SPOKANE,Wash. --(Business Wire)-- Oct. 28, 2005 -- Several Local Sponsors Now on Board Supporting IBC Radio Network
IBC Radio Network, a division of International Broadcasting Corporation (OTCBB:IBCS), announced today that radio station WIBQ-AM 1220 in Sarasota, Florida is now carrying IBC Radio Network programming. Two hours per day of "Stock Talk LIVE" and "Talk Show America" is now carried on the station. The station says it will also run the late night lineup of shows from IBC Radio Network, from 12 midnight to 6 AM.
Station General Manager Scott Jacobson says, "after listening to the 'Stock Talk LIVE' and 'Talk Show America' programs on another IBC station in Bradenton I liked what I heard. So I decided to add IBC to our programming list."
IBC Radio Network now moves forward with their original radio affiliate 1280-AM WTMY 500 watt radio station in Sarasota, 1490 AM-WWPR 1000 watt radio station serving Bradenton-Sarasota & Tampa Bay, and now the new 1220-AM WIBQ 500 watt radio station also located in Sarasota, FL. on the south side of town.
These stations now put IBC solidly into the entire Tampa-St Petersburg-Clearwater-Pinellas Park areas, along with Bradenton, Sarasota, Plant City, Lakeland, Wachula, Arcadia, Englewood, Venice, Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda, in the Southwest Gulf Coast Florida radio markets.
Local IBC Radio Network sponsorship is being provided by News Sarasota.com, Firetrans Services LLC, Pak-Mail, Back-On-track Chiropractic Centers and It's A Grind Coffee Shop.
Daryn P. Fleming, President and CEO of IBCS says "We are pleased to formally announce yet another IBC affiliate, WIBQ - AM 1220. We also would like to thank the local sponsors who get behind the stations that carry IBC. We believe the residents will be pleased with our entertaining and informative content and this will enhance our new affiliate's value in the community. It will also increase the size of our audience and enhance the value for our advertisers. Our quest to make IBC Radio Network a household name continues with WIBQ-AM 1220."
About IBC Radio Network
IBC Radio Network, a division of IBCS, is an all-talk radio service broadcasting 24/7, focused on business, news, science and paranormal content. IBCRN believes it is a viable alternative to larger networks that tend to make their affiliates all sound the same, effectively destroying local content. IBC seeks to enhance local content, thus increasing the value of its affiliates. Increased value translates into enhanced advertising revenues for IBC as well as affiliate radio stations.
Statements in this press release other than statements of historical fact are "forward-looking statements." Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties including the demand for the Company's services, litigation, labor market, and other risk factors identified from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements represent the Company's judgment as of the date of this release. The Company disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Friday, October 28, 2005
Libby Resigns After Indictment
The vice president's chief of staff, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby Jr., was indicted Friday on charges of obstruction of justice, perjury and making false statements in the CIA leak investigation, a politically charged case that will throw a spotlight on President Bush's push to war.
Libby, 55, resigned and left the White House.
Karl Rove, Bush's closest adviser, escaped indictment Friday but remained under investigation.
Friday's charges stemmed from a two-year investigation by special counsel Patrick Fitzgerald into whether Rove, Libby or any other administration officials knowingly revealed the identity of CIA officer Valerie Plame or lied about their involvement to investigators.
The grand jury indictment charged Libby with one count of obstruction of justice, two of perjury and two false statement counts. If convicted on all five, he could face as much as 30 years in prison and $1.25 million in fines.
Cheney is mentioned by name in the 22-page indictment and several officials are identified by title, but no one besides Libby was charged.
In each of the counts, the basic allegation against Libby is that he lied to investigators or Fitzgerald's grand jury about his conversations with reporters. He is not accused of purposely revealing the identity of a covert officer, the potential charge that Fitzgerald was initially appointed to investigate.
Libby, 55, resigned and left the White House.
Karl Rove, Bush's closest adviser, escaped indictment Friday but remained under investigation.
Friday's charges stemmed from a two-year investigation by special counsel Patrick Fitzgerald into whether Rove, Libby or any other administration officials knowingly revealed the identity of CIA officer Valerie Plame or lied about their involvement to investigators.
The grand jury indictment charged Libby with one count of obstruction of justice, two of perjury and two false statement counts. If convicted on all five, he could face as much as 30 years in prison and $1.25 million in fines.
Cheney is mentioned by name in the 22-page indictment and several officials are identified by title, but no one besides Libby was charged.
In each of the counts, the basic allegation against Libby is that he lied to investigators or Fitzgerald's grand jury about his conversations with reporters. He is not accused of purposely revealing the identity of a covert officer, the potential charge that Fitzgerald was initially appointed to investigate.
Economy Grows at an Energetic Rate in 3Q
Economic activity expanded at an energetic 3.8 percent annual rate in the third quarter, providing vivid evidence of the economy's stamina even as it coped with the destructive forces of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
The latest snapshot of the country's economic performance, released by the Commerce Department on Friday, even marked an improvement from the solid 3.3 percent pace of growth registered in the second quarter.
Growth in the third quarter was broad-based, reflecting brisk spending by consumers, businesses and government.
"Holy Katrina! The economy weathered two major hurricanes and in spite of that showed accelerated growth," said Ken Mayland, president of ClearView Economics. "I think what this shows is that fundamentally the economy was and is in really good shape."
The expansion in gross domestic product in the July-to-September quarter, the strongest since the beginning of the year, also exceeded many analysts' expectations. Before the report was released, they were forecasting the economy to clock in at a 3.6 percent annual rate.
GDP measures the value of all goods and services produced within the United States and is the best barometer of the nation's economic fitness.
Katrina, the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history, struck in late August; Rita hit in late September. Both hurricanes destroyed businesses and homes and choked the flow of trade. They also hobbled essential oil and gas facilities, catapulting energy prices higher and fanning inflation fears.
An inflation gauge tied to the GDP report showed overall inflation picking up in the third quarter. But excluding food and energy prices, "core" inflation - something the Federal Reserve pays close attention to - actually moderated. Core inflation rose at a rate of 1.3 percent in the third quarter, down from a 1.7 percent pace in the second quarter.
In another inflation barometer, employers' labor costs - wages and benefits - rose 0.8 percent in the third quarter, up slightly from a 0.7 percent increase in the second quarter, the Labor Department reported. The showing for the third quarter matched economists' forecasts.
Despite the sting of high energy bills, consumers continued to spend, doing their part to keep the economy rolling in the third quarter.
Consumers' boosted spending at a brisk 3.9 percent rate, the strongest pace since the end of last year. That spending reflected a big appetite for big-ticket "durable" goods, such as cars, which had been discounted and promoted to lure buyers. Some analysts believe consumer spending probably will moderate, but still remain healthy, in the months ahead.
Businesses increased spending on equipment and software at an 8.9 percent pace in the third quarter, on top of a 10.9 percent growth rate in the prior quarter.
Spending by the federal government, which analysts believe included some outlays due to the hurricanes, rose at a 7.7 percent rate in the third quarter, the fastest pace since the first quarter of 2004.
Private analysts say the overall economy is actually doing better than the public's perception, which has been shaped by high energy bills, the hurricanes and the jobs situation.
The economy lost 35,000 jobs in September, the first decline in two years, mostly reflecting damage from Hurricane Katrina. The unemployment rate climbed to 5.1 percent, from a four-year low of 4.9 percent in August.
The latest snapshot of the country's economic performance, released by the Commerce Department on Friday, even marked an improvement from the solid 3.3 percent pace of growth registered in the second quarter.
Growth in the third quarter was broad-based, reflecting brisk spending by consumers, businesses and government.
"Holy Katrina! The economy weathered two major hurricanes and in spite of that showed accelerated growth," said Ken Mayland, president of ClearView Economics. "I think what this shows is that fundamentally the economy was and is in really good shape."
The expansion in gross domestic product in the July-to-September quarter, the strongest since the beginning of the year, also exceeded many analysts' expectations. Before the report was released, they were forecasting the economy to clock in at a 3.6 percent annual rate.
GDP measures the value of all goods and services produced within the United States and is the best barometer of the nation's economic fitness.
Katrina, the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history, struck in late August; Rita hit in late September. Both hurricanes destroyed businesses and homes and choked the flow of trade. They also hobbled essential oil and gas facilities, catapulting energy prices higher and fanning inflation fears.
An inflation gauge tied to the GDP report showed overall inflation picking up in the third quarter. But excluding food and energy prices, "core" inflation - something the Federal Reserve pays close attention to - actually moderated. Core inflation rose at a rate of 1.3 percent in the third quarter, down from a 1.7 percent pace in the second quarter.
In another inflation barometer, employers' labor costs - wages and benefits - rose 0.8 percent in the third quarter, up slightly from a 0.7 percent increase in the second quarter, the Labor Department reported. The showing for the third quarter matched economists' forecasts.
Despite the sting of high energy bills, consumers continued to spend, doing their part to keep the economy rolling in the third quarter.
Consumers' boosted spending at a brisk 3.9 percent rate, the strongest pace since the end of last year. That spending reflected a big appetite for big-ticket "durable" goods, such as cars, which had been discounted and promoted to lure buyers. Some analysts believe consumer spending probably will moderate, but still remain healthy, in the months ahead.
Businesses increased spending on equipment and software at an 8.9 percent pace in the third quarter, on top of a 10.9 percent growth rate in the prior quarter.
Spending by the federal government, which analysts believe included some outlays due to the hurricanes, rose at a 7.7 percent rate in the third quarter, the fastest pace since the first quarter of 2004.
Private analysts say the overall economy is actually doing better than the public's perception, which has been shaped by high energy bills, the hurricanes and the jobs situation.
The economy lost 35,000 jobs in September, the first decline in two years, mostly reflecting damage from Hurricane Katrina. The unemployment rate climbed to 5.1 percent, from a four-year low of 4.9 percent in August.
Sen. Allen Suggests Court Nominees
Senator George Allen (R-VA) named names Thursday when asked by Fox News to suggest viable replacements for the now withdrawn Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers.
Allen mentioned Judges Michael Luttig, Karen Williams, J. Harvey Wilkinson, and Janice Rogers Brown as potential nominees.
Luttig, Williams, and Wilkinson serve on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals covering Allen�s home state of Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and West Virginia.
Luttig has served on the Fourth Circuit since 1991. He had previously served as a law clerk for Antonin Scalia, when Scalia was a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, and for Chief Justice Warren Burger from 1983 to 1984. He was widely rumored to be on the short-list of candidates for both the Rehnquist opening, now filled by Chief Justice John Roberts, and the O�Connor opening prior to the now-withdrawn nomination of Miers
Luttig authored the Fourth Circuit�s opinion in Brzonkala v. Virginia Polytechnic Institute, a case enforcing the Constitution�s long-ignored Commerce Clause. "Though the authority conferred upon the federal government be broad,� Luttig wrote, "it is an authority constrained by no less than that of the People themselves.�
Williams has served on the Fourth Circuit since 1992. Allen singled her out for her opinion in a case upholding the Pledge of Allegiance in Virginia schools in August 2005. "The Pledge, unlike prayer, is not a religious exercise or activity, but a patriotic one,� Williams wrote. "(It) ... does not amount to an establishment of religion.�
Though lesser known than Luttig and Wilkinson, Williams could benefit from her gender, as some politicians and pundits will likely press the president to nominate another woman.
Wilkinson was nominated for the Fourth Circuit by Ronald Reagan in 1984, and has served since that time. Like Luttig, he was widely considered to be on the short-list for both of the open slots on the Supreme Court. At 61, he would not serve on the bench for as long as some conservatives hope for the next Bush nominee.
Wilkinson wrote the majority opinion in a case that upheld President Clinton�s "don�t ask, don�t tell� policy for gay people in the military, holding that courts have no power to overrule a president�s military policies.
He also wrote a strong dissent in a case that upheld damages for emotional distress in the case of Falwell v. Flynt where the Rev. Jerry Falwell claimed severe emotional distress over a parody of him published in Hustler Magazine. "Nothing is more thoroughly democratic,� Wilkinson wrote, "than to have the high and mighty lampooned and spoofed.� The Supreme Court eventually agreed with Wilkinson and overruled the decision of the Fourth Circuit.
Janice Rogers Brown is the most controversial judge on the short list provided by Allen. She is the daughter of an Alabama sharecropper and an unrepentant libertarian-conservative. She served on the California Supreme Court from 1996 to 2004.
Brown has served on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals since earlier this year when she was confirmed in the now infamous "deal� made by the "Gang of 14� to avoid a Democratic filibuster and subsequent Republican invocation of the so-called "nuclear option.�
Her nomination may result in the "brawl� that many conservative commentators, such as the Weekly Standard�s Fred Barnes, have anticipated. It would also put Democrats in an awkward position as Brown has overcome being born into a life of poverty to reach the second most powerful court in the United States, and has done so while abhorring the ever-increasing role of government.
"Where government moves in,� Brown told the Federalist Society in 2000, "community retreats, civil society disintegrates, and our ability to control our own destiny atrophies. The result is families under siege, war in the streets, unapologetic expropriation of property; the precipitous decline of the rule of law; the rapid rise of corruption; the loss of civility; and the triumph of deceit.�
She is beloved by "movement conservatives,� and reviled by liberals. Conservative attorney Peter Kirsanow says as a "black female ... who may not view Roe as the zenith of constitutional jurisprudence,� she represents the "Storm of the Century� as a judicial nominee.
Allen mentioned Judges Michael Luttig, Karen Williams, J. Harvey Wilkinson, and Janice Rogers Brown as potential nominees.
Luttig, Williams, and Wilkinson serve on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals covering Allen�s home state of Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and West Virginia.
Luttig has served on the Fourth Circuit since 1991. He had previously served as a law clerk for Antonin Scalia, when Scalia was a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, and for Chief Justice Warren Burger from 1983 to 1984. He was widely rumored to be on the short-list of candidates for both the Rehnquist opening, now filled by Chief Justice John Roberts, and the O�Connor opening prior to the now-withdrawn nomination of Miers
Luttig authored the Fourth Circuit�s opinion in Brzonkala v. Virginia Polytechnic Institute, a case enforcing the Constitution�s long-ignored Commerce Clause. "Though the authority conferred upon the federal government be broad,� Luttig wrote, "it is an authority constrained by no less than that of the People themselves.�
Williams has served on the Fourth Circuit since 1992. Allen singled her out for her opinion in a case upholding the Pledge of Allegiance in Virginia schools in August 2005. "The Pledge, unlike prayer, is not a religious exercise or activity, but a patriotic one,� Williams wrote. "(It) ... does not amount to an establishment of religion.�
Though lesser known than Luttig and Wilkinson, Williams could benefit from her gender, as some politicians and pundits will likely press the president to nominate another woman.
Wilkinson was nominated for the Fourth Circuit by Ronald Reagan in 1984, and has served since that time. Like Luttig, he was widely considered to be on the short-list for both of the open slots on the Supreme Court. At 61, he would not serve on the bench for as long as some conservatives hope for the next Bush nominee.
Wilkinson wrote the majority opinion in a case that upheld President Clinton�s "don�t ask, don�t tell� policy for gay people in the military, holding that courts have no power to overrule a president�s military policies.
He also wrote a strong dissent in a case that upheld damages for emotional distress in the case of Falwell v. Flynt where the Rev. Jerry Falwell claimed severe emotional distress over a parody of him published in Hustler Magazine. "Nothing is more thoroughly democratic,� Wilkinson wrote, "than to have the high and mighty lampooned and spoofed.� The Supreme Court eventually agreed with Wilkinson and overruled the decision of the Fourth Circuit.
Janice Rogers Brown is the most controversial judge on the short list provided by Allen. She is the daughter of an Alabama sharecropper and an unrepentant libertarian-conservative. She served on the California Supreme Court from 1996 to 2004.
Brown has served on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals since earlier this year when she was confirmed in the now infamous "deal� made by the "Gang of 14� to avoid a Democratic filibuster and subsequent Republican invocation of the so-called "nuclear option.�
Her nomination may result in the "brawl� that many conservative commentators, such as the Weekly Standard�s Fred Barnes, have anticipated. It would also put Democrats in an awkward position as Brown has overcome being born into a life of poverty to reach the second most powerful court in the United States, and has done so while abhorring the ever-increasing role of government.
"Where government moves in,� Brown told the Federalist Society in 2000, "community retreats, civil society disintegrates, and our ability to control our own destiny atrophies. The result is families under siege, war in the streets, unapologetic expropriation of property; the precipitous decline of the rule of law; the rapid rise of corruption; the loss of civility; and the triumph of deceit.�
She is beloved by "movement conservatives,� and reviled by liberals. Conservative attorney Peter Kirsanow says as a "black female ... who may not view Roe as the zenith of constitutional jurisprudence,� she represents the "Storm of the Century� as a judicial nominee.
Leakgate Lags Behind Whitewater Schedule
Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald's 22-month-long Leakgate probe may produce its first indictment later today, with speculation centering on a virtually unknown aide to Vice President Dick Cheney - which would be small potatoes compared to the results achieved by Independent Counsel Ken Starr's Whitewater probe over the same period of time.
Starr was appointed to investigate Bill and Hillary Clinton's involvement in the corrupt land deal on August 4, 1994 - and by that December, his office had already secured a guilty plea from the number two man at the Justice Department, longtime Clinton crony Webster Hubbell.
In August 1995 - just 12 months after his appointment - Starr secured indictments against the Clintons' Whitewater business partners - Jim and Susan McDougal - along with the sitting governor of Arkansas, Jim Guy Tucker.
In January 1996, Starr subpoenaed Hillary Clinton to testify before his Washington grand jury after her missing Rose Law billing records materialized in the White House without explanation. It was the first time in U.S. history that a first lady was required to testify in a criminal case.
In April 1996, Mr. Clinton testified from the White House in the trial of Tucker and the McDougals.
In May 1996 - just 21 months into Starr's probe - a Little Rock jury found the Clintons' business partners and Mr. Clinton's successor in office guilty of nearly all the charges brought against them.
Starr's office also secured convictions and/or guilty pleas from a number of less well-known figures in the scandal.
Over the same period, Mr. Fitzgerald's lagging probe has failed to secure even a single public indictment or guilty plea of anyone involved in the Leakgate scandal.
Starr was appointed to investigate Bill and Hillary Clinton's involvement in the corrupt land deal on August 4, 1994 - and by that December, his office had already secured a guilty plea from the number two man at the Justice Department, longtime Clinton crony Webster Hubbell.
In August 1995 - just 12 months after his appointment - Starr secured indictments against the Clintons' Whitewater business partners - Jim and Susan McDougal - along with the sitting governor of Arkansas, Jim Guy Tucker.
In January 1996, Starr subpoenaed Hillary Clinton to testify before his Washington grand jury after her missing Rose Law billing records materialized in the White House without explanation. It was the first time in U.S. history that a first lady was required to testify in a criminal case.
In April 1996, Mr. Clinton testified from the White House in the trial of Tucker and the McDougals.
In May 1996 - just 21 months into Starr's probe - a Little Rock jury found the Clintons' business partners and Mr. Clinton's successor in office guilty of nearly all the charges brought against them.
Starr's office also secured convictions and/or guilty pleas from a number of less well-known figures in the scandal.
Over the same period, Mr. Fitzgerald's lagging probe has failed to secure even a single public indictment or guilty plea of anyone involved in the Leakgate scandal.
'Scooter' Libby to Avoid Perjury Charge
Lewis "Scooter" Libby will likely avoid perjury charges in the Leakgate case, and will instead be charged with making a false statement to investigators - a crime that mirrors Independent Counsel Robert Ray's findings against Hillary Clinton five years ago.
Libby's indictment "will be 'false statement' charges as part of an effort to mislead the grand jury," reporter Carl Cameron told Fox News radio host Tony Snow Friday morning.
"False statement charges are significantly different from perjury," Cameron explained. "They don't include the need to prove intent."
Libby's indictment will likely be based, said Cameron, on his claim that he first learned of Valerie Plame's identity from the media, rather than from Vice President Dick Cheney, as media accounts have suggested.
Libby's indictment "will be 'false statement' charges as part of an effort to mislead the grand jury," reporter Carl Cameron told Fox News radio host Tony Snow Friday morning.
"False statement charges are significantly different from perjury," Cameron explained. "They don't include the need to prove intent."
Libby's indictment will likely be based, said Cameron, on his claim that he first learned of Valerie Plame's identity from the media, rather than from Vice President Dick Cheney, as media accounts have suggested.
Libby to Be Charged in CIA Leak Probe
Special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald (search) had an indictment in his hand Friday morning, which would bring the first official charges in the ongoing investigation into the leak of a CIA operative's identity more than two years ago.
Washington Post reporter Carol Leonnig told FOX News that Fitzgerald was set to present the charge against Vice President Dick Cheney's top aide, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, later Friday morning.
The indictment was expected to charge Libby with a felony for making false statements to mislead the grand jury.
The charge is based on the assertion that Libby was not up front with the grand jury about when he first learned the identity of CIA operative Valerie Plame, sources told FOX News on Friday. Libby had first told the grand jury that he learned her identity from reporters, but his own notes later showed he learned her identity from Cheney.
Karl Rove, President Bush's top political aide, would be spared from criminal charges Friday, but the possibility he would later be charged remained open.
Washington Post reporter Carol Leonnig told FOX News that Fitzgerald was set to present the charge against Vice President Dick Cheney's top aide, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, later Friday morning.
The indictment was expected to charge Libby with a felony for making false statements to mislead the grand jury.
The charge is based on the assertion that Libby was not up front with the grand jury about when he first learned the identity of CIA operative Valerie Plame, sources told FOX News on Friday. Libby had first told the grand jury that he learned her identity from reporters, but his own notes later showed he learned her identity from Cheney.
Karl Rove, President Bush's top political aide, would be spared from criminal charges Friday, but the possibility he would later be charged remained open.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
U.S. Economy Set for Soft Landing
The U.S. economy is on course for a "soft landing" and steady growth of 3.25 percent next year, the OECD said Thursday, but the federal budget deficit and soaring oil prices still pose risks.
"Despite higher energy prices, the expansion has continued at a solid pace, driven by private domestic demand," the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said in a report.
"Although such a soft landing is the most likely outcome, there are some risks," the report added. "With little economic slack left, inflation could continue to pick up, in particular if oil prices keep rising."
Failure to keep a lid on public spending or renewed dollar weakness fueled by deficit concerns may "add to inflationary pressures," the Paris-based economic think tank said.
While praising the U.S. Federal Reserve for steadily raising interest rates from 1 percent to 3.75 percent since last year, the OECD said further increases were needed to contain price pressures.
"The federal funds rate is still low in real terms and remains below most estimates of its neutral level," the OECD said, referring to the overnight lending rate between U.S. banks.
Rate increases since last year have not been mirrored by a rise in long-term interest rates, the report added, "augmenting the need for further policy moves."
"Despite higher energy prices, the expansion has continued at a solid pace, driven by private domestic demand," the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said in a report.
"Although such a soft landing is the most likely outcome, there are some risks," the report added. "With little economic slack left, inflation could continue to pick up, in particular if oil prices keep rising."
Failure to keep a lid on public spending or renewed dollar weakness fueled by deficit concerns may "add to inflationary pressures," the Paris-based economic think tank said.
While praising the U.S. Federal Reserve for steadily raising interest rates from 1 percent to 3.75 percent since last year, the OECD said further increases were needed to contain price pressures.
"The federal funds rate is still low in real terms and remains below most estimates of its neutral level," the OECD said, referring to the overnight lending rate between U.S. banks.
Rate increases since last year have not been mirrored by a rise in long-term interest rates, the report added, "augmenting the need for further policy moves."
Miers Withdraws Supreme Court Nomination
Harriet Miers withdrew her nomination to be a Supreme Court justice Thursday in the face of stiff opposition and mounting criticism about her qualifications.
President Bush said he reluctantly accepted her decision to withdraw, after weeks of insisting that he did not want her to step down. He blamed her withdrawal on calls in the Senate for the release of internal White House documents that the administration has insisted were protected by executive privilege.
"It is clear that senators would not be satisfied until they gained access to internal documents concerning advice provided during her tenure at the White House - disclosures that would undermine a president's ability to receive candid counsel," Bush said. "Harriet Miers' decision demonstrates her deep respect for this essential aspect of the constitutional separation of powers - and confirms my deep respect and admiration for her."
Miers' surprise withdrawal stunned Washington on a day when the capital was awaiting news on another front - the possible indictment of senior White House aides in the CIA leak case.
Miers notified Bush of her decision at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to a senior White House official who said the president will move quickly to find a new nominee.
President Bush said he reluctantly accepted her decision to withdraw, after weeks of insisting that he did not want her to step down. He blamed her withdrawal on calls in the Senate for the release of internal White House documents that the administration has insisted were protected by executive privilege.
"It is clear that senators would not be satisfied until they gained access to internal documents concerning advice provided during her tenure at the White House - disclosures that would undermine a president's ability to receive candid counsel," Bush said. "Harriet Miers' decision demonstrates her deep respect for this essential aspect of the constitutional separation of powers - and confirms my deep respect and admiration for her."
Miers' surprise withdrawal stunned Washington on a day when the capital was awaiting news on another front - the possible indictment of senior White House aides in the CIA leak case.
Miers notified Bush of her decision at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to a senior White House official who said the president will move quickly to find a new nominee.
Fitzgerald Brings New Legal Standard to D.C.
For better or worse, Leakgate Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald has brought a new legal standard to Washington, D.C. - where he is said to be readying indictments against top White House officials based on false statements they made to investigators about a crime that may have never happened.
Though such a prosecution by Fitzgerald could certainly be legally justified, allegations similar to those currently under consideration for indictment - as well as other potential crimes that are far more serious - were seldom if ever prosecuted during the 1990s.
Here's a short list of potential criminal violations for which prosecutors decided not to file indictments during the Clinton administration.
� Lying under oath to a federal judge - a crime U.S. District Court Judge Susan Webber Wright determined that President Clinton committed in the Paula Jones sexual harasssment case. Legal resolution: No criminal indictment.
� Lying under oath to a federal grand jury - as Independent Counsel Ken Starr found President Clinton had done in the Monica Lewinsky investigation. Legal resolution: No criminal indictment.
� Lying under oath both to Congress and to federal investigators - as Independent Counsel Robert Ray concluded that Mrs. Clinton had done in the Travel Office probe. Legal resolution: No indictment
� Hiding evidence from Starr's Whitewater investigation - as the Senate Banking Committee concluded Mrs. Clinton did in the case of her missing Rose Law firm billing records. Legal resolution: No criminal referral, no indictments.
� Trading presidential pardons for finanical contributions - which President Clinton allegedly did in the Pardongate case. Legal resolution: No indictments.
� Trading presidential clemency for votes in a federal election - as President Clinton allegedly did with village elders in New Square, NY - which backed Mrs. Clinton's 2000 Senate candidacy 1400 to 12. Legal resolution: No indictments.
� Nuclear missile guidance technology allegedly traded by the Clinton adminsitration to China in exchange for campaign contributions. Legal resolution: No indictments.
� The Illegal gathering of confidential FBI files on political opponents - as the Clinton White House did in the Filegate case. Legal resolution: No indictments.
� Misusing the IRS to audit political opponents - as the White House allegedly did with numerous conservative organizations, as well as with witnesses against the Clintons. Legal resolution: No indictments.
� Hiring private detectives to intimidate and/or smear potential witnesses in the Starr investigation. Legal resolution: No indictments.
� Illegally leaking Linda Tripp's confidential personnel file to the press. Legal resolution: No indictments.
Too bad Patrick Fitzgerald was otherwise engaged when all of the above transpired.
Though such a prosecution by Fitzgerald could certainly be legally justified, allegations similar to those currently under consideration for indictment - as well as other potential crimes that are far more serious - were seldom if ever prosecuted during the 1990s.
Here's a short list of potential criminal violations for which prosecutors decided not to file indictments during the Clinton administration.
� Lying under oath to a federal judge - a crime U.S. District Court Judge Susan Webber Wright determined that President Clinton committed in the Paula Jones sexual harasssment case. Legal resolution: No criminal indictment.
� Lying under oath to a federal grand jury - as Independent Counsel Ken Starr found President Clinton had done in the Monica Lewinsky investigation. Legal resolution: No criminal indictment.
� Lying under oath both to Congress and to federal investigators - as Independent Counsel Robert Ray concluded that Mrs. Clinton had done in the Travel Office probe. Legal resolution: No indictment
� Hiding evidence from Starr's Whitewater investigation - as the Senate Banking Committee concluded Mrs. Clinton did in the case of her missing Rose Law firm billing records. Legal resolution: No criminal referral, no indictments.
� Trading presidential pardons for finanical contributions - which President Clinton allegedly did in the Pardongate case. Legal resolution: No indictments.
� Trading presidential clemency for votes in a federal election - as President Clinton allegedly did with village elders in New Square, NY - which backed Mrs. Clinton's 2000 Senate candidacy 1400 to 12. Legal resolution: No indictments.
� Nuclear missile guidance technology allegedly traded by the Clinton adminsitration to China in exchange for campaign contributions. Legal resolution: No indictments.
� The Illegal gathering of confidential FBI files on political opponents - as the Clinton White House did in the Filegate case. Legal resolution: No indictments.
� Misusing the IRS to audit political opponents - as the White House allegedly did with numerous conservative organizations, as well as with witnesses against the Clintons. Legal resolution: No indictments.
� Hiring private detectives to intimidate and/or smear potential witnesses in the Starr investigation. Legal resolution: No indictments.
� Illegally leaking Linda Tripp's confidential personnel file to the press. Legal resolution: No indictments.
Too bad Patrick Fitzgerald was otherwise engaged when all of the above transpired.
Woman claims Moore manipulated '9/11' scene
Controversial filmmaker 'made me look heartless to the world'
A woman interviewed by controversial filmmaker Michael Moore for "Fahrenheit 9/11" claims he edited her segment to downplay her support for President Bush and for American troops fighting the war on terror.
Joanne Duetsch, who appeared in a "9/11" scene filmed in Washington, D.C., said when Moore approached her in March 2004 � shortly after al-Qaida-orchestrated bombings in Madrid � he was accompanied by Lila Lipscomb, whom she initially believed was an actress but later learned was the mother of a fallen soldier in Iraq.
Duetsch says she didn't know who Moore was at the time but instead assumed he was part of a local news crew because she observed that much of the interview process was being "staged."
"I thought she was an actress because when she was being filmed, she looked somber," Duetsch continued. "When the camera came off of her, her demeanor changed as she talked to the man with the camera (who turned out to be Michael Moore � I did not know who he was at the time). He was telling her what to do. I thought they were part of the local news and it was being staged. It dawned on me that the media was filming her to create a scene to embarrass the president."
She went on to say that, as the interview progressed, she noticed an anti-war demonstration being set up nearby, describing it as also "being staged with props and lights."
At that point, she said she approached Lipscomb, whom she still believed to be an actress. Duetsch described the following events:
I asked what was going on and that is when I said the scene was staged. She explained that her son was killed in Iraq. I told her how sorry I was for her loss, I gave her a hug, and told her I couldn't even imagine what she was going through. I have a son, so I know how horrible it must be. My heart went out to her and I was teary-eyed. She said the president killed her son, and I said "No, it was al-Qaida and these terrorists that shot down your son."
I said, "Many people have lost sons and daughters," and then a voice interrupted me and said, "Did you lose someone in Iraq?" I turned and saw I was being filmed. I said, "No, I was referring to 9/11!" Coming from New Jersey, I know many people who have lost loved ones on 9/11, including some very close to me. I thought this was the local news, I still did not know this was for Michael Moore's movie.
In the finished version, however, Duetsch says her words were edited as follows:
In the movie, Michael Moore edited out what I said, edited out all the sympathies and emotion I expressed for Lila. When she said, "I lost my son," he edited it to make it appear as if my response was simply "Many people have lost sons and daughters," making me look heartless to the world. He knew I was referring to 9/11; he was right there listening.
Duetsch also says she never signed a release form giving Moore permission to use any of her interview in his film.
"I had anxieties and lost a lot of sleep over his misrepresentation of the facts," Duetsch said.
A woman interviewed by controversial filmmaker Michael Moore for "Fahrenheit 9/11" claims he edited her segment to downplay her support for President Bush and for American troops fighting the war on terror.
Joanne Duetsch, who appeared in a "9/11" scene filmed in Washington, D.C., said when Moore approached her in March 2004 � shortly after al-Qaida-orchestrated bombings in Madrid � he was accompanied by Lila Lipscomb, whom she initially believed was an actress but later learned was the mother of a fallen soldier in Iraq.
Duetsch says she didn't know who Moore was at the time but instead assumed he was part of a local news crew because she observed that much of the interview process was being "staged."
"I thought she was an actress because when she was being filmed, she looked somber," Duetsch continued. "When the camera came off of her, her demeanor changed as she talked to the man with the camera (who turned out to be Michael Moore � I did not know who he was at the time). He was telling her what to do. I thought they were part of the local news and it was being staged. It dawned on me that the media was filming her to create a scene to embarrass the president."
She went on to say that, as the interview progressed, she noticed an anti-war demonstration being set up nearby, describing it as also "being staged with props and lights."
At that point, she said she approached Lipscomb, whom she still believed to be an actress. Duetsch described the following events:
I asked what was going on and that is when I said the scene was staged. She explained that her son was killed in Iraq. I told her how sorry I was for her loss, I gave her a hug, and told her I couldn't even imagine what she was going through. I have a son, so I know how horrible it must be. My heart went out to her and I was teary-eyed. She said the president killed her son, and I said "No, it was al-Qaida and these terrorists that shot down your son."
I said, "Many people have lost sons and daughters," and then a voice interrupted me and said, "Did you lose someone in Iraq?" I turned and saw I was being filmed. I said, "No, I was referring to 9/11!" Coming from New Jersey, I know many people who have lost loved ones on 9/11, including some very close to me. I thought this was the local news, I still did not know this was for Michael Moore's movie.
In the finished version, however, Duetsch says her words were edited as follows:
In the movie, Michael Moore edited out what I said, edited out all the sympathies and emotion I expressed for Lila. When she said, "I lost my son," he edited it to make it appear as if my response was simply "Many people have lost sons and daughters," making me look heartless to the world. He knew I was referring to 9/11; he was right there listening.
Duetsch also says she never signed a release form giving Moore permission to use any of her interview in his film.
"I had anxieties and lost a lot of sleep over his misrepresentation of the facts," Duetsch said.
Will GOP Stand By Rove?
As Democrats try to stage a political coup by railroading Karl Rove out of power, GOP leaders say that if Rove is indicted he should resign. The only flag they are rallying around is white.
Senator and presidential hopeful George Allen expressed that surrender sentiment recently, saying, "I do think that's appropriate," when asked if anyone indicted for allegedly leaking the name of a CIA operative should step down.
It is a view held by many in what some are now calling the Gutless Old Party.
This stands in stark contrast to the tenacious defense mounted by the Democrats in defense of the first elected president to be impeached, none of whom suggested the man who lied to the American people, lied under oath and otherwise obstructed justice should resign, even though his malfeasance in office was demonstrable and his breaking of laws he swore to uphold real.
But Karl Rove did not lie under oath. Karl Rove did not obstruct justice. Karl Rove is guilty of warning a Time magazine reporter that Joseph Wilson � a former Kerry adviser who wanted to keep his wife's job with the CIA so secret he attracted attention to himself by writing an op-ed for The New York Times saying his CIA-arranged trip proved President Bush a liar � was himself a liar.
The law Karl Rove is accused of violating was written to protect CIA station chiefs and their operatives abroad from leftist agitators like Philip Agee who intentionally revealed their names to foreign adversaries.
It was not meant to criminalize private conversations with reporters on "double supersecret background" in which the desk jockey wife of an op-ed writer for the Times was mentioned but not identified.
Joe Wilson blew Valerie Plame's cover. Anyone who wanted to know where she worked only had to follow her to her desk job in Langley, Va.
Senator and presidential hopeful George Allen expressed that surrender sentiment recently, saying, "I do think that's appropriate," when asked if anyone indicted for allegedly leaking the name of a CIA operative should step down.
It is a view held by many in what some are now calling the Gutless Old Party.
This stands in stark contrast to the tenacious defense mounted by the Democrats in defense of the first elected president to be impeached, none of whom suggested the man who lied to the American people, lied under oath and otherwise obstructed justice should resign, even though his malfeasance in office was demonstrable and his breaking of laws he swore to uphold real.
But Karl Rove did not lie under oath. Karl Rove did not obstruct justice. Karl Rove is guilty of warning a Time magazine reporter that Joseph Wilson � a former Kerry adviser who wanted to keep his wife's job with the CIA so secret he attracted attention to himself by writing an op-ed for The New York Times saying his CIA-arranged trip proved President Bush a liar � was himself a liar.
The law Karl Rove is accused of violating was written to protect CIA station chiefs and their operatives abroad from leftist agitators like Philip Agee who intentionally revealed their names to foreign adversaries.
It was not meant to criminalize private conversations with reporters on "double supersecret background" in which the desk jockey wife of an op-ed writer for the Times was mentioned but not identified.
Joe Wilson blew Valerie Plame's cover. Anyone who wanted to know where she worked only had to follow her to her desk job in Langley, Va.
Leakgate Law Author Blasts Patrick Fitzgerald
The former deputy assistant attorney general who helped draft the 1982 Intelligence Identities Protection Act blasted Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald on Wednesday, saying he may be getting "creative with law" in order to justify questionable indictments.
"If you don't have a clear violation, you should not become what's called 'creative with the law,'" Toensing told ABC Radio host Sean Hannity, after noting that the statute she co-authored was never intended to apply to cases like Leakgate.
Toensing said she based her concern on a February report in the Chicago Tribune, which noted, "Probably Fitzgerald's greatest talent was finding creative ways to interpret the law."
The paper went on to quote U.S. attorney David Kelley, who the Tribune called "a close friend of Fitzgerald":
"When you'd looked at a case from every angle," Kelley said, "and you were sure you didn't have what was needed to take it forward, you could show it to Pat and he'd say, 'Have you thought about charging this?' "
Toensing said that she didn't think Kelley's comments were a compliment, telling Hannity, "I don't think you're supposed to be creative with the criminal law. I call it fitting the stepsister's foot into Cinderella's shoe."
"If you don't have a clear violation, you should not become what's called 'creative with the law,'" Toensing told ABC Radio host Sean Hannity, after noting that the statute she co-authored was never intended to apply to cases like Leakgate.
Toensing said she based her concern on a February report in the Chicago Tribune, which noted, "Probably Fitzgerald's greatest talent was finding creative ways to interpret the law."
The paper went on to quote U.S. attorney David Kelley, who the Tribune called "a close friend of Fitzgerald":
"When you'd looked at a case from every angle," Kelley said, "and you were sure you didn't have what was needed to take it forward, you could show it to Pat and he'd say, 'Have you thought about charging this?' "
Toensing said that she didn't think Kelley's comments were a compliment, telling Hannity, "I don't think you're supposed to be creative with the criminal law. I call it fitting the stepsister's foot into Cinderella's shoe."
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Poll: Few doubt wrongdoing in CIA leak
Only one in 10 Americans said they believe Bush administration officials did nothing illegal or unethical in connection with the leaking of a CIA operative's identity, according to a national poll released Tuesday.
Thirty-nine percent said some administration officials acted illegally in the matter, in which the identity of Valerie Plame, a CIA operative, was revealed.
The same percentage of respondents in the CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll said administration officials acted unethically, but did nothing illegal.
The poll was split nearly evenly on what respondents thought of Bush officials' ethical standards -- 51 percent saying they were excellent or good and 48 percent saying they were not good or poor.
The figures represent a marked shift from a 2002 survey in which nearly three-quarters said the standards were excellent or good and only 23 percent said they were fair or poor.
The latest poll questioned 1,008 adults October 21-23 and has a sampling error of plus or minus 5 percentage points.
Thirty-nine percent said some administration officials acted illegally in the matter, in which the identity of Valerie Plame, a CIA operative, was revealed.
The same percentage of respondents in the CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll said administration officials acted unethically, but did nothing illegal.
The poll was split nearly evenly on what respondents thought of Bush officials' ethical standards -- 51 percent saying they were excellent or good and 48 percent saying they were not good or poor.
The figures represent a marked shift from a 2002 survey in which nearly three-quarters said the standards were excellent or good and only 23 percent said they were fair or poor.
The latest poll questioned 1,008 adults October 21-23 and has a sampling error of plus or minus 5 percentage points.
MOSUL TERRORISTS CELL LEADER KILLED
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- An al-Qaeda terrorist cell leader who personally assisted in at least three videotaped beheadings and his assistant were killed during a Coalition raid of a suspected safe house in Mosul Oct. 22.
Nashwan Mijhim Muslet (aka Abu Tayir or Abu Zaid) was a senior operational al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist cell leader who operated specifically in the Mosul area. His cell was known as the primary beheading cell for Abu Talha, the al-Qaeda in Iraq Emir of Mosul who was captured in June, 2005, and Abu Zubayr, second in command to Talha and later Emir of Mosul after Talha was detained. Zubayr was killed in August, 2005.
The beheadings were filmed to intimidate the local population of Mosul as well as Iraqi citizens throughout Iraq. Intelligence reports indicate that Nashwan personally helped Zubayr behead three Mosul citizens during one of the videotaped gatherings.
As a senior operational cell leader, Nashwan was chiefly responsible for attacking Iraqi Security and Coalition forces. These attacks consisted of engaging convoys with small arms fire, rocket propelled grenades, IEDs and VBIEDs.
His cell was also responsible for intimidating Mosul citizens through criminal activities. Nashwan�s cell conducted roadblocks, stopping local citizens to extort money from them or to kidnap family members of businessmen or prominent families to ransom them for money.
Nahi Achmed Obeid Sultan (aka Abu Hassan), assistant to Nashwan, was killed during the raid. He was responsible for providing personal security for Nashwan and running the day-to-day operations of the terrorist cell.
Nashwan Mijhim Muslet (aka Abu Tayir or Abu Zaid) was a senior operational al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist cell leader who operated specifically in the Mosul area. His cell was known as the primary beheading cell for Abu Talha, the al-Qaeda in Iraq Emir of Mosul who was captured in June, 2005, and Abu Zubayr, second in command to Talha and later Emir of Mosul after Talha was detained. Zubayr was killed in August, 2005.
The beheadings were filmed to intimidate the local population of Mosul as well as Iraqi citizens throughout Iraq. Intelligence reports indicate that Nashwan personally helped Zubayr behead three Mosul citizens during one of the videotaped gatherings.
As a senior operational cell leader, Nashwan was chiefly responsible for attacking Iraqi Security and Coalition forces. These attacks consisted of engaging convoys with small arms fire, rocket propelled grenades, IEDs and VBIEDs.
His cell was also responsible for intimidating Mosul citizens through criminal activities. Nashwan�s cell conducted roadblocks, stopping local citizens to extort money from them or to kidnap family members of businessmen or prominent families to ransom them for money.
Nahi Achmed Obeid Sultan (aka Abu Hassan), assistant to Nashwan, was killed during the raid. He was responsible for providing personal security for Nashwan and running the day-to-day operations of the terrorist cell.
TASK FORCE BAGHDAD SOLDIERS UNCOVER WEAPONS CACHE
TAJI, Iraq -- Task Force Baghdad Soldiers discovered a weapons cache while conducting combat operations north of Baghdad Oct. 24.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 13th Armored Regiment attached to 70th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division excavated more than 120 mortar rounds, 49 tank and artillery rounds, eight cases of small-arms ammunition, dozens of rockets, three boxes of mortar fuses, a rocket-propelled grenade warhead and two anti-aircraft gun barrels.
An explosives ordnance disposal team destroyed the cache to prevent its use against Coalition and Iraqi forces.
Task Force Baghdad Soldiers detained 12 individuals for further questioning about the weapons cache.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 13th Armored Regiment attached to 70th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division excavated more than 120 mortar rounds, 49 tank and artillery rounds, eight cases of small-arms ammunition, dozens of rockets, three boxes of mortar fuses, a rocket-propelled grenade warhead and two anti-aircraft gun barrels.
An explosives ordnance disposal team destroyed the cache to prevent its use against Coalition and Iraqi forces.
Task Force Baghdad Soldiers detained 12 individuals for further questioning about the weapons cache.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
CBS survey: God beats evolution
Poll indicates majority think Creator made human beings
Most Americans do not accept the theory of evolution. Instead, 51 percent of Americans say God created humans in their present form, and another three in 10 say that while humans evolved, God guided the process. Just 15 percent say humans evolved, and that God was not involved.
These views are similar to what they were in November 2004 shortly after the presidential election.
VIEWS ON EVOLUTION/CREATIONISM
Now
God created humans in present form
51%
Humans evolved, God guided the process
30%
Humans evolved, God did not guide process
15%
Nov. 2004
God created humans in present form
55%
Humans evolved, God guided the process
27%
Humans evolved, God did not guide process
13%
Americans most likely to believe in only evolution are liberals (36 percent), those who rarely or never attend religious services (25 percent), and those with a college degree or higher (24 percent).
White evangelicals (77 percent), weekly churchgoers (74 percent) and conservatives (64 percent), are mostly likely to say God created humans in their present form.
Most Americans do not accept the theory of evolution. Instead, 51 percent of Americans say God created humans in their present form, and another three in 10 say that while humans evolved, God guided the process. Just 15 percent say humans evolved, and that God was not involved.
These views are similar to what they were in November 2004 shortly after the presidential election.
VIEWS ON EVOLUTION/CREATIONISM
Now
God created humans in present form
51%
Humans evolved, God guided the process
30%
Humans evolved, God did not guide process
15%
Nov. 2004
God created humans in present form
55%
Humans evolved, God guided the process
27%
Humans evolved, God did not guide process
13%
Americans most likely to believe in only evolution are liberals (36 percent), those who rarely or never attend religious services (25 percent), and those with a college degree or higher (24 percent).
White evangelicals (77 percent), weekly churchgoers (74 percent) and conservatives (64 percent), are mostly likely to say God created humans in their present form.
Senators plan push to end income tax
Lawmakers looking to replace current code with flat-rate levy on business transactions
A South Carolina senator dissatisfied with the results of a Bush advisory panel's recommendations on tax reform is set to introduce a bill to abolish federal income tax in favor of a levy on business transactions.
Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., told the New York Sun he would put his plan before the Senate tomorrow. The proposal calls for an end to all personal income taxes and the attendant bevy of related taxes, deductions and exemptions, including the estate tax and the alternative minimum tax. The plan would eliminate the need for Americans to file income tax returns.
According to the Sun report, the DeMint plan, which is co-sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., includes an 8.5 percent federal retail sales tax on all new goods and services. Corporate income taxes would be replaced by an 8.5 percent business transfer tax charged during purchases of supplies or equipment.
Senate staff members tell the paper the 8.5 percent figure had been determined after consultation with economists to assure the proposal would remain revenue-neutral.
Under the plan, every American living below the federal poverty level would get a rebate for 8.5 percent of poverty-level income � which, for a family of four, is about $19,000 a year, the paper reported.
A South Carolina senator dissatisfied with the results of a Bush advisory panel's recommendations on tax reform is set to introduce a bill to abolish federal income tax in favor of a levy on business transactions.
Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., told the New York Sun he would put his plan before the Senate tomorrow. The proposal calls for an end to all personal income taxes and the attendant bevy of related taxes, deductions and exemptions, including the estate tax and the alternative minimum tax. The plan would eliminate the need for Americans to file income tax returns.
According to the Sun report, the DeMint plan, which is co-sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., includes an 8.5 percent federal retail sales tax on all new goods and services. Corporate income taxes would be replaced by an 8.5 percent business transfer tax charged during purchases of supplies or equipment.
Senate staff members tell the paper the 8.5 percent figure had been determined after consultation with economists to assure the proposal would remain revenue-neutral.
Under the plan, every American living below the federal poverty level would get a rebate for 8.5 percent of poverty-level income � which, for a family of four, is about $19,000 a year, the paper reported.
U.S. Military Finds Another Large Weapons Cache In Iraq
STRYKER BRIGADE UNEARTHS ANOTHER LARGE WEAPONS CACHE NEAR RAWAH
MOSUL, Iraq � Soldiers from 4th Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment (172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team) seized a large weapons cache during a search operations in the Rawah area, near the Euphrates River, Oct. 23. The cache included over 1,000 anti-tank mines, over 250 rocket propellant, and several timed mines. The weapons were destroyed on the scene.
Iraqi security forces supported by Multi-National Forces continue operations in an effort to provide safety and security to the citizens of the region.
MOSUL, Iraq � Soldiers from 4th Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment (172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team) seized a large weapons cache during a search operations in the Rawah area, near the Euphrates River, Oct. 23. The cache included over 1,000 anti-tank mines, over 250 rocket propellant, and several timed mines. The weapons were destroyed on the scene.
Iraqi security forces supported by Multi-National Forces continue operations in an effort to provide safety and security to the citizens of the region.
Republicans to press 'Big Oil' on profits
House Republicans say they intend to press oil companies about huge profits at a time when American consumers are paying record prices for petroleum products, even as one major company announced it had boosted its bottom line by more than one-third.
"Big Oil needs to do its part. Increasing capacity and improving refineries will do much to boost supplies so that consumers do not feel such a big pinch," House Speaker Dennis Hastert said in prepared remarks, according to the Washington Times.
In Washington, Hastert and other members of the GOP will hold a press conference today in which they intend to press oil companies on why profits are so high and what they plan to do to bring prices back under control, the Times said.
Hastert said oil companies share a responsibility to the public to do what they can to help keep energy prices affordable and the nation's economy stable and growing.
"These are extraordinary times that call for extraordinary measures," he said. "We expect oil companies to do their part to help ease the pain American families are feeling from high energy prices."
His spokesman, Ron Bonjean, said Republicans also were considering congressional hearings to get answers from oil companies, the Times reported.
One analyst, Michael McKenna, a Republican strategist who lobbies on energy issues, says oil companies should be a little nervous about GOP efforts to get to the bottom of higher energy prices. That could even include legislation, he said.
"The next stop on this train is legislation," he told the Times. "We could go back and forth over whether that legislation is going to be successful, whether it can pass or not, whether it's constitutional. But if you're an oil company, do you want to spend the next six months talking about a windfall profits tax?
"This would be a good moment and a nice opportunity for the oil companies to step forward and do something proactive," he added.
"Big Oil needs to do its part. Increasing capacity and improving refineries will do much to boost supplies so that consumers do not feel such a big pinch," House Speaker Dennis Hastert said in prepared remarks, according to the Washington Times.
In Washington, Hastert and other members of the GOP will hold a press conference today in which they intend to press oil companies on why profits are so high and what they plan to do to bring prices back under control, the Times said.
Hastert said oil companies share a responsibility to the public to do what they can to help keep energy prices affordable and the nation's economy stable and growing.
"These are extraordinary times that call for extraordinary measures," he said. "We expect oil companies to do their part to help ease the pain American families are feeling from high energy prices."
His spokesman, Ron Bonjean, said Republicans also were considering congressional hearings to get answers from oil companies, the Times reported.
One analyst, Michael McKenna, a Republican strategist who lobbies on energy issues, says oil companies should be a little nervous about GOP efforts to get to the bottom of higher energy prices. That could even include legislation, he said.
"The next stop on this train is legislation," he told the Times. "We could go back and forth over whether that legislation is going to be successful, whether it can pass or not, whether it's constitutional. But if you're an oil company, do you want to spend the next six months talking about a windfall profits tax?
"This would be a good moment and a nice opportunity for the oil companies to step forward and do something proactive," he added.
Sealed indictments coming this week ?
Special counsel expected to target up to 5 in investigation of CIA leak ?
As speculation increases about Vice President Dick Cheney as a possible target of Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald's CIA leak investigation, knowledgeable sources tell WND that up to five sealed indictments are likely to be issued as early as tomorrow and certainly before the end of the week.
Targets of the investigation have already been notified, though in sealed indictments the information would be withheld from the public.
The White House has been bracing itself for the end of Fitzgerald's probe, expected on Friday when the grand jury's term expires. Both Bush adviser Karl Rove and Libby have been informed that they could face indictment.
Sources within the investigation say it is unlikely anyone would be charged with violating a 1982 act that made it illegal to blow a covert U.S. agent's cover. Plame's undercover status has been the subject of debate, and testimony indicates there is little to prove Rove or Libby knew her identity was a secret.
But Fitzgerald has other options and the possibility of filing other charges. While sitting presidents cannot be indicted, charges may be brought against sitting vice presidents.
The sealed indictments are an indication, sources say, that Fitzgerald's investigation is not over. The grand jury's term expires at the end of the week. However, Fitzgerald could empanel a new grand jury if he wants to continue his probe.
Those who have testified under oath to date include White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card, Time magazine's Matt Cooper, former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer, Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez, Libby, former Cheney adviser Mary Matalin, current press secretary Scott McClellan, Judith Miller of the New York Times, Novak, Rove, who has been grilled four times, NBC's Tim Russert, former CIA director George Tenet and Wilson.
As speculation increases about Vice President Dick Cheney as a possible target of Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald's CIA leak investigation, knowledgeable sources tell WND that up to five sealed indictments are likely to be issued as early as tomorrow and certainly before the end of the week.
Targets of the investigation have already been notified, though in sealed indictments the information would be withheld from the public.
The White House has been bracing itself for the end of Fitzgerald's probe, expected on Friday when the grand jury's term expires. Both Bush adviser Karl Rove and Libby have been informed that they could face indictment.
Sources within the investigation say it is unlikely anyone would be charged with violating a 1982 act that made it illegal to blow a covert U.S. agent's cover. Plame's undercover status has been the subject of debate, and testimony indicates there is little to prove Rove or Libby knew her identity was a secret.
But Fitzgerald has other options and the possibility of filing other charges. While sitting presidents cannot be indicted, charges may be brought against sitting vice presidents.
The sealed indictments are an indication, sources say, that Fitzgerald's investigation is not over. The grand jury's term expires at the end of the week. However, Fitzgerald could empanel a new grand jury if he wants to continue his probe.
Those who have testified under oath to date include White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card, Time magazine's Matt Cooper, former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer, Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez, Libby, former Cheney adviser Mary Matalin, current press secretary Scott McClellan, Judith Miller of the New York Times, Novak, Rove, who has been grilled four times, NBC's Tim Russert, former CIA director George Tenet and Wilson.
A History of Indictments at White House
A brief history of indictments in recent administrations:
_ The only sitting Cabinet member in recent history to be indicted while in office was Raymond J. Donovan, President Reagan's labor secretary. In September 1984, Donovan was indicted along with several others, accused of grand larceny in his co-ownership of a construction firm. After going on unpaid leave in October, Donovan resigned in March 1985. In 1987, a jury acquitted Donovan and his co-defendants.
___
_ In October 2005, David H. Safavian, the top procurement official for President Bush, resigned. Three days later, he was arrested and indicted on five felony counts connected to criminal investigation of lobbyist Jack Abramoff. At the time the indictment covered, from May 2002 to January 2004, Safavian had been serving as the chief of staff at the General Services Administration. Case pending.
_ In November 1996, Henry G. Cisneros resigned from his position as President Clinton's housing secretary. In December 1997, he was indicted on 18 counts of conspiracy, obstruction and lying to the FBI. Cisneros pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor in 1999 and was fined $10,000.
_ In December 1994, Mike Espy resigned from his position as Clinton's agriculture secretary. In August 1997, Espy was indicted on 39 corruption counts in allegations that he had received financial gifts from Tyson Foods Inc., one of the companies his department regulated. In December 1998 Espy was acquitted on all counts.
_ In May 1993, White House travel office chief Billy R. Dale and his entire staff were fired by the Clinton administration. Dale was indicted in December 1994 on two counts of embezzlement and conversion after a grand jury said he pocketed up to $68,000 from media organizations traveling with the president. Dale was acquitted of all charges in November 1995.
_ In November 1986, John M. Poindexter resigned from his post as national security adviser to President Reagan. In March 1988, Poindexter and three others were indicted in relation to the Iran-Contra affair. Poindexter was charged with two additional counts of obstructing Congress and two counts of making false statements. He was convicted in 1990, but the charges were overturned the following year.
_ In 1983, Thomas C. Reed resigned from the Reagan administration after working as a presidential assistant under National Security Adviser William P. Clark. In August 1984, he was indicted on four counts related to alleged illegal stock trading. He was acquitted in 1985.
_ In April 1973, President Nixon forced White House chief of staff H.R. Haldeman, domestic affairs counsel John Ehrlichman and five other staff members to resign. In March 1974, they were indicted in connection with the Watergate cover-up. Along with several others found guilty, both Haldeman and Ehrlichman were convicted in 1975 and sentenced to 18 months in prison.
_ The only sitting Cabinet member in recent history to be indicted while in office was Raymond J. Donovan, President Reagan's labor secretary. In September 1984, Donovan was indicted along with several others, accused of grand larceny in his co-ownership of a construction firm. After going on unpaid leave in October, Donovan resigned in March 1985. In 1987, a jury acquitted Donovan and his co-defendants.
___
_ In October 2005, David H. Safavian, the top procurement official for President Bush, resigned. Three days later, he was arrested and indicted on five felony counts connected to criminal investigation of lobbyist Jack Abramoff. At the time the indictment covered, from May 2002 to January 2004, Safavian had been serving as the chief of staff at the General Services Administration. Case pending.
_ In November 1996, Henry G. Cisneros resigned from his position as President Clinton's housing secretary. In December 1997, he was indicted on 18 counts of conspiracy, obstruction and lying to the FBI. Cisneros pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor in 1999 and was fined $10,000.
_ In December 1994, Mike Espy resigned from his position as Clinton's agriculture secretary. In August 1997, Espy was indicted on 39 corruption counts in allegations that he had received financial gifts from Tyson Foods Inc., one of the companies his department regulated. In December 1998 Espy was acquitted on all counts.
_ In May 1993, White House travel office chief Billy R. Dale and his entire staff were fired by the Clinton administration. Dale was indicted in December 1994 on two counts of embezzlement and conversion after a grand jury said he pocketed up to $68,000 from media organizations traveling with the president. Dale was acquitted of all charges in November 1995.
_ In November 1986, John M. Poindexter resigned from his post as national security adviser to President Reagan. In March 1988, Poindexter and three others were indicted in relation to the Iran-Contra affair. Poindexter was charged with two additional counts of obstructing Congress and two counts of making false statements. He was convicted in 1990, but the charges were overturned the following year.
_ In 1983, Thomas C. Reed resigned from the Reagan administration after working as a presidential assistant under National Security Adviser William P. Clark. In August 1984, he was indicted on four counts related to alleged illegal stock trading. He was acquitted in 1985.
_ In April 1973, President Nixon forced White House chief of staff H.R. Haldeman, domestic affairs counsel John Ehrlichman and five other staff members to resign. In March 1974, they were indicted in connection with the Watergate cover-up. Along with several others found guilty, both Haldeman and Ehrlichman were convicted in 1975 and sentenced to 18 months in prison.
ABCNEWS TELLS WHITE HOUSE OF 'INDICTMENT'
"We have double sourced that the vice president's chief of staff has been indicted," a reporter for ABCNEWS claimed to a White House press spokesman this afternoon.
The White House refused to comment on the claim. The network said they didn't need comment, they were preparing to run with the development on this evening's network news broadcast, sources tell the DRUDGE REPORT.
ABCNEWS claimed to the White House that it had double sourced how an indictment against vice presidential chief of staff I. Lewis Libby was set.
A senior White House source quickly determined ABC was bluffing; the report did not run on the East coast feed of the program.
ABC NEWS spokesman Jeff Schneider tells the DRUDGE REPORT: "There is nothing at all true about us having double sourced anything" regarding indictments.
Developing...
The White House refused to comment on the claim. The network said they didn't need comment, they were preparing to run with the development on this evening's network news broadcast, sources tell the DRUDGE REPORT.
ABCNEWS claimed to the White House that it had double sourced how an indictment against vice presidential chief of staff I. Lewis Libby was set.
A senior White House source quickly determined ABC was bluffing; the report did not run on the East coast feed of the program.
ABC NEWS spokesman Jeff Schneider tells the DRUDGE REPORT: "There is nothing at all true about us having double sourced anything" regarding indictments.
Developing...
Iraq draft constitution approved, officials say
Results from Oct. 15 referendum indicate 78.59 percent backed charter
Iraq�s constitution was adopted by a majority in a fair vote during the Oct. 15 referendum, as Sunni Arab opponents failed to muster enough support to defeat it, election officials said Tuesday.
The referendum results, announced after a 10-day audit following allegations of fraud, confirmed previous indications that Sunni Arabs failed to produce the two-thirds �no� vote they would have needed in at least three of Iraq�s 18 provinces to defeat the constitution.
The charter is considered a major step in Iraq�s democratic reforms, clearing the way for the election of a new, full-term parliament on Dec. 15. Such steps are important in any decision about the future withdrawal of U.S.-led forces.
Carina Perelli, the U.N. elections chief, praised a �very good job� with the audit of results by election officials and said �Iraq should be proud of the commission.�
Iraq�s top two coalition partners, the United States and Britain, also welcomed the results.
�The Iraqis are making inspiring progress toward building a democracy,� President Bush said. �By any standard or precedent of history, Iraq has made incredible political progress, from tyranny to liberation to national elections to the ratification of a constitution in the space of two and a half years.�
British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said Iraqis �have shown again their determination to defy the terrorists and take part in the democratic process.� Italian Foreign Minister Gianfranco Fini also welcomed the results, saying Italy would keep supporting the political process in the country.
Farid Ayar, an official with the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq, said the audit had turned up no significant fraud.
Iraq�s constitution was adopted by a majority in a fair vote during the Oct. 15 referendum, as Sunni Arab opponents failed to muster enough support to defeat it, election officials said Tuesday.
The referendum results, announced after a 10-day audit following allegations of fraud, confirmed previous indications that Sunni Arabs failed to produce the two-thirds �no� vote they would have needed in at least three of Iraq�s 18 provinces to defeat the constitution.
The charter is considered a major step in Iraq�s democratic reforms, clearing the way for the election of a new, full-term parliament on Dec. 15. Such steps are important in any decision about the future withdrawal of U.S.-led forces.
Carina Perelli, the U.N. elections chief, praised a �very good job� with the audit of results by election officials and said �Iraq should be proud of the commission.�
Iraq�s top two coalition partners, the United States and Britain, also welcomed the results.
�The Iraqis are making inspiring progress toward building a democracy,� President Bush said. �By any standard or precedent of history, Iraq has made incredible political progress, from tyranny to liberation to national elections to the ratification of a constitution in the space of two and a half years.�
British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said Iraqis �have shown again their determination to defy the terrorists and take part in the democratic process.� Italian Foreign Minister Gianfranco Fini also welcomed the results, saying Italy would keep supporting the political process in the country.
Farid Ayar, an official with the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq, said the audit had turned up no significant fraud.
Monday, October 24, 2005
Osama Bin Laden Is Dead And Buried ?
A Pakistani newspaper Ausaf published from Multan has reported that Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden died four months ago in a village near Kandahar of severe illness.
According to the newspaper report, Bin Laden was campaigning at Bamiyan, fell very ill, returned to Kandahar where he died and was buried in the Shada graveyard in the shadow of a mountain.
The controversy continues to surround Osama bin Laden and while US and Pakistan officials have often been quoted by the media as saying that his mortal status was just a matter of detail, the hunt is still on and the issue remains a topic of great interest for the media and governments alike.
Funeral prayers have been said for Osama bin Laden over these years with one reported now by the Ausaf, and another in an Egyptian newspaper Al Wafd as far back as December 2001.
Osama bin Laden has a reward of $25 million on his head. Despite this he remains elusive, and could remain that way for a long time, alive or dead.
Gitmo abuse is real ... against U.S. guards
There is indeed abuse going on at Guantanamo--but it's abuse by savage inmates against our troops.
In the fall of 2001, the U.S. Naval Facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba ("Gitmo" to those who live here) was teetering on the edge of oblivion, with a skeleton crew of fewer than 2,000 service members on duty. Now a contingent of more than 10,000 resides here. Behind that surge: the need for secure confinement of a collection of human debris snatched from the battlefields of Afghanistan in early 2002.
These "detainees" are not innocent foot soldiers, or confused Afghan opium farmers drafted by the Taliban. They are Islamic fundamentalists from across the Middle East, rabid jihadists who have dedicated their lives to the destruction of America and Western civilization.
Among the residents are al-Qaida organizers, bomb makers, financial specialists, recruiters of suicide attackers, and just plain killers. Many of these men met frequently with Osama bin Laden. The terrorist Maad Al Qahtani--a Saudi who is a self-confessed collaborator with the Sept. 11 hijackers--is one of many infamous captives.
In the opening salvos of the global war on terror, our forces took a lot of prisoners from the battlefield. Estimates are that more than 70,000 Taliban and al-Qaida fighters were captured and screened. Of that number, approximately 800 were deemed of such high value for intelligence purposes, or such a severe threat in their own person, that they needed to be interrogated and confined in a secure locale from which they could not easily escape or be rescued.
A Great Article Folks ! When you finish reading it all click here to read what I wrote some months ago on the subject!
In the fall of 2001, the U.S. Naval Facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba ("Gitmo" to those who live here) was teetering on the edge of oblivion, with a skeleton crew of fewer than 2,000 service members on duty. Now a contingent of more than 10,000 resides here. Behind that surge: the need for secure confinement of a collection of human debris snatched from the battlefields of Afghanistan in early 2002.
These "detainees" are not innocent foot soldiers, or confused Afghan opium farmers drafted by the Taliban. They are Islamic fundamentalists from across the Middle East, rabid jihadists who have dedicated their lives to the destruction of America and Western civilization.
Among the residents are al-Qaida organizers, bomb makers, financial specialists, recruiters of suicide attackers, and just plain killers. Many of these men met frequently with Osama bin Laden. The terrorist Maad Al Qahtani--a Saudi who is a self-confessed collaborator with the Sept. 11 hijackers--is one of many infamous captives.
In the opening salvos of the global war on terror, our forces took a lot of prisoners from the battlefield. Estimates are that more than 70,000 Taliban and al-Qaida fighters were captured and screened. Of that number, approximately 800 were deemed of such high value for intelligence purposes, or such a severe threat in their own person, that they needed to be interrogated and confined in a secure locale from which they could not easily escape or be rescued.
A Great Article Folks ! When you finish reading it all click here to read what I wrote some months ago on the subject!
'Club Gitmo' Country Club Compared To French jails?
FRANCE'S prisons are the worst in Europe and their cells are akin to dungeons in the Middle Ages, according to a watchdog's report yesterday.
Hygiene is "deplorable", with inmates crowded into filthy, rat-infested cells, leading to an explosion in the number of prisoners with infectious diseases, the International Observatory of Prisons (IOP) said.
It described conditions as "catastrophic" and condemned the French government for failing to improve matters. "The situation is totally unworthy of our level of civilisation. Conditions of detention are close to those of the Middle Ages," the Paris-based IOP said.
The report said French jails suffered from overcrowding, bad hygiene, rising violence and suicide rates of more than six times the national average - France has Europe's highest suicide rate among prisoners.
The number of suicide attempts rose 10 per cent last year, while incidents of self-wounding and hunger strikes were up 25 per cent.
Violence and revolt against the prison authorities have also increased dramatically - there was a 155 per cent rise in the number of riots last year.
Eight out of ten inmates suffer from psychiatric problems, but access to medical care is limited.
"Fifteen months to treat a toothache - one is less well treated when one is in prison than when one is an animal in the zoo," the main lawyers' union in France said.
Both it and the judges' union described the situation as "detestable".
Hygiene is "deplorable", with inmates crowded into filthy, rat-infested cells, leading to an explosion in the number of prisoners with infectious diseases, the International Observatory of Prisons (IOP) said.
It described conditions as "catastrophic" and condemned the French government for failing to improve matters. "The situation is totally unworthy of our level of civilisation. Conditions of detention are close to those of the Middle Ages," the Paris-based IOP said.
The report said French jails suffered from overcrowding, bad hygiene, rising violence and suicide rates of more than six times the national average - France has Europe's highest suicide rate among prisoners.
The number of suicide attempts rose 10 per cent last year, while incidents of self-wounding and hunger strikes were up 25 per cent.
Violence and revolt against the prison authorities have also increased dramatically - there was a 155 per cent rise in the number of riots last year.
Eight out of ten inmates suffer from psychiatric problems, but access to medical care is limited.
"Fifteen months to treat a toothache - one is less well treated when one is in prison than when one is an animal in the zoo," the main lawyers' union in France said.
Both it and the judges' union described the situation as "detestable".
Lawyers in CIA-leak case say charges possible this week
Lawyers in CIA-leak case say charges possible this week
Sun Oct 23, 2005 12:16 PM ET
By Adam Entous
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Federal prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald appears to be laying the groundwork for indictments this week over the outing of a covert CIA operative, including possible charges of perjury and obstruction of justice, lawyers involved in case said on Sunday.
Top administration officials are expected to learn from Fitzgerald as early as Monday whether they will face charges as the prosecutor winds up his nearly two-year investigation, the lawyers said.
Fitzgerald could convene the grand jury as early as Tuesday to lay out a final summary of the case and ask for approval of possible indictments, legal sources said. The grand jury hearing the CIA leak case normally meets on Wednesdays and is scheduled to expire on Friday unless Fitzgerald extends it.
Fitzgerald's investigation has focused largely on Karl Rove, President George W. Bush's top political adviser, and Lewis Libby, Vice President Dick Cheney's chief of staff, and their conversations about CIA operative Valerie Plame with reporters in June and July of 2003.
Her identity was leaked to the media after her diplomat husband, Joseph Wilson, challenged the Bush administration's prewar intelligence on Iraq. The White House initially denied that Rove and Libby were involved in any way in the leak.
Asked whether he was taking part in a final round of discussions with the prosecutor's office, Rove's attorney, Robert Luskin, said: "I'm just not going to comment on any possible interactions with Fitzgerald."
Lawyers involved in the case said Fitzgerald has been focusing on whether Rove, Libby and others may have tried to conceal their involvement from investigators. New York Times reporter Judith Miller, who spent 85 days in jail rather than testify about talks with Libby, is facing calls from colleagues to leave the newspaper.
While Fitzgerald could still charge administration officials with knowingly revealing Plame's identity, the lawyers said he appeared more likely to seek charges for easier-to-prove crimes such as making false statements, obstruction of justice and disclosing classified information.
Another possibility was for Fitzgerald to bring a broad conspiracy charge, the lawyers said.
INVESTIGATION EXPANDED
Lawyers said Fitzgerald has sent several signals in recent days that he is likely to bring indictments in the case.
For the first time, Fitzgerald has set up an official Web site, http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/iln/osc/ which included a February 6, 2004, requested by Fitzgerald that gave him Justice Department authorization for expansion of the probe.
The letter from then-Deputy Attorney General James Comey gave Fitzgerald added authority to investigate and prosecute "federal crimes committed in the course of, and with intent to interfere with, your investigation, such as perjury, obstruction of justice, destruction of evidence, and intimidation of witnesses."
This comes on top of Fitzgerald's authority to investigate and prosecute officials for the "unauthorized disclosure" of Plame's identity.
Former independent counsel Robert Ray said on Fox News Sunday that Fitzgerald appeared to be "shoring up his mandate," and to focus on whether or not there were attempts to obstruct the investigation.
"People better be ready for charges," said Abbe Lowell, a prominent criminal defense lawyer.
Sun Oct 23, 2005 12:16 PM ET
By Adam Entous
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Federal prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald appears to be laying the groundwork for indictments this week over the outing of a covert CIA operative, including possible charges of perjury and obstruction of justice, lawyers involved in case said on Sunday.
Top administration officials are expected to learn from Fitzgerald as early as Monday whether they will face charges as the prosecutor winds up his nearly two-year investigation, the lawyers said.
Fitzgerald could convene the grand jury as early as Tuesday to lay out a final summary of the case and ask for approval of possible indictments, legal sources said. The grand jury hearing the CIA leak case normally meets on Wednesdays and is scheduled to expire on Friday unless Fitzgerald extends it.
Fitzgerald's investigation has focused largely on Karl Rove, President George W. Bush's top political adviser, and Lewis Libby, Vice President Dick Cheney's chief of staff, and their conversations about CIA operative Valerie Plame with reporters in June and July of 2003.
Her identity was leaked to the media after her diplomat husband, Joseph Wilson, challenged the Bush administration's prewar intelligence on Iraq. The White House initially denied that Rove and Libby were involved in any way in the leak.
Asked whether he was taking part in a final round of discussions with the prosecutor's office, Rove's attorney, Robert Luskin, said: "I'm just not going to comment on any possible interactions with Fitzgerald."
Lawyers involved in the case said Fitzgerald has been focusing on whether Rove, Libby and others may have tried to conceal their involvement from investigators. New York Times reporter Judith Miller, who spent 85 days in jail rather than testify about talks with Libby, is facing calls from colleagues to leave the newspaper.
While Fitzgerald could still charge administration officials with knowingly revealing Plame's identity, the lawyers said he appeared more likely to seek charges for easier-to-prove crimes such as making false statements, obstruction of justice and disclosing classified information.
Another possibility was for Fitzgerald to bring a broad conspiracy charge, the lawyers said.
INVESTIGATION EXPANDED
Lawyers said Fitzgerald has sent several signals in recent days that he is likely to bring indictments in the case.
For the first time, Fitzgerald has set up an official Web site, http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/iln/osc/ which included a February 6, 2004, requested by Fitzgerald that gave him Justice Department authorization for expansion of the probe.
The letter from then-Deputy Attorney General James Comey gave Fitzgerald added authority to investigate and prosecute "federal crimes committed in the course of, and with intent to interfere with, your investigation, such as perjury, obstruction of justice, destruction of evidence, and intimidation of witnesses."
This comes on top of Fitzgerald's authority to investigate and prosecute officials for the "unauthorized disclosure" of Plame's identity.
Former independent counsel Robert Ray said on Fox News Sunday that Fitzgerald appeared to be "shoring up his mandate," and to focus on whether or not there were attempts to obstruct the investigation.
"People better be ready for charges," said Abbe Lowell, a prominent criminal defense lawyer.
Bush set to tap Bernanke as Greenspan successor
President George W. Bush was to nominate his economic adviser Ben Bernanke as Federal Reserve chairman, to succeed Alan Greenspan, news reports said.
The Wall Street Journal and NBC News said Bernanke would be Bush's choice to be announced at 1:00 pm (1700 GMT) as the head of the central bank.
Greenspan is slated to leave the Fed after 18 years on January 31.
Asked at the end of a cabinet meeting on when a Fed chairman appointment would come, Bush said, "We'll make an announcement soon."
The appointment is seen as one of Bush's most important economic decisions, in finding a head of the independent central bank who is respected by US financial markets and in global economic circles.
Bernanke, 51, was a member of the Federal Reserve before leaving this year to head the president's Council of Economic Advisers.
A graduate of Harvard University, Bernanke has a Ph.D in economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
He was chair of the economics department at Princeton University from 1996-2002.
The Wall Street Journal and NBC News said Bernanke would be Bush's choice to be announced at 1:00 pm (1700 GMT) as the head of the central bank.
Greenspan is slated to leave the Fed after 18 years on January 31.
Asked at the end of a cabinet meeting on when a Fed chairman appointment would come, Bush said, "We'll make an announcement soon."
The appointment is seen as one of Bush's most important economic decisions, in finding a head of the independent central bank who is respected by US financial markets and in global economic circles.
Bernanke, 51, was a member of the Federal Reserve before leaving this year to head the president's Council of Economic Advisers.
A graduate of Harvard University, Bernanke has a Ph.D in economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
He was chair of the economics department at Princeton University from 1996-2002.
Bush Approval Bounce
President Bush, his job approval rating beleaguered by poor marks in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, rebounded from historic lows this summer to 45% in Zogby International's latest poll. The president's job approval numbers bumped back up into the range where they have hovered for most of his second term.
The survey also found that, while voters do not give the President passing marks on his handling of the Iraq War, half (50%) believe the recently-passed Iraqi constitution is a major step in the right direction for the strife-torn nation that will lead to peace and democracy. Meanwhile, 37% believe Iraq is on the brink of a civil war.
The Zogby America telephone poll of 1005 likely voters, conducted from October 19 through 21, 2005, has a margin of error of +/-3.2 percentage points.
While President Bush's overall job approval is up, and a 52% majority of voters hold a favorable opinion of him, his handling of any number of issues continues to score negative marks-including his handling of the War on Terror, which is now disapproved by 53% in the survey; this is typically President Bush's strongest area in the survey.
Bush's bounce appears to be tied to overall perception of the nation's direction; three weeks ago, just 40% said the nation was on the right track. This number now stands at 45%.
Voter outlook on the nation's direction improved over an October 3 poll, which showed just 40% believing the nation to be on the right track. That number now stands at 45%, while those who said the nation is on the wrong track declined from 54% to 51%.
Southerners continue to hold the most optimistic outlook on the nation's direction; in this region, which the President carried solidly in the last election, half of voters (50%) say the nation is on the right track.
The same holds for the "Red States," those states carried by the President during the 2004 election: there, 50% of voters feel the nation is heading in the right direction, while 46% hold a more pessimistic view.
In the "Blue States" carried by Democratic Senator John Kerry, meanwhile, just 39% say the nation is heading in the right direction while 56% believe the nation is on the wrong track.
The trend is even more pronounced along party lines. While Republicans are overwhelmingly optimistic about the nation's direction, with 75% saying the nation is on the right track, among Democrats, this drops to 17%. Independents lag behind the national average at 42%.
The survey also found that, while voters do not give the President passing marks on his handling of the Iraq War, half (50%) believe the recently-passed Iraqi constitution is a major step in the right direction for the strife-torn nation that will lead to peace and democracy. Meanwhile, 37% believe Iraq is on the brink of a civil war.
The Zogby America telephone poll of 1005 likely voters, conducted from October 19 through 21, 2005, has a margin of error of +/-3.2 percentage points.
While President Bush's overall job approval is up, and a 52% majority of voters hold a favorable opinion of him, his handling of any number of issues continues to score negative marks-including his handling of the War on Terror, which is now disapproved by 53% in the survey; this is typically President Bush's strongest area in the survey.
Bush's bounce appears to be tied to overall perception of the nation's direction; three weeks ago, just 40% said the nation was on the right track. This number now stands at 45%.
Voter outlook on the nation's direction improved over an October 3 poll, which showed just 40% believing the nation to be on the right track. That number now stands at 45%, while those who said the nation is on the wrong track declined from 54% to 51%.
Southerners continue to hold the most optimistic outlook on the nation's direction; in this region, which the President carried solidly in the last election, half of voters (50%) say the nation is on the right track.
The same holds for the "Red States," those states carried by the President during the 2004 election: there, 50% of voters feel the nation is heading in the right direction, while 46% hold a more pessimistic view.
In the "Blue States" carried by Democratic Senator John Kerry, meanwhile, just 39% say the nation is heading in the right direction while 56% believe the nation is on the wrong track.
The trend is even more pronounced along party lines. While Republicans are overwhelmingly optimistic about the nation's direction, with 75% saying the nation is on the right track, among Democrats, this drops to 17%. Independents lag behind the national average at 42%.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
US kills 20 insurgents in western Iraq
U.S. forces in Iraq killed 20 insurgents on Saturday near the Syrian border while conducting raids on houses believed to be hideouts for al Qaeda foreign fighters, the U.S. military said.
A statement said U.S. forces found two large caches of weapons, including rocket-propelled grenades, mortar rounds and bomb making materials, during the raids in the western town of Husayba. It said one insurgent was captured in the operation.
U.S. forces have conducted a series of operations against insurgents in the Euphrates valley in western Iraq, a key transit route from Syria to Baghdad.
More than 300 foreign fighters, mostly from Arab states, have been captured in Iraq by U.S.-led troops and Iraqi security forces since the start of April, and their nationalities include Israeli, Irish and British, a senior U.S. commander said on Thursday.
A statement said U.S. forces found two large caches of weapons, including rocket-propelled grenades, mortar rounds and bomb making materials, during the raids in the western town of Husayba. It said one insurgent was captured in the operation.
U.S. forces have conducted a series of operations against insurgents in the Euphrates valley in western Iraq, a key transit route from Syria to Baghdad.
More than 300 foreign fighters, mostly from Arab states, have been captured in Iraq by U.S.-led troops and Iraqi security forces since the start of April, and their nationalities include Israeli, Irish and British, a senior U.S. commander said on Thursday.
Poll: Dems the most corrupt
Most of you think corruption in government is a serious problem in New Jersey. According to the latest poll from Quinnipiac University, 92 percent of you think it�s a serious problem in this state.
But more people think Democrats are the most corrupt according to the findings of the Quinnipiac poll. Half of the people responding to the poll said they associate government corruption to the Democratic Party. Is it no wonder?
Democrats like Bob Torricelli, Jim McGreevey, Charles Kushner, Gary Taffet, Paul Levinsohn, Roger Chugh, David D�Amiano, Golan Cipel, William Watley, Lesly Devereaux, Robert Janiszewski and Anthony Impreveduto head up the long list of recent Democrats caught in a long run of scandals tied to corruption in recent years.
Oh don�t think Republicans are immune, but only 22 percent of respondents in the polls said they associate corruption to the GOP.
But more people think Democrats are the most corrupt according to the findings of the Quinnipiac poll. Half of the people responding to the poll said they associate government corruption to the Democratic Party. Is it no wonder?
Democrats like Bob Torricelli, Jim McGreevey, Charles Kushner, Gary Taffet, Paul Levinsohn, Roger Chugh, David D�Amiano, Golan Cipel, William Watley, Lesly Devereaux, Robert Janiszewski and Anthony Impreveduto head up the long list of recent Democrats caught in a long run of scandals tied to corruption in recent years.
Oh don�t think Republicans are immune, but only 22 percent of respondents in the polls said they associate corruption to the GOP.
All Quiet on the Baghdad Front
When Iraqis went to the polls, the best news was what didn't happen.
by Michael Yon
WAS IN BAQUBA during Iraq's January elections, having hitched a ride with the U.S. Army to a polling site. There were bombs exploding, mortars falling, and hot machine guns. The fact that the voting was going great despite the violence was something few people expected. Until that day, I'd been skeptical about Iraq. Not fashionably cynical, merely skeptical. We could all hear what President Bush, Prime Minister Blair, and other elected leaders were saying, but they are politicians. We also could hear the end-of-the-Iraqi-world predictions by so many others. But nobody really knew what the Iraqi people had in mind, and the Iraqis were the people who counted most.
The millions who voted sent a message: Serpentine lines of ebullient Iraqis risked their lives--dozens died--to have a say in their futures. People who voted dipped their right index fingers into purple ink and cast their ballots. The image of Iraqis proudly holding their stained fingers aloft became a symbol for the success of the election. In Baquba, many voters asked me to photograph them as they left the polling places, all smiles and purple fingers.
The courage of the Iraqi people that January day planted a seed of confidence. These were not timid or cowering souls. There I was: an American alone in a dangerous Iraqi city, at the very polling site that soldiers were wagering would be bombed. One after another, Iraqis came and shook my hand, showing me their children, laughing, smiling, saying over and over, Thank you, thank you,
thank you. I felt like an honored guest, and I felt a twinge of shame that I'd been less confident in the Iraqis than they were in themselves. The voice of the Iraqi people had risen above the clamor of insurgent violence.
by Michael Yon
WAS IN BAQUBA during Iraq's January elections, having hitched a ride with the U.S. Army to a polling site. There were bombs exploding, mortars falling, and hot machine guns. The fact that the voting was going great despite the violence was something few people expected. Until that day, I'd been skeptical about Iraq. Not fashionably cynical, merely skeptical. We could all hear what President Bush, Prime Minister Blair, and other elected leaders were saying, but they are politicians. We also could hear the end-of-the-Iraqi-world predictions by so many others. But nobody really knew what the Iraqi people had in mind, and the Iraqis were the people who counted most.
The millions who voted sent a message: Serpentine lines of ebullient Iraqis risked their lives--dozens died--to have a say in their futures. People who voted dipped their right index fingers into purple ink and cast their ballots. The image of Iraqis proudly holding their stained fingers aloft became a symbol for the success of the election. In Baquba, many voters asked me to photograph them as they left the polling places, all smiles and purple fingers.
The courage of the Iraqi people that January day planted a seed of confidence. These were not timid or cowering souls. There I was: an American alone in a dangerous Iraqi city, at the very polling site that soldiers were wagering would be bombed. One after another, Iraqis came and shook my hand, showing me their children, laughing, smiling, saying over and over, Thank you, thank you,
thank you. I felt like an honored guest, and I felt a twinge of shame that I'd been less confident in the Iraqis than they were in themselves. The voice of the Iraqi people had risen above the clamor of insurgent violence.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)