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WebChannel24.com WebChannel24.com - Broadband News and Entertainment 24/7 http://www.webchannel24.com/ Copyright 2008 AOE, Inc. en-us August 19, 2008, 5:12 pm webmaster@webchannel24.com webmaster@webchannel24.com http://www.webchannel24.com/images/wc24_logo.jpg WebChannel24.com Live Bookmark http://www.webchannel24.com/ Obama's VP Choice Examined

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With the Democratic Convention coming up, Senator Barack Obama is expected to announce his pick for Vice President running-mate this week. Tim Kaine, Joseph Biden and Evan Bayh are topping the lists as potential VP nominees for Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama. With a party that's still feeling the pains of the primary season divide, Obama's choice of Vice Presidential running mate will do little to heal those wounds (unless of course he picks Senator Hillary Clinton, which is considered a long shot). However, by making a strong stand with a strong second-in-command to go to war with the Republicans, Obama can quiet doubts many, even in the Democratic party, have had over his decision making abilities. <h2>The Choices</h2> <img src="http://media.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/congress/members/photos/228/B001233.jpg" align="left">US Senator Evan Bayh has been in the Senate since 1999 and is mostly known for his centrist views. While he is a committed Democrat, Bayh has often had more right-leaning ideas on taxes, the War in Iraq and the Patriot Act. He was also a leading voice in asking for the resignation of former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld when the Iraq War appeared at its bleakest. Bayh put out an autobiography titled From Father to Son: A Private Life in the Public Eye where he discussed being the son of Senator Birch Bayh and the importance of father-son relationships. Bahy is pro-choice leaning, abstains on same-sex marriage, and supports eminent domain laws. <img src="http://www.virginia.gov/governorkaine/images/TimKaine300x355.jpg" align="left">Governor Tim Kaine has held office in Virginia since 2005 and previously practiced law for seventeen years. Like John Edwards, Kaine has fought in the past for the rights of the working class and minorities, famously in cases involving equal housing opportunities. During his term as governor, Kaine has banned smoking in government buildings, made great efforts to protect large portions of Virginia from private development, and taken steps to modernize the records of the post-Civil War era in Virginia, a step that may help in research of African American history. Kaine is considered a blue dog Democrat in that he has personal convictions that are conservative but governs liberally. He personally opposes abortion and same-sex marriage but has not actively sought to diminish either in his state. <img src="http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k261/Moolieaux/JoeBiden.jpg" align="left">Senator Joe Biden is perhaps the most experienced of the choices for Obama, and more widely known in political circles. He ran during the primaries against Obama and Clinton, and made a strong showing in several states. He is currently serving his sixth term in office as a U.S. Senator. Where Biden shows strongest is his knowledge of foreign affairs, and in such, his staunch opposition to the Bush Administration in their conduct during the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars post 9/11. He would provide a balance for Obama to offset the immense advantage Senator John McCain has over him in experience. Biden has served on the Judiciary Committee and the Foreign Relations Committee. He was one of the original politicians to call for a splitting of Iraq into three sections to offset the violence in the country. Mostly liberal in his voting record, Biden would compliment Obama's style perhaps more than any of the other choices, but his age may undercut the out with old Washington, in with Change promotion that Obama has run on since last year. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/00658/news-graphics-2008-_658631a.jpg KC Hunter The Game August 19, 2008, 5:12 pm www.webchannel24.com 260 KC Hunter, Barack Obama, presidential election, Democratic Convention, Joe Biden, Evan Bayh, Tim Kaine, Democratic Convention Barack Obama is expected to make his VP choice this week Little Hope For Hillary Supporters

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Hillary Clinton will speaks at the DNC Convention, but don't expect her to be named VP or nominated. At this year's Democratic National Convention, former Democratic candidate Senator Hillary Clinton will play a role in the proceedings but not a huge one. Clinton will speak at the convention but not as a keynote speaker. The gesture by the Obama campaign is made as a way of healing some lingering party wounds amongst Democrats, especially those who still support - and in some respect hold out hope for a nomination for - Hillary Clinton. The honor of keynote speaker will go to Mark Warner of Virginia, who will speak the same day as Senator Clinton. Former President Bill Clinton will also have a slot at the convention, but again, the focus will be on Obama and his chosen VP candidate. Then there is the issue of Clinton's delegates which will be counted at the convention. Although this will bring up concerns again over the number of votes that Clinton received during the primaries versus Obama, it has been indicated that Senator Clinton will give her delegates over to Senator Obama and thus solidifying him as the candidate elect for the Democratic party. "I am convinced that honoring Sen. Clinton's historic campaign in this way will help us celebrate this defining moment in our history and bring the party together in a strong united fashion," said Obama. By extending the olive branch to Bill and Hillary Clinton, Obama hopes to patch up any ongoing divides within the party as they look to head full-swing into the fall in the battle with Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain. After the convention, we will have a clearer picture at where the Democratic party stands in relation to unity. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/00653/news-graphics-2007-_653956a.jpg KC Hunter The Game August 14, 2008, 11:05 pm www.webchannel24.com 257 KC Hunter, Barack Obama, The Game, Hillary Clinton, DNC, election, president, United States, Democratic Convention, DNC Hillary Clinton will speaks at the DNC Convention, but her role in the upcoming campaign won't be much Editorial: Republicans Stand Up For Citizens on Oil

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The so-called Gang of Ten look to undo the only positive steps Republicans have taken towards energy this year. It's almost as if the Republicans are becoming Democrats in election year strategy. While House Republicans take a stand and more-or-less boycott Congress' vacation and House Leader Nancy Pelosi's blocking and refusal to vote on a new energy bill, Senate Republicans have teamed up with some Senate Democrats to propose a less-intensive compromise. Um, hello, that was your one big card for this year's election. What the two dozen House Republicans did was take a stand against the bloated members of Congress going on an extended vacation while the country suffers under high gas prices (which even at $3.81 per gallon is still over what it should be). Instead of uniting, senators Lindsey Graham, John Thune, Saxby Chambliss, Bob Corker and Johnny Isakson decided to join with some Democrats and thrust a plan that will break the gridlock on the energy debate. Essentially what they're doing is a) proposing something that eliminates any effective drilling for oil within U.S. borders for a small amount of ineffective drilling and b) throw water on the growing fire that was finally getting the GOP some support amongst the public. Thank you again for showing us just why conservatives are not voting for Republicans. http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3124/2743948427_d11459180b_o.jpg Thomas Joyce Cobra Nation August 12, 2008, 6:29 pm www.webchannel24.com 254 Thomas Joyce, Cobra Nation, Republicans, Oil, Senate Republicans, Congress, House Republicans, Gang of 10, Gang of Ten, oil, ene The Gang of Ten seek to undo the only good things Republicans have done this election cycle Editorial: John Edwards and His Baby's Momma

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After denying it for weeks, John Edwards finally admits to his affair ... and I couldn't be more disgusted. Okay, if you're wife has cancer ... cancer ... what do you do? a) stay by her side and do a lot of praying b) run for President c) have an affair Well, most of you (hopefully) would choose a. Unfortunately, John Edwards chose b and c. Choosing B doesn't upset me as much as choosing a (although his speeches were at times hard to digest). What the heck is wrong with this guy? Rielle Hunter, the woman in question, apparently has been around the block a few times too as one of Edward's aids, Andrew Young, has claimed her child (whose birth certificate doesn't name a father) as his. What were they doing, passing her around the office? While everyone is worried about what role Edwards could play, if any, during the Democratic National Convention in fall, I'm wondering about his wife. This kind of media attention, in addition to the stress of dealing with an extramarital affair, cannot be good for Elizabeth Edwards. I hope the media doesn't make a circus out of this (we know they will). John Edwards ... in all honesty ... you're pathetic. http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptide/edwards.jpg Thomas Joyce Cobra Nation August 8, 2008, 7:09 pm www.webchannel24.com 245 Tom Joyce, Cobra Nation, politics, John Edwards, affair, democratic party, blog, opinion, editorial John Edwards, after repeated denials, admits to having an affair Editorial: Why Obama's $1000 Plan Won't Work

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Even though the intentions are good, there seems to be an empty promise in Barack Obama's pledge to give the American people $1000 in rebates. Through a "windfall profits" tax on oil companies, Senator Barack Obama pledges to give all Americans a $1000 rebate. Just one problem with this. It's isn't necessarily legal. Now, it sounds good, and in this day and age things that sound good are too often believed to be possible by people who don't look any deeper into the issue. Some have even said that it's not Constitutional and with the current Supreme Court, it would never pass. Bottom line is, you cannot single out one industry for "windfall profits" tax and leave out all the others. What happens when (like in the mid 90s) the oil companies aren't doing so well ... do we have to give them $1000 each? Moreso, any measure made would be tied up in litigation for years as "Big Oil" would hire every lawyer they could to muck up the process. Simply put, the oil companies can pretty much do whatever they want because some genius designated oil and natural gas as an industry instead of a utility. Combine that with our middle eastern friends hiking up the price through arbitrary claims of supply and demand, and oil speculators ramping up the price every time Iran rattles its saber, you've got a mess. Ironically, the price per barrel of oil dropped below $120, it's lowest since March of this year. This is mainly due to the great decrease in demand because many of us have stopped driving so much. You know what, good! I've reduced my driving. My friends don't go out as much as they used to. Few fill their tanks and instead just put in enough to get around for a day or two. If we can survive hurricane season (until the end of November) then we'll be sitting good until the next crisis ... home heating oil and the high cost of that come December. We'll have a new President Elect by then, so hopefully the choice America makes is one that's going to jump on that issue before we hear stories of families freezing to death! http://www.frbsf.org/publications/community/investments/0308/Moneybuilding2.jpg KC Hunter The Game August 5, 2008, 8:08 pm www.webchannel24.com 240 KC Hunter, Barack Obama, the Game, thousands, rebate, government, presidential election, oil, gas, oil companies Barack Obama pledges to give the American people $1000 in tax rebates Editorial: O'Reilly Omits Jackson From Ludacris Blurb

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Beyond the racially charged rantings of rapper Ludacris, Bill O'Reilly seems to have excluded the rants against Jesse Jackson. "Jesse talking slick and apologizing for what? If you said it then you meant it how you want it head or gut?" This comical threat of punching Jesse Jackson in the head or gut was part of a very short smattering of lyrics in rapper Ludacris' song "Obama Is Coming". However, in his Wednesday coverage on The O'Reilly Factor, Fox News host Bill O'Reilly apparently missed the lines, edited it out of the presentation to his viewers of the song, and never mentioned it on his television or radio show. In contacting The Radio Factor Thursday, WebChannel24.com was told that "Bill has a transcript of it. I don't know why he didn't include it but I'll ask" from the show's screener. We're willing to give Mr. O'Reilly the benefit-of-the-doubt that somehow his staff overlooked the shots taken against Jackson. The reason it's important is that by playing only the parts about painting the White House black and the slams against Clinton, Bush and McCain, the racial component comes into play again even though Ludacris is insulting a prominent black leader in the same song. We await the correction of the record on an upcoming broadcast on either of the Factor shows. http://www.aidinvaziri.com/uploaded_images/ludacris08-748299.jpg KC Hunter The Game July 31, 2008, 12:43 pm www.webchannel24.com 238 Bill O'Reilly, McCain, Ludacris, Barack Obama, racism, avoidance Even though he detailed Ludacris' ribs on John McCain, Hillary Clinton and George W. Bush, the rib against Jesse Jackson eluded McClellan Corrects Record on O'Reilly Talking Points

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After an interview with Chris Matthews on MSNBC, former White House Spokesman Scott McClellan came under attack from Bill O'Reilly for claiming O'Reilly got talking points from the White House. During a recent interview with Scott McClellan, Chris Matthews asked whether or not certain people at Fox News got talking points from the White House. In the midst of cross talk between the two, McClellan said "yes" to Matthews' question, thus giving the impression that Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity had their prime time shows driven by a Bush agenda. Outraged by the claim, Bill O'Reilly went on a two day campaign to call out McClellan for what O'Reilly considered a lie. On Monday's The O'Reilly Factor, the Fox News host blasted McClellan for the comment yet gave him an out because Matthews was leading the conversation and McClellan might not have heard Matthews slip in "Bill" when naming people at Fox News who received talking points from the Bush Administration. O'Reilly claims emphatically that he has never received talking points from the White House and was highly offended that McClellan allowed such an inaccuracy to stand. This led to a conversation/argument Tuesday on the syndicated radio show The Radio Factor where O'Reilly confronted McClellan. The conversation became heated and O'Reilly, after some time, got McClellan to admit that O'Reilly never got talking points from the Bush Administration. However, McClellan phrased it as a "I couldn't say yes or no" type of apology, which then O'Reilly pushed again ... finally getting an "I'm sorry" out of McClellan. Later in the conversation, as O'Reilly's passion grew, McClellan asked for an apology for various insults O'Reilly has slung his way over the past month since the release of McClellan's book which his harsh towards George W. Bush. McClellan was upset that O'Reilly claims he was in collusion with MSNBC, a network that is clearly not in favor of the Bush Administration. O'Reilly did not apologize, citing that "you are in collusion with them to sell your book", and although O'Reilly had no problem with that, he also claimed that MSNBC was using McClellan for their own ends. http://static.dailymotion.com/dyn/preview/320x240/9488666.jpg KC Hunter The Game July 29, 2008, 9:34 pm www.webchannel24.com 235 Bill O'Reilly, Scott McClellan, White House, talking points, Fox News, argument, anger, The Radio Factor Scott McClellan corrects the record on his claim that Bill O'Reilly got talking points from the Bush White House Major Earthquake Rocks California

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A magnitude-5.4 earthquake hit California at 11:42 a.m on Tuesday. Scattered minor damage and a few minor injuries have been reported in the aftermath of an earthquake that was strongly felt across Southern California. ADVERTISEMENT Southern California experienced a 5.4 earthquake at 11:42am on Tuesday which resulted in minor damage and a few injuries. The quake rumbled through the areas of southern Los Angeles and San Diego, even being felt in part of Nevada. The center of the quake is reported to bein Chino Hills, a few miles south of downtown LA. Despite the shock to the residence of SoCal, damage remained minor and all major highways are operating as usual. Some buildings suffered superficial damage. Acting Mayor Wendy Greuel had only a report of a few people stranded in elevators. Deaths, at this time, are reported at zero. http://archives.cnn.com/2000/TECH/computing/11/01/campaign.usa.internet.reut/map.california.los.angeles.jpg KC Hunter The Game July 29, 2008, 4:37 pm www.webchannel24.com 233 California, earthquake, July 28, 2008 Scattered minor damage and a few minor injuries have been reported in the aftermath of an earthquake that was strongly felt acro Editorial: Kissing Obama's Ass ... Not So Fast

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With all three major network news anchors going with Senator Barack Obama's overseas trip, the thought was they were all in the tank for him. Well, they are but at least Katie Couric had the fortitude to ask him a tough question. When Democratic Presidential Candidate and Illinois Senator Barack Obama went on his overseas trip to visit the Middle East and Europe, the three major network anchors went along with him. Perhaps he thought it would be good PR. Perhaps he thought they were going to provide great sound bites and photo ops. Well, that all did happen, but one person didn't follow suit all the way. Now, don't get me wrong, the coverage on Obama going overseas has more cheerleading in it than a homecoming game, but at least Katie Couric asked him about his opinions on the Surge - one of Senator John McCain's strongest assets in the election. When she asked him if he would say the Surge was a success, Obama had to carefully choose his words. If he says it wasn't, it would be a flat out lie as it is apparent now that the Surge actually improved conditions in Iraq. If he said he was wrong, well, no politician ever wants to say those words. Well, except for John McCain who admitted he was wrong on the border and oil drilling. We've seen consistently that Obama has a hard time with hard questions. Perhaps that's the reason he didn't go into those town hall meeting with McCain. Perhaps it's why he still has yet to go on The O'Reilly Factor. This conservative sees great gaping holes in Obama's shining armor and can see come September and October that those holes may crumble around him. It's a problem liberals have ... they say pie-in-the-sky stuff that sounds good but when reality hits, they can't go back on them. But, thank you Katie Couric for asking him a question and letting Obama look like a politician instead of "the Messiah" as Rush Limbaugh calls him. http://mobasoft.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/barack-obama-official-small.jpg Thomas Joyce Cobra Nation July 24, 2008, 8:45 pm www.webchannel24.com 229 Barack Obama, Katie Couric, Iraq, The Surge, election Barack Obama didn't necessarily have a cake walk with his interviews with one news anchor Honor Killings Exposed On Fox News

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Sarah and Amina Said were murdered by their father in Texas this year in an honor killing, a trend that has grown in the United States. Yasir Said, a taxi cab driver in Louisville, Texas murdered his two daughters earlier this year in what is called an honor killing because his two daughters were becoming more westernized. This is a crime that apparently is on the rise in America. Fox News plans to do an in depth look into honor killings this weekend, featuring the gruesome murder of Sarah and Amina Said. Their father shot them both in the back of his cab and left them for dead. Sarah Said managed to call 911 before she succumbed to her nine bullet wounds. Although authorities attempted to arrest Said at his home, Egyptian born Yasir Said is still on the run with a capital murder charge hanging over his head. Many suspect he has returned to his home of Egypt. The tapes of Sarah's last desperate call have circulated the internet for months and now are gaining national attention as other cases of honor killings have surfaces. http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/images/2008/01/07/sarah_amina_said.jpg Thomas Joyce Cobra Nation July 24, 2008, 8:32 pm www.webchannel24.com 228 honor killing, Fox News, Islam A father kills his two daughters in honor killing, a disturbing reality that has hit America Editorial: McCain's Unfair Week

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With Barack Obama in Iraq and every major news agency following his every move, John McCain sees even less attention paid to his campaign than before. Question is, is that fair? Senator John McCain has been attempting for many months to make his case to the American people as to why he should be the next President of the United States. However, with the rock star fever surrounding his Democratic counterpart Senator Barack Obama, McCain finds himself left out in the cold. So is this really fair? We're in the middle of a political campaign for the top office in the country, the world for that matter, and we're treating this like a popularity contest. It's no secret that the media is in the tank for Barack Obama whether through liberal bias or just the excitement Obama brings naturally to the process. However, we expect (and should demand) that our professional media and journalists cover the election fairly and honestly. Now, since right wing and moderate voices have expressed their annoyance with the pandering that goes to Obama, there has been an attempt to balance things out this week during Obama's visit to Iraq. Everytime you see Obama, you'll see a rebuttal from McCain. Despite this, the scales are very much tipped in Obama's favor, and in a society where over half of those who will be voting this fall can only stand to absorb sound bites, images and fragments of information (without even thinking about it or seeing if it's true or not), Obama possesses a great advantage going into November. It gets worse than this. Apparently, after Obama had an opinion piece published in the New York Times, the paper denied McCain's response to be printed which further indicates there very well may be a bias. But come on, we know there is, and depending on which side of the political spectrum you're on, you either care or don't care about it. In the end, it's the people who are hurt by this. It's the people who are hurt by the pandering for ad dollars by networks and newspapers. It's the people who are hurt by news anchors cheering for Obama on 80 percent of the media and kind of cheering for McCain in the other 20 percent. Most of all, it's the people who are hurt by their abject lack of intellectual curiosity when it comes to their country. Obama has proven to be a flawed candidate after being put under the microscope. McCain has been shown to have no clear strategy on his campaign let alone the country. This is the best we have to offer in a time of economic instability, soaring prices, an upcoming generation that is severely undereducated, and a world that's chomping at the bit to see this country fall? We need change alright. We need a change in our priorities and the mockery that is called "news" that we watch - for those of us who actually watch it. http://img.scoop.co.nz/stories/images/0605/7d4be1a42161dd9db13f.jpeg KC Hunter The Game July 22, 2008, 9:25 pm www.webchannel24.com 227 John McCain, election, media, coverage, Obama, Iraq, presidential election, 2008, Republicans While Barack Obama makes headlines hourly with his trip to Iraq, McCain slips further into obscurity Jackson Caught Slamming Obama

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Jesse Jackson was on a live mic when he muttered off-color comments about Barack Obama, claiming the Democratic nominee for President "talks down" to black people. Jesse Jackson was on a live mic when he muttered off-color comments about Barack Obama, claiming the Democratic nominee for President "talks down" to black people. Jackson later apologized for the comments he made regarding Obama which he made when he thought his lapel microphone had been turned off. "I said it can come off as speaking down to black people. The moral message must be a much broader message. What we need really is racial justice and urban policy and jobs and health care. There is a range of issues on the menu," Jackson told CNN in an attempt to explain his position. In addition to being upset with what he feels as Obama's "talking down" to the Black Community, Jackson also claimed he wanted to "cut his nuts out". Jackson apologized for the crudeness of this comment in particular, which was a private statement he made to a fellow guest on Fox News' morning program. http://www.capitolhillblue.com/cont/files/092007jackson.jpg KC Hunter The Game July 9, 2008, 10:18 pm www.webchannel24.com 217 Jesse Jackson, Barack Obama, Presidency, Race, african american, black, racism Jesse Jackson was on a live mic when he muttered off-color comments about Barack Obama Editorial: Obama Flip Flops on Iran

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YouTube ad on Obama's flip flop. Barack Obama has been under fire for his flip flops on Iran. One moment, they're an insignificant country. The next, they're a large entity that is a threat to the United States and Isreal. You be the judge. <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/f6Lge-__OOE&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/f6Lge-__OOE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> http://www.donkeydish.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/barack-obama-2.jpg Thomas Joyce Cobra Nation July 9, 2008, 10:15 am www.webchannel24.com 216 Obama, Iran, presidential race Barack Obama flip flop on YouTube Former Senator Jesse Helms dies at 86

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Republican known as 'Senator No' served 30 years before retiring in 2003 Former US Senator Jesse Helms, who was known as a strong conservative and fought with Communists, liberals and occasionally other Republicans, died at the age of 86. He died in Raleigh of natural causes, said former chief of staff Jimmy Broughton. Helms, a former broadcaster in North Carolina, held his position in Congress from 1972 until 2002 when he decided not to run for a sixth term. In his later years, Helms was plagued by a variety of health problems including bone disorder, prostate cancer and heart problems. As many conservatives have felt over the last few decades, Helms expressed that he'd liked to be remembered by future generations for what he said and not what was distorted by his ideological opponents. Known as Senator No, Helms often blocked or stonewalled votes and asked for roll-call votes, thus forcing many Democrats to take sometimes controversial stands on issues such as pornography as art, school busing and flag burning. His disputes with homosexuals and their rights (and appointments to office) were a large part of his career during the Clinton administration. These positions softened in his later years, showing a more moderate tone as the 90s came to a close. Helms and his wife, Dorothy, had two daughters and a son. They adopted the boy in 1962 after the child, 9 years old and suffering from cerebral palsy, said in a newspaper article that he wanted parents. http://www.nndb.com/people/595/000022529/jesse-helms-sized.jpg KC Hunter The Game July 4, 2008, 11:26 am www.webchannel24.com 215 Jesse Helms, senator, died, death, US Senator, Republican Republican known as 'Senator No' served 30 years before retiring in 2003 Colombia Rescue

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Eleven Colombian police officers and soldiers, hree U.S. contractors and former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt were resuced after Colombia spies tricked leftest rebels. Eleven Colombian police officers and soldiers, hree U.S. contractors and former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt were resuced after Colombia spies tricked leftest rebels. In what Betancourt called a "perfect operation", all captives of the 44-year-old Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia were retrieved without violence. Marc Gonsalves, Thomas Howes and Keith Stansell, who are now being reunited with their families, were the longest held hostages in American history. Colombian military intelligence had operatives working within the rebels who tricked the hostage's guards to a meeting that was really an ambush. "The operation will go into history for its audacity and effectiveness," said Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos. Betancourt, who is known as a spirited woman, was thin but had no life threatening injuries. http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080702/capt.262168f8f7094d9faefd6e2870913e59.colombia_hostages_xrm110.jpg Garth Brantley Today's News July 2, 2008, 7:53 pm www.webchannel24.com 213 colombia, rescue, south america, Ingrid Betancourt Colombian spies tricked leftist rebels into handing over kidnapped presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt and three U.S. milit Wesley Clark Says McCain's War Experience Not Relevant

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During Face The Nation this last Sunday, retired Army General Wesley Clark stated that Senator John McCain's experiences in the military did not qualify him to be president of the United States. During Face The Nation this last Sunday, retired Army General Wesley Clark stated that Senator John McCain's experiences in the military did not qualify him to be president of the United States. This comment has caused a considerable amount of debate over the past few days with pundits and supporters of John McCain being outraged at the comments of Clark. Since then, Clark has embarked on a media campaign to further clarify his statements. During his interview on Face The Nation, Clark stated that being shot down in a plane did not qualify John McCain to lead the country. He also explained that John McCain's leadership role in the military was during a time of peace and he did not have to give any orders to "drop the bomb" when he was in charge. "The service that he had wasn't the same as having been in White House or in the Pentagon or at a high level of command," Clark said during an interview with Andrea Mitchell on MSNBC Tuesday. McCain has responded by calling such comments "unnecessary" and stating the he's proud of his service in the US Military. Barack Obama made an around-a-bout critique of Clark's comments by stating that no one in either party should question any candidate's patriotism. In the same speech he praised Senator McCain for his service during war time, especially the fact that he was tortured while serving his country. The backlash seems to be measured and does not appear to be damaging Obama's campaign. Clark however continues to defend his comments as not being offensive while the blog-o-sphere and talk radio decry his comments as being outlandish and insulting. "It calls into question his own record," said a caller into Bill O'Reilly's The Radio Factor show on Tuesday (being hosted by Michael Smerconish in for the vacationing O'Reilly). Whether or not this will be an issue beyond this week is doubtful, but many talk radio listeners and bloggers on the conservative side see this situation gaining McCain some much needed sympathy from the general public. http://www.wired.com/news/images/full/ap_wesley_clark_f.jpg KC Hunter The Game July 1, 2008, 12:41 pm www.webchannel24.com 212 Wesley Clark, John McCain, Barack Obama, war, president, Presidentail race, politics, Vietnam On Face The Nation, Wesley Clark stated that John McCain's military experience did not qualify him to be President Editorial: New York Times Does It Again

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Once again, United States secrets are told to the world by who else but the New York Times. Enough is enough. I'm pretty damn sick and tired of seeing military secrets, strategies, follies and operations that are supposed to be under wraps, reported by the New York Times to the whole world. When are we going to see these people as what they are ... a hair short of being traitors. Why in the world would any news organization report the secret operations of it's own country's military movement to the entire world? Is it for journalistic freedom? Is it to make sure the whole truth is told to the world? Is it real patriotism through the prism of dissent? Or, is it just plain old self hatred. I say self hatred in this case as it relates to Americans hating their country and doing anything to put it down. If you're mother is an alcoholic, would you go tell everyone in the neighborhood? Better yet, if your mother was telling the cops about the drug dealers in your neighborhood, would you post an article about it in the local paper? What do you think would happen to dear old ma? The New York Times and it's editorials/hard news sections has been a topic I have avoided for some time on this website, but I must say by now, I can't stand it anymore. They've really gone out of their way to print stuff that is harmful to its own country. Let me restart that, its own country. For that matter, when are we going to see a big, bold headline about what Iran is doing to blow up our troops in Iraq? Guess that doesn't fall under the banner of the whole truth because it doesn't make the United States ... or George Bush ... look bad. This is a clear example of where hatred for George Bush turns into dangerous issues for the entire country and its men and women in the military. What do you think the secret operatives who are working over in Iran are thinking about the New York Times right now? http://endlessinnovation.typepad.com/endless_innovation/images/2007/10/19/new_york_times_building.jpg Thomas Joyce Cobra Nation June 30, 2008, 7:43 pm www.webchannel24.com 211 Iran, US, war, middle east, New York Times, patriotism The New York Times reports on US covert activities in Iran Supreme Court Rules DC Gun Ban Unconstitutional

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On Thursday the Supreme Court ruled that the Washington D.C. gun ban was unconstitutional. On Thursday the Supreme Court ruled that the Washington D.C. gun ban was unconstitutional. At 5 to 4, the Court decided that the ban violated the Second Amendment rights of the citizens of DC. No basic gun rights were adjusted nationally from the decision. Much of the dispute on this issue came from the reading of the Second Amendment and whether it applied just to militia or to all citizens. The amendment reads: "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed." Justice Stephen Breyer disagreed with the ruling citing that, "In my view, there simply is no untouchable constitutional right guaranteed by the Second Amendment to keep loaded handguns in the house in crime-ridden urban areas." Many Second Amendment activists see this ruling as a long overdue turn for the better. Supporters feel that the ability to protect themselves, especially in heavy crime areas where criminals carry handguns regardless of the laws of the land, is of fundamental importance and is a right they should have protected. The last Supreme Court ruling on the topic came in 1939 in U.S. v. Miller, which involved a sawed-off shotgun. Constitutional scholars disagree over what that case means but agree it did not squarely answer the question of individual versus collective rights. http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/_client_common/images/news/hand_gun_lg.jpg Thomas Joyce Cobra Nation June 27, 2008, 7:31 am www.webchannel24.com 208 guns, gun ban, Washington DC, Supreme Court, Second Amendment The Supreme Court made a monumental ruling on a thirty plus year old gun ban issue Bush to Lift N. Korea Sanctions

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Years after being named part of the Axis of Evil, North Korea finally complied with the international community in dropping its nuclear weapons programs. Years after being named part of the Axis of Evil, North Korea finally complied with the international community in dropping its nuclear weapons programs. In the White House Rose Garden Thursday, President George W. Bush told reporters "The United States has no illusions about the regime." Although North Korea has apparently agreed to comply, and thus have its sanctions lifted, most of the world community remains cautious until actual inspectors are on the ground. Although the lifting of U.S. sanctions is a step in a peaceful resolution of the tensions between the two countries, it will not significantly help North Korea's staggering economy as all current United Nations sanctions will remain in place. Despite this apparent progress, one member of the original six party talks with North Korea is not on board. Japan, who had several of its citizens kidnapped by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s, did not agree with taking North Korea off the terrorist country list until that situation was resolved. Part of this agreement is that North Korea will begin to dismantle its nuclear weapons program, but the interest is in the stockpiles of nuclear waste and plutonium. The North Korean government is expected to report how much plutonium it actually has at its main reactor site in Yongbyon. Secrectary of State Condoleezza Rice stated in the Washington Post Thursday that "Any effort to denuclearize the Korean peninsula must contend with the fact that North Korea is the most secretive and opaque regime on the planet." North Korea was originally put on the list of nations that state sponsor terrorism after a 1987 bombing of a South Korean airliner. The change in status allows companies in the United States to work and trade with the North Koreans, however many U.S. companies are not jumping at the chance to do business. http://patdollard.com/wp-content/uploads/captc8925a9d27c140319e7f45fe3cc12032bush_un_xund135.jpg KC Hunter The Game June 26, 2008, 10:04 am www.webchannel24.com 207 North Korea, United States, President Bush, sanctions, terrorist, axis of evil President George W. Bush stated Thursday to lift sanctions on North Korea Editorial: Don Imus Sticks His Foot In It Again

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Don Imus made ripples in the news again with another seemingly racist comment, this time involving troubled NFL star Pacman Jones. So Imus has done it again. He's managed to annoy people with something racist ... well, almost. Apparently, this story hasn't roused so much ire amongst the mainstream media. Perhaps it's because after we were so saturated last year with stories like Don Imus, Mel Gibson, and that guy who played Kramer on Seinfeld that we're a little worn out. It could also be that after hearing Jeremiah Wright for the last two months, people may just be immune to this stuff in the news. However, no one is immune to the feelings involved. When I first heard the comments in question, it does come out as a racist comment ... sort of a "he's black ... uh huh, well what do you expect" kind of tone. Today on his radio show, Imus went to "explain" that he was actually defending African Americans by saying it was no secret that blacks are unfairly targeted by law enforcement and that's what his comments were at. "What people should be outraged about is that they arrest blacks for no reason, and I mean there's no reason to arrest this kid six times," he said. "They shoot blacks for no reason." Nice save. At a certain point in time, you would think this guy would just stop commenting on racism. But, this is how things play out in this country now. I can't read Imus' mind so I don't know if that's what he meant the first time. I must admit, he'd have to be insane to discuss anything race-related after his screw up last year. However, you would also think he would not mention race at all. For it's part, it's not a big story right now. No one is fanning the flames or calling for his firing. There's no Media Matters, no Al Sharpton, no Jesse Jackson looking to get at him. We'll just see if Don Imus can keep his nose out of trouble from here on out ... although I seriously doubt it. http://streetknowledge.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/don-imus.jpg KC Hunter The Game June 24, 2008, 8:00 pm www.webchannel24.com 203 Don Imus, racism, Pacman Jones, football, arrests, blacks, African Americans, controversy Don Imus makes more comments that many are offended by George Carlin Passes Away

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George Carlin Dies of Heart Failure They say these things come in threes, and on the heels of last week's passing of Tim Russert, another social and political voice has been silenced as long time stand up comedian and actor George Carlin died of congestive heart failure on Sunday. He was 71. Most know for his skit "Seven Words You Can Never Say On TV", Carlin started his comedic career as a straight laced comic who later in the 70s changed up his image to an outrageous and outspoken liberal comedian who always questioned authority, consumerism and the general western mindset and its numerous humorous ironies. "So my name is a footnote in American legal history, which I'm perversely kind of proud of," Carlin told the AP earlier this year when reminded of his historic Seven Words act which lead to a Supreme Court hearing on public obscenity laws. Carlin pushed the boundaries many times over his career and became an outspoken voice for many progressive causes as time went on. He is dearly remembered by his fellow comics. "I'm getting awfully tired of people we need, leaving us," said Jon Stewart Monday on a broadcast of The Daily Show when commenting on the passing of Carlin. Many, including such top acts like Bill Maher, Jerry Seinfeld and Dennis Miller have all made similar comments when remembering their fallen peer. He is survived by wife Sally Wade; daughter Kelly Carlin McCall; son-in-law Bob McCall; brother Patrick Carlin; and sister-in-law Marlene Carlin. http://images.usatoday.com/life/_photos/2006/06/13/carlin.jpg KC Hunter The Game June 24, 2008, 7:51 pm www.webchannel24.com 202 George Carlin, dies, obituary, death, comedian, comics, liberal, anarchist George Carlin died Sunday at the age of 71 Tim Russert dies at the age of 58

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On Friday June 13, 2008 Tim Russert died of an apparent heart attack. He was 58. During the afternoon of June 13th 2008, Tim Russert suffered a heart attack while preparing for his weekend show, Meet the Press. Russert is most widely known as the moderator and the voice of Meet the Press which airs Sunday mornings on NBC and has been a benchmark for political news commentary for decades. Since 1991, Russert helmed the show and brought what many of his peers called an unparalleled sense of fairness and objectivity in a time when journalist were becoming increasingly partisan. Never known for backing down from tough questions for anyone, or taking sides often, Russert would often cross the lines where his fellow commentators wouldn't go and tackle subjects with high profile politicians. Even though his interviews tended to be tough, they were rarely hostile. "There wasn't a better interviewer in television," Sen. Barack Obama told reporters in Ohio. Republican Sen. John McCain also praised Russert as the "pre-eminent journalist of his generation." He was 58 and is survived by his Maureen Orth, a writer for Vanity Fair magazine, and their son Luke. http://www.centre.edu/web/news/2006/images/nov/russert.jpg KC Hunter The Game June 13, 2008, 7:36 pm www.webchannel24.com 198 Tim Russert, Meet the Press, politics, death, NBC News, anchor, networks Tim Russert, long time host of Meet the Press, died Friday June 13, 2008 And So It Begins

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At 9pm on Tuesday June 3rd, 2008, Barack Obama was announced as the nominee for the Democratic Party for the 2008 Presidential Election. At 9pm on Tuesday June 3rd, 2008, Barack Obama was announced as the nominee for the Democratic Party for the 2008 Presidential Election. And history was made. Despite the ongoing contention from Hilary Clinton, and her determination not to throw in the towel just yet, it is pretty much a done deal that Barack Obama will face off against John McCain in the 2008 Presidential Election. After many months, and many scandals, Obama was able to take the nomination for himself. The story of this year now shifts to the differences between Obama and McCain, which John McCain did his best to put forth in a speech he made on Tuesday, referring to Obama's ideas as "... not the kind of change we're looking for". In drawing comparisons, McCain pulled the strings on experience, patriotism, and character (although at times indirectly). McCain further went to enhance his maverick persona by citing the number of times he's stood what was best for America even in the face of his own party's interest, or the interest of himself. Obama will likely draw his lack of government involvement in Washington as his lack of being tainted by the "politics of division". Although he has been hurt by the scandals involving his church and misstatements over the past few months, Obama continues to be a strong candidate and the likely winner of the race if it were held today, ousting McCain in nation polls by 3 - 5 points. http://www.mjmgroup.com/bullypulpitnews/images/obama_mccain.jpg KC Hunter The Game June 3, 2008, 8:17 pm www.webchannel24.com 175 Barack Obama, nomination, election, president, John McCain, Hilary Clinton Barack Obama clinches the Democratic nomination and the general election cycle begins Finally, It's Over!

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It seems like it was four years ago when these candidates started campaigning for the 2008 election. Now, we are finally at the end of one of the longest primary seasons in recent history. “This may be the last day I’m ever involved in a campaign of this kind,” said Bill Clinton in South Dakota on Monday to a crowd of Hilary Clinton supporters. After a very exhaustive and expensive primary season for the Democratic party, the last two primary contests take place on Tuesday in South Dakota and Montana. Even though there are rumors of staff cuts and her quitting after Tuesday, Hilary Clinton has gone on record as stating that she will not be dropping out of the race after Tuesday's two contests. Polls and contests indicate, despite Obama's lead in the delegate count, that Clinton may have some tricks still up her sleeve. After Florida and Michigan's delegates were acceted (cut in half due to the DNC ruling this past weekend), she may have the popular vote, depending on the numbers you're looking at. In addition, Hilary Clinton has been surging as a candidate the past few months while Barack Obama has stalled following the continued controversies surrounding his now former church and former pastor Jeremiah Wright. Another wild card is the super delegate issue. While some are pledging for Obama, others are strongly pledging for Clinton. It may very well be that, although the primaries end on June 3rd, this dispute over who will lead the Democratic Party against John McCain in November could be a long way from being resolved. http://z.about.com/d/usliberals/1/0/1/2/ObamaHillaryWinMcNamee.jpg Tom Joyce Cobra Nation June 2, 2008, 6:05 pm www.webchannel24.com 173 Bill Clinton, Hilary Clinton, Barack Obama, president, race, election, democrats After months and months, the Democratic Primary season finally comes to an end Editorial: Ever Growing Moral Decay of Western Civilization

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Despite the "do as you please" attitude today, most people feel that the overall moral state of society is on the decrease. Morals ... a hot button topic for many people. Many years ago, western culture by and large held common ideas on morality. This went from conduct in public to conduct in private. Since the 60s and 70s, the more progressive nature of society at large has shown an increase in coarse and corrupt behavor and morality. Gallup conducts a regular poll that tracks how people feel about current moral conditions in society and future conditions. In 2002, 68% felt that morality was getting worse. Today, it's at 82%. A slight bump happened in 2004 where opinions were more positive to the state of social morality, but that has since taken a sharp dive. Yet, you'll usually hear several lines from many people ... have it your way, do your own thing, look out for you ... generally, a tone of self indulgence. Sometimes, it comes with "as long as you don't hurt anyone else", but that usually flies out the window when someone else is hurt with "that's their problem, I'm going to do what I want to do". Hence, the decay or morals. You only have to go to a gas station to see how obnoxious behavior is displayed and tolerated. How many times have you gone to pay $200 to fill up your tank and while you're cursing the oil companies and the middle east and George Bush, have to hear someone at the next pump turn off their car but keep their stereo on so everyone can hear the oh-so talented music they're listening to. You know, that person is really cool and you should be looking at them and listening to what they're listening to ... and if you don't like it, that's your problem. We have a whole television show called "Cheaters" where 90% of the time, those who get caught are sorry, but more or less angry that someone had the nerve to actually catch them. So, is there a solution? Not really, as other civilizations throughout history became corrupt before falling, western civilization is at the same point. When you have no right or wrong ... when you can't judge anything because that is much worse than whatever lying, cheating, violence or stealing the other person did (they might have a good reason, of course) ... when half of us think we should ignore the laws or redefine them ... when you have a nation where everyone thinks they're supposed to be the next American Idol ... you get a moral decay. 82% of us think it's going downhill ... why aren't more of us stepping up to fix it? http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v443/n7114/images/443909a-i1.0.jpg KC Hunter The Game May 29, 2008, 7:11 pm www.webchannel24.com 171 morality, United States, western civiliation, polls, Gallup The overall sense of morality in the culture is on the decrease Editorial: California Courts Overturn Gay Marriage Ban

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California's Supreme Court Overturns the Gay Marriage Ban to the joy of some and the dismay of others. On Thursday the California Supreme Court struck down a ban on gay marriage, citing the ban, "does not constitute a legitimate basis upon which to deny or withhold legal rights." The court claims that the ability to raise children does not depend on sexual orientation. Can we stop right there? Liberals love nature, the natural order of things blah blah blah except when it comes to humanity ... then the rules change. Personally, I don't really care about gay marriage, it's all a word game anyway. If you put a gun to my head and made me choose I'd say I'm against it simply for two reasons. One, despite the quote above, it goes against natural law for two people of the same sex to raise a child, if that's what nature intended for the human species then we'd be able to reproduce through homosexual copulation. We can't, it's not natural ... that's not saying gay people are bad, it's just not the way intended for a child to be reared in the human species. Secondly, we have civil unions and a series of other domestic partnerships that are legally recognized. Why do we HAVE inject homosexuals in a heterosexual tradition? I've always said the simple and fair solution is to deem another form of partnerships legally binding for homosexuals. Call it something else. Why do we need to force homosexualiy into marriage, which is an institution that was created originally to encourage the growth of natural families to rear children. In my opinion, the whole state of marriage in this country is screwed up as it is ... homosexual or heterosexual. It's seen as something romantic when it's really a partnership built for raising the next generation ... something we sorely fail at. The bottom line is, this is such a non-issue. The gay marriage supporters need to get over the word marriage and that whole side in general needs to stop trying to redefine everything to include everybody. There's nothing wrong with being different. Gay people are different than straight people. Celebrate the difference and have a different form of a legally recognized union. If you don't think it's insulting to have someone try to force themselves into your culture, ask any black man who gets ill when he hears a white person throw around the N word and claim that they're "really black". http://i.l.cnn.net/cnn/2008/US/05/15/same.sex.marriage/art.hug.gi.jpg Tom Joyce Cobra Nation May 15, 2008, 9:18 pm www.webchannel24.com 168 gay marriage, homosexuality, civil unions, California, law, legal Gay Marriage Ban Overturned in California 100,000 Possible Dead In Myanmar Cyclone

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The top U.S. diplomat in Myanmar says the death toll may reach 100,000 from a cyclone and its aftermath. She said the country's military junta is "paranoid," about the United States but is not blocking American aid in retaliation for past criticism. Shari Villarosa, US diplomat, claims that a majority of buildings in the area of Myanmar hit by this week's cyclone are destroyed and beyond repair. The lack of aid to this area however is considered shocking in the wake of such devistation. "There is a very real risk of disease outbreaks as long as this continues," said Villarosa on Wednesday. The lack of humanitarian aid to the disaster area could spike the death toll to 100,000 by some estimates. In the United States, Condoleezza Rice has called for aid to reach the area despite the strained international relations of the Mayanmar government. The senior leadership of Myanmar is hesitant to accept aid from the west as it is historically distrustful of the intentions from western nations. The trouble comes from the apparent human rights abuses in Myanmar which the United States and other countries have spoken out against. Despite this, some aid has reached the area but with an already difficult region to traverse - coupled with the recent disaster - the aid is extremely slow in reaching those in need. http://www.foxnews.com/images/368803/2_67_050708_Myanmar_flooding.jpg KC Hunter The Game May 7, 2008, 8:38 pm www.webchannel24.com 166 Myanmar, Cyclone, International, disaster 100,00 Possible Dead in Myanmar Cyclone, Aid scarce Editorial: It's True, We're Getting Dumber

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Nearly half of high school students in big-city school systems don't graduate from high school, a new report from the America's Promise Alliance revealed today. Well here we are, a study today showed that the graduation rate of American high school students has dropped significantly. More kids are dropping out than ever, especially in the urban areas. So, yes, with all this technology and all this access to information ... are we getting smarter? No. Well, is the younger generation getting smarter? HELL NO! Now, you'll hear claims of race, of the disadvantaged, of the poor and so on and so forth. Is that really the problem? Is Barack Obama going to solve this problem? Did George Bush cause this problem? Well, the problem is a cultural one and not one of opportunity. I've seen first had that almost ANYONE can get money to educate themselves. The government will pay you to learn something because we need more people making money to keep this country strong. If everyone's on welfare, food stamps and social services programs, who's going to make the money to pay for all those entitlements? Who do I blame? I blame American Idol. I blame the thug propoganda. I blame parents being more interested in getting their party on and living as carefree as they can ... and dragging their children through self imposed poverty. Yes, I said it, it needed to be said. I'm not talking about the people who can't do better either through mental or physical disability. I'm talking about people who choose to quit school, people who rather spend their time memorizing lyrics to Yahh, Bitch, Yahh than knowing how to manage a mortgage, people who actively choose to associate with drug dealers and low class thugs than attend a PTA meeting or *gasp* associate with POSITIVE people. We have a nation that has a growing population that thinks they're supposed to be superstars. They watch reality tv and think they deserve to be there ... someone's going to give them a recording contract, a football contract, a chance at a million dollars. "Ooh, I can do that!". "My kid is cute, let me see how much money they can make. They should be on TV!". Seriously, that's what goes through a lot of minds these days. What's the result going to be? I think, unless this trend changes, America's going to be a country of 50 million workers at or above the middle class income and 430 million of welfare recipients ... eventually bankrupting a system that's predicated on one succeeding on their own steam. That message is lost. America isn't the land where you can achieve success, it's a land where many of it's young people think they're supposed to be SHOWERED with success and money with minimum work. And hey, if I don't make it there, it's perfectly fine to be broke ... what's that ... work? ... get an education? ... you must be crazy!. Unless we change this culture of laziness and entitlement, the American Dream is going to turn into a Ghetto/Trailer Park Nightmare before I retire in thirty-five years. http://www.prepme.com/img/pile-of-books.jpg KC Hunter The Game April 1, 2008, 6:42 pm www.webchannel24.com 165 education, America, schools, children, generation, high school, graduation Nearly half of high school students in big-city school systems don't graduate from high school, a new report from the America's Editorial: Obama, O'Reilly, Oh No!

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Last Thursday Bill O'Reilly broke a story about Barack Obama's former pastor Jeremiah Wright, and a racial storm began. So the informed by now have heard about Jeremiah Wright, Senator Barack Obama's former pastor and close friend. What was in question was some harsh remarks from Wright about the United States, Hilary Clinton, and white people in general. Bill O'Reilly, Fox New's (and the country's) top rated news-entertainment commentator, broke the story by playing clips of Jeremiah Wright saying such things as "God Damn America" and "the United States is no better than Al-Queda". Most of the media ignored the story for the first few days but it picked up steam over the weekend as Obama's favorability rating with voters dropped ten points. The damage was so bad that Obama gave a speech in which he flipped the comments of his friend and pastor into a commentary about race relations in America. He showed his understanding of both sides of the issue (Obama, for those who don't know, is part Caucasian). It's true, there are severe conflicts on both sides of this issue. As an African America, I've experienced first hand the frustration of black America and the ignorance and prejudice of white America. I've also seen the growing annoyance of today's white America, many of whom had nothing to do with past racial policies in the country. It's to the point where there's a segment of White America that doesn't even want to claim to being white. Despite what many may feel about Obama or O'Reilly, they have brought a valued debate to the American forefront. Racism still exists, but it's parameters have changed. I am monetarily more successful than 90 percent of my Caucasian friends. I don't feel threatened anywhere I go ... however, there are places where I won't go. It's the same for many white people, who won't go to places that are majority African American or Hispanic. Does any of this help the issue? Do people like Jeremiah Wright, spouting his distain for the country and it's white power base help? Does the thug-life image that's brought a handful of African Americans monetary success help (see: Busta Rhymes, 2Pac, OJ Simpson and a list of others)? Does white people hating the Caucasian part of their heritage and their American citizenship solve a problem? Does unfettered illegal immigration enrich the cause of Hispanics to gain their place in American culture? I'd say no to all of those. What's listed above is dominant these days, and none of it has helped anything. The first thing we do when getting over a past wrong committed by someone else is forgive them, but not forget, and move on. It's something that Christ taught, and it's something that O'Reilly, Obama and Wright ... along with the rest of the nation ... will hopefully soon learn. http://farm1.static.flickr.com/157/415457772_6dbf2dcb1e_o.jpg KC Hunter The Game March 19, 2008, 7:23 pm www.webchannel24.com 163 Barack Obama, Bill O'Reilly, Jeremiah Wright, race, racism, politics, news, Fox News, presidential race US Senator Barack Obama and former pastor Jeremiah Wright Congress endorses post-Bush tax hike

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Democrats in both House and Senate pressed ahead with budget plans that would saddle millions of Americans with higher tax bills in three years by allowing some or all of President Bush's reductions to die after he leaves office. From the AP: All three major presidential candidates interrupted their campaigns to cast votes on the budget plan, which is nonbinding but highlights the difficult choices on taxes and spending facing the next president and Congress. Binding votes on the expiring Bush tax cuts will be left to his successor and the Congress that's elected in November. The candidates also wanted a chance to vote for a one-year ban on pork-barrel projects, though that late-night Senate effort seemed doomed to defeat. The practice of inserting "earmarked" spending into legislation is seen as a birthright by lawmakers in both parties — and a right under the power of the purse awarded to Congress by the Founding Fathers. As for the $3 trillion federal budget plans, the House version would provide generous increases to domestic programs but bring the government's ledger back into the black by letting all of Bush's tax cuts expire at the end of 2010 as scheduled. That five-year plan passed the House on a 212-207 vote, with Republicans unanimously opposing it over what they argued was $683 billion in tax increases. In the Senate, John McCain of Arizona, the Republican presidential nominee-in-waiting, voted to extend the full roster of tax cuts, which he opposed seven years ago as being tilted in favor of the wealthy. Democratic rivals Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois both voted against them. Clinton and Obama did vote for $340 billion in tax cuts over five years for middle- and higher-income taxpayers, investors and people inheriting businesses and big estates. But they joined with Democrats and a couple of maverick Republicans in rejecting, 52-47, an additional $376 billion in extensions of income tax rate cuts, more generous estate tax cuts and relief from the alternative minimum tax. Republicans hope to use the votes as fodder for the heated presidential campaign and for congressional races. Lawmakers in both parties also were put on record for when the tax cuts actually expire in three years. Said Republican Rep. Jim McCrery of Louisiana, "Democrats are quietly but very assuredly paving the way for a massive, economy-choking, tax increase." Democrats said the plans would reverse years of deficits that have piled up during Bush's tenure. They said he squandered trillions of dollars in projected surpluses that were projected when he took office. "The Democratic budget continues to move our nation in a new direction and to clean up the fiscal train wreck caused by failed Republican economic policies over the last seven years," said House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md. Separately, the proposed moratorium on pet spending projects seemed headed for defeat despite the backing of all three of Bush's potential successors. Earmarks have exploded in number and cost in recent years, accompanied by charges of abuse and public outrage over egregious examples like the proposed "bridge to nowhere" in Alaska, which would have cost more than $200 million to serve an island with a population of about 50. "Too many senators have confused the founding fathers of the earmark favor factory with the Founding Fathers of the United States of America," said Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla. On the subject of tax cuts, Democrats in the House defeated a GOP plan that would have extended Bush's reductions — and went further by eliminating the alternative minimum tax, which was originally designed years ago to make sure rich people pay at least some tax but now threatens more than 20 million additional taxpayers with increases averaging $2,000. Some 38 mostly moderate Republicans voted against their party's plan, which would have made cuts in popular programs like Medicare, housing, community development and the Medicaid health care program. Congress' annual budget debate involves a nonbinding resolution that sets the stage for later bills affecting taxes, benefit programs such as Medicare, and the annual appropriations bills. Unless such follow-up legislation is passed, however, the budget debate has little real effect and is mostly about making statements about party priorities. This is such a year. Congress rarely tackles difficult budget issues as elections loom, and a standoff with Bush means that Democrats may even take a pass on advancing the 12 annual appropriations bills. The first year of an administration is typically when heavy lifting on the budget is done, but all the candidates' campaign plans seem to promise more than they can deliver. McCain's tax cuts would require applying a meat cleaver to spending, while the Democrats promise spending that would enlarge the deficit or require too-large tax increases. The White House forecasts the deficit for the current year at $410 billion, a near record. Democrats trumpeted their plan for putting the budget back in balance while also making investments in infrastructure, education, community development, clean energy and other programs. It also would avoid $196 billion worth of Bush-proposed cuts to Medicare and the Medicaid health care program for the poor and disabled. ___ The bills are H. Con. Res. 312 and S. Con. Res. 70. http://www.biblehelp.org/images/stacks%20of%20money.jpg ANDREW TAYLOR, Associated Press Writer Cobra Nation March 13, 2008, 9:06 pm www.webchannel24.com 161 Bush, Congress, taxes, money, increase Democrats in both House and Senate pressed ahead with budget plans that would saddle millions of Americans with higher tax bills Editorial: Self Hating Female

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Dr. Laura blames the recent adultery scandal of New York Governor Elitot Spitzer partially on his wife. Is she a self hating female? We've heard a lot of nonsense over the years - self-hating minorities, self-hating whites, self-hating men etc. - but the self-hating female angle is a rarity. Enter Dr. Laura Schlessinger, a famous 2nd tier celebrity who makes her living giving advice to mostly women. Her views are what could be considered conservative, and in a large part have some merit. However, in light of the recent scandal involving New York Governor Eliot Spitzer who resigned from office after being exposed for his alleged involvement in a prostitution ring, Dr. Laura took a side against Mrs. Spitzer, and women in her situation. Her claim was that Mrs. Spitzer failed to “make him feel like a man” and that somehow this was the rationale for his cheating ways. Of course, she says what he did was wrong, but she points the finger in a half-cocked way at his wife and any women who's husband cheats. Really, is she nuts? Any man or woman cheating on their spouse, loved on, girlfriend or boyfriend etc. is totally to blame for their actions. If you do not want a relationship with someone, or seek to find "enjoyment" elsewhere, you break up with your significant other and pursue what you want to pursue. A relationship - and even moreso, a marriage - is a commitment that no matter if your wife gets fat, your husband loses all his hair, your girlfriend doesn't put out enough for you, or your boyfriend simply gets older, if you're still in that relationship with the person, it is your responsibility to be honest with them. Sure, a partner can be a bad partner, or just not the right person for you, but that does not mean you do what you want with someone else while staying in the relationship. It's selfish, it's cowardly, it's dangerous, and it's just wrong. Wrong. A word that Dr. Laura and her kind like to use. Well, blaming people for their partner's cheating ways is simply wrong. Dr. Laura has valid points about how women these days don't think they need to care of put effort at all into their relationships with men ... many have a very careless attitude towards their husbands. Whether or not that was or wasn't true in the Spitzer case (and Dr. Laura has no way of knowing that), it is silly and irresponsible to blame anyone for their spouse's cheating ways. http://www.easttexasradio.com/kimp/images/dr_laura.jpg KC Hunter The Game March 12, 2008, 5:55 pm www.webchannel24.com 160 Dr. Laura, cheating, marriage, spouses, abuse, adultery, Eliot Spitzer Dr. Laura blames part of their spouse's cheating ways on women Scandal puts Spitzer's career in danger

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NEW YORK - Gov. Eliot Spitzer's political career teetered on the brink of collapse Monday after the corruption-fighting politician once known as "Mr. Clean" was accused of paying for a romp with a high-priced call girl. NEW YORK - Gov. Eliot Spitzer's political career teetered on the brink of collapse Monday after the corruption-fighting politician once known as "Mr. Clean" was accused of paying for a romp with a high-priced call girl. The Democrat faced immediate calls to step down after a news conference in which a glassy-eyed Spitzer, his shellshocked wife at his side, apologized to his family and the people of New York. "I have disappointed and failed to live up to the standard I expected of myself," said the 48-year-old father of three teenage girls. "I must now dedicate some time to regain the trust of my family." He did not discuss his political future and ignored shouted questions about whether he would resign. And he gave no details of what he was apologizing for. Spitzer was caught on a federal wiretap arranging to meet in a Washington hotel room the night before Valentine's Day with a prostitute from a call-girl business known as the Emperors Club VIP, according to a law enforcement official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the investigation is still going on. The governor has not been charged, and prosecutors would not comment on the case. But an affidavit based on the wiretap told of a man identified as "Client 9" — Spitzer, according to the law enforcement official — paying $4,300 in cash, some of it credit for future trysts, some of it for sex with a "petite, pretty brunette, 5-feet-5 inches, and 105 pounds," named Kristen. The scandal came 16 months after Spitzer stormed into the governor's office with a historic margin of victory, vowing to root out corruption in New York government in the same way that he took on Wall Street executives with a vengeance while state attorney general. But his first year in office was marred by turmoil, and the latest scandal raised questions about whether he would make it through the week. "He has to step down. No one will stand with him," said Rep. Peter King, a Republican congressman from Long Island. "I never try to take advantage or gloat over a personal tragedy. However, this is different. This is a guy who is so self-righteous, and so unforgiving." Democratic Assemblyman John McEneny said: "I don't think anyone remembers anything like this — the fact that the governor has a reputation as a reformer and there is a certain assumption as attorney general that you're Caesar's wife. It's a different element than if you were an accountant." Democratic Lt. Gov. David Paterson would become New York's first black governor if Spitzer were to resign. The allegations were outlined in papers filed in federal court in New York. A defendant in the case, Temeka Rachelle Lewis, told a prostitute identified only as Kristen that she should take a train from New York to Washington for an encounter with Client 9 on the night of Feb. 13, according to the complaint. The defendant confirmed that the client would be "paying for everything — train tickets, cab fare from the hotel and back, mini bar or room service, travel time and hotel." The prostitute met the client in Room 871 at about 10 p.m., according to the complaint. When discussing how the payments would be arranged, Client 9 told Lewis: "Yup, same as in the past, no question about it" — suggesting Client 9 had done this before. According to court papers, an Emperors Club agent was told by the prostitute that her evening with Client 9 went well. The agent said she had been told that the client "would ask you to do things that ... you might not think were safe ... very basic things," according to the papers, but Kristen responded by saying: "I have a way of dealing with that ... I'd be, like, listen dude, you really want the sex?" The ring arranged sex between wealthy men and more than 50 prostitutes in New York, Washington, Los Angeles, Miami, London and Paris, prosecutors said. Four people accused of helping to operate the ring were arrested last week. The club's Web site displays photos of scantily clad women with their faces hidden. It also shows hourly rates, with prices set according to each woman's ratings, which range from one to seven diamonds. The highest-ranked prostitutes cost $5,500 an hour, prosecutors said. "I have acted in a way that violates my obligations to my family and violates my, or any, sense of right and wrong," Spitzer said at the news conference. "I apologize first and most importantly to my family. I apologize to the public, whom I promised better." The case began as a financial investigation by Internal Revenue Service agents, and at some point was referred to the public corruption unit of the U.S. Attorney's office, authorities said. It was not clear from the authorities whether Spitzer was a target of the investigation from the start, or whether agents came his across his name by accident. Prosecutors compiled statements from a confidential source and an undercover officer and examined more than 5,000 telephone calls and text messages and more than 6,000 e-mails, as well as bank, travel and hotel records. The four people arrested were charged with violating the Mann Act, a 1910 federal law against crossing state lines for purposes of prostitution. Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond, noted that prostitution customers are often not charged, and said charges against Spitzer might be unlikely. "Especially if he resigns, he may just be left alone. It may be that the public is satisfied by his resignation as governor," Tobias said. Spitzer clashed with Wall Street executives throughout his two terms as attorney general. Among other things, he uncovered crooked practices and self-dealing in the stock brokerage and insurance industries and in corporate board rooms, and went after former New York Stock Exchange chairman Richard Grasso over his $187.5 million compensation package, calling it unreasonable. He soon became known as the "Sheriff of Wall Street." Time magazine named him "Crusader of the Year," and the tabloids proclaimed him "Eliot Ness." The square-jawed graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law was sometimes mentioned as a potential candidate for president. His campaign slogan during his run for governor was "Day One Everything Changes." But his term as governor has been fraught with problems, including an unpopular plan to grant driver's licenses to illegal immigrants and a plot by his aides to smear his main Republican nemesis. Spitzer had been expected to testify in front of a state commission he had created to answer for his role in the scandal, in which his aides were accused of using the state police to compile travel records to embarrass Senate GOP leader Joseph Bruno. His cases as attorney general included a few criminal prosecutions of prostitution rings and tourism involving prostitutes. In 2004, he took part in an investigation of an escort service in New York City that resulted in the arrest of 18 people on charges of promoting prostitution and related charges. ___ Associated Press Writer Mike Gormley contributed to this report from Albany, N.Y. http://nymag.com/daily/intel/07_spitzer_lgl.jpg AMY WESTFELDT, Associated Press Writer Associated Press March 10, 2008, 8:39 pm www.webchannel24.com 159 Gov. Spitzer Expected To Resign Gov. Spitzer Expected To Resign Fidel Castro Resigns

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At 81-years-old, Cuban President Fidel Castro says he will not resume his role as Cuban President. When the Cuban Parliment meets Sunday, they will be faced with something not seen in half a century: a Cuba without Fidel Castro as its leader. With Fidel Castro's departure, his brother Raul (acting President) will take over as head of Cuba, ending the longest current reign of any world leader. Many in the west hope that it may be a sign of a democratic future for Cuba, hinting at changes and reforms Raul Castro hinted at making over the past year. The news was received in luke-warm fashion amongst the Cuban population. Most went about their daily lives without causing much of a fuss over the end of their President's lengthy reign. "He will continue to be my commander in chief, he will continue to be my president," said Miriam, a 50-year-old boat worker waiting for the bus to Havana port. "But I'm not sad because he isn't leaving, and after 49 years he is finally resting a bit." Castro will not be leaving government totally. He remains a member of parliment and will continue to have influence in the country. However, Raul will look to make changes in the living standards of most Cubans, citing that the current wages most citizens make is not enough to maintain a decent lifestyle. Castro's supporters admired his ability to provide a high level of health care and education for citizens while remaining fully independent of the United States. His detractors called him a dictator whose totalitarian government systematically denied individual freedoms and civil liberties such as speech, movement and assembly. http://www.mrdowling.com/images/710castro.jpg KC Hunter The Game February 19, 2008, 10:15 am www.webchannel24.com 157 Fidel Castro, Cuba, President, communism, USA, politics, world news Fidel Castro resigns as Cuban President Editorial: Bush's Final State of the Union Address

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In his final State of the Union Address, President George W. Bush puts forth a wishful agenda for the future of America way beyond his final days in office. With the current economic uncertainty in America, US President George W. Bush opened his final State of the Union Address with a call to help all Americans with a rebate on taxes. Staying clear of internation issues for the first part of his speech, Bush went into detail on a laundry list of issues from energy reform, education enhancement with giving the poor class vouchers for alternative education (ie. private schools), help in the housing market and jobless sectors. Later, he went into foreign policy and unveiled the news that up to 20,000 American troops would be returning home over the course of 2008. Although some (including Nancy Pelosi who may have muttered "it's not enough" behind Bush when he said it) say that this is a small measure and not what we need, it is a sensible response to the success of the Surge. As always, the split room of Democrats mostly sat on their hands during more conservative issues ... Republicans cheered at issues regarding the economy and the military. Overall, a fraction of what Bush discussed tonight will actually get done. Some of his ideas were good, others not as much, and some (the expansion of No Child Left Behind for one) are down right horrific. Nonetheless, in what appeared to be a more humble speech than his previous six, Bush leaves the final State of the Union a much maligned yet steadfast leader of the United States. http://msnbcmedia3.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070123/070123_bush_hmed_7p.hmedium.jpg KC Hunter The Game January 28, 2008, 9:19 pm www.webchannel24.com 151 George Bush, USA, State of the Union, President, economy, Iraq, Iran George Bush gives his seventh, and final, State of the Union Address Gates Denies Nato Rift

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Defense Secretary Gates denies reports of discontent between US and NATO allies over Afghanistan. REUTERS - Defense Secretary Gates denies reports of discontent between US and NATO allies over Afghanistan. The Los Angeles Times published an interview with Gates in which the U.S. defense chief questioned whether NATO forces and advisers had the training to tackle Taliban and other insurgents behind rising bloodshed in south Afghanistan. Deborah Luttebeck reports. http://a.abcnews.com/images/Politics/ap_gates_070913_ms.jpg KC Hunter The Game January 17, 2008, 7:07 pm www.webchannel24.com 145 Middle East, US, Defense Secretary Robert Gates Gates denies a rift in NATO Middle East involvement Benazir Bhutto Killed in Vicious Attack

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Hundreds of thousands of mourners thronged the mausoleum of Pakistan's most famous political dynasty in an outpouring of emotion for Benazir Bhutto. The government said al-Qaida and the Taliban were responsible for her death, claiming it intercepted an al-Qaida leader's message of congratulation for the assassination. Mourners crowded the streets all throughout Pakistan as they grieved the death of Benazir Bhutto. Evidence has surfaced that may link Al Queda and the Taliban in responsibility for her death. "We have the evidence that al-Qaida and Taliban were behind the suicide attack on Benazir Bhutto," Interior Minister Hamid Nawaz said. With Bhutto's death, concerns on maintaining Pakistan as a democratic nuclear-capable nation have come into doubt. Social uprisings and violence have occured throughout the nation in the wake of Bhutto's murder, and many across the world are concerned for Pakistan's social and political future. Bhutto was killed Thursday by a suicide bomber who first shot her and then blew himself up. Interior Ministry spokesman Javed Iqbal Cheema has vowed to track down those responsible for Bhutto's murder and to bring them to justice. Protesters have claimed President Pervez Musharraf is partially to blame for the incident, some claiming that he did not provide adequate security for the former Prime Minister. Others took to more violent means, burning ten railway stations in the Bhutto's Sindh province. Baitullah Mehsud, an alleged Al Queda operative, has been reported to have sent messages to his followers where he congratulated his followers for carrying out the assassination. http://cache.eb.com/eb/image?id=8295&rendTypeId=4 Tom Joyce Cobra Nation December 28, 2007, 12:23 pm www.webchannel24.com 139 Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan, President Pervez Musharraf, bombing, shooting, murder, al Queda, Taliban Benazir Bhutto believed to have been killed by Al Queda operatives On the Road to Iowa

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Efforts to get back on the campaign trail took unusual turns and dead stops Wednesday as weather stymied Hillary Clinton’s Iowa kick-off tour with husband Bill Clinton, and Mike Huckabee started the day by bagging a pheasant. On the way to Iowa, many things that seemed to be certain turned inside out for some, looked bleak for others, and were sheer surprises for a few. Just a few days away from what many think will be the most interesting election cycle in modern history, Democratic and Republican candidates make their way towards the primaries in January, starting in Iowa, in the race to replace President George W. Bush. On the Democratic side, what once was looked at as a slam dunk for Hilary Clinton has turned into a neck-and-neck race with Senator Barack Obama, who has received a significant push in the polls since Oprah Winfrey's endorsement of him a few weeks ago. Senator Clinton hit the road and began talking up her positives, including bringing out the big guns in the form of her husband former US President Bill Clinton. Each have taken swipes at each other, even so far as to go back to the kindergarten records of Barack Obama. The rest of the Democratic pack seems to be left behind in the wake of these two heavyweights, with John Edwards polling at 10 percent in some areas. As far as the Republicans, the race is even tighter. "America's Mayor" Rudy Guiliani is still holding the top spot in nationwide polling, but in the primary states, he is 4th or 5th depending on the state. Mike Huckabee has emerged from the second tier into the first with strong showings and a mountain of support from the religious right. Mitt Romney has held his own in the battleground states, and John McCain, who many thought was a lost cause, has surged back after a few positive outings in the debates. However, we are a long way from November, and it will be interesting to see over the next few months the heat, the passion, the smearing, the power plays and the tv ads that come out as the nation wonders who exactly should be the next President of the United States. http://a.abcnews.com/images/Politics/rt_debate_071022_ms.jpg KC Hunter The Game December 26, 2007, 5:45 pm www.webchannel24.com 138 vote, Iowa, caucus, 2008 Presidential Election, elections Republican candidates look forward to the Iowa Caucus Interrogation Tapes Destroyed

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The Senate's No. 2 Democrat on Friday asked the Justice Department to investigate whether the CIA obstructed justice by destroying videotapes that documented the harsh 2002 interrogations of two alleged terrorists. In 2002, two alleged high ranking terrorist were interrogated by the United States CIA. The tapes were discovered to have been destroyed and many are questioning the transparency of the Bush Administration. Thursday, CIA Director Gen. Michael Hayden told his employees that the tapes were destroyed in 2005. Following this disclosure, a firestorm of criticsm came from human rights groups and many on Capital Hill. "I spoke to the president this morning about this. He has no recollection of being made aware of the tapes or their destruction before yesterday", said Hayden in response to allegations of torture being the reason the tapes were destroyed. The CIA claims to have reviewed the tapes and described what was on them as "nothing illegal". The tapes were then set to be destroyed back in 2003. Convicted terrorism conspirator Jose Padilla's lawyers claimed in a Florida federal court that Zubaydah was tortured into saying Padilla was an al-Qaida associate. In a Nov. 16 response, the Justice Department dismissed Padilla's allegations as "meritless," saying Padilla's legal team could not prove that Zubaydah had been tortured. Following the claims of abuse at Abu Ghraib prison and other "black site" reports, the destruction of these tapes is seen as evidence by some that the Bush Administration is sanctioning torture as part of its interrogation methods in the War on Terror. http://www.eyesthere.com/dims/Images/VCR%20Tape.jpg Tom Joyce Cobra Nation December 7, 2007, 12:12 pm www.webchannel24.com 136 tapes, video, Al Queda, US, terrorism, war on terror, democrats, CIA, George Bush, interrogation Video tapes of interrogated terrorists destroyed No Nukes

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President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Wednesday called the dramatic U.S. turnaround in a new intelligence review a victory for Iran's nuclear program, suggesting it shows the success of his hard-line stance rejecting compromise. After a lengthy battle of words and policy between the United States and Iran, a recent intelligence report from US agencies suggests that Iran ceased its nuclear ambitions back in 2003. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad sees this as a "victory over compromise". Around the world, a collective sigh of relief can be heard as many hope now that non-aggressive actions can be taken to calm tensions between Iran and the West. Among those against these hardline tactics are former Iranian President Hashemi Rafsanjani, who along with other moderate voices in Iran have criticized Ahmadinejad for his rhetoric, claiming he was creating enemies in the West. Ahmadinejad does not seem to be too concerned, telling thousands this week that the US intelligence report shows a "declaration of victory for the Iranian nation against the world powers over the nuclear issue." Some still remain skeptical about Iran's ambitions and progress in uranium enrichment. Despite the report, many feel that there is no way to tell what Iran may or may not be doing behind the scenes. "Everywhere he goes, Ahmadinejad will claim this is an outright victory for his government. Moderates, in the short term, won't be given a chance to claim victory," states Davoud Hermidas Bavand, a political analyst. For now it seems, the tensions have ceased and the threat of a nuclear Iran is off the table. Many war weary citizens of the West and the Middle East are hoping that more moderate voices can now take hold of what has been a tense situation. http://msnbcmedia1.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/061129/061129_ahmadinejad_vlrg_4a.widec.jpg Tom Joyce Cobra Nation December 5, 2007, 10:38 pm www.webchannel24.com 135 Iran, USA, nuclear war, nukes, international, world, war Iranian President claims victory in nuclear standoff with Iran Editorial: How Far Have We Come With Race?

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Still today, after all the "progress" that's been made, we still see racism all over the place today. A man calls 911 to report a burglary, and while on the phone with the dispatcher telling him the cops are on the way and not to do anything, the caller insists on taking his shotgun outside and shooting two men dead. The caller, a white southern man. The robbers, two black young males. Let the race wars continue ... From Don Imus to that stupid guy from Seinfeld (what's his name???) to Dog the Bounty Hunter, the amount of racist (or what are viewed as racist) comments seem to be on the uptick in the general public. Actually, I should restate that, it's on the uptick with white people in the media. Many other minorities (race, religion, or sexual identiity) have been openly insulting and bashing the atypical white person for two decades now. I'm just surprised it took so long for there to be white people to slip. That's the problem with the accepted racism (or bigotry if you believe racism only comes with power) that runs rampant in the United States today. Watch about ten minutes of most youth-oriented entertainment or comedy skits and you'll hear all kinds of racist nonsense being used as "comedy". If Chris Rock calls a white person a cracker, no one will bat an eyelash ... if Don Imus says nappy headed hoes, he loses his job. Welcome to payback from slavery. It's not at all anywhere near the payback that's due all the oppressed minorities throughout world history, but what most white people should know by now is that their ancestors of some relation had a hand in slavery, had a hand in prejudice, had a hand in oppression of women, and even to this day have a hand in keeping homosexuals "down there". On the flip side, we are no better served by MTV, BET and Hollywood in general THRUSTING every minority in the world into your face while denouncing anyone who's not a minority. I know tons of white people who don't even claim to be white because they have a great great grandfather who was black or native american. We need to cut the crap and get past this racism nonsense. No race is better than another, they're all unique unto themselves. Gay people are not any less of a person because they prefer the same sex. Jews are not the root of all evil. Christians shouldn't have their nationally recognized holidays under assault because someone wants to twist separation of church and state into suppression of religious expression. We don't solve the issue by continuing traditions of bigotry and hate, and we don't solve it by forcing every anti-white viewpoint into the forefront as though it were a virtue. http://blogs.abcnews.com/photos/uncategorized/blackface_nr.jpg KC Hunter The Game December 4, 2007, 10:28 pm www.webchannel24.com 134 racism, black, white, US, America, bigots, violence Racism is alive and well in the United States Stem Cell Breakthrough

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The long standing debate over the moral implications of embryotic stem cell research may be over due to recent breakthroughs. Scientists have been able to create a replacement for embryotic stem cells by using skin cells, an advancement that may have diffused the moral and ethical debate surrounding this highly debated research method. Researchers in Japan and the United States found an alternative method for harvesting stem cells which is much less complicated than growing embryos. "This work represents a tremendous scientific milestone — the biological equivalent of the Wright Brothers' first airplane," said Doctor Robert Lanza Tuesday. The technique developed takes existing stem cells and reprograms them to take on traits of embryotic stem cells, namely, the traits of cell structures for heart, lungs and other vital organs. The results from the tests proved shocking and encouraging, even to the doctors. Needless to say, the new findings make the moral debates between religion and science less potent. If stem cells of the quality of embryotic stem cells can be harvested from skin tissue, then there would be no need to venture down the ethical mine-field that existed before. http://www.sciencecases.org/stem_cells/Stem_cell_embryo_20x_01.jpg Garth Brantley News and Politics November 20, 2007, 9:54 pm www.webchannel24.com 132 stem cell, law, religion, research, science, health, law The debate over stem cell research may be over Detroit - The Most Dangerous

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According to FBI crime statistics, Detroit has become the most dangerous city in America, beating out former title holder St. Louis. According to FBI crime statistics, Detroit has become the most dangerous city in America, beating out former title holder St. Louis. This study did not sit well with Detroit's top brass, having the The American Society of Criminology call the statistical findings a "misuse of crime statistics". Nevertheless, the motor's city image is just that much more tarnished by this latest report. The study assigns a crime score to each city, with zero representing the national average. Detroit got a score of 407, while St. Louis followed at 406. The score for Mission Viejo, in affluent Orange County, was minus 82. Detroit was pegged the nation's murder capital in the 1980s and has lost nearly 1 million people since 1950, according to the Census Bureau. Downtown sports stadiums and corporate headquarters — along with the redevelopment of the riverfront of this city of 919,000 — have slowed but not reversed the decline. Officials have said crime reports don't help. Detroit Deputy Police Chief James Tate had no immediate comment on the report. But the mayor of 30th-ranked Rochester, N.Y. — an ex-police chief himself — said the study's authors should consider the harm that the report causes. Chicago and Minneapolis, among other cities, were not included in the study because of incomplete data. http://2modern.blogs.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/03/20/detroit2.jpg Tom Joyce Cobra Nation November 18, 2007, 7:59 pm www.webchannel24.com 131 detroit, st. louis, michigan, danger, crime, violence, american cities Detroit was named the most dangerous city in America Editorial: In God We Trust?

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With yet another dispute about the big bad "G" word in public, I have to wonder, have we really lost our minds? Another nutty school system in California is debating whether or not the words "In God We Trust" should appear in schools. I've just about had it with this anti-American nonsense. Yes, it's anti-American and anti-God It's the anti-American part I want to focus on. For years now, we've been told that God is a silly concept, that religious people are stupid and hateful, and all of this stuff should be wiped out of our lives. We've seen people try to turn the Constitution and Bill Of Rights around to be AGAINST religion. Here's a hint nutballs. Separation of Church and State does not mean you shouldn't be able to say God in the public arena. The thing that gets me about the argument is that it's a cornerstone of the country, and a good cornerstone. Over 90 percent of Americans believe in God and 80 percent identify themselves as Christian (either devoutly or just on Christmas). America is mostly a Christian nation, and the great thing about this nation is you don't have to be Christian to be here and have the same rights. You don't have to be Christian at all to be here. Now it seems, if you are Christian, you're not supposed to have rights. You can't have a display of Jesus at Christmas, you can't have the ten commandments at a courthouse, and you can't say "under God" in the Pledge. And what do we have instead? S&M parades? Overt homosexuality and heterosexuality promoted and forced down your face at every mall, on every television and blaring out of every car stereo? A decrease in family and an increase of the self? Abandoned children? Someone once said to me that if Satan really wanted to make in-roads, he'd take over the media and promote deviant behavior and diminish anything related to God. I thought it was silly then ... I might have to reconsider. http://a1m.org/sites/www.audienceone.org/photos/Coin.jpg Tom Joyce Cobra Nation November 5, 2007, 6:19 pm www.webchannel24.com 127 God, America, classrooms, religion, politics, political correctness It's on our money, but should it be in our classrooms? Fires Force 1 Million Residents from SoCal

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Faced with unrelenting winds whipping wildfires into a frenzy across Southern California, firefighters conceded defeat on many fronts Tuesday to an unstoppable force that has chased an estimated 1 million people away. An estimated one million residents of Southern California left their homes and the area this week following whipping winds and uncontrollable fires. Firefighters gave up on many fronts as the southern part of the west coast's largests state continues to burn. "We have had an unfortunate situation that we've had three things come together: very dry areas, very hot weather and then a lot of wind. And so this makes the perfect storm for a fire," said California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger who claims the flames are threatening 68,000 more homes. Since Sunday, there have been over a dozen wildfires burning across Southern California, injuring 45 residents and 21 firefighters. The blazes continue to burn and cause more concern amongst those who remain in the area. Unusually high temperatures, ten degrees above normal for this time of the year, and gusting winds have not helped the situation. The temperature in Southern California remained in the 90s for most of the week. http://a.abcnews.com/images/US/ap_ca_fier2_071022_ms.jpg KC Hunter The Game October 23, 2007, 9:10 pm www.webchannel24.com 125 fires, california, southern cali, wildfires, homes Wildfires devistate Southern California Democrats Continue Child Health Care Push

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Democrats invited the head of the March of Dimes to use the party's Saturday radio address to express her organization's support of legislation that would expand the children's health program to 10 million people. Dr. Jennifer Howse, head of the March of Dimes, officially announced the organization's support of legislation to expand children's health care programs to ten million more Americans during the Democratic Party's Saturday radio address. Health insurance is a near impossibilty for millions of minors in the United States. The March of Dimes backs and legislation that would expand health coverage to children as it would help in preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. "Every child needs preventive care," Howse said. "It helps them become healthy, productive adults." President Bush used his veto powers to dismiss a House bill that would increase a proposed children's health care budget by $60 billion over the next five years. President Bush had proposed a similar bill but for nearly half of what the House proposed. This has stalled the progress of the State Children's Health Insurance Program which covers 6.6 million Americans in the lower economic spectrum. Republican lawmakers have expressed a desire to come to a compromise with the Democrats of child healthcare legislation. The divide is over the extent of the coverage, with many Republicans and the president expressing concerns that it may unfairly cover those in middle income families who can afford health care, thus giving them a "free ride". http://www.ci.antioch.ca.us/HealthSafety/AHCFCphoto.jpg KC Hunter The Game October 20, 2007, 10:56 am www.webchannel24.com 122 Democrats, Health Care, health, children, legislation, congress Democrats continue to push President Bush on Child Health Care expansion Putin to visit Iran

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Despite a rumor of an attempte assissination, Russian President Vladimir Putin vows to travel to Iran to engage in peaceful talks over the current international concern with Iran's nuclear power development. In order to deal with Iran's growing nuclear issue, Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that he will travel to Iran to engage in peaceful talks in order to bring an end to the international concern over Iran's nuclear build up. This despite rumors of an attempted assissination attempt on the Russian President were he to visit the middle eastern country. Russian intelligence have apparently told Russian news agencies that there were suicide terrorist training to assassinate President Putin if he were to enter Iran. Putin insists however that this will not deter him from going to Iran. "If I always listened to all the various threats and the recommendations of the special services I would never leave home," Putin said when asked about the reports coming out of Russia. Putin, whose own administration is often criticized for human rights violations, hopes that the trip will help break the ice between Iran and the rest of the world. The only way to a peaceful resolution would be to remove Iran from the defensive and include it in international affairs instead of classifying it as a rogue nation, according to some within the Russian government. "It's a break in international isolation, a chance to show that Iran is an important country," said Alexander Pikayev. Pikayev is a leading expert on Iran with Russia's Institute for World Economy and International relations. http://incentraleurope.radio.cz/pictures/ctk0705/putin.jpg Tom Joyce Cobra Nation October 15, 2007, 12:01 pm www.webchannel24.com 120 Vladimir Putin, Iran, nuclear war, Russia, President, talks, diplomacy, peace, middle east conflict Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit Iran over nuclear issue Climate Control Alliances Form

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In an unlikely alliance, the US teams with India and China to combat European suggestions on pollution measures. In an