That is the question being tested in California. Legislators have taken a step towards placing a ban on your average 50 cent incandescent light bulb in the effort to save our environment. What would replace them are CFLs. Those are those spiral bulbs which look cool, but also carry the price tag (about $7). In the long run, they work longer and save money on your electric bill.
On average 2-billion lightbulbs are sold of which only 5 percent (100 million) are CFLs. The "How Many Legislatures Does it Take to Change a Lightbulb Act" would permanently place a ban on incandescent bulbs by 2012. Maybe other states may follow, as global warming becomes more and more of a political concern.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Setting a date for Withdrawal
Senator and Presidential candidate Barrack Obama has suggested legislation that would withdraw American forces from Iraq by March, 2008. The date falls within the parameters offered by the bipartisan Iraq Study Group, which recommended the removal of combat troops by the first quarter of next year. The Washington Post reports:
"The days of our open-ended commitment must come to a close," Obama said in his speech. "It is time for us to fundamentally change our policy. It is time to give Iraqis their country back."
I agree that our open ended agreement must end, however this is being viewed as a way for Obama to increase the level of his foreign policy work before the 2008 Presidential election. As well, it is to early to tell when the troops will come home, if President Bush's new strategy continues to work they maybe home earlier. I continue to believe that American forces will be in Iraq for eternity, like Korea.
Posting
I will start to post around 11 a.m. their maybe an article or 2 posted earlier but full blogging will start around 11 a.m.
--Reuben
--Reuben
"You First"
I love political cartoons and this one is amazing. It is so accurate all the politicians in Washington, D.C. can talk about pulling funding from the war but NO one will do it. It would be political suicide for anyone politician or political party to pull funding. The American people will see it as if they are pulling the funds from the troops and putting our troops in an unprecedented harmful situation. (Cartoon: Cox & Forkum)Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Congress Finding Themselves Powerless
As President Bush deloys more troops to Iraq, Congress finds themselves useless against his Iraqi War decisions. Bush has previously declared himself "the decision maker" which has even led Senate Republicans to rebel. Even though Congress does hold power of purse, cutting of funding to the troops can potentially be political peril. The Senate will hold hearings this week to find alternative ways to stop what they believe not to be in the interest of the nation. Possibilities can include putting forth a resolution to stop funding troops deployed from a certain date, or even calling back troops to leave a minimal amount to continue to train and patrol Iraq. Then again Congress realizes that veto power remains in the hands of the President and overriding the veto would be very difficult.
"Congress used its war powers to cut off or put conditions on funding for the Vietnam war and conflicts in Cambodia, Somalia and Bosnia" (Yahoo! News). They can certainly do it again.
"Congress used its war powers to cut off or put conditions on funding for the Vietnam war and conflicts in Cambodia, Somalia and Bosnia" (Yahoo! News). They can certainly do it again.
Blog the Vote - Edward's is Livin' Large
Senator John Edwards, the potential Presidential Candidate who is running to appeal to poorest people in America, announced his 2008 bid at the very symbolic background of the ninth ward in New Orleans. He certainly could have done it from his home which sits on 100 acres of land just outside of Chapel Hill. As Jay Leno puts it, Edwards can fit "both Americas" in his multi-million dollar, 28,000 square feet home.
Edwards has been criticized by a fellow Democrat who said, "its one thing to be a millionaire, it's totally deaf tone to be using Katrina victims while putting finishing touches on your multi-million dollar mansion." Edwards response, "If you're in public life, people will be critical of you because of the way you walk, because of what you eat, because of the way you talk, like this Southern accent I've got. You know, you can't worry about stuff like that," he told CBS News. Or should you worry?
(Picture: Example only, not his actual mansion)
Baker will testify
James A. Baker III, the co-chairman of the Iraq Study Group, has ended weeks of resistance and today will testify before Congress on the war, avoiding a split with his fellow co-chairman, former Rep. Lee Hamilton (D-Ind.).
Sources familiar with the efforts to persuade Baker to testify said he did not want to appear to be lobbying against President Bush at the height of his push for 21,500 additional troops in Iraq.
This testimony will not be that interesting because we no what Baker is going to say it will be based on the Iraq Study Group report. The Senate committee is just waisting their time, Baker and his commission are against the surge in troops.
President Bush Iraqi forces "are beginning to show me something"
President Bush was heard yesterday on National Public Radio stressing his new strategy in Iraq is working already. He said that Iraqi forces "are beginning to show me something"
"This fight is an indication of what is taking place, and that is the Iraqis are beginning to take the lead," Bush said. "So my first reaction on this report from the battlefield is that the Iraqis are beginning to show me something."
The initiative taken by Iraqi forces this weekend indicates a transfer of power has begun. Iraqi forces were on the front lines of this battle and American forces only played a supportive role in the battle.
"This fight is an indication of what is taking place, and that is the Iraqis are beginning to take the lead," Bush said. "So my first reaction on this report from the battlefield is that the Iraqis are beginning to show me something."
The initiative taken by Iraqi forces this weekend indicates a transfer of power has begun. Iraqi forces were on the front lines of this battle and American forces only played a supportive role in the battle.
Monday, January 29, 2007
The Black Vote - Part II
While watching an episode of Affirmative Reaction on MTV, one of the questions to the "white" contestants was, "Name 5 prominent black leaders." Well off the top of your head one can think of MLK, Malcolm X, Opera, to name a few. But one of the answers that none of the contestants were able to get was Bill Clinton. Last time many of us checked Bill Clinton was a white man - not exactly. Bill Clinton has been labeled the "first Black President" by many in the black community. Now the concern becomes will the support of the this huge constituency transfer over to wifey Hillary or to the man of the season Barack Obama.
Obama who has been labeled "white" by many in the black community, says once people know what he's truely about, he will indefinately get the black vote. Most people see his ivy league education, his white mother, and find other "white" associations to label Obama. Many overlook his commitment to civil rights, and his mission to reduce the disparity between the rich and the poor.
Who'll get the black vote?
Obama who has been labeled "white" by many in the black community, says once people know what he's truely about, he will indefinately get the black vote. Most people see his ivy league education, his white mother, and find other "white" associations to label Obama. Many overlook his commitment to civil rights, and his mission to reduce the disparity between the rich and the poor.
Who'll get the black vote?
Blog The Vote-Another person to add to the long list of Republican "candidates"
The Associated Press Reports:
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, a Southern Baptist minister, is setting up an exploratory committee to gauge his prospects for the Republican nomination.
He's expected in Iowa tomorrow and Wednesday.Huckabee, who left office earlier this month, faces steep odds in a crowded G-O-P field that includes well-known and well-funded hopefuls such as Senator John McCain of Arizona, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
Huckabee is a staunch opponent of abortion rights and gay marriage.
"We have made significant progress"
Vice President Dick Cheney says that America has "made significant progress" in Iraq.
Over the weekend Iraqi forces backed by U.S. military tanks and helicopters, had a day-long battle against insurgents. The Iraqi government estimates betweeen 250-300 insurgents were killed in the battle which took place near the city Najaf.
Iraqi security forces maintain primary control of Najaf province, and U.S. forces do not have an established, full-time presence there. U.S. military units based in Baghdad responded to Najaf when the fighting escalated.
Over the weekend Iraqi forces backed by U.S. military tanks and helicopters, had a day-long battle against insurgents. The Iraqi government estimates betweeen 250-300 insurgents were killed in the battle which took place near the city Najaf.
Iraqi security forces maintain primary control of Najaf province, and U.S. forces do not have an established, full-time presence there. U.S. military units based in Baghdad responded to Najaf when the fighting escalated.
"They saw that they needed some help and called in air support," a U.S. military official told the Washington Post on condition of anonymity. "That's exactly what they're supposed to do."
Can this be considered success in Iraq? Does this mean the Presidents new counter insurgency strategy will work? or is this not enough to change people's opinion? What do you think?Friday, January 26, 2007
Democrats are in Iraq for the weekend.
Speaker of House Nancy Pelosi and several of her Democratic peers are in Iraq this weekend on a fact-finding mission. In which Pelosi says find a "greater understanding of the others' point of view," and "to convey to our troops the appreciation of the American people for what they're doing, to applaud their patriotism."The Pelosi delegation visited the heavily fortified Green Zone, site of the American Embassy, and met with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
Pelosi has been a sharp critic of the Bush administration's conduct of the war and has led a drive in Congress against sending 21,500 more troops as part of a new security crackdown in Baghdad.
This come as several different resolutions are ciculating on Capitol Hill. My take is that the delegation is trying to show that they do support our troops but they do not support the President new strategy. As well they are gaining an education of the true situation in Iraq by being at the source, the Prime Minister has probably spoken to the delegation of how important the American presence in Iraq is and what the Iraqi government is doing at their end of the strategy. Even with the circulating resolutions their will be no change in policy, nor will a piece of legislation with holding funds from the military ever pass.
Pelosi has been a sharp critic of the Bush administration's conduct of the war and has led a drive in Congress against sending 21,500 more troops as part of a new security crackdown in Baghdad.
This come as several different resolutions are ciculating on Capitol Hill. My take is that the delegation is trying to show that they do support our troops but they do not support the President new strategy. As well they are gaining an education of the true situation in Iraq by being at the source, the Prime Minister has probably spoken to the delegation of how important the American presence in Iraq is and what the Iraqi government is doing at their end of the strategy. Even with the circulating resolutions their will be no change in policy, nor will a piece of legislation with holding funds from the military ever pass.
Informed Students News
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--Reuben
--Reuben
New person to lead the troops in Iraq.
Breaking News: The Senate has unanimously confirmed Army Lt.Gen. David Petraeus to become top U.S. commander in Iraq. Authorized To Kill
The Washington Post reports that American forces in Iraq now have the power to capture or kill Iranian operatives inside Iraq as part of an aggressive new strategy to weaken Tehran's influence across the Middle East and compel it to give up its nuclear program, according to government and counterterrorism officials with direct knowledge of the effort.
The question is why has it taken this long. The reason we have been losing the war is because of rules like this, originally Iranians captured would only be held for 3 to 4 day then released, in order to keep Iran from expanding its influence in the region (that has worked marvelously). In this war, with the terrorist embedded into the Iraqi world, forces should be able to do whatever it takes to capture terrorist or insurgents. Thats why we will see results from President Bush's new strategy in Iraq because the troops can actually do something. It is ridiculous to send troops into a country and not allow them to do their job, because the Iraqi government has agreements with parts of the terrorist. No, if your intent is to kill Americans then American forces have the right to kill or capture you (in a humane way of course)
The question is why has it taken this long. The reason we have been losing the war is because of rules like this, originally Iranians captured would only be held for 3 to 4 day then released, in order to keep Iran from expanding its influence in the region (that has worked marvelously). In this war, with the terrorist embedded into the Iraqi world, forces should be able to do whatever it takes to capture terrorist or insurgents. Thats why we will see results from President Bush's new strategy in Iraq because the troops can actually do something. It is ridiculous to send troops into a country and not allow them to do their job, because the Iraqi government has agreements with parts of the terrorist. No, if your intent is to kill Americans then American forces have the right to kill or capture you (in a humane way of course)
Democrats Plan=Cut Funding
Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) "has scheduled a hearing next Tuesday in his Judiciary Committee subcommittee to explorewhether Congress has the authority to cut off funding for the U.S. military campaign in Iraq," The Politico reports. Feingold said Thursday "I will soon be introducing legislation to use the power of the purse to end what is clearly one of the greatest mistake in the historu of the nation's foreign policy."
It would be political suicide for the Democratic party, if even a piece of legislation was brought fourth in the Senate to stop funding the war in Iraq. A resolution in opposition of the Presidents new strategy and asking for "benchmarks" are great ideas, however cutting funds would be leaving our troops to die. To "use the power of the purse" to end the war would bring fourth thousands of American deaths and an angered armed forces. Cutting funds would show congresses lack of support for the troops themselves. It would be the end of the Democratic parties hopes for any chance in 2008 and any chance in the next 20 years (atleast) of political success.
It would be political suicide for the Democratic party, if even a piece of legislation was brought fourth in the Senate to stop funding the war in Iraq. A resolution in opposition of the Presidents new strategy and asking for "benchmarks" are great ideas, however cutting funds would be leaving our troops to die. To "use the power of the purse" to end the war would bring fourth thousands of American deaths and an angered armed forces. Cutting funds would show congresses lack of support for the troops themselves. It would be the end of the Democratic parties hopes for any chance in 2008 and any chance in the next 20 years (atleast) of political success.
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Senate Iraq Resolution
The Senate foreign relations committee took a shot at the president Wednesday, voting 12-9 for a non-binding resolution against the troop surge. Nebraska Republican Chuck Hagel was the only senator to stray from his party. The Republicans are trying to create their own resolution, reports the Washington Post. Senate Republican asked for "benchmarks to measure progress in Iraq and possibly a new diplomatic effort to end the war."
The troop increase is clearly the only way to resolve the conflict in Iraq, we need to put more troops in order to restore law and order. Until that happens the Iraqi government is powerless. These resolutions should only be asking for benchmarks, any words against troops will only hurt the United States more. I understand that many Americans no longer support the war but we all need to support our troops.
What do you think?
The troop increase is clearly the only way to resolve the conflict in Iraq, we need to put more troops in order to restore law and order. Until that happens the Iraqi government is powerless. These resolutions should only be asking for benchmarks, any words against troops will only hurt the United States more. I understand that many Americans no longer support the war but we all need to support our troops.
What do you think?
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Pelosi's Upset
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said yesterday that President George W. Bush did not consult her before announcing his new strategy for the war in Iraq -- a sign that, despite the cozy rhetoric, the relationship between Washington's two powerhouses has already had its share of friction. Her interview according to the Politico continued on to say that the Democrats will now take hold of domestic policy, leaving Pelosi as the top dog.
Pelosi said she thinks that if the President gathers enough Republican support for his immigration and energy proposal, we will see legislative progress. However we will not see anything in regard of President Bush's tax cuts for Health Insurance plan.
I think that Pelosi is right when she was angered that the President did not consult her on the new Iraqi strategy, although he does not have to. She is the third in line to the Presidency and therefore deserve some respect. Although Pelosi was thankful for the Presidents salute to her at the beginning of his address, I think that it is all political "fluff." He is really trying to appease the Democrats rather than compromise with them, appeasing the Democratic party will just not work.
What do you think?
Pelosi said she thinks that if the President gathers enough Republican support for his immigration and energy proposal, we will see legislative progress. However we will not see anything in regard of President Bush's tax cuts for Health Insurance plan.
I think that Pelosi is right when she was angered that the President did not consult her on the new Iraqi strategy, although he does not have to. She is the third in line to the Presidency and therefore deserve some respect. Although Pelosi was thankful for the Presidents salute to her at the beginning of his address, I think that it is all political "fluff." He is really trying to appease the Democrats rather than compromise with them, appeasing the Democratic party will just not work.
What do you think?
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