politics

All posts tagged politics

English: Flag of the International Atomic Ener...

5 July 2012  
Nuclear NewsIran Nuclear Talks Are to Continue as Their Tone Heats Up Low-level talks between Iran and the group of big powers over the disputed Iranian nuclear program ended early Wednesday with both sides saying the deputies of their top negotiators would meet at a later date. Their announcement gave no hint of progress but nonetheless suggested that neither side was ready to declare the effort a failure. NYT

Tepco May Scrap Second Nuclear Plant The operator of the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant for the first time Wednesday hinted it might mothball a second nuclear plant located 10 kilometers away. WSJ

Nuclear back on Japan power grid as parliament panel submits final report on Fukushima crisis Nuclear power returned to Japan’s energy mix for the first time in two months Thursday, hours before a parliamentary investigative commission blamed the government’s cozy relations with the industry for the meltdowns that prompted the mass shutdown of the nation’s reactors. AP

Arafat’s Widow Wants Body Exhumed After Test For Radioactivity The widow of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat said Wednesday she wants his body exhumed to find out whether he was poisoned after tests showed high levels of a radioactive substance on some of his personal belongings. CNN / AP

Opinion and Analysis

Japan sticks with nuclear energy Deutsche Welle

Doubts linger over Japan’s nuclear future Financial Times

Don’t overly restrict nuclear panel membership Yomiuri Shimbun

NSC’s Holgate: House Vote Shows “Fundamental Misunderstanding” Of Threat Reduction GSN

British Support for Nuclear Power Remains Strong Business Insider

© 2011 International Atomic Energy Agency
Vienna International Centre, PO Box 100, A-1400 Vienna, Austria
Telephone: (+431) 2600-21273, E-mail: press@iaea.org
US Navy 040106-N-8977L-011 Aviation Ordnanceme...

US Navy 040106-N-8977L-011 Aviation Ordnancemen wait to retrieve crates of ammunition on the flight deck (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom

            Cpl. KEATON G. COFFEY, 22, of Boring, Ore., died May 24 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, 1st Marine Headquarters Group, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. 
            For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force public affairs office at 760-763-4675.

 

U.S. Department of Defense Central Security Se...

U.S. Department of Defense Central Security Service (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

 

            The Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Iraq reaffirmed their commitment to a strong and long-term security partnership between the two countries at the inaugural meeting of the Defense and Security Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) of the Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA), from May 22-24, 2012. 
            The meetings, held at the U.S. Department of Defense following a meeting with Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Acting Iraqi Minister of Defense Saadoun Al-Dlimi, were co-chaired by the Iraqi acting minister of defense and by the U.S. Acting Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Rose Gottemoeller, and Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy James Miller.  Defense and security is one of the eight areas of cooperation agreed upon by Iraq and the United States under the 2008 SFA to strengthen cooperation in areas of critical interest to both countries.  The establishment of the Defense and Security Joint Coordinating Committee signifies both countries’ commitment to strengthen the U.S.-Iraqi strategic partnership and continue coordination and cooperation on these vital issues. 
            During three days of meetings, discussions were held on a number of items of mutual interest, including future sales of military equipment, joint military exercises, and Iraq’s strategy to ensure its future stability and security.  In support of an enduring partnership, the United States and the Government of Iraq expanded dialogue on ways of increasing strategic cooperation that would promote stability within Iraq as well as throughout the region.  The United States also reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Iraq’s stability through the training, equipping, and enhancing the capacity of Iraq’s armed forces for defense against external threats and for counterterrorism. 
            Both sides discussed ongoing and future security assistance.  In addition to an initial purchase of 18 F-16 aircraft in September 2011, during the meetings the Government of Iraq reconfirmed its interest in purchasing a second set of 18 F-16s and the United States reconfirmed its commitment to the sale.  The F-16s and other military equipment will help protect Iraq’s sovereignty, meet legitimate defense needs and symbolize the long-term security partnership envisioned by both countries.
            The United States commends the Iraqi security forces for their demonstrated capability to protect the Iraqi people and recognizes the continued sacrifice being made to ensure Iraq’s security.  The Iraqi security forces have made great strides in stabilizing the security situation in Iraq and in facilitating Iraq’s emergence as a strategic partner that promotes and contributes to regional security. 
            The United States and the Government of Iraq agreed that the next meeting of the Defense and Security Joint Coordinating Committee will be hosted by Iraq in Baghdad this fall.  The purpose of the second meeting will be to build upon the foundation laid out this week, and continue discussions on strengthening defense and security cooperation as part of the multifaceted relationship developed between the United States and the Government of Iraq.
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN (July 4, 2007) ...

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN (July 4, 2007) – The color detail from U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT)/U.S. 5th Fleet headquarters salutes the holiday national ensign and jack at morning colors on Independence Day. There are more than 2,700 Sailors currently assigned to the NAVCENT area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Capt. Samuel Perez (RELEASED) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Sailor who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

             Petty Officer Second Class Jorge Luis Velasquez, 35, of Houston, died as a result of a non-combat related incident in Manama, Bahrain.  Velasquez was assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 56 in Bahrain, which conducts maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
             For further information related to this release, contact Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / Commander, U.S. Fifth Fleet Public Affairs at 011-973-1785-4027.

The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom

            They died May 2 in Logar province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device.  They were assigned to the 7th Engineer Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. 
            Killed were: 
            2nd Lt. David E. Rylander, 23, of Stow, Ohio
            Spc. Junot M. L. Cochilus, 34, of Charlotte, N.C. 
            For more information the media may contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at 315-778-5759.
            The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom
            Staff Sgt. Thomas K. Fogarty, 30, of Alameda, Calif., died May 6, in Ahmad-Kheyl, Afghanistan, from injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion (Airborne), 509th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska
            For more information the media may contact U.S. Army Alaska public affairs office at 907-384-2072/1542.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom

            Sgt. John P. Huling, 25, of West Chester, Ohio, died May 6 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. 
            Huling’s death was originally reported by the International Security Assistance Force, which characterized it as the result of gunshot wounds inflicted by an individual wearing an Afghan National Army uniform. 
            This incident is under investigation. 
            For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the 1st Marine Logistics Group public affairs office at 760-763-7795.
Russian Dolls

Image by amy allcock via Flickr

News Alert: Dmitry Medvedev asks Vladi­mir Putin to run for president of Russia

September 24, 2011 9:11:19 AM

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Russian President Dmitry A. Medvedev said Saturday he will step aside after one
term as president, and called on the ruling United Russia party to endorse
Vladimir V. Putin for the post.

That makes it almost certain that Putin will return to the presidency, because
United Russia, which he built, has a stranglehold on the country’s politics.

http://link.email.washingtonpost.com/r/IKR2QE/0G7EC0/WT9OQ2/BBRCOT/4HFDQ/36/h

For more information, visit washingtonpost.com

United States Chamber of Commerce logo.
Image via Wikipedia

Disclaimer – This post is not intended to attack or accuse the USCC in any wrong doing. Rather it is just to understand why Republicans act as they do.

My take in all of this is that it goes like this…

The Republican Party, spearheaded by Tea Party elected House members, refuses to reverse the Bush tax cuts for the richest Americans, and refuses to consider legislation that would change (fix?) tax policy for large corporations.

Now why is that?

I would contend that the reason would be that they get most of their campaign finance from member companies of the US Chamber of Commerce either directly or through campaigning against (Dem) challengers. No Republican can afford NOT to listen to the special interest groups that put them in office. Of course this is all speculative but you may want to read the following article in the NY Times last year.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/22/us/politics/22chamber.html

In all due fairness to the Chamber (not that they care an iota about what I am saying here, you can see their policies on taxes at the following link. The Republicans, I contend that were elected with big business moneys, tote this message verbatim. (OK, maybe not verbatim but it sounds the same.)

http://www.uschamber.com/taxes

Every time I hear this pitch I ask the same questions (that never get answered)

1. Can anyone prove that small business owners that make this money WILL hire if they dont get taxed more? Are they willing to make a commitment in exchange for keeping it the way it is? No more than the recipients of TARP moneys did/will.

2. Are these small businesses hiring now? Doesnt seem like they are!

Just a final note to really confuse you as to where I sit in this debate.

The founding fathers of the United States were the richest men in America. The President of the United States and most members of our Congress are the richest men (and women) in America. They are the richest men and women in America because their families own the largest businesses in America. So, why does the Middle Class of America expect them to give up anything? Be real! 

THE WASHINGTON POST
Friday, April 15, 2011

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POLITICS AFTERNOON EDITION

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HEADLINES

Headlines

1. House passes GOP’s 2012 budget plan

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/house-passes-gop-budget-plan-for-2012/2011/04/15/AFSEaujD_story.html

2. DCCC Chair: Dems will win back House

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/dccc-chair-steve-israel-vote-today-on-paul-ryan-proposal-will-cost-gop-the-house/2011/03/03/AF0iXYjD_blog.html

3. GOP congressmen to face off thanks to Iowa redistricting

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/tom-latham-to-run-in-iowas-3rd-district/2011/04/15/AFFG1FjD_blog.html

4. The Fix: Mitt Romney’s pitfalls

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/politics/the-fast-fix/?video=97

5. Ezra Klein: The second worst idea in Washington

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/the-second-worst-idea-in-washington/2011/04/15/AFyWvMjD_blog.html

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QUOTE OF THE DAY

President Barack Obama had some of his comments caught in an open mic at a closed-door fundraiser in Chicago:

“I said, ‘You want to repeal health care? Go at it. We’ll have that debate. You’re not going to be able to do that by nickel-and-diming me in the budget. You think we’re stupid?”

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/44/post/obama-to-gop-you-think-were-stupid/2011/04/15/AF9lj1iD_blog.html

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COMMENT OF THE DAY

AnnsThought, on Felicia Sonmez’s “House approves Ryan budget plan” story:

Too often, Congressional Representatives vote on legislation they haven’t even read. Doing so today may be the undoing of many political careers. Republicans who vote for Ryan’s proposed budget plan will not be able to defend themselves on the campaign trail.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/2chambers/post/house-to-vote-friday-on-paul-ryan-budget-alternative-budgets/2011/04/15/AFN7RkiD_blog.html

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Q&A DISCUSSIONS

Chris Cillizza of The Fix was online at 2 p.m. ET to discuss the Friday Line, the Worst Week in Washington, Congress, the Obama administration and all the latest political news:

Q: I guess I just find the candidacies of people like Santorum (and to an extent, Newt Gingrich) somewhat perplexing. They must know – on some level – that any path to the nomination is totally out of their reach. What are they aiming towards, really? Straight up ego boost?

Chris Cillizza:

A very good question. Here’s the basic calculation: “Why not me?”

http://live.washingtonpost.com/live-fix-04-15-11.html

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MULTIMEDIA

Video: Obama to GOP: “You think we’re stupid?”

An open mic at a closed-door fundraiser in Chicago recorded President Obama blasting the GOP’s efforts toward a budget deal that nearly shut down the government.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obama-to-gop-you-think-were-stupid/2011/04/15/AF4gG6iD_video.html

What are your thoughts?

FOR RELEASE AT
5 p.m. ET

  No. 280-11
April 07, 2011
 

 

 CONTRACTSNAVY

            DRS Technologies, Inc., Herndon, Va., is being awarded a $169,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded contract (N65236-07-D-5120) for satellite internet protocol services to support Morale, Welfare and Recreation and other non-Global Information Grid operations and programs supported by Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic, European Office.  This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract, including this modification, to $497,000,000.  Work will be performed in Southwest Asia (95 percent) and Europe (5 percent), and is expected to be completed December 2011.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited via the Commerce Business Daily’s Federal Business Opportunities website, and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems e-Commerce Central website, with four offers received.  Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity.

            Alliant Techsystems, Inc. (ATK), Missile Subsystems and Components Division, Rocket Center, W.Va., was awarded on April 5 an estimated $29,000,000 cost, no-fee facilities acquisition contract for restoration projects in support of the Navy’s continuing restoration program at Allegany Ballistics Laboratory.  The Allegany Ballistics Laboratory is a government-owned, contractor-operated, Navy Industrial Reserve Ordnance Plant.  The Navy’s operating contractor is ATK.  Work will be performed in Rocket Center, W.Va., and is expected to complete by April 2013. Funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The contract was not competitively procured.  The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-11-E-4310).

            Advex Corp.*, Hampton, Va. (N68335-09-D-0097); Dataline, LLC*, Norfolk, Va. (N68335-09-D-0098); Epsilon Systems Solutions, Inc.*, Portsmouth, Va. (N68335-09-D-0099); Ki, LLC*, Colorado Springs, Colo. (N68335-09-D-0100); Plexus Installations, Inc.*, Baltimore, Md. (N68335-09-D-0102); and Prism Maritime, LLC*, Chesapeake, Va. (N68335-09-D-0103), are each being awarded modifications to previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contracts to exercise options for installation and alteration support services for common aviation support equipment and aircraft launch and recovery equipment.  These modifications will increase the ceiling for each of the current indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity holders to Advex ($12,519,269); Dataline ($10,971,768); Epsilon Systems Solutions ($10,280,995); Ki ($12,082,367); Plexus Installations ($11,064,540); and Prism Maritime ($10,582,515).  Work will be performed at various shipboard and shore site locations and is expected to be completed in April 2012.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

            World Fuel Services, Inc., Miami, Fla., was awarded a fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract with a minimum $90,303,630 for delivery of fuel product.  Other location of performance is the Netherlands.  Using service is Air Force.  The date of performance completion is March 30, 2016.  The Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (SP0600-11-D-1253).

            Exxon Mobil Fuels Marketing Co., Fairfax, Va., was awarded a contract.  Award is a fixed price with economic price adjustment contract with a minimum $30,723,742 for delivery of various fuel products.  Other location of performance is Bahamas.  Using service is Navy.  The date of performance completion is March 30, 2016.  The Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (SP0600-11-D-1255).

            CORRECTION:  Defense Logistics Agency contract number SPM2DS-11-D-0002, published in news release 128-11, issued on Feb. 17, 2011, was announced in error.  The correct contract number is SPM2DS-11-D-0001.

ARMY

            Jorge Scientific Corp., Arlington, Va., was awarded on April 5 a $54,932,051 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the operation and maintenance of Constant Hawk intelligence, surveilleance and reconnaissance.  Work will be performed in Iraq with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2011.  One bid was solicited with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Adelphi, Md., is the contracting authority (W911QX-10-C-0082).

            Diverse Construction Group, LLC, Plessis, N.Y., was awarded on April 5 a $13,187, 024 firm-fixed price contract for an Army Reserve center, organizational maintenance shop, and storage facility.  Work will be performed in Rochester, N.Y., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 7, 2012.  Bids were solicited via the Web with one received.  Army Corp of Engineers, Louisville District, Ky., is the contracting authority (W912QR-11-C-0011).

MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY

            The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is announcing the award of a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to Lockheed Martin Corp., Bethesda, Md., with an award value of $43,333,077.  Under this contract (HQ0147-11-C-0008), Lockheed will work with MDA on the concept definition and program planning for the Standard Missile-3 Block IIB to define and assess viable and affordable missile configurations, conduct trade studies, and define an executable development plan.  This contract was competitively procured via publication on the Federal Business Opportunities website with four proposals received.  The work will be performed by Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Sunnyvale, Calif., through December 2013.  Fiscal 2011 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $1,410,000 will be used to incrementally fund this effort.

            The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is announcing the award of a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to Raytheon Co., Waltham, Mass., with an award value of $42,716,764.  Under this contract (HQ0147-11-C-0009), Raytheon will work with MDA on the concept definition and program planning for the Standard Missile-3 Block IIB to define and assess viable and affordable missile configurations, conduct trade studies, and define an executable development plan.  This contract was competitively procured via publication on the Federal Business Opportunities website with four proposals received.  The work will be performed by Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, Ariz., through December 2013.  Fiscal 2011 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $1,410,000 will be used to incrementally fund this effort.

            The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is announcing the award of a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to The Boeing Co., Chicago, Ill., with an award value of $41,161,620.  Under this contract (HQ0147-11-C-0007), Boeing will work with MDA on the concept definition and program planning for the Standard Missile-3 Block IIB to define and assess viable and affordable missile configurations, conduct trade studies, and define an executable development plan.  This contract was competitively procured via publication on the Federal Business Opportunities website with four proposals received.  The work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala., through December 2013.  Fiscal 2011 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $1,410,000 will be used to incrementally fund this effort.

            The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is announcing the award of a sole-source cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense Systems, Woburn, Mass., under the HQ0006-03-C-0047 contract.  The award value of this action is $14,005,817 for a total contract face value of $1,935,982,776.  Under this modification, Raytheon will perform the engineering and developmental effort required to maintain software required to operate the AN/TPY-2 radars.  The work will be performed in Woburn, Mass..  The performance period is from April 2011 through June 2011.  Fiscal 2011 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $4,000,000 will be used to incrementally fund this effort.  MDA is the contracting activity.

AIR FORCE

            Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $28,297,174 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract modification for eight massive ordnance penetrator assets, 16 separation nuts, eight MOP loading adapters, and an aft closure redesign.  Work will be performed at St. Louis, Mo.  The ACC/EDBK/EDBJ, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8681-09-C-0280-P00019).

            Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Rolling Meadows, Ill., is being awarded a $7,129,580 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification for the Persistent Close Air Program to demonstrate a new capability in close air support.  Work will be performed at Rolling Meadows, Ill., and Orlando, Fla.  The AFRL/PKDB, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-11-C-7115).

*Small business

President Dmitry Medvedev has confirmed that Russia will not take part in military operations to settle the situation in Northern Africa.

However, it will comply with decisions made earlier by the UN Security Council.

“We believe that a whole range of ongoing conflicts must be resolved peacefully, without troops’ participation and based on international mediation,” the Russian head of state said on Wednesday at a meeting with high-ranking officers.

Medvedev reiterated that Russia is not going to take part in military operations which are now underway in “that rather difficult region”. 

“We will proceed from this stance in implementing our foreign policy as well as in making domestic decisions – I underline – while fulfilling the earlier decisions by the UN Security Council,” he stated.

Since the beginning of the year, a storm of anti-government protests has swept through Arab countries, which resulted in a change of power in Egypt and in Tunisia. A February standoff between the Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi‘s forces and the opposition has led to a bloody conflict with many civilians among the victims, which still seems to be far from an end.

Seeking to bring stability to the North African state, on March 17, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1973 which imposed a no-fly zone over the country and authorized “all necessary measures” to protect civilians. Russia abstained from voting because the text of the document did not strictly determine limitations on the use of military force and lacked clarifications on who exactly would use that force to ensure that the no-fly zone is observed. 

Earlier, commenting on Moscow’s decision to abstain from voting rather than veto the resolution, Medvedev said that the document generally reflected Russia’s stance on the situation in Libya, but there were certain details that Russia did not support.

Back in March, the President made it absolutely clear that Russia would not participate in the Libyan operation – both in the air and on land.

­Army and police should join efforts in war on terrorism

­During the Wednesday’s meeting with top officers, Dmitry Medvedev also spoke about a number of domestic issues, including the situation in the North Caucasus.

The president called on the Army and law enforcement agencies to unite in the fight against terrorism and to do everything possible to not allow destabilization in Russia’s troubled region.

“I would like to underline again that it is necessary to obtain intelligence about criminal plans and promptly respond to attempts to destabilize the social-political situation in the North Caucasus. Cooperation between various services of our Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies is crucially important here,” he said, according to Interfax.

The president pointed out that in a modern world where situations change rapidly, foreign intelligence services also face special tasks. “Timely analysis of the international situation helps the state leadership to promptly make decisions on both internal and external political issues,” Medvedev observed. He stressed that developing cooperation between intelligence services would be very useful for that purpose. 

Medvedev also noted that the state, for its part, would fulfill its obligations concerning social guarantees and earlier promised indexation of salaries for officers serving both in the army and in the law enforcement agencies.

Since the beginning of March, the US Department of Defense has reported the loss of 7 American War Heroes, relative to Operation Enduring Freedom. Average age 23 years old.

Is this what we want continuing to happen to our young men and women in uniform.

It seems to me that the US Media has stopped counting the number of American dead.

The Turner Report
Volume 5 Issue 1
January 1, 2011
 

Hey Steven,

We’re back, we’re back! And… oh, man. Look at those numbers up there. Volume 5. Issue 1. Queenie remembers typing “Issue 1″ LAST year, when she was freshly coronated and innocent… ah, memories… And now? Where are we in 2011? Not quite jaded, not quite frustrated, but a year of non-stop politickin’ sure takes it out of a girl. We needed that break!

But now it’s time to pull up those bootstraps, lords and ladies — we’re wading through the journalistic muck so we can bring you that high quality snark you’ve come to expect. Onward!

Forecast
The new GOP House majority is off to a great, open, transparent, non-rule-breaking start with your tax dollars – spending more than a million bucks to read the Constitution, repealing health care reform (sorry, California), blocking climate change legislation, disenfranchising D.C. and territorial voters, and bringing up a new birther bill! Oh, and Steve King is just plain trash-can-babies crazy, as always. For what it’s worth, Obama and Senate Democrats have vowed to block any bills repealing health care reform, but the latest fight is over the debt limit — read Geithner’s letter to the Congress here.

Barack Obama and Bill O’Reilly, together, Superbowl Sunday. Hah, ’cause it’s not like you wonks are busy caring about sports, right? By the by, who doesn’t love a tribute to Reagan during the ‘Bowl… we KNEW there was a reason we didn’t care this year. Although there IS a Caps/Penguins game that day…

All politics is local (and reminiscent of the late ’90s, apparently): Obama picked William Daley, brother of Chicago mayor Richard Daley, as his chief of staff. Daley served as commerce secretary under Bill Clinton and is (this part is key — wait, AND that whole lobbyist thing) an executive at J.P. Morgan Chase. He also brings on Jack Lew Gibbsy announced his departure as White House Press Secretary, which will take place sometime in February. That poor, tired man.

Obama also announced a few new faces for his economic team. This also comes on the heels of a rosier December jobs report that showed a slight improvement in the job market.

Is Michele Bachmann really considering a run against Obama in 2012? You betcha! Rudy might also throw his hat in the ring, again, for some reason or another. Only in Rudyland is Mitt Romney considered right-wing.

1,400 marines are shipping out to Afghanistan for a temporary three-month rotation. The Pentagon says they will be building roads, for the time being. Also, The Guardian has a new piece detailing how American arms are ending up in the hands of terrorists in Iraq. And is China ahead of schedule with its stealth fighter technology? Maybe that’s another reason Gates is rushing ahead with his proposed Pentagon budget.

Expect coverage of the Haiti anniversary to make the rounds next week — some journalists are already ahead of the game.

People up north are in for another round of heavy snowfall. Are you ready, New Yorkers? We’re sure D.C.’ers are ready — we’ve been stiffed TWICE now. Where are the panicked government closings?!

The Week That Was
It’s the new year and a whole bunch of new faces turned up for the 112th Congress, while two GOP’ers managed to miss their own swearings in. Our favorite bronzed Republican leader John Boehner became Speaker of the House, WITH the obligatory waterworks. He promises not be a Gingrich. While 173 of Nancy Pelosi’s Democratic colleagues voted in her favor, 19 couldn’t resist the temptation to NOT make a difference.

Window-dresser Joe Miller didn’t make it to Washington, two months after the election. The Tea Party darling ended his legal challenges just as Lisa Murkowski was sworn in for another term. Yes, Joe, a 10,000 vote deficit means something! Also, Christine is still in legal doo-doo as her attorney says her campaign is prepared to re-submit financial reports to the FEC.

GOP House freshmen are already throwing big fundraising parties and it’s not even a week into the new Congress. Remember, Tea Party voters, after reading this story, keep repeating to yourselves, “they’re outsiders, yes, outsiders!” Because maybe it’s true! Hah!

Helen Thomas emerged from a short retirement and is now working for a small Virginia newspaper.

We’re paying attention to a little scandal that broke this week aboard the Big E. Captain Owen Honors is no longer in command of the aircraft carrier after raunchy videos were released by a Virginia newspaper. Uh, don’t ask, don’t tell? Speaking of scandals

First it was dead birds in Arkansas, then millions of fish in the Chesapeake. It’s raining birds in Sweden and Italy, too (kudos to Mediaite for the “Aflockalypse Now” pun). Alvin Greene is SO RIGHT on this one!

Are You Not Entertained?
DID JOHN PROPOSE TO RIELLE?! Oh, who cares? Stop giving this face-time! Elizabeth JUST passed, you guys.

Jon Stewart has committed to pillorying poor John McCain for the rest of the year, after his performance throughout Congress’ debate over DADT. Poor, poor, Gramps.

The story of Ted Williams (who?) is all over the place, thanks to the media. In all seriousness, it’s a good story.

The Jersey Shore came back last night! …None of you actually watch this, do you? Y’know, in fairness, we’ll lay off with the Shore coverage — it has become a little much, and Queenie’s pretty sure she’s the only one that watches anymore. Hah! JUST KIDDING.

New Starbucks logo. Queenie agrees with Best Week Ever on this one — a brand SO recognizable (apparently) that they take their logo and make it less recognizable, on purpose. Hooray for marketing…

Interweb Tomfoolery
Facebook + Goldman Sachs? The firm’s recent and press-heavy investment in FB has brought up some disclosure issues for Zuckerberg (yay, secret memos!), and the SEC is investigating. Oh, and apparently Sachs employees “don’t know how to use Facebook.” Right. Like we believe that for a second. Then again, Queenie HAS led some social media trainings that make her think it could be true…

Turns out Steve Jobs took in a $1 salary for 2010 as he has in the past. Of course, he still owns millions of shares in his company. And given that this new App Store crossed the 1 million download threshold in just a day… we’d say he’s doing just fine.

Ah, once again, nerds are geeking out at CES — playing with bubble cars and iPad arcades and Lady Gaga’s Polaroid sunglasses or something.

Watch grandpa Joe Biden give some sage advice to the (bewildered?) children of senators.

Real mature, Senate Press Gallery.

Historians found evidence that a lone dog named Jackie so infuriated the Nazis during World War II that they attempted to ruin the life of his owner. Pathetic.

Out on the Town
The holidays were exhausting, weren’t they? Seems like a good weekend to take a breather — you know, nap ’til noon, hit up the spa, that kind of thing. And it seems like as good a time as any to make your 2011 plans — WaPo has a lovely planner for the next two months to help you get started. (Two words: MONSTER JAM.)

If you still have to get your dance on, there are a couple of places where you might find Queenie: first, it’s Non Stop Bhangra night at Artisphere this Saturday, and they’re even giving lessons. Second is Nouveau Riche at U Street Music Hall, a certified dance party if we’ve ever heard of one.

In the “keeping it weird” category, there’s Elvis’s Birthday Fight Club at the Warehouse Theater. Five rounds of boxing and burlesque (Abe Lincoln vs. Sarah Palin?) for just $15. You probably won’t find Queenie at this one, though.

There’s also… bull riding? The Professional Bull Riders Fairfax Invitational (sounds so fancy, huh?) comes to the Patriot Center at Queenie’s alma mater. Nothin’ like a good old rodeo! And, also in Fairfax, the US Navy Concert Band performs tonight. (Queenie, as a Navy brat, is obligated to plug this.) Also, tonight and Sunday are your last chance to catch “A Girl’s Guide to Washington Politics.” Finally, two DC-area go-to’s: the Capitol Steps and the Caps!

Scorecard
Mwah, mwah… we missed you, too! We hope the holidays were happy ones and that January is off to a fantabulous, busy start. What are your predictions for the new year?

Until next week!

Image representing Associated Press as depicte...

Image via CrunchBase

 

 

    

By BEN NUCKOLS and MATTHEW BARAKAT

The Associated Press
Wednesday, December 29, 2010; 6:02 PM

BALTIMORE — Federal authorities have opened a criminal investigation of Delaware Republican Christine O’Donnell to determine if the former Senate candidate broke the law by using campaign money to pay personal expenses, according to a person with knowledge of the investigation.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/29/AR2010122902252.html?wpisrc=nl_pmpolitics

Hey, let us know when you’re voting

Friend — It’s important that we know when you plan to cast your ballot Tuesday so we can make smart decisions about who to call and which doors to knock. And if you make a plan and let us know today, we’ll send you a reminder and help you stick with it, even if you end up running late or are busier than you expected. Where will you be before you head to the polls? What will you be up to?

And most importantly: When are you planning to vote on Election Day?

http://my.barackobama.com/PlanYourVote

Thanks,

Organizing for America

Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee — 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003.

This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

National Guard (In Federal Status) And Reserve Activated as of September 14, 2010

This week the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps announced a decrease in activated reservists, while the Air Force and Coast Guard announced an increase. The net collective result is 816 fewer reservists activated than last week. At any given time, services may activate some units and individuals while deactivating others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease. The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 73,840; Navy Reserve, 6,927; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 15,600; Marine Corps Reserve, 4,051; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 791. This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated to 101,209, including both units and individual augmentees.

It seems that the Republican Party will soon need to change its name to the iRepublican National Party if it plans to have any candidates in office as of November. This could well be a blessing for the Democrats, running against Tea Party candidates who have little or no identity with their own party. I personally beleive this was the downfall of McCain’s 2008 bid for the White House when he defied the sitting president and ran an iRepublican campaign with much confusion amongst his Republican constituents who ended up staying home on election day because they did not know what to do.

Will this repeat again in November 2010? Will the Republican Party be pulled apart so badly by Dick Army and his Tea Partiers that conservative and centrist Republicans wont be able to identify with their candidates? And how will these Tea Party candidates truly call themselves Republicans when they were not even endorsed by the RNC in the Primaries?

American politics at its best.