http://www.citizensugar.com/ Breaking News, Together. en http://www.citizensugar.com/2512389 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/47_2008/0f023f106a509614_Texas.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center xlarger" height="266" width="400"></span></p> <ul> <li><b>Texas</b>: <a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1108/15713.html" target="_blank">OK to mess with Texas? When Bush leaves office, Texas becomes just another state after decades of influence.</a> — Politico</li> <li><b>Rivals</b>: <a href="http://www.236.com/news/2008/11/17/inside_the_mccainobama_meeting_1_10288.php" target="_blank"> Want a peek inside yesterday's McCain-Obama meeting? Take a look at a completely made-up slideshow dramatization.</a> — 23/6</li> <li><b>Airports</b>: <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/slideshow/2509860" >Traveling for the holidays? Five carry-on items to prevent airport spending.</a> — SavvySugar</li> <li><b>Clinton</b>: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/18/mccain-staffer-crows-at-i_n_144604.html" target="_blank">Republicans should be happy if Hillary becomes secretary of state? Hillary's criticism of Obama's foreign policy could warm the hearts of neoconservatives.</a> – Huffington Post</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2512389#comment Briefing Book George W Bush Texas Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:30:23 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2512389 http://www.citizensugar.com/2079537 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/39_2008/80992127_1.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="342" width="290"></span>Judge Baird of Texas has ordered Felicia Salazar, 20, to <a href="http://crimeblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/09/probation-requirement-no-more.html" target="_blank">stop having children, or head to jail</a>. Felicia is on probation after pleading guilty to injury of her child by omission. Specifically she did not provide protection and medical care to her 19-month-old daughter, after the little girl was beaten by her father. </p> <p>The father has been sentenced to 15 years in prison, and the daughter put in foster care. Texas judges can set any conditions of probation they deem reasonable, but many question the enforceability of the provision. </p> <p>If Felicia gets pregnant, must she abort or go to jail for a probation violation? Has she just been ordered to not have sex? I have a feeling this case isn't over. </p> <p><a href="http://www.legacycreative.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2079537#comment children Headline Law Texas Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:00:21 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2079537 http://www.citizensugar.com/2079703 <p>According to new information released by the US Census Bureau, <a href="http://www.elpasotimes.com/ci_10533937" target="_blank">74 percent of all households</a> in El Paso, TX, speak Spanish as their primary language at home, even if they're fluent in English. That number is coupled with the fact that one out of every five residents of Texas, Arizona, California, and New Mexico speak Spanish at home too. </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/39_2008/82055765.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="367" width="550"></span></p> <p>One home-Spanish-speaker says, "Spanish was my first language and it's the language that my parents speak, so I just use it when I'm there. I don't even think about it. And although I speak English, I sometimes feel more comfortable speaking Spanish. It's like going back home."</p> <p>The high at-home use of the language prompts changes in the local culture and government. Most agencies and stores publish notices in both English and Spanish. One spokeswoman for the county of El Paso said it makes sense to write news releases and public notices in both languages. "Our goal is for our message to reach the intended audience as quickly as possible," she said. "If we were to send out notices in English only, the message will eventually get to Spanish-speaking families but it will take some time." </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2079703#comment Headline language Spanish Texas Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:30 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2079703 http://www.citizensugar.com/2040277 <p>A latent Texas law may <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080918/ap_on_re_us/ike_beach_houses" target="_blank">keep beachfront homeowners from rebuilding</a> after Hurricane Ike's devastation. Texas's 1959 Open Beaches Act prohibits private homes on public beaches. Whether a beach is public depends on tide lines, which can be upset by hurricanes like Ike. Thus, homes previously located on private property may end up on the wrong side of the law. </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/38_2008/82868051.preview_0.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="359" width="550"></span></p> <p>Even worse, the owners may not know for up to a year whether or not the state has condemned their land due to the status of the beach. If they finally receive the bad news, there will be no compensation from the state. </p> <p>As for other immediate concerns, Gulf Coast hospitals are <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-09-18-ike-thursday_N.htm" target="_blank">struggling to restore healthcare services</a>, and millions of residents still lack power. The two issues are actually interrelated, as power outages have caused Texas clinics to stay closed.</p> <p>It sounds like life as usual might still be far off for many Texans. </p> <p><p><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-58860 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='#cc0066'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 active" href="http://citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2040257?page=0,0,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/38_2008/82868051.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-95225 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='#cc0066'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2040257?page=0,1,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/38_2008/82881211.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-76041 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='#cc0066'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2040257?page=0,2,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/38_2008/82881475.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-78214 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='#cc0066'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2040257?page=0,3,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/38_2008/82909299.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-14241 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='#cc0066'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2040257?page=0,4,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/38_2008/82917004.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" /></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/2040277#comment Headline Hurricane Ike Texas Sat, 20 Sep 2008 13:00:34 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2040277 http://www.citizensugar.com/2018872 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/38_2008/82813193.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="214" width="320"></span> <ul> <li><b>Wall Street in Chaos:</b><br /> Two Wall Street banks, Lehman Brothers and Merrill Lynch are in turmoil. Merrill Lynch has agreed to sell itself to Bank of America to stem their <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/15/business/15lehman.html?hp" target="_blank">mounting financial crisis</a>, while Lehman Brothers has filed for bankruptcy. Added to this, insurance giant AIG has sought $40 billion from the federal reserve to try and save itself. The two banks employ 100,000 people, and shock waves are expected throughout the economy.</li> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/38_2008/Monday.larger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left larger" height="179" width="240"></span> <li><b>2,000 Saved From Hurricane Ike:</b><br /> In the biggest search and rescue operation in Texas history, almost 2,000 people have been <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Ike.html" target="_blank">saved from flooded streets</a> following Hurricane Ike. The death toll from the storm has risen to 30 people spread over eight states. Shelters in San Antonio and Austin are crowded with survivors with no home to return to.</li> <p><br clear=all></p> <li><b>Stampede in Indonesia:</b><br /> About 21 people have been killed and more injured in a stampede in Indonesia as people <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7616009.stm" target="_blank">waited for charity handouts</a> from a wealthy family. The giveaway sums totaled about $4 and are a tradition during the month of Ramadan. The giveaway tradition is part of Zakat, where wealth Muslims give away a portion of their money to the poor every year. Footage shows women being pushed up against the fence in the crush of people, and most of those killed were women.</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2018872#comment Economy Front Page Hurricane Ike Indonesia Lehman Brothers Merrill Lynch Texas Wall Street Mon, 15 Sep 2008 07:00:34 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2018872 http://www.citizensugar.com/1991167 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/37_2008/82783680.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="210" width="320"></span> <ul> <li><b>Hurricane Ike Tonight:</b><br /> Hurricane Ike is <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/2823800/Hurricane-Ike-Warnings-of-certain-death-as-storm-hits-Texas.html" target="_blank">expected to make landfall</a> with a direct hit to Galveston and Houston, with a population of 5.6 million. The National Hurricane center was crystal clear with their warning for evacuation: "Persons not heeding evacuation orders in single family one- or two-story homes will face certain death." Forecasters expect water 22 feet above sea level.</li> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/37_2008/Friday.larger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left larger" height="179" width="240"></span> <li><b>English Channel Fire Burns:</b><br /> Firefighters are still putting out small fires after a blaze <a href="http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/09/12/europe/EU-France-Channel-Tunnel-Fire.php" target="_blank">shut down undersea traffic</a> in the tunnel between England and France. The tunnel remains closed to train traffic after a fire broke out yesterday afternoon in a truck aboard a 30-car shuttle train. The fire is the most serious incident since the tunnel opened in 1994.</li> <p><br clear=all></p> <li><b>Zimbabwe Rivals Strike Power Agreement:</b><br /> President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai have agreed to a <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/12/world/africa/12zimbabwe.html?ref=world" target="_blank">power-sharing deal</a> after more than a month of discussion. Though specific details of the deal have not been released, the fact that Mugabe has released any authority signals a loosening of his grip over Zimbabwe. Worry remains that the deal has too much crossover power to grant the country the stability it needs.</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1991167#comment English Channel fires Front Page Global Totals Hurricane Ike Morgan Tsvangirai Robert Mugabe Texas Zimbabwe Fri, 12 Sep 2008 07:00:51 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1991167 http://www.citizensugar.com/1970252 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/37_2008/82587238.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="371" width="350"></span>Barriers — financial and physical — could influence the makeup of newly naturalized Americans. After citizen application rates rose 70 percent, from $440 to $675, <a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ixCad4MPVzqEAoud6q4H58FcGcSQD933OB200" target="_blank">half as many people have applied</a> for US citizenship in the beginning of this year compared to last year. </p> <p>To become eligible for citizenship, a person must be a legal permanent resident who has lived continuously in the US for 5 years. Those that do apply sometimes use loans to foot the bill. Immigrant advocates say the fee exceeds processing costs, and they want the cost to be tied to federal minimum wage and funded by Congress.</p> <p>Meanwhile, the Bush Administration wants an additional $400 million for the partially constructed 670-mile fence along the Texas-Mexico border. The fence, which impacts 480 landowners, <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1649062" > already received a $2.1 billion apportionment</a> from Congress in 2006. </p> <p>By making citizenship more accessible to the wealthy, and spending an exorbitant amount of money on a keep-out wall, does America betray its immigrant heritage? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1970252#comment Border Fence Headline Immigration Mexico Texas Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:30:00 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1970252 http://www.citizensugar.com/1869902 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1869902"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1869902',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1869902');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/33_2008/AB17380.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="240"></span>Teachers in a 110-student Texas school district can soon <a href="http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5945430.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">carry guns at school</a>. Those advocating the new policy argue that teachers and students feel unprotected because the school is 30 minutes from the closest sheriff. </p> <p>Staff that want to carry a gun must have a Texas concealed gun license, be approved by the district, receive crisis-management training, and use ammunition designed to minimize the risk of ricochet in school halls.</p> <p>The district's superintendent thinks the guns are a great idea: <blockquote>When the federal government started making schools gun-free zones, that's when all of these shootings started. Why would you put it out there that a group of people can't defend themselves? That's like saying 'sic 'em' to a dog.</p></blockquote> <p>While it's important for school staff to take the possibility of violence seriously, having multiple guns on campus sounds like it could present a danger in itself.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1869902" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Do Teachers With Guns Make a Secluded School Safe?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes. You can't wait 30 minutes for the sheriff to arrive in an emergency. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> No. School security can have a weapon, but not teachers!</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No way! There should be no guns on campuses. Schools are not war zones.</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="1869902" /> <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/1869902#comment Citizen Poll Guns Headline Second Amendment Texas Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:45:25 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1869902 http://www.citizensugar.com/1852923 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/32_2008/82047044.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" width="300"></span> <ul> <li><b>Bin Laden Driver Sentenced:</b><br /> A panel of military officers have sentenced the convicted former driver of Osama bin Laden to five and a half years in prison. Ignoring the prosecution's pleas for a strict sentence, the 66 month decision means that the first detainee convicted of a war crime in court could complete his punishment by the end of the year. The military judge said he had already planned to give credit for the 61 months the detainee has already served.</li> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/32_2008/Friday.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" width="200"></span> <li><b>13 Dead in Texas Bus Crash:</b><br /> A charter bus carrying 55 church members rolled on its side <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Texas-Bus-Crash.html?_r=1&amp;hp&amp;oref=slogin" target="_blank">killing 13 instantly</a> and sending 24 to the hospital. A blown tire caused the bus to run off a highway overpass. The passengers had been on their way to a religious festival honoring the Virgin Mary.</li> <p><br clear=all></p> <li><b>Iraq Proposes Timetable:</b><br /> Iraqi negotiators have decided on October, 2010, as the deadline when combat troops will have left the country. US troops will <a href="http://uk.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUKL857872320080808" target="_blank">begin to withdraw</a> from the streets in the middle of next year, and be gone by 2010, though some support units would stay on. If agreed upon by President Bush, the schedule will be close to the proposal of Barack Obama.</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1852923#comment Accident Bus Crash Courts Front Page Guantanamo Iraq War Osama bin Laden Texas War in Iraq Fri, 08 Aug 2008 06:54:43 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1852923 http://www.citizensugar.com/1844284 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/32_2008/82179692.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" width="200"></span> <ul> <li><b>Bush Arrives in Seoul:</b><br /> President Bush arrived in Seoul, Korea today for talks aimed at communist North Korea — and instead of the large anti-US rally that was expected, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/washington/politics-korea-usa.html" target="_blank">a huge crowd of support</a> gathered in the city center. Amid a background of gospel music, the pro-US rally attracted about 15,000 people for what is thought to be Bush's last trip to the country as president. One of those gathered said, "I came to pray for the country to come together and with President Bush coming, for his visit to go smoothly." There was little sign of the tension that sparked <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1700636" >huge anti-government protests</a> over the ending of the ban of US beef imports. 20,000 police has been mobilized for protests that never really materialized.</li> <p><br clear=all><br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/32_2008/82176225.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" width="200"></span> <li><b>Storm Hits Coast:</b><br /> Tropical Storm Edouard has <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Tropical-Weather.html" target="_blank">made landfall on the Texas coast</a> east of Galveston and is expected to plow inland as the day goes on. Texas and Louisiana have made declarations of disaster and statewide emergency pending the storm with 65 m.p.h winds. No evacuation edicts have been issued.</li> <p><br clear=all><br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/32_2008/Tuesday_0.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" width="200"></span> <li><b>Food Shortages For Nepal:</b><br /> The UN and the government of Nepal announced that hundreds of thousands of Nepalese are <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7542212.stm" target="_blank">facing severe food shortages</a>. Efforts to get food aid to those in need are being delayed by fuel shortages and strikes. The price of rice has risen 50 percent in the last year. Meanwhile, the EU has <a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5j-hkVJsUJvGyFGzT_YAd1quphnwAD92C3C9O1" target="_blank">pledged $4.6 million to Haiti</a> to help with the <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1822069" >crushing hunger crisis</a> there.</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1844284#comment Food Front Page George W Bush Haiti Hurricane Nepal South Korea Texas Tropical Storm Edouard Tue, 05 Aug 2008 06:53:56 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1844284 http://www.citizensugar.com/1808164 <p>Yesterday, Hurricane Dolly made landfall in Southern Texas in the town of South Padre Island, with 120 mph winds ripping roofs off homes, pouring down rain, and <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/07/23/hurricane.dolly/index.html" target="_blank">sending residents looking for shelter</a>. Contact with land brought the winds down from category 2 speeds to category 1, and now <a href="http://www.weather.com/newscenter/hurricanecentral/update/index.html" target="_blank">flooding along the Rio Grande</a> has become the main concern over the next few days, thanks to Dolly's "sluggish nature."<br /> <span class="inline left"><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/1808155?page=0,0,0" ><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/30_2008/82043306.preview_0.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="389" width="550"></a></span><br /> Over 3,000 residents of low-lying areas by the river and the coast <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/24/us/24hurricane.html?hp" target="_blank">went to crowded schools for shelter</a>. One school had 800 evacuees, including children and babies. Insurance experts estimate the <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&amp;sid=aANiSuyK_o1U&amp;refer=home" target="_blank">Dolly's insurance company price tag</a> to be $1.2 billion. Damage caused in Mexico will be about a quarter of that. While avoiding the valuable oil rigs in the Gulf, the heavy rain and wind most likely destroyed the cotton fields in the region.</p> <p>Meteorologists see indications that the rest of <a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/07/080723-hurricane-dolly.html" target="_blank">this year's hurricane season could be very active</a> — so hold on!<br /> <p><div style='float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:9px'> <div id=mask-4851 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/1808155?page=0,0,0><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/30_2008/82043306.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="Dolly makes landfall as it moves west-northwest near the Texas-Mexico border." title="Dolly makes landfall as it moves west-northwest near the Texas-Mexico border." class="image mediumsquare" width="100" height="100" /></a> </div> </div> </div><div style='float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:9px'> <div id=mask-58695 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/1808155?page=0,1,0><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/30_2008/82032960.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="Hello Dolly!" title="Hello Dolly!" class="image mediumsquare" width="100" height="100" /></a> </div> </div> </div><div style='float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:9px'> <div id=mask-88534 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/1808155?page=0,2,0><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/30_2008/82043252.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="Evacuee runs with his bundled up daughter to a shelter." title="Evacuee runs with his bundled up daughter to a shelter." class="image mediumsquare" width="100" height="100" /></a> </div> </div> </div><div style='float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:9px'> <div id=mask-16374 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/1808155?page=0,3,0><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/30_2008/82045378.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="Hurricane Dolly&#039;s eyewall starts to cross South Padre Island." title="Hurricane Dolly&#039;s eyewall starts to cross South Padre Island." class="image mediumsquare" width="100" height="100" /></a> </div> </div> </div><div style='float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:9px'> <div id=mask-95624 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/1808155?page=0,4,0><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/30_2008/82043509.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="Brownsville Independent School District officer helps evacuees." title="Brownsville Independent School District officer helps evacuees." class="image mediumsquare" width="100" height="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/1808164#comment Hurricane Hurricane Dolly Texas Weather Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:42 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1808164 http://www.citizensugar.com/1806624 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/30_2008/82038505.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" width="300"></span> <ul> <li><b>Hurricane Dolly Hits Texas:</b><br /> Hurricane Dolly arrived on the Gulf Coast early Wednesday with <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Tropical-Weather.html?_r=1&amp;hp&amp;oref=slogin" target="_blank">heavy rain and winds ramping up</a> before the center of the storm hits towns on the Texas-Mexico border later today. The hurricane will bring up to 15 inches of rain, threatening local levees that gave way 41 years ago in Hurricane Beulah. The National Hurricane Center said Dolly could approach Category 2 strength when it makes landfall today.</li> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/30_2008/Wednesday.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" width="200"></span> <li><b>China to Allow Protests:</b><br /> China has announced that <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7521321.stm" target="_blank">protests will be allowed</a> in three specific city parks during the upcoming Olympics. To protest, one has to apply for permission from the city government and police, and stay within the parks. The director of the Beijing committee said the parks are "close to the city proper and the Olympic venues," but didn't know how the application process would work "at this time."</li> <li><b>Iran Says No Concessions:</b><br /> The president of Iran says the country <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7520854.stm" target="_blank">will not back down</a> in its nuclear activities. The US, UN, and EU have instructed Iran to give an answer on the issue within two weeks or face sanctions. President Ahmadinejad responded in a televised speech, "the Iranian people are steadfast [they] will not retreat one iota in the face of oppressing powers."</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1806624#comment 2008 Olympics 2008 Presidential Election China Front Page Hurricane Hurricane Dolly Iran Nuclear Energy Nuclear Weapons Olympics Protests Texas Wed, 23 Jul 2008 06:56:59 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1806624 http://www.citizensugar.com/1797066 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/29_2008/935480-001.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="230"></span>As part of the War on Drugs US federal and local authorities seize cash made from drug trafficking. The practice takes away an incentive for smuggling, and gives the agents an incentive to catch traffickers. The guideline for how that money can be spent, according to most local laws, is the vague standard of "for law-enforcement purposes."</p> <p>This week's <b>Economist</b> <a href="http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?STORY_ID=11707305" target="_blank">itemized what can be considered law enforcement</a> for spending purposes. Seized assets have been used for the following: </p> <ul> <li> One Texas county used it on a margarita machine.</li> <li> A Texas district attorney took his whole staff to Hawaii for a training seminar.</li> <li> Another Texan DA spent thousands of dollars on his re-election campaign.</li> <li>In Indiana money goes to a general school fund. (A good idea.)</li> <li> A Georgia sheriff bought a $90,000 sports car, used to advertise an anti-drug program. (Don't tell the kids drugs paid for the car!)</li> </ul> <p>Unfortunately, many state laws give authorities wide discretion to seize assets even without any verdict. And with such an incentive to get the restriction-free money, sometimes they get it wrong. Does it matter to you what happens to drug money?</p> <p><a href="http://www.legacycreative.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1797066#comment Crime Drugs Law Texas War on Drugs Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:00:57 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1797066 http://www.citizensugar.com/1750751 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1750751"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1750751',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1750751');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/27_2008/gun.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" width="375"></span>It's a big day for guns in the news: new Georgia laws go into effect allowing residents <a href="http://www.wtoctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8581051&amp;nav=0qq6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">to carry concealed weapons</a> into parks, restaurants, and onto public transportation, and in Florida, employees and customers will now be able to <a href="http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2008/jun/30/new-gun-work-law-begins-tuesday/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">conceal firearms on private property</a> if locked in a car. Then there's this story: Joe Horn, a 62-year-old Texan has been <a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gP3OsajRB6BM1On6y5d66X8hodrwD91KVCD00" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cleared by a grand jury</a> yesterday after he fatally shot two men he suspected of burglarizing his next-door neighbor's home.</p> <p>Horn's case has sparked controversy between those who think he acted illegally and recklessly, and those who praise his swift action. Horn's attorney says, "he wasn't acting like a vigilante. He didn't want to do it," and that he's not a "wild cowboy" who shot unprovoked after he saw the two suspected burglars carrying bags out of windows of his vacationing neighbor's home. His lawyer says Horn was a scared man who was trying to defend his neighbor's home when the burglars came onto his property and threatened him, "He was scared. He was in fear of his life."</p> <p>The details of the night are recorded in a 911 call, where a dispatcher urges Horn, "Don't go outside the house. You're going to get yourself shot if you go outside that house with a gun. I don't care what you think." Horn responded, "You want to make a bet? I'm going to kill them." Both suspects were shot in the back with a 12-gauge shotgun. After the incident, he called back saying, "I had no choice. They came in the front yard with me, man. I had no choice. Get somebody over here quick." </p> <p>The case illuminates part of the <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1749799" rel="nofollow">complicated relationship</a> between guns and crime — in this instance, was the jury correct in letting him go? Was Horn acting in self-defense? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1750751" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Texas Man Cleared of Shooting Burglars — Victory For Justice?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Absolutely. Horn did what he had to do to defend himself, justice prevailed.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> It's unclear, though since the victims were both shot in the back, I have my doubts.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No! He didn't have to go outside! That's the only reason he had to "defend" himself.</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 what I think in the comments.</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1750751" /> <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/1750751#comment Citizen Poll Courts Guns Laws Poll Texas Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:15:19 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1750751 http://www.citizensugar.com/1738924 <ul> <li><b>North Korea Declares Nuclear Program:</b><br /> North Korea has <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/27/world/asia/27nuke.html?_r=1&amp;hp&amp;oref=slogin" target="_blank">submitted for inspection</a> the long-awaited declaration of the extent of its nuclear program. Immediately after the move, the Bush administration announced it would remove the country, formerly on the "axis of evil" list, from the list of states who sponsor terrorism, as well as lifting commercial restriction on the country. President Bush said, "this can be a moment of opportunity for North Korea. If it continues to make the right choices it can repair its relationship with the international community."</li> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/26_2008/81719641.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="367" width="550"></span><br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/26_2008/Thursday.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" width="180"></span> <li><b>Attack Kills 33 in Iraq:</b><br /> At least 33 people have been killed in <a href="http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5izeFk4E6qB_hrcxczCXOsNmsqBTA" target="_blank">two massive bombings</a> in Iraq today, including 18 people hit by a car bomb in the northern city of Mosul. The US military gave initial reports from Mosul saying that another 71 civilians and nine policemen were wounded. The second attack was carried out by a suicide bomber, killing the mayor and 14 senior members of an anti-Qaeda group. US commanders have said that Mosul is the country's last urban stronghold of al-Qaeda.</li> <li><b>Immigration Raid Leads to 160 Arrests:</b><br /> Federal immigration agents raided a used clothing plant in Houston, leading to <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/26/us/26raid.html?ref=us" target="_blank">160 arrests</a>, 70 percent of whom were women. The raid was the largest ever in the area, and the second major raid in Houston in the past two months. Two hundred immigration agents were involved in what was part of a yearlong investigation. A lawyer for the company said, “We want to abide by the law, and we're going to abide by the law. If we have an illegal employee, we don’t know it. No way. Tell us what the law is, and we’ll obey it.”</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1738924#comment al-Qaeda Bombings Front Page Illegal Immigration Iraq North Korea Nuclear Weapons Suicide Bombing Terrorism Texas Thu, 26 Jun 2008 07:02:25 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1738924 http://www.citizensugar.com/1694721 <p>Parents of a 15-year-old Texas girl are seeking a restraining order against a local Justice of the Peace, who offered the girl's step-father a choice between paying a $500 fine, or <a href="http://www.newswest9.com/Global/story.asp?S=8442599&amp;nav=menu505_2" target="_blank">spanking his daughter in court</a> with a paddle. The girl had been found guilty of truancy. </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/23_2008/AB05876.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="435" width="550"></span></p> <p>Justice of the Peace Gustavo Garza has been given time to consult a lawyer before the case against him for abusing <strike>citizens</strike> his power moves forward. I wonder how the lawyer will try to get him out of this one . . . </p> <p>Last week Justice Garza said that the punishment was lawful, citing a statistic that 98 percent of parents choose the spanking option as opposed to the fine. I wonder how that stat gets broken down between wealthy and impoverished defendants.</p> <p>Is Garza actually helping out families who may not be able to afford the fine? Should they be given the option to undergo humiliating physical punishment in public? Is there a difference between discipline and abuse?</p> <p><a href="http://www.legacycreative.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1694721#comment Court of Liberty Law Texas Mon, 09 Jun 2008 06:00:51 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1694721 http://www.citizensugar.com/1674880 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/22_2008/80678841.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" width="275"></span>A divided Supreme Court of Texas agreed 6-3 yesterday that the state had <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/30/us/30raid.html?ref=us" target="_blank">illegally seized</a> 468 girls and boys from the <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/tags/polygamy" >FLDS ranch</a> last month on unproven grounds of physical and sexual abuse. State officials said they would now begin moving swiftly to return the children.</p> <p>A spokesman for the Department of Family and Protective Services, who took custody of the children after a raid on April 3, said,<br /> <blockquote>“We are disappointed, but we understand and respect the court’s decision and will take immediate steps to comply. Our goal is to reunite families whenever we can and make sure the children will be safe. We will continue to prepare for the prompt and orderly reunification of these children with their families."</p></blockquote> <p>One man who has authored a history of polygamy and who is now a member of the mainstream Mormon Church said, "this will embolden them. It’s definitely a big win for the polygamists.”</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1674880#comment Courts FLDS Headline Polygamy Texas Fri, 30 May 2008 07:30:31 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1674880 http://www.citizensugar.com/node/1653588 <p><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/22/texas-has-no-right-to-tak_n_103116.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Texas Had No Right to Take Polygamists' Children</a> A Texas appeals court said Thursday that the state had no right to take more than 400 children from a polygamist sect's ranch, a ruling that could unravel one of the biggest child-custody cases in US history. The Third Court of Appeals in Austin ruled that the state never provided evidence that the children were in any immediate danger, the only grounds in Texas law for taking children from their parents without court approval, the appeals court said.</p> http://www.citizensugar.com/node/1653588#comment aside Polygamy Texas Thu, 22 May 2008 15:40:00 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1653588 http://www.citizensugar.com/1649062 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/21_2008/72124468_0.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="280"></span>Homeland Security is defending its plans to build a 670-mile, $2.1 billion fence along the Texas-Mexico border, while admitting that the barrier is not effective in stopping illegal immigration by itself.</p> <p>Today's <b>New York Times</b> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/21/washington/21fence.html?pagewanted=1&amp;ref=us" target="_blank">quotes</a> Homeland Security Secretary Chertoff:<br /> <blockquote>I don’t believe the fence is a cure-all. Nor do I believe it is a waste. Yes, you can get over it; yes, you can get under it. But it is a useful tool that makes it more difficult for people to cross. It is one of a number of tools we have, and you’ve got to use all of the tools.</p></blockquote> <p>The latest fence defense comes after the Texas Border Coalition filed a lawsuit to stop construction. To see why this group — which includes mayors, judges, commissioners, and economists — opposes the fence, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1649062">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1649062#comment Border Fence Headline Immigration Mexico Property Rights Texas Texas Border Coalition Wed, 21 May 2008 14:30:00 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1649062 http://www.citizensugar.com/1622063 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1622063"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1622063',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1622063');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/19_2008/71085453.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="416" width="275"></span> Prom night in Houston brought out the corsages — and the controversy. One high school senior <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/12/see-the-dress-that-got-a_n_101311.html" target="_blank">came decked out</a> in a dress that school officials thought was less than suitable. Yellow criss-crosses of fabric made up the top portion of her custom-made frock. She said, "I actually like the dress. Everybody else likes my dress." The dress code did not approve.</p> <p>She was <a href="http://www.khou.com/news/local/education/stories/khou080509_tj_promdress.e4ef3d2b.html" target="_blank">stopped at the door</a> by a school official. The hopeful prom-goer said, "she shook her head, she was like you are not getting into this prom. We were arguing back and forth because I wanted to know why I can't get into my prom.” The dance of wills escalated from there. Even after offering cover up, she was still denied entrance. </p> <p>The school principal said, “It was revealing in such nature it was not appropriate for the prom." The student became furious and demanded entrance or a refund — the next thing she knew, the cops had been called and the tiny dancer was chauffeured away in a squad car. She says, "They didn't give me any options, but to go to jail or go home."</p> <p>Even the morning after, she still loves her prom dress. Was the school out of line? Should she have been allowed to cover up and dance? Was the dress and resulting argument too hot for high school?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1622063" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Teeny Prom Dress Earns Girl Accessories: Handcuffs. Fair?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes it's fair. Did you see it? It's not a dress. Kids go too far nowadays.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> The dress is too much, but handcuffs? I don't think we know the whole story.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No. It wasn't see through. If she was comfortable, fine. Times are a changing.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Other. I've got my tiara on and I'm ready for the comments. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1622063" /> <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/1622063#comment Citizen Poll Dress Code Freedom of Speech Laws Poll Prom Texas Mon, 12 May 2008 09:00:09 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1622063 http://www.citizensugar.com/slideshow/1621728 <a href="/slideshow/1621728?page=0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/19_2008/81054286.xlarge_0.jpg" alt="Jenna&#039;s Big as Texas Wedding Album!" title="Jenna&#039;s Big as Texas Wedding Album!" class="image xlarge inline left" /></a>The dress! The vows! The cake! Laura's MOB dress! It's all here folks! Here's what the wedding that President Bush called "spectacular" looked like. Enjoy!<div id='pager' style='margin:25px auto;text-align:center;margin:8px; '><a href="/slideshow/1621728?page=0">Start Slideshow</a></div> http://www.citizensugar.com/slideshow/1621728#comment George W Bush Jenna Bush Slideshow Texas Wedding White House Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:57 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1621728 http://www.citizensugar.com/1605454 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/19_2008/200250555-001%282%29.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="240" width="325"></span>Texas released James Lee Woodard from prison, after he served 27 years for the murder of a young girl in 1981. Hold your outrage for one second — Woodard wasn't released because the state was <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1605243" >facing a budget crisis</a> like we discussed earlier. Instead, DNA evidence proved that Woodard was wrongly convicted. He served almost three decades behind bars for a murder he <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90172724" target="_blank">did not commit</a>. </p> <p>Faulty evidence put Woodard in jail for the rape and murder of his girlfriend. As Woodard recounts his conviction, he was sure that he would soon be released once the police properly investigated. He had an alibi — he had been cheating on his girlfriend and was at the other woman's house the night of the murder. Even so, infidelity is more forgivable than murder. </p> <p>The tough on crime mentality has helped America obtain <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1572787" >25 percent</a> of the world's prisoners, even though it only has two percent of the total global population. It appears that such a political climate has also resulted in wrongful convictions. </p> <p>DNA has exonerated 17 men from Dallas, almost all black. To find out what Dallas's new District Attorney thinks about this, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1605454">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1605454#comment Crime Law Texas The Innocence Project Tue, 06 May 2008 12:15:00 -0700 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1605454 http://www.citizensugar.com/1594947 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/18_2008/80934419.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="250" width="210"></span>President Bush might have blown a big secret about the Republicans' strategy against the Democrats come convention time — and he did it while discussing a topic he knows very, very well: Texas professional sports. The Super Bowl-winning New York Giants stopped by the White House yesterday, and Bush dropped the bombshell only a true Dallas Cowboys fan would understand. Just who are the Republicans going to unleash on the Democratic National Convention? To find out, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1594947">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1594947#comment 2008 Presidential Election George W Bush Lighten Up Republicans Texas Thu, 01 May 2008 08:58:36 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1594947 http://www.citizensugar.com/1556057 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1556057"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1556057',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1556057');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p>In an interesting twist on the polygamy story out of Texas, the mothers are speaking out against being separated from their children by Child Protective Services. CPS made the <a href="http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5704178.html" target="_blank">decision to separate</a> at least 57 women from more than a fourth of the 416 children taken into custody. Of the 416 children, nearly 300 are four years of age and younger.</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_1556060"><a href="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer">Get Flash</a> to see this player.</p> <script type="text/javascript"> var so1556060 = new SWFObject('/static/flash/mediaplayer.swf','mpl','400','300','7'); so1556060.addParam('allowfullscreen','true'); so1556060.addVariable("file",'1556060.flv'); so1556060.addVariable('height', 328); so1556060.addVariable('image','/media/cooked/thumbs/1556060.jpg'); so1556060.addVariable('width','400'); so1556060.addVariable('logo','/static/imgs/watermark/citizensugar.png'); so1556060.write('player_1556060'); </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>The mothers who were removed from their children were given a choice: They could return home or seek refuge in a safe house. Only six of the women opted for the safe house and 51 returned to the ranch. One of the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/16/us/16raid.html?ref=us" target="_blank">mothers said</a>, “the world has been so prejudiced against us. They have a false image.” </p> <p>A CPS spokeswoman says, <blockquote>"We believe that children who are victims of abuse or neglect, and particularly victims at the hands of their own parents, certainly are going to feel safer to tell their story when they don't have a parent there that's coaching them with how to respond."</p></blockquote> <p>The women's reaction to the CPS decision crystalizes a conundrum. Saying, "I never thought this would happen in America" and "They [the children] haven't seen abuse until this experience" calls into question the righteousness of the state's action. If all but six of the women returned to the compound and the girl who made the initial call identifying abuse <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/16/us/16raid.html?ref=us" target="_blank">hasn't been identified</a> yet, are we imposing prejudiced ideas of how children should be raised? </p> <p>A hearing for the children begins tomorrow. Is this an act of justice on behalf of the children, or a gross violation of the notion that it "takes a village"? Are we too prejudiced about alternate lifestyles? Are the women within their rights as mothers to choose the environment in which to raise their children as long as they're not suffering abuse? Does compound living in itself constitute abuse?</p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1556057" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Are the Rights of the Polygamy Mothers Being Violated?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes. Parents choose how to raise kids. If the mothers say there's no abuse, this is unfair.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> It's almost impossible to say given what we know, but I think the mothers have a point.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Not a chance. Polygamy is illegal, and CPS took the kids because that in itself is abuse.</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="1556057" /> <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/1556057#comment Citizen Poll Controversy culture Human Rights Polygamy Texas Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:45:52 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1556057 http://www.citizensugar.com/1549273 <ul> <li>The Iraqi government dismissed 1,300 soldiers and policemen who deserted or refused to fight in last month’s Shiite-on-Shiite battles in Basra. The <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/14/world/middleeast/14iraq.html?ref=middleeast" target="_blank">announcement came yesterday</a> after an admission that more than 1,000 members of the security forces had laid down their weapons during the fight. Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki had characterized the fight as a campaign to restore law and order to Basra. An Interior Ministry spokesman highlighted the conflict in service saying, "some of them were sympathetic with these lawbreakers, some refused to battle for political or national or sectarian or religious reasons.”</li> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/16_2008/Monday-350x260.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="260" width="350"></span></p> <li>In their first elections since 1999, Nepal's Maoist party has taken a commanding lead. The goal of the election is to <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7344983.stm" target="_blank">form an assembly</a> to write a new constitution. The Maoists are reported to have won about half of the 160 seats so far, and are well ahead of other parties. It's been decided that the new constitutional assembly will implement the abolition of the 240-year-old monarchy, and the deputy Maoist leader announced that he believes the monarchy will be abolished in three weeks. <li> <li>The state of Texas this week will <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/04/14/polygamist.retreat.ap/index.html" target="_blank">argue to retain custody</a> of all 416 children removed from their parents after a raid on a polygamous compound. Child welfare laws require each child to have his or her own attorney, and bar officials are reporting that more than 350 attorneys from across the state have volunteered to represent the children for free. Three mothers of the children in custody have appealed to Gov. Rick Perry for help in a letter, saying that some of their children have become sick since being removed and are being questioned about events they know nothing about. Yesterday state officials enforced a judge's order to confiscate the cell phones of the women and children removed from the ranch.</li> </ul> http://www.citizensugar.com/1549273#comment Elections Front Page Iraq Nepal Polygamy Texas Mon, 14 Apr 2008 07:00:40 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1549273 http://www.citizensugar.com/1541056 <ul> <li>Several tornadoes <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/04/10/midwest.storms.ap/index.html" target="_blank">ripped through</a> West Texas and Oklahoma last night. Winds of up to 70 mph and heavy rains left one dead, at least five houses destroyed, and 3,500 without power. Flooding caused the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to close five highways in the state, while Arkansas also saw flash flooding.</li> <li>American Airlines has canceled 900 <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/04/10/american.cancellations/index.html?iref=mpstoryview" target="_blank">additional flights</a> today as it continues to perform safety inspections on certain jets. It's the third consecutive day of cancellations for American Airlines, who also canceled 1,094 flights on Wednesday and 460 flights the day before.</li> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/15_2008/Thursday-350x260.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="260" width="350"></span></p> <li>General Petraeus, the top American commander in Iraq, remained consistent in his second day of testimony before Congress with his recommendation to <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/10/washington/10petraeus.html?ref=world" target="_blank">suspend troop reductions</a> in Iraq. The recommendation shows that Iraqi forces remain unprepared to take over the mission of securing their own nation. Some questioning Petraeus became frustrated as he steadfastly declined to specify what conditions would need to be present on the ground before he would endorse withdrawals to take the number of American troops far below the 140,000 set to remain there after July. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid expressed his frustration saying, “based on everything we have heard, we can reach only one conclusion: With 160,000 courageous American troops serving in Iraq, President Bush has an exit strategy for just one man — himself — on Jan. 20, 2009.” </li> <li>Voters in Nepal have cast ballots in <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7339813.stm" target="_blank">historic elections</a>, the first since 1999. At question is an assembly that is expected to rewrite Nepal's constitution and abolish its monarchy. Polling was mostly peaceful, although one person was killed in election-related violence. Results are expected over the next 10 days.</li> </ul> http://www.citizensugar.com/1541056#comment American Airlines Arkansas Elections Front Page General Petraeus Iraq War Nepal Oklahoma Texas Tornadoes Thu, 10 Apr 2008 06:57:46 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1541056 http://www.citizensugar.com/1538244 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/15_2008/dv741014.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="360" width="275"></span>As a kid weaned on <b>The Dukes of Hazzard</b> and Ann Richards, I love this story — though I think it might have larger implications on the roles of women in leadership everywhere. See if you agree?</p> <p>In the town of McLean, TX, the good ol’ boy network is being swept aside as women <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8VTTN984&amp;show_article=1&amp;catnum=0" target="_blank">take the reins</a> of almost all branches of town governance. Peggy Baer was elected in May 2007 as the town’s mayor, supervising a five-person board of aldermen who just also happen to be women. Also included in the new matriarchy are the city secretary, the justice of the peace, and the postmaster. So to what do the women attribute their success? To find out, and to see how Hillary fits in, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1538244">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1538244#comment McLean Texas Texas Weird News Women Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:00:26 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1538244 http://www.citizensugar.com/1534940 <ul> <li>Gen. David Petraeus, the top American commander in Baghdad, is <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/08/us/politics/08campaign.html?ref=politics" target="_blank">currently testifying</a> before the Senate, including all three presidential candidates. Facing questions from the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Gen. Petraeus is expected to recommend a temporary halt in troop withdrawals and to explain more about Iran’s influence in Iraq. The three candidates will have opportunities to ask questions, which will highlight their positions on the war. The last time Gen. Petraeus appeared before the committees, the sessions lasted 10 hours. The session this morning has already been interrupted once by protesters.</li> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/15_2008/Tuesday-350x260.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="260" width="350"></span></p> <li>The number of women and children removed from <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7335841.stm" target="_blank">the polygamy compound</a> in Texas has surpassed 500. Authorities say more than 400 children and 130 women have left the compound after raids stemming from a child abuse inquiry. State troopers are holding an unknown number of men inside as they search the 1,700-acre compound, and officials have been authorized to remove computers, DVDs, and photos in the search. Members of the sect believe a man must marry at least three wives in order to ascend to heaven.</li> <li>Protesters in Haiti, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/08/world/americas/08briefs-THOUSANDSPRO_BRF.html?ref=americas" target="_blank">angered by food prices</a>, took to the streets of the capital, Port-au-Prince. The demonstrations forced businesses and schools to close as unrest spread from the countryside. During the protest someone called out, “we’re hungry!” Haitians are particularly affected by worldwide rising food prices. Eighty percent of the population lives on less than $2 a day. The price of staples like rice, beans, fruit and condensed milk has gone up 50 percent in the past year.</li> </ul> http://www.citizensugar.com/1534940#comment Food Front Page General Patraeus Haiti Iraq War Polygamy Senate Texas Tue, 08 Apr 2008 06:51:09 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1534940 http://www.citizensugar.com/1532910 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104169/15_2008/71796035.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="450" width="258"></span>Authorities trying to talk to <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8VT5KIG2&amp;show_article=1&amp;catnum=0" target="_blank">some of the kids</a> taken from this weekend's big polygamy raid aren't getting much information. After state troopers raided a 1,700-acre West Texas ranch last Friday looking for evidence of the teen, who placed a call authorities a week ago, some 220 women and children have been removed from the premises. The tipoff call came from a girl who allegedly had a baby at 15 and was married to a 50-year-old (under Texas law, girls younger than 16 cannot marry, even with parental approval). </p> <p>The compound was built by <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/04/07/fbi-interviews-girls-from_n_95419.html" target="_blank">jailed polygamist leader</a> Warren Jeffs, and residents of the compound were practicing a breakaway version of Mormonism, the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. A local child advocate said of the kids hesitance to talk, "When children live in a pretty secluded environment and they're as sheltered as these children, it's very difficult to get them to talk to you and to open up. If you can get them to a neutral place, they're a lot more prone to answer you truthfully."</p> <p>220! Women and children! What in the world was going on there?! It's almost beyond comprehension if you're used to the world view that prizes the nuclear family.</p> <p>But does it make sense that with all our soft-focus pop culture romanticism of polygamy (see <b>Big Love</b>, <b>The Girls Next Door</b>, and any number of <a href="http://polyinthemedia.blogspot.com/2006/09/my-husbands-three-wives.html" target="_blank">easy-watching documentaries</a> about plural marriage on TLC) that we would then vilify this? Do you think polygamy is within a person's religious rights? Are you disgusted or fascinated by this story? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1532910#comment Child Brides Headline Politics of Love Polygamy Texas Mon, 07 Apr 2008 12:00:53 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1532910 http://www.citizensugar.com/1518936 <p>Government regulations don't always apply to the government. The US government has waived environmental and other regulations that <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSN0129015620080401" target="_blank">stood as a barrier</a> to the completion of nearly 500 miles of a planned barrier fence along the border with Mexico. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff slammed the gate on delays the regulations presented to the controversial barrier project.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/10/104169/14_2008/76105001.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="366" width="550"></span><br /> Chertoff issued the waivers for stretches of land in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Emphasizing the importance of the project, he said, "criminal activity at the border does not stop for endless debate or protracted litigation, Congress and the American public have been adamant that they want and expect border security. We're serious about delivering it."</p> <p>Why is it endless debate or protracted litigation when it's a project the government wants? Could we be doing harm by ignoring potential environmental impacts? Or is overlooking the regulations the responsible action in the face of insecure borders? Are you pro-fence?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com">Source</p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1518936#comment Border Department of Homeland Security Eco Headline Mexico Texas The Daily Planet Wed, 02 Apr 2008 09:00:25 -0700 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1518936 http://www.citizensugar.com/1099512 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1099512"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1099512',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1099512');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/19/193328/10_2008/74067117.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="400"></span>Not sure if you caught The Notion link in <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1099352" rel="nofollow"> Link Time</a> about Rush Limbaugh's master plan to help Republicans win. The conservative radio personality urged Texas Republicans to vote for Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primary. On Tuesday night, Rush told Fox News: <blockquote>They're in the midst of tearing themselves apart right now. It is fascinating to watch, and it's all going to stop if Hillary loses.</p></blockquote> <p>I've heard accounts from Texas poll workers, who say Republicans in fact voted for Clinton. One Texan Republican, turned Hillary "supporter," wanted her vote to count, but was angered by the big "Democrat" stamp placed on her ballot. You can't have your spoiler and eat it, too! </p> <p>The Dems have tried this trick before. DailyKos.com urged Michigan Dems to vote for Mitt Romney. What do you think about Rush's strategy? Are the Republicans benefiting from a drawn-out Democratic primary?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1099512" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Texas Republicans Vote for Clinton — Good Strategy? </label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Rush is right. Let the Dems bring up subjects like race, religion, and national security.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Rush is wrong. The Dems are benefitting from the vetting and media coverage. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> If it helps your party win, and doesn't break any rules, why not?</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Rush, Smush. Hillary's win shows her strengths. Watch out GOP!</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="4" 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="1099512" /> <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/1099512#comment Barack Obama Conservative Talk Radio Democrats FOX News Hillary Clinton Poll Republicans Rush Limbaugh Texas Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:30:49 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1099512 http://www.citizensugar.com/1094772 <p>Who won today? Well, that depends what your definition of "win" is. Clinton definitely broke Obama's winning streak, and came away with big prizes — Ohio, a state crucial in the general election, and Texas, which is as big as it gets.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/19/193328/10_2008/80110934.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="371" width="550"></span><br /> Hillary Clinton might have a legitimate ticket out of Junior Super Tuesday, simply as a result of the complicated nature of the results. Deciding which matters most —net delegates, the popular vote, big states vs. small states, momentum — is all susceptible to serious pro-Clinton spin. Today, it may mean that the Democrats and the press, want to take a second look at Barack Obama. </p> <p>Earlier, most of you said that Hillary Clinton <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1091119" >needed double digit wins</a> in Ohio and Texas, or she's toast. It's true that the math is still not in Hillary's favor, and an appeal to superdelegates may turn people away from the Democratic Party. Now that the results are in, do you think Hillary should go on? </p> <p>And for <b>Politico's</b> <a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0308/8820.html" target="_blank">Top 5 factors</a> behind a potential Clinton comeback, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1094772">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1094772#comment Barack Obama Democrats Hillary Clinton Junior Super Tuesday Ohio Rhode Island Texas Vermont Wed, 05 Mar 2008 03:00:58 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1094772 http://www.citizensugar.com/1093156 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/19/193328/10_2008/80100547.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="366" width="300"></span>Right now voters are going to the polls across Ohio, Texas, Rhode Island, and Vermont. </p> <p>In Ohio, flood warnings in the south, and icy conditions in the north could <a href="http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/04/the-early-word-off-to-the-polls/" target="_blank"> deter voters</a>. A new balloting system in the Cleveland area may potentially <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080303145236.htm" target="_blank">make voting messy</a>. The new paper ballot system sometimes counts erase marks or stray marks as a vote for multiple candidates, and with the new system, the voter cannot review her selection. Final results from the area may not be available by tonight.</p> <p>And in Rhode Island, where polls stay open until 9:00 p.m., <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/03/03/rhode-island-primary-lat_n_89676.html" target="_blank"> record turnout</a> is expected. Check back here tonight for the winners as they're announced!</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1093156#comment Junior Super Tuesday Ohio Rhode Island Texas Vermont Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:30:19 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1093156 http://www.citizensugar.com/1092871 <p>Or close, anyway! It's your one-stop shop for definitions, delegate counts, and a chance to <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1090963" >predict who will win each contest</a> tonight with our patented CitizenSugar Junior Super Tuesday ballot.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/10/104169/10_2008/dv055040b.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="363" width="550"></span><br /> On the info-front, want to calculate <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1083060" >every possible delegate scenario</a> tonight and see the outcomes? And just what is happening with the crazy <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1091623" >Texas primary/caucus hybrid</a> anyway? Want to figure out once and for all what the heck a <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1049191" >superdelegate</a> is? And <a href=" http://www.citizensugar.com/950242" >caucuses</a> — just how are they different from primaries? We've got you covered.</p> <p>Oh, and just for fun, and because <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1092624" >Hillary had her turn</a> on <b>The Daily Show</b> last night, here's one more look at our famous <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1016898" >McCain Singing/Obama Dancing Mash-Up</a>. Now that's music to our ears.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1092871#comment 2008 Presidential Election Barack Obama Caucus Hillary Clinton John McCain Junior Super Tuesday Superdelegate Texas Tue, 04 Mar 2008 12:30:05 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1092871 http://www.citizensugar.com/1091119 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1091119"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1091119',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1091119');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p>Super Tuesday, on February 5th, was supposed to be the day the Democratic nominee emerged. Instead, absolutely nothing changed. Today could be decisive, but I still get the feeling neither candidate is ready to call it quits. <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/19/193328/10_2008/80084096.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="376" width="550"></span> Today, Hillary has a chance to break her 11-state losing streak. If she does well, and closes in on the delegate count, Obama's momentum could be irrelevant.</p> <p>But Obama doesn't see it that way. On Monday, his campaign manager, David Plouffe, <a href="http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0308/Plouffe_Its_still_over.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wrote in a memo</a> to reporters: "While the Clintons gamely continue to try to move the goal posts, at some point there has to be a reckoning."</p> <p>How far can the goal posts be pushed back and where does the field end? In such a tight race, under what circumstances (if any) should Clinton, now the underdog, exit the race?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1091119" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>What Counts as a Clinton &quot;Win?&quot;</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Double digit wins in Ohio and Texas, or she's toast.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> It's all about the delegates. If she gets a lot, she has to stay in.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> She needs to break the streak and win at least one state.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Superdelegates make up 40 percent of the total. This is going to the convention! </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="4" class="form-radio" /> The Democratic party is being torn apart. She should drop out now!</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="5" class="form-radio" /> Fight on! Regardless what the media says, this isn't over.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="6" 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="1091119" /> <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/1091119#comment 2008 Presidential Election Barack Obama David Plouffe Democrats Hillary Clinton Junior Super Tuesday Ohio Rhode Island Super Tuesday Superdelegates Texas Vermont Tue, 04 Mar 2008 12:00:37 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1091119 http://www.citizensugar.com/1090963 <p>With four states up for grabs today including larger-than-life Texas and pivotal Ohio, the campaigns are feeling the crunch and it's anybody's guess how the delegates will fall tonight. Here's your chance to play pundit and tell us who's winning what when the polls close tonight — <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/ballot/1090704" >vote on each contest here</a>, and see how your guesses match up tonight! <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/19/193328/10_2008/cowboy-hat_1.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="371" width="550"></span><br /> <a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1090963#comment 2008 Presidential Election ballot Ohio Rhode Island Texas Vermont Tue, 04 Mar 2008 06:00:38 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1090963 http://www.citizensugar.com/1091623 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/10/104169/10_2008/dv1531007.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="315" width="236"></span>They're calling it a "primacaucus" or the "Texas Two-step" and it's not easy to understand just how Texas doles out those <a href="http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/03/02/complex_primary_process_proves_no_hurdle_for_eager_texas_voters/" target="_blank">coveted Democratic delegates</a>. There's a whole book trying to explain it — but here are the basics:</p> <p>Texas has a primary first. For 10 days all Texans — regardless of party — are able to cast a secret primary ballot at designated sites within their county — with an additional 12 hours on Tuesday, for those who did not vote early, they will be able to do so at their neighborhood polling place.</p> <p>Then, 15 minutes after the polls close on Tuesday, anyone who cast a ballot in the Democratic primary will be able go to their polling place — and participate in a caucus known as a precinct convention. Delegates will be awarded separately from each process.</p> <p>126 delegates will be awarded according to the primary results, and another 67 delegates will be up for grabs in the caucus.</p> <p>Easy right? Just like falling off a horse.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/1091623#comment 2008 Presidential Election Junior Super Tuesday Texas Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:00:01 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/1091623