Soros Supporting Foes of ‘American Supremacy’

The 2004 US presidential election will be a referendum on the Bush doctrine of preemptive military action, George Soros, the financier and philanthropist declared today.

--London Guardian--

Will Democrats who accept his support acknowledge that they approve of Soros' assault on American Supremacy? Will the media ask them the question? Stay tuned. - Ed.

Pakistan Warns U.S. About Crossing Border

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - A hard-line Islamic coalition warned Friday that Pakistani tribesmen might open fire on American troops if the United States extends a planned spring offensive against Afghan rebels into Pakistan.

--Newsday--

Kerry Says Threat of Terrorism is Exaggerated

GREENVILLE, S.C. - Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts said during last night's Democratic presidential debate that the threat of terrorism has been exaggerated.

--Washington Times--

Since it's almost impossible to EXACTLY estimate the threat of terrorism, all other possibilities consist of exaggerating it or under-estimating it. Kerry, by his statement, is declaring that he is NOT going to exaggerate it, but the implication is that he MAY err the other way by overly downplaying it.

The question arises, then, is it better to have a president who exaggerates the threat or one who under-estimates it? - Ed.

Kerry Rivals Assail Remarks on Abortion, South

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Senator John F. Kerry, facing the increased attention that comes with front-runner status, came under multiple attacks yesterday from rival Democrats over his recent remarks on abortion and winning Southern votes, while top Republicans assailed him as soft on national security.

--Boston Globe--

Kerry said he opposes abortion as an “article of [his Catholic] faith,” but opposes legislating his beliefs because of “separation of church and state.” Wouldn't it be much better if people got past the “faith” thing and intellectualized their opposition? Then, there would be no problem with “legislating” it. - Ed.

McCain Calls for Probe Into Intel Errors

WASHINGTON - Parting company with many of his fellow Republicans, Sen. John McCain said Thursday he wants an independent commission to take a sweeping look at recent intelligence failures.

--Las Vegas Sun (AP)--

McCain should know better. The problem with his position is that it pre-supposes that the intelligence was wrong. The jury's still out on that. He could advocate an investigation while maintaining objectivity, but that's not what he did. - Ed.

Look Whose Life Bush Destroyed

While doing a search on the Web today we came across this fascinating “letter” posted on e-thepeople.org. Take a gander:

--NewsMax.com--

Eliminate Arts Funding, Conservatives Tell Bush

President Bush has once again antagonized his fiscally conservative base, this time by proposing a 15 percent budget hike for the National Endowment for the Arts.

--CNSNews.com--

FEC Curbs ‘Endorsement’ Ads

President Bush will have a more difficult time appearing in advertisements for other candidates this fall under a ruling announced yesterday by the Federal Elections Commission.

--Washington Post--

Motives Questioned in Public Release of Limbaugh Records

The Florida Attorney General's Office has challenged the motives of prosecutors in Palm Beach County who released confidential plea negotiations in the Rush Limbaugh investigation, saying the prosecutors misrepresented advice received in order to make the information public.

--Washington Times--

‘What Chutzpah! On A Day We Are Receiving Caskets!’

JERUSALEM - On a day when Israel and Hizballah are swapping prisoners -- Israel freeing hundreds of live Palestinians in exchange for a single Israeli businessman and the bodies of three Israeli soldiers -- terrorists decided to blow up an Israeli bus, timing that particularly offended witnesses to Thursday's terror attack.

--CNSNews.com--

Iraq Minister Says Saddam's WMD Carefully Hidden

SOFIA - Iraq's foreign minister said on Thursday Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction, which inspectors have failed to find, were carefully hidden but Hoshiyar Zebari said he was confident they could be discovered.

--My Way News (Reuters)--

John Kerry - Having it Both Ways

Rather than take a side - albeit the one he thought was most expedient - Kerry actually stood on both sides of the first Gulf war, much like he did this time around.

--The New Republic--

Read this! It's hilarious! - Ed.

Morris: Kerry Likely to Tap Hillary for VP

If Sen. John Kerry winds up as the Democratic nominee next summer, the first phone call he's likely to make is to Sen. Hillary Clinton - to ask her to be his running mate.

--NewsMax.com--

I wonder if he realizes how his life would be in danger if he won. - Ed.

Kennedy Touts Kerry in Chappaquiddick Flashback

In touting Democratic presidential front-runner John Kerry's war heroics yesterday, Sen. Ted Kennedy swerved dangerously close to his own past when he bragged about how Kerry would never leave anyone behind to drown.

--NewsMax.com--

Dean Dumps Campaign Manager

Democrat Howard Dean shook up his faltering bid for the White House on Wednesday, replacing his campaign manager with a longtime associate of former Vice President Al Gore.

--CBS News (AP)--

Rumor has it that just a few days ago, Dean promised that he wasn't going to make changes on his staff. If this is true, it definitely falls under the new Democrat definition of “lying.” - Ed.

Illegals Rise 15% Since Bush Plan

Confirming the worst fears of those who oppose President Bush's plans to change immigration laws, U.S. Border Patrol officials report a 15 percent increase in the use of fraudulent documents at the world's busiest land border crossing.

--WorldNetDaily.com--

Security Program Collars Criminals

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's new program to fingerprint and photograph certain foreign visitors has snagged at least 30 wanted criminals in its first three weeks of existence, a senior official told a House panel yesterday.

--Washington Post--

Bush to seek big budget increase for National Endowment for the Arts

WASHINGTON - President Bush will seek a big increase in the budget of the National Endowment for the Arts, the largest single source of support for the arts in the United States, administration officials said on Wednesday.

--Atlanta Journal-Constitution (NY Times)--

Roger Kimball on National Review Online makes a case for this increase because “things have changed” at the NEA. I disagree. It doesn't matter who's running the agency, there will always be a First Amendment problem when the government gets into the business of subsidizing any form of expression, including artistic expression. - Ed.

Roy Black Calls for Probe of Rush Prosecutors

Florida attorney Roy Black is calling for a special investigation into possible felonies committed by the Palm Beach state attorney's office during its probe of “doctor shopping” allegations against top radio host Rush Limbaugh.

--NewsMax.co--

Golf Gives up the Secrets of Life

The answer to one of the most profound questions confronting humanity might have been found in the murky depths of a water trap at a bayside golf course.

--Brisbane Courier-Mail--

Iraqi Government Docs: Saddam Bribed France

Saddam Hussein used oil to bribe French officials into opposing the U.S.-led war against Iraq, according to documents purportedly from the ousted Baghdad regime's oil ministry.

--WorldNetDaily.com--

Bin Laden in Custody by Christmas

The US-led coalition in Afghanistan is confident of capturing al-Qaeda terror network chief Osama bin Laden, who has long eluded determined efforts to catch him, by the end of the year, a US military spokesman said today.

--Agence France-Presse--

Iraq Pilgrims to Thank God (and U.S.) for Saddam's Fall

Joyful Iraqi pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia on Sunday said they would thank God for ending the rule of Saddam Hussain in prayers during Haj pilgrimage but other Arabs were thinking of the US occupation.

--Gulf News--

Sabato: Hate Is the Issue, and Bush Can't Ignore It

The University of Virginia's Larry Sabato, one of the nation's most potent political prognosticators, says that hate is the common denominator driving the Democrats this year and that the Bush campaign must pay attention or suffer.

--NewsMax.com--

Bush Wins NH GOP Primary

MANCHESTER, N.H. - President George W. Bush had competition -- none of it well known - in Tuesday's little-mentioned New Hampshire Republican primary.

--CNSNews.com--

The news media have reported the numbers of votes the Democrat candidates received, but acted as if there was no Republican primary. Interestingly, even this story doesn't tell how many votes Bush garnered. That's an important piece of information. - Ed.

Conservative Critics Wrong on Kerry War Charge? Not Exactly

A widely circulated report yesterday implicating Democratic presidential front-runner John Kerry in Vietnam war crimes turns out to be wrong, New York Daily News “Lowdown” columnist Lloyd Grove insists today.

--NewsMax.com--

Tuesday, Rush Limbaugh cited the “wrong” report from intellectualconservative.com, apparently thinking it was accurate. However, within a few minutes, he realized the error and corrected it. That didn't stop Ron Kuby from saying, the next morning, the Rush had repeated the erroneous story without adding that Rush had backtracked. Incidentally, the site seems to have removed the erroneous story and makes no mention of it. - Ed.

Edwards Dodges ‘Junk Science’ Allegations

MANCHESTER, N.H. - Sen. John Edwards, the North Carolina Democrat who finished fourth in Tuesday's presidential primary in New Hampshire, refused to answer allegations that he had used “junk science” in part to win hugely lucrative legal judgments or settlements against the medical profession.

--CNSNews.com--

Prosecutor Rebuked Over Release of Limbaugh Documents

The state Attorney General's Office rebuked a Palm Beach County prosecutor Wednesday for allegedly misrepresenting conversations between the two agencies to make it appear the AG had endorsed releasing sensitive plea-bargain documents about Rush Limbaugh to the public.

--Miami Herald--

Most Flexible Electronic Paper Yet Revealed

There are many projects aiming to develop “electronic paper”. Such a display could, for example, be used create a fully updatable newspaper which could rolled up into a coat pocket. Flexible displays could also be used to create new mobile phones and other easily collapsible gadgets.

--New Scientist--

Deaniacs Threaten Kerry With ‘Body Blows’

Perhaps John Kerry shouldn't have removed his cup after that rigged hockey photo opportunity: Howard Dean's campaign is warning him to prepare for injuries.

--NewsMax.com--

Better watch out, Sen. Kerry. Those short guys can get pretty belligerent. - Ed.

Dean in Slap at ‘Neutral’ McAuliffe

Second-place New Hampshire primary finisher Howard Dean blew off a directive from Democratic National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe Tuesday night, after McAuliffe urged that any candidate who hadn't won a primary race by next week should consider dropping out.

--NewsMax.com--

German Mediator Paid for Prisoner Exchange With ‘Jewish Blood’

Jerusalem - Germany's mediation efforts to arrange a prisoner swap between Israel and Hizballah were not entirely neutral since Germany gets one of its own citizens out of the deal, the mother of a terrorist victim said on Tuesday.

--CNSNews.com--

Bush's Secret Weapon: Young Voters

Though it's not clear who they'll vote for, most 18- to 29-year-olds say for now, they?re behind both the president and the war in Iraq.

--Newsweek/MSNBC--

Chiefs of Police: Border Security a Sham

The National Association of Chiefs of Police claims national border security is a “sham” and the lack of controls by the federal government is rewarding criminals.

--WorldNetDaily.com--

Kay: Bush Was Right to Attack Iraq

Critics of the Bush administration have seized on Iraq weapons hunter David Kay's pronouncement over the weekend that Baghdad didn't have any WMDs immediately before the U.S. attacked last March.

--NewsMax.com--

Consumer Confidence Rises in January

NEW YORK - A closely watched gauge of consumer sentiment rose in January, with Americans' increasing confidence in the economy tempered only by doubts about jobs, an industry group reported Tuesday.

--WTOP Radio Network (AP)--

Dean Pushed ‘Smart Card’ IDs

Despite his campaign assurances that as president he would protect personal privacy, Democratic candidate Howard Dean, less than two years ago, advocated "smart card" IDs for all Americans and pushed a requirement that PCs include card readers to assure a user's identity before going online.

--WorldNetDaily.com--

Wild Man Franken Assaults Dean Critic

The Democratic Party's official talk radio host got violent yesterday in an altercation he described as an effort to protect free speech.

--NewsMax.com--

DNC Chases ‘GLBT’ Vote

The Democratic National Committee is launching a “Pride at the Polls” campaign aimed at increasing “the visibility and political power of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.”

--CNSNews.com--

Case for Iraq War Stronger Than Ever

Chief weapons of mass destruction hunter David Kay's pronouncement over the weekend that he doesn't think the U.S. will ever find Iraq's WMD stockpiles has all but demolished the Bush administration's central justification for the Iraq war. But ...

--NewsMax.com--

The most compelling criticism of past adminstrations has been that they treated terrorism as a “crime” issue. That gives international terrorists in a better position than common criminals, since common criminals are subject to reasonable searches, and witnesses can be compelled to testify against them. Not only that, a common suspected criminal can be arrested based on probable cause, i.e., sufficient evidence to present to a jury for determination of guilt or innocence. What the critics of the Iraq war, which essentially was the execution of an “arrest warrant” for Saddam Hussein, are demanding is that “arresting” a suspected terrorist requires absolute proof. If they want to treat terrorism like crime, the least they could do is put terrorists and tyrants on the same level as common criminals. - Ed.

Part of Patriot Act Ruled Unconstitutional

Federal judge strikes down portion that bars giving advice to terror groups.

--My Way News (AP)--

I think it's just a little strange that one judge rules against a bar on giving “advice” to terrorists, after the Supreme Court just ruled that it is constitutional to bar giving advice to voters by some groups! - Ed.

Ex-Inspector Says C.I.A. Missed Disarray in Iraqi Arms Program

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25 - American intelligence agencies failed to detect that Iraq's unconventional weapons programs were in a state of disarray in recent years under the increasingly erratic leadership of Saddam Hussein, the C.I.A.`s former chief weapons inspector said in an interview late Saturday.

--New York Times--

If Saddam Hussein thought he was violating the U.N. resolutions, but his scientists were stealing the money, does that absolve Hussein from responsibility? - Ed.

Hill Budget Office Sees 10-Year Deficits

WASHINGTON - Federal deficits will total nearly $2.4 trillion over the next decade, the Congressional Budget Office projected Monday, a worsening of nearly $1 trillion since its last forecast in August.

--Las Vegas Sun (AP)--

Question for all candidates: What spending are you willing to cut? - Ed.

Vietnam Veteran Exposes Kerry's ‘Phony’ Anti-war Testimony

More and more facts are surfacing about the untrue claims John Kerry made as an anti-war activist after returning as a hero from Vietnam.

--NewsMax.com--

Dean Hits Kerry's Judgment, Raises ‘Dirty Tricks’

NASHUA, N.H. - Democratic presidential hopeful Howard Dean on Monday questioned chief rival John Kerry's judgment on the issue of war and accused unnamed campaigns of engaging in “dirty tricks.”

--My Way News (Reuters)--

Dean Gets Mean - on Live TV

Howard Dean was courting the women's vote at a Women for Dean rally yesterday in Hooksett, N.H., with the help of C-Span cameras carrying the action live.

--WorldNetDaily.com--

I hate to be defending the guy, but I have a feeling that this event is being grossly misinterpreted. - Ed.

Human Rights Watch: Ousting Saddam ‘No Cause for War’

The group asked why George Bush and Tony Blair did not try remove Saddam Hussein much earlier.

--BBC News--

Huh?! Do they mean better never than late? - Ed.

TSA's Email Threat ‘Last Straw’ for Congressman

A sponsor of the anti-terrorism legislation aimed at arming commercial airline pilots against hijackers says a threatening email uncovered as part of a CNSNews.com investigation into the implementation of that program, is “the final straw.”

--CNSNews.com--

Kerry's ‘Joke’ Could Haunt Him

Sen. John Kerry got to be the leading candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination through a series of embarrassing verbal gaffes by his major opponent, Howard Dean. But Kerry has made his share of mistakes in the past.

--WorldNetDaily.com--

Early Kerry: Disband CIA, Put U.S. Troops Under U.N. Control

As he builds his lead with New Hampshire voters leading up to Tuesday's Democratic primary, Sen. John Kerry is no doubt hoping that copies of an old interview he gave during his first congressional race don't suddenly turn up.

--NewsMax.com--

Dean Says Iraqis Lived Better Under Saddam

Democrat Howard Dean has touched off a new flap heading into tomorrow's New Hampshire primary by claiming that the living standard for Iraqis is “a whole lot worse” since a U.S.-led force toppled Saddam.

--New York Post--

When a candidate for president doesn't consider freedom an important factor in “living standard,” you'd better beware if he says he wants to raise yours. - Ed.

Filling Saddam's ‘Spider Hole’ Puzzles Iraqis

Iraqis have reacted with a mixture of bemusement and annoyance to plans by the US military to fill in the spider hole where Saddam Hussein was captured.

--London Telegraph--

It puzzles me too. What's wrong with tourist attractions? - Ed.

Clark: Michael Moore a ‘Man of Conscience’

Eight days after his most prominent supporter falsely accused President Bush of being a military “deserter,” Gen. Wesley Clark again declined an opportunity to condemn the bogus charge, maintaining, as he has since Thursday, that he hasn't examined the allegation.

--NewsMax.com--

We already reported the debunking of the “deserter” myth. - Ed.

Republicans Gaining Support Among Jewish Voters

When Dr. Joel Policzer voted for George W. Bush in 2000, the long-time Democrat felt he had done “something forbidden, like the first cigarette, the first drink.”

--South Florida Sun-Sentinel--

Bush Seeking to Limit Malpractice Awards

President Bush is trying to resuscitate a measure to place nationwide caps on medical malpractice awards, a move he has made a centerpiece of his election-year focus on health care.

--ABC News--

This will make a great campaign issue, ,especially if John Edwards is the Democrat candidate. - Ed.

Republican Lawmakers Won't Back Bush on Immigration

Republican lawmakers who generally back President Bush are not backing him on immigration. In fact, they want their leaders to know they have “serious concerns” about President Bush's proposed immigration policy.

--CNSNews.com--

Bailiffs Seize Church

Bailiffs have seized a church in Poland after a court ruled it should be sold to pay damages to a young woman injured when a tree fell on her in the cemetery.

--Ananova--

MikeRoweSoft and Microsoft Come to Terms

MikeRoweSoft.com will soon fade from the Internet.

--The (Vancouver) Province--

Bush ‘Desertion’ Charge Debunked

Did President Bush “desert” the military, as radical filmmaker Michael Moore insists he did?

--NewsMax.com--

Left Jab: GOP Throws Liberal Label at Front-running Kerry

MANCHESTER, N.H. - With President Bush set to swoop into New Hampshire next week, the GOP yesterday rolled out a potential 2004 attack line - branding high-flying Democratic front-runner Sen. John F. Kerry as a far-left liberal.

--Boston Herald--

Kerry Slept in Georgetown While Vietnam Buddies Camped Out

During Thursday night's debate, Democratic presidential front-runner John Kerry had his best moment when he was challenged over the major anti-war protest he organized in 1971 after returning from Vietnam.

--NewsMax.com--

Will Soros panic market to defeat Bush?

The idea was floated first by former Treasury secretary Robert Rubin, now the chairman of Citigroup. Unless Congress scales back the Bush tax cuts, he argues in a new study, U.S. government budget deficits could lead to a crisis of confidence in the dollar and the stock market and potentially staggering losses for investors.

--WorldNetDaily.com--

Kay: Saddam's WMD hidden in Syria

David Kay, the former head of the coalition's hunt for Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, yesterday claimed that part of Saddam Hussein's secret weapons programme was hidden in Syria.

--London Telegraph--

Dean: I Would Have Toppled Saddam Using Different Tactics

Former Democratic presidential front-runner Howard Dean said Friday that he if he were president, Saddam Hussein would have relinquished power by now without the U.S. firing a shot.

--NewsMax.com--

What I find baffling in this story is that Dean says, “I would not have begrudged George Bush's father from going all the way to Baghdad and getting rid of Saddam.” He acknowledges that, since we were “at war” with Hussein's regime, this was an acceptable alternative. But he ignores the fact that the war did not end in surrender, but a “cease fire,” based on certain conditions. The United States only had an obligation to abide by the cease fire as long as the conditions were being met. Since they were not, the cease fire was null and void. - Ed.

Kay Replacement Corroborated Iraq-9/11 Link

The investigator picked by the CIA to replace David Kay as head of the U.S. team in Iraq hunting for weapons of mass destruction has told British reporters that he saw terrorists training near Baghdad in airplane hijack techniques resembling those used in the 9/11 attacks.

--NewsMax.com--

Guard Shot by Man Photographing Chemical Plant

The shooting of an unarmed security guard at a chemical plant here drew the attention of national security officials because the assailant, who spoke with a heavy accent, told the guard he was taking photographs of the plant.

--Houston Chronicle (AP)--

Limbaugh Camp Accuses Prosecutors of Smear Plot

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The release Friday of hundreds of pages of records about the Rush Limbaugh investigation, including plea negotiations, incensed the radio commentator's attorney and brought renewed charges of a smear campaign by prosecutors.

--Contra Costa Times (Cox News Service)--

Union Members Don't Follow Their Bosses, But Their Money Does

During the Iowa caucuses, union members' money flowed to Howard Dean and Dick Gephardt, while they cast their votes for John Kerry and John Edwards.

--CNSNews.com--

Judge Pushes Union Disclosure Rules to July 1

WASHINGTON ? A federal judge on Thursday upheld a new Labor Department regulation requiring unions to disclose more details about their finances but she delayed the effective date to July 1.

--Fox News--

Computer Reportedly Seized from Frist's Office

WASHINGTON - Federal investigators reportedly have seized a staff computer in Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist's office in a probe to find Republican aides who improperly accessed Democrats' memos on opposing judicial nominees.

--Knoxville News-Sentinel--

Isn't it just a bit hypocritical for Democrats to be making such a big stink over a breach of confidentiality, after their attacks on the confidentiality of Cheney's Energy Task Force? - Ed.

John Edwards Breaks Spending Rules in NH

In applying for federal matching funds to help finance his campaign, Dem presidential hopeful John Edwards pledged to adhere to “spending caps” in a letter to the FEC.

--Drudge Report--

Edwards Would Ban Confederate Flags on Public Property

SALEM, N.H. ? Democrat presidential candidate and U.S. Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina, denounced the Confederate flag on Wednesday, Jan. 21, calling it “divisive” and “a symbol of oppression to some Americans.”

--WorldNetDaily.com--

We ban religious displays on public property based on “separation of church and state.” What's Edwards basing this proposal on, “separation of speech and state?” - Ed.

Clark: Moore Has Right to Call Bush a ‘Deserter’

In a response that could turn out to be Gen. Wesley Clark's worst blunder yet on the campaign trail, the presidential hopeful said his supporter, firebrand filmmaker Michael Moore, had a right to call President Bush a military “deserter.”

--NewsMax.com--

It's not surprising that Clark would avoid denouncing Moore's charge. What is surprising is Peter Jennings' characterizing it as “reckless” and “not supported by the facts.” - Ed.

Sharpton to McAuliffe: I Won't Quit, Don't Ask Me

In an announcement guaranteed to give his Democratic rivals heartburn, the Rev. Al Sharpton insisted on Thursday that he's in the presidential race to stay, all the way up to the convention in July.

--NewsMax.com--

Have you considered donating to Sharpton's campaign, or at least lending it your moral support? - Ed.

U.S., Saudis Seek to Freeze Charity's Assets

WASHINGTON - The United States and Saudi Arabia are seeking international support to choke off funding to four branches of a Saudi charity that authorities say diverted money to help bankroll Al Qaeda's terrorist activities.

--Fox News (AP)--

Report: U.S. Denies bin Laden Held

BERLIN - The United States has denied al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden has been captured, Germany's Die Welt newspaper reported Thursday.

--Washington Times (UPI)--

Army Leader: War Brings Chances, Obstacles

FORT POLK, La. - The Army's new leader says his soldiers, while stressed by war on two fronts, are gaining the type of combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan that will make them better warriors.

--Miami Herald (AP)--

Report: Halliburton Workers Took Kickbacks

NEW YORK - Two Halliburton Co. officials accepted up to $6 million in kickbacks from a Kuwaiti company that was awarded contracts to supply U.S. troops in Iraq, according to a newspaper report.

--Fox News (AP)--

Ex-Enron Accounting Chief Is Indicted

HOUSTON - Enron Corp.'s former accounting chief was charged on Thursday with helping engineer “massive fraud” that deceived Wall Street and pumped up Enron stock before its disclosure drove the company into bankruptcy.

--Reuters--

Big Gaffe in Bank of America Mailings

Bank of America on Wednesday acknowledged that it has misdirected tax documents detailing bank account and Social Security information for 3,800 customers primarily in Northern California, leaving clients in fear of identity theft or other crimes.

--Sacramento Bee--

Pro-life Leader Faces Jail for Graphic Images

The leader of a pro-life group faces six months in jail and a $1,000 fine for a large panel truck outfitted with graphic, billboard-sized images of abortion and anti-abortion messages.

--WorldNetDaily.com--

You can be sure that the ACLU will be all over this case. Not! - Ed.

Marchers for Life Present Unified Front Against Abortion

Thousands of pro-life Americans gathered in Washington on Thursday for the 31st annual March for Life, which begins at noon.

--CNSNews.com--

Customs Whistle-blower Trying to Stop the Next 9/11

Former Customs Agent Diane Kleiman has a message for America: If Osama bin Laden wants to execute another 9/11-style attack that this time may kill tens of thousands of Americans, it won't be as tough as most of us now believe.

--NewsMax.com--

Did Recession Begin in 2000?

NEW YORK - The committee of economists that sets the dates of U.S. recessions and expansions is considering moving the starting point of the latest recession to as early as November 2000 - which could provide some political cover for President Bush.

--CNN/Money--

Senate Judiciary Dems to Make Stink on Pickering

WASHINGTON - Minority members of the Senate Judiciary Committee are prepared to “express their concerns” Thursday about President Bush's decision to recess appoint Charles Pickering to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, Democratic sources on the committee told Fox News.

--Fox News--

They do stink! - Ed.

Edwards Backed Stock Market Gamble for Social Security

Iowa darling and Dem presidential hopeful John Edwards easily flips and flops on major issues, a DRUDGE REPORT investigation can reveal.

--DRUDGE REPORT--

Cheney: Dem Attacks ‘Beyond the Pale’

Vice President Dick Cheney complained late Wednesday that the recent spate of ugly attacks from several Democratic presidential candidates have been “beyond the pale.”

--NewsMax.com--

Cuomo: Bush Ties to bin Ladens Compromised War on Terror

Former New York Gove. Mario Cuomo charged Wednesday that President Bush made Saddam Hussein the U.S.'s No. l target in the war on terror in part because his family had business dealings with relatives of Osama bin Laden.

--NewsMax.com--

Would you say that “the pale” is somewhere preceding this story? - Ed.

Is Captive Missing al-Qaida-Iraq Link?

Ihsan G. could be the man who once and for all proves al-Qaida's links to Saddam Hussein.

--WorldNetDaily.com--

Medical Groups Join in Defense of Limbaugh's Medical Privacy

WEST PALM BEACH - Three medical organizations joined civil libertarians Tuesday in backing Rush Limbaugh in his battle to keep his medical records secret.

--Palm Beach Post --

Probe of Intercepted Messages Focuses on Shelby

The Justice Department's 18-month investigation into the leak of classified intercepted messages is focusing on Sen. Richard C. Shelby (R-Ala.), who was chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence at the time of the disclosure, according to a law enforcement official and congressional sources.

--Washington Post--

A Family Deposed by Force

When Trudy Sherburne returned to her desert home near Victorville after a short trip on Easter weekend in 1998, she thought her house was on fire. Government vehicles with flashing lights surrounded the place.

--Yahoo! News (LA Times)--

Russian Firms Eager to Join Mars Race

Moscow - President Bush's plan to send men to the moon and Mars and has been welcomed by Russian space executives and scientists, who see an opening to join the ambitious projects.

--CNSNews.com--

The ‘Bizarre Rant’ That Destroyed Howard Dean

Howard Dean's “bizarre rant” after his defeat in Iowa is looking like the fatal blow to his campaign, according the New York Post and others.

--NewsMax.com--

Michigan Voters Want Affirmative-action Ban

Residents also favor end to late-term abortion.

--Detroit News--

Report Says Internet Voting System Is Too Insecure to Use

A new $22 million system to allow soldiers and other Americans overseas to vote via the Internet is inherently insecure and should be abandoned, according to members of a panel of computer security experts asked by the government to review the program.

--New York Times--

‘We're Changing the World for the Better,’ Says Bush

WASHINGTON - President Bush told the nation tonight the U.S. war on terror is “changing the world for the better” while the U.S. economy is improving due to his tax cuts.

--WorldNetDaily.com--

Read the full text of the address here.

Democrats are charging that Bush's address was a “campaign speech,” but I'd like to call your attention to evidence to the contrary. In one controversial paragraph, the president said, “America will never seek a permission slip to defend the security of our country.” If this speech had really been as political as the Democrats claim, he would have said, “This administration will never seek a permission slip to defend the security of our country.” See the difference? Given the opportunity to highlight partisan differences, he chose instead to declare a uniting principle. This was not an isolated example. He repeated this theme throughout the entire speech. Compare this to the Democrats' response. - Ed.

Dole: Gen. Clark Not Ready for Prime Time

Former Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole criticized Gen. Wesley Clark on Tuesday, saying the military man-turned-presidential wannabe was “not ready for prime time.”

--NewsMax.com--

Hillary Scowls, Teddy Growls as Bush Touts Iraq Victory

New York Sen. Hillary Clinton could barely contain her disdain Tuesday night as President Bush used his State of the Union address to trumpet U.S. victory in Iraq.

--NewsMax.com--

Gov. Bush Seeks Evidence in Schiavo Case

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Gov. Jeb Bush has asked an appeals court for permission to collect evidence in a severely brain-damaged woman's right-to-die case.

-- Las Vegas Sun (AP)--

Researchers Find Way to Halt Cancer's Spread

British Columbia cancer researchers have discovered chemical compounds that starve malignant tumours of the blood supply they need to grow and spread, setting the stage for drug trials in humans with breast and prostate cancers

--Vancouver Sun--

Microsoft: We took MikeRoweSoft too seriously

Microsoft says it may have been overaggressive in threatening Web entrepreneur Mike Rowe over the name of his Web site, Mikerowesoft.com.

--CNET News--

2 Mathematicians Dissect a ‘Miracle’

ST. PETERSBURG - It took a stormy night and a strategically placed reef to pull off the biblical miracle of the parting of the waters of the Red Sea when the Jews fled slavery in Egypt, according to a new study by two Russian mathematicians.

--Moscow Times--

Study Says Dem Candidates Would Send Deficit Soaring

A taxpayer watchdog group wants voters to know that all the Democrats running for the White House are big spenders who would leave taxpayers facing sharply higher federal deficits, if their budget priorities become law.

--CNSNews.com--

This is why it's important to keep them as “candidates,” and not incumbents. - Ed.

Upbeat Message Proves To Be a Big Positive in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa - Sen. John Edwards, who conspicuously stood apart from the fray and refused to criticize his Democratic rivals, said Monday night that his strong second-place finish in the Iowa caucuses was evidence that “a positive, uplifting message to change America” will resonate in New Hampshire and beyond.

--Washington Post--

Dean Blames Attacks, Vows to Press Forward

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa - Howard Dean finished his Iowa campaign last night the way he began - impassioned and defiant of his Washington rivals.

--Washington Times (AP)--

If he doesn't put the blame where it belongs, on himself, he's going to go nowhere but downward. - Ed.

Dean: I Didn't Say ‘Panic Attack’ (Yes, He Did)

Democratic presidential front-runner Howard Dean denied that he ever suffered from “panic attacks” during a Monday morning interview with Fox News Channel's “Fox & Friends,” insisting that neither he nor a reporter who recently interviewed him had used that term to describe an episode where he hyperventilated upon taking office as Vermont governor in 1991.

--NewsMax.com--

As Dean fades into obscurity, so will this type of story. - Ed.

Worst Nightmare for White House

WASHINGTON - As President Bush puts the finishing touches on his State of the Union address tonight, a new public-opinion poll suggests it better be a home run.

--WorldNetDaily.com--

It's Mike Rowe, 17, vs. Giant Microsoft!

Like any good fledgling businessman, Mike Rowe knew he needed a catchy name for his website design company.

--Vancouver Province--

Pot-smoking Blamed as Cause of Death

A man of 36 is believed to have become the first person in Britain to die directly from cannabis poisoning.

--London Telegraph--

Carter: I Did Not Invite Dean

Former President Jimmy Carter set the record straight on Sunday: Contrary to what Dean said, Carter did not invite Howard Dean to come visit him in Georgia.

--Washington Post--

Castro Diplomat Worries if Cuban ‘Regime Change’ on Bush Agenda

WASHINGTON - Dabogerto Rodriguez, Cuba's top diplomat in Washington, spends his days looking for hints about what the Bush administration has in mind for his country. He doesn't like what he sees.

--USA Today (AP)--

U.S. Tests Show No Traces of WMD in Iraqi Shells

A fourth round of tests conducted on mortar shells found in Iraq 10 days ago by Danish troops has determined that they did not contain chemical weapons, contradicting field tests by British and Danish experts last week.

--NewsMax.com--

As Slavery Abounds in the Present, U.N. ‘Remembers’ the Past

Millions still in shackles in year designated to mark past struggle.

--WorldNetDaily.com--

U.S. Eyes Space as Possible Battleground

WASHINGTON - President Bush's plan to expand the exploration of space parallels U.S. efforts to control the heavens for military, economic and strategic gain.

--My Way News (Reuters)--

This confirms my previous comment. - Ed.

Dems ‘Pre-but’ President's State of the Union Address

Before the president even delivers his State of the Union address on Tuesday, some prominent Democrats are criticizing it. In remarks referred to as a “pre-buttal,” House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle, called on the president to address the “urgent challenges facing our nation at home and abroad.”

--CNSNews.com--

States Ranked as Most Corrupt

Mississippi is the most corrupt state, with North Dakota and Louisiana a close second and third, respectively, according to a report released Friday by a D.C.-based legal newsletter.

--Washington Times--

Gingrich: Dean's Panic Attacks Probably Not an Issue

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich said Friday that presidential front-runner Howard Dean's history of panic attacks and past treatment for an anxiety disorder probably should not be a campaign issue.

--NewsMax.com--

Morris: Lehane Behind Dean's ‘Political Assassination’

Acting at the behest of Bill and Hillary Clinton, a senior campaign aide to Gen. Wesley Clark has carried out the “political assassination” of Democratic presidential front-runner Howard Dean, former top Clinton advisor Dick Morris contended late Friday.

--NewsMax.com--

This is an interesting theory, but the question is, why would the Clintons want to sabotage Dean? Conventional wisdom has it that if Dean is the nominee, Bush wins in a cake-walk. Conventional wisdom also has it that the Clintons want Bush to win re-election so that Hillary can have a clear field to run in 2008. This theory goes against conventional wisdom, in my opinion. The ony reason I can see for the Clintons' actions is that they want Hillary to run in 2004(!), and at this stage, the only way she could is if there is no clear winner at the convention. What's happening now looks as if it might produce that result. So it appears to me that they're angling for Hillary to run this year! - Ed.

Clark Blasts Confederate Flag, But Not in Home State

Presidential candidate Gen. Wesley Clark blasted South Carolina officials on Friday for flying the Confederate flag on Statehouse grounds, even though his home state of Arkansas still celebrates “Confederate Flag Day” - and his most prominent political patron, Bill Clinton, signed into law a measure honoring Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee in 1985.

--NewsMax.com--

Iraqi Muslims: Stop Attacks on Christians

More than 200 mainly Muslim intellectuals and political leaders are urging officials in Iraq to prevent Shi'a Muslim groups from attacking Christians.

--WorldNetDaily.com--

North Korea Kills Babies of Foreign Blood

North Korean refugees repatriated by China tell of prison where new-born children are left to die.

--London Telegraph--

Bush Installs Pickering on Appeals Court

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush bypassed Congress and installed Charles Pickering on the federal appeals court Friday, opening an election-year fight with Democrats who had stalled the nomination for more than two years.

--My Way News (AP)--

Nuke Agency Believes Uranium from Iraq

Iraq was the likely source of a shipment of scrap steel containing radioactive material known as yellowcake, the United Nations nuclear watchdog said today.

--WorldNetDaily.com--

Gore's Global Warming Speech Gets Icy Rebuke

Former Vice President Al Gore's speech on global warming to MoveOn.org Thursday is getting booed by a public policy research group, after the Democrat called the president a "moral coward" who abandoned the public's environmental interests to placate his financial supporters.

--CNSNews.com--

Is Gore an ignoramus or a shameless liar? Read this. - Ed.

Saddam Loyalists Urged to Lay Down Arms

BAGHDAD, Iraq - The commander of U.S.-led coalition forces urged Saddam Hussein's loyalists Friday to lay down arms and "embrace the future" in a sovereign Iraq, saying they will otherwise end up either dead or in custody.

--My Way News (AP)--

Conservative Groups Break with Republican Leadership

National leaders of six conservative organizations yesterday broke with the Republican majorities in the House and Senate, accusing them of spending like "drunken sailors," and had some strong words for President Bush as well.

--Washington Times--

MoveOn.org Inspires, Organizes the American Left

NEW YORK - Frigid temperatures and snow-covered sidewalks didn't deter 2,600 fans of Al Gore, whose noontime environmental speech Thursday drew an assortment of like-minded liberals to the city's Beacon Theatre.

--CNSNews.com--

Clark Says GOP Distorts his Testimony on Iraq

MANCHESTER, N.H. - Retired Army General Wesley K. Clark, who says on the stump that the war in Iraq was unnecessary, reacted with uncharacteristic anger yesterday to reports that, in 2002, he told a congressional committee that Saddam Hussein was a “threat” and said he believed the Iraqi leader had both weapons of mass destruction and connections to Al Qaeda.

--Boston Globe--

Foundering Dean Cancels Plan to Sabotage Rivals

The four-way race in Iowa is so close that Howard Dean's campaign has dropped plans to “help” his less popular rivals with a little sabotage.

--NewsMax.com--

Harris Will Not Run For U.S. Senate -- Yet

SARASOTA, Fla. - U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris said Friday she will not enter the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, but made clear that she plans to run in the future.

--WFTV.com--

Levin's Landmark Files Suit, Seeks Source of Rush Leaks

Landmark Legal Foundation today filed a freedom of information request with the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office (SAO) seeking any and all information of communications to or from the SAO or any of its employees and outside individuals or groups relating to Rush Limbaugh.

--NewsMax.com--

Outrage Over Gun Case May Lead to New Law

A Chicago-area homeowner who shot a burglar in his home - only to be charged with gun violations - has spurred gun groups and lawmakers into action.

--CNSNews.com--

Gore to Warn of ‘Global Warming’ on New York City's Coldest Day in Decades!

Former Vice President Al Gore will attack the Bush administration's environmental policy Thursday in a noontime speech sponsored by the anti-Bush group MoveOn.org and another liberal group called Environment2004.

--CNSNews.com--

Is Gore an ignoramus or a shameless liar? Read this. - Ed.

Ijaz: Spectacular WMD Attack Planned for Iraq

Plans for a spectacular attack on coalition forces in Iraq that would use chemical or biological weapons to kill up to 5,000 soldiers and civilians may be well under way, Fox News Mideast analyst Mansoor Ijaz is warning.

--NewsMax.com--

Clark Lied!!!!

The Drudge Report has uncovered the transcript of Wesley Clark's testimony before the House Armed Services Committee on Sept. 26, 2002, 15 days before Congress voted to authorize the liberation of Iraq.

--Drudge Report--

Dean Details Treatment for Anxiety Attacks

Democratic presidential front-runner Howard Dean offered more details this week on psychological counseling he underwent for anxiety attacks suffered in the 1980s - and revealed that he had a panic attack the day he took over as governor of Vermont 13 years ago.

--NewsMax.com--

Clinton Gang Behind Media Hits on Dean?

Democratic presidential front-runner Howard Dean is plummeting in the polls in both Iowa and New Hampshire after a series of reports tarnishing his image have appeared in the press.

--NewsMax.com--

Click here for a ridiculous story cooked up by ABC News, almost certainly as a favor to the Clintons. - Ed.

Wisconsin Assembly May Override Veto of Concealed Carry Bill

The Wisconsin Legislature passed a concealed carry bill last year; the Wisconsin governor vetoed it; but next week, the state Assembly will have the opportunity to override the governor's veto.

--CNSNews.com--

Court Orders State to Surrender Limbaugh Records

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - An appeals court on Tuesday ordered prosecutors to turn Rush Limbaugh's medical records over to the courts and keep them sealed until further review.

--Fox News--

Campaigners Hope Sudan Peace Deal Will Lead to End of Slavery

NAIROBI, Kenya - Groups campaigning against slavery are hopeful that a long-awaited peace agreement in Sudan, expected soon, will bring slavery to a close in the war-ravaged African nation.

--CNSNews.com--

Nothing in the story indicates that Je$$e Ja¢k$on or Al Sharpton had any part in this agreement. They're too involved in slavery that ended a century and a half ago to be bothered with their “brothers and sisters” being enslaved today. - Ed.

Tests Show No Agent in Iraq Mortar Shells

CAMP EDEN, Iraq - U.S. tests on mortar shells found in Iraq and suspected of containing blister agents have turned up negative, though further tests will be conducted, a Danish army spokesman said Wednesday.

--My Way News (AP)--

Rumsfeld Warned of Alleged US War Crimes

US military forces in Iraq “appear” to have committed war crimes by detaining relatives of suspected insurgents or wanted former officials, and demolishing their homes, the US-based advocacy group Human Rights Watch has warned.

--Financial Times--

This story indicates to me that the Geneva Conventions just might be a bit outmoded in this age of international terrorism. - Ed.

Dean: Bush Obsessed With Father's Failure

Suggesting President Bush could benefit from psychotherapy, Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean conjectured today the president decided to topple Saddam Hussein's regime for no other reason than to avenge an assassination attempt on his father.

--WorldNetDaily.com--

Clark in New TV Fib: I Never Supported Iraq War

Democratic presidential hopeful Gen. Wesley Clark insisted Wednesday morning that he's been against the Iraq war going all the way back to the 9/11 attacks - even though he told reporters just four months ago that he “probably” would have voted for the October 2002 Iraq War resolution.

--NewsMax.com--

Democrats' Miller Will Hustle for GOP's Bush

U.S. Sen. Zell Miller, Georgia's rebellious Democrat, said Tuesday he will campaign at President Bush's side throughout the year.

--Atlanta Journal-Constitution--

MoveOn stays on Bush-Hitler theme

Only a week after apologizing for posting messages comparing Bush to Hitler, the political organization MoveOn.org hosted a celebrity event that turned into a torrent of insults against the president and Republicans.

--WorldNetDaily.com--

Read Drudge Report's transcript here. - Ed.

Anti-Bush Ad Contest Submits Super Bowl Commercial

WASHINGTON - Liberal activist group MoveOn.org announced it has chosen an anti-President Bush ad to air ahead of next week's “State of the Union” address and said it is negotiating with CBS to gain airtime on the Super Bowl.

--Advertising Age--

Illegal Aliens Endangering Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is being named today as one of the 10 most endangered U.S. parks because of damage from illegal border crossings from Mexico.

--Arizona Republic--

Poll: Hillary Facing 2006 Trouble; Could Lose to Either Pataki or Giuliani

New York Sen. Hillary Clinton could lose her 2006 re-election bid to either former Mayor Rudy Giuliani or Gov. George Pataki, a new poll released Wednesday shows.

--NewsMax.com--

Conservatives' ‘Vicious’ Criticism Makes Soros Angry

Billionaire financier and philanthropist George Soros, who has pledged $15.5 million to liberal interest groups, said Monday he would likely up the ante in his quest to oust President Bush from the White House this November.

--CNSNews.com--

This is the guy who is a major sponsor of moveon.org, which carried anti-Bush ads morphing Adolf Hitler into George W. Bush. For someone involved in that kind of garbage, he seems a bit over-sensitive about “vicious” criticism of himself. - Ed.

Bible Belt Wary of Dean ‘Conversion’

Many South Carolina Democrats believe presidential hopeful Howard Dean's promise to talk about his relationship with Jesus is a calculated ploy to pander to Southerners ? in particular blacks ? participating in next month's South Carolina primary.

--Washington Times--

Clinton, Congress Ratified ‘Secret Bush Plan’ to Depose Saddam

It turns out that former Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill's so-called bombshell revelation that the Bush administration had a “secret plan” to depose Saddam Hussein before 9/11 wasn't such a secret after all.

--NewsMax.com--

100 Countries Soft on Terror, Says UN Chief

A top UN official says nearly 100 countries should be “named and shamed” for failing to enforce UN sanctions against al Qaida and the Taliban.

--Ananova--

Considering how little the U.N. itself has done to fight international terrorism, this is a stinging indictment indeed. - Ed.

Gun Group Defends Homeowner Who Stopped Burglar With Bullet

A pro-Second Amendment group calls it outrageous that a suburban Chicago homeowner faces criminal charges for defending his family - by shooting a burglar who broke into his home several times.

--CNSNews.com--

U.S. Ammunition Plant Reaching its Limit

FORT BELVOIR, Va. - The U.S. military's only plant making small-arms ammunition is running at near capacity, 4 million rounds a day, and the United States still is forced to look overseas and to the recreational industry for ammunition for troops in Afghanistan and Iraq and those training to deploy there soon.

--Knight Ridder--

Democrat ‘Soft Money’ Groups Refuse to Explain Evasion of Campaign Finance ‘Reform’

WASHINGTON - A House committee chairman on Tuesday gave Democrats running new "soft money" groups one more chance to answer questions about their activities before he decides whether to subpoena them for a hearing.

--NewsMax.com (AP)--

Taxpayer Watchdogs Slam State Tax-Hike Plans

While the Bush administration lowers taxes, some states want to raise them.

--CNSNews.com--

They see some extra cash in your pocket, they want it. - Ed.

Attacks Down 22% Since Saddam's Capture

BAGHDAD - Attacks against coalition forces in Iraq have dropped 22% in the four weeks since Saddam Hussein's capture, military records show.

--USA Today--

‘Saddam's Chemical Weapons Were Smuggled Out of Iraq’

Saddam Hussein?s chemical and biological weapons were smuggled out of Iraq, a leading Syrian dissident claimed Friday.

--The Scotsman--

Court Nixes Appeal Over 9-11 Detentions

WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court refused Monday to consider whether the government properly withheld names and other details about hundreds of foreigners detained in the weeks and months after the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

--My Way News (AP)--

Saudi ‘Militants’ Shown Repenting on State TV

RIYADH - Saudi state television aired on Monday what it said were confessions by captured militants, in the latest offensive against al Qaeda supporters blamed for suicide bombings that killed more than 50 people last year.

--Yahoo! News (Reuters)--

Notice how Reuters refrains from using the word “terrorist.” - Ed.

Treasury Dept. Urges Probe Over O'Neill Paper

WASHINGTON - Treasury Department officials want to know how a classified document appeared on national television during a controversial interview with former Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill.

--Fox News--

Bush's Moon Mission Called Bold, Wasteful

After returning from Mexico, President Bush will set his sights on the moon and beyond. He plans to announce a new space initiative on Wednesday in Washington, and already the critics are carping - and Bush's aides are defending him.

--CNSNews.com--

I don't know why the administration isn't talking about this, but there is a real danger that the Chinese Communists may threaten our supremacy in space, and that would severely threaten our national security, and the future of Taiwan. Read this! - Ed.

Federal Budget Grows Massively Under Bush

WASHINGTON - Conservative observers and budget watchdogs are hoping that President Bush breaks a three-year trend of massive spending increases when he sends Congress his 2005 proposed budget for the federal government on Feb. 2.

--Fox News--

Clark: ‘Certainly There's a Connection Between Iraq and al-Qaida’

Wesley Clark spun himself into a tangled web today over a statement he made only 15 months ago: "Certainly there's a connection between Iraq and al-Qaida."

--NewsMax.com--

Dean Blows Stack During Iowa Q & A

Democratic presidential front-runner Howard Dean blew his stack at an Iowa voter on Sunday who had asked him to end his “slam, bam and bash” rhetoric attacking President Bush.

--NewsMax.com--

Blunder in the Grass: Dick Gephardt's Whites-Only Picnic

Thank heaven for Fox News Channel. Other media are ignoring our exposé of Rep. Dick Gephardt's racist past, but FNC is raising the issue and has the White House wannabe stammering excuses.

--NewsMax.com--

Strange Bedfellows? ACLU Supports Rush Limbaugh

The American Civil Liberties Union, often at odds with conservative radio commentator Rush Limbaugh, has asked a court for permission to file a friend-of-the-court brief in support of Limbaugh's medical privacy rights, the ACLU announced on Monday.

--CNSNews.com--

I'd like to think it's because of this. So they've got on board regarding the medical privacy issue, now what about the illegal taping and the financial privacy issues? - Ed.

Bid for Senate by Harris Would Create a Frenzy

The race for Bob Graham's Senate seat will be in the national spotlight if Katherine Harris, of 2000 election fame, decides to run, possibly against White House wishes.

--Miami Herald--

Greenhouse Gas Scheme Gets the Axe ‘Down Under’

Australia has abandoned a major international measure aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions, arguing that it is unlikely to come into effect and creates no incentive for industry to reduce such emissions.

--Sydney Morning Herald--

E-mail Traffic in Iraq Shows the Positive

Making the rounds of GI e-mail traffic in Iraq these days is the follwing inspiring missive. It is reproduced below in its entirety and exactly as written:

--NewsMax.com--

Clark says he can keep U.S. safe from attacks

Wesley Clark said yesterday the two greatest lies of the last three years are that the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks couldn't have been prevented and that another attack is inevitable.

--Concord (New Hampshire) Monitor--

The only way Gen. Clark, or anyone else for that matter, can guarantee that no terrorist attacks will be perpetrated under his administration, would be if he is directing the terrorists! Even though that is a fair inference, I would never accuse Clark of it, but Dean might! - Ed.

Bush Sought ‘Way’ To Invade Iraq?

A year ago, Paul O'Neill was fired from his job as George Bush's Treasury Secretary for disagreeing too many times with the president's policy on tax cuts.

--CBS News--

How many people who are fired say complimentary things about the boss who fired them? - Ed.

N. Korea Says It Showed ‘Nuclear Deterrent’

SEOUL, South Korea - North Korea said Saturday that it showed its “nuclear deterrent” to an unofficial U.S. delegation that visited the disputed Yongbyon nuclear complex, which had been closed to outsiders since the North expelled U.N. inspectors more than a year ago.

--Fox News--

The Deans Ban Cable TV in Their Home

So little is known about the personal lives of Howard Dean and his wife, Dr. Judith Steinberg, even the liberal New Yorker Magazine says in its recent profile of Dean that they remain an enigma despite the media spotlight.

--NewsMax.com--

My feeling is that if he really doesn't have cable TV in his house, that's a plus for him. - Ed.

NRA Victory: Ohio 37th Right-to-Carry State

After a decade-long effort, law-abiding citizens of Ohio will now be able to legally carry firearms for protection of themselves and their loved ones, the NRA reports in a recent news alert to its members.

--NewsMax.com--

Possible WMD Undergoing Tests in Iraq

Mortar shells found Friday in Iraq may contain some of Saddam Hussein's much sought-after weapons of mass destruction, say Danish military sources.

--NewsMax.com--

Dean Accepted Special-Interest Money

WASHINGTON - While governor of Vermont, Howard Dean accepted personal pay from special interests at least five times for speeches and also received more than $60,000 in checks and pledges for his charity fund from insurers who benefited from a state tax break, according to documents and interviews.

--Las Vegas Sun (AP)--

Vermont Town Wants to Secede

A dispute over high taxes has prompted a popular Vermont ski-resort town to threaten seceding from the state and joining neighboring New Hampshire.

--WorldNetDaily.com--

Koch Explains Why He's Bolting for Bush

Former New York Mayor Edward I. Koch, a lifelong Democrat says he plans to vote for President Bush in November.

--NewsMax.com--

World's Economic Freedom Rising Despite Terror

An annual survey of economic freedom shows despite the constant threat of Islamist terrorism, overall the world is moving toward greater liberty.

--WorldNetDaily.com--

Dean Backpedals on Caucus Criticism

Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean backpedaled Friday on comments he made in 2000, alleging that the caucuses are controlled by extremist groups. Dean made the comments four years ago on a Canadian television show, "The Editors," which covered U.S. and Canadian politics.

--CNSNews.com--

Rivals Accuse Dean of Fraud

The campaign of leading Democratic candidate Howard Dean is under fire from opponents for an alleged plan to pose non-Iowan supporters as state residents in the Jan. 19 caucuses.

--WorldNetDaily.com--

Hillary Wants $20.04 to Combat ‘StopHillary’ PAC

New York Sen. Hillary Clinton says she has no intention of running for president in 2004.

--NewsMax.com--

Sharpton: Clinton ‘Killed the Democratic Party’

The Democratic Party is dead, presidential candidate Rev. Al Sharpton said Thursday. And it's Bill Clinton's fault.

--NewsMax.com--

Wesley Clark Calls 9-11 Assertions ‘Lies’

CONCORD, N.H. - Democratic presidential candidate Wesley Clark (news - web sites) said “the two greatest lies” of the last three years were that the Sept. 11 attacks could not have been prevented and that a future attack is inevitable.

--Yahoo! News (AP)--

Rumsfeld Weighs Strikes in Lebanon, Somalia

U.S. Defense Secretary Rumsfeld is considering a plan for multi-pronged attacks on insurgency strongholds in such countries as Lebanon and Somalia.

--World Tribune--

Experts: U.S. Military Overstretched, Morale Risked

WASHINGTON - The U.S. military is overstretched by deployments in Iraq and elsewhere, forcing the Pentagon to keep thousands of soldiers and reservists in uniform long beyond their release dates with potentially dangerous effects on morale, experts say.

--Reuters--

NOW Opposes Return of Breast Implants; Supported Morning-After Pill

The National Organization for Women Thursday praised the Food and Drug Administration for refusing to put silicone breast implants back on the market. But just a month ago, NOW dismissed concerns about emergency contraception - urging the FDA to make it available to all women and girls without a prescription.

--CNSNews.com--

Boo Hoo: Illegal Aliens Who Boycotted Get Fired

Remember when those "rights" groups that abet illegal aliens' wrongs staged a boycott to protest California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's repeal of the Democrats' idiotic law allowing illegal aliens to get driver's licenses (and thus to vote)? Now some of the foreign lawbreakers are crying that they got fired for skipping work.

--NewsMax.com--

Dallas Suburb Settles Religious-rights Case

DALLAS - Sixteen senior citizens who accused Balch Springs officials of violating their religious rights dropped a federal lawsuit today after the Dallas suburb revoked a ban on gospel music, preaching and blessings at the city-owned community center.

--Houston Chronicle--

Dean Says Faith Swayed Decision on Gay Unions

MUSCATINE, Iowa - Democrat front-runner Howard Dean said Wednesday that his decision as governor to sign the bill legalizing civil unions for ‘gays’ in Vermont was influenced by his Christian views, as he waded deeper into the growing political, religious and cultural debate over homosexuality and the Bible's view of it.

--Washington Post--

Here's how it works. If you're a far-leftist, you can use religion as a basis for your political decisions. But if you're a ‘conservative,’ it would be a violation of “separation of church and state.” - Ed.

Ex-Black Panther Sues Bush, Pope, Elizabeth II Over Slavery

Bob Brown, a former Black Panther and co-director of Pan-African Roots, filed a 183-page class-action lawsuit yesterday, claiming that 71 defendants owe reparations for slavery.

--NewsMax.com--

This story reminds me of something I wrote back in 2002. - Ed.

Concealed Carry Bill Passes in Ohio

The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms is urging Ohio Gov. Bob Taft to quickly sign a bill that will allow law-abiding Ohio citizens to carry concealed firearms for their own protection.

--CNSNews.com--

Democrats Attack Clark as Handlers Silence Dean

We knew it would happen, but this is even faster than we expected. Now that Wesley Clark has become the Democrats' co-front-runner, he has also become their favorite new punching bag.

--NewsMax.com--

Bush Unveils Immigration ‘Reform’ Plan

President Bush Wednesday announced plans to give temporary immigrant workers legal status to work in the United States for three years, with the ability to travel back and forth between the U.S. and their native country without fear.

--CNSNews.com--

Audience Unable to See Kucinich's Radio Demonstration

The nuttiest of the White House wannabes, Rep. Dennis Kucinich tried to score points with voters during a media appearance by trotting out a pie chart. But the audience couldn't see the long shot's presentation ... because it was broadcast on radio.

--NewsMax.com--

Court to FBI: Don't Use OnStar ® to Snoop

The FBI and other police agencies may not eavesdrop on conversations inside automobiles equipped with OnStar or similar dashboard computing systems, a federal appeals court ruled.

--CNET News--

FBI: Al Qaida Still Recruiting in U.S. Prisons

Al Qaida continues to recruit members in U.S. prisons despite a government crackdown, FBI officials told a congressional panel.

--World Tribune--

Man Saves Baby Left to Die in Toilet

A New Jersey woman gave birth into a toilet, then put down the lid and left her newborn daughter in the bowl to die - but her boyfriend rescued the infant, authorities said.

--New York Post--

Hillary Apologizes for Gandhi Remark

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton apologized for joking that Mahatma Gandhi used to run a gas station in St. Louis, saying it was “a lame attempt at humor.”

--Washington Times--

If a Republican had said this, it would not be a “lame joke,” it would be an “ethnic slur.” - Ed.

Arab Translators Cheered Sept. 11

WASHINGTON - In a shocking revelation, an FBI whistleblower claims some Arab-Americans translating Arabic intercepts for the FBI spoke approvingly of the terrorist attacks on America more than two years ago.

--WorldNetDaily.com--

MoveOn.org Denial Undermined by Hitler Ad Transcript

MoveOn.org spokesman Eli Pariser accused Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie on Tuesday of falsely claiming that the radical left-wing group "sponsored" ads that compared President Bush to Hitler.

--NewsMax.com--

MoveOn.org cannot claim that they did not “sponsor” the ads because you won't find any pro-Bush ads there. By not allowing certain ads, in this case, pro-Bush ads, they implicitly sponsor the ones they did allow. It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that MoveOn.org would make false accusations against the Republican National Committee. Lying about Republicans seems to be all they do. - Ed.

Alleged Hiring of Illegals Prompts Racketeering Lawsuit

On Wednesday, as President Bush proposes a plan to give legal status to foreign workers in this country, an immigration reform group planned to file a racketeering lawsuit against a Georgia company accused of knowingly hiring illegal aliens.

--CNSNews.com--

Army Probe Clears Halliburton

For the second time in two weeks, an oil services company formerly run by Vice President Dick Cheney has been cleared of allegations circulated by Democrats that the firm had engaged in war profiteering during the rebuilding effort in Iraq.

--NewsMax.com--

Legal Woes for Clinton Library in Ark.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Arkansas officials Tuesday asked a court to throw out a lawsuit filed by the Clinton Presidential Foundation seeking tax breaks for the presidential library project.

--Las Vegas Sun (AP)--

RNC Takes MoveOn.org to Task Over Bush/Hitler Ads

The Republican National Committee is lashing out at a liberal grassroots group for ads on the group's website portraying President George Bush as German dictator Adolf Hitler.

--CNSNews.com--

I'm still waiting for the condemnation from the Holocaust Studies institute that attacked Dr. Laura for a comment about “Nazi” day-care. - Ed.

Islamists Fan Rumor U.S. Soldiers Raping Girls

Citing a column by a U.S. sex therapist, Islamist newspapers in Turkey fanned a rumor asserting American troops have raped thousands of Iraqi women and young girls since ousting dictator Saddam Hussein.

--WorldNetDaily.com--

Saddam's Tribal Leaders: Stop Attacking U.S. GIs

Tribal chiefs in Tikrit, Iraq - birthplace of captured Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and a focal point for resistance to the U.S. occupation by remnants of Hussein's regime - are calling for an end to attacks on U.S. forces.

--NewsMax.com--

Report: Syria Hiding Iraqi WMD

A relative of Syrian President Bashar Assad is hiding Iraqi weapons of mass destruction in three locations in Syria, according to intelligence sources cited by an exiled opposition party.

--WorldNetDaily.com--

The good news is that we have 150,000 troops next door to Syria. The bad news is that Bush-hating traitors in this country are making it politically difficult for the Commander in Chief to do what needs to be done. - Ed.

Conservatives Launch TV Attack Ad on Dean

A conservative advocacy group will begin running a TV ad in Iowa against Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean, in a move questioned by some of President Bush's supporters.

--Washington Times--

Dean's Vermont Welfare Blooper

Democratic presidential front-runner Howard Dean's propensity for making outrageous gaffes that sometimes sound racist didn't start with his announcement last year that he wanted to court “white guys that drive pick-up trucks with Confederate flag decals.”

--NewsMax.com--

Gun Control Hasn't Helped Chicago, Group Says

Second Amendment supporters say strict gun control has made Chicago the most murderous city in the nation for the year just ended.

--CNSNews.com--

RNC Attacks Bush-Hitler Ad

WASHINGTON - Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie called on the nine Democrat presidential candidates to repudiate an ad posted on the Moveon.org website comparing President Bush to Adolf Hitler.

--WorldNetDaily.com--

Let's see if this attracts as much attention from the Holocaust Studies institute as did Dr. Laura's comments on “Nazi” day-care. - Ed.

Hillary Clinton Dismissed, Again, From Flowers' Lawsuit

For the second time, a federal judge in Las Vegas has dismissed Hillary Rodham Clinton from a lawsuit that accused her of conspiring with two men to defame Gennifer Flowers during the 1992 presidential election campaign.

--Las Vegas Review-Journal--

Clinton Administration Freed Bin Laden's Banker

A Saudi national known to investigators as Osama bin Laden's “banker” was apprehended inside the U.S. in 1994 - only to be set free by the Clinton administration in a decision that was considered a “massive loss” in the war on terrorism by U.S. intelligence officials.

--NewsMax.com--

U.S.-Iranian Thaw Could Be at Hand

WASHINGTON - Could a devastating earthquake that killed upwards of 30,000 people be the event that finally improves U.S. relations with Iran, one-third of President Bush's “Axis of Evil”?

--Fox News--

European Leaders Debate Religion In New Constitution

Paris - An argument about voting rights has obscured a struggle over the status of religion and Christianity in the European Union.

--CNSNews.com--

Speed Cameras Rife With Problems

The state's network of fixed speed cameras is plagued by more than 90 faults and glitches a month that frequently put them out of action, documents show.

--Sydney Daily Telegraph--

Dean Criticized in Vermont Mad Cow Case

Democratic presidential front-runner Howard Dean blasted President Bush last week for not protecting the U.S. from mad cow disease, saying the report of a single infected cow “raises serious concerns about the ability of this administration to protect the safety of our nation's food supply.”

--NewsMax.com--

Charge in Limbaugh Drug Case Rarely Used, Court Records Show

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Radio commentator Rush Limbaugh says prosecutors are unfairly targeting him with a prescription fraud charge known as “doctor shopping” because he is a famous political conservative.

--Palm Beach Post--

Grim Intel Said Behind British Airways Cancellations

The New York Post and the London Times have been reporting that specific and disturbing intelligence has been behind the recent cancellations of British Airways Flight 223, which returned to service Saturday afternoon.

--NewsMax.com--

Mag names Col. West Man of the Year

While Time honored the U.S. military as the men and women of the year for 2003, online commentary site Frontpage Magazine chose just one of those soldiers for recognition: Col. Allen B. West, the officer who used shock interrogation tactics in Iraq to thwart an impending attack on American troops and who nearly faced a court martial over the incident.

--WorldNetDaily.com--

Report: Al-Qaeda Big Arrested

The top deputy of al-Qaeda's No. 2 man, Ayman Al-Zawahiri, has been arrested, according to “Islamist sources in London” cited by the Middle Eastern Media Research Institute on Thursday.

--NewsMax.com--

US, New Zealand Citizens Jailed in China After Planning Pro-Democracy Action

The U.S. and New Zealand governments have offered a low-key response to the jailing in China of an American and a New Zealander who were arrested while planning to release thousands of pro-democracy leaflets in central Beijing.

--CNSNews.com--

Hillary Slams Halliburton for ‘Exorbitant Charges’

New York Sen. Hillary Clinton is blasting Halliburton, the oil services company formerly run by Vice President Dick Cheney, for what she described as its "exorbitant charges" for gasoline supplied to Iraq - even though the Army Corps of Engineers was singled out as the guilty party in a Pentagon report released yesterday.

--NewsMax.com--

Crashed Plane Had ‘Mystery Origin’

BEIRUT - Lebanese newspapers on Wednesday pointed to the mysterious origins of an airliner which crashed in west Africa last week, killing at least 135 people, more than half of them Lebanese Press reports speculated that the ageing Boeing 727 of airline UTA had been stolen in Luanda in May.

--Agence France-Presse--

Brazil to fingerprint US citizens

Judge Julier Sebastiao da Silva was reacting to US plans to do the same to Brazilians entering the United States.

“I consider the act absolutely brutal, threatening human rights, violating human dignity, xenophobic and worthy of the worst horrors committed by the Nazis,” Federal Judge Julier Sebastiao da Silva said in the court order.

--BBC News--

So if fingerprinting Brazilians is “worthy of the worst horrors committed by the Nazis,” what is fingerprinting U.S. citizens? - Ed.

Bloomberg: Shootdown for Terror Planes ‘Not Practical’

New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, who insists that Manhattan will be safe from terrorist attack during tonight's New Year's Eve celebration, said Tuesday that he isn't sure whether it's a good idea to shoot down small aircraft possibly piloted by terrorists - even if they're buzzing city landmarks.

--NewsMax.com--

Al Qaeda Videos Found in Iraq Weapons Raid

BAGHDAD, Iraq - U.S. forces operating in the so-called Sunni Triangle -- the region of Iraq most loyal to captured former dictator Saddam Hussein -- found a significant weapons cache that included al Qaeda literature and videotapes, the U.S. military said Tuesday.

--CNN--

Dean's ‘Populist’ Roots

“When I was growing up,” Dean's mom said, “we didn't even treat the servants like servants.”

--New York Times--

Suicide-attack Jackets Bought by Radical Group

BAGHDAD - Scores of Iraqi-made suicide bombers' jackets missing since the war that ousted Saddam Hussein have fallen into the hands of the radical extremist group Ansar al-Islam, according to illegal-weapons traders.

--Washington Times--

If Iraq was manufacturing suicide jackets, how can anyone argue that Saddam Hussein wasn't supporting terrorism? - Ed.