News – Killing the little protections

US

While the government continues to research data mining tools, two small privacy protecting aspects of said programs are quietly killed.

As journalists get a look at the Libya nuke gear being displayed by the White House, the questions continue on just what motivated Moammar Qadhafi to cave.

26 were released from Guantanimo Bay. Several of the Afghans have complained of poor treatment within the facility. The ICRC has declined to comment on such matters, only saying they still want the status of the captives to be declared. US spokesmen say that the prisoners are treated according to obligations under the Geneva Convention. Perhaps, but I wonder how they interpret it.

Michael James Scarpitti, a prominent environmental activist who is suspected to have bombed industrial sites in Oregon, has been arrested by the FBI. What’s funny is he was arrested for shoplifting in Canada. There’s something just sad about that. 😉

Despite calls from the governor, Oregon’s Multnomah County(which includes Portland), will continue to issue gay marriage licenses.

Susan Lindauer has plead not guilty to giving secrets to Iraq.

The White House is calling on Kerry to reveal the names of foreign leaders who want him to win the presidency. Otherwise, they say, he’s making it up. You know, it’s kind of silly for the White House to be making assertions like that. There’s a heck of a lot they don’t say. I guess that’s all untrue as well. In other news, Sharpton endorses Kerry.

Musing Bush’s record on women’s rights.

A Whopper for Kerry on his senate voting record with regards to Cuba.

The Bush administration is accused of manufacturing the news. I’m shocked.. if this is true..

Iraq

One year later, most Iraqis are happier with Saddam gone. To be expected, since if they weren’t, that would be an obvious sign of serious problems. Six in ten of the 2,500 polled say their life is somewhat or much better. I wonder how many of those were somewhat and how many were much.

Rory McCarthy goes on patrol today in Brasa. Another look into the Iraq war a year later, this time through a different set of eyes.

Israel/Palestine

Israel is gearing up to retaliate in response to the double bombing at Ashdod. They continue to let the terrorists goad them into reckless action which won’t make them friends and will continue to summon up as many or more terrorists than they can kill, also racking up further civilian bystander deaths.

Spain

Spanish police say they’ve identified six Muslim militants who carried out the train station bombings in Madrid. One is Jamal Zougam, who is currently arrested and identified by two survivors of the blast who saw him on site before the explosions. For the record, the group they’re associated with is said to be loosely linked with alQueda, not alQueda itself.

Bush congratulates the new leader of Spain. Meanwhile, you know he’s grinding his teeth on the inside.

Some say that it’s silly to think that Spain brought he terrorist bombing on itself. Personally, I don’t think it is so silly. Or, at the very least, their involvement was an enticement to move them up to a higher and more deadly spot on the hit parade. To think that their involvement in Iraq has nothing to do with them being hit is equally silly in my opinion.

Pakistan

Pakistan’s paramilitary forces are striking against tribal fighters suspected of sheltering militants. There was heavy through the day with 6 deaths for the paramilitary forces and three for the tribal fighters(and several wounded) at last count.

UK

London’s top policeman, John Stevens, says that the river Thames is one of London’s weak spots in defense against terrorism. A fast boat loaded with explosives could do some damage, but he says it has been taken into account. Which is good. Best way to strengthen is to acknowledge your weaknesses.

General

As expected, Apple legal bashes on the iPod imitator software. I think that, after that whole Microsoft thing form way back, they’ve become fanatical about keeping their look and feel protected. Considering that’s one of their strenghts, its hard to blame them. They continue to rule the online music sales world, though. This is not without problems as the Bettles are suiing Apple now, as Apple Computers made an agreement with the Bettles’ Apple Records to never go into the music busines. This should be interesting.

Today’s Papers has the Bush administration looking to screw us on Mercury standards, interesting tidbits on Mad Cow testing, some possible evidence that Aristide was tricked out of office and more in the one page news.

Amusements

Fark Photoshop Challenge: This is a sketch of Martha Stewart’s probable living quarters for the next 10 to 16 months — spruce it up a bit

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this DirectTV spam. What does that woman have to do with it?