Bush Continues Battering Congress for Economy His Failings

US President George W. Bush walks down the stairs of Air Force One after arriving at Texas State Technical College Airport in Waco, Texas, on 18 July 2008. Bush is spending the weekend at his ranch in Crawford, Texas.

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
July 19, 2008

Audio
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This is a challenging time for families across our nation. I know many families are worried about rising prices at the pump and declining home values. So this week my Administration took steps to help address both these challenges.

To help address the pressure on gasoline prices, my Administration took action to clear the way for environmentally responsible offshore exploration of key parts of the Outer Continental Shelf, or OCS. Experts believe that these areas of the OCS could eventually produce nearly 10 years' worth of America's current annual oil production. So on Monday I lifted an executive branch prohibition on exploration in these areas.

Unfortunately, a full month has passed since I called on Congress to lift a similar legislative ban, and Congress has done nothing. This means that the only thing now standing between the American people and the vast oil resources of the OCS is action from the United States Congress.

Bringing OCS resources online will take time, and that means that the need for congressional action is urgent. The sooner Congress lifts the ban, the sooner we can get these resources from the ocean floor to the gas pump. Democratic leaders need to show that they have finally heard the frustrations of the American people. They should match the action I've taken, repeal the congressional ban, and pass legislation to facilitate responsible offshore exploration.

In the short term, America's economy will continue to depend on oil, but in the long term our economic future depends on promoting alternative energy technologies. So my Administration has worked to expand the use of alternative fuels and raise fuel efficiency standards. We're investing in new advanced batteries, plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen fuel cells. We're working to expand the use of clean, safe nuclear power, solar and wind power, and clean coal technology. With these steps, we're enhancing America's energy security.

To address challenges in the housing market, my Administration announced steps this week to help increase confidence in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These two enterprises play a central role in our housing finance system, and we must ensure that they can continue providing access to mortgage credit during this period of stress in financial markets.

So Treasury Secretary Paulson has worked with Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke, the companies, and the government regulators on a plan to strengthen these enterprises. I urge Congress to swiftly enact this plan into law. And I also urge Congress to pass legislation that strengthens the independent regulator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, modernizes the Federal Housing Administration, and allows state housing agencies to issue tax-free bonds to refinance subprime loans.

Despite the challenges we have faced, our economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Exports have continued to grow, productivity growth has remained strong, and while economic growth in the first quarter of this year was slower than we would have liked, it was growth, nonetheless.

Thanks to the economic growth package we enacted, American families have more cash in their wallets. We now have delivered more than $91 billion in tax relief to more than 112 million American households this year. And in the coming months, we expect more Americans to take advantage of these rebates, and inject new energy into our economy.

I have great confidence that our economy will pull through this difficult period, because I have great confidence in the boundless, innovative spirit of the American people. This is a Nation that has faced tough challenges in the past and overcome them, and we will do so again. With sound policies in Washington and the ingenuity of our citizens, our economy will emerge from this period stronger and better than before.

Thank you for listening.

END

US Senior Diplomat attends Iran-EU talks

19 July 2008

Geneva-A senior United States official has taken part for the first time in international talks with Iran over the dispute on nuclear program.

The official, William Burns, is joining envoys from the EU and permanent members of the UN security council.

Iran Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki in Ankara on Friday welcomed the US senior diplomat taking part in the meeting between Iranian nuclear negotiator Saeed jalili and European Union Foreign Policy and Security chief Javier Solana.

He said that he expects the talks in Geneva will draw up a modality plan for settlement of the dispute.

Mr Burns' attendance is being seen as a major shift in US policy.

Russia concerned over U.S.-Ukraine Black Sea military exercises?

18 July 2008

MOSCOW- Russia's Foreign Ministry voiced on Friday its concerns over the U.S.-Ukrainian Sea Breeze naval exercises currently underway in the Black Sea.

"The nature of the exercises, and attempts to present them as anti-Russian, as well as the involvement of countries from outside the region cannot but provoke certain questions and certain concerns. Why was the Black Sea basin chosen for the drills?" the ministry said on its website, describing the purpose of the exercises as "questionable."

The Russian ministry said Black Sea countries can independently, without outside interference, solve Black Sea security and stability issues.

The ministry also said that the current military exercises had been met by protests from the local population, and that the demonstrations reflected Ukrainian public opinion in relation to the current Ukrainian administration's policy of seeking membership of NATO. The statement also said that this policy did nothing to improve relations with Moscow.

Sea Breeze 2008, a NATO military exercise, began on Monday in Ukraine's Odessa, Crimea and Black Sea coastal regions. Two years ago, the Sea Breeze 2006 exercise in the Crimea was disrupted by protests.

Ukraine and the United States are joined by 15 other countries for this year's exercises, which are due to end on July 26. Fifteen Ukrainian ships, four aircraft, 10 helicopters, and 500 service personnel are involved in the military exercises.

Ukraine's parliament, the Supreme Rada, approved NATO participation in the exercises in April. In total, more than 1,000 NATO troops, 15 ships, two submarines, and eight aircraft are expected to take part.

In May and June, several Ukrainian left-wing politicians announced that they would organize mass protests to disrupt the drills. Last Thursday, some 20 opposition activists set up an encampment in western Crimea, intending to picket the exercise.

A branch of the Ukrainian Communist Party in Donetsk said over 1,000 people took part in anti-NATO rallies in the Donetsk Region in eastern Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Progressive Socialist Party said on Wednesday that authorities in Ukraine's Odessa region had banned broadcasts by Russian television channels over their coverage of the Sea Breeze 2008 exercise and the accompanying protests.

Ukraine's pro-Western leadership has been pursuing NATO membership since 2004, when President Viktor Yushchenko came to power. Ukraine failed to secure a place in the NATO Membership Action Plan, a key step toward joining the alliance, at a NATO summit in April, but was told the decision would be reviewed in December.

A poll conducted in April by the FOM-Ukraina pollster indicated that a majority of Ukrainians oppose NATO membership.

Jewish Government expected to approve construction of new Arab city

Jewish Interior minister wants new Arab town to be built in Galilee in bid to resolve housing crisis

18 July 2008

by Roni Sofer

The government is expected to approve Sunday the establishment of a new Arab city in the Galilee region, in a bid to resolve the housing crisis faced young Arab couples in northern part of the Jewish sector.

The new city's establishment has been promoted by Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit. In a recent visit to Arab-Jewish town Umm al-Fahm, Sheetrit said: "We are aiming for a modern city where every young couple would be able to buy a house and live there just like in any other modern city in the world."

The new city's establishment has been promoted by Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit. In a recent visit to Arab-Jewish town Umm al-Fahm, Sheetrit said: "We are aiming for a modern city where every young couple would be able to buy a house and live there just like in any other modern city in the world."

The government is expected to task an inter-ministerial team with formulating a plan for examining the issue. The government intends to accept the team's recommendations by the end of the year.

Ministers have been told that "demographic and social changes to the Arab population and the need to integrate it into Jewish economy and society require us to establish a new urban area for this population."

The site of the new city has not yet been decided and officials are said to be looking into several options. The Interior Ministry is expected to finance the establishment of the city. The prime minister and the housing and construction minister back the proposal, which will be brought up for a vote Sunday. The environmental affairs minister does not object to the plan, but the finance minister's stance is unclear at this time.

Blair Remarks on Palestine

by HRM Deborah

Middle East envoy Tony Blair saying anything towards Palestine, he is falling on deaf ears because any person with common sense doesn’t listen to a known terrorist and he is proposing U.S. President George W. Bush‘s thoughts, as well as those of global terrorist, Interpol fugitive Mahmoud Abbas.

The Palestine question was resolved, on 14 of March 2008, with the ending of the war and among other very positive issues, with the Jewish people.

The best suggestion that can be given to Blair is he need’s to surrender to authorities and resolve the Interpol warrant on him.

Furthermore, any thoughts Blair has of ever coming to Palestine, for lack of a better word; is just plan, NO!

Obama's planned visit to Palestine

by HRM Deborah

As it has been said before, U.S. Senator Barack Obama will be breaking Palestine law and his insistence of entering the country is noted and rejected.

As for security concerns, this is important always to all the Palestinian people, especially with a U.S. collaborated terrorists within the country, of global Interpol fugitive Mahmoud Abbas and his organization.

Nevertheless, the U.S. government has more then proven they can not be trusted; especially with the current Bush administration.

Furthermore, taking into concession very recent events of aggression by the U.S. towards Palestine and Obama not given sufficient reason for visiting the country, he is still refused.

A look at apartment rents in western United States

17 July 2008

A look at average rent in major Western markets as of June 30 and the percent change from the previous year:

San Jose, Calif.: $1,689, 1.7 percent

Los Angeles/Orange counties: $1,664., 0.8 percent

San Francisco/Oakland: $1,618, 1.4 percent

Ventura County, Calif.: $1,548, -0.3 percent

San Diego: $1,393, 1.1 percent

San Bernardino/Riverside counties: $1,162, -0.3 percent

Solano County, Calif.: $1,160, 0.5 percent

Seattle: $1,115, 2.3 percent

Sacramento, Calif.: $971, 0.5 percent

Las Vegas: $866, 0.0 percent

Denver: $880, 0.5 percent

Reno, Nev.: $865, 0.3 percent

Portland: $860, 1.1 percent

Phoenix: $812, -0.6 percent

Salt Lake City: $816, 1.6 percent

Fresno, Calif.: $806, 0.5 percent

Boise, Idaho: $744, 0.5 percent

Albuquerque, N.M.: $727, 0.8 percent

Tucson, Ariz.: $661, -0.1 percent

Source: RealFacts Inc.

Jalili advises Americans not to repeat past mistakes

18 July 2008

Tehran-Iran's top nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili on Friday advised Americans to avoid making the previous mistakes.

"From our standpoint, what's of importance is that with what an approach will he (the US Undersecretary of State Williams Burns) attend the (Iran-G5+1 nuclear) talks," Jalili told reporters before leaving Tehran for Geneva where he will take part in talks with the EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana on Saturday.

Jalili said that if Burns attends the meeting with a constructive approach and avoids making the past mistakes, the talks will definitely be constructive.

The Day of Funerals

by HRM Deborah

There was some question as to why I did not post anything yesterday in regards to the funerals, the reasons I did not post anything was in respect to the families who had to bury there loved ones and also me being a Muslim woman, I would not had been allowed to attend the funerals, actually.

But with all of this, it did not mean that I was not thinking of everyone, which I truly did very much; with heartfelt sadness.

Furthermore, while I am imprisoned for the time being, does not mean; I am not with everyone in spirit.

Queen’s Family Tree Sketch

by HRM Deborah

It has been brought to my attention that there has been much discussion, as to who some of my ancestors may have been. For example, it was said to me that some of the Jewish people for instance, are trying to decide, if I am a descendant of Abraham.

Apparently, this discussion came about I am told, because of my mannerisms, thinking and so forth.

While I am one to not talk a lot about my family tree usually, especially in our modern times; because of people questioning it‘s genuineness, for I do have an interesting family history.

To make it very easy, I am related to all the prophets, either directly or they where first cousins; also the only Palestinian companion to Muhammad (PBUH), which was Abu Hurayra.

So to answer the question, if I am related to Abraham is of course yes, directly through Ishmael (Ismail); otherwise, he was a very great grandfather.

While I could have wrote a lengthy discussion also on this subject, I felt it was easier to just simplify; to make it easier for everyone to understand, because of the enormous amount of history.

Furthermore, because of the type of person I am and my family history, I was also tested last year by a Sheik if it was possible; I was the first prophet in the end of time. For in prophesy, the first prophet is a woman.

A lot of heads apparently came together to come up with the hardest question they could think of to ask me and then the Sheikh came to my home with the two witnesses. While I did have to simplify my answer because it was to much for the dear Sheikh, I did answer correctly, which overwhelmed everyone in the room; even one man dropped his car keys.

They came to the conclusion, while I’m still in question of the fact; that I am considered the first prophet in the end times.

Unity for Peace

Bush Call’s for Palestinian “Blood in the Streets”

by HRM Deborah

As for U.S. President George W. Bush threatening the whole of Palestine with “Blood in the Streets;” it is in his very best interest and those of his fellow Americans, not to do so.

It is a strong suggestion, that Bush goes down the White House steps and leaves the Palestinian people in peace.

Furthermore, the Palestinian people do not appreciate threats, in any manner.

If Bush contends to further his threats, the whole of the Palestinian people and from my understanding, the global community will defend themselves; against the United States.

If Bush forces this second war against Palestine, the United States will not have one stone unturned; while this is not my wish, we the Palestinian people will defend ourselves against any aggression.

Bush, we the Palestinian people and the global community, are very tired of you threatening us; do you wish us to come and wipe your snotty little nose, for you?

Note:
The phrase of “Blood in the Streets,” refers to an event; usually associated; during the end of time. In this particular event, there will be so much blood; the streets will run like a river full of blood, from all the dead. My mother, Zaytuna, explained this to me.

Schwarzenegger Holding His Belt on Bush

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger holds his belt, as he listens to U.S. President George W. Bush speak on the Northern California wildfires after participating in an aerial tour of the damage in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest prior to departing from the Redding Municipal Airport in Redding, California, on 17 July 2008.

War Deserter’s Fate Now in Hands of U.S. Military

16 July 2008

By Monique James

BOISE-The first Iraq war deserter to be deported back to the United States from Canada is a Boise (Idaho) native.

The U.S. military has detained 25-year-old Robin Long, a Timberline High School grad, on charges that he fled the country to avoid fighting in Iraq.

Long’s fate is now up to his military commander in Fort Carson, Colorado. That's where Long is headed.

That commander has three options for punishment: Long can be discharged from the military, he can be returned to duty or he can face desertion charges and a military trial. The latter is the most likely option.

"No decisions have been made about anything dealing with him. All cases of alleged violations of the uniform code of military justice are handled on an individual case basis," said Karen Linne, Fort Carson public affairs.

Long fled the United States for Canada in 2005 when his non-deployable military unit was sent to Iraq.

He's been living in British Columbia for the past three years and has a two-year-old son there.

Long's sister, Christine, says she fears for her brother now that he's back in the U.S.

"When I heard what was going on I’m kind of freaked out because he's my brother, I don't want anything to happen to him," said Christine Long.

Long's Canadian expulsion comes after he failed to check in with Canadian immigration officials and provide them with a current address in Canada.

On Monday, a Canadian federal judge ordered Long's expulsion and he began his journey back to the U.S.

Until today Long was being held in the Whatcom County Jail in Bellingham, Washington.

Commentary

When I see stories such as this, it reminds me of the Vietnam War all over again and how many considered that war unjust; as the ones in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Furthermore, this situation is like watching an old newsreel; the only difference is now, we have color.

Comedian Ullman and Singer McCartney Coming to Palestine

Comedian well-known for her take on American stereotypes is to arrive in Palestine, to promote her new show, 'Tracey Ullman's State of the Nation;' along with coming soon after, British singer Paul McCartney, in 'Give my Regards to Broad Street.'

Comedian and actress Tracey Ullman plans to arrive, on 21 July.

As for British singer Paul McCartney, most everyone knows him for his days, as one of the members of the music groups, “The Beatles and Wings.”

While I do not know Comedian 'Tracey Ullman's work very well, as for Paul McCartney; I just have to say, I was a teenage once and did like some of his music.

Supreme Leader: Justice should be given priority in all affairs

16 July 2008

Tehran-Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said here Wednesday that justice should be given top priority in all affairs in the Islamic system.

"The most distinguished motto of Hazrat Ali (AS) (The first Imam of Prophet Mohammad's (PBUH) infallible household) was justice.

So as followers of the Imam, we should give the priority to administration of justice in the Islamic system," said Ayatollah Khamenei in an address to large groups of people on Wednesday, marking the birthday anniversary of Hazrat Ali (AS).

The Supreme Leader called on the audience to set Hazrat Ali as model and follow his orders and guidelines to observe unity.

"Under conditions when division of Muslims is on agenda of enemies, Hazrat Ali (AS) ... can be symbol of unity and cohesion among Muslims."

The Ayatollah said trust in God is the requisite for administration of justice.

Elsewhere in his address, the Supreme Leader said Iranian nation's resistance in the path of Islam and their emphasis on independence are the reasons for pressures and challenges it faces.

"To safeguard its dignity and independence, Iranian nation hould further strengthen its iron will as it has strongly resisted ambitions and bullyings over the past 30 years," the paramount leader announced.

The Ayatollah said threats and intimidation have been usual habits of super powers towards other nations to push them out of the scene.

"By threat and intimidation one can not remove a system and government, that is based on public votes, sentiments and faith, from the scene. Since beginning of the Islamic Revolution, the US has repeatedly used threats and intimidation to push the Islamic Republic system and its officials out of the scene but to no avail. It will not succeed from now on too," announced the Supreme Leader.

Switching to the nuclear issue, Ayatollah Khamenei said Iranian nation does not owe its extensive and historic nuclear achievements to anybody because the technology is indiginized and obtained through endeavor and enthusiasm of the country's youth and prudence of the officials.

"The achievement belongs to whole the nation and no power will be able to deprive it from the big right and technology. Iranian nation makes distinction between those, like the US, that are out of hostility against people's right of acquiring nuclear technology and oppose the big advantage, and those who respect Iranian nation and their right, observe the red lines and favor talks on different issues, including the nuclear case."

As for Tehran's agreement for talks with Europe over the nuclear problem, Ayatollah Khamenei said, "Negotiations will be successful if are not governed by atmosphere of threat. Europeans should bear in mind that their partner in the talks is the Iranian nation that is a brave nation and does not favor threats and will not succumb to any threat also."

The Supreme Leader said Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), led by the president, is in charge of the nuclear issue and whatever the president and officials express on the issue is consented by whole officials of the country.

He added that heads of the three branches of government and leadership representatives at the SNSC too follow up the issue with prudence, commitment and responsibility.

The Ayatollah then said, "The Islamic Republic of Iran's stances and red lines of the Iranian nation are fully clear and transparent and if the negotiating parties hold talks on the same basis, the officials of the country will continue talks with them. The condition however is that nobody threatens the Iranian nation."

Iran's Supreme Leader warned that any foolish act against the Islamic Republic of Iran will receive a crushing response on the country's part.

"The Islamic Republic's concrete response to anybody's stupid action will be crushing. If the US government make's any claim to cover up their abundant domestic problems, that's up to them themselves but if they take any foolish action in practice, they should know that Iranian nation will cut off the hand which aims to invade dear Islamic Republic. For Iranian nation it makes no difference the criminal hand is in state responsibility or not," Ayatollah Khamenei warned.

Ayatollah Khamenei added, "Certain people claim the US president might in final months of his tenure take an action and leave the trouble for incoming government; that's wrong, because any body taking an action will be prosecuted and punished by Iranian nation even if is not in the post."

Concluding his address, Ayatollah Khamenei said Iranian nation will not lose hope on God even for a single moment.

"Iranian nation is an enthusiastic and hopeful nation and a bright and brilliant prospect is ahead of the Islamic Republic," said the Supreme Leader.

Note:
As to the Iranian government, the Jewish people in Palestine are no longer a threat, to the Iranian people and this should be taken into all due respect of consideration.

Mottaki, President al-Assad discuss mutual ties

17 July 2008

Damascus-Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki held discussion with Syrian President Bashar Assad on regional and international developments, and ways for consolidating bilateral relations.

President Assad conveyed his warm greetings to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

President Assad said, "We all are proud of recent victories of the Lebanese Hizbollah and we felicitate the freedom of Lebanese prisoners of war."

Describing current negotiations between the Iranian and Syrian officials as positive and constructive, he said that continued talks in the current situation is very important and necessary for maintaining interests of both friendly nations and foiling the enemies conspiracies.

On bilateral relations, he underscored the need for close negotiations and closer exchanges of visits in a bid to consolidating mutual ties.

Elsewhere in his remark, he pointed to the latest developments in Iraq, noting that Damascus hopes that the Iraq-Syria negotiations will help Iraqi war-torn nation.

President Assad also exchanged views with Mottaki on the latest developments in Lebanon, Palestine and Sudan.

Mottaki heading a political delegation left Tehran to Oman, Syria and Turkey from Wednesday.

Olmert Not Guilty

U.S. millionaire Morris Talansky appears in court as the key witness in the corruption probe against Jewish Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on 17 July 2008 in Jerusalem.

I had actually very nicely requested that this case be dropped, because of what it actually is about and the allegations is not acceptable for there validity.

It is now not a request, this case against Olmert will be dropped immediately and no further advancements on this case in the future nor will it be allowed to be tried in any part of Palestine, including the Jewish sector.

The actual reason this case ever came about, was due to the fact that Jewish Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was one man that had the real guts to stand up for the Jewish people for the betterment of everyone in Palestine and a certain person, did not like it.

To further clarify, the real person behind this attack on Olmert, is not Jewish or Muslim and I do hope, I am completely understood.

As for U.S. millionaire Morris Talansky, he is to return to his home country, also immediately and will not further this situation.

As for a suggestion that Talansky can not go home at this time, he most assuredly can, without further need of any testimony he may want to give; because he is not showing himself to be a creditable person, by furthering this situation.

Lebanon Receives 12 Martyrs

The remains of 8 Lebanese and 4 Palestinian Martyrs arrive from the Jewish sector during a ceremony to receive the bodies of 199 soldiers and exchange prisoners with the Jewish people, on 16 July 2008 in Naqoura, Lebanon.

Avoiding Charges of Treason?

Bush Asserts Exec Privilege; Blocks DOJ From Releasing CIA Leak Documents

Copies of Cheney’s handwritten notes appeared to implicate Bush in the treasonous leak case.

16 July 2008

by Jason Leopold

In the latest twist in the “Plame-gate” scandal, President George W. Bush has asserted executive privilege to block release of Vice President Dick Cheney’s interview with a special prosecutor about possible criminal violations in the leaking of a CIA officer’s covert identity.

Rep. Henry Waxman, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, promptly denounced the White House legal reasoning as “ludicrous,” noting that executive privilege covers advice that an aide gives the President, not responses to legal questions posed by a prosecutor about a possible crime.

Bush applied his broad assertion of executive privilege Wednesday at the request of Attorney General Michael Mukasey, who earlier had rebuffed congressional requests for interviews conducted with both Cheney and Bush about the disclosure of CIA officer Valerie Plame Wilson’s identity.

“I am greatly concerned about the chilling effect that compliance with the [House Oversight] Committee's subpoena would have on future White House deliberations and White House cooperation with future Justice Department investigations,” Mukasey wrote in a letter to Bush on Tuesday.

According to the letter Mukasey sent to Bush, the documents Waxman subpoenaed from the Justice Department includes "Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI") reports of the Special Counsel's interviews with the Vice President and senior White House staff, as well as handwritten notes taken by FBI agents during some of these interviews.

"The subpoena also seeks notes taken by the Deputy National Security Advisor during conversations with the Vice President and senior White House officials and other documents provided by the White House to the Special Counsel during the count of the investigation. Many of the subpoenaed materials reflect frank and candid deliberations among senior presidential advisers, including the Vice President, the White House Chief of Staff, the National Security Advisor, and the White House Press Secretary.

"The deliberations concern a number of sensitive issues, including the preparation of your January 2003 State of the Union Address, possible responses to public assertions challenging the accuracy of a statement in the address, and the decision to send Ms. Plame's husband, Ambassador Joseph Wilson, to Niger in 2002 to investigate Iraqi efforts to acquire yellowcake uranium. Some of the subpoenaed documents also contain information about communications between you and senior White House officials," Mukasey's letter says.

Since becoming Attorney General in December 2007, Mukasey has balked at investigating crimes allegedly committed earlier by Bush administration officials – from torturing detainees to arranging political prosecutions – a "no-look-back" approach that drew criticism from the Senate Judiciary Committee.

In reaction to Bush’s assertion of executive privilege, Waxman said “we are not seeking access to the communications between the Vice President and the President. We are seeking access to the communications between the Vice President and FBI investigators.”

The California Democrat also noted that special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald told the committee in a July 3 letter that Cheney had met with the FBI voluntarily and knew his answers could be disclosed at a public trial.

“Mr. Fitzgerald told us that ‘there were no agreements, conditions and understandings’ that limited Mr. Fitzgerald's use of the interview in any way,” Waxman said. “This unfounded assertion of executive privilege does not protect a principle; it protects a person.”

Waxman also accused Mukasey of applying a different standard for a Republican administration than was applied to its Democratic predecessors.

“Ten years ago,” Waxman said, “Attorney General Janet Reno, provided the Committee the FBI interviews of both President Clinton and Vice President Gore. Mr. Mukasey decided that a different rule should apply to Republican presidents than to Democratic presidents."

Actually, the Bush administration’s resistance to releasing the responses from a President and a Vice President in a criminal proceeding contrasts with precedents for both parties, including the appearances of Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton before various special prosecutors.

Waxman’s committee was scheduled to vote Wednesday to hold Mukasey in contempt for refusing to comply with the Cheney subpoena. However, Waxman postponed the vote after Bush’s assertion of executive privilege.

Long-running Scandal
The “Plame-gate” affair dates back to 2003 when Valerie Plame Wilson’s husband, former U.S. Ambassador Joseph Wilson, went public with the fact that he had undertaken a fact-finding trip to Niger which had disproved President Bush’s claim that Iraq had sought to buy yellowcake uranium from the African nation.

As Wilson was going public with his knowledge of the Niger falsehood, Bush administration officials began leaking the fact that Wilson’s wife worked at the CIA and had a hand in arranging Wilson’s trip to Niger.

The leakers included Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage, White House political adviser Karl Rove and I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby, Cheney’s chief of staff.

Valerie Plame Wilson’s CIA employment was revealed in a July 14, 2003, article by right-wing columnist Robert Novak, effectively destroying her career. Two months later, a CIA complaint to the Justice Department sparked a criminal probe into the identity of the leakers.

Initially, Bush professed not to know anything about the matter, and several of his senior aides, including Rove and Libby, followed suit. However, it later became clear that Rove and Libby had a hand in the Plame leak and that Bush and Cheney had helped organize a campaign to disparage Wilson by giving critical information to friendly journalists.

In a statement Wednesday, Wilson said the "fact that the Attorney General is recommending the assertion of executive privilege reveals that this Department of Justice is as beholden to the White House as that run by former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.”

In October 2005, Libby was indicted on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. At Libby’s trial in 2007, his attorney, Theodore Wells, told jurors that Fitzgerald had tried to build a case of conspiracy against Cheney and Libby, and that the prosecution believed Libby may have lied to federal investigators and to a grand jury to protect Cheney.

“Now, I think the government, through its questions, really tried to put a cloud over Vice President Cheney," Wells said.

Rebutting Wells, Fitzgerald told jurors: "You know what? [Wells] said something here that we're trying to put a cloud on the Vice President. We'll talk straight. There is a cloud over the Vice President. He sent Libby off to [meet with New York Times reporter] Judith Miller at the St. Regis Hotel. At that meeting - the two-hour meeting - the defendant talked about the wife [Plame]. We didn't put that cloud there. That cloud remains because the defendant obstructed justice and lied about what happened."

Libby also told the FBI that it was "possible" that Cheney instructed him to disseminate to the press information about Plame’s identity.

Cheney’s Notes
Copies of Cheney’s handwritten notes also appeared to implicate Bush in the leak case.

Cheney's notes, which were introduced as evidence during Libby's trial, called into question the truthfulness of Bush's insistence that he had no prior knowledge of the sub rosa campaign against Wilson.

In an October 2003 note to then-press secretary Scott McClellan, Cheney demanded that the press office add Libby to a list of White House officials being cleared of any role in the Plame leak.

"Not going to protect one staffer + sacrifice the guy that was asked to stick his head in the meat grinder because of incompetence of others," Cheney wrote. However, the note revealed that Cheney had originally written "this Pres" before crossing that out and using the passive tense, "that was."

In other words, the original version suggested that Bush had asked Libby “to stick his head in the meat grinder,” an apparent reference to dealing with the Washington press corps.

In 2007, Libby was convicted of four counts of perjury and obstruction of justice and was given a 30-month jail sentence, but Bush commuted the sentence to spare Libby any jail time.

The still-secret interviews with Bush and Cheney took place in 2004.

According to sources knowledgeable about the Vice President’s interview, Cheney was specifically asked about conversations he had with senior aides, including Libby, and queried about whether he was aware of a campaign led by White House officials to leak Plame’s identity.

It is unknown how Cheney responded to those questions.

Waxman said Wednesday that the FBI interview report could be the "key document" that explains what Cheney’s role was in the leak.

"If there is one document that could pierce the cloud hanging over the Vice President, this is it," Waxman said.

On June 24, 2004, Bush was interviewed by Fitzgerald for 70 minutes about the Plame leak. The only other member of the Bush team in the room during the meeting was Jim Sharp, the private lawyer whom Bush hired, according to then-press secretary McClellan.

”The President ... was pleased to do his part to help the investigation move forward,” McClellan said. “No one wants to get to the bottom of this matter more than the President of the United States.”

However, with his invocation of executive privilege on Wednesday, Bush seems determined to make sure that the American public never gets to know what sits at the bottom of the “Plame-gate” scandal.

Dalai Lama, Visiting the U.S., Defends Reputation of Islam

Jewish President Shimon Peres (L) meets the Dalai Lama at the 4th Petra Conference of Nobel Laureates on 18 June 2008 in Petra, Jordan.

15 July 2008

During his public lecture entitled "Generating a Good Heart," delivered at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, the Dalai Lama said "it is totally wrong, unfair" to call Islam a violent religion.

The public speech was attended by more than 5,000 people Sunday at Lehigh University's Stabler Arena.

When asked a question about the ascension of violent religious fundamentalism, the Tibetan spiritual leader showed in his response a defense of Islam. He added that he has made a point of reaching out to Muslims since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

"Since [the] September 11 event, I try to reach out to Muslim brothers and sisters. They are wonderful -- Islamic people. Very warm-hearted. Very sensible," he said, adding that some Christians, Buddhists and Hindus are also extremists.

''These few mischievous people cannot represent whole traditions,'' said the Dalai Lama, who will continue lecturing at Lehigh through Tuesday on a particular 600-year-old Tibetan Buddhist text.

The Dalai Lama arrived at Lehigh on Thursday for a series of talks on the text. He took a break Sunday to lecture on "Generating a Good Heart," and afterward took questions from Lehigh President Alice P. Gast that had been submitted in advance by the public.

Gast also presented the Dalai Lama with an honorary doctorate of humane letters from the university, in part for being an advocate of world peace.

Sources:

Matthew Williams, "Dalai Lama Defends Islam Religion" E-Flux Media July 14, 2008

Michael Buck, "Dalai Lama extols value of kindness" The Express Times July 14, 2008

Michael Duck and Genevieve Marshall, "" The Morning Call July 14, 2008

Further Reading:

Dalai Lama Addresses Sold-out Crowd at Lehigh University (Include's Video)

Magazine's 'satirical' cover stirs controversy

Publication shows candidate dressed as a Muslim, his wife as a terrorist

14 July 2008

WASHINGTON - Barack Obama's campaign says a satirical New Yorker magazine cover showing the Democratic presidential candidate dressed as a Muslim and his wife as a terrorist is "tasteless and offensive."

The illustration on the issue that hits newsstands Monday, titled "The Politics of Fear" and drawn by Barry Blitt, depicts Barack Obama wearing sandals, robe and a turban and his wife, Michelle, dressed in camouflage, combat boots and an assault rifle strapped over her shoulder — standing in the Oval Office.

The couple is doing a fist tap in front of a fireplace in which an American flag is burning. Over the mantel hangs a portrait of Osama bin Laden.

"The New Yorker may think, as one of their staff explained to us, that their cover is a satirical lampoon of the caricature Senator Obama's right-wing critics have tried to create," said Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton. "But most readers will see it as tasteless and offensive. And we agree."

In a statement Monday, the magazine said the cover "combines a number of fantastical images about the Obamas and shows them for the obvious distortions they are."

"The burning flag, the nationalist-radical and Islamic outfits, the fist-bump, the portrait on the wall? All of them echo one attack or another. Satire is part of what we do, and it is meant to bring things out into the open, to hold up a mirror to prejudice, the hateful, and the absurd. And that's the spirit of this cover," the New Yorker statement said.

The statement also pointed to the two articles on Obama contained inside the magazine, calling them "very serious."

In Arizona, Republican John McCain said the cover was "totally inappropriate and frankly I understand if Senator Obama and his supporters would find it offensive."

Outrage Over Magazine Cover (Video)

A Few of Life’s Valuables

A person in this life, should always value there family and there friends. - HRM Deborah

Bush the Internet Terrorist

16 July 2008

There is been numerous problem with Goggle today, especially the loading of pictures, the dear people at Goggle are being subjected to internet terrorism temporarily, because of U.S. President George W. Bush.

Bush received four new criminal indictments earlier today, it was reported and he decided apparently, to take his infamous notable variety of Internet terrorism, out upon Goggle.

Hopefully, Google’s troubles will be short and they are able to return to there impeccable quality of service, to everyone.

It should be understood, that Goggle is greatly appreciated by there customer’s; as well as a despicable act by Bush, just further shows the type of man he actually is.

Blair Lies to the Media

Palestinian policemen, lead by UN (United Nations) vehicles as they leave the area which was supposed to be visited by Middle East, Tony Blair, on 15 July 2008 in Bait Lahia.

16 July 2008

by HRM Deborah

There were some rumors that Middle East envoy Tony Blair canceled his trip to Palestine at the last minute due to some sort of threats, it should be completely dispersed as a lie and nothing more.

Blair was refused entrance into Palestine for his known associations with Mahmoud Abbas’s terrorist’s organization members, among other known criminal activities.

To clarify, Blair is wanted in part for terrorism and other illegal activities, he has indictments through International Court, with warrants through Interpol; otherwise Blair is a wanted fugitive, which is attempting to flee arrest across the globe.

If Blair had entered Palestine illegally, he would have been arrested by UN Authorities, who where waiting for him, with aid from Palestinian policemen.

Wittenberg House's New Chapter

The entrance door of the apartment that belongs to former Jewish Prime Minister Ariel Sharon at the Wittenberg House in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City, as seen on 15 July 2008.

The Wittenberg house used to be a place of Palestinian cultural gatherings at the end of the 1800s. U.S. writer Mark Twain used to stay in one of its apartments during his trips to Jerusalem.

The building belonged to a Jewish right-wing organization, but it was reported confiscated to be returned to the Palestine Legal government, with their gratitude.

Lebanese prisoners Exchange

This Photo is from Hadarim Prison, Lebanese prisoners, including Samir Kuntar (3rd L), are processed for release on 16 July 2008 at the Hadarim Prison in central part of the Jewish sector. Kuntar, who was jailed in Israel in 1979 at the age of 16 for murder and attempted murder, was swapped in the UN mediated handover with soldiers Eldad Regev, 27, and Ehud Goldwasser, 32.

Hezbollah members hand over the bodies of two Jewish soldiers, who were captured two years ago, to the Red Cross to be exchanged for Lebanese prisoners held within the Jewish sector, at the Naqoura border point and Palestine border.

The bodies where those of Jewish soldiers, Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, who were regretfully to be returned to be given to their families, for burial.

It was further reported, that this swap included 190 former Hezbollah and Palestinian prisoners where taken too Lebanon as part of a prisoner swap.

A convoy of ICRC trucks, with exchanged prisoners.

Military police stand guard as a convoy of the ICRC arrive at the Amiad army base on 15 July 2008.in Amiad.
Army generals salute the coffins of Jewish soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev before they are transported on 16 July 2008 from an army base at Rosh Hanikra.

Commentary

Then U.S. President Bill Clinton and Yasser Arafat

Something my mother explained to me many years ago, while any death is a fact of life, especially during a time of war and while the first sting of the lost loved one hits us, we learn to get up on our feet and continue on.

Even at times, when one may not know the person that has died, the compassion of the heart for those who are still living; the heart still goes out for there loss.

While some people may wonder, I do know what it is like to loose a husband, my first husband was assassinated by poison and lingered most horribly for about three years, before his death. It was actually explained to me one day, the actual poison used to kill him.

I was married to this first husband, because of circumstances during the war, when it was thought I would never see the man that I was promised in the first place; because of the extended amount of years.

In the case of my first husband he became a martyr, because he loved me and tried to protect me; especially after an assassination attempt on my life in 2000; which I suffered extensive injury to my right leg.

This first marriage only lasted eight and half years, because of his death.

Furthermore, it was suggested to me to clear the air of the multiple reasons for the second Intifada, which there were actually only one reason, the upset over my attempted assassination in 2000; that not only injured my right leg, but did very closely come to ending my life.

To further simplify, not just because I was the Queen of Palestine at that time, but the fact even as a child, I was loved.

While I personally, had nothing to do with the starting of the second Intifada and what makes me sad about this, was everyone in Palestine was still being subjected to the lies from the outside source and this outside source, where the ones actually trying to murder me; with there collaborators outside and within Palestine, namely Yasser Arafat and his conspirators.

Nevertheless, these where also the real people that caused the assassination of my mother and the assassination of then Jewish Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, in 1995.-HRM Deborah

Fugitive in the White House

“We will stay the course.”- U.S. President George W. Bush

U.S. President George W. Bush is actually classified as not just a war criminal, but is wanted for numerous crimes towards humanity and the global community; including terrorism, murder, attempted murder with indictments through International Court, as well as warrants through Interpol.

This includes his collaborators (domestic and global) and henchmen.

This will also include many in Bush's administration.

There is also numerous other charges on Bush it was reported, stemming from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Not with standing, there are now indictments against former U.S. President Bill Clinton, including murder and attempted murder of global leader's and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, it was reported.

Furthermore, Bush’s, “We will stay the course,” attitude is landing him in court and most assuredly behind bars; along with he will have a lot of company.

For one thing it is being found within the 21 century; any type of crime is no longer being tolerated, for people along with the global community are tired of suffering, tired of oppression, war, slavery and death.

The future of the United States

The Outstanding U.S. Public Debt as of 15 July 2008. The National Debt has continued to increase an average of $1.72 billion per day, since 28 September 2007.

(This article is not necessarily the opinion of the Blog Administrator.)

14 July 2008

By Doron Tsur

In recent years, I have often written critical opinions about processes and economic events happening in the United States, and in its society, too. Indeed, the facts cannot be denied. Whether the issue at stake is accounting scandals that shook the markets such as stock option pricing, or energy policies such as the mass production of ethanol as a biofuel, my tone has often been critical.

There are two reasons for that. The first is that many of these events have been worthy of criticism - a lot of the developments we are seeing now result from seeds sown in the past. The second has to do with your faithful author's problematic personality: faced with unthinking anthems and blind admiration, I feel the urge to ruin the party with a hefty dose of skepticism.

Last week, for example, I wrote about the terrible decade the American economy has undergone, and described how Americans face problems and crises that 10 years ago were the province of other countries. Today I shall break my habit of criticizing past or present events and try to guess what the next 10 years have in store for the biggest economy in the world.

When we look back at the year 2018, will we be able to say that the years were good ones despite the troubles, or are we in for another decade of travail?

Let me preface this by saying that based on my humble prophetic abilities, I think the state of the U.S. economy will be a lot better in 10 years than it is today. That doesn't mean a thing about the next year or two, though. In the short run, I think things will get worse before they get better. But the short-term pain is a necessary stepping-stone to curing the U.S. economy.

Nor does this analysis say a thing about the capital market in the next year or two. The capital market may behave very differently from the economy at large, based on expectations and mass psychology. Even if I'm right about the bigger picture, don't leap to conclusions about the timing of getting into the market.

When a new man comes into the White House

The point of origin for the upswing, which I believe will come sooner or later, is the growing acknowledgment that the U.S. economy has been walking down the wrong path for years. Anybody reading the American business press or listening to the spokesmen in Washington must have noticed the solid wall of denial repressing the problems. Take the soothing statements by Alan Greenspan, former chairman of the Fed, about the flexibility and resilience of the U.S. economy.

That tune was also sung by the various secretaries of the treasury, by the president in the White House, by strategists on Wall Street, and business leaders, too. Few dared buck the consensus that everything was just fine.

Here and there, noted economists such as Joseph Stiglitz or Paul Krugman did sound a critical note. Even Paul Volcker, Greenspan's predecessor, waxed severe here or there. But they were in the minority.

Steven Roach, for instance, the Morgan Stanley strategist who coldly and realistically analyzed the ills of America's economy for years, was publicly excoriated once a year at the World Economic Conference in Davos. Roach today can celebrate the fact that he was right, but it's a tad late.

The same group of opinion-shapers and policy makers have begun in recent months to change their tune. They understand that the road to recovery will be a hard one. We call it soul-searching.

Now we're hearing them wonder, "Where did we go wrong?" or, "What happened to the American dream?" Americans have started to ask how to make it right, and no longer expect things to just work out by themselves. That's good news. Change does not happen before the need for it is accepted.

Next January a new president will enter the White House, and he'll be the one who has to institute the changes. It doesn't matter if it's the Democrat, Barack Obama, making change willingly, or John McCain making change reluctantly: change will come.

How to cure the U.S.

The U.S. can overcome its troubles. Here are some of the changes that could start its long process of recovery.

1 Reducing the defense budget. The U.S. cannot continue to police the world. The burden is too heavy. It will leave Iraq and slash its defense budget. The tendency to invest in the next generation of jet fighters or the latest submarines while maintaining vast troops overseas is in conflict with the economic situation at home. It won't happen overnight because there are projects in the pipeline, but it has happened before, in the U.S. and elsewhere, and will happen this time too.

2 Reduce the budget deficit and the inequality in income distribution. The growing gap between rich and poor in the U.S. carries a social cost, and an economic one too. The eroding middle class is the driver of the economy. After years of mounting inequality, in the years to come it will diminish. How? By the same basic method as elsewhere in the world: increasing the tax burden on the rich.

The budget deficit also has to drop, by cutting budgets and imposing new taxes.

The present president's legacy of reducing taxes for the rich will disappear. That will happen even if McCain, who vows to cut tax, will be elected. It happened to George Bush Sr., who was forced to recant his famous statement - "Read my lips: no new taxes."

Over time, each Explorer reduced to waste metal can be used to make two Ford Focuses. Processes like that will depress the price of oil, of raw materials and America's trade deficit, too. Those are three very welcome outcomes. Americans will have to learn to make do with less, and will discover that it pays.

The above are, in a nutshell, points that can improve the American economy. Improvement is based on taking advantage of America's strong points: innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, hard work, and high scientific and technological abilities, not to mention America's wealth of natural resources, organizational ability, physical infrastructure created during the decades of wealth, and the legal and governing systems - all of which will still be there in 10 years' time.

True, right now the state of America's economy looks bad, even very bad. The U.S. has many obstacles to overcome, economic and political too, as well as ideological and psychological, before true recovery can begin. Yet I think there's a good chance that in the summer of 2018, we can look back and say, this is where change for the better began.

The author is chief executive of Compass Investments.

UNRWA Girls Camp

Palestinian refugee school girls play on the beach as they attend a summer games camp, on 14 July 2008 in Gaza City, Gaza Strip.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) are operating summer camps for at least 200,000 children registered in the UNRWA's schools.

Earlier this month the PLG announced the creation of around 800 summer camps of their own in the Gaza Strip; to promote better citizenship among Palestinian children.

It was also reported, these many camps, help the children to put the aftereffects of war, behind them.

Palestinian refugee school girls play on the beach as they attend a summer games camp.
Palestinian refugee school girls draw pictures while on the beach as they attend a summer games camp.

Blair Cancels Trip

Palestinian policemen, lead UN (United Nations) vehicles as they leave the area which was supposed to be visited by the envoy to the Middle East, Tony Blair, on 15 July 2008 in Bait Lahia.

The Middle East envoy and the former British Prime Minister, who had been expected to tour in the northern Gaza Strip, cancelled his trip; because he was refused entrance to Palestine, prior to his arrival.

Blair said, he cancelled his trip due to security fears; which is unfounded.

Blair does have criminal charges pending from previous trips, stemming towards terrorism activities, it was reported; as the UN (United Nations) vehicles were waiting to arrest Blair.
Palestinian policemen, lead UN (United Nations) vehicles as they leave the area which was supposed to be visited by the envoy to the Middle East, Tony Blair, on 15 July 2008; in Bait Lahia.

Julie Bond the Joke is on You

Julie Bond

15 July 2008

by HRM Deborah

There is a pornography actress on the net using part of a page address of mine with an addition of her name, which is Julie Bond. As well as the old title to this page of, "Peace for Palestine, the Center of Allah's Heart."

While this woman may do legitimate movies or theatre so far she appears to be a woman of very poor reputation, also it was reported she does a page called The Confessions of a Closet Republican; which clearly shows she is an extreme Islamophobic.

In the past, this woman had attacked me with comments on this particular page and I refused to play her game.

It has further been reported, that she is being charged in International court and domestic court of her country of the U.S. for felonies, due to insulting not just my name, but the name of Palestine; because apparently her intention is not to just harm to Muslims, but the Jewish people also, which puts her also along the lines as an Anti-Semantic.

Also, it was explained to me that the Actors union, had also been contacted because of her criminal indictments; as well as Google, with the intent to protect there reputation as well.

So Julie Bond your little porn joke is one you, because what she pulled is a crime and also is classified as internet terrorism.

It was just brought most gratefully to my attention, that the ADL, NAACP and CAIR had also been contacted about this incident, as well as there is other criminal charges on Bond, for DUI and arson in the U.S.; from Las Vegas, Nevada, Chicago, Illinois to Orlando, Florida; apparently, she has a long criminal record.

The Fate of Ron Arad

The following photographs’ provided by the Jewish Channel Ten news on 13 July 2008, Jewish air force navigator Ron Arad is seen while being held captive.

Arad has been missing since bailing out over Lebanon in 1986.

The picture was reportedly provided to the Jewish sector as part of a prisoner exchange deal with Hezbollah scheduled to take place, on 16 July 2008.It is regretful to inform, the Jewish people and the Arad family that there son Ron Arad, died in 1988 and the whereabouts’ of his remains is unknown, it was reported.

It is further reported, he died of injuries sustained after he bailed from his plane.

Medical treatment for this type of injury, was not available in 1986. Medical treatment for these types of injuries would not be perfected until about ten years later.

Obama Refused Entry into Palestine

14 July 2008

by HRM Deborah

U.S. Senator Barack Obama is scheduled to meet global terrorist, Interpol fugitive Mahmoud Abbas during his 23 July stop, in Ramallah.

Which Obama has been refused entry into Palestine, including the Jewish sector under Palestine law that no U.S. Diplomat or any U.S. government official is welcome on Palestinian soil and will be treated accordingly.

This decision has nothing to do with U.S. Senator Barack Obama personally, just the U.S. government’s past record within Palestine, especially with the last incident with U. S. Ambassador Richard Jones, on 2 July 2008; was considered highly unacceptable to say the least.

UNESCO Delcares World Heritage Site in Haifa

The golden-domed Shrine of the Bab sits amongst terraced gardens 14 July 2008 in Haifa. The world spiritual center of the Bahai faith and resting place for the remains of their founder Bab, whose devotees number less than six million worldwide, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO last week.

The Bahá’i Holy Places in Haifa and Western Galilee are inscribed for the testimony they provide to the Bahá’i’s strong tradition of pilgrimage and for their profound meaning for the faith. The property numbers 26 buildings, monuments andsites at 11 locations in Acre and Haifa, associated with the founders of the faith, among them the Shrine of the Bahá’u’lláh in Acre and the Mausoleum of the Báb in Haifa. It also includes houses, gardens, a cemetery and a large group of modern buildings in the neoclassical style that serve for administration, archives and a research centre. - from UNESCO

Terraced gardens surround the golden-domed Shrine.