumbai Terrorism Sat, 29 Nov 2008 20:50:00 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2547830 http://www.citizensugar.com/2541395 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2541395"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2541395',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2541395');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/48_2008/d4198d61a82b01f2_Raul-Castro.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarger" height="400" width="290"></span>Cuban President Raul Castro is ready to listen to what President-elect Barack Obama has to say about US-Cuban relations. But Castro <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE4AP5ZV20081126?feedType=RSS&amp;feedName=politicsNews&amp;rpc=22&amp;sp=true" target="_blank">told Sean Penn, who traveled to Cuba to interview the dictator</a>, that the meeting would have to be on neutral ground. Castro said: <blockquote>Personally, I think it would not be fair that I be the first to visit, because it is always the Latin American presidents who go to the United States first. But it would also be unfair to expect the president of the United States to come to Cuba. We should meet in a neutral place. Perhaps we could meet at Guantanamo. </p></blockquote> <p>Apparently Castro would set a location precondition before meeting face-to-face with the US president. As a presidential candidate, Barack Obama indicated that he would take steps to loosen the US-Cuba trade embargo. The <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2471537" >majority of you agreed with such a policy</a>. So tell me what you think about this proposal — should Barack Obama set up a meeting with Raul Castro in a neutral place to discuss the 40-year grudge?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2541395" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Should Barack Obama Meet Cuba&#039;s Raul Castro? </label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yay! Could bring change, plus the US shouldn't fear talking to the leader of a small island. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Nay. An American president should not validate Castro with a meeting. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Maybe. Obama should be open to meeting, but on his terms, not Castro's. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Other. I'll tell you in the comments.</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2541395" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.citizensugar.com/2541395#comment Barack Obama Citizen Poll Headline Raul Castro Yay or Nay Sat, 29 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2541395 http://www.citizensugar.com/2545547 <p>A 34-year-old temporary holiday worker <a href="http://wcbstv.com/local/walmart.worker.trampled.2.875747.html" target="_blank">died under a stampede of 2,000 discount hungry Wal-Mart shoppers</a> yesterday. Witnesses described crowds at the Long Island, NY, Wal-Mart as savages; shoppers busted down doors and cut each other in line. Other shoppers, including a pregnant woman, were rushed to the hospital.</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/48_2008/c054051e9250d08e_56272096.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="424" width="550"></span><br /> Not every store saw a surge, violent or not, in shopping. In anticipation of lower than usual performance, retailers <a href="http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/apwire/1d2c9925f6567a57f5e01a359ef0f3f5.htm" target="_blank">took a hit in the stock market</a>, as company shares dipped on Friday. But regardless of tough economic times, foreign shoppers vacationing in the US came out in significant numbers to take advantage of bargains compounded by a favorable exchange rate. Some <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2008/11/28/news/economy/international_shoppers_Black_Friday/?postversion=2008112813" target="_blank">speculate that tourists could save the holiday shopping season this year</a>. </p> <p>Did you brave the stores yesterday for Black Friday, or are you waiting for less chaotic Cyber Monday?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2545547#comment Black Friday Headline New York Wal-Mart Sat, 29 Nov 2008 00:01:00 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2545547 http://www.citizensugar.com/2541179 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/48_2008/b5dee5d75af99902_Peeping-Tom.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image outline left xlarge" height="320" width="271"></span>If you're hitting the mall today <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/tag/black+friday" > to score some Black Friday deals</a>, you might want to look out for suspicious men ready to assault you with their flashes. Camera phone-armed perverts have found it easy to snap pictures of women's private parts, and get away with it. </p> <p>In Tulsa, OK recently, a man caught sticking his camera phone up a fellow shopper's skirt to take a picture of her underwear, walked away with no conviction, since the state's law held that the woman had no right to such privacy in public. </p> <p>In response, <a href="http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2008/11/25/upskirting/?source=newsletter" target="_blank">Salon reports, Oklahoma lawmakers passed legislation making it explicitly illegal</a> to take a photo of someone's private parts in public. Believe it or not, almost half of US states have similar loopholes in need of closing. Hopefully lawmakers react quickly, since these Peeping Toms can instantly post these cell phone pictures online.</p> <p>Have you ever been assaulted with a camera phone . . . that you know of?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2541179#comment Headline Law Oklahoma Fri, 28 Nov 2008 10:00:14 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2541179 http://www.citizensugar.com/2543635 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/48_2008/ee4aef2342c779ac_83841601.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="388" width="550"></span></p> <ul> <li>Indian officials report that the siege at the Taj Mahal hotel has ended and the final three gunmen have been killed. More than 119 people were killed and 288 injured in sophisticated attacks in Mumbai, India, that occurred on 10 different sites. — <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/26/indian-terror-shootings-i_n_146708.html" target="_blank">AP</a></li> <li>Experts had never heard of the group that claimed responsibility, and they doubt those responsible have significant ties to al Qaeda. Some speculate that the militants were likely Indian Muslims, with a domestic agenda — <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/28/world/asia/28group.html?_r=1&amp;hp" target="_blank">New York Times</a></li> <li>Chaos ensues at two luxury hotels in Mumbai that continue to burn. Some hostages left earlier today, but 20 people may still be held by terrorists. — <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/11/27/india.attacks/index.html" target="_blank">CNN</a></li> <li>The synchronized attacks reveal a significant change in the tactics of Indian terrorists. The men were prepared to die in their attacks, and signaled out British and American citizens. — <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7752173.stm" target="_blank">BBC News</a></li> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2543635#comment Headline India Mumbai Terrorism Thu, 27 Nov 2008 10:53:27 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2543635 http://www.citizensugar.com/2538518 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/48_2008/60aaf003ade0b4fe_Rabbi.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="240" width="320"></span>While Americans give thanks tomorrow, Israel's top rabbis have <a href="http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1226404824005&amp;pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull" target="_blank">called for mass prayer rallies across Israel</a> to help end the global financial crisis. Jewish religious institutions have been hit hard by the economic downturn, as fundraising efforts in the US and Europe have proved futile. </p> <p>This past summer, religious leaders in the US <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1757166" >held gas station-side prayer vigils</a> in an attempt to reduce pain at the pump. Considering gas prices <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12400801/" target="_blank">have dropped to 2004 levels</a>, those who pray for solutions may be onto something.</p> <p>With the US government prepared to <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2533766" >spend as much as $7.4 trillion</a> on the financial mess to no obvious avail, perhaps it's time to start pursuing cheaper options. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2538518#comment Economy Headline Religion World of Faith Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:00:54 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2538518 http://www.citizensugar.com/2538303 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/48_2008/b1dbad041796e4f5_sfsand1.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="240" width="320"></span>War isn't all fun and games, but that doesn't mean video games can't help train soldiers for combat. Over the next five years the US Army <a href="http://www.salon.com/wires/ap/scitech/2008/11/25/D94M6B980_tec_techbit_army_games/index.html" target="_blank">will spend as much as $50 million</a> to purchase a commercial video game called <b>Game After Ambush</b>, with plans to modify scenarios and missions. The money will also go toward researching new gaming technologies adaptable to training.</p> <p>The military and video games aren't joining forces for the first time. Developed in 2002, <a href="http://www.americasarmy.com/" target="_blank">America's Army</a>, a recruitment tool, "provides young Americans with a virtual web-based environment in which they can explore an Army career." In a Philadelphia mall, a $12 million and <a href="http://www.army.mil/-news/2008/09/02/12072-army-experience-center-opens-in-philadelphia/" target="_blank">14,500 square foot gaming center</a> features a command-and-control center along with other simulations.</p> <p>The Army also uses gaming to confront problems off the battlefield. With many soldiers avoiding treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1648280" >a customized version of the best-selling video game Full Spectrum Warrior</a> has become a promising treatment option. The virtual Iraq game exposes a patient to the source of trauma over and over until the event or situation no longer triggers fear.</p> <p>Are you surprised the US Army turns to video games for its recruitment, training, and post-war treatment needs?</p> <p><a href="http://www.americasarmy.com/media/index.php?type=mission" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2538303#comment Headline Military Video Games Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:00:48 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2538303 http://www.citizensugar.com/2537720 <p>The Bush administration has signaled that <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122756675347954409.html" target="_blank">it won't be necessary to issue pardons</a> for officials involved in harsh interrogation, even while the incoming Obama administration won't rule out an investigation. White House officials believe that legal opinions written by the Justice Department clear interrogators of any wrongdoing. </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/48_2008/1149f074298c576e_Waterboarding.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="273" width="320"></span>In September, Joe Biden said that the Obama administration <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1918715" >would pursue appropriate charges against Bush officials</a> not out of vengeance, but out of the need to preserve the notion that no one is above the law. </p> <p>If Bush grants a blanket pardon to top officials, the public (and history) might consider it an admission that criminal activity plagued his presidency. Even so, do you expect to see preemptive pardons, for crimes such as torture or illegal wiretapping, before Bush leaves office?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2537720#comment George W Bush Headline Joe Biden Torture Warrantless Wiretapping Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:30:56 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2537720 http://www.citizensugar.com/2537471 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/48_2008/13636e1e3ed88997_n27996094853_9965.larger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image outline right larger" height="240" width="180"></span>What do Google, MTV, Facebook, Howcast, and the US State Department all have in common? They're joining forces to fight terrorism, political oppression, and crime. Inspired by a Colombian Facebook movement against FARC rebels, the US government wants <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?sid=9da7295106b7d106ad3830ed7e645cc8&amp;refurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fs.php%3Finit%3Dq%26q%3DBurma%2BGlobal%2BAction%2BNetwork%26ref%3Dts%26sid%3D9da7295106b7d106ad3830ed7e645cc8&amp;gid=27996094853" target="_blank">to take advantage of online youth groups</a> that promote stability, human rights, and democracy. </p> <p>In early December, organizations fighting oppression and violence in places like Burma, Egypt, Uganda, Darfur, India, South Africa, Britain, South Africa, and Turkey will meet in New York City to get the <a href="http://www.state.gov/r/us/2008/112310.htm" target="_blank">Alliance of Youth Movements</a> up and running. The US State Department has donated $50,000 to sponsor delegate travel. Observers from Iraq and Afghanistan will attend, and <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1099058" >participants from Cuba</a> will participate remotely. </p> <p>While they're taking a break from discussing how to build online youth movements, they'll listen to guest speakers, including Whoopi Goldberg. MTV and <a href="http://info.howcast.com/youthmovements/summit" target="_blank">Howcast will stream the event live</a>. Are you happy to see the US State Department support international movements, started in the private sector, that favor US policy? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2537471#comment Diplomacy Facebook Google Headline Howcast MTV State Department Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:30:06 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2537471 http://www.citizensugar.com/2535797 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/48_2008/d69f9809a4ba7af1_Farms.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarger" height="400" width="292"></span>Between 2003 and 2006 <a href="http://www.salon.com/wires/ap/2008/11/24/D94LJPM00_subsidies_for_millionaires/index.html?source=" target="_blank">thousands of ineligible multi-millionaires cultivated farm subsidies</a> from the US Agriculture Department. A congressional report shows that a financial firm executive, a professional sports team owner, a former executive of a technology company, and residents of Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom received thousands of dollars of taxpayer money via farm subsidies. </p> <p>Officials at the Agriculture Department say they're innocent, since the congressional investigators could access IRS records off limits to them. Instead the Agriculture Department relies on a one-time self certification by those collecting that they don't make more than $2.5 million. The Agriculture Department also noted a relatively small margin of error, considering investigators found only that 2,702 (out of a total of 1.8 million) wrongly received payments during the period. </p> <p>While government waste doesn't shock me, I'm curious how non-farming millionaires justified taking farm subsidies. Wait a second, considering CEOs <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2516039" >flew to Washington in private jets</a> to beg for taxpayer money last week, I guess none of this surprises me. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2535797#comment Department of Agriculture Economy Farm Subsidies Headline Tue, 25 Nov 2008 09:30:30 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2535797 http://www.citizensugar.com/2535500 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/48_2008/135e0cd0ace6480f_Medical-Marijuana.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarge" height="215" width="320"></span>The California Supreme Court clarified the state's medical marijuana law yesterday, <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/11/24/BAD314B41O.DTL&amp;tsp=1" target="_blank">deciding unanimously that individual suppliers can be prosecuted</a> even when dealing to patients with doctor approval. Sellers, who are not caretakers, or fellow medical marijuana cooperative members, will not be protected from the law. </p> <p>Patients will most likely turn exclusively to <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1896139" >marijuana collectives and cooperatives</a> to get their fill. Opponents of the decision say that centralizing the source of the drug makes it much easier for federal agents to raid such dispensaries. </p> <p>In 1996 California voters passed Proposition 215, which approved marijuana cultivation and use by those with doctor approval. But earlier this year, the state's high court ruled that companies could fire employees who test positive for marijuana, even if they had a doctor's recommendation. </p> <p>Do you think the trend toward narrowing the legal use of medical marijuana puts the intentions of California voters up in smoke? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2535500#comment California Crime Headline Health Law Marijuana Medical Marijuana Tue, 25 Nov 2008 03:00:02 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2535500 http://www.citizensugar.com/2534887 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/48_2008/18d13b54d9657d10_George-W-Bush.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="320" width="213"></span>While debris from collapsing financial institutions <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2533766" >continue to fall during the final days of the Bush Administration</a>, the President has found something he considers a "success" — the Iraq war. </p> <p>In an interview played on Japanese TV this week, a <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g4Sqie3g4TvTuAcjAAvdsqxVgJzg" target="_blank">"very pleased" Bush said</a>:<br /> <blockquote>I think the decision to remove Saddam Hussein was right. . . . We are bringing troops home because of the success in Iraq. But Iraq is not yet completely safe. So there will be a US presence for a while there at the request of the Iraqi government. The United States is willing to continue to help. Most countries there within a very broad coalition have come home but we want to help this government.</p></blockquote> <p>Since the war began, more than 4,200 US soldiers have died, along with hundreds of thousands of Iraqis. And don't forget the monetary cost. At the five-year anniversary, the cost of the Iraq war topped $600 billion — perhaps Bush forgot <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/19/washington/19cost.html" target="_blank">his original prediction</a> that the war would cost only $60 billion. Despite the human and financial cost, do you think the Iraq war will ultimately be a success? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2534887#comment Check This George W Bush Headline Iraq War Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:01:50 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2534887 http://www.citizensugar.com/2534735 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/48_2008/f558fbf63a0d052c_76257765.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="218" width="320"></span>When Katon Dawson, the chairman of South Carolina's GOP, decided to run for national chair of the RNC <a href="http://www.thestate.com/local/story/531216.html" target="_blank">he quit his whites-only country club</a>. Noting that his membership would be a distraction for Republicans trying to win elections, Dawson also called for an end of the discriminatory restriction included in the club's deed (which is actually unconstitutional and unenforceable). </p> <p>One <a href="http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/11/candidate_for_rnc_chair_was_me.php" target="_blank">GOP critic says that if Dawson wins the post</a>, it further proves that the GOP has been reduced to "a Southern regional rump party that's held hostage by intolerant crackpots." Barack Obama <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1125110" >dealt with his own set of race issues during the campaign</a>. Obama's membership in a mostly black church caused concern after tapes surfaced of the pastor Jeremiah Wright making fiery comments critical of America. </p> <p>Do you find Dawson's membership with a whites-only club to be a deal breaker, or just an unfortunate association?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2534735#comment Headline Jeremiah Wright Katon Dawsom Race Republicans South Carolina Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:30:09 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2534735 http://www.citizensugar.com/2534369 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/48_2008/b44dc5bdc70937d7_72979331.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="214" width="320"></span>With a murder every 40 hours, New Orleans crime rate is hard to beat. The latest <a href="http://www.cqpress.com/pages/citycrime2008" target="_blank">City Crime Rankings</a> looked at reported incidents of six major crimes to determine the most dangerous dwellings in the US. With a population of only 250,000 that changed drastically after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans came out on top. </p> <p>Rounding out the list, the top-five cities with the highest crime rate include:</p> <ol> <li>New Orleans, LA</li> <li>Camden, NJ</li> <li>Detroit, MI</li> <li>St. Louis, MO</li> <li>Oakland, CA</li> </ol> <p>The FBI warns that ranking cities head-to-head fails to paint a realistic picture. In addition, local mayors and law enforcement officials maintain that such a superficial ranking irresponsibly misuses crime data by ignoring complex factors. Do you think rankings of the most dangerous cities help hold law enforcement accountable or are they counterproductive?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2534369#comment California Camden Crime Detroit Headline Lists Missouri New Jersey New Orleans Okland Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:30:45 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2534369 http://www.citizensugar.com/2534125 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/48_2008/4de469ed76f43e03_Michelle-Obama.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="213" width="320"></span>Solicited or not, Cherie Blair, has some tough advice for soon-to-be first lady Michelle Obama. The wife of Tony Blair, who spent 10 years as a high-profile political wife, <a href="http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/23/america/advice.php?page=1" target="_blank">wrote in an open letter to Michelle</a>:<br /> <blockquote>You have to learn to take the back seat, not just in public, but in private. When your spouse is late to put the kids to bed, or for dinner, or your plans for the weekend are turned upside down again, you simply have to accept that he had something more important to do. It is something of an irony that in these days of pushing for equality, those of us married to our political leaders have to put their own ambitions on hold while their spouses are in office and keep their views to themselves.</p></blockquote> <p>Just like Michelle, Cherie doesn't fit naturally in the shadows. Both women are accomplished lawyers and busy mothers. Michelle, a Princeton and Harvard grad, will give up her job as the vice president of the University of Chicago Medical Center, along with a $300,000 salary. Still, the influence she gains as first lady is hard to calculate. </p> <p>Do you think Michelle will heed the advice of her experienced British counterpart and take the backseat to Barack? Should she? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2534125#comment Cherie Blair Family Headline Michelle Obama Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:30:12 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2534125 http://www.citizensugar.com/2530791 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/2/22911/47_2008/983a6a6b98e93219_stk15484cbu.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="320" width="319"></span>Gas prices and strict state budgets have prompted at least 11 states — Connecticut, Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota and Tennessee — to <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081123/ap_on_re_us/teleconferencing_inmates;_ylt=ArqG.cfBNPsgHUr.6JEfnP1vzwcF" target="_blank">start regularly using teleconferences between judges and inmates</a>. The move is seen as a way to both improve public safety and save cash. </p> <p>The AP reports that some inmates say they'd prefer to plead their cases in person, but correction officials say the technology offers a fair alternative to spending millions of dollars moving inmates in person. To see how much the trend saves the state per court date and how it's working in Connecticut, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2530791">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2530791#comment Crime Headline Prison Technology Mon, 24 Nov 2008 03:00:07 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2530791 http://www.citizensugar.com/2524822 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/47_2008/e7dd719caba6d47b_56517097.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarger" height="400" width="267"></span>While at school, a 14-year-old HIV-positive girl confronted hateful notes left on her locker, was told by her soccer coach that the team could use her HIV status to scare the other teams, and endured name-calling on a regular basis. </p> <p>The AP reports that <a href="http://www.salon.com/wires/ap/us/2008/11/21/D94JHR900_hiv_lawsuit/index.html?source=" target="_blank">the ridicule became so harsh that the girl left school</a>. Now being homeschooled, she has filed a federal lawsuit claiming that school officials did nothing to stop the crippling bullying. </p> <p>This isn't the first time this exact Indianapolis school district has faced a controversy surrounding a student with HIV/AIDS. During the 1980s, Ryan White, a young boy who contracted HIV from a blood transfusion, successfully won the right to attend school in the district. <a href="http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/hq53e9.html" target="_blank">Federal law guarantees a child with HIV/AIDS the right to confidentiality</a>, and prohibits discrimination against them in schools, among other things.</p> <p>Do you think the school should do more to help this teen go to school in peace, or is there no way to fight the stigma and control the actions of others? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2524822#comment AIDS Headline HIV Indianapolis Sun, 23 Nov 2008 08:00:28 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2524822 http://www.citizensugar.com/2524899 <p>While he failed to convince enough Americans to make him president, Republican Fred Thompson still has a shot at playing commander-in-chief. The former presidential candidate, US Senator, and (pretend) NYC district attorney plans to go back to acting.<br /> <span class="inline left"><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2524852?page=0,0,0" ><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/47_2008/c263cf58282ff39b_77413193.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center xlarger" height="276" width="400"></a></span><br /> After rumors swirled that he wanted to serve as RNC chair, Fred <a href="http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/nov/20/thompson-wont-seek-republican-chairman-post/" target="_blank">called his former fundraising chair this week and told him it wasn't happening</a>. The close aide said:<br /> <blockquote> He called me yesterday and said it’s not in the cards. He said he had spent the last two years of his life trying to be president and helping John McCain be president and during that time, he didn’t have much income. He has a family.</p></blockquote> <p>Are you sad to see Fred bow out of politics?</p> <p><p><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-15794 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff0066'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 active" href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2524852?page=0,0,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/47_2008/77586439.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-28657 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff0066'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2524852?page=0,1,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/47_2008/77586450.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-27857 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff0066'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2524852?page=0,2,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/47_2008/76540943.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-41229 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff0066'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2524852?page=0,3,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/47_2008/77929894.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-41952 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff0066'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2524852?page=0,4,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/47_2008/77413193.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div></p><br clear="all"></p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2524899#comment Fred Thompson Headline Sat, 22 Nov 2008 10:00:30 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2524899 http://www.citizensugar.com/2523737 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/47_2008/9451de90958874af_sb10065000p-001.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarger" height="400" width="266"></span>If you wish you could see into the future, US intelligence officials are here to hand you a crystal ball. The National Intelligence Council just released <a href="http://www.dni.gov/nic/NIC_2025_project.html" target="_blank">Global Trends 2025</a>, an unclassified intelligence report put out every four years, and assesses the opportunities and problems that lie ahead in the next 15 years. One tip: Americans might need to start practicing being humble, because by 2025 the US could lose its position of global supremacy. </p> <p>Other <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/20/intelligence-report-say-f_n_145376.html" target="_blank">findings include</a>:</p> <ul> <li>Global warming will have a positive economic impact in Russian and Canada because it will make seasons longer, as well as increase their access to oil fields.</li> <li>Russia's rise could be hindered by a lack of investment in the energy sector, crime, and corruption.</li> <li>Governments in Africa and South Asia could collapse due to security problems or water and food shortages caused by a population boom of 1.5 billion and global warming.</li> <li>There will be a greater potential for war in 2025, thanks to increased global competition for food, water, and energy.</li> <li>The transfer of wealth from West to East will continue for the foreseeable future.</li> <li>Thanks to economic growth in the Middle East, and growing unpopularity of al Qaeda, the terrorist network will collapse sooner than people think.</li> </ul> <p>To see some other predictions regarding Iran, nuclear weapons, and US dominance, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2523737">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2523737#comment Africa Asia Global Trends 2025 Global Warming Headline Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:30:57 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2523737 http://www.citizensugar.com/2521722 <p>Barack Obama <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/2515774" >may like to work out</a>, but that doesn't mean he's snuffed out all unhealthy habits. Barack promised first-lady-to-be Michelle that he would quit smoking back in 2007 — that much we know. Yet it still remains unclear whether Barack successfully quit, and the president-elect <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2389739" >hasn't given a direct answer</a>, nor has the media demanded one.</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/47_2008/5b7b826e43d5dc31_Smoking-presidents.larger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right larger" height="240" width="222"></span>While the country, not to mention Malia and Sasha, would probably rather Obama stop his <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/2331119" >unhealthy and life-shortening habit</a>, <b>Washington Post</b> columnist Michael Kinsley thinks the country might be better off if he doesn't stress himself out with quitting. Yesterday <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/19/AR2008111903531.html" target="_blank">Kinsley wrote</a>:<br /> <blockquote>Another question is what effect a president desperate for a cigarette and trying to quit might have on your life expectancy and mine. Obama's steely calm is now one of our country's major assets. If he needs an occasional cigarette to preserve it, let's hand him an ashtray, offer him a light and look the other way. </p></blockquote> <p>If Obama smokes while he's in the White House, I bet he'll keep it under wraps. Do you think a picture of the president smoking would shock modern Americans, even if presidential lighting up is in the country's best interest? </p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2521722#comment Barack Obama Headline Health Smoking Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:00:17 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2521722 http://www.citizensugar.com/2522464 <p>You may have heard Sarah Palin can hunt and skin a moose, but did you know that she could give an interview while someone else slaughters turkeys in the background? In the video below (warning! watching this video could prevent you from eating turkey on Thanksgiving or ever again), Palin chats about Alaska's state budget and her experience on the campaign trail, while turkeys meet their dark, headless, fates. </p> <p><center><object width="425" height="344"><br /> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/z-kjM1asH-8&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/z-kjM1asH-8&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></center></p> <p>Before the impromptu interview Sarah Palin made sure one lucky Wasilla turkey could witness the big day — <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/20/sarah-palin-holds-news-co_n_145375.html" target="_blank"> she issued a special pardon</a>. Unfortunately, the tough-on-turkey governor only took mercy on one bird. </p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2522464#comment Headline Sarah Palin Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:00:45 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2522464 http://www.citizensugar.com/2521097 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/47_2008/43d57281bbb25fd4_Picture_11.png" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarger" height="334" width="370"></span>A not-so-playful police sting in Cairo netted about 400 teenage boys <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=081120170417.dxnm6u1y&amp;show_article=1" target="_blank">accused of flirting with girls</a>. Just yesterday, law enforcement rounded up the underage wannabe-seducers in front of schools, universities, or other public places where teens hang out. The teens will most likely face fines. </p> <p>While a crackdown on innocent flirting seems oppressive, something beyond prudish attitudes motivated the sting. Egyptian women deal with an extraordinary amount of sexual harassment and assault in public. In Egypt, two-thirds of men admit to harassing women in public. </p> <p>Last month, an Egyptian court <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2399825" >handed down a sentence of hard labor and three years in jail</a> for a man convicted of groping a woman in public. Now it looks like officials want to teach younger males a lesson before they graduate from flirting to groping. Do you think the Casanova roundup will work? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2521097#comment Crime Egypt Headline Law Sexual Harassment Women Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:30:13 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2521097 http://www.citizensugar.com/2516957 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/47_2008/0daa60a6bf1a402a_AA018553.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="320" width="234"></span>Can you hear me now? Probably not, if someone around you has a cell phone jammer, devices that block reception within 10 meters. The discreet gadgets are gaining popularity among theater and restaurant owners, subway riders, and others trying to silence annoying people who talk on the their cell phones in public. </p> <p>Last month, Canadian <a href="http://www.ottawasun.com/News/National/2008/11/19/7458486-sun.html" target="_blank">police were caught in a jam on a dark highway</a>, when they pulled over suspects carrying a jammer that rendered their radios silent. Luckily, they seized the device, and soon an official warning went out to all Canadian police. In the US first-time offenders can be fined up to $11,000. In addition, the jamming party can be charged with theft, as the airways belong to the companies that purchased them. </p> <p>The idea of anyone, especially police, entering a dead zone frightens me, but I understand the frustration with obnoxious cell phone chatting. Maybe more countries can start passing cell phone bans, <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1558863" >similar to those seen (and not heard) on France's railway or Austria's public transit</a>, while keeping the jammers away from the bad guys. </p> <p><a href="http://www.legacycreative.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2516957#comment Canada Cell Phones Headline Law Technology Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:30:00 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2516957 http://www.citizensugar.com/2517299 <p>He may be a lame-duck president, but George W. Bush is determined to keep quacking away federal regulations before his time is up. Since many of Bush's plans contradict Barack Obama's agenda, why would he waste time issuing rules if they would soon be undone? The answer? It <a href="http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=B24C4472-18FE-70B2-A889085831A6E63C" target="_blank">could take years for Obama to rescind some of these rules</a>. </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/47_2008/1ba4e8b204f6f1e8_83634056.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="394" width="550"></span></p> <p>Nonprofit ProPublica has compiled <a href="http://www.propublica.org/special/midnight-regulations/" target="_blank">a list of the Bush administration's last-minute rules and regulations</a>. According to the list, some of the proposed changes would let federally funded institutions turn down abortions for moral or religious reasons; give greater surveillance authority to law enforcement; lease public lands for oil; allow construction projects with less concern for protected species; and subject HIV/AIDS prevention groups to new qualifying rules. </p> <p>Obama's transition team has a close eye on these midnight regulations, but protracted efforts and court battles aimed to undo the rules surely lie ahead.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2517299#comment Barack Obama George W Bush Headline Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:30:25 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2517299 http://www.citizensugar.com/2516710 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2516710"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2516710',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2516710');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/47_2008/816c31deccddfa8f_83708701.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarge" height="214" width="320"></span>Steven Emory Butcher sleeps in a tent, but the law seems to think he's a millionaire. After setting fires in 2002 and 2006 that destroyed 160,000 acres of national forest, the <a href="http://www.slate.com/id/2204925/" target="_blank">homeless man was sentenced to four years in prison and $101 million in fines</a>. </p> <p>While in prison, the arsonist will have to pay $100 each year toward his fine. Once he's out, he must contribute $50 a month for the rest of his life. Right now Steven lives on government disability insurance, but if he gets a job, his payments will be adjusted accordingly. </p> <p>Since the law requires anyone who has damaged property repay the cost of the lost property to the victim, the judge ignored how much Steven could afford. While it's crucial to send a message to arsonists that such destructive and dangerous activity will be punished, do you think the punishment fit the crime in this case?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2516710" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Justice Served? Homeless Arsonist Ordered to Pay $101 Million </label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes. He did the crime, now he's gotta do the time, and pay the fine. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> No. Making this man pay for the rest of his life is cruel and unusual punishment. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Maybe. The victim is not an individual, so they should consider the convict's income. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Other. I'll tell you in the comments. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2516710" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.citizensugar.com/2516710#comment Citizen Poll Headline Homelessness Law Steven Emory Butcher Wildfires Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:01:00 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2516710 http://www.citizensugar.com/2516252 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/47_2008/9d3c34e8ad8d54b2_83631227.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarger" height="200" width="380"></span>In chaotic Somalia, economic stimulus packages come in the form of pirate booty. The country's weak central government cannot stop rogue seamen from hijacking huge commercial ships and demanding millions of dollars in ransom. Right now, these <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1086658/Indian-Navy-destroys-Somali-pirate-ship-hijackers-demand-10m-ransom-captured-Saudi-supertanker.html" target="_blank">pirates are asking for a record $10 million</a> in exchange for a<a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2511771" > Saudi oil tanker</a> carrying over $100 million worth of cargo. </p> <p>Thanks to the surge of cash, pirates bring a surge of commerce most places they go. CNN reports on <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/11/19/somalia.pirates.boomtown.ap/index.html" target="_blank">life in the pirate-centric towns</a>: </p> <ul> <li>Savvy Somalians have created a pirate economy, selling cigarettes, food, and orange soda to pirates coming back to shore daily.</li> <li>Since pirates often take things without paying, sellers have set up a special credit program for them, hoping to be reimbursed when the ransoms come in.</li> <li>Formerly destitute towns are now lively centers filled with restaurants, luxury cars, and cyber cafes.</li> <li>More income has allowed residents to purchase generators that provide day-long electricity, previously unattainable.</li> <li>Pirates treat their captives well, hiring caterers to cook Western favorites like spaghetti and grilled fish.</li> </ul> <p>Can you think of any way for pirates to channel their capabilities toward positive contributions to Somalian society that doesn't involve pillaging and plundering? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2516252#comment Headline Pirates Somalia Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:30:35 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2516252 http://www.citizensugar.com/2516039 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/47_2008/aca73f9884bf6c98_Mitt-Romney.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="238" width="300"></span>If Michigan-bred Mitt Romney <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/19/opinion/19romney.html?_r=2" target="_blank">doesn't think Congress should bailout the auto industry</a>, then the plan to <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/slideshow/2494837" >save Detroit</a> might need a set of jumper cables. Mitt wrote today:<br /> <blockquote>Without that bailout, Detroit will need to drastically restructure itself. With it, the automakers will stay the course — the suicidal course of declining market shares, insurmountable labor, and retiree burdens, technology atrophy, product inferiority, and never-ending job losses. Detroit needs a turnaround, not a check.</p></blockquote> <p>But not everyone agrees with Mitt's persuasive case. In an attempt to persuade Congress that it must act, the big-three automakers may have given themselves a flat tire. Yesterday, <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/WallStreet/story?id=6285739&amp;page=1" target="_blank">the CEOs of GM, Ford, and Chrysler flew into Washington on private jets</a> (which cost about $36 million each) so they could make in-person appeals for $25 billion of taxpayer money. Looks like first-class wouldn't suit the first-class beggars. </p> <p>For more on how much the companies spend on private jets, and for some arguments in support of a bailout, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2516039">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2516039#comment Bailout Detroit Economy GM Headline Mitt Romney Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:30:32 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2516039 http://www.citizensugar.com/2515508 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/47_2008/6fc10716125c9622_10158051.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="320" width="212"></span>If a new healthcare policy will require insurance companies to accept everyone, regardless of preexisting conditions, these companies want the government to require every American to buy coverage, or suffer a tax penalty. The board of the America's Health Insurance Plans <a href="http://www.salon.com/wires/ap/2008/11/19/D94I47880_health_insurers/index.html" target="_blank">endorsed such an arrangement this week</a>, offering support to an impending change from the current system. The president of the group said:<br /> <blockquote>We're going to provide all the technical background that we have assembled, all the experience we've assembled at the state level, and we're going to work very hard with members of Congress on both sides of the aisle. We want to make sure that whatever reforms are advanced, no one falls through the cracks.</p></blockquote> <p>Perhaps bolstered by the support from the industry that the Clintons lacked in the 90s, Barack Obama's chief-of-staff in waiting Rahm Emanuel <a href="http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/11/rahm_challenges_business_leade.php" target="_blank">told business leaders last night that the Obama administration will not accept incremental reform</a> — they're looking for truly universal healthcare. He said that the Obama administration will "throw long and deep" on other major issues as well. </p> <p>With the insurance companies putting down their arms, and even offering assistance, it looks like real healthcare reform could happen in the near future. Throw in <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2513789" >the possibility of a 60-seat filibuster-proof majority</a>, and the possibilities for change seem endless. Do you think Congress will ditch its tendency for inaction? Do you want it to? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2515508#comment Barack Obama Headline Healthcare Rahm Emanuel Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:30:01 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2515508 http://www.citizensugar.com/2515434 <p>Not everyone in the Bush Administration will be out on their behinds on Jan. 20. Barack Obama is <a href="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/596576ca-b5c0-11dd-ab71-0000779fd18c.html?nclick_check=1" target="_blank">considering keeping on Defense Secretary Robert Gates</a>. Gates, a former CIA head, has received widespread praise for his work as defense secretary since replacing Donald Rumsfeld. </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/47_2008/32c185999f32d818_79585523.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="342" width="550"></span></p> <p>Since he has led the Pentagon since 2006, Gates could be the person best situated to coordinate Obama's plan to withdraw from Iraq and increase troops in Afghanistan. Even so, keeping a Republican who has been leading Bush's war policy may take the team of rivals idea a bit too far. </p> <p>Is Obama responsible and wise to keep on Gates in order to make the transition of power and situation in the Middle East run smoothly, or does a new direction require a new person in such an important cabinet position?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2515434#comment Afghanistan Barack Obama Headline Iraq Republicans Robert Gates Secretary of Defense Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:30:00 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2515434 http://www.citizensugar.com/2512894 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/47_2008/47551b749ed2655b_52035744.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarge" height="259" width="320"></span>In 2005, President Bush used $42.8 million from corporate sponsors to fund his inauguration. With <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/18/obama.fundraising.transition/index.html" target="_blank">only $9.74 million of public money at his disposal</a>, and rules against using money left over from the general election for transition, President-elect Obama must renew fundraising efforts for his January 20th move-in date. </p> <p>Obama is having a tough time avoiding corporate money, according to CNN. Since many of Obama's everyday American supporters struggle to get by, it's hard to ask them to donate to the transition cause now that their candidate already won. In contrast, wealthy corporations looking to get in good with the new President eagerly offer contributions. Ultimately, Obama may accept corporate cash, but with new and tighter restrictions.</p> <p>Would you give to the Obama inauguration effort if you knew it would diminish corporate influence, or should the new President stay within the relatively meager public budget (if that's even possible)?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2512894#comment 2008 Inauguration Barack Obama Headline Money Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:30:21 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2512894 http://www.citizensugar.com/2512586 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/47_2008/ffe510e56fe7141a_Mark-Cuban.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="298" width="320"></span>Entrepreneur billionaire Mark Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, responded forcefully to the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/18/business/18insider.html?ref=business" target="_blank">insider trading complaint filed against him by the SEC yesterday</a>, saying that the case is based upon official's win-at-any-cost ambitions." The feds allege that Cuban sold shares of a soon-to-be-doomed Internet search company in 2004 while the price was still high. </p> <p>So what could be the potential political motivation behind Cuban's charges? Cuban financed <a href="http://loosechange911.com/films.shtml" target="_blank">Loose Change</a>, a film about 9/11. A source close to Cuban <a href="http://norris.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/17/insider-trading-or-political-persecution/" target="_blank">just provided a New York Times reporter with an email sent to Cuban</a> from an SEC lawyer in 2007. The email has the subject "Loose Change" and SEC Chairman Christopher Cox was also copied. It states: </p> <blockquote><p>Previously, I thought you were merely foolish and naive. Now, however, I see that you are also a hypocrite. I guess your belief in free speech has severe limitations. If someone else is the victim of an absurd conspiracy theory, you defend your right to participate in smearing the good name of a patriot like President Bush. But, when you are the subject of a parody of the attack you have endorsed, you suddenly issue threats. I think I will email this to Chairman Cox myself. I think he will enjoy it. I’m sure he is also a Laker fan. Since Chairman Cox may not know the background, I will explain. Mark Cuban is the owner of the Dallas Mavericks and has participated in distributing the vicious and absurd documentary, “Loose Change,” which posits that President Bush planned the demolition of the World Trade Center as a pretext for going to war against Iraq.</p></blockquote> <p>Do you think Cuban is suffering political payback, or is this email from the SEC lawyer (who was later punished for it) just evidence of stupidity?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2512586#comment George W Bush Headline Loose Change Mark Cuban SEC Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:30:27 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2512586 http://www.citizensugar.com/2512218 <p>Joe Lieberman used up another one of his political lives, after Senate Democrats <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/18/lieberman-keeps-committee_n_144625.html" target="_blank">voted today to let him keep his chairmanship</a> of the Homeland Security Committee. The 2004 Democratic VP nominee, turned defeated primary candidate, turned independent senator <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1879924" >delivered some hard punches</a> against Barack Obama during the presidential campaign, on behalf of his Republican friend John McCain.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/47_2008/7d5350cb3efc1a0c_Lieberman.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="393" width="550"></span><br /> Instead of truly punishing Lieberman by <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2471806" >stripping him of the crucial post</a>, the Democratic caucus, including newly elected senators, voted to remove him from chair of the less-important Environmental Public Works Committee, a symbolic gesture.</p> <p>The 42-13 vote for Lieberman today proved that independence from the party won't cost you power. Do you think the decision to keep Lieberman in power was a signal of a postpartisan era to come, or a rejection of the American people who voted for change? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2512218#comment Congress Democrats Headline Joe Lieberman Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:30:28 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2512218 http://www.citizensugar.com/2499837 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/2/22911/46_2008/772d43811ccad29f_200323176-001.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right outline xlarger" height="400" width="267"></span>More than <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081114/ap_on_re_us/safe_haven;_ylt=AnK8zTX.B5ciMxhLeE3YvaGs0NUE" target="_blank">half of the 33 children legally abandoned in Nebraska</a> since the state's safe-haven law took effect in July have been teens. Nebraska is the first state to permit the abandonment of anyone under 19 years of age.</p> <p>The state's governor announced that lawmakers would rewrite the law, which was created to provide an alternative for so-called "dumpster babies," at the end of October after a circus of attention on stats that showed <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2181039" >many parents were abandoning teens</a>. Sadly, the number of drop-offs has almost tripled since the announcement of the law change. </p> <p>Authorities searched for a 17-year-old girl yesterday who escaped an Omaha hospital when her mother tried to leave her there. Her 14-year-old brother was reportedly taken into custody by the state. </p> <p><a href="http://gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2499837#comment children Headline Nebraska Parenting Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:32:35 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2499837 http://www.citizensugar.com/2497780 <p><span class="inline left"><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2497329?page=0,0,0" ><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/46_2008/efeab47e5751bbe1_George-W-Bush.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="320" width="314"></a></span>Speaking at the UN Culture of Peace gathering, President Bush <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE4AC75Y20081113" target="_blank">emphasized how religious freedom is crucial to a flourishing society</a>. Bush maintained that freedom to worship as you want is "God's gift to every man, woman, and child." </p> <p>Bush cited the US as an example of how to promote religious freedom:<br /> <blockquote>Our nation has helped defend the religious liberty of others, from liberating the concentration camps of Europe to protecting Muslims in places like Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq. We're not afraid to stand with religious dissidents and believers who practice their faith even where it is unwelcome.</p></blockquote> <p>At the meeting billed as an "interfaith" dialogue, the president of Pakistan also spoke out against hate speech, saying: "The imaginary fear of Islam has been rising. This is exactly what the terrorists had hoped to provoke. Those in the West who accept this are falling into the trap of the terrorists."</p> <p>As this was most likely Bush's last appearance at the UN, do you think he went out with the right message? </p> <p><p><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-93765 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 active" href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2497329?page=0,0,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/46_2008/83675939.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-73157 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2497329?page=0,1,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/46_2008/83675966.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-55024 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2497329?page=0,2,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/46_2008/83676155.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-29625 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2497329?page=0,3,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/46_2008/83676298.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-55129 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2497329?page=0,4,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/46_2008/83676635.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div></p><br clear="all"></p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2497780#comment George W Bush Headline Islam Pakistan Religion United Nations World of Faith Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:30:35 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2497780 http://www.citizensugar.com/2496483 <p>Word on the street is that Barack Obama plans to create a "climate czar" position to lead his administration's climate change and energy policies. But Al Gore, the most likely candidate, <a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/nov/13/no-gore-in-any-climate-czar-post/" target="_blank">has already said that he doesn't want the job</a>.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/46_2008/ef7bb73148e49487_Al-Gore.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="346" width="550"></span><br /> Perhaps Al Gore either didn't want to fill out <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2496166" >that cumbersome questionnaire Obama is passing out to potential appointees</a>, or saw the position as a demotion from vice president. Then again maybe he thinks he can get more done outside of government. Whatever the reason, Al Gore's disinterest <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1782901" >may clear the way for another candidate</a> — California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2496483#comment Al Gore Arnold Schwarzenegger Barack Obama Climate Change Climate Czar Eco Headline Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:30:39 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2496483 http://www.citizensugar.com/2494620 <p>In Brussels (the Belgian city, not the sprouts), EU officials <a href="http://www.salon.com/wires/ap/world/2008/11/12/D94DJ9MGE_eu_ugly_fruit_returns/index.html?source=" target="_blank">have decided to lift the ban</a> on crooked, bent, or twisted perfectly-edible fruit and vegetables. For the past 20 years, 100 pages of regulations have required that produce be uniform in appearance, and sold without any odd curves.</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/46_2008/7711a434d4ae9da1_689655.xxlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center xxlarge" height="327" width="500"></span><br /> But not all fruit is exempt from standards of beauty — appearance regulations for apples, strawberries, citrus fruit, kiwi, lettuce, pears, peaches, nectarines, sweet peppers, table grapes, and tomatoes will still be on the books, although each country can decide whether they want to enforce them. </p> <p>Produce sellers in a few countries, like Italy and France, worry that after the ban is gone, consumers will purchase less fruit and vegetables because they will be scared away by deformities. Even if you discriminate against ugly, yet edible, food, should the law be able to?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2494620#comment European Union Food Fruit Headline Law Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:30:00 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2494620 http://www.citizensugar.com/2496166 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/46_2008/b4823aceaf44d61b_83557609.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="320" width="248"></span>Barack Obama is asking anyone up for a presidential appointment to fill out a <a href="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/pdf/national/13apply_questionnaire.pdf" target="_blank">63-question, seven-page, questionnaire</a>. If you want to work in the Obama White House, you better be prepared to divulge all your secrets. Actually, you better not have any secrets! </p> <p>Here are some of the questions: </p> <ul> <li>Diaries: If you keep or have ever kept a diary that contains anything that could suggest a conflict of interest or be a possible source of embarrassment to you, your family, or the President-Elect if it were made public, please describe.</li> <li>Electronic communications: If you have ever sent an electronic communication including but not limited to an email, text message or instant message, that could suggest a conflict of interest or be a possible source of embarrassment to you, your family, or the President-Elect f it were made public, please describe.</li> <li>Speeches: Please identify all speeches you have given. If available please provide the text or recordings of each speech or identify any recordings of speeches of which you are aware.</li> <p>To see some more questions, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2496166">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2496166#comment Barack Obama Headline Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:30:37 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2496166 http://www.citizensugar.com/2493209 <p>"Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness's sake." That's <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/11/12/godless.holiday.ap/index.html" target="_blank">the message about to be proclaimed on the side of Washington, DC buses</a> this holiday season. Firing the first shot in what could shape up to be a hard-fought War on Christmas, the American Humanists Association is ready to claim a little holiday turf from traditional religions.</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/46_2008/235d28e0799fd4e5_72852782.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="136" width="550"></span><br /> Following in the footsteps of its British counterparts <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2393698" >who put atheist ads on London buses</a>, the humanist group hopes the American version will bring some holiday cheer to atheists and agnostics feeling left out during the holiday season. The American Family Association, which wants to keep Christ in Christmas, thinks it's a "stupid ad." To find out what the group had to say the merit of the ad's message, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2493209">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2493209#comment Headline Religion Washington DC World of Faith Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:30:06 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2493209 http://www.citizensugar.com/2490549 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/46_2008/fe92b4cbbbcb56ed_2008-inaguration.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarger" height="400" width="296"></span>Senator Dianne Feinstein is reaching out to websites such as eBay and Craigslist <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081111/ap_on_go_co/inauguration_tickets" target="_blank">looking for a promise that they will not sell tickets to the Jan. 20 presidential inauguration online</a>. Apparently outraged that tickets could go for as much as $40,000 a piece, Feinstein argues that:<br /> <blockquote>[T]hese tickets are given for free to people. This is a major civic event of the time, and no one pays for their tickets, and we believe no one should be required to pay for their tickets.</p></blockquote> <p>In addition to appealing to websites, the senator is writing a bill to make sure that tickets are only distributed for free through congressional offices. She also cites security concerns as the motivation behind the law. </p> <p>While I can understand that lawmakers would be sad to see citizens paying ridiculous sums for otherwise free tickets, I can't help but think this law is just a way for them to control who attends. If it wasn't against the law, how much would you pay for a ticket to Barack Obama's inauguration? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2490549#comment 2008 Inauguration Barack Obama Dianne Feinstein Headline Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:30:27 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2490549 http://www.citizensugar.com/2490745 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/46_2008/58c0adee14d4db99_Bush-Mission-Accomplished.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="320" width="240"></span>Perhaps <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2463749" >determined to work on his legacy</a> before he leaves office, President Bush <a href="http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/11/bush-names-his-regrets-praises-obama/" target="_blank">has identified episodes from the last eight years</a> he has come to regret. They include: <ul> <li>Announcing that he wanted Osama bin Laden "dead or alive" right after Sept. 11.</li> <li>Declaring "bring 'em on" when discussing Iraqi insurgents in 2003.</li> <li>Speaking in front of a "Mission Accomplished" banner on May 1, 2003, to declare major combat operations were complete.</li> </ul> <p>Bush credits his wife for opening his mind to the importance of being careful with his words as President. </p> <p>If you're not a fan of Bush, will you be more willing to forgive and forget once he leaves office, or must Americans hold a grudge if they don't want history to repeat itself? Is self-reflection from Bush enough, or should there be some other sort of accountability? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2490745#comment George W Bush Headline Iraq Wed, 12 Nov 2008 03:00:32 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2490745 http://www.citizensugar.com/2488999 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/46_2008/2c55e4fcc5534364_57419857.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="320" width="306"></span>Hannah, a 13-year-old British girl suffering from leukemia and a heart condition, <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D94CRFIG1&amp;show_article=1&amp;catnum=0" target="_blank">has declined a heart transplant</a>. Her refusal could ultimately lead to her death. After the hospital originally threatened to take legal action to force her to obtain the surgery, medical professionals had a change of heart. The doctors interviewed Hannah and realized that she had made a thought-out decision to forgo the risky surgery. Speaking about her decision, Hannah said:<br /> <blockquote> I've been in the hospital too much — I've had too much trauma. I don't want this, and it's my choice not to have it. . . . I just decided there were too many risks, and even if I took it there might be a bad outcome. There is a chance that I may be OK, and there's a chance that I may not be as well as I could be, but I'm willing to take that chance.</p></blockquote> <p>Hannah has already undergone almost 12 surgeries, and the current operation could require her to take medications for the rest of her life that have serious side effects. To find out when UK doctors would turn to the courts, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2488999">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2488999#comment Headline Health United Kingdom Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:30:27 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2488999 http://www.citizensugar.com/2486048 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2486048"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2486048',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2486048');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/2/22911/46_2008/6388dd004ce72923_Picture_16.larger.jpg" alt="" title