Monday, September 3, 2007
Saturday, September 1, 2007
RECONFIGURATION
A new site under the web address of www.derbypolitics.com is being configured and will be up and available likely by noon today or no later than sunday morning 5 am. all content on this site has been transfered including comments. The new site provides many more options and I am sure youwill enjoy it more. Thanks for waiting.
THE TRUTH
THE TRUTH
Thursday, August 30, 2007
WHAT IS NEEDED IS A ECONOMIC PLAN
The United States spends approximately $9 billion dollars a year in Africa, funding programs in support of a wide range of areas. The U.S. is helping to train health care professionals and provide desperately needed hospital equipment, train teachers and provide educational materials, prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS through various awareness programs, train prosecutors in support of the legal reforms and the promotion of independent judiciaries, train police forces consistent with important human rights norms, and to train customs and border control officers to increase capacities to thwart illicit trafficking of weapons, narcotics, and even children across national borders.
Not only are these programs good for the continent they are essential to our goal of maintaining our status as a super power. But what is missing? An agenda that provides strong incentives to move to a unified economic model. The European Union is a great example and the United States must start to push African nations to unify their economies. A unified economically connected Africa would not only raise the living standards in even the remotest of villages, it would provide new trading opportunities for the United States. Furthermore there is no reason to believe that it would not quell unrest if there is more to loose by fighting than to gain. The Bush Administration could pursue such a policy and if successful under any subsequent administration the President would have a solution to point to that has evaded every other American President. Now is the time for a positive policy because Iraq is diminishing our stature world wide and we need to put the brakes on this slide. This is a great idea for Africa and even a better idea for America.
Not only are these programs good for the continent they are essential to our goal of maintaining our status as a super power. But what is missing? An agenda that provides strong incentives to move to a unified economic model. The European Union is a great example and the United States must start to push African nations to unify their economies. A unified economically connected Africa would not only raise the living standards in even the remotest of villages, it would provide new trading opportunities for the United States. Furthermore there is no reason to believe that it would not quell unrest if there is more to loose by fighting than to gain. The Bush Administration could pursue such a policy and if successful under any subsequent administration the President would have a solution to point to that has evaded every other American President. Now is the time for a positive policy because Iraq is diminishing our stature world wide and we need to put the brakes on this slide. This is a great idea for Africa and even a better idea for America.
NO MORE RIGHT WING BLOG AND MODERATION FEATURE
It seem the that Connecticut Smallest City Blog is no more. We are now starting to promote this blog through the internet and mail and expect to be around and improved for a long time. We are sorry that there is a delay in the comments being posted but the moderation feature is crucial in this city after what we saw on that other blog. We are trying to figure someway to filter comments so that you can post instantly so do not despair the process will speed up. What I will tell you all is that this is a multi political group running this blog and we try to keep a balance as you can see.
Now those IDIOTS at the Connecticut Smallest City blog succeed in harassing and defaming so many people that the threats of law suits was growing daily. I even here that one is being filed within the next two weeks. Now being critical of politicians is fine or even the football coaches play selection but racial and ethnic insults, posting personal information and encouraging people to call and harass others is not only wrong but it is illegal as these IDIOTS are about to find out. The Derby Conservative found out the hard way and took down his garbage spewing blog. Now these IDIOTS have done the same. People have guessed at the identities of the blog owners ( the liable parties) are and that is a short list. Once those law suits start if it is not those who we all think then they know who it is and will give them up. So you IDIOTS enjoy.
Now those IDIOTS at the Connecticut Smallest City blog succeed in harassing and defaming so many people that the threats of law suits was growing daily. I even here that one is being filed within the next two weeks. Now being critical of politicians is fine or even the football coaches play selection but racial and ethnic insults, posting personal information and encouraging people to call and harass others is not only wrong but it is illegal as these IDIOTS are about to find out. The Derby Conservative found out the hard way and took down his garbage spewing blog. Now these IDIOTS have done the same. People have guessed at the identities of the blog owners ( the liable parties) are and that is a short list. Once those law suits start if it is not those who we all think then they know who it is and will give them up. So you IDIOTS enjoy.
PANTS
Stratford Councilman Alvin O’Neal a Democrat has lost his mind. This is the same Councilman who was arrested a year or so ago for interfering with police. Mr. O’Neal who is an African American claimed at the time that race was a factor in his arrest. I do not doubt that nor do I believe he should be trying to stop an arrest. Now he has proposed give the same police force who he claims are racist the tools they need to harass minorities. O'Neals proposed ordinance, would have made it "unlawful for people to wear pants which fall below the buttocks to expose their undergarments," with a penalty of $250. This is a fashion statement of the young particularly young African American males. I do not get the style but do not care if it is worn. It is non of my business, it is unconstitutional to try to stop it and the constituents of Mr. O’Neal who pushed him into this are for a lack of a better word IDIOTS. You cannot police the free expression of a free people get over yourselves. The ordinance did not pass and Mr. O’Neal has been ridiculed multiple times as he should be the end.
SENATOR CRAIG
There is nothing worse than a person who denies the truth to himself. If in fact Senator Craig is Gay then by dealing with his own sexuality forthrightly ( even though it may be difficult) this would not have happened. On the other hand this situation can escalate into gay bashing so quickly that people need to be careful. As far as the Officer who made the arrest well it would not be the first time that a mistake has been made nor would it be the last time that a undercover officer is able to police bathrooms successfully. Truth is we do not know the truth. We do not know what has been going on in the private life of Senator Craig and whether or not he is living a lie. We do know that the rumors have been around since 1982 that Senator Criag is gay and he has always denied it. I do not expect the Senator to remain in the Senate past his current term and if he is gay he should say so before he leaves and he will find more moral support here and in Idaho than he anticipates. It is not a crime to be who you are nor is it a shame or a sin as the hard right claims. We wish the Senator well.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Afghan Taleban Releases 12 South Korean Hostages
By Benjamin Sand
The Taleban has begun releasing 19 South Korean Christian volunteers, after holding them in Afghanistan for nearly six weeks. The militants have freed 12 hostages so far a day after South Korea made a series of concessions to end the hostage crisis. VOA Correspondent Benjamin Sand reports from Islamabad.
The Taleban freed four women and one man hours after releasing a first group of three women. The hostages were handed over to tribal chiefs in southern Gazni province Wednesday and then to Red Cross officials.
Taleban officials said the rest would be freed shortly.
Provincial Governor Merajuddin Pattan told VOA he was confident the crisis was now over.
"Within three days the whole number will be released," he said.
In exchange, South Korea has agreed to end its military presence in Afghanistan by the end of this year, a move Seoul announced several months ago.
During face-to-face talks with the Taleban Tuesday, South Korean negotiators also pledged to stop Korean missionaries from traveling to Afghanistan.
Several Afghan politicians criticized the deal, saying it would only encourage more kidnappings. In Seoul, the presidential office defended itself against international criticism, saying it made no major concessions in return for the hostages' release.
But there is already mounting speculation that South Korea may have agreed to pay the Taleban a ransom. Both sides deny those reports.
In either case, analysts say the Taleban has gained significant political capital after holding direct talks with a foreign government and key U.S. ally.
Washington considers the Taleban a terrorist organization and both U.S. and Afghan authorities have refused to hold talks with the militant group.
But in South Korea the deal was praised by friends and families of hostages. Speaking to reporters late Tuesday, family spokesman Cha Sung Min hailed the end of the month-long crisis.
He says South Korean President Roh Moo-Hyun and others who used every effort to free the hostages are jewels to the families involved.
The Taleban originally kidnapped 23 South Koreans as they traveled by bus through Ghazni Province. Militants executed two men a few days later. Two women were freed after a previous round of talks.
The hostage drama dominated attention in South Korea, where evangelical Christian groups have attracted millions of supporters. South Korean church leaders say they will honor the government's efforts to end missionary programs in Afghanistan.
The Taleban has begun releasing 19 South Korean Christian volunteers, after holding them in Afghanistan for nearly six weeks. The militants have freed 12 hostages so far a day after South Korea made a series of concessions to end the hostage crisis. VOA Correspondent Benjamin Sand reports from Islamabad.
The Taleban freed four women and one man hours after releasing a first group of three women. The hostages were handed over to tribal chiefs in southern Gazni province Wednesday and then to Red Cross officials.
Taleban officials said the rest would be freed shortly.
Provincial Governor Merajuddin Pattan told VOA he was confident the crisis was now over.
"Within three days the whole number will be released," he said.
In exchange, South Korea has agreed to end its military presence in Afghanistan by the end of this year, a move Seoul announced several months ago.
During face-to-face talks with the Taleban Tuesday, South Korean negotiators also pledged to stop Korean missionaries from traveling to Afghanistan.
Several Afghan politicians criticized the deal, saying it would only encourage more kidnappings. In Seoul, the presidential office defended itself against international criticism, saying it made no major concessions in return for the hostages' release.
But there is already mounting speculation that South Korea may have agreed to pay the Taleban a ransom. Both sides deny those reports.
In either case, analysts say the Taleban has gained significant political capital after holding direct talks with a foreign government and key U.S. ally.
Washington considers the Taleban a terrorist organization and both U.S. and Afghan authorities have refused to hold talks with the militant group.
But in South Korea the deal was praised by friends and families of hostages. Speaking to reporters late Tuesday, family spokesman Cha Sung Min hailed the end of the month-long crisis.
He says South Korean President Roh Moo-Hyun and others who used every effort to free the hostages are jewels to the families involved.
The Taleban originally kidnapped 23 South Koreans as they traveled by bus through Ghazni Province. Militants executed two men a few days later. Two women were freed after a previous round of talks.
The hostage drama dominated attention in South Korea, where evangelical Christian groups have attracted millions of supporters. South Korean church leaders say they will honor the government's efforts to end missionary programs in Afghanistan.
WHERE ARE THE SOLUTIONS
I was reading an article today in the Hartford Courant about poverty in Connecticut. It quoted statistics that were and are troubling:
“While the median household income in the state rose to $63,422, about 275,000 residents were living below the federal poverty level, and about 325,000 had no health insurance, according to U.S. Census data released Tuesday. Among the uninsured were 49,000 children under age 18.”
From the Hartford Courant.
Something is wrong with a state that has these kinds of numbers associated with kids and Presidential candidates coming here to pick the pockets of the Ned Lamonts of Fairfield county. No one is truly addressing the root causes of poverty in this state. It is not that taxes are so high that business men ( like the aforementioned Mr. Lamont) cannot provide jobs its because businessmen ( like the aforementioned Mr. Lamont) pay lousy wages to those people they have on the payroll.
Is it so hard to have the Governor or Mayor Destefano or the absent Senator Chris Dodd push for a $10.00 minimum wage in this state? This will only “harm” businesses that never had a chance to begin with. It will not be the end of the world nor will it be the end of poverty in this state but it will help. Other solutions are mandatory job training tied to state benefits, child day care and low interest loans for the purchase of autos so that people locked in a rural or inner city can travel to job opportunities outside of their immediate area without being slaves to bus schedules.
These are solutions and we have the money in this state to do these things without raising taxes. We need to cut wasteful spending and focus on our people as a resource. When a society as wealthy as Connecticut fails to do this then it has failed as a society. When a society as wealthy as Connecticut has poor children then it is a poor society. Think about it.
“While the median household income in the state rose to $63,422, about 275,000 residents were living below the federal poverty level, and about 325,000 had no health insurance, according to U.S. Census data released Tuesday. Among the uninsured were 49,000 children under age 18.”
From the Hartford Courant.
Something is wrong with a state that has these kinds of numbers associated with kids and Presidential candidates coming here to pick the pockets of the Ned Lamonts of Fairfield county. No one is truly addressing the root causes of poverty in this state. It is not that taxes are so high that business men ( like the aforementioned Mr. Lamont) cannot provide jobs its because businessmen ( like the aforementioned Mr. Lamont) pay lousy wages to those people they have on the payroll.
Is it so hard to have the Governor or Mayor Destefano or the absent Senator Chris Dodd push for a $10.00 minimum wage in this state? This will only “harm” businesses that never had a chance to begin with. It will not be the end of the world nor will it be the end of poverty in this state but it will help. Other solutions are mandatory job training tied to state benefits, child day care and low interest loans for the purchase of autos so that people locked in a rural or inner city can travel to job opportunities outside of their immediate area without being slaves to bus schedules.
These are solutions and we have the money in this state to do these things without raising taxes. We need to cut wasteful spending and focus on our people as a resource. When a society as wealthy as Connecticut fails to do this then it has failed as a society. When a society as wealthy as Connecticut has poor children then it is a poor society. Think about it.
STERLING OPERA HOUSE
A week or so ago I heard on the radio that Toll Brothers the luxury home builder was experiencing a rash of cancellations and less revenue this year than last. This is significant for the arts community as well as an indicator of just how bad the sub-prime mess is. Toll Brothers graciously stepped in to fill the void left when Texaco declined to continue their support for the Metropolitan Opera radio broadcast. So all this is buzzing in my head as I am driving down Rt 34 and I thought about our Sterling Opera House.
This building was once the center of our down town and can be again. The current administration has said nothing about it and the only challenger to mention it has been Mel Thompson, the Democrat now running as an independent. From a pure political point of view ( after all this blog is about Derby and world politics) how or why does the Opera House matter? The answer is simple developing it into an income producing property that brings people into downtown will help lower taxes and be a important piece of the revitalization of down town. The redevelopment zone has become known as Mayor Staffieri’s biggest and most glaring failure. He promised the buildings would come down and they did.
They had to and it is well known that if they did not the state was going to step in because they were on a state highway (Rt 34). So he did not accomplish anything. There is a hole on south main street, that Opera House which could bring shows, educational programs and would have been perfect for a political debate this year goes unused. These are facts not fiction. The same year that the redevelopment was first mentioned according to local papers is 1967-68.
Around the same time ( appox 1966) talk about the future of the opera house began because it had been abandoned as the city hall and police department in 1965 when the 5th st City Hall building was erected ( now the old city hall). Nothing has happened in 40 years on Main Street except Mayor Staffieri and his political cronies have dug a whole ( literally) and financially ( $45 million in debt to a developer). Well if the city is going to go through rough times financially we at least deserve Opera as a sound track because Mayor Staffieri’s administration is a tragedy and has been filled with mad scenes.
We wish Toll Brothers well and want them to look up Derby and the Sterling Opera House the next time they are in a position to support the arts.
This building was once the center of our down town and can be again. The current administration has said nothing about it and the only challenger to mention it has been Mel Thompson, the Democrat now running as an independent. From a pure political point of view ( after all this blog is about Derby and world politics) how or why does the Opera House matter? The answer is simple developing it into an income producing property that brings people into downtown will help lower taxes and be a important piece of the revitalization of down town. The redevelopment zone has become known as Mayor Staffieri’s biggest and most glaring failure. He promised the buildings would come down and they did.
They had to and it is well known that if they did not the state was going to step in because they were on a state highway (Rt 34). So he did not accomplish anything. There is a hole on south main street, that Opera House which could bring shows, educational programs and would have been perfect for a political debate this year goes unused. These are facts not fiction. The same year that the redevelopment was first mentioned according to local papers is 1967-68.
Around the same time ( appox 1966) talk about the future of the opera house began because it had been abandoned as the city hall and police department in 1965 when the 5th st City Hall building was erected ( now the old city hall). Nothing has happened in 40 years on Main Street except Mayor Staffieri and his political cronies have dug a whole ( literally) and financially ( $45 million in debt to a developer). Well if the city is going to go through rough times financially we at least deserve Opera as a sound track because Mayor Staffieri’s administration is a tragedy and has been filled with mad scenes.
We wish Toll Brothers well and want them to look up Derby and the Sterling Opera House the next time they are in a position to support the arts.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
WHAT A MESS BUSH HAS CREATED
Iraq was a mistake based on a lie. Not one told or tolerated by our brave service men and women, but one concocted in the chaos after 9/11. This mess has now come full circle with the Iranian President finally saying what we all knew “U.S. political influence in Iraq is collapsing rapidly and his government is ready to help fill any power vacuum. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is playing President Bush like a cheap drum, beating the political hell out of him day and night. The Iraq was has weakened our military by stretching them thin, resulted in the death of over 3000 brave service men and women and caused a political riff that will not heal for 30 years. Some day these service men and women will be no different than their brothers and sisters during the Viet-nam era. They will some day realize that they were used as political pawns not as the guardians of freedom that they truly are. The President has laid the ground floor for an intense Sunni-Shite civil war that will include Iran and possible suck in Saudi Arabia. When gas prices go through the roof in the next 5-10 years will the 20% of the people in this country still believe in the Bush Iraq policy or will they then believe that it was a mess.
THE RIGHT THING TO DO
As we have discussed in the past week, disgraced Superior Court Judge John R. Downey who so embarrassed himself and the Governor with his legally deficient pronouncements about the rights of illegal immigrants has more problems. The Judges comments as you know sunk his ill advised nomination to the State Appellate Court. Now it seems a lawyer from Branford, Bruce P. Matzkin has filed a formal complaint against the judge.
According to the Hartford Courant Attorney Matzkin asked the state's Judicial Review Council to investigate Downey "for violations of the canons of the Code of Judicial Conduct that raise a substantial question as to his fitness for office."
In addition to his legally stupid comments regarding the rights of immigrants, Judge Downey managed to even upset every other person even if they agreed with him on the immigrant issue by praising the late Strum Thurmond a well known racist. The good judge has made more trouble for the Governor and himself than he is worth. The state needs to send a message and cut this Neanderthal loose before cases he decided start to get reviewed ( not that this is not already under way in some office) that may result in even the guilty going free based on the perceived bias of any court during any case that the judge presided over. How ironic a failed nominee to the State Appellate Court may be the catalyst for some of its most interesting cases in the next few months. Do not worry the State Judicial Branch ( the most inept of the three and the other two are pretty darn good) will find some way to screw this complaint up and the man will be sitting on the State Supreme Court by Thanksgiving. I am just lamenting the possibility that’s all.
According to the Hartford Courant Attorney Matzkin asked the state's Judicial Review Council to investigate Downey "for violations of the canons of the Code of Judicial Conduct that raise a substantial question as to his fitness for office."
In addition to his legally stupid comments regarding the rights of immigrants, Judge Downey managed to even upset every other person even if they agreed with him on the immigrant issue by praising the late Strum Thurmond a well known racist. The good judge has made more trouble for the Governor and himself than he is worth. The state needs to send a message and cut this Neanderthal loose before cases he decided start to get reviewed ( not that this is not already under way in some office) that may result in even the guilty going free based on the perceived bias of any court during any case that the judge presided over. How ironic a failed nominee to the State Appellate Court may be the catalyst for some of its most interesting cases in the next few months. Do not worry the State Judicial Branch ( the most inept of the three and the other two are pretty darn good) will find some way to screw this complaint up and the man will be sitting on the State Supreme Court by Thanksgiving. I am just lamenting the possibility that’s all.
HILLARY CLINTON PICKS UP LABOR SUPPORT
The Clinton Campaign today announced the endorsement of the United Transportation Union. UTU represents 125,000 active and retired members in the railroad, bus and public transit sectors across America.
"The UTU has a long history of picking winners early. Hillary will be a president that America’s working families can count on. Time and again, as a United States senator, she has stood with us," said UTU President Paul Thompson.
Incoming UTU President Mike Futhey Jr. said Clinton’s detailed plan to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure and her strong performance at the AFL-CIO Presidential forum in Chicago were deciding factors in the union’s endorsement.
"Hillary Clinton‘s record has been friendly to working men and women of this country. She consistently has endorsed the necessity of a strong middle class," Futhey said. "The UTU will encourage its 125,000 active and retired members to support Hillary and other labor friendly candidates in 2008."
"I am honored to receive the support of the United Transportation Union," Clinton said. "America’s workers have been invisible to this administration, and it’s time they had an advocate in the White House."
"The UTU has a long history of picking winners early. Hillary will be a president that America’s working families can count on. Time and again, as a United States senator, she has stood with us," said UTU President Paul Thompson.
Incoming UTU President Mike Futhey Jr. said Clinton’s detailed plan to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure and her strong performance at the AFL-CIO Presidential forum in Chicago were deciding factors in the union’s endorsement.
"Hillary Clinton‘s record has been friendly to working men and women of this country. She consistently has endorsed the necessity of a strong middle class," Futhey said. "The UTU will encourage its 125,000 active and retired members to support Hillary and other labor friendly candidates in 2008."
"I am honored to receive the support of the United Transportation Union," Clinton said. "America’s workers have been invisible to this administration, and it’s time they had an advocate in the White House."
GIVE JOE BOMBA CREDIT
As a person who was never viewed by his friends growing up as a political animal, Republican Alderman Joe Bomba has over seen a reformation of the Republican party in Derby. Yes he has been helped by an inept cast of Democratic characters that have alienated party loyalist such as Mike Kelleher, Mel Thompson and Joe Moore, but he was smart enough to exploit the stupidity of the Democratic Town Committee. Lets face it on a local level Republicans in Derby would not get elected in the bible belt.
It seems that the core issue with them ( and a strong one) is taxes. If Alderman Bomba can pull off another victory with at least Mayor Staffieri winning and four Republican seats on the Board of Alderman, he will have effectively forced the Democrats to retool and finally accept the fact that the people they have disavowed were the best and brightest and the most honest compared with the current Democratic Town Committee make up of has-beens, fools and the chronically under employed. The Republican would be wise to support their chairman because he has done a good job for them.
It seems that the core issue with them ( and a strong one) is taxes. If Alderman Bomba can pull off another victory with at least Mayor Staffieri winning and four Republican seats on the Board of Alderman, he will have effectively forced the Democrats to retool and finally accept the fact that the people they have disavowed were the best and brightest and the most honest compared with the current Democratic Town Committee make up of has-beens, fools and the chronically under employed. The Republican would be wise to support their chairman because he has done a good job for them.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Anti-Semitism Is A Potential Threat to People of All Faiths and Cultures, Says US Special Envoy
By Judith Latham
The Secretary of State’s “Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism” is a position that grew out of the 2004 Global Anti-Semitism Review Act passed by the U.S. Congress. The Congress had noted a rise in anti-Semitic incidents around the world. They include violence against Jews, desecration of Jewish property, publication of books by government-owned publishing houses that encourage “hatred toward Jews,” and conferences sponsoring denial of the Holocaust.Last year Gregg Rickman was appointed to the position of Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism.
A former director of congressional affairs at the Republican Jewish Coalition, Mr. Rickman is the author of two books – Swiss Banks and Jewish Souls and Conquest and Redemption: A History of Jewish Assets from the Holocaust. Speaking with host Carol Castiel of VOA News Now’s Press Conference USA, Gregg Rickman says that from 2002 to 2004 there were numerous attacks against Jews and attacks on synagogues and Jewish cemeteries in Europe.
The U.S. State Department, he says, has been working with foreign governments and with multilateral agencies to combat such incidents and to develop educational programs promoting tolerance. Mr. Rickman notes that, although previous conferences in Berlin and Cordoba have dealt solely with anti-Semitism, this June’s conference in Bucharest dealt with intolerance and discrimination against Christians and Muslims as well. Gregg Rickman says that governments have to make clear that they will not tolerate attacks on their own citizens.
He notes that in the Muslim world incidents of anti-Semitism are often conflated with anti-Zionist sentiment and take the form of incitement against Israel. Mr. Rickman says many discussions have been held in North Africa, the Middle East, and most recently in Saudi Arabia to differentiate between “what happens in Israel” and incidents directed against “individual Jews in other countries.”
Iran is a country of special concern, especially in light of its recent sponsorship of a Holocaust denial conference. Gregg Rickman says in January the United States and 104 other countries cosponsored a U.N. General Assembly resolution condemning Holocaust denial, and Iran was alone in opposing it.
He calls it unfortunate, given its “rich Persian heritage regarding Jews,” that Iran should have become the “center” of Holocaust denial in the Middle East today. But he points out that the region is not uniform and he notes that there are reformers in the Muslim world who oppose both “Islamophobia” and anti-Semitism.
He welcomes their realization that “incitement” and “spreading conspiracy theories against Jews” is a real problem, and he says it signifies a first step in “planting seeds” that will grow into new ideas of tolerance.Gregg Rickman says that throughout history Jews have served as “canaries in the coal mine.”
And, if it is regarded as acceptable to discriminate, or commit violent acts, against one group, then other groups are potentially at risk as well. In fact, Democratic congressman Keith Ellison of Minnesota, who is the only Muslim member of Congress, joined the newly formed Congressional Anti-Semitism Task Force earlier this month. Its primary role is to “bring to light specific cases of anti-Semitism” and to educate members of Congress, world leaders, and citizens about their negative effect on society.
The Secretary of State’s “Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism” is a position that grew out of the 2004 Global Anti-Semitism Review Act passed by the U.S. Congress. The Congress had noted a rise in anti-Semitic incidents around the world. They include violence against Jews, desecration of Jewish property, publication of books by government-owned publishing houses that encourage “hatred toward Jews,” and conferences sponsoring denial of the Holocaust.Last year Gregg Rickman was appointed to the position of Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism.
A former director of congressional affairs at the Republican Jewish Coalition, Mr. Rickman is the author of two books – Swiss Banks and Jewish Souls and Conquest and Redemption: A History of Jewish Assets from the Holocaust. Speaking with host Carol Castiel of VOA News Now’s Press Conference USA, Gregg Rickman says that from 2002 to 2004 there were numerous attacks against Jews and attacks on synagogues and Jewish cemeteries in Europe.
The U.S. State Department, he says, has been working with foreign governments and with multilateral agencies to combat such incidents and to develop educational programs promoting tolerance. Mr. Rickman notes that, although previous conferences in Berlin and Cordoba have dealt solely with anti-Semitism, this June’s conference in Bucharest dealt with intolerance and discrimination against Christians and Muslims as well. Gregg Rickman says that governments have to make clear that they will not tolerate attacks on their own citizens.
He notes that in the Muslim world incidents of anti-Semitism are often conflated with anti-Zionist sentiment and take the form of incitement against Israel. Mr. Rickman says many discussions have been held in North Africa, the Middle East, and most recently in Saudi Arabia to differentiate between “what happens in Israel” and incidents directed against “individual Jews in other countries.”
Iran is a country of special concern, especially in light of its recent sponsorship of a Holocaust denial conference. Gregg Rickman says in January the United States and 104 other countries cosponsored a U.N. General Assembly resolution condemning Holocaust denial, and Iran was alone in opposing it.
He calls it unfortunate, given its “rich Persian heritage regarding Jews,” that Iran should have become the “center” of Holocaust denial in the Middle East today. But he points out that the region is not uniform and he notes that there are reformers in the Muslim world who oppose both “Islamophobia” and anti-Semitism.
He welcomes their realization that “incitement” and “spreading conspiracy theories against Jews” is a real problem, and he says it signifies a first step in “planting seeds” that will grow into new ideas of tolerance.Gregg Rickman says that throughout history Jews have served as “canaries in the coal mine.”
And, if it is regarded as acceptable to discriminate, or commit violent acts, against one group, then other groups are potentially at risk as well. In fact, Democratic congressman Keith Ellison of Minnesota, who is the only Muslim member of Congress, joined the newly formed Congressional Anti-Semitism Task Force earlier this month. Its primary role is to “bring to light specific cases of anti-Semitism” and to educate members of Congress, world leaders, and citizens about their negative effect on society.
MAYOR ANTHONY STAFFIERI
Although this is his official title, the Mayor has acted less like a leader and more like a puppet of corrupt politicians who need a job. This Mayor has not purged the city of the corrupt influences of the previous Mayor, Marc Garofalo. The system is run by same people and the results are the same. The schools are poor, the redevelopment zone is unfinished and the taxes are increasing. If this man truly was a change then he would have done something.Nothing has been accomplished and if he and his allies do not believe that people know this he may find out in November.
If in fact the Democrats are so split and the independent Democratic candidate Mr. Thompson does not prevail over this do nothing administration then I predict that the city will face tough financial times that will drive Mayor Anthony Staffieri out of office and back into the kitchen of Connies where he should be now and should have never left.Unqualified and with no leadership skills if he had done something that is positive and cannot be traced back to any previous we would be singing his praises and saying give the man time. Tony is not running the city and is out of his league. The lack any measurable progress in this city proves this.
If in fact the Democrats are so split and the independent Democratic candidate Mr. Thompson does not prevail over this do nothing administration then I predict that the city will face tough financial times that will drive Mayor Anthony Staffieri out of office and back into the kitchen of Connies where he should be now and should have never left.Unqualified and with no leadership skills if he had done something that is positive and cannot be traced back to any previous we would be singing his praises and saying give the man time. Tony is not running the city and is out of his league. The lack any measurable progress in this city proves this.
US-Led Coalition in Afghanistan Fires at Militants in Pakistan, Kills 12
The U.S.-led coalition in Afghanistan says U.S. and Afghan troops have killed at least 12 militants who were firing into eastern Afghanistan from across the border in Pakistan.The coalition said Sunday that troops in the Afghan province of Paktika destroyed six border sites the insurgents had used to launch attacks Saturday. It said three of the sites were in Afghanistan, while the other three were in Pakistan.
The coalition said Pakistani authorities gave permission for the coalition to fire over the border at militants in Pakistan.The French news agency says a Pakistani military spokesman (Major General Waheed Arshad) has rejected the coalition's statement, and that he denied that Pakistan granted permission for an attack on its territory.Coalition officials are blaming the attack on militants loyal to the Taleban, which controlled Afghanistan until a U.S.-led invasion in late 2001.
The coalition said Pakistani authorities gave permission for the coalition to fire over the border at militants in Pakistan.The French news agency says a Pakistani military spokesman (Major General Waheed Arshad) has rejected the coalition's statement, and that he denied that Pakistan granted permission for an attack on its territory.Coalition officials are blaming the attack on militants loyal to the Taleban, which controlled Afghanistan until a U.S.-led invasion in late 2001.
KEN HUGHES
Board of Alderman President Ken Hughes has been a lightening rod since being elected two years ago. He has only accomplished getting his brother a low interest loan from the city for $60,000 in the name of an LLC that did not exist, placed his father on the police commission and his mother on the housing authority. To top all of this off his biggest political accomplishment has been a tough stand against dog crap and the owners of these dogs who do not clean up after them. It is obvious that this political novice who had no experience was a close family friend of the Mayor and for purpose is the Mayor. The voters need to look at what this man has not done for the city and what he has done for his family with city money and decide is he worth having around for another two years. The choice is obvious.
GET RID OF THE MARSHALS
The most useless department on the state level is the State Marshals. This department was so riddled with corruption that its was revamped several years ago. New Haven Country High Sheriff the late Henry Healey was infamous for doling out jobs to political cronies. Many of the current Derby Democratic Party “leaders” benefited by being on the good side of Mr. Healey who was a Derby native. These people were never qualified to be Sheriffs ( the old name for the Marshals) but many were appointed to that job as political pay back for donating to Healey’s campaigns. This correlation between donations and jobs led to the department being revamped by the legislature.The Marshals transport prisoners, serve legal papers and keep order in state court houses. In a state with only 1700 State Troopers, it is time to increase that number and utilize them not only for policing state highways but for the same functions as the Marshals. Troopers have weapons unlike Marshals who do not and are helpless if an armed individual enters a court house.That metal detector is not going to stop some one who is intent on harming others and is armed, that person is going to shot their way in. Many of the same political appointees that got jobs as Marshals under the old system were never purged and continue to “earn” a paycheck. This is a department that can have its functions transferred to the State Police and the increase in Troopers will be a long over due and welcome sight.
HOW DO YOU PREVENT THIS IN THE FUTURE
Analysts say that credit will remain tight and more expensive until market participants sort out the sub-prime loan disaster. The federal government has a role to play and must take steps to prevent this from occurring in the future.Now mortgage brokers may not like this but what needs to be done is that certain kinds of loans such as Alt-A, Adjustable rate and stated income must be outlawed. Full documentation that is verifiable.
So that this will not prevent people from getting into a home a second step that could be taken as to down payments. Rather than require a down payment the new trend should be to base whether or not to loan on income, length of job, type of job.Many people who can pay for their mortgage simply do not have a huge down payment. Secondly keeping the savings in the bank account of these people makes more sense in that they can avoid a foreclosure due to loss of income by utilizing their savings.
Finally a tax should be levied on banks and other lending institutions with the proceeds going into a national fund to prevent foreclosure.No bail out should be provided o the banks or brokers because they were allowed and knew what they were doing and must pay. Tax increases are never a good thing if it can be helped, however this mess is going to result in a surge in homelessness, crime and other issues that develop when families loose their home.A tax now will save us billions down the road and the bankers and brokers just need to keep quiet and bee thankful that no one is suggesting (yet) that they serve hard time for the fraud that led to the sub-prime mess.
So that this will not prevent people from getting into a home a second step that could be taken as to down payments. Rather than require a down payment the new trend should be to base whether or not to loan on income, length of job, type of job.Many people who can pay for their mortgage simply do not have a huge down payment. Secondly keeping the savings in the bank account of these people makes more sense in that they can avoid a foreclosure due to loss of income by utilizing their savings.
Finally a tax should be levied on banks and other lending institutions with the proceeds going into a national fund to prevent foreclosure.No bail out should be provided o the banks or brokers because they were allowed and knew what they were doing and must pay. Tax increases are never a good thing if it can be helped, however this mess is going to result in a surge in homelessness, crime and other issues that develop when families loose their home.A tax now will save us billions down the road and the bankers and brokers just need to keep quiet and bee thankful that no one is suggesting (yet) that they serve hard time for the fraud that led to the sub-prime mess.
NO MORE ALBERTO
Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez if finally gone. A close friend of the President who did the President and the nation no favors. At a time when the White House needed people to follow the rules he did not. The political firing of U.S. Attorneys, lying to congress, illegal wiretaps you name it and old Al has done it. I am no fan of George W. Bush and I actually voted for Kerry ( mmm that should be a bumper sticker) but this man gave the President problems on the domestic front neither he or we needed. How about that torture memo, and did I mention the depravation of basic privacy contained in the Patriot Act. All we as citizens of this great nation ask is how soon can this unskilled lawyer get out. Today is not to soon enough for Democracy and I would guess the President also.
WILL JOE GO
Now that Gonzalez is moving out will Joe Lieberman take his place. The analysis of this can go many different ways. First that would be a bad move considering Joe has five years more on his current term compared to a little less than 17 months left in the President term. Secondly it would totally end any chance for any other office as a Democrat if Joe goes over to the dark side. Now it can be good if Joe wants to run for President as a Republican or even an independent and step into a vacuum left by a weak Republican field. A pro choice Joe Lieberman would give fits to Hillary or any one else on the Democratic side and narrow the race to with in one to two percentage points. To through out another issue who would Governor Rell appoint to replace Joe? Blumenthal, Lawlor on the Democratic side or on the Republican side Alan Schlesinger? Who knows Governor Rell is a very smart politician so a Democrat might not be an idea not on the table. What do we expect? Someone other than Joe and for no drama to be played out in Washington or Hartford.
IS DINA WEISSMAN AN OPPORTUNIST
Lets examine the Democratic challenger for Mayor Ms. Weissman. She was elected as a Republican when Alan Schlesinger came in to office in the 1990’s. She was quickly made President of the Board of Alderman and proceeded to push an agenda that Mayor Schlesinger ( an Attorney) questioned as to the legality of.
It just seems that if you run as a Republican in a small city like Derby first you are a true believer in a city of Democrats. Secondly as a true believer in the Republican agenda how could you switch parties? Well the answer my friends is simple. Dina Weissman is an opportunist. She took the Chief of Staffs job created under Mayor Garofalo and tat cost the city at this point over $70,000 a year for nothing.
She has moved where the money took her and come back here when the money was on the table. Now she is running for Mayor with no platform, a website with no substance and Marc Garofalo waiting for payback in the form of the same job he gave her. We will see if John Orazietti has the wear with all to take her on. We do not think so and believe the race in November will be between Weissman, Thompson and Staffieri. No one knows how this will work even though they profess to be political prophets. So sit back relax and let the show begin.
It just seems that if you run as a Republican in a small city like Derby first you are a true believer in a city of Democrats. Secondly as a true believer in the Republican agenda how could you switch parties? Well the answer my friends is simple. Dina Weissman is an opportunist. She took the Chief of Staffs job created under Mayor Garofalo and tat cost the city at this point over $70,000 a year for nothing.
She has moved where the money took her and come back here when the money was on the table. Now she is running for Mayor with no platform, a website with no substance and Marc Garofalo waiting for payback in the form of the same job he gave her. We will see if John Orazietti has the wear with all to take her on. We do not think so and believe the race in November will be between Weissman, Thompson and Staffieri. No one knows how this will work even though they profess to be political prophets. So sit back relax and let the show begin.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
HALO
What ever happen to the grand plan to redevelop the Hawkins and Anson Street areas? Well it has never moved one inch under the last two administrations and is seems that this might be a good thing. If the city had taken down buildings in this area with the same results as we have seen on Main Street, what would have been the economic impact on the city. It is obvious that the city under Garofalo and Staffieri is at the mercy of incompetence. They have ideas or steal ideas from others and cannot bring themselves to complete a project. Any development now in this area is on hold because the city is broke. Even though Staffieri is lying about the financial health of the city this not going to help when the bills come due and lay offs begin. I hope we can all pull together and get along because the next three years are going to be tough unless we can get a infusion of cash and sound fiscal management.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
THOMPSON HAS MADE NO PROMISES
Independent Democrat Mel Thompson has done the unthinkable. He has made no promises to anyone for jobs if he wins the election for Mayor. The only problem we see is that he will wake up on November 7th with a month to fill jobs. Who will he appoint and will he meet the deadline before he takes office? This policy of no promises is a good one and we are sure Mr. Thompson has a clue who he wants but it is a stunning turnaround from past campaigns when deals were done two years in advance and no once could stop them.
ENFORCE THE BAN
Why is it that good ideas in this state are never followed through on by the powers that be. Case in point is the ban on cell phone use while driving. People this is dangerous, it is distracting and neither your life not mine is so interesting that you need discuss it while driving a hunk of steel at 70 mph. What is most insulting is seeing cops on cell phones. Now I have never seen this in Derby but have seen it in other cities and I am sure that people have complained. No one is above the law and the bas must be enforced or it should be repealed. The purpose was not for show but it has become a show law that no one is even pretending to take seriously, except me.
Friday, August 24, 2007
IS THERE A DRUG PROBLEM
Is there drug problem at Derby High School?. We know they have caught people with more than just the garden variety joint. People have been caught with cocaine. Ye the school only brings in the police to search for drugs rather than counsel students. The police in the city do care and they are for all very approachable so why not use this gift ( which many cities do not have) and try to stem the flow of drug use before it starts? By the time the drug raids happen it is too late.
WHAT IF THE REPUBLICANS WIN AGAIN?
What will the impact be on the Democratic party in Derby if the Republicans sweep again? If either Orazietti, Weissman or Thompson win you will have a Democrat. Thompson although running a an independent has made it clear he is a Democrat, will govern as one if he wins and has been the only candidate pushing truly Democratic positions such as strong schools and targeted tax cuts.The problem for the Democratic party is not Mr. Thompson although they would like to think so the problem is if the Republicans win again with no boogey man in the form of former corrupt, do nothing Marc Garofalo to run against.Wining on a platform that is empty in a city with only 800 Republicans and 3 times as many Democrats will mean that the Democratic party is crippled.
Now this to shall pass but the Republicans winning last time is understandable but this time it will be harder for the party to explain to the state party leadership.Last time the state party pleaded with former Chairman Sam Rizzitelli to accept help but he declined and the Democrats backing the good for nothing Marc Garofalo lost every seat accept one aldermanic seat. Now you have Dina Weissman under cutting the town Chairman John Orazietti, and Orazietti rigging the endorsement process so as to keep Mel Thompson out of his own party.
They better win and big because the only people who are going to come out of this unscathed ( politically) are the Mayor and Mr. Thompson not Chairman John Orazietti and to a lesser extent Ms. Weissman. The party will be effectively out of business at a time when two parties ( or more) and opposing poicy views will be needed. Derby is entering a new phase that is uncharted and it ill afford one party rule that is unchallenged.
Now this to shall pass but the Republicans winning last time is understandable but this time it will be harder for the party to explain to the state party leadership.Last time the state party pleaded with former Chairman Sam Rizzitelli to accept help but he declined and the Democrats backing the good for nothing Marc Garofalo lost every seat accept one aldermanic seat. Now you have Dina Weissman under cutting the town Chairman John Orazietti, and Orazietti rigging the endorsement process so as to keep Mel Thompson out of his own party.
They better win and big because the only people who are going to come out of this unscathed ( politically) are the Mayor and Mr. Thompson not Chairman John Orazietti and to a lesser extent Ms. Weissman. The party will be effectively out of business at a time when two parties ( or more) and opposing poicy views will be needed. Derby is entering a new phase that is uncharted and it ill afford one party rule that is unchallenged.
WELL WE ALL HAVE BOUGHT A CAR HERE
Our neighboring city of Shelton has a prime business real estate that will soon be for sale or lease. Crabtree Subaru is gone. It seems that the dealerships owners voluntarily relinquished control over the franchise. This is a clear sign of economic problems for auto dealers. Add to this the law suit filed by Attorney General Blumenthal that for intents and purposes accuses the dealership of fraud. We will see.
KEY REPUBLICAN SENATOR CALLS FOR TROOP WITHDRAWAL FROM IRAQ
By Deborah Tate
An influential U.S. Senate Republican says President Bush should announce an initial withdrawal of troops from Iraq on September 15. Senator John Warner of Virginia made his comments to reporters Thursday, just days after visiting Iraq.
VOA's Deborah Tate reports from Capitol Hill.Senator Warner, a member and former chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, says he is recommending that President Bush announce the beginning of a troop withdrawal from Iraq on September 15 as a way to press the Iraqi government into taking steps toward political reconciliation."Take into consideration the need to send a sharp and clear message throughout the region, to the United States, and one that people can understand; I think [there is] no clearer form of that than for the president to announce on the 15th, that in consultation with senior military commanders, he has decided to initiate the first step in a withdrawal of our forces," said Senator Warner.
Warner says it would be up to the president to decide how many troops to redeploy, but suggested of the more than 160,000 troops in Iraq that 5,000 could be withdrawn and return home by Christmas Day of this year.
The senator says he is not advocating a rapid troop withdrawal, and noted that he previously has voted against timetables for withdrawals.But he said the time has come to show that the United States is serious when officials, including President Bush, say the U.S. commitment in Iraq is not open-ended.Speaking in Crawford, Texas, where President Bush is vacationing, White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe responded to Warner's comments saying Mr. Bush would wait to receive a progress report from the top U.S. commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus, and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker in mid-September.
The congress will also be briefed on the report. Johndroe says he does not believe the president feels any differently about setting a specific timetable for withdrawal, having previously said that that would embolden the enemy.The comments from Senator Warner came just hours after the release of a U.S. intelligence estimate that predicted political progress in Iraq would remain elusive over the next year, and that the position of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government would become more precarious.Senator Warner says he agrees with the assessment.
He says U.S. troops have made progress in boosting security in Baghdad and elsewhere in Iraq. But he says Iraqi leaders have not made good on their commitment:"I really firmly believe that the Iraqi government under the leadership of Prime Minister Maliki has let our troops down," he said.But Warner would not go as far as the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Carl Levin of Michigan, who called on the Iraqi parliament to oust Prime Minister Maliki and his cabinet. Warner said that is a decision for the Iraqi people to make, consistent with their constitution.
An influential U.S. Senate Republican says President Bush should announce an initial withdrawal of troops from Iraq on September 15. Senator John Warner of Virginia made his comments to reporters Thursday, just days after visiting Iraq.
VOA's Deborah Tate reports from Capitol Hill.Senator Warner, a member and former chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, says he is recommending that President Bush announce the beginning of a troop withdrawal from Iraq on September 15 as a way to press the Iraqi government into taking steps toward political reconciliation."Take into consideration the need to send a sharp and clear message throughout the region, to the United States, and one that people can understand; I think [there is] no clearer form of that than for the president to announce on the 15th, that in consultation with senior military commanders, he has decided to initiate the first step in a withdrawal of our forces," said Senator Warner.
Warner says it would be up to the president to decide how many troops to redeploy, but suggested of the more than 160,000 troops in Iraq that 5,000 could be withdrawn and return home by Christmas Day of this year.
The senator says he is not advocating a rapid troop withdrawal, and noted that he previously has voted against timetables for withdrawals.But he said the time has come to show that the United States is serious when officials, including President Bush, say the U.S. commitment in Iraq is not open-ended.Speaking in Crawford, Texas, where President Bush is vacationing, White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe responded to Warner's comments saying Mr. Bush would wait to receive a progress report from the top U.S. commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus, and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker in mid-September.
The congress will also be briefed on the report. Johndroe says he does not believe the president feels any differently about setting a specific timetable for withdrawal, having previously said that that would embolden the enemy.The comments from Senator Warner came just hours after the release of a U.S. intelligence estimate that predicted political progress in Iraq would remain elusive over the next year, and that the position of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government would become more precarious.Senator Warner says he agrees with the assessment.
He says U.S. troops have made progress in boosting security in Baghdad and elsewhere in Iraq. But he says Iraqi leaders have not made good on their commitment:"I really firmly believe that the Iraqi government under the leadership of Prime Minister Maliki has let our troops down," he said.But Warner would not go as far as the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Carl Levin of Michigan, who called on the Iraqi parliament to oust Prime Minister Maliki and his cabinet. Warner said that is a decision for the Iraqi people to make, consistent with their constitution.
IRAQI GOVERNMENT STILL SHAKY, SAYS NEW US INTELLIGENCE ESTIMATE
By Gary Thomas
A new U.S. intelligence estimate says there have been some improvements in the security situation in Iraq. It also says, however, that the Iraqi government is still unable to govern effectively and will remain in a precarious state, at least for the near future. VOA correspondent Gary Thomas reports. The new National Intelligence Estimate on stability in Iraq says there has been what it terms "measurable but uneven" improvement in Iraq's security situation since the beginning of the year, and that further modest improvements can be expected.But it also says that levels of insurgent and sectarian violence remain high, and that Iraqi forces cannot cope with the strife without the continuing presence of U.S. force.
On the political front, its says the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has been unable to achieve political reconciliation necessary to stability. It says his situation is likely to remain precarious for at least the next six to 12 months.The new National Intelligence Estimate, which represents the highest collective judgment of the 16 U.S. agencies that deal in intelligence, is actually an update of one that was done on Iraqi security in January. As was done then, a summary of key judgments was released to the public, but the full estimate itself remains classified.Its release comes at a crucial time.
The U.S. commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus, and the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker, are due to present a report next month on the success of the so-called "surge" strategy of temporarily increasing U.S. troop levels in Iraq.The intelligence estimate says that any drawdown of U.S. forces from a counterinsurgency role to one of just support for Iraqi forces would erode what modest security gains have been achieved.National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said the new estimate shows that although challenges remain, the president's strategy is working and should continue.
"Today's key [intelligence] judgments clearly show that the military's counterinsurgency strategy, fully operational since midsummer, has begun to slow the rapidly increasing violence and patterns of that violence that we have been seeing in Iraq," he said.On Wednesday, President Bush expressed his support for Prime Minister al-Maliki."Prime Minister Maliki is a good guy, a good man with a difficult job, and I support him," he said. "And it's not up to politicians in Washington, D.C. to say whether he will remain in his position - that is up to the Iraqi people who now live in a democracy, and not a dictatorship."
But, also citing the new estimate on lack of progress on the political front, Republican Senator John Warner, who has just returned from Iraq, called on President Bush Thursday to announce a token withdrawal of some U.S. troops from Iraq to spur Iraqi leaders toward political reconciliation."Given the NIE [National Intelligence Estimate], which says 'Mr. President, it's up to 12 months before we can expect any particular degree of reconciliation,' we simply cannot as a nation stand and put our troops at continuous risk and the loss of life and limb without beginning to take some decisive action which will get everybody's attention," he said.
The estimate says Iran, concerned about growing Sunni power and U.S. efforts to contain Iran, has intensified funding, weaponry, and training to Iraqi Shi'ite militants. But senior intelligence officials say they have detected no active presence of Iranian Revolutionary Guards or members of its elite al-Quds force inside Iraq. Any training, they say, seems to be conducted in camps on the Iranian side of the border.The report adds that Syria has cracked down on infiltration by Sunni extremist groups into Iraq, but that Damascus is providing support to insurgent groups other than al-Qaida.
A new U.S. intelligence estimate says there have been some improvements in the security situation in Iraq. It also says, however, that the Iraqi government is still unable to govern effectively and will remain in a precarious state, at least for the near future. VOA correspondent Gary Thomas reports. The new National Intelligence Estimate on stability in Iraq says there has been what it terms "measurable but uneven" improvement in Iraq's security situation since the beginning of the year, and that further modest improvements can be expected.But it also says that levels of insurgent and sectarian violence remain high, and that Iraqi forces cannot cope with the strife without the continuing presence of U.S. force.
On the political front, its says the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has been unable to achieve political reconciliation necessary to stability. It says his situation is likely to remain precarious for at least the next six to 12 months.The new National Intelligence Estimate, which represents the highest collective judgment of the 16 U.S. agencies that deal in intelligence, is actually an update of one that was done on Iraqi security in January. As was done then, a summary of key judgments was released to the public, but the full estimate itself remains classified.Its release comes at a crucial time.
The U.S. commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus, and the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker, are due to present a report next month on the success of the so-called "surge" strategy of temporarily increasing U.S. troop levels in Iraq.The intelligence estimate says that any drawdown of U.S. forces from a counterinsurgency role to one of just support for Iraqi forces would erode what modest security gains have been achieved.National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said the new estimate shows that although challenges remain, the president's strategy is working and should continue.
"Today's key [intelligence] judgments clearly show that the military's counterinsurgency strategy, fully operational since midsummer, has begun to slow the rapidly increasing violence and patterns of that violence that we have been seeing in Iraq," he said.On Wednesday, President Bush expressed his support for Prime Minister al-Maliki."Prime Minister Maliki is a good guy, a good man with a difficult job, and I support him," he said. "And it's not up to politicians in Washington, D.C. to say whether he will remain in his position - that is up to the Iraqi people who now live in a democracy, and not a dictatorship."
But, also citing the new estimate on lack of progress on the political front, Republican Senator John Warner, who has just returned from Iraq, called on President Bush Thursday to announce a token withdrawal of some U.S. troops from Iraq to spur Iraqi leaders toward political reconciliation."Given the NIE [National Intelligence Estimate], which says 'Mr. President, it's up to 12 months before we can expect any particular degree of reconciliation,' we simply cannot as a nation stand and put our troops at continuous risk and the loss of life and limb without beginning to take some decisive action which will get everybody's attention," he said.
The estimate says Iran, concerned about growing Sunni power and U.S. efforts to contain Iran, has intensified funding, weaponry, and training to Iraqi Shi'ite militants. But senior intelligence officials say they have detected no active presence of Iranian Revolutionary Guards or members of its elite al-Quds force inside Iraq. Any training, they say, seems to be conducted in camps on the Iranian side of the border.The report adds that Syria has cracked down on infiltration by Sunni extremist groups into Iraq, but that Damascus is providing support to insurgent groups other than al-Qaida.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
HOW DO THEY EXPLAIN
How can John Orazietti and Dina Weissman explain how they were so connected to the Garofalo administration, yet are now the change Derby Needs? John was the President of the Board of Alderman and acting Mayor when Marc left town. Dina was Marc’s Chief of staff. Both have the ink of the preferred developer contract on their hands that is ( and will) bankrupt the city unless it is disposed of or modified. So how do they make a case that they will not do the same? We ae willing to listen but they have to say something and soon.
NOW THIS IS FUNNY
Follow this if you can ( or dare) the landlord for the Weissman campaign is Dr. Anita Coscia, who is married to John Coscia, who the cousin of former Mayor Marc Garofalo, who Weissman was chief of staff for. Got that. Well surprise, surprise Dr. Coscia has filed a blight complaint against the Plaza on the Green owned by Mayor Staffieri who Dina Weissman will face in a three way race for Mayor if she can beat endorsed Democrat John Orazietti. The republican are crying foul and saying it is politically motivated. It is but what do you expect.When the Mayor arranged for his son and the brother of Board of Alderman President Ken Hughes to receive a low interest loan of $60,000 ( money that allegedly went into repairs at said plaza) the Democrats (including Weissman) did nothing. If it is a real issue they will say nothing if it is small they will scream. The worst part is that the Connecticut Post thinks that this is news!Now let me understand, drugs in the schools, corruption in city hall, a city that is $45 million in debt to a developer and this is the best that Weissman and the Post could do!
HE IS TOAST
Governor Rell withdrew the nomination of Judge John R. Downey to the Connecticut Appellate Court on Wednesday, one day after Downey's views on illegal immigrants and positive comments about deceased segregationist Senator Strom Thurmond dominated his confirmation hearing.
Downey asked Rell to withdraw his name in the face of a legislative inquiry about his statements in Superior Court that undocumented immigrants had no right to the state's civil courts. With his eight-year term as a Superior Court judge over in 18 months, Downey will face a hostile confirmation hearing over his immigration statements if Rell decides to reappoint him in 2009.
The Governor should not reappoint this man and the state bar should look into how his comments may negatively impact his ability to function as a lawyer in this state if he is not reappointed. This was a mistake from the start to appoint this legally challenged judge. The next best step is for the legislature to move to have him removed from the superior court. There is no way he can serve and not be suspect after this incident.
Downey asked Rell to withdraw his name in the face of a legislative inquiry about his statements in Superior Court that undocumented immigrants had no right to the state's civil courts. With his eight-year term as a Superior Court judge over in 18 months, Downey will face a hostile confirmation hearing over his immigration statements if Rell decides to reappoint him in 2009.
The Governor should not reappoint this man and the state bar should look into how his comments may negatively impact his ability to function as a lawyer in this state if he is not reappointed. This was a mistake from the start to appoint this legally challenged judge. The next best step is for the legislature to move to have him removed from the superior court. There is no way he can serve and not be suspect after this incident.
WE NEED TO MOVE UP
The Michigan Senate on Wednesday voted to move the state's Presidential delegate selection contests either by caucus or primary to January 15, 2008. What this does in many ways is continue to move the primaries so far up that Connecticut and Derby will never have a say. Not that this state with its 7 electoral votes is a key battleground but by the time our primary comes around we will have been used for our Fairfield County donors and be an after thought. Maybe it time Connecticut considered a straw poll like that in Iowa followed by a caucus on the same day as the New Hampshire primary.
Look this is a blog about political issues that in some way ( whether people realize it or not) have some impact on Derby. This is very important to a City this size in that it would provide the same retail politics here that small cities and towns experience in New Hampshire. There is no reason that it cannot happen because New Hampshire after the primary is no more important than any other state and less so that Florida and the aforementioned Michigan. A moved up primary and or caucus would infuse cash into local economies (including Derby), increase the importance of the state in the political process, but most importantly it will give people from Elizabeth Street to Coe Lane a look at a real live Presidential candidate and give us a chance to ask him or her what are you going to do for Derby.
If the small cities and towns of New Hampshire with no drawing card as attractive as Greenwich for fundraising can do it then we can to. Lets move up and get these people to face us one on one on their way to the Connecticut Political ATM known as Fairfield County.
Look this is a blog about political issues that in some way ( whether people realize it or not) have some impact on Derby. This is very important to a City this size in that it would provide the same retail politics here that small cities and towns experience in New Hampshire. There is no reason that it cannot happen because New Hampshire after the primary is no more important than any other state and less so that Florida and the aforementioned Michigan. A moved up primary and or caucus would infuse cash into local economies (including Derby), increase the importance of the state in the political process, but most importantly it will give people from Elizabeth Street to Coe Lane a look at a real live Presidential candidate and give us a chance to ask him or her what are you going to do for Derby.
If the small cities and towns of New Hampshire with no drawing card as attractive as Greenwich for fundraising can do it then we can to. Lets move up and get these people to face us one on one on their way to the Connecticut Political ATM known as Fairfield County.
Pakistan Supreme Court Ends Former Prime Minister's Exile
By Benjamin Sand Islamabad23 August 2007Pakistan's supreme court has ruled exiled former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif can return to Pakistan and resume his political career. The ruling is the latest in a series of setbacks for Pakistan's embattled President Pervez Musharraf who strongly opposed Sharif's return. From Islamabad VOA correspondent Benjamin Sand reports.Hundreds of jubilant pro-Nawaz Sharif activiststhronged the Supreme Court building Thursday to cheer the ruling.
In a brief statement the court said Sharif and his family have "an inalienable right" to return to Pakistan and warned authorities not to obstruct their re-entry.Sharif lawyer Fakhar Ud Din Ibrahim Jee described the ruling as a landmark case for Pakistan. He said that above all else the public will now have full confidence in the rule of law.After nearly seven years in exile the former prime minister is expected to return to Pakistan shortly.Sharif is now considered one of President Musharraf's main political opponents ahead of national elections expected later this year.
The former prime minister leads one Pakistan's largest opposition parties, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz or PML-N.He was Prime Minister until 1999 when then General Musharraf, who was then the head of the army, ousted Sharif in a military coup.Sharif was convicted of a series of criminal misdeeds in 2000 but the government allowed him to leave prison in exchange for a ten-year exile.
The court's decision ending that exile is the latest blow to Mr. Musharraf's military backed government.Parliamentary and presidential elections are expected later this year and the president's public support is at an all time low.Mr. Sharif and another exiled former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto are both expected to return to Pakistan and threaten the president's once absolute hold on power.
The ruling itself was issued by chief justice Iftakhar Mohammed Chaudhry, whom the president unsuccessfully tried to replace earlier this year, reportedly over concerns the outspoken judge was too independent.Attention now turns to Ms. Bhutto who has discussed a possible political alliance with Mr. Musharraf if he agrees to end his dual role as political and military chief.
Political analyst Shafqat Mahmood says that deal or no deal, there is little reason to believe Thursday's ruling will change the president's plans to seek another five years term in office."He is determined to hang on. He has this messiah complex which means he feels that without him the country will be immeasurably damaged," he said.The United States continues to back Mr. Musharraf, who has been a key ally in the U.S. led war against terror.But U.S. officials have also ratcheted up the pressure on the president to crack down on pro-Taleban and al Qaida militants operating inside Pakistan.The White House has also strongly backed the need for completely free and fair elections later this year.
In a brief statement the court said Sharif and his family have "an inalienable right" to return to Pakistan and warned authorities not to obstruct their re-entry.Sharif lawyer Fakhar Ud Din Ibrahim Jee described the ruling as a landmark case for Pakistan. He said that above all else the public will now have full confidence in the rule of law.After nearly seven years in exile the former prime minister is expected to return to Pakistan shortly.Sharif is now considered one of President Musharraf's main political opponents ahead of national elections expected later this year.
The former prime minister leads one Pakistan's largest opposition parties, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz or PML-N.He was Prime Minister until 1999 when then General Musharraf, who was then the head of the army, ousted Sharif in a military coup.Sharif was convicted of a series of criminal misdeeds in 2000 but the government allowed him to leave prison in exchange for a ten-year exile.
The court's decision ending that exile is the latest blow to Mr. Musharraf's military backed government.Parliamentary and presidential elections are expected later this year and the president's public support is at an all time low.Mr. Sharif and another exiled former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto are both expected to return to Pakistan and threaten the president's once absolute hold on power.
The ruling itself was issued by chief justice Iftakhar Mohammed Chaudhry, whom the president unsuccessfully tried to replace earlier this year, reportedly over concerns the outspoken judge was too independent.Attention now turns to Ms. Bhutto who has discussed a possible political alliance with Mr. Musharraf if he agrees to end his dual role as political and military chief.
Political analyst Shafqat Mahmood says that deal or no deal, there is little reason to believe Thursday's ruling will change the president's plans to seek another five years term in office."He is determined to hang on. He has this messiah complex which means he feels that without him the country will be immeasurably damaged," he said.The United States continues to back Mr. Musharraf, who has been a key ally in the U.S. led war against terror.But U.S. officials have also ratcheted up the pressure on the president to crack down on pro-Taleban and al Qaida militants operating inside Pakistan.The White House has also strongly backed the need for completely free and fair elections later this year.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
HERE COMES MARC
It appears that Dina Weissman is a front for former Mayor Marc Garofalo’s return. It is widely known that if Dina wins this election Marc will be back as her chief of staff. It would be a reversal of roles for the two. Ms. Weissman is not a push over and frankly I think that arrangement would end badly the minute Marc tried to make policy rather than carry out policy. Power is not a drug that you tire of so marc may get a nice job but it won’t last too long.
THE MOST VULNERABLE CANDIDATE
Mayor Staffieri has the most to loose if he chooses to attack any of his opponents particularly Mel Thompson the Democrat running as an independent for mayor. So far the Mayor has run a stealth campaign through surrogates online who use racial insults to dig at Mr. Thompson who is Black. What the Mayor fails to understand is that his past deeds including $60,000 in back taxes to the IRS, a $60,000 low interest loan to his son under the name of a LLC that did not exist at the time of the application and the very fact that he has done noting in the city in two years makes him the most vulnerable candidate.
It is widely known that many Democrats ( and we suspect Mr. Thompson is one of them) voted Republican for Mayor Staffieri just to get rid of the corruption riddled Garofalo administration. The only problem is that Mayor Staffieri kept the same cast of characters on in different jobs and add a few new faces that frankly belong in a line up rather than in city hall.Mayor Staffieri has to understand that if he continues to allow surrogates to do his dirty work he will be the beneficiary of political attacks that he has not even contemplated. All is fair once you go down a road where you use race as a way to drive a wedge between Democrats in a small town. You may end up surprised that there are more good people who do not care about race but are simply fed up with bad policy.
We all want a clean campaign and so far Mr. Thompson and Mayor Staffieri publicly have been civil but the word we get is that the Thompson campaign will do what it takes to win including questioning the Mayors involvement in race baiting comments on a Republican blog. In a city with less than 1000 registered Republicans and an overwhelming Democratic registration, race baiting by Mayor Staffieri and his supporters is a bad tactic. One that makes him the most vulnerable candidate.
It is widely known that many Democrats ( and we suspect Mr. Thompson is one of them) voted Republican for Mayor Staffieri just to get rid of the corruption riddled Garofalo administration. The only problem is that Mayor Staffieri kept the same cast of characters on in different jobs and add a few new faces that frankly belong in a line up rather than in city hall.Mayor Staffieri has to understand that if he continues to allow surrogates to do his dirty work he will be the beneficiary of political attacks that he has not even contemplated. All is fair once you go down a road where you use race as a way to drive a wedge between Democrats in a small town. You may end up surprised that there are more good people who do not care about race but are simply fed up with bad policy.
We all want a clean campaign and so far Mr. Thompson and Mayor Staffieri publicly have been civil but the word we get is that the Thompson campaign will do what it takes to win including questioning the Mayors involvement in race baiting comments on a Republican blog. In a city with less than 1000 registered Republicans and an overwhelming Democratic registration, race baiting by Mayor Staffieri and his supporters is a bad tactic. One that makes him the most vulnerable candidate.
GOOD GOVERNOR BAD NOMINEE
The headline will surprise many as very supportive of the Republican Governor and her policies. First of all this is a non partisan site and neither Democrats, Republicans or any one else gets a pass when it comes to reporting facts or analyzing politics or policy. Some of our contributors like to say that we hate and love them all equally. This is why analysis is written anonymously and news feeds are credited where possible. Bit we digress from the topic, this nominee that would make a Klansman blush.
The Connecticut State Legislature's judiciary committee postponed action on the nomination of Judge John R. Downey to the Sates Appellate Court. Problems arose when it was learned that Downey had praised former segregationist Senator Strom Thurmond and also by misleading lawmakers about statement s he had made in 2002 regarding the rights of immigrants to use the courts. The committee obtained a copy of two transcripts in which the judge, , emphatically stated that illegal immigrants have no right to the state's civil courts. Legislators say he ignored case law and the state constitution.
This view whether popular or unpopular is not legally correct and to allow a judge to legislate immigration policy from he bench of the appeals court would be a disaster for justice. The nomination of Judge Downey also raises several other issues. One being that if he is rejected ( which he should be) how can he possible serve in the capacity as a superior court judge in the future? Second to this is how will this botched nomination impact Governor Rell in Hispanic and Black communities which typically vote Democratic but have embraced her after the John Rowland resigned.
It is no secret that Governor Rell has transcended race by her solid performance since taking over as Governor. Further proof of this is her thumping of John Destefano in last years election. We urge Governor Rell to withdraw this nomination.
The Connecticut State Legislature's judiciary committee postponed action on the nomination of Judge John R. Downey to the Sates Appellate Court. Problems arose when it was learned that Downey had praised former segregationist Senator Strom Thurmond and also by misleading lawmakers about statement s he had made in 2002 regarding the rights of immigrants to use the courts. The committee obtained a copy of two transcripts in which the judge, , emphatically stated that illegal immigrants have no right to the state's civil courts. Legislators say he ignored case law and the state constitution.
This view whether popular or unpopular is not legally correct and to allow a judge to legislate immigration policy from he bench of the appeals court would be a disaster for justice. The nomination of Judge Downey also raises several other issues. One being that if he is rejected ( which he should be) how can he possible serve in the capacity as a superior court judge in the future? Second to this is how will this botched nomination impact Governor Rell in Hispanic and Black communities which typically vote Democratic but have embraced her after the John Rowland resigned.
It is no secret that Governor Rell has transcended race by her solid performance since taking over as Governor. Further proof of this is her thumping of John Destefano in last years election. We urge Governor Rell to withdraw this nomination.
French FM: Europe Must Play Bigger Role in Iraq
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner says Europe must play a bigger role in Iraq because the United States cannot solve the country's problems alone.Kouchner was speaking to French radio Tuesday from Baghdad, where he held three days of meetings with Iraqi leaders. He is the first senior French official to visit Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.Kouchner called on other European foreign ministers to visit Iraq and said Sweden's top diplomat, Karl Bildt, will make the trip soon.Kouchner says that if Iraq asks for more United Nations assistance, France is ready to help.Former French president Jacques Chirac strongly opposed Washington's military intervention in Iraq and limited France's role in the country.His successor, Nicholas Sarkozy, has said he wants to repair relations with the U.S. that were strained by the Iraq war.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
NO ONE IS BUYING IT
It is a well known fact that the demolition on South Main Street was begun before Mayor Staffieri set foot in the Mayors office. All that he has done is allow the process to proceed. He has kept the city stuck in the same exact unfair development deal and even has sat back and said nothing while cost overruns that should have been the responsibility of the developer were tacked on to the cities bill. No one is buying the continued lie out of city hall that Mayor Staffieri has done anything. The schools have not improved, the police department is still under funded and understaffed, and we have a hole on south main street. What has he done? The answer is nothing and he knows it.
IS THE RIGHT WING CONTROLLING THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
This is a serious question given the make up and the political power of one member in particular. Brad Tobin a former Republican candidate for Mayor and well known Bush supporter is a current member on the Board of Education. What is disturbing is his socially conservative views that are now translating into a dress code that make no senses. Mr. Tobin’s supports the new policy of making students wear scrubs commonly worn by doctors and nurses at Griffin Hospital if they come to school wearing reveling clothing. Now the policy may have come from the Superintendent but Mr. Tobin ever the astute Republican Conservative could not help himself and essentially tied himself to the policy in an article in the Connecticut Post.
We have seen these right wing extremist bypass other reasonable ideas on a national level such as universal healthcare provided by private insurance carriers but administered under a bidding process set up by the federal government that would bring down cost of health care. No can’t do that lets do nothing the Republicans say. In the case of Derby it is clear that the best course of action is to bring back the original dress code that was around for decades. This code essentially called for casual dress pants for boys and girls and prohibited jeans. The code also consisted of dress shirts with collars, no sneakers, no tee shirts.
It was in essence business casual. This would eliminate the issue of reveling tops on young women, baggy and falling down jeans and other stylish expressions that have gotten Mr. Tobin and the extreme Right in a tizzy. No he wants to force the students to wear hospital garb. The original dress code would pass muster to a court challenge because it gives complete freedom of expression just set some reasonable guidelines. Not only that it will take away the discussion from this stupid issue and refocus it on where it should be, on math, science and languages but it will silence Mr. Derby Conservative Brad “I Love Bush” Tobin. Remember the right wing has a master plan. They get people elected to school boards, then build a farm team that runs for higher office. At some point you looking at the ballot and my God there is Brad Tobin for President. Lets pay attention to the true intentions of these people before we actually elect them.
We have seen these right wing extremist bypass other reasonable ideas on a national level such as universal healthcare provided by private insurance carriers but administered under a bidding process set up by the federal government that would bring down cost of health care. No can’t do that lets do nothing the Republicans say. In the case of Derby it is clear that the best course of action is to bring back the original dress code that was around for decades. This code essentially called for casual dress pants for boys and girls and prohibited jeans. The code also consisted of dress shirts with collars, no sneakers, no tee shirts.
It was in essence business casual. This would eliminate the issue of reveling tops on young women, baggy and falling down jeans and other stylish expressions that have gotten Mr. Tobin and the extreme Right in a tizzy. No he wants to force the students to wear hospital garb. The original dress code would pass muster to a court challenge because it gives complete freedom of expression just set some reasonable guidelines. Not only that it will take away the discussion from this stupid issue and refocus it on where it should be, on math, science and languages but it will silence Mr. Derby Conservative Brad “I Love Bush” Tobin. Remember the right wing has a master plan. They get people elected to school boards, then build a farm team that runs for higher office. At some point you looking at the ballot and my God there is Brad Tobin for President. Lets pay attention to the true intentions of these people before we actually elect them.
US Lawmaker Threatens to Hold White House Officials in Contempt
Democratic chairman of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont, has threatened to hold members of the Bush administration in contempt for withholding documents subpoenaed by his panel. The administration did not meet a Monday deadline for handing over information about the legal justification for its wiretapping program.
Senator Leahy says he may seek contempt citations against members of the Bush administration, whom he did not name, if the requested documents are not handed over by the time Congress returns from its recess early next month."I will have no hesitation voting for contempt, if that is what it takes," said Senator Leahy.
The Judiciary Committee on June 27 sent subpoenas to the Justice Department, the National Security Council and the offices of the president and vice president for documents relating to the legal justification for the National Security Agency's surveillance program.
In a letter to Leahy, White House lawyer Fred Fielding said the administration needed more time, but expressed hope that Congress and the White House could reach an accommodation. Leahy said his panel had waited long enough.
"There has been noncompliance," said Patrick Leahy. "There has been dilatory unresponsiveness. It has been almost two months since the service of the subpoenas, three weeks since the time they asked for additional time, and still we have nothing at all."
Leahy said the information his panel is seeking is especially important for lawmakers as they decide whether to make permanent revisions in the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA.
Just before its month-long recess, the Congress approved a temporary overhaul of the law to allow the government to monitor e-mails and phone calls of suspected terrorists overseas and people in the United States without first getting court warrants. The revisions expire in six months.
Leahy said if the administration wants Congress to make the changes permanent, it will have to provide more information about the program.
"For Congress to legislate effectively in this area, it has to have full information about the executive branch's interpretations of FISA," he said. "We should not legislate in the dark while the administration hides behind a fictitious veil of secrecy."
The surveillance program was established after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.
Senator Leahy says he may seek contempt citations against members of the Bush administration, whom he did not name, if the requested documents are not handed over by the time Congress returns from its recess early next month."I will have no hesitation voting for contempt, if that is what it takes," said Senator Leahy.
The Judiciary Committee on June 27 sent subpoenas to the Justice Department, the National Security Council and the offices of the president and vice president for documents relating to the legal justification for the National Security Agency's surveillance program.
In a letter to Leahy, White House lawyer Fred Fielding said the administration needed more time, but expressed hope that Congress and the White House could reach an accommodation. Leahy said his panel had waited long enough.
"There has been noncompliance," said Patrick Leahy. "There has been dilatory unresponsiveness. It has been almost two months since the service of the subpoenas, three weeks since the time they asked for additional time, and still we have nothing at all."
Leahy said the information his panel is seeking is especially important for lawmakers as they decide whether to make permanent revisions in the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA.
Just before its month-long recess, the Congress approved a temporary overhaul of the law to allow the government to monitor e-mails and phone calls of suspected terrorists overseas and people in the United States without first getting court warrants. The revisions expire in six months.
Leahy said if the administration wants Congress to make the changes permanent, it will have to provide more information about the program.
"For Congress to legislate effectively in this area, it has to have full information about the executive branch's interpretations of FISA," he said. "We should not legislate in the dark while the administration hides behind a fictitious veil of secrecy."
The surveillance program was established after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.
THE CLOCK STARTS TOMORROW
On Wednesday a 45 day clock may start to tick away the disgraceful career of State Senator Louis DeLuca, R-Woodbury. As you may recall Senator Deluca approached a well known mobster to threaten his granddaughter's husband. The Senate is required to meet within 10 days and will have 45 days to come to a decision .
They are scheduled to convene at noon Wednesday to create an unprecedented Bipartisan Committee of Review to examine DeLuca's actions and consider a reprimand, censure, expulsion or no action.
The panel will review the public record in the DeLuca case and conduct no investigation, unless it pursues a recommendation of expulsion. The committee at its option can do further examination and investigation and request more resources and would be expected to do so in the case of expulsion.We got to this point when Senator DeLuca, 74, pleaded guilty on June 4 to a misdemeanor charge of conspiring to commit a threat, admitting he had asked a trash hauler, James Galante, to intimidate his granddaughter's husband, whom DeLuca suspected of being abusive. How and why this is a misdemeanor is stunning.
They are scheduled to convene at noon Wednesday to create an unprecedented Bipartisan Committee of Review to examine DeLuca's actions and consider a reprimand, censure, expulsion or no action.
The panel will review the public record in the DeLuca case and conduct no investigation, unless it pursues a recommendation of expulsion. The committee at its option can do further examination and investigation and request more resources and would be expected to do so in the case of expulsion.We got to this point when Senator DeLuca, 74, pleaded guilty on June 4 to a misdemeanor charge of conspiring to commit a threat, admitting he had asked a trash hauler, James Galante, to intimidate his granddaughter's husband, whom DeLuca suspected of being abusive. How and why this is a misdemeanor is stunning.
US Lawmaker Threatens to Hold White House Officials in Contempt
By Deborah Tate
The Democratic chairman of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont, has threatened to hold members of the Bush administration in contempt for withholding documents subpoenaed by his panel. The administration did not meet a Monday deadline for handing over information about the legal justification for its wiretapping program.
Senator Leahy says he may seek contempt citations against members of the Bush administration, whom he did not name, if the requested documents are not handed over by the time Congress returns from its recess early next month."I will have no hesitation voting for contempt, if that is what it takes," said Senator Leahy.The Judiciary Committee on June 27 sent subpoenas to the Justice Department, the National Security Council and the offices of the president and vice president for documents relating to the legal justification for the National Security Agency's surveillance program.In a letter to Leahy, White House lawyer Fred Fielding said the administration needed more time, but expressed hope that Congress and the White House could reach an accommodation.Leahy said his panel had waited long enough."There has been noncompliance," said Patrick Leahy.
"There has been dilatory unresponsiveness. It has been almost two months since the service of the subpoenas, three weeks since the time they asked for additional time, and still we have nothing at all."Leahy said the information his panel is seeking is especially important for lawmakers as they decide whether to make permanent revisions in the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA.Just before its month-long recess, the Congress approved a temporary overhaul of the law to allow the government to monitor e-mails and phone calls of suspected terrorists overseas and people in the United States without first getting court warrants. The revisions expire in six months.
Leahy said if the administration wants Congress to make the changes permanent, it will have to provide more information about the program."For Congress to legislate effectively in this area, it has to have full information about the executive branch's interpretations of FISA," he said. "We should not legislate in the dark while the administration hides behind a fictitious veil of secrecy."The surveillance program was established after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.
The Democratic chairman of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont, has threatened to hold members of the Bush administration in contempt for withholding documents subpoenaed by his panel. The administration did not meet a Monday deadline for handing over information about the legal justification for its wiretapping program.
Senator Leahy says he may seek contempt citations against members of the Bush administration, whom he did not name, if the requested documents are not handed over by the time Congress returns from its recess early next month."I will have no hesitation voting for contempt, if that is what it takes," said Senator Leahy.The Judiciary Committee on June 27 sent subpoenas to the Justice Department, the National Security Council and the offices of the president and vice president for documents relating to the legal justification for the National Security Agency's surveillance program.In a letter to Leahy, White House lawyer Fred Fielding said the administration needed more time, but expressed hope that Congress and the White House could reach an accommodation.Leahy said his panel had waited long enough."There has been noncompliance," said Patrick Leahy.
"There has been dilatory unresponsiveness. It has been almost two months since the service of the subpoenas, three weeks since the time they asked for additional time, and still we have nothing at all."Leahy said the information his panel is seeking is especially important for lawmakers as they decide whether to make permanent revisions in the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA.Just before its month-long recess, the Congress approved a temporary overhaul of the law to allow the government to monitor e-mails and phone calls of suspected terrorists overseas and people in the United States without first getting court warrants. The revisions expire in six months.
Leahy said if the administration wants Congress to make the changes permanent, it will have to provide more information about the program."For Congress to legislate effectively in this area, it has to have full information about the executive branch's interpretations of FISA," he said. "We should not legislate in the dark while the administration hides behind a fictitious veil of secrecy."The surveillance program was established after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.
US Cites Serious Shortcomings in Kazakhstan Election
By David Gollust
The U.S. State Department said Monday there were serious shortcomings in parliamentary elections held Saturday in Kazakhstan that were swept by the ruling party of President Nursultan Nazarbayev. Despite the problems, U.S. officials say there were some signs of progress in the conduct of the vote. VOA's David Gollust reports from the State Department.The United States has joined the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe in its overall criticism of the Kazahk election, in which no opposition candidates won seats in parliament.But it agrees with the OSCE observer mission that the election still represented a modest step forward for democratic development in the oil-rich former Soviet republic.
Official returns from the Saturday election showed the ruling Nur Otan party getting 88 percent of the total vote and winning all 98 contested seats in the lower house of parliament.Neither of the two main opposition parties managed to clear the seven percent vote threshold to gain representation.The final nine seats in the 107-member parliament were chosen by the Assembly of the People, a body entirely appointed by President Nazarbayev, who has run the country since 1989.
At a news briefing, State Department Acting Spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos said the Kazakhstan central election committee had worked to increase transparency and integrity, and that the pre-election campaign period represented progress over previous polling.But Gallegos said U.S. officials agree with the OSCE that the overall process did not fully meet the international standards to which the Kazakh government had committed itself:
"There were serious shortcomings, including legal provisions such as a high threshold of seven percent for party representation in the parliament, the process by which victorious parties chose deputies from their list, and the fact than an unelected body appoints nine of the 107 seats in the lower house of parliament," he said. "So we hope that government of Kazakhstan will address these shortcomings as it continues to reform the elections laws, and promptly and fairly resolves any complaints and appeals related to violations of that law."
Opposition politicians claimed fraud in the vote count and said the ruling party's tally of nearly 90 percent of the vote could not have occurred in a truly free election.The OSCE mission that observed the vote said its monitors found flaws in the vote court in more than 40 percent of the polling stations they visited.The opposition previously held one seat in the parliament.President Nazarbayev was quoted as saying it was unfortunate that none of the opposition parties was able to pass the seven percent barrier, but that the effectiveness of the parliament will not suffer.
The U.S. State Department said Monday there were serious shortcomings in parliamentary elections held Saturday in Kazakhstan that were swept by the ruling party of President Nursultan Nazarbayev. Despite the problems, U.S. officials say there were some signs of progress in the conduct of the vote. VOA's David Gollust reports from the State Department.The United States has joined the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe in its overall criticism of the Kazahk election, in which no opposition candidates won seats in parliament.But it agrees with the OSCE observer mission that the election still represented a modest step forward for democratic development in the oil-rich former Soviet republic.
Official returns from the Saturday election showed the ruling Nur Otan party getting 88 percent of the total vote and winning all 98 contested seats in the lower house of parliament.Neither of the two main opposition parties managed to clear the seven percent vote threshold to gain representation.The final nine seats in the 107-member parliament were chosen by the Assembly of the People, a body entirely appointed by President Nazarbayev, who has run the country since 1989.
At a news briefing, State Department Acting Spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos said the Kazakhstan central election committee had worked to increase transparency and integrity, and that the pre-election campaign period represented progress over previous polling.But Gallegos said U.S. officials agree with the OSCE that the overall process did not fully meet the international standards to which the Kazakh government had committed itself:
"There were serious shortcomings, including legal provisions such as a high threshold of seven percent for party representation in the parliament, the process by which victorious parties chose deputies from their list, and the fact than an unelected body appoints nine of the 107 seats in the lower house of parliament," he said. "So we hope that government of Kazakhstan will address these shortcomings as it continues to reform the elections laws, and promptly and fairly resolves any complaints and appeals related to violations of that law."
Opposition politicians claimed fraud in the vote count and said the ruling party's tally of nearly 90 percent of the vote could not have occurred in a truly free election.The OSCE mission that observed the vote said its monitors found flaws in the vote court in more than 40 percent of the polling stations they visited.The opposition previously held one seat in the parliament.President Nazarbayev was quoted as saying it was unfortunate that none of the opposition parties was able to pass the seven percent barrier, but that the effectiveness of the parliament will not suffer.
Monday, August 20, 2007
IS THE MEDIA BIASED ?
The local papers cover the city government and ignore the Mayoral candidates. Does this mean that the papers are biased towards who ever is in power or is it just how the papers must function in a small city? All we know is that the campaign has received little coverage and it appears that if the papers really looked at the issues at state then the candidates talking about real issues such as Mel Thompson and the Mayor Staffieri would have their views highlighted more often and contrasted. In reality only the Mayor and Mr. Thompson have spoke of anything of note. So why has the Connecticut Post and the New Haven Registered not discussed the difference in policy between these two candidates?
LOCAL DEMOCRATS QUESTION WEISSMAN STRATEGY
Many local Democrats are wondering why three weeks out from a primary that little or no activity has been seen from the Weissman camp. Ms. Weissman the Republican Alderwoman under Mayor Alan Schlesinger who changed parties to become chief of staff to Mayor Marc Garofalo is running in a primary onSeptember 11th against endorsed Democrat John Orazietti.It is widely reported that the Democratic party is in great turmoil and has a clear split between supporters of John Orazietti and Marc Garofalo.
Ms. Weissman’s candidacy is widely viewed as a protest that has substantial momentum among supporters of of Marc Garofalo that may likely result in a primary victory on September 11th.A loss by Orazietti would effectively end his political career as an elected official but leave him on the cities Redevelopment Authority.Ms. Weisman has always been suspect to local Democratic loyalist for her party change but served Mayor Garofalo with loyalty as his chief of staff. Speculation in the City is that the Weissman candidacy is a front for Marc Garofalo to re-enter the political arena through the back door.
Ms. Weissman’s candidacy is widely viewed as a protest that has substantial momentum among supporters of of Marc Garofalo that may likely result in a primary victory on September 11th.A loss by Orazietti would effectively end his political career as an elected official but leave him on the cities Redevelopment Authority.Ms. Weisman has always been suspect to local Democratic loyalist for her party change but served Mayor Garofalo with loyalty as his chief of staff. Speculation in the City is that the Weissman candidacy is a front for Marc Garofalo to re-enter the political arena through the back door.
DICK BELDEN DIES OF HEART ATTACK
Representative Belden the current longest serving state legislator died today. Although he did not represent Derby directly, Representative Belden had many friends across the river from his Shelton home and did contribute any positive legislation that has helped Derby and the entire valley community over his decades of work. He will be missed. We have a written statement issued by the Connecticut Republican Party below.Statement on the Passing of Richard O. Belden
THE CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENTon the passing of REP. DICK BELDEN
“The passing of Richard O. Belden is a tremendous loss to his family, the people of Shelton, the Connecticut Legislature and the State of Connecticut. As the longest continuous serving member of the House in Connecticut history, Dick Belden represented his constituents with determination, hard work and class. “There was no one who took more time being decent and fair to others who crossed his path. Dick Belden embodied the word “service” in everything he did – service to the people who elected him, service to the Republican Party and service to his state and country.
“Dick Belden was a gentleman and a gentle man and there are few who ever had a cross word with him. He could work across party lines, be resolute in his beliefs and always took the time to counsel the next generation of leaders.”“Every Republican joins in expressing their prayers for his wife, Bert, the Belden family and rejoicing in the work of his life. Dick Belden was a true patriot and we are all in his debt for his years of service to the betterment of his community.”
THE CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENTon the passing of REP. DICK BELDEN
“The passing of Richard O. Belden is a tremendous loss to his family, the people of Shelton, the Connecticut Legislature and the State of Connecticut. As the longest continuous serving member of the House in Connecticut history, Dick Belden represented his constituents with determination, hard work and class. “There was no one who took more time being decent and fair to others who crossed his path. Dick Belden embodied the word “service” in everything he did – service to the people who elected him, service to the Republican Party and service to his state and country.
“Dick Belden was a gentleman and a gentle man and there are few who ever had a cross word with him. He could work across party lines, be resolute in his beliefs and always took the time to counsel the next generation of leaders.”“Every Republican joins in expressing their prayers for his wife, Bert, the Belden family and rejoicing in the work of his life. Dick Belden was a true patriot and we are all in his debt for his years of service to the betterment of his community.”
Bush to Meet Leaders of Canada, Mexico in North America Summit
U.S. President George Bush meets the leaders of Canada and Mexico at a Canadian resort Monday for a summit to discuss boosting trade and security cooperation.Mr. Bush will begin the two-day visit to Montebello, Quebec, by holding separate meetings with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Mexican President Felipe Calderon.The meetings are part of a "Security and Prosperity Partnership" launched by the three countries in 2005.
Canadian officials say Mr. Harper will assert Canada's claim to part of the Arctic Ocean. The resource-rich waters also are claimed by Russia, the United States, Norway and Denmark. Organizers say Mr. Bush and Mr. Harper also will discuss the war in Afghanistan, where Canada and the United States have troops.Mr. Bush and Mr. Calderon are expected to focus on immigration and the fight against drug-trafficking.
Canadian police have set up a three-meter high fence around a hotel hosting the summit, where protesters hope to stage demonstrations. Critics of the summit say the negotiations between the three leaders lack transparency and threaten to undermine the rights of ordinary people.
Canadian officials say Mr. Harper will assert Canada's claim to part of the Arctic Ocean. The resource-rich waters also are claimed by Russia, the United States, Norway and Denmark. Organizers say Mr. Bush and Mr. Harper also will discuss the war in Afghanistan, where Canada and the United States have troops.Mr. Bush and Mr. Calderon are expected to focus on immigration and the fight against drug-trafficking.
Canadian police have set up a three-meter high fence around a hotel hosting the summit, where protesters hope to stage demonstrations. Critics of the summit say the negotiations between the three leaders lack transparency and threaten to undermine the rights of ordinary people.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
JERKS
I hesitate to use stronger language than Jerks because I would like parents to feel safe when their teens read this blog. In Danbury recently a group of bloggers exposed a local bigot. Unfortunately our local bigots, idiots, Republican Staffieri supporters have their own blog. I refuse to give the web address and need to point out to them that the way it is set up through another site makes them much harder to find than this site.
Our site is being promoted through direct mail so in due time many more people will be reading and posting so we try to state the facts and keep it civil. We monitor other sites particularly the Republican run, illegally financed Staffieri site just to be able to report on what is going on but they have made us more sick by their unintelligent, racists, sexist, ethnic slurs than happy that they have a point of view to share.
As I stated previously this site is not affiliated with any candidate for mayor but I will not support Tony Staffieri because he has done nothing, kept the same stupid and corrupt people working in city hall that Marc had and is surrounded by bigots that continue to hide behind anonymous postings on a Republican site. The comments aimed at Mel Thompson, the first black fireman this city ever had, the first black candidate for Mayor ever is an embarrassment to the city. This man has done nothing to these people other than run for office while black. He is hated for what he stands for, change.
ALL of those who post hate and cannot give their own names on the Republican blog are Staffieri supporters. They have engaged in attacks against a woman who fell and broke her hip on the greenway by posting her name address and phone number and asking people to call and harass her. According to her Attorney she has received calls. These calls consisted of tactics designed to keep her from suing the city.
The city if at fault should pay the woman for her injuries if not at fault the city should take a stand. What these fools fail to understand is that the rules of practice and the statutory law involving suing municipalities is so strict that it is very hard to even sue a city for get about knowing your going to win. But we are talking about Staffieri supporters.
There is something wrong with these people if they believe that threats, racism and being pissed off at people because they live in East Derby as opposed to West Derby is normal behavior ( people who live in the newer section of town were referred to as bigots because of where they live by one of these scholars). They have only exposed what other towns and people who drive through here already knew. They are short on brains and long on stupidity. I wish John, Dina and Mel well and hope that if not this November then soon someone will shut these morons up. It is a good city we just need to take out this mobster trash.
Our site is being promoted through direct mail so in due time many more people will be reading and posting so we try to state the facts and keep it civil. We monitor other sites particularly the Republican run, illegally financed Staffieri site just to be able to report on what is going on but they have made us more sick by their unintelligent, racists, sexist, ethnic slurs than happy that they have a point of view to share.
As I stated previously this site is not affiliated with any candidate for mayor but I will not support Tony Staffieri because he has done nothing, kept the same stupid and corrupt people working in city hall that Marc had and is surrounded by bigots that continue to hide behind anonymous postings on a Republican site. The comments aimed at Mel Thompson, the first black fireman this city ever had, the first black candidate for Mayor ever is an embarrassment to the city. This man has done nothing to these people other than run for office while black. He is hated for what he stands for, change.
ALL of those who post hate and cannot give their own names on the Republican blog are Staffieri supporters. They have engaged in attacks against a woman who fell and broke her hip on the greenway by posting her name address and phone number and asking people to call and harass her. According to her Attorney she has received calls. These calls consisted of tactics designed to keep her from suing the city.
The city if at fault should pay the woman for her injuries if not at fault the city should take a stand. What these fools fail to understand is that the rules of practice and the statutory law involving suing municipalities is so strict that it is very hard to even sue a city for get about knowing your going to win. But we are talking about Staffieri supporters.
There is something wrong with these people if they believe that threats, racism and being pissed off at people because they live in East Derby as opposed to West Derby is normal behavior ( people who live in the newer section of town were referred to as bigots because of where they live by one of these scholars). They have only exposed what other towns and people who drive through here already knew. They are short on brains and long on stupidity. I wish John, Dina and Mel well and hope that if not this November then soon someone will shut these morons up. It is a good city we just need to take out this mobster trash.
Mortar Attack Kills 12 in Baghdad
Iraqi police say a mortar attack has killed 12 people in mainly Shi'ite eastern Baghdad.They say Sunday's barrage wounded 31 people. Mortar attacks north of the capital Saturday killed seven people.Iraqi President Jalal Talabani met Saturday with representatives of the country's Shi'ite Muslims, Sunni Arabs and Kurds in an attempt to revive national reconciliation efforts and to repair the divided government.Sunni Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi attended the meeting, but was not persuaded to return his Iraqi Accordance Front party to the government.The party withdrew earlier this month from the Cabinet of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
DRESS CODE
The new policy in derby schools is that if a student comes to school dressed inappropriately the they will be issued and required to wear scrubs ( hospital clothing)
I understand this, but is this a good idea bad idea or is this an overreaction in a small town with fake values? Why not a dress code as it was 20, 30, 40 years ago and no stupid uniforms? Would this not resolve the issue? Why this step?
The old code was business casual before such a thing. So why not now? The old dress code was simple and I am missing some of it I am sure but would this not resolve the issue or in this day and age with the cost of clothing is it a financial burden that may not be able to be met? What do you think?
I understand this, but is this a good idea bad idea or is this an overreaction in a small town with fake values? Why not a dress code as it was 20, 30, 40 years ago and no stupid uniforms? Would this not resolve the issue? Why this step?
The old code was business casual before such a thing. So why not now? The old dress code was simple and I am missing some of it I am sure but would this not resolve the issue or in this day and age with the cost of clothing is it a financial burden that may not be able to be met? What do you think?
DELAURO WORKS TO PROTECT DERBY CHILDREN
Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) sought answers on how the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Mattel, as well as other toy companies, will strengthen toy safety regulations to ensure the safety of the toys with which our children play. The two letters were sent to CSPC Chairman Nancy Nord and Mattel Chairman and CEO Robert A. Eckert following the expansion of the Mattel 1.5 million toy recall to an additional 436,000 toys because of lead-based paint contamination.Similar letters will also be sent to other toy companies that do business with the Chinese toy maker identified as the source of some of the lead-tainted toys.“With multiple toy recalls because of lead-based paint contamination, it is incumbent upon the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Mattel, in addition to the other toy manufacturers, take steps to ensure that harmful products never reach our children.
They must begin extensive examinations into their current process to identify the weaknesses and devise a product safety system that truly prioritizes the safety and well-being of our children. That includes setting standards for vendors to ensure the safety of all components and ingredients used in the production of toys,” said DeLauro.“With a multitude of products and ingredients made in China being recalled over the past months, we cannot rely on the Chinese to strengthen their safety regulations and must implement precautionary measures here.
Simultaneously, we need to work with China to strengthen their safety regulations, as they have a responsibility to act if they want to be considered an adequate trading partner. Trade cannot trump public health.”
Click here to view the letter sent to the Consumer Product Safety CommissionClick here to view the letter sent to Mattel, Inc.
Below is the text of the two letters.
August 17, 2007
The Honorable Nancy A. Nord
Acting ChairmanU.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
4330 East West HighwayBethesda , MD 20814
Dear Chairman Nord:
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the recent series of defective products manufactured in China and also to seek answers to some key questions on behalf of the American consumer and families.Just this week, Mattel, the world’s biggest toymaker, announced that its latest recall because of lead-based paint contamination of 1.5 million toys has been expanded by approximately 436,000 total lead-contaminated toys, 253,000 of which are in the United States . Moreover, in the last few months we have seen the recall of nearly 1 million units of popular Fisher-Price toys (including popular Elmo, Ernie, and Dora the Explorer figurines) and 1.5 million units of Thomas & Friends trains and accessories—all because of lead paint.Given there have been 44 toy recalls this year, these latest recalls merely highlight the need for the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to institute more stringent product safety requirements for imported products. Even more so considering a disproportionate amount of these products are being manufactured in China —where safety precautions are basically non-existent.Although I am disappointed at the length of time it has taken your agency to pursue serious discussions to bolster product safety regulations, I am pleased to hear that you are working with the Toy Industry Association to make safety testing mandatory for all toy products.I ask that you share the developments of these deliberations, and in addition, I would appreciate responses to the following questions:1. Why has it taken this long to pursue a requirement for toy safety testing?2. What are the details of this requirement?3. Being cognizant of the different vendors involved with producing anyone toy, will safety standards extend to all of the components andingredients used?Furthermore, as a member of the Appropriations Committee, I was proud to increase funding for the CPSC in the Financial Services Appropriations bill that recently passed the House. As you know, the legislation includes $66.8 million for FY 2008, which is $4.11 above last year’s allocation and $3.588 more than the president’s budget request. In what ways will your agency use this nearly 7 percent increase in funding to strengthen product safety?Like you, I believe that safety should always be a number one priority. We need to be able to trust the safety of the toys in the hands of our children. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Rosa L. DeLauro
Member of Congress
August 17, 2007
Robert A. EckertChairman & Chief Executive OfficerMattel, Inc.
333 Continental Boulevard
El Segundo , CA 90245
Dear Mr. Eckert:
I am writing to express my concerns regarding your company’s recent recall of toys imported from China found to have been contaminated with lead-paint as well as to seek answers to some key questions on behalf of the American consumer and families.As the recall of 1.5 million toys is expanded by approximately 436,000 total lead-contaminated toys, 253,000 of which are in the U.S. , it is critical that Mattel take every effort to prevent these unsafe toys from getting in the hands of our country’s children.While I appreciate your instituting new procedures, I am asking you to start by taking full responsibility for your operations, including all your subcontractors and their vendors. New procedures will not work without a new attitude.For the future, you must re-examine your own product safety monitoring system to require all vendors that you contract with to incorporate product safety testing regimes that ensure the safety of their children. It is also critical that you work with the Consumer Product Safety Commission to develop a long-term solution.Additionally, recent news reports have maintained that one of your European retail partners noticed lead paint on some of its toys in July. In response, you began an extensive investigation of the toys in your distribution chain and of the contract manufacturers that produce half of the toys. Taking this into consideration, I would appreciate responses to the following questions to help shed light on why these lead-contaminated toys were not discovered earlier and on actions your company is taking to prevent future recalls:· What were the results of July’s extensive investigation?· Do you plan to share them?· How come the Consumer Product Safety Commission was not informed of these results?· Are there any future investigations in your plans?· Do you think the trade agreements that we currently operate under need to take accountof a breakdown like we are seeing in China ?Since 65 percent of your toys are being made in China , it is especially important that you set new policies that make inspecting every imported product for safety as standard practice. Being cognizant of the different vendors involved with producing any one toy, these safety standards should also extend to all of the components and ingredients used and in doing so, families can be assured of the safety of their children’s toys. We can not afford to simply wait for China to take action. Instead, I ask you to address the problem proactively so that harmful products never reach our store shelves.Like you, I believe that the safety of children should always be a number one priority. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Rosa L. DeLauro
Member of Congress
They must begin extensive examinations into their current process to identify the weaknesses and devise a product safety system that truly prioritizes the safety and well-being of our children. That includes setting standards for vendors to ensure the safety of all components and ingredients used in the production of toys,” said DeLauro.“With a multitude of products and ingredients made in China being recalled over the past months, we cannot rely on the Chinese to strengthen their safety regulations and must implement precautionary measures here.
Simultaneously, we need to work with China to strengthen their safety regulations, as they have a responsibility to act if they want to be considered an adequate trading partner. Trade cannot trump public health.”
Click here to view the letter sent to the Consumer Product Safety CommissionClick here to view the letter sent to Mattel, Inc.
Below is the text of the two letters.
August 17, 2007
The Honorable Nancy A. Nord
Acting ChairmanU.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
4330 East West HighwayBethesda , MD 20814
Dear Chairman Nord:
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the recent series of defective products manufactured in China and also to seek answers to some key questions on behalf of the American consumer and families.Just this week, Mattel, the world’s biggest toymaker, announced that its latest recall because of lead-based paint contamination of 1.5 million toys has been expanded by approximately 436,000 total lead-contaminated toys, 253,000 of which are in the United States . Moreover, in the last few months we have seen the recall of nearly 1 million units of popular Fisher-Price toys (including popular Elmo, Ernie, and Dora the Explorer figurines) and 1.5 million units of Thomas & Friends trains and accessories—all because of lead paint.Given there have been 44 toy recalls this year, these latest recalls merely highlight the need for the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to institute more stringent product safety requirements for imported products. Even more so considering a disproportionate amount of these products are being manufactured in China —where safety precautions are basically non-existent.Although I am disappointed at the length of time it has taken your agency to pursue serious discussions to bolster product safety regulations, I am pleased to hear that you are working with the Toy Industry Association to make safety testing mandatory for all toy products.I ask that you share the developments of these deliberations, and in addition, I would appreciate responses to the following questions:1. Why has it taken this long to pursue a requirement for toy safety testing?2. What are the details of this requirement?3. Being cognizant of the different vendors involved with producing anyone toy, will safety standards extend to all of the components andingredients used?Furthermore, as a member of the Appropriations Committee, I was proud to increase funding for the CPSC in the Financial Services Appropriations bill that recently passed the House. As you know, the legislation includes $66.8 million for FY 2008, which is $4.11 above last year’s allocation and $3.588 more than the president’s budget request. In what ways will your agency use this nearly 7 percent increase in funding to strengthen product safety?Like you, I believe that safety should always be a number one priority. We need to be able to trust the safety of the toys in the hands of our children. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Rosa L. DeLauro
Member of Congress
August 17, 2007
Robert A. EckertChairman & Chief Executive OfficerMattel, Inc.
333 Continental Boulevard
El Segundo , CA 90245
Dear Mr. Eckert:
I am writing to express my concerns regarding your company’s recent recall of toys imported from China found to have been contaminated with lead-paint as well as to seek answers to some key questions on behalf of the American consumer and families.As the recall of 1.5 million toys is expanded by approximately 436,000 total lead-contaminated toys, 253,000 of which are in the U.S. , it is critical that Mattel take every effort to prevent these unsafe toys from getting in the hands of our country’s children.While I appreciate your instituting new procedures, I am asking you to start by taking full responsibility for your operations, including all your subcontractors and their vendors. New procedures will not work without a new attitude.For the future, you must re-examine your own product safety monitoring system to require all vendors that you contract with to incorporate product safety testing regimes that ensure the safety of their children. It is also critical that you work with the Consumer Product Safety Commission to develop a long-term solution.Additionally, recent news reports have maintained that one of your European retail partners noticed lead paint on some of its toys in July. In response, you began an extensive investigation of the toys in your distribution chain and of the contract manufacturers that produce half of the toys. Taking this into consideration, I would appreciate responses to the following questions to help shed light on why these lead-contaminated toys were not discovered earlier and on actions your company is taking to prevent future recalls:· What were the results of July’s extensive investigation?· Do you plan to share them?· How come the Consumer Product Safety Commission was not informed of these results?· Are there any future investigations in your plans?· Do you think the trade agreements that we currently operate under need to take accountof a breakdown like we are seeing in China ?Since 65 percent of your toys are being made in China , it is especially important that you set new policies that make inspecting every imported product for safety as standard practice. Being cognizant of the different vendors involved with producing any one toy, these safety standards should also extend to all of the components and ingredients used and in doing so, families can be assured of the safety of their children’s toys. We can not afford to simply wait for China to take action. Instead, I ask you to address the problem proactively so that harmful products never reach our store shelves.Like you, I believe that the safety of children should always be a number one priority. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Rosa L. DeLauro
Member of Congress
Friday, August 17, 2007
CORRUPTION
Whether it is a Democrat or Republican going shopping with city or money Derby has always had corrupt politicians. Are the choices we have now Tony, Thompson, John or Dina more or less honest as to their views and what they will do if elected or are they going to go shopping with city money?
The reality is that the Staffieri Administration has appointed a political hack who help run the Mayors campaign in 2005. By appointing Joe Pinto who has no experience with housing issues it looks to be a political pay off. Why hire someone in the midst of a scandal who has no experience running a housing authority?
Secondly, Pinto is widely believed to be the blogger known as the Derby Conservative who allowed racist comments to be posted until he was threatened with being sued has no moral authority to lead the agency out of a scandal. Needless to say the Derby Conservative web site is gone. Now this political hack that is suspect for his alleged beliefs is running a housing authority that has strict rules against racism due to the federal money that supports it.
To compound this appointment, Mr. Pinto is not putting an end to the same conference held at a casino where disgraced former authority head Neil Dorso is alleged to have received a $200 plus message then charged this and other personal items to the city.
Now a relative of Alderman Ken Hughes is not only on the housing authority ( no housing experience) but is going to go to the same conference where the alleged massage occurred on Mr. Dorso. These people have no housing experience and nor political skills if they believe that allowing another visit to a casino for a “housing conference” is going to go over in this city.
Mayor Staffieri is receiving bad advice and should take his own stand and remove these people, forbid conference at casinos and pursue every dime from Dorso including the money he is still being paid for no good reason on this so called “leave”.
This is the tip of the corruption iceberg in this city and the Mayor in all fairness walked into to an office that has been a pool of corrupt political deals. Mr. Staffieri deserves the benefit of the doubt but he should change the culture of corruption by making a stand on this issue and remove Joe Pinto who has no business, experience or moral authority to dictate to anyone.
The reality is that the Staffieri Administration has appointed a political hack who help run the Mayors campaign in 2005. By appointing Joe Pinto who has no experience with housing issues it looks to be a political pay off. Why hire someone in the midst of a scandal who has no experience running a housing authority?
Secondly, Pinto is widely believed to be the blogger known as the Derby Conservative who allowed racist comments to be posted until he was threatened with being sued has no moral authority to lead the agency out of a scandal. Needless to say the Derby Conservative web site is gone. Now this political hack that is suspect for his alleged beliefs is running a housing authority that has strict rules against racism due to the federal money that supports it.
To compound this appointment, Mr. Pinto is not putting an end to the same conference held at a casino where disgraced former authority head Neil Dorso is alleged to have received a $200 plus message then charged this and other personal items to the city.
Now a relative of Alderman Ken Hughes is not only on the housing authority ( no housing experience) but is going to go to the same conference where the alleged massage occurred on Mr. Dorso. These people have no housing experience and nor political skills if they believe that allowing another visit to a casino for a “housing conference” is going to go over in this city.
Mayor Staffieri is receiving bad advice and should take his own stand and remove these people, forbid conference at casinos and pursue every dime from Dorso including the money he is still being paid for no good reason on this so called “leave”.
This is the tip of the corruption iceberg in this city and the Mayor in all fairness walked into to an office that has been a pool of corrupt political deals. Mr. Staffieri deserves the benefit of the doubt but he should change the culture of corruption by making a stand on this issue and remove Joe Pinto who has no business, experience or moral authority to dictate to anyone.
HEY JOE WHAT ABOUT BRADLEY SCHOOL
Our State Senator Joe Crisco obtained $10,000 for New Playground at Dunbar Hill Elementary School in Hamden. That is great but while this was going on our own city was depending on parents to fix up the playground at the Bradley Elementary School. The entire political process has failed the neighborhood around the school when the Mayor and Alderman can’t even get our State Senator to do for us what he did for Hamden.This shows a lack of leadership on the part of Alderman Ken Hughes (who has the school in his ward) and Mayor Anthony Staffieri not to mention Senator Crisco who once again is taking his reelection for granted. The third ward is notorious for independence and this explains why the parents have stepped in. However if there had been any leadership in City Hall at a minimum $2,500 could have been received from the state if Crisco had worked as hard for Derby as he did for Hamden.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
ELVIS
Thirty years ago today Elvis died. I remember those famous words “ladies and gentlemen Elvis has left the building” being joke punch lines then and now. Well many Democrats and Republicans have not left the party building but are running as independents this year. Never before have I seen this happen in bulk is this a sign of things to come and if so what effect will it have on party politics in Derby going forward?
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
IS LINDA GENTILE REAL?
Is it political show or is she really concerned about Derby bridges ? All of a sudden a bridge collapses in another state killing many and saddening us all but where was Representative Gentiles “concern” prior to that tragic accident? Is there any one you would like to see run against her in a Democratic primary in 2008 because I would. Please give us names because we want to forward them on to the DTC.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
WHY THIS SITE WAS BORN
Many good people in this town voted for our new Mayor Anthony Staffieri. In all honesty like 96% of the people in this town I am a Democrat but voted Republican only to send my old school chum Marc Garofalo in to retirement. I will not vote Republican in the next election and I am waiting to see who wins the Democratic primary between John Orazietti and Dina Weissman to consider if I want to vote Democratic or Democratic for a Independent who is a Democrat Mel Thompson. I don’t know and am looking for suggestions.
Now Marc Garofalo is a great guy but he was surrounded by let us say the least intelligent of our citizens. The cast he surrounded himself with destroyed a promising career and resulted in the Democrats loosing all but one seat in a Democratic city.
I am not ashamed of my vote for Mayor Anthony Staffieri ( Tony as we all know him) but I am ashamed of the job or lack there is he is doing. I am also ashamed of the fact that he is keeping company with the same people who did not have Marc’s or the cities interest at heart. There is another blog run by Republicans as a propaganda machine for Tony. We started this site to provide balance and a more reserved place where you can post without having to be nice to Tony. We are not going to be nice to Tony or any politician but we are going to be fair. Post away, respect each other and have fun.
Now Marc Garofalo is a great guy but he was surrounded by let us say the least intelligent of our citizens. The cast he surrounded himself with destroyed a promising career and resulted in the Democrats loosing all but one seat in a Democratic city.
I am not ashamed of my vote for Mayor Anthony Staffieri ( Tony as we all know him) but I am ashamed of the job or lack there is he is doing. I am also ashamed of the fact that he is keeping company with the same people who did not have Marc’s or the cities interest at heart. There is another blog run by Republicans as a propaganda machine for Tony. We started this site to provide balance and a more reserved place where you can post without having to be nice to Tony. We are not going to be nice to Tony or any politician but we are going to be fair. Post away, respect each other and have fun.
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