To my conservative colleagues

As a registered fellow Republican, I feel obligated to address the compatriots in my party. This address is in regards to an alarming amount of reconcilable differences that are permeating our culture and being galvanized and exacerbated on mainstream media rather than rectified.

In the past twelve months, I have witnessed some ridiculous interpretations of what is fact, faith and fiction from several conservative journalists, pundits and politicians.

My diatribe is not so much a song about highlighting the severe academic deficiencies of an entire party as it is an exclamation of dismay at the direction of objective knowledge.

On Aug. 19, 2012, Todd Akin ushered in a tsunami of public scathing with his comments about “legitimate rape”, touting his blatant illiteracy at how a female’s body works. His misogynistic statements came with no medical validity. He lost the election due primarily to overwhelming backlash from female voters.

Paul Broun, U.S. Representative for Georgia’s 10^th congressional district, has been publicly saying stupid things since 2008.  In Nov., he compared Obama’s call for a civilian national service corps to that of Hitler and the Soviet Union. Although President Bush had endorsed a similar idea in 2006, Broun was unapologetic for invoking Godwin’s Law without fully understanding what it was he was criticizing. Rather, he is so embittered due to his preconceptions that he is entirely incapable of humility.

Fast-forward to Sept. 27, 2012 - where Broun stated that the sciences of evolution, embryology and the Big Bang were “lies straight from the pit of Hell.” Mr. Broun is also a young-Earth creationist, who believes the Earth “is about 9,000 years old” and was literally created in six, 24-hour days. Did I mention that Mr. Broun was serving on the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology!?

 

Upon hearing that, I had the same reaction I heard when I read this story from April, 2010.

Game over: UN elects Iran to its commission on … women’s rights

Yes, that really happened. Facepalm.

Fortunately, someone smarter than I was listening to Broun’s comments. International smart-man Bill Nye the Science Guy commented on Broun’s speech, and questioned Broun’s ability to serve on the Science Committee.

“Broun’s views are not in the national interest,” Nye said. “He is, by any measure, unqualified to make decisions about science, space and technology.”

The next chairman of the House Sciences Committee, Republican Lamar Smith - a climate change antagonist - openly criticized the media in 2009 for not airing enough “dissenting opinions” about man-made global warming.

Just to be clear; there is an overwhelming amount of evidence within the scientific community supporting man-made global warming. It really isn’t much harder than using Google Scholar to find one of the thousands and thousands of peer-reviewed papers (as if the independent lines of evidence from every branch of natural sciences converging on the same, irrefutable logic wasn’t convincing enough). It also takes a little bit of historical and geological knowledge; not just temperature comparisons.

There is no more a controversy over the validity to global warming than there is about the Earth being flat, or revolving around the sun. (Or evolution. Yes, evolution is both a fact and a theory. The theory explains the facts)

Former House science panel chairman, Rep. Ralph Hall, ridiculously said about global warming that he is “really more fearful of freezing,” but admittedly had ZERO science to prove that scenario was eminent. Was this a joke? It certainly wasn’t science.

Mainstream media: can we please stop pitting the ignorant against the educated, then framing it as though it were a debate?

The frontier of scientific knowledge would truly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Justin Chandler Porter

Coverage Comparison

FOX 

For election night, I was at the Marriott for the GOP Watch Party. There, they were playing FOX news on two giant screens at opposite ends of the room for participants to keep up with the score.

By 10:00 p.m., Obama was at 244 electoral votes while Romney was trailing with 203.

Fox correspondents Bret Baer, Brit Hume and Megyn Kelly were covering the action at Fox studios.

“Obama is more likely to try and work with republicans, now that he is a lame duck,” said Kelly.

Bret Baer subjectively said, “Obama had to appease democrats, his base, by not working with republicans.” However, it is a lack of bipartisan governing from both sides that has seen a gridlock in government productivity.

A democratic guest (unnamed during my viewing) claimed the gridlock came from republicans, who outnumbered the democratic voice in the House of Representatives 233-195.

Brit Hume said, “Raising taxes on the rich doesn’t achieve nearly enough money” to impact the deficit, but didn’t comment on what it does do.

It seems like Fox is looking for a single jubilee that can fix the economy, rather than blending ideas and micromanaging.

Hume said the Obama administration has tried to paint Romney as a vulture capitalist, citing Obama’s $100 million negative ad campaign.

Syndicated columnist Charles Krauthammer, Fox’s most notoriously frequent guest, said it was an unusual election and that Romney did great for a northeastern liberal. He said this year has seen a “very weak field of candidates”, but was very optimistic about the next generation of candidates, like Fla. Sen. Marco Rubio.

“The future of the party is bright,” Krauthammer said.

CNN

When I turned on CNN, Wolf Blitzer was saying Obama was projected to win Iowa. There were roars of applause from Obama fans as the race drew to a close.

Jessica Yellin, Chief White House Correspondent, said this election was “a lesson the Republican party will learn from.”

By this time, Obama had received 43.8 million (49%) of the popular vote, with Romney slightly ahead at 44.0 million votes (49%). Romney would go on to win the popular vote, with Obama collecting the required 270 electoral votes.

“I think it is a myth out there that [Obama] does not want to cooperate,” said Van Jones, a CNN contributor. “I think he did want to. I think he had a hard time finding a partner because of the Tea Party caucus.”

By 11:30 p.m., several news stations had projected Obama as the overall winner.

Jim Acosta, CNN national political correspondent reported the Romney campaign was not ready to concede the election.

As of 11:46 p.m., CNN reported Romney was not ready to concede.

The reason was the Romney campaign had disputed the Ohio call, which went against some of Fox’s officials’ reports.

MSNBC 

Chris Matthews, host of Hardball, called the election shortly after 11:00 p.m.

Al Sharpton hilariously called Obama’s campaign “flawless,” saying Obama “brought us back from the ugliness politics have become.”

Then again, hindsight is 20-20.

It seems that, upon hearing the projection, Sharpton had forgotten all the vitriolic, antagonistic, mud-slinging tactics presented from both sides throughout the race. He also didn’t seem to realize that Romney won the popular vote, which is far from a “flawless” victory.

Correspondents said it was a much harder race than in 2008 for both sides.

They agreed Romney’s 47% remark was fatal, and reported the mood at the Romney campaign was “deflated.”

“[Republicans] will continue to lose, and marginalize themselves,” Sharpton added.

Rachel Maddow quickly jumped on the fact that FOX was refusing to believe some of their own officials.

Maddow said, if Romney won, Obama’s policies “would have been dialed back along with the rest of his legacy.”

Bringin' it Home

An excruciatingly long election campaign journeys into its final hours.

As the 2012 election draws to a close, it seems that every ounce of news has been juiced from the fruit of our labors.

But the final hours of the election roll on, and journalistic pundits scoop up the few remaining details that could help change the minds of undecided voters.

The Poynter Institute reported at least 30 newspapers across the nation switched from endorsing Obama in 2008 to Romney this year.

Twenty-four of those papers were swing-state papers, like the Wisconsin State Journal. Although the Journal touts Obama as a “more likable and inspiring speaker”, it says “This is now Obama’s economy, even though the GOP shares in the blame for partisan games.”

Sharing is caring. With all the negative spin, vitriolic remarks and persistent gaffes, at least we can all share the blame.

Some of the other re-opinionated newspapers include the New York Daily News, the Reno Gazette-Journal, the Orlando Sentinel and the Houston Chronicle.

Meanwhile, only a handful of papers have flipped to Obama, including The San Antonio Express-News, the San Francisco Examiner and the Winston-Salem Journal – all who endorsed McCain in 2008.

Hurricane Sandy Helps Coordinate Campaign Strategy

The pull for Ohio is shaping up to be fundamental to Governor Romney's potential presidency.

Polls currently show a tie at 49 percent among voters. But, with a margin of error at over three percent, it's anybody's game.

Republican Sen. Rob Portman, on Fox News Sunday, said the energy, momentum and enthusiasm is on his side.

Obama campaign manager, Stephanie Cutter, said on ABC, "we feel pretty good about Ohio and think we're going to win it."

President Obama rescheduled his Orlando rally this weekend due to the latest trajectory of Hurricane Sandy.

Romney was also forced to cancel a rally in New Hampshire.

Both candidates have had to suspend campaign duties along the East coast, including fundraisers in New Jersey, Virginia and North Carolina - all anticipated to receive Sandy's wrath.

A CNN report shows Hurricane Sandy expected to make landfall near the Jersey shore the evening of Oct. 29.

In response, the New York City Stock Exchange, the Subway, the U.N. building and the Broadway Theatres have all closed in anticipation of the storm.

Written by: Justin Chandler Porter

Face the Nation

Election Day is two weeks away, and Monday’s debate will be the last opportunity for President Obama and Governor Romney to make their case for America.

According to a Sunday poll from NBC News / Wall Street Journal, both candidates are tied at 47 percent, while a Politico tracking poll shows Romney slightly leading, 49-47.

An enduring performance could mean a significant bump in the polls, while a gaffe could spell the end of a hard-fought brawl with very little time to recover. Either way, this could be the most important 90 minutes of the election.

The candidates have previously argued about domestic issues, like border-control, healthcare and social programs.

Major talking points for Monday’s debate will likely revolve around details of the Benghazi attack in Libya, mounting discord in Syria and sanctions against Iran for its nuclear pursuits.

The final debate will take place at 9 p.m. EST at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Fla. It will air on NBCNews.com and NBCPolitics.com.

Moderator and veteran journalist Bob Schieffer will take the middle seat for the night’s debate. He told CNN.com he was ready to endure the scrutiny of being caught in the crossfire of the heated debaters.

Schieffer has, since 1972, covered every presidential race and convention. He has been the host of CBS’ “Face the Nation” since 1991.

Huffington Post reporter Paul Abrams said in a report that Schieffer should not focus too much on Benghazi, but rather on heavier issues.

“Benghazi is neither the most important, nor a symptom of the most important foreign policy matters that need to be discussed,” Abrams wrote in a report Oct. 22.

Round 2: Fact or Friction

President Obama and Governor Mitt Romney met Tuesday night at the Town Hall in Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y.

The venue, much different than the first two, featured undecided voters asking questions directly to the participants.

Much of the heated back-and-forth between the incumbent and the GOP nominee revolved around the loss of Ambassador Chris Stevens, three American soldiers and the confusing aftermath that ensued.

“it took the president 14 days before he called the attack in Benghazi an act of terror,” Romney said. Moderator Candy Crowley acknowledged that argument.

Although, the day after the attack, Obama spoke at the Rose Garden with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, where he said,  “no acts of terror will ever shake the resolve of this great nation.”

U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice, went on several networks less than a week after the Benghazi attack, saying the incident was uncoordinated and unplanned.

U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice addresses the U.N.

Obama fired back by saying, “The suggestion that … my team … would play politics … when we’ve lost four of our own … is offensive.”

The event was a fun chance for both men on stage to dole out archaic gaffes and regrettable one-liners.

We saw cameos from Romney’s “47%” line, as well as his line about “letting Detroit go bankrupt.”

Before the Benghazi issue, Sen. Rob Portman said foreign policy was in the president’s favor.

“That has changed now,” Portman said on CNN.

Decisive Denver Debate

Squaring-off at the University of Denver, the incumbent Barack Obama and the GOP nominee Mitt Romney met face-to-face for the first of three presidential debates Wednesday night.

The event, hosted by moderator Jim Lehrer, focused on domestic policies, including the deficit, Medicare and education.

Post-debate polls immediately went to Romney, citing his aggression, passion and energy, but with his all-to-familiar lack of detail. The same polls cited Obama as underwhelming; even cold.

Romney introduced a five-step process that diverges from the President’s current “top-down” policies. It included getting America energy-independent, opening up more foreign trade, balancing the federal budget and championing small business.

Romney also urged America to crack down on China, “if and when they cheat.”

Romney said the role of government is not to be the economic player, picking winners and losers, but to make the private sector more efficient and effective.

Obama persistently referred to Romney’s $5 trillion tax cuts, accusing the nominee of exacerbating the problems that have devastated the economy over the past decade.

“If you believe we can cut taxes by $5 trillion and add $2 trillion in additional spending the military is not asking for,” Obama said, “then Governor Romney’s plan may work for you.”

Obama said asking how we pay for that without dumping costs onto middle-class Americans is a central question of the campaign.

The Brooking Institute’s Tax Policy Center determined large tax cuts to high-income households while increasing the tax burdens on middle-class families under the Romney plan.

Despite the finding, Romney acknowledges, “You’ll never balance the budget by raising taxes.”

ObamaCare, the President’s signature health-care law, was an issue of contention. While Romney aspires to cleave the program if elected, he lacked specifics on how he would replace the program.

Liberal comedian Bill Maher tweeted during the event, “Obama is not looking like he came for a job interview; Romney does.”

Democratic strategist James Carville said it looked like Obama did not want to be there, but expected a big pushback from the President.

This is reflective of the mounting pressure, as absentee ballots are already being filled just weeks before the election.

Faux Politics

Recently, President Obama sat down for an interview with Spanish-speaking Univision, where he said he “can’t change Washington from the inside.” 

Although he was not entirely specific about how that judgment is represented, an overzealous Mitt Romney fired back.

“We’re going to give him that chance in November.  He’s going outside,” Romney said at a rally in Sarasota, Fla.

Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Preibus said the party of “yes we can” has moved on to “no I can’t.”  Clever.

Hindsight is 20-20.  Foresight, on the other hand, is a strategy.

If you’re drowning, you don’t have the foresight to politely ask someone to help you. You just scream. The obvious foresight would be to not walk on thin ice with a backpack full of hammers.

That’s what it seems like Republican nominee Romney is doing.  Romney appears to be drowning in gaffs; exacerbating the great divide between two parties that won’t give an inch, but would gladly take a mile. He came, unprepared and out of touch.

Republican House Speaker John Boehner said in a press conference Friday, were Obama reelected, there would be no taxes raised on high-income families.

As much as he would like to believe that, several members of his caucus do not share the same optimism.

Representative Tom Cole admitted that, if Obama wins, taxes would likely to increase for wealthy families. He said Obama would be able to allow the Bush tax cute to expire for incomes above $250,000.

“If the president wins reelection, taxes are going up,” Cole said in a Fox News report, “and there’s not a lot we can do about that."

Currently, 47% of citizens pay little to no taxes.  Many citizens who don’t pay taxes are seniors and veterans.  Romney’s statements earlier this week that many of those not paying taxes believe they are victims only adds fuel to the inflammatory perceptions of him.

The two nominees can focus on substance, namely domestic policy, at the upcoming Oct. 3 debate. It will take place at the University of Denver and is sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates. 

PBS NewsHour host Jim Lehrer will moderate the debate.

Who is Uncle Samurai?

Uncle Samurai is Justin Chandler Porter; a Journalism student from the University of North Florida.  He has a black belt in karate and spelling.  He plays the piano and is an excellent swimmer.  He writes screenplays and is almost fluent in Spanish.

Uncle Samurai brings the latest in bureaucratic bantar to those in dire need of a political tune-up.  For local, national and even global newsworthy events, Uncle Samurai roams the wastelands of the internet, scouring for significance among stories that have been equivocated by popular media outlets.

Although the stories aim to be objective, their purpose is subjective:  to fill the information gaps brought on by pop culture and materialism to a generations' struggling enthusiasm.

This blog is intended to cultivate and preserve my personal aptitude for political erudition, and to share that knowledge with the inquiring world.

Mayor Brown's Nominees

The nation’s largest city, in both population and land area, is getting bigger, better and stronger!

Mayor Alvin Brown announced Aug. 31 his nominees for a volunteer group designed to oversee the Jacksonville City Council’s new Downtown Investment Authority.

Mayor Brown, and the nine board members of the new DIA
(photo from coj.net)

Brown and Council President Bill Bishop chose the nine-member board from a long list of qualified Jacksonville citizens who all share the same goal of bringing more business to Jacksonville.

Brown said, in coj.net, the goal of the board will be to attract more residents, increase tourism and increase the city’s value through revenue and commerce.

Brown chose five of the nine nominees:

1. *Melody S. Bishop - architect with Akel Logan & Shafer.  She serves on the A1A Florida Board of Directors and the Florida Foundation for Architecture Board of Trustees.
2. *Robert M. Clements - Chairman and CEO of EverBank. 
3. *Kamira Harper - Practicing attorney with the Harper Law Firm
4. *Donald Harris - General Manager of the Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk Hotel.
5. *Paul Perez - Former U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida and current Chief Compliance   Officer for Fidelity National Financial.

Council President Bishop chose four of the nominees:

1. *Antonio Allegretti - Founding Director of the Riverside Arts Market and a partner at the Burrito Gallery.  Current Director of Downtown Engagement for the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce.
2. *James F. Bailey Jr. - President of Bailey Publishing and Communications and Publisher of the Financial News & Daily Record
3. *Oliver Barakat -  Senior Vice President for CBRE .
4. *Donald A. Shea - Executive Director of the nonpartisan Jacksonville Civic Council.  Former executive director of the Shreveport Downtown Development Authority and President and CEO of the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership.

The City Council unanimously approved of the DIA Aug. 15.  The members are all appointed to a four-year term and will perform transparent business the public will see.

Mayor Brown signing legislation to renew downtown Jax
(photo courtesy of First Coast News)

Once funded, the board will put forward a downtown development plan and revitalize Jacksonville’s downtown area.

Click the link to Jacksonville's Official Website to learn more about the DIA and the Better Jacksonville Plan (BJP).

Late Burn for Bachmann

Presidential hopeful Michele Bachmann was surprised Wednesday to learn that her campaign chairman is abandoning her camp – for the competition!

Kent Sorenson, Iowa State Senator and former campaign chairman for Bachmann, has officially endorsed Ron Paul just six days before the Iowa caucus.

Senator Sorenson, at a Ron Paul rally Wednesday

Sorenson even attended a Bachmann event in Indianola, just hours before announcing his new endorsement at a Paul rally.

Claiming to be at a turning point in the campaign process, Sorenson says “I thought it was my duty to come to his aid, just like he came to my aid during my Senate race”.  He further encouraged the crowd, saying “We’re going to take Ron Paul all the way to the White House.”

Sorenson was elected in 2010 to the state Senate due in part to support from Ron Paul and his heavy Iowa following. 

He declined to discuss the reasons for leaving the Bachmann campaign, focusing instead on the strengths of the Paul campaign.  Sorenson claims that he had been thinking about supporting Paul for a couple days, but hadn’t officially made his decision until Wednesday night.

He says that there is a clear top-tier race between Ron Paul and Mitt Romney, and that the Republican establishment is going to rise up against Paul. 

Sorenson says that we can vote for a frugal socialist (Romney), or someone who will support the Founding Fathers’ beliefs of what this country should be.

Bachmann, being choked out by her own pearl necklace.

An angry Bachmann claims that “Sorenson personally told me he was offered a large sum of money to go to work for the Paul campaign.”  She did not take questions, but continued to push her agenda for the January 3 Iowa caucus.

Stupor Committee

The power given to the deficit superheroes of the 2011 Super Committee has been, well... anything short of ‘heroic’. 

In an attempt to cut the deficit by $1.2 trillion, the, six Republicans and six Democrats have talked in circles while the other 500 + members of the House and Senate sit idly by.

After watching several months of failed strategies aimed at reducing the nation’s $15 trillion debt, the United States Congress Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction has collapsed under the stress of partisan dissonance.

The effects of their failure to agree on a resolution may affect citizens in a myriad of ways, which include a potential payroll tax increase before 2012.

Political Analyst Fareed Zakaria predicted the Committee’s failure, stating “The Democrats are saying no cuts to entitlements. The Republicans are saying no taxes. That's great except we all know the only solution to our long-term debt problem is cuts in entitlements and new taxes”

Obama warns that taxes may go up as much as $1,000 for the average family, due in part to the failure of the Super Committee.

GOP candidate Mitt Romney criticized Obama, saying “Your policies have failed.  Far from bringing the crisis to an end, your policies have actively hindered economic recovery.”

Gingrich-Cain 2012?

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and prominent business mogul Herman Cain took part in a one-on-one debate Saturday night, discussing important topics like health reform, fraud and Social Security.

Gingrich and Cain were given 90 minutes to contest issues in greater detail than any previous debate. The difference in format allowed for deeper conversations that, rather than subjugating important topics, gave the candidates ample time to enlighten the public and take the focus off party infighting.

Political commentators have analyzed every aspect of syntax and mannerism to determine a champion. However, there was no bad blood between contenders as in previous Republican debates. The majority of the time was spent discussing legitimate topics and meaningful propositions with a clear level of respect between the two potential GOP nominees. The two assure their party that one can win without tearing the other down.

In all actuality, it seemed less like a debate and more like friendly banter. This time, there were no human punching bags or rehearsed attacks. There were no "gotcha" moments, and the civility kept a cultured and gracious climate. The two agreed on a myriad of subjects, highlighting their shared outlook and quite possibly strengthening the idea of a Gingrich/Cain 2012 ticket.

In the end, the idea that Gingrich is the smartest of the candidates persisted.

Republican pollster Frank Luntz affirmed the GOP tactic, saying "Gingrich will demonstrate why he's brilliant, and Cain will demonstrate why he's likable. And they won't try to score points off each other. They will score points off the president, which is what Republicans want them to do anyway."

The two took a moment to bash the media for their unjournalistic approach to partisanship, sabotage and misappropriation of priorities. This was, no doubt, a stab at how Hermain Cain's alleged sexual harrassment ordeal has been treated by the media.

With more important stories like Operation Fast and Furious, scandals like Solyndra, and all-time high deficits and unemplyment rates, the media is losing focus as to why Americans are scared.


 

Iran: A Punchline for Women's Rights

The United Nations elected Iran earlier in 2010 to a four-year term on the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).  The Commission, said to be "dedicated exclusively to gender equality and advancement of women" has become a punch-line for policies regarding women's rights.

The U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is intended to be a central forum for international agendas that promote higher standards of living, and encourages respect for human rights and freedom around the globe.  However, Iran has a notorious reputation for oppressing women, as it is not uncommon for women to be buried up to their waist and stoned to death for crimes as miniscule as adultery.  

In Iran, women seeking equality have been charged with threatening national security.  Women are banned from certain areas of study in Universities, as the regime attempts to eradicate decades of progress and strife.  Private rights such as clothing, marital status, custody, inheritance, abortion and transportation are legal battles for women in Iran every day. 

The most recent U.N. assembly at the N.Y. headquarters practically did nothing to promote the goals that were bestowed upon the CSW when it was established in 1946, other than blame Israel for violating Palestinian women's rights.

Iran's election to this 'illustrious' position is indicative of the complete disregard for women's rights, and the misappropriation of priorities.  It's also a foreboding realization that the Islamic authority of the U.N. is overshadowing the very purpose of its establishment in an attempt to push their own agendas.

Viva La Drug War

Mexican President Felipe Calderon spoke Thursday at the U.N. General Assembly, stressing the need for greater cooperation from the United States in regards to the drug war terrorizing the streets of Mexico.

Calderon addressed the 66^th session of the U.N. in New York, citing America's heavy consumption of illegal drugs as being partly responsible for the overwhelming violence that has escalated in recent months.

These sentiments came just days after an arson attack in Monterrey left 50 people dead.  While bodies are being dumped on roadsides, Calderon claims consumer nations like the U.S. are not doing enough to address the escalating violence, as it is gridlocked with Middle East conflicts.

Although the White House responded, condemning the attacks and committing to help fight the drug war, the ever-busy status of our nation is persistent with pressing, international agendas.  Calderon was assured that the historic level of cooperation with Mexico would endure "to protect the public health and safety of citizens on both sides of the border."

This drug war her persisted for nearly three years, resulting in the loss of over 17,000 lives.  Although the media is barely covering the situation, the drug war should be a primary concern for Americans, as borders have seen an influx of narcotics, weapons, and refugees.

Call of the Wyly

Charles Wyly, a Texas billionaire, megadoner, and philanthropist, died after a car accident in Colorado this weekend.  He and his brother Sam were fondly remembered as "the Wyly brothers", a wealthy duo that has donated millions to Republican causes and cultural projects around Texas.



Charles Wyly (left) and his brother Sam (right)



The Wyly brothers helped Dallas build their performing arts center with a massive $20 million contribution.  They have also prominently (but discreetly) donated to Republican causes, included millions to GOP candidates and causes for over four decades.

Charles, along with his brother, has founded several companies, including University Computing and the retail chain Michael's Stores, Inc.  Charles was also a former member of the White House Advisory Council for Management Improvement.

Charles, and his wife Dee

William Brewer III, Wyly's attorney, said in a statement to the Associated Press, "He is among the finest people I have ever known.  His contributions in civic leadership will forever be remembered."  Charles was 77.

Super Syrial

U.S. and French ambassadors traveled alongside hundreds of thousands of protesters in the streets of Hama, Syria.

Protestors in Hama clamoring for peace and reform.

The demonstrations, which have erupted throughout the cities and towns all over the nation, are unified in calling for an end of President Bashar Assad's regime.

Syrian Dictator Bashar Assad

Since the start of the revolt nearly 4 months ago, crowds continue to accumulate in size and amplify their disdain for the current state of the Government.  The central city of Hama has become a focal point for the protestors, and the Ambassadors' visit has only strengthened the community's resolve.

Not surprisingly, the Syrian Government condemned U.S. Ambassador Robert Ford, stating that the visit was unauthorized; whose purpose was deliberately inciting further conflict in the already unstable Arab nation.

U.S. Ambassador Robert Ford

Considering Syria's close ties with Iran, it is no surprise that tensions are capricious and irrational.
Victoria Nuland, U.S. State Department spokeswoman defended the activists in Syria, as well as the U.S. Ambassador, claiming that Ford "spent the day expressing our deep support for the right of the Syrian people to assemble peacefully and to express themselves."

Qadaffi At Large

Arrest warrants were issued Monday from the International Criminal Courts for Libyan leader Muammar Qadaffi, his son Seif, and his Intelligence Chief Abdullah al-Sanoussi. 

It has already been four months of violence and fighting between Qadaffi forces and rebel groups.  Meanwhile, prosecutors are adamant about finding and subduing the men as quickly as possible in order to protect civilians, stop the bloodshed and "to prevent them from covering up ongoing crimes".

The 3 men are charged with crimes against humanity;  including the killing, arrest, and incarceration of hundreds of innocent civilians during the first two weeks of the revolution.

Judge Sanji Monegeng of Botswana said there were ''reasonable grounds to believe'' the leader and his son are ''criminally responsible as indirect co-perpetrators'' for the oppression.

Before the warrants were announced, French President Nicolas Sarkozy recapitulated the urgency of Qadaffi to step down from power for the betterment and evolution of the country and its people.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy reaffirming Qadaffi to step down

The United Nations resolution comprised of France, Britain and the United States began bombarding Qadaffi's compound and forces with rocket strikes in an attempt to stop the murders of civilians and rebels on March 19.  Since then, a number of Arab allies have joined with NATO for the air campaign over Libya.

NATO and Taliban

Two interesting news broadcasts were reported back to back.  One, an atrocity done in the name of peace - another, done with intentions of terror and mayhem.

In the first story, NATO claims that one of its airstrikes in Libya has taken the lives of innocent civilians.  In the not-war against Qadaffi, a NATO weapons system failure led to an errant airstrike that took the lives of nine civilians.  Two of the civilians were children.  Obviously, NATO says that it 'regrets the loss of innocent civilian lives'.

The second story was half way around the world, in Afghanistan.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for a car bomb that killed 3 innocent civilians near the edge of Kunduz City.  Eleven other civilians were wounded in the car bomb that was targeting a German military convoy.  Afghan President Hamid Karzai is still involved in peace talks with the Taliban, in attempts to quell the persistently unnecessary bloodshed.

The irony is that both stories have led to innocent people losing their lives.  One, NATO, is trying to help.  The other, the Taliban (which I feel have NO place in 'peace talks'), is intentionally trying to disrupt every facet of capitalist culture by killing their own people.  Different ideologies.  Same result.  Be it government intervention or radical, jihadist thoughts, innocent people are dying.  How do you fight broken ideologies?

Wedding Massacre

The Central Criminal Court of Iraq is doing the world some justice.  Today, 15 alleged Al-Qaeda members were convicted guilty and sentenced to death for their horrific participation in a 2006 wedding party massacre. 

The attack, which led to the murder of over 70 people, is viewed as one of the most horrendous acts carried out by the Sunni-led militants during the insurgency.

The event, which was supposed to be a joyful and amicable experience, truly became a nightmare, as a roadside bomb forced the wedding guests off road and allowed the terrorists to begin their attack.  Kids were tied down with weights and thrown in the river to drown;  the bride - raped in front of her new husband, then cut across the chest and left to bleed to death.

Anti-terror unit checkpoint in Baghdad

All the men were executed with a bullet to the back of the head and flung into the water.

Even for Iraqi standards, the shocking events of this brutal massacre will haunt the region forever.   And despite the miniscule amount of solace that comes from the conviction of these 15 pieces of garbage, the world continues to shed innocent blood in a frugal attempt to coexist.

Iraqi women crying out for retribution against the murders

During a videotape confession, the defendants claim that their motives for the attack were that the groom was Shiite and the bride was Sunni.  What a waste.