News – Let’s Open it Once and For All

US

Richard Clarke says if you’re going to declassify things to discredit him, declassify everything and let the evidence stand on its own. Personally, I agree. Open the info vault and let us see everything, not just what the Bush administration will cherry pick out. Seems all this secret info can be declassified when they need to defend themselves, but otherwise it’s all very important, very secret info that the public just can’t see.

The massive negative attacks early in this election race have left a sour taste with the public. This might well be the election where a positive candidate could clean up. Perhaps..

Kerry hits Bush.

Bush courts Hispanic voters with images of the American Dream. His version of it, at least.

Everyone wants Condi to publicly testify before the 9/11 council. She’s done it in private, she’s talked publicly on 60 Minutes, why won’t she testify publicly?

The Washington post has a poll saying army spouses see their significant others not wanting to reenlist. Details are a click away. And, as always, tale the polls with a grain of salt.

The congress is moving to criminalize P2P. The Pirate Act would do such things as lower the burden of proof, allow the Justice Department to pursue civil cases and more. It’s in draft right now. Personally, I’m quite leery of it. It doesn’t seem too bad, but I’ve not studied it at great length yet.

Seven Toronto police officers are instrumental in the saving of a little girl from exploitation. A little tech and a little good old fashioned detective work can do wonders.

The Pledge of Alliegence: The Power Point version.

Iraq

The UN is working on crafting a multinational force to help support an elected Iraqi government.

Israel/Palestine

The Israeli Supreme Court is pushing in on Sharon. His son has been ordered to give up documents critical to the investigation into alleged bribery. Sharon continues to deny wrongdoing.

Virtual peace in the Mideast? Stranger things have happened. Though not by much.

Afghanistan

The headlines says that US troops thwart a suicide bombing in Afghanistan. It sounds, however, like luck saved them after the explosives laden taxi crashed into a convoy as it was about to enter a base in Jalalabad. The driver popped out with a gun and was subsequently killed.

Pakistan

Pakistani Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Shaukat Sultan says that an alQueda intelligence chief identified only as “Mr. Abdullah.” Was killed in the 12 day offensive near the Afghan border.

General

Topped with a short muse on how the internet has failed to be the great spreader of democracy some might envision it. Personally, I can see where it fails, but it has been a positive influence in many areas.

Day to Day: Summary Judgment: Jersey Girl, The Ladykillers and Dogville and an extra review of Ladykillers.

Mohamed Suharto has been dubbed the most corrupt world leader in the last 20 years by Transparency International. Explainer goes into how he amassed his illicit wealth.

Today’s Papers has info on Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani’s Shiite organization, the CPA shutting down an Iraqi newspaper, corroboration of Richard Clarke’s testimony and more.

Amusements

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop a reason for Condi Rice to look this pissed off

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Curious George Books that didn’t make the cut. Difficulty: Must be in the form of a book cover

Orlando Bloom as Bond? Hmmm…

Note: News is a little sparse as I couldn’t get good access to the Guardia