Focus may shift from White House
The prosecutor in the CIA leak case is exploring a range of possible crimes, lawyers in the case say, suggesting that the investigation has moved well beyond its initial focus on whether anyone in the Bush administration illegally disclosed the identity of a CIA operative.
In recent days, the prosecutor, Patrick J. Fitzgerald, has accelerated the pace of his inquiry in an apparent effort to conclude the case before the grand jury's term expires on Oct. 28. He has indicated to several lawyers that he might be preparing to bring charges.
Fitzgerald has asked to meet Tuesday with Judith Miller, a reporter for The New York Times who, after spending 85 days in jail, testified last week to the grand jury about her conversations with I. Lewis Libby, Vice President Dick Cheney's chief of staff.
The meeting is expected to focus on newly discovered notes compiled by Miller that refer to a conversation she had with Libby on June 25, 2003, according to a lawyer who did not want to be named because Fitzgerald has cautioned against discussing the case. Until now, the only conversations known to have occurred between Miller and Libby were on July 8 and 12, 2003.
The notes refer to Joseph C. Wilson IV, a former ambassador to Gabon. An Op-Ed article that he wrote for The Times, on July 6, 2003, which was critical of the administration's Iraq policy, started the events that led to the disclosure of the identity of his wife, Valerie Wilson, a CIA operative, and subsequently to Fitzgerald's inquiry.
Fitzgerald has asked Karl Rove, the senior White House adviser, to appear before the grand jury next week for what would be his fourth round of testimony. Rove's lawyer, Robert D. Luskin, said the appearance is in response to his offer to make Rove available to the prosecutor.
Luskin said Rove had not been subpoenaed and had not received a letter indicating that he was a target of the investigation and might be charged with a crime. The lawyer said his appearance was voluntary.
As he approaches the end of his 22-month inquiry, Fitzgerald appears to be exploring novel approaches to possible charges in the case.
One legal theory the prosecutor has pursued, the lawyers said, is whether anyone violated a broadly worded federal statute that makes it a crime to "communicate" classified defense information to someone not authorized to receive it.
Under the law, any government official or private citizen who transferred classified information could potentially be charged with a felony.
Saturday, October 08, 2005
3rd Suspect Nabbed in Subway Terror Plot
The investigation into an alleged plot to bomb the city's subway moved forward on several fronts Friday as a third suspect was arrested in Iraq and authorities looked into whether a fourth person had traveled to New York as part of the scheme, officials said.
A law enforcement official familiar with the case said the man's trip to New York was described by an informant who had spent time in Afghanistan and proved reliable in past investigations.
"He's been a source of multiple correct information in the past," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the continuing investigation. "Does that mean a fourth person he identified is in fact in New York? We don't know that."
The official added that authorities had not confirmed whether the fourth man even exists.
Alarmed by the informant's report of a plot to attack city subways with as many as 19 bombs in bags and possibly baby strollers, U.S. forces in Iraq arrested two suspected plotters who had been under close surveillance until Thursday morning, officials said. The third escaped until his arrest Friday.
A law enforcement official familiar with the case said the man's trip to New York was described by an informant who had spent time in Afghanistan and proved reliable in past investigations.
"He's been a source of multiple correct information in the past," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the continuing investigation. "Does that mean a fourth person he identified is in fact in New York? We don't know that."
The official added that authorities had not confirmed whether the fourth man even exists.
Alarmed by the informant's report of a plot to attack city subways with as many as 19 bombs in bags and possibly baby strollers, U.S. forces in Iraq arrested two suspected plotters who had been under close surveillance until Thursday morning, officials said. The third escaped until his arrest Friday.
DeLay Asks That Indictments Be Set Aside
Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay's legal team asked a court Friday to throw out his indictment, arguing that a Texas district attorney "attempted to browbeat and coerce" grand jurors into filing criminal charges.
Prosecutor Ronnie Earle "and his staff engaged in an extraordinarily irregular and desperate attempt to contrive a viable charge and get a substitute indictment of Tom Delay before the expiration of the statute of limitations," DeLay's attorney Dick DeGuerin said in a court filing alleging prosecutorial misconduct.
DeGuerin alleged that Earle unlawfully participated in grand jury deliberations when he went to a second grand jury last week to seek a second indictment against the Texas Republican. He also said Earle illegally discussed grand jury information and encouraged others to do the same.
DeGuerin alleged that Earle turned to the coercion tactics to get the second grand jury to change its decision not to indict DeLay so there would be no public record of a rejection.
DeGuerin said the indictment forced DeLay to step down from his job as majority leader, the No. 2 position in the House, for a crime that did not exist in Texas law.
Two people familiar with the proceedings of the grand jury that returned a "no bill" in the DeLay case told The Associated Press that Earle tried to persuade the grand jurors that DeLay tacitly approved the scheme and that the prosecutor became angry when they decided against an indictment. The people familiar with the proceeding insisted on anonymity because of grand jury secrecy.
DeGuerin also alleges that Earle "unlawfully incited" William Gibson, the foreman of the grand jury that indicted DeLay on conspiracy, to talk publicly, on the record, to the media to bias the public and sitting grand jurors.
He alleged Earle discussed ongoing proceedings with some members of that same grand jury to find out whether they would have returned the conspiracy indictment if they knew it "had no basis in law."
DeGuerin also alleges Earle told the third grand jury that indicted DeLay on money laundering charges what the initial grand jury said "to persuade them to issue a replacement indictment."
"Such 'additional information' is not evidence and thus its use before a grand jury violates" Texas law, DeGuerin said.
Prosecutor Ronnie Earle "and his staff engaged in an extraordinarily irregular and desperate attempt to contrive a viable charge and get a substitute indictment of Tom Delay before the expiration of the statute of limitations," DeLay's attorney Dick DeGuerin said in a court filing alleging prosecutorial misconduct.
DeGuerin alleged that Earle unlawfully participated in grand jury deliberations when he went to a second grand jury last week to seek a second indictment against the Texas Republican. He also said Earle illegally discussed grand jury information and encouraged others to do the same.
DeGuerin alleged that Earle turned to the coercion tactics to get the second grand jury to change its decision not to indict DeLay so there would be no public record of a rejection.
DeGuerin said the indictment forced DeLay to step down from his job as majority leader, the No. 2 position in the House, for a crime that did not exist in Texas law.
Two people familiar with the proceedings of the grand jury that returned a "no bill" in the DeLay case told The Associated Press that Earle tried to persuade the grand jurors that DeLay tacitly approved the scheme and that the prosecutor became angry when they decided against an indictment. The people familiar with the proceeding insisted on anonymity because of grand jury secrecy.
DeGuerin also alleges that Earle "unlawfully incited" William Gibson, the foreman of the grand jury that indicted DeLay on conspiracy, to talk publicly, on the record, to the media to bias the public and sitting grand jurors.
He alleged Earle discussed ongoing proceedings with some members of that same grand jury to find out whether they would have returned the conspiracy indictment if they knew it "had no basis in law."
DeGuerin also alleges Earle told the third grand jury that indicted DeLay on money laundering charges what the initial grand jury said "to persuade them to issue a replacement indictment."
"Such 'additional information' is not evidence and thus its use before a grand jury violates" Texas law, DeGuerin said.
Rove Says He Wasn't Involved in CIA Leak
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove told President Bush and others that he never engaged in an effort to disclose a CIA operative's identity to discredit her husband's criticism of the administration's Iraq policy, according to people with knowledge of Rove's account in the investigation.
They said Rove's denial to Bush occurred during a brief conversation in the fall of 2003, a few months after media reports revealed that former Ambassador Joseph Wilson's wife, Valerie Plame, worked as a covert CIA operative.
Those with direct knowledge of evidence gathered in the criminal investigation spoke to The Associated Press only on condition of anonymity because of grand jury secrecy.
Rove is slated to testify before the grand jury soon for a fourth time, although prosecutors have told him they no longer can assure he will avoid indictment. Rove offered in July to return to the grand jury for additional testimony, and Fitzgerald accepted that offer after taking grand jury testimony from the formerly jailed New York Times reporter Judith Miller.
The discussion with Bush, along with others, was general and did not get into specifics concerning Rove's contacts with two reporters, Time magazine's Matthew Cooper and syndicated columnist Robert Novak, who wrote stories identifying Plame, the people familiar with Rove's account said.
They said Bush asked Rove to assure him he was not involved in an effort to divulge Plame's identity and punish Wilson, and the longtime confidant assured him so. He answered similarly when White House press secretary Scott McClellan asked a similar question.
Robert Luskin, Rove's attorney, declined Friday to comment on the specifics of the discussions with Bush but confirmed his client maintains � then and now � he did not engage in an effort to disclose Plame's identity.
They said Rove's denial to Bush occurred during a brief conversation in the fall of 2003, a few months after media reports revealed that former Ambassador Joseph Wilson's wife, Valerie Plame, worked as a covert CIA operative.
Those with direct knowledge of evidence gathered in the criminal investigation spoke to The Associated Press only on condition of anonymity because of grand jury secrecy.
Rove is slated to testify before the grand jury soon for a fourth time, although prosecutors have told him they no longer can assure he will avoid indictment. Rove offered in July to return to the grand jury for additional testimony, and Fitzgerald accepted that offer after taking grand jury testimony from the formerly jailed New York Times reporter Judith Miller.
The discussion with Bush, along with others, was general and did not get into specifics concerning Rove's contacts with two reporters, Time magazine's Matthew Cooper and syndicated columnist Robert Novak, who wrote stories identifying Plame, the people familiar with Rove's account said.
They said Bush asked Rove to assure him he was not involved in an effort to divulge Plame's identity and punish Wilson, and the longtime confidant assured him so. He answered similarly when White House press secretary Scott McClellan asked a similar question.
Robert Luskin, Rove's attorney, declined Friday to comment on the specifics of the discussions with Bush but confirmed his client maintains � then and now � he did not engage in an effort to disclose Plame's identity.
Terrorists with pushchairs 'planning New York attack'
TERRORISTS using pushchairs packed with explosives are planning an attack on New York City's subway network within days, city leaders warned today.
Mayor Mike Bloomberg today gave more details on the bomb threat made public yesterday and said police had launched more intense searches of baggage, briefcases, pushchairs and luggage.
But Homeland Security officials in Washington downplayed the threat late last night, saying it was of "doubtful credibility".
However, one law enforcement source said the threat involved the possibility terrorists would pack a pushchair with explosives, among other potential bombing tactics.
New York officials responded by mobilising police officers to begin looking through commuters' strollers, bags, briefcases, and luggage.
"This is the first time we have had a threat with this level of specificity," Mr Bloomberg said, adding that he still felt secure enough to take the subway home.
But in Washington, Homeland Security Department spokesman Russ Knocke said: "The intelligence community has concluded this information to be of doubtful credibility. We shared this information early on with state and local authorities in New York."
A counter-terror official said the intelligence was considered doubtful because it did not reflect "on-the-ground, detailed" information.
He said the intelligence was similar to "what can be found on the internet and a map of New York City".
City officials said the threat had been known since Monday, but had kept the information quiet until two or three al-Qaida suspects were arrested in Iraq within the past 24 hours. Once the arrests were made, officials felt they could go public, the official said.
Authorities are concerned there may be al-Qaida operatives in New York connected to the plot.
Mayor Mike Bloomberg today gave more details on the bomb threat made public yesterday and said police had launched more intense searches of baggage, briefcases, pushchairs and luggage.
But Homeland Security officials in Washington downplayed the threat late last night, saying it was of "doubtful credibility".
However, one law enforcement source said the threat involved the possibility terrorists would pack a pushchair with explosives, among other potential bombing tactics.
New York officials responded by mobilising police officers to begin looking through commuters' strollers, bags, briefcases, and luggage.
"This is the first time we have had a threat with this level of specificity," Mr Bloomberg said, adding that he still felt secure enough to take the subway home.
But in Washington, Homeland Security Department spokesman Russ Knocke said: "The intelligence community has concluded this information to be of doubtful credibility. We shared this information early on with state and local authorities in New York."
A counter-terror official said the intelligence was considered doubtful because it did not reflect "on-the-ground, detailed" information.
He said the intelligence was similar to "what can be found on the internet and a map of New York City".
City officials said the threat had been known since Monday, but had kept the information quiet until two or three al-Qaida suspects were arrested in Iraq within the past 24 hours. Once the arrests were made, officials felt they could go public, the official said.
Authorities are concerned there may be al-Qaida operatives in New York connected to the plot.
Abbas denies Bush's 'mission from God' remark
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has denied an account by another Palestinian official of a meeting with US President George Bush in which Bush is cited as saying he believed that God told him to go to war in Afghanistan and Iraq.
A statement in Abbas's name released by his office said an excerpt from an interview with Palestinian Information Minister Nabil Shaath due to be broadcast by the BBC in which Shaath described a meeting with Bush in June 2003 gave a "completely false" account.
"This report is not true," the Abbas statement said today. "I have never heard President Bush talking about religion as a reason behind the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. President Bush has never mentioned that in front of me on any occasion and specifically not during my visit in 2003."
A statement in Abbas's name released by his office said an excerpt from an interview with Palestinian Information Minister Nabil Shaath due to be broadcast by the BBC in which Shaath described a meeting with Bush in June 2003 gave a "completely false" account.
"This report is not true," the Abbas statement said today. "I have never heard President Bush talking about religion as a reason behind the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. President Bush has never mentioned that in front of me on any occasion and specifically not during my visit in 2003."
Friday, October 07, 2005
White House denies Bush claimed divine inspiration
The White House has denied that US President George W. Bush said God told him to invade Iraq and Afghanistan, as a new BBC documentary is expected to reveal.
"That's absurd. He's never made such comments," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said Thursday.
The documentary series set to be broadcast later this month in Britain claims Bush made the claim when he met Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas and then-foreign minister Nabil Shaath in June 2003.
He also told them he had been ordered by God to create a Palestinian state, the ministers said.
Shaath, now the Palestinian information minister, said: " President Bush said to all of us: 'I'm driven with a mission from God'".
"'God would tell me, 'George, go and fight those terrorists in Afghanistan'.
"'And I did. And then God would tell me, 'George, go and end the tyranny in Iraq... ' And I did.
"'And now, again, I feel God's words coming to me, 'Go get the Palestinians their state and get the Israelis their security, and get peace in the Middle East'. And by God I'm gonna do it'," said Shaath.
Abbas, who was also at the meeting in the Egyptian resort of Sharm al-Sheikh, recalled how the president told him: "'I have a moral and religious obligation'".
"'So I will get you a Palestinian state.'"
The three-part series, "Elusive Peace: Israel and the Arabs", charts the attempts to bring peace to the Middle East, from former US president Bill Clinton's talks in 1999-2000 to Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza strip.
The series is due to begin airing Monday.
"That's absurd. He's never made such comments," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said Thursday.
The documentary series set to be broadcast later this month in Britain claims Bush made the claim when he met Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas and then-foreign minister Nabil Shaath in June 2003.
He also told them he had been ordered by God to create a Palestinian state, the ministers said.
Shaath, now the Palestinian information minister, said: " President Bush said to all of us: 'I'm driven with a mission from God'".
"'God would tell me, 'George, go and fight those terrorists in Afghanistan'.
"'And I did. And then God would tell me, 'George, go and end the tyranny in Iraq... ' And I did.
"'And now, again, I feel God's words coming to me, 'Go get the Palestinians their state and get the Israelis their security, and get peace in the Middle East'. And by God I'm gonna do it'," said Shaath.
Abbas, who was also at the meeting in the Egyptian resort of Sharm al-Sheikh, recalled how the president told him: "'I have a moral and religious obligation'".
"'So I will get you a Palestinian state.'"
The three-part series, "Elusive Peace: Israel and the Arabs", charts the attempts to bring peace to the Middle East, from former US president Bill Clinton's talks in 1999-2000 to Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza strip.
The series is due to begin airing Monday.
Howard Dean: "You Can't Play Hide The Salami"
When Howard Dean became chairman of the Democratic National Committee, he kept a low profile for a season to reassure some politicians and Washington operatives worried about his famous shoot-from-the-lip style. But that season is definitely over.
On MSNBC's "Hardball" Wednesday, Dean sounded like the presidential candidate of yore, as he lashed an alleged "culture of corruption" in the Republican Party, said GOP leaders are putting money "in their own pockets," and added that "I don't think it's very credible" that Vice President Cheney was not aware of the leaking of CIA operative Valerie Plame's identity. During his broadside, he bemoaned how Bush's "MO" is to "discredit your opponents and attack them personally."
In one eyebrow-raising moment, Dean invoked a crude phrase usually reserved for the locker room when urging Bush to make public Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers' White House records. "I think with a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court, you can't play, you know, hide the salami, or whatever it's called," he said.
On MSNBC's "Hardball" Wednesday, Dean sounded like the presidential candidate of yore, as he lashed an alleged "culture of corruption" in the Republican Party, said GOP leaders are putting money "in their own pockets," and added that "I don't think it's very credible" that Vice President Cheney was not aware of the leaking of CIA operative Valerie Plame's identity. During his broadside, he bemoaned how Bush's "MO" is to "discredit your opponents and attack them personally."
In one eyebrow-raising moment, Dean invoked a crude phrase usually reserved for the locker room when urging Bush to make public Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers' White House records. "I think with a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court, you can't play, you know, hide the salami, or whatever it's called," he said.
Ex-FBI Chief On Clinton's Scandals
Elevated to the post of FBI director by President Clinton in 1993, Louis Freeh now speaks publicly about his terrible relationship with the president.
�We were preoccupied in eight years with multiple investigations,� Freeh tells 60 Minutes correspondent Mike Wallace this Sunday, Oct. 9, at 7 PM ET/PT.
In his upcoming book, My FBI, Freeh writes, �The problem was with Bill Clinton � the scandals and the rumored scandals, the incubating ones and the dying ones never ended. Whatever moral compass the president was consulting was leading him in the wrong direction. His closets were full of skeletons just waiting to burst out.�
The scandals Freeh mentions include Whitewater, Monica Lewinsky, Paula Jones and Gennifer Flowers.
The director sought to distance himself from Clinton because of Whitewater, refusing a White House pass that would have enabled him to enter the building without signing in. This irked Clinton. �I wanted all my visits to be official,� says Freeh. �When I sent the pass back with a note, I had no idea it would antagonize the president.�
Freeh says the most delicate and unsavory of the investigations was the Lewinsky affair, when the FBI needed to obtain a blood sample from the president to match the DNA on the infamous blue dress.
�But we did it � very carefully, very confidentially,� Freeh says. During a scheduled dinner, the president excused himself to go to the bathroom. Instead of the restroom, he entered another room where FBI medical technicians were waiting to take a blood sample.
Aside from scandals and investigations, Freeh says Clinton let down the American people and the families of victims of the 1996 Khobar Towers terror attack in Saudi Arabia.
After promising to bring to justice those responsible for the bombing that killed 19 and injured hundreds, Freeh says Clinton refused to personally ask Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah to allow the FBI to question bombing suspects the kingdom had in custody � the only way the bureau could secure the interviews, according to Freeh.
Freeh writes in the book, �Bill Clinton raised the subject only to tell the crown prince that he understood the Saudis� reluctance to cooperate and then he hit Abdullah up for a contribution to the Clinton Presidential Library.�
Freeh also says he was determined to stay on as FBI director until President Clinton left office so that Clinton could not appoint his successor. �I was concerned about who he would put in there as FBI director because he had expressed antipathy for the FBI, for the director,� he says. �I was going to stay there and make sure he couldn�t replace me.�
�We were preoccupied in eight years with multiple investigations,� Freeh tells 60 Minutes correspondent Mike Wallace this Sunday, Oct. 9, at 7 PM ET/PT.
In his upcoming book, My FBI, Freeh writes, �The problem was with Bill Clinton � the scandals and the rumored scandals, the incubating ones and the dying ones never ended. Whatever moral compass the president was consulting was leading him in the wrong direction. His closets were full of skeletons just waiting to burst out.�
The scandals Freeh mentions include Whitewater, Monica Lewinsky, Paula Jones and Gennifer Flowers.
The director sought to distance himself from Clinton because of Whitewater, refusing a White House pass that would have enabled him to enter the building without signing in. This irked Clinton. �I wanted all my visits to be official,� says Freeh. �When I sent the pass back with a note, I had no idea it would antagonize the president.�
Freeh says the most delicate and unsavory of the investigations was the Lewinsky affair, when the FBI needed to obtain a blood sample from the president to match the DNA on the infamous blue dress.
�But we did it � very carefully, very confidentially,� Freeh says. During a scheduled dinner, the president excused himself to go to the bathroom. Instead of the restroom, he entered another room where FBI medical technicians were waiting to take a blood sample.
Aside from scandals and investigations, Freeh says Clinton let down the American people and the families of victims of the 1996 Khobar Towers terror attack in Saudi Arabia.
After promising to bring to justice those responsible for the bombing that killed 19 and injured hundreds, Freeh says Clinton refused to personally ask Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah to allow the FBI to question bombing suspects the kingdom had in custody � the only way the bureau could secure the interviews, according to Freeh.
Freeh writes in the book, �Bill Clinton raised the subject only to tell the crown prince that he understood the Saudis� reluctance to cooperate and then he hit Abdullah up for a contribution to the Clinton Presidential Library.�
Freeh also says he was determined to stay on as FBI director until President Clinton left office so that Clinton could not appoint his successor. �I was concerned about who he would put in there as FBI director because he had expressed antipathy for the FBI, for the director,� he says. �I was going to stay there and make sure he couldn�t replace me.�
Delay:Earle Took Corporate Funds For Re-Election
Rep. Tom DeLay said District Attorney Ronnie Earle, who is prosecuting him for trying to involve corporate money in Texas politics, has taken such contributions himself. "It's real interesting he has this crusade against corporate funds. He took corporate funds, and he's taken union funds, for his own re-election. That's against the law," Mr. DeLay told The Washington Times yesterday.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
NYC Increases Subway Security After Threat
Authorities stepped up security Thursday after receiving what city officials called a credible threat that the New York subway could be the target of a terrorist attack in coming days. But Homeland Security officials in Washington downplayed the threat, saying it was of "doubtful credibility."
Despite the differing takes on the seriousness of the threat, New York officials mobilized police officers to begin looking through commuters' bags, briefcases, baby strollers and luggage.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg called it the most specific terrorist threat officials had received to date. No one in New York had been arrested or detained, he said during a nationally televised news conference alongside Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly.
"We have never had before a specific threat to our subway system," Bloomberg said, adding that he still felt secure enough to take the subway home Thursday night. "Its importance was enhanced above the normal level by the detail that was available to us from intelligence sources."
A law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity said the threat was "specific to place, time and method," which was a bombing. The official said the information resulted from the arrest of al-Qaida operatives in Iraq.
But in Washington, Homeland Security Department spokesman Russ Knocke said "the intelligence community has concluded this information to be of doubtful credibility. We shared this information early on with state and local authorities in New York." Knocke did not elaborate.
A counterterror official, who was briefed about the threat by Homeland Security authorities, said the intelligence was considered doubtful because it did not reflect "on-the-ground, detailed" information. Rather, the official, who also insisted on anonymity, said the intelligence was similar to "what can be found on the Internet and a map of New York City."
The law enforcement official in New York said that city officials had known about the threat at least since Monday, but held the information until two or three al-Qaida operatives were arrested in Iraq within the past 24 hours. Once the arrests were made, officials felt they could go public, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation was ongoing.
Despite the differing takes on the seriousness of the threat, New York officials mobilized police officers to begin looking through commuters' bags, briefcases, baby strollers and luggage.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg called it the most specific terrorist threat officials had received to date. No one in New York had been arrested or detained, he said during a nationally televised news conference alongside Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly.
"We have never had before a specific threat to our subway system," Bloomberg said, adding that he still felt secure enough to take the subway home Thursday night. "Its importance was enhanced above the normal level by the detail that was available to us from intelligence sources."
A law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity said the threat was "specific to place, time and method," which was a bombing. The official said the information resulted from the arrest of al-Qaida operatives in Iraq.
But in Washington, Homeland Security Department spokesman Russ Knocke said "the intelligence community has concluded this information to be of doubtful credibility. We shared this information early on with state and local authorities in New York." Knocke did not elaborate.
A counterterror official, who was briefed about the threat by Homeland Security authorities, said the intelligence was considered doubtful because it did not reflect "on-the-ground, detailed" information. Rather, the official, who also insisted on anonymity, said the intelligence was similar to "what can be found on the Internet and a map of New York City."
The law enforcement official in New York said that city officials had known about the threat at least since Monday, but held the information until two or three al-Qaida operatives were arrested in Iraq within the past 24 hours. Once the arrests were made, officials felt they could go public, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation was ongoing.
Rove Said to Testify in CIA Leak Case
Presidential confidant Karl Rove will testify for a fourth time before the federal grand jury investigating the leak of a CIA officer's identity even though prosecutors have warned they can no longer guarantee he will escape indictment, lawyers said Thursday.
Rove's offer was accepted by Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald in the last week as the grand jury's wraps up its work and decides whether Rove, Vice President Cheney's chief of staff I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby or any other presidential aides should face criminal charges.
Rove's lawyer said Thursday that Fitzgerald has assured him that he has made no decisions yet on charges and that his client has not received a so-called target letter, usually the last step before a grand jury indictment.
"I can say categorically that Karl has not received a target letter from the special counsel," attorney Robert Luskin said. "The special counsel has confirmed that he has not made any charging decisions in respect to Karl."
Luskin said that Rove "continues to be cooperative voluntarily" with the investigation but that he could not further discuss his dealings with Fitzgerald's office.
However, several people directly familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press that Fitzgerald sent a letter accepting Rove's offer to testify but warning prosecutors could no longer guarantee the presidential aide wouldn't be indicted.
Rove offered in July to return to the grand jury, and Fitzgerald accepted that offer last Friday after taking grand jury testimony from the formerly jailed New York Times reporter Judith Miller, the people said, speaking only on condition of anonymity because of grand jury secrecy.
Rove's offer was accepted by Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald in the last week as the grand jury's wraps up its work and decides whether Rove, Vice President Cheney's chief of staff I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby or any other presidential aides should face criminal charges.
Rove's lawyer said Thursday that Fitzgerald has assured him that he has made no decisions yet on charges and that his client has not received a so-called target letter, usually the last step before a grand jury indictment.
"I can say categorically that Karl has not received a target letter from the special counsel," attorney Robert Luskin said. "The special counsel has confirmed that he has not made any charging decisions in respect to Karl."
Luskin said that Rove "continues to be cooperative voluntarily" with the investigation but that he could not further discuss his dealings with Fitzgerald's office.
However, several people directly familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press that Fitzgerald sent a letter accepting Rove's offer to testify but warning prosecutors could no longer guarantee the presidential aide wouldn't be indicted.
Rove offered in July to return to the grand jury, and Fitzgerald accepted that offer last Friday after taking grand jury testimony from the formerly jailed New York Times reporter Judith Miller, the people said, speaking only on condition of anonymity because of grand jury secrecy.
FOREMAN OF DELAY GRAND JURY MADE MIND UP BEFORE TESTIMONY
According to one grand jury foreman, interviewed Wednesday morning on 590 KBLJ in Austin, he'd made up his mind to indict DeLay before seeing any evidence.
THE FOREMAN OF THE TRAVIS COUNTY GRAND JURY THAT INDICTED CONGRESSMAN TOM DELAY SAYS HE FELT THERE WAS ILLEGAL ACTIVITY SURROUNDING DELAY, THE PAC TEXANS FOR A REPUBLICAN MAJORITY AND THE TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESS LONG BEFORE HE WAS TAPPED TO SERVE ON THE GRAND JURY. WILLIAM GIBSON TOLD THE NEWSRADIO 590 KLBJ MORNING SHOW HE HIMSELF HAD QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ADS CONCERNING THE TEXAS LEGISLATIVE RACES IN 2002.
Hat Tip to:The Zero Point
THE FOREMAN OF THE TRAVIS COUNTY GRAND JURY THAT INDICTED CONGRESSMAN TOM DELAY SAYS HE FELT THERE WAS ILLEGAL ACTIVITY SURROUNDING DELAY, THE PAC TEXANS FOR A REPUBLICAN MAJORITY AND THE TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESS LONG BEFORE HE WAS TAPPED TO SERVE ON THE GRAND JURY. WILLIAM GIBSON TOLD THE NEWSRADIO 590 KLBJ MORNING SHOW HE HIMSELF HAD QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ADS CONCERNING THE TEXAS LEGISLATIVE RACES IN 2002.
Hat Tip to:The Zero Point
Bush on Iraq: 'Never Give In'
President Bush accused Islamic militants on Thursday of seeking to "enslave whole nations and intimidate the world" and charged they have made Iraq their main front.
"The militants believe that controlling one country will rally the Muslim masses, enabling them to overthrow all moderate governments in the region and establish a radical Islamic empire that spans from Spain to Indonesia," Bush said. The president has been stepping up his defense of his Iraq policy in the face of declining public support for the war and a crucial test in Iraq with the Oct. 15 constitutional referendum.
In a speech before the National Endowment for Democracy, Bush likened the ideology of Islamic militants to communism. And he said they are being "aided by elements of the Arab news media that incites hatred and anti-Semitism."
"Against such an enemy, there's only one effective response: We never back down, never give in and never accept anything less than complete victory," Bush declared.
His Iraq policy faces a crucial test in Iraq's Oct. 15 referendum on a new constitution, a vote that Bush has said terrorists will try to derail.
"We are facing a radical ideology with immeasurable objectives to enslave whole nations and intimidate the world," Bush said.
Bush said the terrorists are aided by corrupt charities that direct money to terrorist activities and nations, such as Syria and Iran, calling them "allies of convenience" that back terrorists.
Countering claims that the U.S. military presence in Iraq is fueling radicalism, Bush noted that American troops were not there on Sept. 11, 2001. He said Russia did not support the military action in Iraq, yet a terrorist attack in Beslan, Russia, left more than 300 schoolchildren dead in 2004.
"The terrorists regard Iraq as the central front in the war against humanity. And we must recognize Iraq as the central front in our war on terror," he said.
"Our commitment is clear - we will not relent until the organized international terror networks are exposed and broken and their leaders held to account for their acts of murder," Bush said.
The president said that no one should estimate the difficulties ahead, nor should anyone be pessimistic about U.S. efforts to battle terrorism.
"With every random bombing. And with every funeral of a child, it becomes more clear that the extremists are not patriots, or resistance fighters," Bush said. "They are murderers at war with the Iraqi people themselves."
Bush also took on war critics in the United States.
"There's always a temptation in the middle of a long struggle to seek the quiet life, to escape the duties and problems of the world and to hope the enemy grows weary of fanaticism and tired of murder," he said.
But Bush vowed to not to retreat from Iraq or from the broader war on terrorism. "We will keep our nerve and we will win that victory," he said.
Fact Sheet: President Bush Remarks on the War on Terror
"The militants believe that controlling one country will rally the Muslim masses, enabling them to overthrow all moderate governments in the region and establish a radical Islamic empire that spans from Spain to Indonesia," Bush said. The president has been stepping up his defense of his Iraq policy in the face of declining public support for the war and a crucial test in Iraq with the Oct. 15 constitutional referendum.
In a speech before the National Endowment for Democracy, Bush likened the ideology of Islamic militants to communism. And he said they are being "aided by elements of the Arab news media that incites hatred and anti-Semitism."
"Against such an enemy, there's only one effective response: We never back down, never give in and never accept anything less than complete victory," Bush declared.
His Iraq policy faces a crucial test in Iraq's Oct. 15 referendum on a new constitution, a vote that Bush has said terrorists will try to derail.
"We are facing a radical ideology with immeasurable objectives to enslave whole nations and intimidate the world," Bush said.
Bush said the terrorists are aided by corrupt charities that direct money to terrorist activities and nations, such as Syria and Iran, calling them "allies of convenience" that back terrorists.
Countering claims that the U.S. military presence in Iraq is fueling radicalism, Bush noted that American troops were not there on Sept. 11, 2001. He said Russia did not support the military action in Iraq, yet a terrorist attack in Beslan, Russia, left more than 300 schoolchildren dead in 2004.
"The terrorists regard Iraq as the central front in the war against humanity. And we must recognize Iraq as the central front in our war on terror," he said.
"Our commitment is clear - we will not relent until the organized international terror networks are exposed and broken and their leaders held to account for their acts of murder," Bush said.
The president said that no one should estimate the difficulties ahead, nor should anyone be pessimistic about U.S. efforts to battle terrorism.
"With every random bombing. And with every funeral of a child, it becomes more clear that the extremists are not patriots, or resistance fighters," Bush said. "They are murderers at war with the Iraqi people themselves."
Bush also took on war critics in the United States.
"There's always a temptation in the middle of a long struggle to seek the quiet life, to escape the duties and problems of the world and to hope the enemy grows weary of fanaticism and tired of murder," he said.
But Bush vowed to not to retreat from Iraq or from the broader war on terrorism. "We will keep our nerve and we will win that victory," he said.
Fact Sheet: President Bush Remarks on the War on Terror
Texas Prosecutor Angry When Other Jury Declined to Indict DeLay
A Texas prosecutor tried to convince a grand jury that Representative Tom DeLay gave tacit approval to a series of laundered campaign contributions, and when jurors declined to indict, he became angry, according to two people directly familiar with the proceeding.
The grand jury was one of three that considered whether there was probable cause to indict DeLay. Two other grand juries did indict the former House majority leader, who had to step aside temporarily under Republican rules.
Both indictments focused on an alleged scheme to provide corporate political donations to Texas legislative candidates in violation of state law.
The two people interviewed, who commented anonymously because of grand jury secrecy, said Travis County prosecutor Ronnie Earle became visibly angry when the grand jurors last week signed a document declining to indict, known as a ''no bill."
One person said the sole evidence Earle presented was a DeLay interview with the prosecutor, in which DeLay said he was generally aware of activities of his associates. He is charged in an alleged money- laundering scheme to funnel corporate donations to Texas legislative candidates in violation of state law.
The person said that Earle tried to convince the jurors that if DeLay ''didn't say 'Stop it,' he gave his tacit approval."
After the grand jurors declined to go forward, the mood ''was unpleasant," the other person said, describing Earle's reaction.
Dick DeGuerin, attorney for DeLay, sought to have the original conspiracy charge dismissed Monday by arguing in a court filing that contended the indictment was based on a law that the Legislature changed in 2003. The original indictment alleges that the illegal acts date to 2002.
The grand jury was one of three that considered whether there was probable cause to indict DeLay. Two other grand juries did indict the former House majority leader, who had to step aside temporarily under Republican rules.
Both indictments focused on an alleged scheme to provide corporate political donations to Texas legislative candidates in violation of state law.
The two people interviewed, who commented anonymously because of grand jury secrecy, said Travis County prosecutor Ronnie Earle became visibly angry when the grand jurors last week signed a document declining to indict, known as a ''no bill."
One person said the sole evidence Earle presented was a DeLay interview with the prosecutor, in which DeLay said he was generally aware of activities of his associates. He is charged in an alleged money- laundering scheme to funnel corporate donations to Texas legislative candidates in violation of state law.
The person said that Earle tried to convince the jurors that if DeLay ''didn't say 'Stop it,' he gave his tacit approval."
After the grand jurors declined to go forward, the mood ''was unpleasant," the other person said, describing Earle's reaction.
Dick DeGuerin, attorney for DeLay, sought to have the original conspiracy charge dismissed Monday by arguing in a court filing that contended the indictment was based on a law that the Legislature changed in 2003. The original indictment alleges that the illegal acts date to 2002.
Dems' DeLay tactics could backfire
BY LYNN SWEET SUN-TIMES COLUMNIST
"The longer this goes on,'' former Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) told a Houston KTRN radio host on Wednesday, "the tougher it is for me to step back in as majority leader.''
The indictment against DeLay, forced to vacate his leadership spot after being accused of conspiring with two others to channel banned corporate donations into Texas state races, started a chain reaction of interrelated political events with a ripple effect reaching into Illinois.
Last week I wrote how Democrats were ready to exploit the criminal charges DeLay faces in Texas, and the only question was how effective they would be. DeLay's second indictment -- on money laundering, all part of the same scheme alleged in the first indictment -- only gives Democrats more grist.
But if Democrats make too much of DeLay's alleged ethical lapses, especially when it comes to fund-raising, they are inviting scrutiny of their own. Take, for example, a report titled "PAC-Men Lobbyists,'' released this week by the Center for Public Integrity, a nonpartisan investigative organization keeping tabs on lobbyists. The center's researchers found the top fund-raisers for almost 80 members of Congress -- Democrats and Republicans -- were corporate lobbyists for lawmakers they are trying to influence.
The Center highlighted Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.), probably because he is chief of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. The treasurer of his congressional campaign fund is a Chicago-based lawyer who lobbies Congress.
"The longer this goes on,'' former Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) told a Houston KTRN radio host on Wednesday, "the tougher it is for me to step back in as majority leader.''
The indictment against DeLay, forced to vacate his leadership spot after being accused of conspiring with two others to channel banned corporate donations into Texas state races, started a chain reaction of interrelated political events with a ripple effect reaching into Illinois.
Last week I wrote how Democrats were ready to exploit the criminal charges DeLay faces in Texas, and the only question was how effective they would be. DeLay's second indictment -- on money laundering, all part of the same scheme alleged in the first indictment -- only gives Democrats more grist.
But if Democrats make too much of DeLay's alleged ethical lapses, especially when it comes to fund-raising, they are inviting scrutiny of their own. Take, for example, a report titled "PAC-Men Lobbyists,'' released this week by the Center for Public Integrity, a nonpartisan investigative organization keeping tabs on lobbyists. The center's researchers found the top fund-raisers for almost 80 members of Congress -- Democrats and Republicans -- were corporate lobbyists for lawmakers they are trying to influence.
The Center highlighted Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.), probably because he is chief of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. The treasurer of his congressional campaign fund is a Chicago-based lawyer who lobbies Congress.
Illegal Immigrants Arrested at Fort Bragg
Three people who taught foreign languages at the Joint Special Operations Command Center at Fort Bragg were arrested on immigration charges, federal officials said.
While workers at U.S. military installations may have access to sensitive work sites, authorities said the three men did not.
"What's important to remember is they did not teach any classified materials, and they were not exposed to any classified materials," JSOC spokeswoman Tina Beller said.
Two Indonesian natives, Nurkis Qadariah, 34, and Sayf Rimal, 37, were arrested Tuesday and charged with possessing and using false documents, U.S. Attorney Frank Whitney said.
Ousmane Moreau, 38, of Senegal, was arrested Monday and charged with being in the United States illegally, Whitney said.
Qadariah and Rimal are accused in a complaint of using counterfeit resident alien cards and falsely saying that they were lawful permanent residents of the United States in order to get a job with Florida-based B.I.B. Consultants Inc. to teach foreign languages at Fort Bragg.
All employees of the company must go through background checks, and checks on the three men "came back clear," Daniel Guillan, director of government and contracting for the company, told WTVD-TV in Durham.
While workers at U.S. military installations may have access to sensitive work sites, authorities said the three men did not.
"What's important to remember is they did not teach any classified materials, and they were not exposed to any classified materials," JSOC spokeswoman Tina Beller said.
Two Indonesian natives, Nurkis Qadariah, 34, and Sayf Rimal, 37, were arrested Tuesday and charged with possessing and using false documents, U.S. Attorney Frank Whitney said.
Ousmane Moreau, 38, of Senegal, was arrested Monday and charged with being in the United States illegally, Whitney said.
Qadariah and Rimal are accused in a complaint of using counterfeit resident alien cards and falsely saying that they were lawful permanent residents of the United States in order to get a job with Florida-based B.I.B. Consultants Inc. to teach foreign languages at Fort Bragg.
All employees of the company must go through background checks, and checks on the three men "came back clear," Daniel Guillan, director of government and contracting for the company, told WTVD-TV in Durham.
Oil Falls a Fifth Day on Surging Imports, Decline in Demand
Crude oil fell for a fifth day on expectations surging fuel imports will help compensate for reduced production caused by hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico.
U.S. gasoline imports surged 18 percent to 1.4 million barrels a day last week, the highest in at least 19 years, the Energy Department said yesterday. Total fuel consumption in the four weeks ended Sept. 30 was 2.9 percent lower than a year earlier. Gulf oil production yesterday rose to 13 percent of pre-hurricane levels, the Minerals Management Service said.
``The demand numbers suggest people may be getting a little bit scared off by high prices,'' said David Thurtell, commodity strategist at Commonwealth Bank of Australia Ltd. in Sydney. ``Gulf production is coming back slowly.''
Crude oil for November delivery fell as much as 39 cents, or 0.6 percent, to $62.40 a barrel in after-hours electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It was at $62.45 at 8:38 a.m. in Sydney, 20 percent higher than a year ago.
Yesterday, the November contract fell $1.11, or 1.7 percent, to $62.79 a barrel, the lowest close for the contract nearest expiry since Aug. 5. Prices have declined 12 percent since touching a record $70.85 a barrel on Aug. 30.
Yesterday's slide in prices accelerated after the Minerals Management Service reported that Gulf oil companies restored another 50,000 barrels of daily production. Output shut in by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita totaled 1.3 million barrels a day yesterday, or 87 percent of pre-hurricane levels.
Gasoline for November delivery plunged 10.79 cents, or 5.4 percent, to $1.9078 a gallon in New York, the lowest close since Sept. 16. It was at $1.8880 in after-hours trading.
Heating oil for November delivery fell 3.49 cents, or 1.7 percent, to $2.0148 a gallon, the lowest close since Sept. 23. It was at $1.9950 in after-hours trading.
U.S. gasoline imports surged 18 percent to 1.4 million barrels a day last week, the highest in at least 19 years, the Energy Department said yesterday. Total fuel consumption in the four weeks ended Sept. 30 was 2.9 percent lower than a year earlier. Gulf oil production yesterday rose to 13 percent of pre-hurricane levels, the Minerals Management Service said.
``The demand numbers suggest people may be getting a little bit scared off by high prices,'' said David Thurtell, commodity strategist at Commonwealth Bank of Australia Ltd. in Sydney. ``Gulf production is coming back slowly.''
Crude oil for November delivery fell as much as 39 cents, or 0.6 percent, to $62.40 a barrel in after-hours electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It was at $62.45 at 8:38 a.m. in Sydney, 20 percent higher than a year ago.
Yesterday, the November contract fell $1.11, or 1.7 percent, to $62.79 a barrel, the lowest close for the contract nearest expiry since Aug. 5. Prices have declined 12 percent since touching a record $70.85 a barrel on Aug. 30.
Yesterday's slide in prices accelerated after the Minerals Management Service reported that Gulf oil companies restored another 50,000 barrels of daily production. Output shut in by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita totaled 1.3 million barrels a day yesterday, or 87 percent of pre-hurricane levels.
Gasoline for November delivery plunged 10.79 cents, or 5.4 percent, to $1.9078 a gallon in New York, the lowest close since Sept. 16. It was at $1.8880 in after-hours trading.
Heating oil for November delivery fell 3.49 cents, or 1.7 percent, to $2.0148 a gallon, the lowest close since Sept. 23. It was at $1.9950 in after-hours trading.
Bush plans 'major speech' on Iraq, terrorism
Watch President Bush's speech on U.S. efforts against terrorism, Thursday at 10 a.m. ET
President Bush will deliver a "major speech" speech Thursday on the progress of the war in Iraq and the broader conflict against terrorism, the White House said Wednesday.
Bush will deliver his remarks at 10:10 a.m. at a National Endowment for Democracy event in Washington.
Bush met with top military advisers Wednesday at the White House, telling reporters afterward that U.S. and Iraqi troops are on the offensive against insurgents who want to disrupt Iraq's October 15 vote on a new constitution.
He said about 3,000 Iraqi troops had done "a fine job" in recent combat alongside American units in western Iraq.
"Over 30 percent of the Iraqi troops are in the lead on these offensive operations. We've got troops embedded with them, and that's an important part of the training mission," he said.
White House press secretary Scott McClellan characterized Bush's planned remarks Thursday morning as a "major speech" that will address the connection between Iraq and the broader war against the al Qaeda terrorist network "in greater detail than he has before."
"He will talk about how [al Qaeda] is a group of people that have a very clear strategy for driving us out of the Middle East, for creating a safe haven in the Middle East -- a safe haven from which they can plan and plot attacks on the rest of the civilized world and a safe haven from which they can seek to overthrow moderate governments in the Middle East," McClellan said.
McClellan said the address "is not a speech on Iraq," but Bush "will talk about Iraq in the context of the broader war on terrorism."
President Bush will deliver a "major speech" speech Thursday on the progress of the war in Iraq and the broader conflict against terrorism, the White House said Wednesday.
Bush will deliver his remarks at 10:10 a.m. at a National Endowment for Democracy event in Washington.
Bush met with top military advisers Wednesday at the White House, telling reporters afterward that U.S. and Iraqi troops are on the offensive against insurgents who want to disrupt Iraq's October 15 vote on a new constitution.
He said about 3,000 Iraqi troops had done "a fine job" in recent combat alongside American units in western Iraq.
"Over 30 percent of the Iraqi troops are in the lead on these offensive operations. We've got troops embedded with them, and that's an important part of the training mission," he said.
White House press secretary Scott McClellan characterized Bush's planned remarks Thursday morning as a "major speech" that will address the connection between Iraq and the broader war against the al Qaeda terrorist network "in greater detail than he has before."
"He will talk about how [al Qaeda] is a group of people that have a very clear strategy for driving us out of the Middle East, for creating a safe haven in the Middle East -- a safe haven from which they can plan and plot attacks on the rest of the civilized world and a safe haven from which they can seek to overthrow moderate governments in the Middle East," McClellan said.
McClellan said the address "is not a speech on Iraq," but Bush "will talk about Iraq in the context of the broader war on terrorism."
US officials brace for decisions in CIA leak case
The federal prosecutor investigating who leaked the identity of a CIA operative is expected to signal within days whether he intends to bring indictments in the case, legal sources close to the investigation said on Wednesday.
As a first step, prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald was expected to notify officials by letter if they have become targets, said the lawyers, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.
Fitzgerald could announce plea agreements, bring indictments, or conclude that no crime was committed. By the end of this month he is expected to wrap up his nearly two-year-old investigation into who leaked CIA operative Valerie Plame's identity.
As a first step, prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald was expected to notify officials by letter if they have become targets, said the lawyers, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.
Fitzgerald could announce plea agreements, bring indictments, or conclude that no crime was committed. By the end of this month he is expected to wrap up his nearly two-year-old investigation into who leaked CIA operative Valerie Plame's identity.
Filmmaker Sues Kerry, Campaign Aide
A filmmaker has sued Sen. John Kerry and a one-time campaign aide, saying they defamed him as they sought to block the broadcast of an anti-Kerry documentary during the 2004 presidential election.
The lawsuit, filed this week on behalf of producer Carlton Sherwood and a Vietnam veterans group, is the latest salvo in the battle over the documentary "Stolen Honor: Wounds That Never Heal."
The film contends that Kerry's anti-war activities when he returned from Vietnam caused further harm to captured U.S. soldiers.
The Sinclair Broadcast Group, which as of last year owned 62 TV stations that reached a quarter of all U.S. households, canceled plans to air the documentary during the razor-close Bush-Kerry race last fall and instead showed only portions of it as part of a broader program.
The Democratic National Committee had complained that "Stolen Honor" amounted to an illegal in-kind contribution to President Bush's campaign, and Kerry's campaign asked for equal time.
Sherwood's suit alleges that Kerry directed the DNC to issue a statement that falsely said the film was produced and funded by "extreme right-wing activists."
The film was funded only by Vietnam veterans from Pennsylvania, according to Sherwood, a Harrisburg resident who served in Vietnam. He and a combat veterans group called the Vietnam Veterans Legacy Foundation filed the federal suit in Philadelphia on Monday.
The suit charges that Anthony Podesta, who ran Kerry's campaign in Pennsylvania, called Sherwood "a disgraced journalist" and "Bush hack" in a widely circulated e-mail.
Kerry's Senate office was preparing a response Wednesday, spokesman David Wade said. Podesta did not immediately return a message.
The lawsuit, filed this week on behalf of producer Carlton Sherwood and a Vietnam veterans group, is the latest salvo in the battle over the documentary "Stolen Honor: Wounds That Never Heal."
The film contends that Kerry's anti-war activities when he returned from Vietnam caused further harm to captured U.S. soldiers.
The Sinclair Broadcast Group, which as of last year owned 62 TV stations that reached a quarter of all U.S. households, canceled plans to air the documentary during the razor-close Bush-Kerry race last fall and instead showed only portions of it as part of a broader program.
The Democratic National Committee had complained that "Stolen Honor" amounted to an illegal in-kind contribution to President Bush's campaign, and Kerry's campaign asked for equal time.
Sherwood's suit alleges that Kerry directed the DNC to issue a statement that falsely said the film was produced and funded by "extreme right-wing activists."
The film was funded only by Vietnam veterans from Pennsylvania, according to Sherwood, a Harrisburg resident who served in Vietnam. He and a combat veterans group called the Vietnam Veterans Legacy Foundation filed the federal suit in Philadelphia on Monday.
The suit charges that Anthony Podesta, who ran Kerry's campaign in Pennsylvania, called Sherwood "a disgraced journalist" and "Bush hack" in a widely circulated e-mail.
Kerry's Senate office was preparing a response Wednesday, spokesman David Wade said. Podesta did not immediately return a message.
Bin Laden to surface after new attack on US soil: ex-CIA expert
Osama bin laden is expected to remain in hiding until he stages another attack on the United States, an ex-CIA expert who had tracked the terror mastermind for two decades warned in an interview.
"As soon as he hits us in the United States again we'll see how important he is in the Islamic world," Michael Scheuer, the former head of the "bin Laden unit" at the CIA, told AFP in an interview.
Despite his low profile, bin Laden remains powerful, Scheuer said, shrugging off reports that the Al-Qaeda chief was isolated and his communication network shattered due to a relentless hunt for him.
"We mistake quiet for defeat or irrelevance. And all quiet is disquiet," said Scheuer, a fierce critic of the Bush administration and its "War on Terror" policy since he left the CIA in November last year.
Scheuer said that bin Laden's right-hand-man Ayman al-Zawahiri, who last appeared on a video aired 10 days before the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, seemed to have temporarily taken over the Al-Qaeda leadership apparently for the boss to prepare for another US strike.
Asked why he thought the al-Qaeda leader had not resurfaced since then, Scheuer said: "I don't think we are going to hear from him until he attacks us again.
"His feature on the eve of the election was simply to say that: This is it, I have warned you four times. I punched my ticket in the Islamic world, I've given you all the warning that the religion requires me.
"I think that's why Zawahiri is taking the lead at the moment," said Scheuer, the author of the best-selling book "Imperial Hubris," which was originally published anonymously as required by the CIA.
Pakistan said last month that bin Laden was now isolated as his communication network had been shattered.
One key Al-Qaeda suspect revealed under interrogation that bin Laden was using couriers travelling on foot or horseback instead of communicating by satellite telephone or the Internet to avoid being detected, according to Pakistan's chief military spokesman, Major General Shaukat Sultan.
Ersel Aydinli, a former counter-terrorism expert with the Turkish police, said bin Laden failed in his bid to drum up support from Muslims to join his jihadist struggle.
"But even if he is captured or killed, probably we still have to deal with the legacy beyond him," he said, adding that the Al-Qaeda had broken up into various "splinter groups with potential for multiple attacks.
"The good news is that it looks like Osama bin laden and Al-Qaeda have really failed in terms of getting enough attention for their call for jihad in a violent way," he said.
Aydinli, who teaches at George Washington University, said field research he conducted last summer among Muslim communities in the Middle East and Europe revealed that there was still continuing debate over bin Laden's role.
"There is a huge debate whether he served or he really hindered the Muslim world's interests," he said.
"As soon as he hits us in the United States again we'll see how important he is in the Islamic world," Michael Scheuer, the former head of the "bin Laden unit" at the CIA, told AFP in an interview.
Despite his low profile, bin Laden remains powerful, Scheuer said, shrugging off reports that the Al-Qaeda chief was isolated and his communication network shattered due to a relentless hunt for him.
"We mistake quiet for defeat or irrelevance. And all quiet is disquiet," said Scheuer, a fierce critic of the Bush administration and its "War on Terror" policy since he left the CIA in November last year.
Scheuer said that bin Laden's right-hand-man Ayman al-Zawahiri, who last appeared on a video aired 10 days before the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, seemed to have temporarily taken over the Al-Qaeda leadership apparently for the boss to prepare for another US strike.
Asked why he thought the al-Qaeda leader had not resurfaced since then, Scheuer said: "I don't think we are going to hear from him until he attacks us again.
"His feature on the eve of the election was simply to say that: This is it, I have warned you four times. I punched my ticket in the Islamic world, I've given you all the warning that the religion requires me.
"I think that's why Zawahiri is taking the lead at the moment," said Scheuer, the author of the best-selling book "Imperial Hubris," which was originally published anonymously as required by the CIA.
Pakistan said last month that bin Laden was now isolated as his communication network had been shattered.
One key Al-Qaeda suspect revealed under interrogation that bin Laden was using couriers travelling on foot or horseback instead of communicating by satellite telephone or the Internet to avoid being detected, according to Pakistan's chief military spokesman, Major General Shaukat Sultan.
Ersel Aydinli, a former counter-terrorism expert with the Turkish police, said bin Laden failed in his bid to drum up support from Muslims to join his jihadist struggle.
"But even if he is captured or killed, probably we still have to deal with the legacy beyond him," he said, adding that the Al-Qaeda had broken up into various "splinter groups with potential for multiple attacks.
"The good news is that it looks like Osama bin laden and Al-Qaeda have really failed in terms of getting enough attention for their call for jihad in a violent way," he said.
Aydinli, who teaches at George Washington University, said field research he conducted last summer among Muslim communities in the Middle East and Europe revealed that there was still continuing debate over bin Laden's role.
"There is a huge debate whether he served or he really hindered the Muslim world's interests," he said.
Prosecutor reveals third grand jury had refused DeLay indictment
Newly impaneled grand jury returned money-laundering charge within hours
A Travis County grand jury last week refused to indict former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay as prosecutors raced to salvage their felony case against the Sugar Land Republican.
In a written statement Tuesday, Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle acknowledged that prosecutors presented their case to three grand juries � not just the two they had discussed � and one grand jury refused to indict DeLay. When questions arose about whether the state's conspiracy statute applied to the first indictment returned last Wednesday, prosecutors presented a new money-laundering charge to second grand jury on Friday because the term of the initial grand jury had expired.
Working on its last day Friday, the second grand jury refused to indict DeLay. Normally, a "no-bill" document is available at the courthouse after such a decision. No such document was released Tuesday.
Earle's statement on Tuesday said he took money-laundering and conspiracy charges to a third grand jury on Monday after prosecutors learned of new evidence over the weekend.
Lawyers for DeLay immediately called foul after Earle released his statement after 5 p.m. Tuesday.
"What could have happened over the weekend?" said Austin lawyer Bill White, who represents DeLay. "They investigate for three years and suddenly they have new evidence? That's beyond the pale!"
White suggested that Earle released his statement Tuesday because he feared reporters would learn about the no-bill.
In his statement, Earle said he would have no further comment because grand jury proceedings are secret.
A Travis County grand jury last week refused to indict former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay as prosecutors raced to salvage their felony case against the Sugar Land Republican.
In a written statement Tuesday, Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle acknowledged that prosecutors presented their case to three grand juries � not just the two they had discussed � and one grand jury refused to indict DeLay. When questions arose about whether the state's conspiracy statute applied to the first indictment returned last Wednesday, prosecutors presented a new money-laundering charge to second grand jury on Friday because the term of the initial grand jury had expired.
Working on its last day Friday, the second grand jury refused to indict DeLay. Normally, a "no-bill" document is available at the courthouse after such a decision. No such document was released Tuesday.
Earle's statement on Tuesday said he took money-laundering and conspiracy charges to a third grand jury on Monday after prosecutors learned of new evidence over the weekend.
Lawyers for DeLay immediately called foul after Earle released his statement after 5 p.m. Tuesday.
"What could have happened over the weekend?" said Austin lawyer Bill White, who represents DeLay. "They investigate for three years and suddenly they have new evidence? That's beyond the pale!"
White suggested that Earle released his statement Tuesday because he feared reporters would learn about the no-bill.
In his statement, Earle said he would have no further comment because grand jury proceedings are secret.
Espionage Case Breaches the White House
Accused Marine Worked in Vice President's Office
Both the FBI and CIA are calling it the first case of espionage in the White House in modern history.
Officials tell ABC News the alleged spy worked undetected at the White House for almost three years. Leandro Aragoncillo, 46, was a U.S. Marine most recently assigned to the staff of Vice President Dick Cheney.
"I don't know of a case where the vetting broke down before and resulted in a spy being in the White House," said Richard Clarke, a former White House advisor who is now an ABC News consultant.
Federal investigators say Aragoncillo, a naturalized citizen from the Philippines, used his top secret clearance to steal classified intelligence documents from White House computers.
In 2000, Aragoncillo worked on the staff of then-Vice President Al Gore. When interviewed by Philippine television, he remarked how valued Philippine employees were at the White House.
"I think what they like most is our integrity and loyalty," Aragoncillo said.
Officials say the classified material, which Aragoncillo stole from the vice president's office, included damaging dossiers on the president of the Philippines. He then passed those on to opposition politicians planning a coup in the Pacific nation.
"Even though it's not for the Russians or some other government, the fact that it occurred at the White House is a matter of great concern," said John Martin, who was the government's lead espionage prosecutor for 26 years.
Last year, after leaving the Marines, Aragoncillo was caught by the FBI while he worked for the Bureau at an intelligence center at Fort Monmouth, N.J.
According to a criminal complaint, Aragoncillo was arrested last month and accused of downloading more than 100 classified documents from FBI computers.
"The information was transferred mostly by e-mails," said U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie at the time of Aragoncillo's arrest.
Since that arrest, officials say Aragoncillo has started to cooperate. He has admitted to spying while working on the staff of Vice President Cheney's office.
Both the FBI and CIA are calling it the first case of espionage in the White House in modern history.
Officials tell ABC News the alleged spy worked undetected at the White House for almost three years. Leandro Aragoncillo, 46, was a U.S. Marine most recently assigned to the staff of Vice President Dick Cheney.
"I don't know of a case where the vetting broke down before and resulted in a spy being in the White House," said Richard Clarke, a former White House advisor who is now an ABC News consultant.
Federal investigators say Aragoncillo, a naturalized citizen from the Philippines, used his top secret clearance to steal classified intelligence documents from White House computers.
In 2000, Aragoncillo worked on the staff of then-Vice President Al Gore. When interviewed by Philippine television, he remarked how valued Philippine employees were at the White House.
"I think what they like most is our integrity and loyalty," Aragoncillo said.
Officials say the classified material, which Aragoncillo stole from the vice president's office, included damaging dossiers on the president of the Philippines. He then passed those on to opposition politicians planning a coup in the Pacific nation.
"Even though it's not for the Russians or some other government, the fact that it occurred at the White House is a matter of great concern," said John Martin, who was the government's lead espionage prosecutor for 26 years.
Last year, after leaving the Marines, Aragoncillo was caught by the FBI while he worked for the Bureau at an intelligence center at Fort Monmouth, N.J.
According to a criminal complaint, Aragoncillo was arrested last month and accused of downloading more than 100 classified documents from FBI computers.
"The information was transferred mostly by e-mails," said U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie at the time of Aragoncillo's arrest.
Since that arrest, officials say Aragoncillo has started to cooperate. He has admitted to spying while working on the staff of Vice President Cheney's office.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Bush's poll numbers up
President Bush's standing with the public improved over the previous week as he made a highly visible effort to manage the consequences of the second major hurricane to hit the Gulf Coast in a month, a new poll out Thursday found.
Bush's job approval rating in the latest CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll climbed to 45 percent, and 71 percent said they approved of his handling of Hurricane Rita, which struck land Saturday near the Texas-Louisiana border.
By comparison, only 40 percent said they approved of his handling of Hurricane Katrina, which hit near the Louisiana-Mississippi line August 29.
A similar poll released last week found only 40 percent approved of Bush's job performance, and 41 percent approved of his handling of Katrina.
An easing of public concern over gasoline prices also appeared to have contributed to the upward bump in Bush's poll numbers.
Only 61 percent said higher gas prices caused them financial hardship, compared with 72 percent in a poll taken September 12-15. Another 38 percent said the prices had not caused them any hardship.
Sixteen percent said the spike in prices at the pump had caused them severe hardship -- down from 21 percent in the previous survey -- and 45 percent called their suffering moderate.
But many consumers said they expect no relief from higher fuel prices in the next year: 51 percent said they believed gas prices would be either somewhat or much higher by this time in 2006, while just 23 percent expect the price to drop. Another 25 percent said they believe the price will remain about the same.
Bush's job approval rating in the latest CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll climbed to 45 percent, and 71 percent said they approved of his handling of Hurricane Rita, which struck land Saturday near the Texas-Louisiana border.
By comparison, only 40 percent said they approved of his handling of Hurricane Katrina, which hit near the Louisiana-Mississippi line August 29.
A similar poll released last week found only 40 percent approved of Bush's job performance, and 41 percent approved of his handling of Katrina.
An easing of public concern over gasoline prices also appeared to have contributed to the upward bump in Bush's poll numbers.
Only 61 percent said higher gas prices caused them financial hardship, compared with 72 percent in a poll taken September 12-15. Another 38 percent said the prices had not caused them any hardship.
Sixteen percent said the spike in prices at the pump had caused them severe hardship -- down from 21 percent in the previous survey -- and 45 percent called their suffering moderate.
But many consumers said they expect no relief from higher fuel prices in the next year: 51 percent said they believed gas prices would be either somewhat or much higher by this time in 2006, while just 23 percent expect the price to drop. Another 25 percent said they believe the price will remain about the same.
Conservative Media Distort Miers' Record
In a case of sensational but factually inaccurate reporting, WorldNetDaily (WND) is alleging that Bush Supreme Court pick Harriet Miers "is on record as supporting the establishment of the International Criminal Court" and "homosexual adoptions" and other controversial positions. But the documents being cited as proof of the claim have been distorted by WND. One document is merely a listing of issues that were supposed to come before a meeting of the House of Delegates of the American Bar Association in 1998. There is no evidence that Miers personally endorsed them.
Columnist Robert Novak has also been caught promoting the misinformation. In a column appearing today in the Chicago Sun-Times, he writes that Miers was "chairwoman of a panel that recommended legalization of gay adoption and establishment of an International Criminal Court." He added, "That will not sit well with the Republican base." In fact, the evidence shows that Miers was the chair of a panel that merely passed along recommendations from various ABA entities for consideration by the ABA. There's no evidence that she put her personal stamp of approval on those controversial positions.
Ironically, the liberal Boston Globe got the story correct and put it into context. The paper reports today that "In 1998, while heading the ABA's rules and calendar committee, she submitted policy views for discussion by the group's membership, including two that are hardly conservative: endorsing an International Criminal Court, and lifting bans on adoptions by homosexuals. But Gail Alexander-Wise, director of ABA media relations, emphasized that Miers was only carrying out an administrative duty and did not necessarily endorse those positions just because she submitted them for discussion."
Columnist Robert Novak has also been caught promoting the misinformation. In a column appearing today in the Chicago Sun-Times, he writes that Miers was "chairwoman of a panel that recommended legalization of gay adoption and establishment of an International Criminal Court." He added, "That will not sit well with the Republican base." In fact, the evidence shows that Miers was the chair of a panel that merely passed along recommendations from various ABA entities for consideration by the ABA. There's no evidence that she put her personal stamp of approval on those controversial positions.
Ironically, the liberal Boston Globe got the story correct and put it into context. The paper reports today that "In 1998, while heading the ABA's rules and calendar committee, she submitted policy views for discussion by the group's membership, including two that are hardly conservative: endorsing an International Criminal Court, and lifting bans on adoptions by homosexuals. But Gail Alexander-Wise, director of ABA media relations, emphasized that Miers was only carrying out an administrative duty and did not necessarily endorse those positions just because she submitted them for discussion."
Mystery-woman Miers:New clues to resume
Bush pick supported International Criminal Court, homosexual adoptions, women in combat, tax hike
Harriet Miers, President Bush's nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court to replace Sandra Day O'Connor, is on record as supporting the establishment of the International Criminal Court, homosexual adoptions, a major local tax increase and women in combat, WorldNetDaily has learned.
While some conservative leaders and organizations were stunned by the appointment, most were not alarmed by the lack of a paper trail by the nominee who has never served as a judge at any level.
According to Elaine Donnelly, president of the Center for Military Readiness, Miers has taken positions as White House counsel that violate the law banning women in combat.
"As White House counsel, Ms. Miers either approved of the Department of Defense's illegal assignments of women in units required to be all-male, which is still continuing in violation of the law requiring notice to Congress in advance, or she was oblivious to the legal consequences of those assignments," she said.
Donnelly believes the actions of Miers could lead directly to a future court ruling requiring women to register with the Selective Service for the draft because they are now being, against the wishes of Congress, assigned to land combat.
"I am very disappointed by the president's choice," she said. "Ms. Miers does not have a judicial 'paper trail,' but her record as White House counsel is a legitimate cause for concern. Democrats and liberals who were willing to use the military for purposes of social experimentation have reason to be pleased."
Donnelly also concludes that Miers approved the Bush administrations retention of President Clinton's "don't ask, don't tell" regulations, which, she says, are different from the 1993 law passed by Congress
Meanwhile, during Miers long affiliation with the American Bar Association, she submitted a 1999 report to the ABA's house of delegates that included recommendations to develop and establish an International Criminal Court and the enactment of laws and public policy providing that the sexual orientation of adults be no bar to adoption of children.
Under the heading Family Law and subheading Adoption, the document states: "Supports the enactment of laws and public policy which provide that sexual orientation shall not be a bar to adoption when the adoption is determined to be in the best interest of the child."
Also included, under the heading International Law and Practice, is a recommendation for "the development and establishment of an International Criminal Court."
Along with the proposed agenda was a memo, dated Oct. 28, 1998, that explained the document.
"The Committee urges all Delegates to review this list for items of interest to their constituencies, and to act as the catalyst for further contact and action so that each entity will have the earliest opportunity for consideration and input."
The memo is signed by Miers as chairwoman of the Select Committee of the House.
As a city councilwoman, Miers also said Dallas had a responsibility to pay for AIDS education and patient services. And she courted the support of the Lesbian/Gay Coalition of Dallas in her successful 1989 campaign.
In addition, economic conservatives pleased by her corporate law background may find it distressing that in 1990 Miers voted for a 7 percent property tax increase during her short tenure on the Dallas City Council.
Harriet Miers, President Bush's nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court to replace Sandra Day O'Connor, is on record as supporting the establishment of the International Criminal Court, homosexual adoptions, a major local tax increase and women in combat, WorldNetDaily has learned.
While some conservative leaders and organizations were stunned by the appointment, most were not alarmed by the lack of a paper trail by the nominee who has never served as a judge at any level.
According to Elaine Donnelly, president of the Center for Military Readiness, Miers has taken positions as White House counsel that violate the law banning women in combat.
"As White House counsel, Ms. Miers either approved of the Department of Defense's illegal assignments of women in units required to be all-male, which is still continuing in violation of the law requiring notice to Congress in advance, or she was oblivious to the legal consequences of those assignments," she said.
Donnelly believes the actions of Miers could lead directly to a future court ruling requiring women to register with the Selective Service for the draft because they are now being, against the wishes of Congress, assigned to land combat.
"I am very disappointed by the president's choice," she said. "Ms. Miers does not have a judicial 'paper trail,' but her record as White House counsel is a legitimate cause for concern. Democrats and liberals who were willing to use the military for purposes of social experimentation have reason to be pleased."
Donnelly also concludes that Miers approved the Bush administrations retention of President Clinton's "don't ask, don't tell" regulations, which, she says, are different from the 1993 law passed by Congress
Meanwhile, during Miers long affiliation with the American Bar Association, she submitted a 1999 report to the ABA's house of delegates that included recommendations to develop and establish an International Criminal Court and the enactment of laws and public policy providing that the sexual orientation of adults be no bar to adoption of children.
Under the heading Family Law and subheading Adoption, the document states: "Supports the enactment of laws and public policy which provide that sexual orientation shall not be a bar to adoption when the adoption is determined to be in the best interest of the child."
Also included, under the heading International Law and Practice, is a recommendation for "the development and establishment of an International Criminal Court."
Along with the proposed agenda was a memo, dated Oct. 28, 1998, that explained the document.
"The Committee urges all Delegates to review this list for items of interest to their constituencies, and to act as the catalyst for further contact and action so that each entity will have the earliest opportunity for consideration and input."
The memo is signed by Miers as chairwoman of the Select Committee of the House.
As a city councilwoman, Miers also said Dallas had a responsibility to pay for AIDS education and patient services. And she courted the support of the Lesbian/Gay Coalition of Dallas in her successful 1989 campaign.
In addition, economic conservatives pleased by her corporate law background may find it distressing that in 1990 Miers voted for a 7 percent property tax increase during her short tenure on the Dallas City Council.
Melanie Morgan Reinstated After Onslaught of Support
Here is a copy of a letter Melanie sent:
As you know, last week ABC executives removed me from the airwaves of KSFO 560 AM and the "Lee Rodgers & Melanie Morgan Show". I was deeply disappointed that despite the fact that our show was one of the highest rated morning programs in the Bay Area (one of the largest radio markets in the nation) that these ABC executives would act in such a manner.
I cannot help but think they decided to punish me for my continued conservative activism. ABC also owns a liberal radio news/talk station in the San Francisco market and I find it hard to believe they would have treated their liberal hosts the same - especially if they had earned strong ratings.
I owe so many of you a "THANK YOU." The listening audience of KSFO immediately flooded the station when my removal was announced over the airwaves. Word spread across the Internet - including at FreeRepublic.com where many pro-troop conservatives discuss current events.
The outpouring of support forced ABC to reverse course and get me back on the airwaves tomorrow.
I urge you to read about what happened at the Radio Equalizer BLOG - you can also leave a message for Brian Maloney (who writes for the BLOG) there:
http://radioequalizer.blogspot.com/2005/10/move-america-forward-head-loses.html
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
SPECIAL APPRECIATION
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
I would especially like to thank the many people who wrote to me or called me who live in Sacramento and the surrounding northern California area (the foothills, Elk Grove, Lodi, Stockton, Modesto, etc...) .
We've enjoyed a strong following from this area - even though our signal is not so strong in Sacramento at the 560 AM frequency until about 7:10 AM each morning. The Sacto-contingent of Move America Forward remains one of our strongest bases of support and I appreciate you all so much.
Your kind words will mean more than you will ever know!
Here's what irritates me about all of this...
NBC can stage fake explosions to hurt an automaker. Dan Rather can use forged documents to undermine a sitting Republican President. Newsweek reported bogus accounts of a Koran being flushed down a toilet at the GITMO terrorist prison (that resulted in riots that killed people).
Those are the standards that the old-line media defend. The standards I defend are truth, justice and liberty.
This has been painful - and what was more painful was the comments that a few people made that perhaps this was a publicity stunt.
It wasn't, and to read that kind of speculation just made it all the more difficult to endure.
But, this isn't a message about difficulties or hardships. This is a happy ending because you all spoke up. You made a difference - yet again.
And I want to thank you for that.
I will do just that tomorrow morning from 5:00 - 9:00 AM Pacific Time (8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon Eastern). You can listen online at:
http://www.ksfo.com/article.asp?id=53139
And if you live in San Francisco, Sacramento or the surrounding areas - just tune your radio dial to 560 AM.
Thank you all again - now we have a lot of work to do to provide the support our troops need, to fight back against the anti-military propaganda, to tell the truth about the corruption and anti-Americanism at the United Nations, and to provide a positive alternative to the negativity of the "Blame America First" crowd.
And, we also need an alternative to the "do-nothing" conservative talk show hosts who never get off their lazy behinds to do anything but gripe.
An informed, educated and motivated public is the key to Move America Forward, and I am excited about working with you to continue the progress we've already made.
Warmest Regards,
Melanie Morgan
Chair, Move America Forward
http://www.MoveAmericaForward.org
As you know, last week ABC executives removed me from the airwaves of KSFO 560 AM and the "Lee Rodgers & Melanie Morgan Show". I was deeply disappointed that despite the fact that our show was one of the highest rated morning programs in the Bay Area (one of the largest radio markets in the nation) that these ABC executives would act in such a manner.
I cannot help but think they decided to punish me for my continued conservative activism. ABC also owns a liberal radio news/talk station in the San Francisco market and I find it hard to believe they would have treated their liberal hosts the same - especially if they had earned strong ratings.
I owe so many of you a "THANK YOU." The listening audience of KSFO immediately flooded the station when my removal was announced over the airwaves. Word spread across the Internet - including at FreeRepublic.com where many pro-troop conservatives discuss current events.
The outpouring of support forced ABC to reverse course and get me back on the airwaves tomorrow.
I urge you to read about what happened at the Radio Equalizer BLOG - you can also leave a message for Brian Maloney (who writes for the BLOG) there:
http://radioequalizer.blogspot.com/2005/10/move-america-forward-head-loses.html
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
SPECIAL APPRECIATION
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
I would especially like to thank the many people who wrote to me or called me who live in Sacramento and the surrounding northern California area (the foothills, Elk Grove, Lodi, Stockton, Modesto, etc...) .
We've enjoyed a strong following from this area - even though our signal is not so strong in Sacramento at the 560 AM frequency until about 7:10 AM each morning. The Sacto-contingent of Move America Forward remains one of our strongest bases of support and I appreciate you all so much.
Your kind words will mean more than you will ever know!
Here's what irritates me about all of this...
NBC can stage fake explosions to hurt an automaker. Dan Rather can use forged documents to undermine a sitting Republican President. Newsweek reported bogus accounts of a Koran being flushed down a toilet at the GITMO terrorist prison (that resulted in riots that killed people).
Those are the standards that the old-line media defend. The standards I defend are truth, justice and liberty.
This has been painful - and what was more painful was the comments that a few people made that perhaps this was a publicity stunt.
It wasn't, and to read that kind of speculation just made it all the more difficult to endure.
But, this isn't a message about difficulties or hardships. This is a happy ending because you all spoke up. You made a difference - yet again.
And I want to thank you for that.
I will do just that tomorrow morning from 5:00 - 9:00 AM Pacific Time (8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon Eastern). You can listen online at:
http://www.ksfo.com/article.asp?id=53139
And if you live in San Francisco, Sacramento or the surrounding areas - just tune your radio dial to 560 AM.
Thank you all again - now we have a lot of work to do to provide the support our troops need, to fight back against the anti-military propaganda, to tell the truth about the corruption and anti-Americanism at the United Nations, and to provide a positive alternative to the negativity of the "Blame America First" crowd.
And, we also need an alternative to the "do-nothing" conservative talk show hosts who never get off their lazy behinds to do anything but gripe.
An informed, educated and motivated public is the key to Move America Forward, and I am excited about working with you to continue the progress we've already made.
Warmest Regards,
Melanie Morgan
Chair, Move America Forward
http://www.MoveAmericaForward.org
DeLay's Attorney: Second Indictment Looks Like Keystone Kops
Congressman is now accused of laundering; his lawyer calls it 'Keystone Kops'
A new Travis County grand jury hurriedly reindicted U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay on a charge of conspiring to violate state election laws and added two charges related to money laundering Monday after DeLay's lawyers challenged the validity of an indictment returned last week.
Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle's office described the reindictment as procedural, but DeLay attorney Dick DeGuerin portrayed it as an effort to correct what he described as an embarrassingly flawed indictment against the Sugar Land Republican.
"Apparently, no one cracked a book before they issued that first indictment," DeGuerin said. "This is a mess. This looks like Keystone Kops."
DeGuerin said the new indictment was returned after he filed a motion to dismiss the original indictment against DeLay. The original indictment alleged DeLay was involved in a conspiracy to violate state election laws in a scheme to convert corporate money into cash that was available for 2002 Republican state House candidates.
DeGuerin said the problem with that indictment was state law was not changed to make the conspiracy indictment apply to the state election laws until 2003 � a year after the supposed violation. He said the quick turnaround with a new grand jury showed Earle's case against DeLay was improvised.
"It proves a district attorney can lead a grand jury around like a bull with a ring through its nose," DeGuerin said.
A new Travis County grand jury hurriedly reindicted U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay on a charge of conspiring to violate state election laws and added two charges related to money laundering Monday after DeLay's lawyers challenged the validity of an indictment returned last week.
Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle's office described the reindictment as procedural, but DeLay attorney Dick DeGuerin portrayed it as an effort to correct what he described as an embarrassingly flawed indictment against the Sugar Land Republican.
"Apparently, no one cracked a book before they issued that first indictment," DeGuerin said. "This is a mess. This looks like Keystone Kops."
DeGuerin said the new indictment was returned after he filed a motion to dismiss the original indictment against DeLay. The original indictment alleged DeLay was involved in a conspiracy to violate state election laws in a scheme to convert corporate money into cash that was available for 2002 Republican state House candidates.
DeGuerin said the problem with that indictment was state law was not changed to make the conspiracy indictment apply to the state election laws until 2003 � a year after the supposed violation. He said the quick turnaround with a new grand jury showed Earle's case against DeLay was improvised.
"It proves a district attorney can lead a grand jury around like a bull with a ring through its nose," DeGuerin said.
Pro-troops San Fran radio talker fired
Melanie Morgan involved in organization opposing Cindy Sheehan
A popular radio talk-show host in San Francisco who chairs a national pro-troops organization has been unexpectedly fired.
Melanie Morgan, half the morning duo of the "Lee Rodgers & Melanie Morgan Show" on KSFO 560 AM, was told Thursday that Friday would be her last day on the job.
This turn of events has been quite shocking � especially given the fact that it was something I was not expecting," Morgan said in a note to supporters.
"During my time at KSFO we have emerged as one of the highest-rated local radio programs in the nation. Certainly the station had to appreciate that!"
Morgan's contract ran out Friday, and despite her belief her agent had come to an agreement with the station on a new contract, the talk host says "negotiations hit a brick wall and I was asked to accept a number of bizarre compromises."
Later, Morgan says, she was told to turn in her card key, which gave her access to the building that houses the ABC station.
Morgan noted her firing comes on the heels of the termination of another talk-show host who worked for an ABC station, Michael Graham of WMAL in Washington, D.C.
Said Morgan: "My agent and I have been in contact with the station management. Since I announced on the air on Friday that my employment with KSFO was over, the station has been flooded with phone calls and e-mails. I am hopeful that in the coming week we can come to an agreement on the issues that remain. Until then I will be off the air."
Morgan has gained national attention as a co-chair of Move America Forward, which describes itself as "a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization committed to supporting America's efforts to defeat terrorism and supporting the brave men and women of our Armed Forces."
Move America Forward has been active in battling anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan during her protest at President Bush's ranch in August and since then.
Morgan writes to Move America Forward supporters: "I ask that you join with me to show the media, to show my former employers at ABC and to show the people of this nation that our voices will only grow louder � America can never cave to the anti-military crowd of Cindy Sheehan and Michael Moore. We cannot back down one inch to the demands or the agenda of the terrorists."
Morgan noted she does not receive any compensation for her work with the pro-troops organization.
A popular radio talk-show host in San Francisco who chairs a national pro-troops organization has been unexpectedly fired.
Melanie Morgan, half the morning duo of the "Lee Rodgers & Melanie Morgan Show" on KSFO 560 AM, was told Thursday that Friday would be her last day on the job.
This turn of events has been quite shocking � especially given the fact that it was something I was not expecting," Morgan said in a note to supporters.
"During my time at KSFO we have emerged as one of the highest-rated local radio programs in the nation. Certainly the station had to appreciate that!"
Morgan's contract ran out Friday, and despite her belief her agent had come to an agreement with the station on a new contract, the talk host says "negotiations hit a brick wall and I was asked to accept a number of bizarre compromises."
Later, Morgan says, she was told to turn in her card key, which gave her access to the building that houses the ABC station.
Morgan noted her firing comes on the heels of the termination of another talk-show host who worked for an ABC station, Michael Graham of WMAL in Washington, D.C.
Said Morgan: "My agent and I have been in contact with the station management. Since I announced on the air on Friday that my employment with KSFO was over, the station has been flooded with phone calls and e-mails. I am hopeful that in the coming week we can come to an agreement on the issues that remain. Until then I will be off the air."
Morgan has gained national attention as a co-chair of Move America Forward, which describes itself as "a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization committed to supporting America's efforts to defeat terrorism and supporting the brave men and women of our Armed Forces."
Move America Forward has been active in battling anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan during her protest at President Bush's ranch in August and since then.
Morgan writes to Move America Forward supporters: "I ask that you join with me to show the media, to show my former employers at ABC and to show the people of this nation that our voices will only grow louder � America can never cave to the anti-military crowd of Cindy Sheehan and Michael Moore. We cannot back down one inch to the demands or the agenda of the terrorists."
Morgan noted she does not receive any compensation for her work with the pro-troops organization.
Rep. Tom DeLay Indicted On Money Laundering Charge
A Texas grand jury on Monday re-indicted Rep. Tom DeLay on charges of conspiring to launder money and money laundering after the former majority leader attacked last week's indictment on technical grounds.
The new indictment, handed up by a grand jury seated Monday, contains two counts: conspiring to launder money and money laundering. The latter charge carries a penalty of up to life in prison. Last week, DeLay was charged with conspiracy to violate campaign finance laws.
Defense lawyers asked a judge Monday to throw out the first indictment, arguing that the charge of conspiring to violate campaign finance laws was based on a statute that didn't take effect until 2003 - a year after the alleged acts.
The new indictment from District Attorney Ronnie Earle, coming just hours after the new grand jurors were sworn in, outraged DeLay.
"Ronnie Earle has stooped to a new low with his brand of prosecutorial abuse," DeLay said in a statement. "He is trying to pull the legal equivalent of a 'do-over' since he knows very well that the charges he brought against me last week are totally manufactured and illegitimate. This is an abomination of justice."
DeLay and two political associates are accused of conspiring to get around a state ban on corporate campaign contributions by funneling the money through the DeLay-founded Texans for a Republican Majority Political Action Committee to the Republican National Committee in Washington. The RNC then sent back like amounts to distribute to Texas candidates in 2002, the indictment alleges.
DeLay's associates, John Colyandro of Austin and Jim Ellis of Washington, were each previously indicted on charges of conspiracy to violate campaign finance laws and money laundering.
The judge who will preside in DeLay's case is out of the country on vacation and couldn't rule on the defense motion. Other state district judges declined to rule on the motion in his place.
The new indictment, handed up by a grand jury seated Monday, contains two counts: conspiring to launder money and money laundering. The latter charge carries a penalty of up to life in prison. Last week, DeLay was charged with conspiracy to violate campaign finance laws.
Defense lawyers asked a judge Monday to throw out the first indictment, arguing that the charge of conspiring to violate campaign finance laws was based on a statute that didn't take effect until 2003 - a year after the alleged acts.
The new indictment from District Attorney Ronnie Earle, coming just hours after the new grand jurors were sworn in, outraged DeLay.
"Ronnie Earle has stooped to a new low with his brand of prosecutorial abuse," DeLay said in a statement. "He is trying to pull the legal equivalent of a 'do-over' since he knows very well that the charges he brought against me last week are totally manufactured and illegitimate. This is an abomination of justice."
DeLay and two political associates are accused of conspiring to get around a state ban on corporate campaign contributions by funneling the money through the DeLay-founded Texans for a Republican Majority Political Action Committee to the Republican National Committee in Washington. The RNC then sent back like amounts to distribute to Texas candidates in 2002, the indictment alleges.
DeLay's associates, John Colyandro of Austin and Jim Ellis of Washington, were each previously indicted on charges of conspiracy to violate campaign finance laws and money laundering.
The judge who will preside in DeLay's case is out of the country on vacation and couldn't rule on the defense motion. Other state district judges declined to rule on the motion in his place.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Judy Miller Lands a Book Deal
Arianna Huffington
Sources tell me that Judy Miller is telling friends that she has made a $1.2 million book deal with Simon & Schuster. I�ve heard from senior editors at the publishing house that the deal is still so hush-hush that word of it has not appeared in the memos that circulate among the editorial staff, keeping them updated on pending deals and acquisitions.
The new book will be edited by Alice Mayhew, the editor of Miller�s previous two books, �God Has Ninety Nine Names� and �Germs�.
Mayhew was also among those who visited Miller during her stay at the Alexandria Detention Center. Wonder if they talked shop: �Would 45 days be enough or should I try and stretch it to 85?� �Yeah, 85 would be great� and let�s see if you can get Scooter to give you a blurb; I love his tree metaphors�.
Sources tell me that Judy Miller is telling friends that she has made a $1.2 million book deal with Simon & Schuster. I�ve heard from senior editors at the publishing house that the deal is still so hush-hush that word of it has not appeared in the memos that circulate among the editorial staff, keeping them updated on pending deals and acquisitions.
The new book will be edited by Alice Mayhew, the editor of Miller�s previous two books, �God Has Ninety Nine Names� and �Germs�.
Mayhew was also among those who visited Miller during her stay at the Alexandria Detention Center. Wonder if they talked shop: �Would 45 days be enough or should I try and stretch it to 85?� �Yeah, 85 would be great� and let�s see if you can get Scooter to give you a blurb; I love his tree metaphors�.
Ferraro Predicts Easy Confirmation for Miers
Former Democratic vice-presidential candidate Geraldine Ferraro believes White House counsel Harriet Miers will be confirmed as the next Supreme Court justice.
Ferraro, in an interview with Fox News, said the Miers selection "won't make everyone fully happy with this choice," but "when push comes to shove, she will be confirmed."
Miers wins points with Ferraro, and perhaps with other female Democrats, because "she is a woman who worked her way through college ... and has been pushing through barriers all of her life."
Ferraro noted that Miers broke the "glass ceiling" at law school and in her professional career.
Ferraro herself broke the "glass ceiling" for women in 1984 when Democratic presidential candidate Walter Mondale tapped her to be his vice presidential candidate -- the first time a women had been included on a major party ticket.
"She understands some of the issues of civil rights and human rights from a personal viewpoint," Ferraro said. "I think that's important."
Ferraro, in an interview with Fox News, said the Miers selection "won't make everyone fully happy with this choice," but "when push comes to shove, she will be confirmed."
Miers wins points with Ferraro, and perhaps with other female Democrats, because "she is a woman who worked her way through college ... and has been pushing through barriers all of her life."
Ferraro noted that Miers broke the "glass ceiling" at law school and in her professional career.
Ferraro herself broke the "glass ceiling" for women in 1984 when Democratic presidential candidate Walter Mondale tapped her to be his vice presidential candidate -- the first time a women had been included on a major party ticket.
"She understands some of the issues of civil rights and human rights from a personal viewpoint," Ferraro said. "I think that's important."
Reid Urged Miers Selection
The expected political brawl over President Bush�s second Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers might not ever take place � because it was a powerful Democrat, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, who had urged her selection.
The senator from Nevada first hinted that he thought highly of Miers shortly before Bush announced the nomination of John Roberts for a seat on the Court.
Bush phoned Reid to tout Roberts, and Reid took the opportunity to tell the president that had had enjoyed working with Miers, the White House legal counsel, during the search for a nominee.
A few days earlier, Reid had met with Miers and suggested ways to avoid a divisive confirmation process, according to a report published in August in The New Yorker magazine.
Now the Associated Press is reporting: "Democratic and Republican special interests groups had been braced for a political brawl over the (second) pick, but they may not get it.
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., had urged the president to consider Miers, according to several officials familiar with Bush�s consultations with Congress.
After the nomination was announced, Sen. Reid issued this statement:
"I like Harriet Miers. As White House Counsel, she has worked with me in a courteous and professional manner. I am also impressed with the fact that she was a trailblazer for women as managing partner of a major Dallas law firm and as the first woman president of the Texas Bar Association.
"In my view, the Supreme Court would benefit from the addition of a justice who has real experience as a practicing lawyer. The current justices have all been chosen from the lower federal courts. A nominee with relevant non-judicial experience would bring a different and useful perspective to the Court.
"I look forward to the Judiciary Committee process which will help the American people learn more about Harriet Miers, and help the Senate determine whether she deserves a lifetime seat on the Supreme Court.�
The senator from Nevada first hinted that he thought highly of Miers shortly before Bush announced the nomination of John Roberts for a seat on the Court.
Bush phoned Reid to tout Roberts, and Reid took the opportunity to tell the president that had had enjoyed working with Miers, the White House legal counsel, during the search for a nominee.
A few days earlier, Reid had met with Miers and suggested ways to avoid a divisive confirmation process, according to a report published in August in The New Yorker magazine.
Now the Associated Press is reporting: "Democratic and Republican special interests groups had been braced for a political brawl over the (second) pick, but they may not get it.
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., had urged the president to consider Miers, according to several officials familiar with Bush�s consultations with Congress.
After the nomination was announced, Sen. Reid issued this statement:
"I like Harriet Miers. As White House Counsel, she has worked with me in a courteous and professional manner. I am also impressed with the fact that she was a trailblazer for women as managing partner of a major Dallas law firm and as the first woman president of the Texas Bar Association.
"In my view, the Supreme Court would benefit from the addition of a justice who has real experience as a practicing lawyer. The current justices have all been chosen from the lower federal courts. A nominee with relevant non-judicial experience would bring a different and useful perspective to the Court.
"I look forward to the Judiciary Committee process which will help the American people learn more about Harriet Miers, and help the Senate determine whether she deserves a lifetime seat on the Supreme Court.�
Cheney tells Limbaugh: Miers a 'Conservative'
Despite misgivings among some Republicans over the nomination of Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court, Vice President Dick Cheney promises that her "judicial philosophy" is in line with conservative beliefs.
"I've worked closely with her for years," Cheney told radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh Monday. Limbaugh has expressed his own concerns about the nomination.
"She believes very deeply in the importance of interpreting the Constitution and the laws as written. She won't legislate from the federal bench.
"I'm confident that she has a conservative judicial philosophy that you will be comfortable with, Rush.
"And the President has great confidence in her judicial philosophy."
Asked why the president didn't select a nominee with "known quantities," Cheney responded:
"The president sat down and looked at all the options and all the alternatives and spent a great deal of time on this himself. He's convinced Harriet will do a great job on the Court, as am I.
"And I think you'll find when you look back 10 years from now that it will have been a great appointment."
Rush countered by asking "why we need to wait 10 years, when Bush could have nominated someone we would know about right now?" He suggested that the White House might have wanted to avoid a fight with Democrats at this time.
Cheney answered: "We've never backed off a fight, with this Congress or any other Congress."
Pointing to Miers' legal resume, Cheney said the charge that her nomination smacks of "cronyism," due to her long association with Bush, "makes no sense at all."
Cheney was also asked about remarks by Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.), who said President Bush is the "Bull Connor of this generation" to the American black population, and that Cheney might be too sick to do his job.
Said Cheney: "It struck me that Charlie was having some problems. Charlie's losing it."
"I've worked closely with her for years," Cheney told radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh Monday. Limbaugh has expressed his own concerns about the nomination.
"She believes very deeply in the importance of interpreting the Constitution and the laws as written. She won't legislate from the federal bench.
"I'm confident that she has a conservative judicial philosophy that you will be comfortable with, Rush.
"And the President has great confidence in her judicial philosophy."
Asked why the president didn't select a nominee with "known quantities," Cheney responded:
"The president sat down and looked at all the options and all the alternatives and spent a great deal of time on this himself. He's convinced Harriet will do a great job on the Court, as am I.
"And I think you'll find when you look back 10 years from now that it will have been a great appointment."
Rush countered by asking "why we need to wait 10 years, when Bush could have nominated someone we would know about right now?" He suggested that the White House might have wanted to avoid a fight with Democrats at this time.
Cheney answered: "We've never backed off a fight, with this Congress or any other Congress."
Pointing to Miers' legal resume, Cheney said the charge that her nomination smacks of "cronyism," due to her long association with Bush, "makes no sense at all."
Cheney was also asked about remarks by Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.), who said President Bush is the "Bull Connor of this generation" to the American black population, and that Cheney might be too sick to do his job.
Said Cheney: "It struck me that Charlie was having some problems. Charlie's losing it."
Sekulow Says Miers in �Conservative Mainstream'
Attorney Jay Sekulow is confidently optimistic about President Bush's nomination of Harriet Miers to the U.S. Supreme Court. Unlike so many who are commenting, pro or con, on the nomination, Sekulow has actually worked with the nominee.
Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice, said "President Bush showed exceptional judgment in naming Harriet Miers," saying she "represents the conservative mainstream of judicial philosophy of interpreting the Constitution, not re-writing it."
In an ACLJ press announcement, Sekulow cites Mier's record in leading the opposition to the American Bar Association's decision to come out in support of Roe v. Wade and abortion rights as a defining moment for the nominee.
"During Mier's tenure as head of the Texas Bar Association, she was a leader in the campaign to reverse the ABA's pro-choice position � Had this campaign been successful, which it was not, the ABA would have been returned to its former position of neutrality."
The attorney, who also hosts a daily radio broadcast that reaches 1.5 million listeners, will mobilize a national campaign to help ensure that Miers is confirmed.
Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice, said "President Bush showed exceptional judgment in naming Harriet Miers," saying she "represents the conservative mainstream of judicial philosophy of interpreting the Constitution, not re-writing it."
In an ACLJ press announcement, Sekulow cites Mier's record in leading the opposition to the American Bar Association's decision to come out in support of Roe v. Wade and abortion rights as a defining moment for the nominee.
"During Mier's tenure as head of the Texas Bar Association, she was a leader in the campaign to reverse the ABA's pro-choice position � Had this campaign been successful, which it was not, the ABA would have been returned to its former position of neutrality."
The attorney, who also hosts a daily radio broadcast that reaches 1.5 million listeners, will mobilize a national campaign to help ensure that Miers is confirmed.
Kidnapped Marines Report Found to Be False
WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2005 - Multinational Force Iraq officials today
called claims "patently false" by al Qaeda in Iraq that two U.S. Marines
were kidnapped in western Iraq.
All Marines and servicemembers attached to Multinational Force West are
accounted for, officials said in a statement. It comes in response to
al Qaeda claims made Oct. 1 on a Web site used by the terror group.
The al Qaeda claim reportedly appeared on one of Jordanian terrorist
Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's Web sites. The group claimed to have kidnapped two
Marines and were demanding the release of all female Sunni Muslim
prisoners, according to news sources.
This latest claim by the terror organization continues a pattern of
deceit, officials said. They added the hoax demonstrates al Qaeda's
willingness and desire to use the media to propagate its lies.
The kidnapping claim came during Operation Kabda Bil Hadid, or "Iron
Fist," in the western part of the country near the Syrian border. About
1,000 Marines, soldiers and sailors from Regimental Combat Team 2 began
engaging al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists west of Sadah Oct. 1.
Iron Fist, part of the larger Operation Sayaid, or "Hunter," is
designed to keep al Qaeda terrorists in Iraq from operating freely in the
Euphrates River Valley. It is also meant to prevent terrorists from
influencing the local population through murder and intimidation, officials
said.
called claims "patently false" by al Qaeda in Iraq that two U.S. Marines
were kidnapped in western Iraq.
All Marines and servicemembers attached to Multinational Force West are
accounted for, officials said in a statement. It comes in response to
al Qaeda claims made Oct. 1 on a Web site used by the terror group.
The al Qaeda claim reportedly appeared on one of Jordanian terrorist
Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's Web sites. The group claimed to have kidnapped two
Marines and were demanding the release of all female Sunni Muslim
prisoners, according to news sources.
This latest claim by the terror organization continues a pattern of
deceit, officials said. They added the hoax demonstrates al Qaeda's
willingness and desire to use the media to propagate its lies.
The kidnapping claim came during Operation Kabda Bil Hadid, or "Iron
Fist," in the western part of the country near the Syrian border. About
1,000 Marines, soldiers and sailors from Regimental Combat Team 2 began
engaging al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists west of Sadah Oct. 1.
Iron Fist, part of the larger Operation Sayaid, or "Hunter," is
designed to keep al Qaeda terrorists in Iraq from operating freely in the
Euphrates River Valley. It is also meant to prevent terrorists from
influencing the local population through murder and intimidation, officials
said.
Vets Group Declares War on Protesters
More bad news for the "support the troops but oppose the war" crowd.
On Friday the American Legion said they're declaring war on anti-war protesters, and they're starting a letter-writing campaign from soldiers fighting in Iraq who want to get their side of the story out.
"America needs to hear the good news firsthand from those who are fighting the war in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Legion National Commander Tom Bock in a press release excerpted by the liberal web site Raw Story.
"It's about time that the American public hears about the positive things our soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen and coastguardsmen are doing for our country and for the Afghani and Iraqi people."
The letters will be posted Legion's web site, "Letters to America from the Front."
The 2.7 million member veterans group has declared war on "public protests" and "media events" that undermine U.S. troops, Bock noted.
"The American Legion will stand against anyone and any group that would demoralize our troops, or worse, endanger their lives by encouraging terrorists to continue their cowardly attacks against freedom-loving peoples," Thomas Cadmus, another national commander, recently told Legion delegates.
The American Legion's rank and file voted to use any means necessary to "ensure the united backing of the American people to support our troops and the global war on terrorism."
On Friday the American Legion said they're declaring war on anti-war protesters, and they're starting a letter-writing campaign from soldiers fighting in Iraq who want to get their side of the story out.
"America needs to hear the good news firsthand from those who are fighting the war in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Legion National Commander Tom Bock in a press release excerpted by the liberal web site Raw Story.
"It's about time that the American public hears about the positive things our soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen and coastguardsmen are doing for our country and for the Afghani and Iraqi people."
The letters will be posted Legion's web site, "Letters to America from the Front."
The 2.7 million member veterans group has declared war on "public protests" and "media events" that undermine U.S. troops, Bock noted.
"The American Legion will stand against anyone and any group that would demoralize our troops, or worse, endanger their lives by encouraging terrorists to continue their cowardly attacks against freedom-loving peoples," Thomas Cadmus, another national commander, recently told Legion delegates.
The American Legion's rank and file voted to use any means necessary to "ensure the united backing of the American people to support our troops and the global war on terrorism."
Harriet E. Miers Profile
Harriet Miers was born in Dallas, Texas on August 10, 1945.
Ms. Miers received her bachelor's degree in Mathematics in 1967 and J.D. in 1970 from Southern Methodist University. Upon graduation, she clerked for U.S. District Judge Joe E. Estes from 1970 to 1972. In 1972, Ms. Miers became the first woman hired at Dallas's Locke Purnell Rain Harrell.
In March 1996, her colleagues elected her the first female President of Locke, Purnell, Rain & Harrell, at that time a firm of about 200 lawyers. She became the first female to lead a Texas firm of that size.
Locke, Purnell eventually merged with a Houston firm and became Locke Liddell & Sapp, LLP, where Ms. Miers became Co-Managing Partner and helped manage an over-400-lawyer firm.
Ms. Miers had a very distinguished career as a trial litigator, representing such clients as Microsoft, Walt Disney Co. and SunGard Data Systems Inc.
Throughout her career, she has been very active in the legal community and has blazed a trail for other women to follow.
* In 1985, Ms. Miers was selected as the first woman to become President of the Dallas Bar Association.
* In 1992, she became the first woman elected President of the State Bar of Texas. Ms. Miers served as the President of the State Bar of Texas from 1992 to 1993.
* She played an active role in the American Bar Association. She was one of two candidates for the Number 2 position at the ABA, chair of the House of Delegates, before withdrawing her candidacy to move to Washington to serve in the White House. Ms. Miers also served as the chair of the ABA's Commission on Multijurisdictional Practice.
On numerous occasions, the National Law Journal named her one of the Nation's 100 most powerful attorneys, and as one of the Nation's top 50 women lawyers.
Ms. Miers also has been involved in local and statewide politics in Texas.
* In 1989, she was elected to a two-year term as an at-large candidate on the Dallas City Council. She chose not to run for re-election when her term expired.
* Ms. Miers also served as general counsel for the transition team of Governor-elect George W. Bush in 1994.
* From 1995 until 2000, Ms. Miers served as Chairwoman of the Texas Lottery Commission, a voluntary public service position she undertook while maintaining her legal practice and other responsibilities. When then-Governor Bush appointed Ms. Miers to a six-year term on the Texas Lottery Commission, it was mired in scandal, and she served as a driving force behind its cleanup.
Ms. Miers came to Washington D.C. in 2001 and began a period of distinguished and dedicated service that continues today.
* She was appointed to be Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary on January 20, 2001.
* In 2003, Ms. Miers was promoted to be Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff.
* Ms. Miers has served as Counsel to the President since February, 2005.
She is single and very close to her family: two brothers and her mother live in Dallas and a third brother lives in Houston.
Ms. Miers received her bachelor's degree in Mathematics in 1967 and J.D. in 1970 from Southern Methodist University. Upon graduation, she clerked for U.S. District Judge Joe E. Estes from 1970 to 1972. In 1972, Ms. Miers became the first woman hired at Dallas's Locke Purnell Rain Harrell.
In March 1996, her colleagues elected her the first female President of Locke, Purnell, Rain & Harrell, at that time a firm of about 200 lawyers. She became the first female to lead a Texas firm of that size.
Locke, Purnell eventually merged with a Houston firm and became Locke Liddell & Sapp, LLP, where Ms. Miers became Co-Managing Partner and helped manage an over-400-lawyer firm.
Ms. Miers had a very distinguished career as a trial litigator, representing such clients as Microsoft, Walt Disney Co. and SunGard Data Systems Inc.
Throughout her career, she has been very active in the legal community and has blazed a trail for other women to follow.
* In 1985, Ms. Miers was selected as the first woman to become President of the Dallas Bar Association.
* In 1992, she became the first woman elected President of the State Bar of Texas. Ms. Miers served as the President of the State Bar of Texas from 1992 to 1993.
* She played an active role in the American Bar Association. She was one of two candidates for the Number 2 position at the ABA, chair of the House of Delegates, before withdrawing her candidacy to move to Washington to serve in the White House. Ms. Miers also served as the chair of the ABA's Commission on Multijurisdictional Practice.
On numerous occasions, the National Law Journal named her one of the Nation's 100 most powerful attorneys, and as one of the Nation's top 50 women lawyers.
Ms. Miers also has been involved in local and statewide politics in Texas.
* In 1989, she was elected to a two-year term as an at-large candidate on the Dallas City Council. She chose not to run for re-election when her term expired.
* Ms. Miers also served as general counsel for the transition team of Governor-elect George W. Bush in 1994.
* From 1995 until 2000, Ms. Miers served as Chairwoman of the Texas Lottery Commission, a voluntary public service position she undertook while maintaining her legal practice and other responsibilities. When then-Governor Bush appointed Ms. Miers to a six-year term on the Texas Lottery Commission, it was mired in scandal, and she served as a driving force behind its cleanup.
Ms. Miers came to Washington D.C. in 2001 and began a period of distinguished and dedicated service that continues today.
* She was appointed to be Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary on January 20, 2001.
* In 2003, Ms. Miers was promoted to be Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff.
* Ms. Miers has served as Counsel to the President since February, 2005.
She is single and very close to her family: two brothers and her mother live in Dallas and a third brother lives in Houston.
Bush Chooses Miers for Supreme Court
President Bush has chosen Harriet Miers, White House counsel and a loyal member of the president's inner circle, to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor on the Supreme Court, a senior administration official said Monday.
If confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate, Miers, 60, would join Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as the second woman on the nation's highest court.
Miers, who has never been a judge, was the first woman to serve as president of the Texas State Bar and the Dallas Bar Association.
Without a judicial record, it's difficult to know whether Miers would dramatically move the court to the right. She would fill the shoes of O'Connor, a swing voter on the court for years who has cast deciding votes on some affirmative action, abortion and death penalty cases.
Known for thoroughness and her low-profile, Miers is one of the first staff members to arrive at the White House in the morning and among the last to leave.
When Bush named her White House counsel in November 2004, the president described Miers as a lawyer with keen judgment and discerning intellect _ "a trusted adviser on whom I have long relied for straightforward advice."
He also joked of Miers, "When it comes to a cross-examination, she can filet better than Mrs. Paul."
Miers has been leading the White House effort to help Bush choose nominees to the Supreme Court, so getting the nod herself duplicates a move that Bush made in 2000 when he tapped the man leading his search committee for a vice presidential running mate _ Dick Cheney.
If confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate, Miers, 60, would join Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as the second woman on the nation's highest court.
Miers, who has never been a judge, was the first woman to serve as president of the Texas State Bar and the Dallas Bar Association.
Without a judicial record, it's difficult to know whether Miers would dramatically move the court to the right. She would fill the shoes of O'Connor, a swing voter on the court for years who has cast deciding votes on some affirmative action, abortion and death penalty cases.
Known for thoroughness and her low-profile, Miers is one of the first staff members to arrive at the White House in the morning and among the last to leave.
When Bush named her White House counsel in November 2004, the president described Miers as a lawyer with keen judgment and discerning intellect _ "a trusted adviser on whom I have long relied for straightforward advice."
He also joked of Miers, "When it comes to a cross-examination, she can filet better than Mrs. Paul."
Miers has been leading the White House effort to help Bush choose nominees to the Supreme Court, so getting the nod herself duplicates a move that Bush made in 2000 when he tapped the man leading his search committee for a vice presidential running mate _ Dick Cheney.
Mandela wins BBC's 'global election'
Former South African President Nelson Mandela has topped a BBC poll to find the person most people would like to lead a fantasy world government.
More than 15,000 people worldwide took part in the interactive Power Play game, in which players were invited to choose a team of 11 to run the world from a list of around 100 of the most powerful leaders, thinkers and other high-profile people on the planet.
The second choice was former US President Bill Clinton.
The winning 11 were exclusively male, with Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi the highest-ranking woman at 13th. Hillary Clinton was the next most popular woman at 16th.
Entrepreneurs feature prominently in the selection. Microsoft head Bill Gates, Apple chief Steve Jobs, and Virgin boss Richard Branson all made the final 11, as did stock market billionaire and philanthropist George Soros.
Players also placed emphasis on the need for financial probity - US Federal Reserve boss Alan Greenspan made the list at number five.
Perhaps the biggest surprise was the success of the American linguist and political activist Noam Chomsky, who came fourth. Another outspoken American, Michael Moore, was 15th.
Other placings included Osama bin Laden, at 70th, and Harry Potter author JK Rowling, who was 49th.
Serving politicians were generally absent from the winning list. British Prime Minister Tony Blair narrowly missed out, coming 12th.
US President George W Bush was placed 43, ranking below two of his fiercest adversaries on the world stage, Fidel Castro - 36th - and Hugo Chavez, 33rd.
And UN General-Secretary Kofi Annan just made the fantasy world elite in 11th place.
More than half of votes came from users in the United States.
More than 15,000 people worldwide took part in the interactive Power Play game, in which players were invited to choose a team of 11 to run the world from a list of around 100 of the most powerful leaders, thinkers and other high-profile people on the planet.
The second choice was former US President Bill Clinton.
The winning 11 were exclusively male, with Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi the highest-ranking woman at 13th. Hillary Clinton was the next most popular woman at 16th.
Entrepreneurs feature prominently in the selection. Microsoft head Bill Gates, Apple chief Steve Jobs, and Virgin boss Richard Branson all made the final 11, as did stock market billionaire and philanthropist George Soros.
Players also placed emphasis on the need for financial probity - US Federal Reserve boss Alan Greenspan made the list at number five.
Perhaps the biggest surprise was the success of the American linguist and political activist Noam Chomsky, who came fourth. Another outspoken American, Michael Moore, was 15th.
Other placings included Osama bin Laden, at 70th, and Harry Potter author JK Rowling, who was 49th.
Serving politicians were generally absent from the winning list. British Prime Minister Tony Blair narrowly missed out, coming 12th.
US President George W Bush was placed 43, ranking below two of his fiercest adversaries on the world stage, Fidel Castro - 36th - and Hugo Chavez, 33rd.
And UN General-Secretary Kofi Annan just made the fantasy world elite in 11th place.
More than half of votes came from users in the United States.
Govs to Bush: Relief our job
There is almost no support among the nation's governors for President Bush's suggestion that the Pentagon could take the lead in responding to catastrophic natural disasters, a USA TODAY survey has found.
Of the 38 governors who responded to a request for reaction to Bush's comments, only two backed the idea: Republicans Mitt Romney of Massachusetts and Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota.
Half the state chief executives said they were opposed or had reservations, including Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, the president's brother. Eleven wanted more details before taking a position, and 12 did not respond.
Most governors who opposed the suggestion said they would resist any effort by Washington to usurp state control of disaster relief, even in a devastating event like Hurricane Katrina, in which more than 1,100 people died.
"Whether a governor is a Republican or Democrat, I would expect the response would be, 'Hell no,' " said Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, a Democrat.
Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, a Republican whose state was pummeled by Katrina, said some federal help might be necessary. "But we don't need them coming in and running things," Barbour spokesman Pete Smith said.
Pawlenty said federal control in an "ultra-catastrophe" could bring quicker and more effective relief.
Romney said Bush's suggestion is worth a look. "A fair question to ask is, 'If the federal government is paying the bill, should not it also be in command?' " he said.
Bush mentioned the idea after criticism of the sluggish federal response to Katrina. "Is there a circumstance in which the Department of Defense becomes the lead agency?" Bush asked Sept. 25. "That's going to be a very important consideration for Congress to think about."
Such a change could require congressional action. The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, enacted post-Civil War, bars the military from domestic law enforcement duties unless there is a threat to authority. Most disaster relief is not police work, but actions such as making arrests or stopping traffic could overstep the existing law.
Some disaster relief specialists back the idea. "The military must coordinate the first response in Category 3, 4 and certainly 5 hurricanes," said Thomas Panuzio, a former top Federal Emergency Management Agency official.
Many governors fear such an arrangement would add unneeded bureaucracy and raise the volatile issue of ceding control of state law enforcement to the U.S. military.
"I would never abdicate, nor would I expect any other governor to abdicate, the responsibility to protect the people of my state," said West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin, a Democrat.
Jeb Bush, a Republican, believes that if the "state and local response is a complete failure, there might be a way for the federal government to step in. But a takeover is not appropriate," said spokesman Russell Schweiss.
"People in Washington, D.C., can yap all they want," said Montana's Democratic governor, Brian Schweitzer, "but they're not going to undermine the constitution of the state of Montana."
Of the 38 governors who responded to a request for reaction to Bush's comments, only two backed the idea: Republicans Mitt Romney of Massachusetts and Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota.
Half the state chief executives said they were opposed or had reservations, including Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, the president's brother. Eleven wanted more details before taking a position, and 12 did not respond.
Most governors who opposed the suggestion said they would resist any effort by Washington to usurp state control of disaster relief, even in a devastating event like Hurricane Katrina, in which more than 1,100 people died.
"Whether a governor is a Republican or Democrat, I would expect the response would be, 'Hell no,' " said Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, a Democrat.
Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, a Republican whose state was pummeled by Katrina, said some federal help might be necessary. "But we don't need them coming in and running things," Barbour spokesman Pete Smith said.
Pawlenty said federal control in an "ultra-catastrophe" could bring quicker and more effective relief.
Romney said Bush's suggestion is worth a look. "A fair question to ask is, 'If the federal government is paying the bill, should not it also be in command?' " he said.
Bush mentioned the idea after criticism of the sluggish federal response to Katrina. "Is there a circumstance in which the Department of Defense becomes the lead agency?" Bush asked Sept. 25. "That's going to be a very important consideration for Congress to think about."
Such a change could require congressional action. The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, enacted post-Civil War, bars the military from domestic law enforcement duties unless there is a threat to authority. Most disaster relief is not police work, but actions such as making arrests or stopping traffic could overstep the existing law.
Some disaster relief specialists back the idea. "The military must coordinate the first response in Category 3, 4 and certainly 5 hurricanes," said Thomas Panuzio, a former top Federal Emergency Management Agency official.
Many governors fear such an arrangement would add unneeded bureaucracy and raise the volatile issue of ceding control of state law enforcement to the U.S. military.
"I would never abdicate, nor would I expect any other governor to abdicate, the responsibility to protect the people of my state," said West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin, a Democrat.
Jeb Bush, a Republican, believes that if the "state and local response is a complete failure, there might be a way for the federal government to step in. But a takeover is not appropriate," said spokesman Russell Schweiss.
"People in Washington, D.C., can yap all they want," said Montana's Democratic governor, Brian Schweitzer, "but they're not going to undermine the constitution of the state of Montana."
DeLay: Papers show I'm innocent
Rep. Tom DeLay says he has provided documents to prosecutor Ronnie Earle proving he did not hatch a criminal conspiracy, but admits he is "guilty" of "conspiring to defeat Democrats."
Mr. DeLay said that on the day he is accused of initiating a criminal conspiracy to break Texas campaign-finance law along with Jim Ellis and John Colyandro, he was neither in Austin, nor in phone contact with the two men.
"We proved to him over and over again, I was nowhere near Jim Ellis and [John] Colyandro. My call records prove I didn't talk to them," the Texas Republican said yesterday on "Fox News Sunday."
Mr. Ellis and Mr. Colyandro ran the day-to-day operations of the Texans for a Republican Majority Political Action Committee, which was founded by Mr. DeLay. Mr. DeLay said the PAC had lawyers examine everything the committee did, and that there was never any intent to violate the law.
"In a criminal court, you have to have the intent to commit a crime. They can't find one here," said Mr. DeLay, who gave up his majority leader post after an Austin grand jury indicted him last week but retains his congressional seat.
Mr. DeLay has charged that Democrats are pursuing him in court because they have not been able to defeat him in elections and have not been able to beat conservative legislation in the House, adding that his indictment will embolden Republicans to move their agenda, not derail it as some critics have suggested.
Mr. DeLay said that on the day he is accused of initiating a criminal conspiracy to break Texas campaign-finance law along with Jim Ellis and John Colyandro, he was neither in Austin, nor in phone contact with the two men.
"We proved to him over and over again, I was nowhere near Jim Ellis and [John] Colyandro. My call records prove I didn't talk to them," the Texas Republican said yesterday on "Fox News Sunday."
Mr. Ellis and Mr. Colyandro ran the day-to-day operations of the Texans for a Republican Majority Political Action Committee, which was founded by Mr. DeLay. Mr. DeLay said the PAC had lawyers examine everything the committee did, and that there was never any intent to violate the law.
"In a criminal court, you have to have the intent to commit a crime. They can't find one here," said Mr. DeLay, who gave up his majority leader post after an Austin grand jury indicted him last week but retains his congressional seat.
Mr. DeLay has charged that Democrats are pursuing him in court because they have not been able to defeat him in elections and have not been able to beat conservative legislation in the House, adding that his indictment will embolden Republicans to move their agenda, not derail it as some critics have suggested.
31 Taliban rebels killed in Afghanistan attacks
At least 31 militants linked to Afghanistan's toppled Taliban regime were killed in clashes near the border with Pakistan, the defence ministry said.
Afghan security forces killed 28 militants who attacked a security post near the border in the southeastern province of Paktika late Sunday, ministry spokesman Mohammed Zaher Azimi told AFP on Monday.
Another three were killed after militants ambushed a truck transporting supplies for US-led coalition forces in a different area of the province, he said.
Afghan security forces killed 28 militants who attacked a security post near the border in the southeastern province of Paktika late Sunday, ministry spokesman Mohammed Zaher Azimi told AFP on Monday.
Another three were killed after militants ambushed a truck transporting supplies for US-led coalition forces in a different area of the province, he said.
Troops to be reduced next year?
The U.S. and its allies may be able to remove some troops from Iraq next year, though the country remains at risk of fragmenting along sectarian and ethnic lines, the top American commander said.
``I do still believe that we can make coalition reductions in '06,'' General George Casey said today on CNN's ``Late Edition'' program. Withdrawals will take place as Iraqi security forces increasingly assert themselves, he said, a process that is ``very much on track'' even though only one Iraqi battalion is capable of operating on its own.
Casey agreed that continuing disagreements among Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds raise the prospect of a splintered, rather than a united, Iraq.
``Certainly, there is potential'' for that, he said. ``But what I see all the time is that there is an Iraqi identity, that the people of Iraq think of themselves as Iraqis. And people are not interested, necessarily, in seeing the fragmentation of the country. And I don't see that happening.''
``I do still believe that we can make coalition reductions in '06,'' General George Casey said today on CNN's ``Late Edition'' program. Withdrawals will take place as Iraqi security forces increasingly assert themselves, he said, a process that is ``very much on track'' even though only one Iraqi battalion is capable of operating on its own.
Casey agreed that continuing disagreements among Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds raise the prospect of a splintered, rather than a united, Iraq.
``Certainly, there is potential'' for that, he said. ``But what I see all the time is that there is an Iraqi identity, that the people of Iraq think of themselves as Iraqis. And people are not interested, necessarily, in seeing the fragmentation of the country. And I don't see that happening.''
U.S.: No evidence Marines seized
The U.S. military said on Sunday it had no reason to believe a militant group's claim to have seized two Marines during fighting in Iraq, but said it was doing an inventory of personnel all the same.
There are no indications that al Qaeda claims of having kidnapped two Marines in western Iraq are true," Marines spokesman Major Neil Murphy said in a statement.
"Multi-National Force West is conducting checks to verify all Marines are accounted for," he added.
A statement posted on an Internet site frequently used by al Qaeda in Iraq, one of the country's most feared groups, earlier said:
"Al Qaeda soldiers succeeded in kidnapping two Marines ... Al Qaeda gives the infidels 24 hours to release female Sunni Muslim prisoners ... or they should not bother to look for their children."
The statement was signed with a name that often accompanies the group's announcements, but could not be authenticated.
It said the Marines had been captured during Operation Iron Fist, the latest of several recent offensives by about 1,000 U.S. troops against al Qaeda around the western city of Qaim on the Syrian border.
There are no indications that al Qaeda claims of having kidnapped two Marines in western Iraq are true," Marines spokesman Major Neil Murphy said in a statement.
"Multi-National Force West is conducting checks to verify all Marines are accounted for," he added.
A statement posted on an Internet site frequently used by al Qaeda in Iraq, one of the country's most feared groups, earlier said:
"Al Qaeda soldiers succeeded in kidnapping two Marines ... Al Qaeda gives the infidels 24 hours to release female Sunni Muslim prisoners ... or they should not bother to look for their children."
The statement was signed with a name that often accompanies the group's announcements, but could not be authenticated.
It said the Marines had been captured during Operation Iron Fist, the latest of several recent offensives by about 1,000 U.S. troops against al Qaeda around the western city of Qaim on the Syrian border.
28 Militants Killed in Iraq Offensive
U.S. troops battled insurgents holed up in houses and driving explosives-laden vehicles in a second town near the Syrian border Sunday, killing 28 in an expansion of their two-day-old offensive chasing Al Qaeda (search) fighters along the Euphrates River (search) valley, the military said.
Al Qaeda in Iraq claimed to have taken two Marines captive during the fighting and threatened to kill them within 24 hours unless all female Sunni detainees are released from U.S. and Iraqi prisons in the country. The U.S. military said the claim appeared false.
"There are no indications that the Al Qaeda claims ... are true," Multinational Force West, the command in the region said. It said it was conducting checks "to verify that all Marines are accounted for."
Al Qaeda in Iraq claimed to have taken two Marines captive during the fighting and threatened to kill them within 24 hours unless all female Sunni detainees are released from U.S. and Iraqi prisons in the country. The U.S. military said the claim appeared false.
"There are no indications that the Al Qaeda claims ... are true," Multinational Force West, the command in the region said. It said it was conducting checks "to verify that all Marines are accounted for."
Poll Shows Majority of Americans Don't Blame Hurricanes on God or Global Warming
Most Americans rule out either a deliberate act of God or the effect of global warming as direct causes of the recent Gulf Coast hurricanes.
Just under a quarter in this ABC News/Washington Post poll see the hurricanes as "a deliberate act" of God; two-thirds instead see them as an occurrence on God's Earth, but not a deliberate act on God's part. (The rest have no opinion, or don't believe in God.)
Separately, 54 percent think that the severity of recent hurricanes mainly reflects "severe weather events that happen from time to time," rather than the effects of global climate change. Just under four in 10 think climate change is mainly to blame.
Causes of the Recent Hurricanes:
Yes No
Global Warming? 39% 54%
Deliberate Act of God? 23 67
Just under a quarter in this ABC News/Washington Post poll see the hurricanes as "a deliberate act" of God; two-thirds instead see them as an occurrence on God's Earth, but not a deliberate act on God's part. (The rest have no opinion, or don't believe in God.)
Separately, 54 percent think that the severity of recent hurricanes mainly reflects "severe weather events that happen from time to time," rather than the effects of global climate change. Just under four in 10 think climate change is mainly to blame.
Causes of the Recent Hurricanes:
Yes No
Global Warming? 39% 54%
Deliberate Act of God? 23 67
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Bali Terror Bombings Kill 25, Injure 100
BALI, Indonesia -- Terrorists targeted the Indonesian tropical resort of Bali for the second time in three years Saturday with coordinated bombings that devastated seafood and noodle restaurants packed with foreigners, killing at least 25 people.
The blasts, which injured 101 people, came a month after Indonesia's president warned of possible terrorist attacks. Two Americans were among the wounded.
Saturday's near-simultaneous blasts at two seafood cafes on Jimbaran beach and a three-story noodle and steakhouse in downtown Kuta occurred almost three years to the day that bombings blamed on Islamic militants killed 202 people, mostly foreigners in Bali.
No one claimed responsibility for the latest bombings in the world's most populous Muslim nation, but suspicion immediately fell on the al-Qaida-linked militant group Jemaah Islamiyah, blamed for the 2002 attacks and other deadly attacks in Jakarta in recent years.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said terrorists were to blame and warned that more attacks were possible.
"We will hunt down the perpetrators and bring them to justice," he said.
Western and Indonesian intelligence agencies have warned repeatedly that Jemaah Islamiyah was plotting more attacks despite a string of arrests. Last month, Yudhoyono said he was especially worried the extremist network was about to strike.
"I received information at the time that terrorists were planning an action in Jakarta and that explosives were ready," he said Saturday.
Vice President Yusuf Kalla told the British Broadcasting Corp. it was too soon to identify those responsible. He said Yudhoyono will visit the area Sunday.
Two Australians and a Japanese cizen were killed, along with 12 Indonesians. Hospital officials were trying to identify the 10 other corpses in the morgue, Sanglah Hospital, near Bali's capital of Denpasar, said in a statement.
The 101 wounded included 49 Indonesians, 17 Australians, six Koreans, three Japanese and two Americans, Sanglah Hospital said.
The White House condemned the "attack aimed at innocent people taking their evening meal."
"We also express our solidarity with the government of Indonesia and convey our readiness to assist in any way," spokeswoman Erin Healy said.
Saturday's bombs detonated at about 8 p.m. as thousands of diners flocked to restaurants on the bustling, mostly Hindu island, which is just starting to recover from the 2002 blasts.
Baradita Katoppo, an Indonesian tourist from Jakarta, said one of the bombs on Jimbaran beach went off in the Nyoman Cafe, where he was eating with friends. Five minutes later, another explosion rocked a neighboring restaurant filled with diners.
The blasts, which injured 101 people, came a month after Indonesia's president warned of possible terrorist attacks. Two Americans were among the wounded.
Saturday's near-simultaneous blasts at two seafood cafes on Jimbaran beach and a three-story noodle and steakhouse in downtown Kuta occurred almost three years to the day that bombings blamed on Islamic militants killed 202 people, mostly foreigners in Bali.
No one claimed responsibility for the latest bombings in the world's most populous Muslim nation, but suspicion immediately fell on the al-Qaida-linked militant group Jemaah Islamiyah, blamed for the 2002 attacks and other deadly attacks in Jakarta in recent years.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said terrorists were to blame and warned that more attacks were possible.
"We will hunt down the perpetrators and bring them to justice," he said.
Western and Indonesian intelligence agencies have warned repeatedly that Jemaah Islamiyah was plotting more attacks despite a string of arrests. Last month, Yudhoyono said he was especially worried the extremist network was about to strike.
"I received information at the time that terrorists were planning an action in Jakarta and that explosives were ready," he said Saturday.
Vice President Yusuf Kalla told the British Broadcasting Corp. it was too soon to identify those responsible. He said Yudhoyono will visit the area Sunday.
Two Australians and a Japanese cizen were killed, along with 12 Indonesians. Hospital officials were trying to identify the 10 other corpses in the morgue, Sanglah Hospital, near Bali's capital of Denpasar, said in a statement.
The 101 wounded included 49 Indonesians, 17 Australians, six Koreans, three Japanese and two Americans, Sanglah Hospital said.
The White House condemned the "attack aimed at innocent people taking their evening meal."
"We also express our solidarity with the government of Indonesia and convey our readiness to assist in any way," spokeswoman Erin Healy said.
Saturday's bombs detonated at about 8 p.m. as thousands of diners flocked to restaurants on the bustling, mostly Hindu island, which is just starting to recover from the 2002 blasts.
Baradita Katoppo, an Indonesian tourist from Jakarta, said one of the bombs on Jimbaran beach went off in the Nyoman Cafe, where he was eating with friends. Five minutes later, another explosion rocked a neighboring restaurant filled with diners.
FEC: Nancy Pelosi's PACs Broke the Law
Two political action committees linked to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi have been charged with attempting to circumvent to legal limits on campaign giving, the Federal Election Commission has ruled.
According to the March 2004 FEC finding, Pelosi appears to have violated the same kind of arcane campaign finance regulation that spurred the indictment of House Majority Leader Tom DeLay this week.
The San Francisco Chronicle explained at the time:
"The FEC ruled that two Pelosi political action committees created to help Democrats in the 2002 elections were related instead of being independent and therefore violated a rule against giving more than the maximum $5,000 annual contribution."
Mr. DeLay, by then under investigation for his own campaign finance problems, reacted sharply to the news about Pelosi's campaign finance irregularities, saying: "She has violated the law. It's in the facts."
Pelosi operated two PACs: Team Majority and PAC to the Future.
According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Team Majority reported 16 contributions of $5,000 each from donors who had already given the maximum to Pelosi's other PAC. Five of the donors gave to both PACs on the same day.
Rather than referring the case to the Justice Department for prosecution, however, the FEC allowed Pelosi's two committees to negotiate "conciliation agreements" under which they were fined a total of $21,000.
According to the March 2004 FEC finding, Pelosi appears to have violated the same kind of arcane campaign finance regulation that spurred the indictment of House Majority Leader Tom DeLay this week.
The San Francisco Chronicle explained at the time:
"The FEC ruled that two Pelosi political action committees created to help Democrats in the 2002 elections were related instead of being independent and therefore violated a rule against giving more than the maximum $5,000 annual contribution."
Mr. DeLay, by then under investigation for his own campaign finance problems, reacted sharply to the news about Pelosi's campaign finance irregularities, saying: "She has violated the law. It's in the facts."
Pelosi operated two PACs: Team Majority and PAC to the Future.
According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Team Majority reported 16 contributions of $5,000 each from donors who had already given the maximum to Pelosi's other PAC. Five of the donors gave to both PACs on the same day.
Rather than referring the case to the Justice Department for prosecution, however, the FEC allowed Pelosi's two committees to negotiate "conciliation agreements" under which they were fined a total of $21,000.
Ray Nagin Chastised for Farrakhan Meeting
While the national press continues to look the other way, there's growing concern in Louisiana over New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin's decision to consult with Nation of Islam chief Louis Farrakhan in the midst of the Hurricane Katrina crisis.
In an editorial on Friday, the Bayou Buzz blasted Nagin for meeting with Farrakhan - and for feeding the racial conspiracy monger information suggesting that New Orleans levees might have been deliberately blown up.
"Why would Nagin meet with someone as notorious as Farrakhan?" the Buzz complained.
"The Nation of Islam has been a controversial organization to say the least. Farrakhan is legendary for his anti-women, anti-gay, anti-Catholic and anti-Jewish comments. For Nagin to meet with someone as insensitive and racist as Farrakhan is a slap in the face to his many constituents who have been on the receiving end of Farrakhan�s hate-filled rhetoric."
The Buzz also wondered:
"Why are the City of New Orleans and its leaders obsessed with the Nation of Islam? Earlier in the year, Police Chief Eddie Compass hired a Nation of Islam official to conduct sensitivity training for his police officers. . . .
"Having the Nation of Islam conduct sensitivity training is akin to hiring David Duke to teach classes on race relations. It was a ludicrous idea that was strenuously opposed by religious leaders in the community, forcing Compass to eventually withdraw the contract.
"After that experience, why would Nagin fraternize with the Nation of Islam again, especially when the City of New Orleans needs as much goodwill as possible to recover from this storm?"
In an editorial on Friday, the Bayou Buzz blasted Nagin for meeting with Farrakhan - and for feeding the racial conspiracy monger information suggesting that New Orleans levees might have been deliberately blown up.
"Why would Nagin meet with someone as notorious as Farrakhan?" the Buzz complained.
"The Nation of Islam has been a controversial organization to say the least. Farrakhan is legendary for his anti-women, anti-gay, anti-Catholic and anti-Jewish comments. For Nagin to meet with someone as insensitive and racist as Farrakhan is a slap in the face to his many constituents who have been on the receiving end of Farrakhan�s hate-filled rhetoric."
The Buzz also wondered:
"Why are the City of New Orleans and its leaders obsessed with the Nation of Islam? Earlier in the year, Police Chief Eddie Compass hired a Nation of Islam official to conduct sensitivity training for his police officers. . . .
"Having the Nation of Islam conduct sensitivity training is akin to hiring David Duke to teach classes on race relations. It was a ludicrous idea that was strenuously opposed by religious leaders in the community, forcing Compass to eventually withdraw the contract.
"After that experience, why would Nagin fraternize with the Nation of Islam again, especially when the City of New Orleans needs as much goodwill as possible to recover from this storm?"
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