Comments Posted By jackson1234
Displaying 111 To 120 Of 190 Comments
PRINCIPLE SHOULD TRUMP PRAGMATISM IN SOTOMAYOR VOTE
Sotomayor is qualified only in that her resume bears what you point out, a 10-year stint on an appellate court courtesy of a political appointment. When the substance of her opinions and statements are analyzed, though, she is at best an utter mediocrity and at worst the lawless ideologue you fear. Neither is acceptable.
I otherwise agree with you. For the same problems of poor reasoning and no grasp of the constitution, I would not have voted to confirm Bork (and, yes, you read that correctly). For the very same reasons I would refuse to confirm Sotomayor. I hope Republican senators and those few Democratic senators left who can exercise independent judgment come to the same conclusion.
I further submit those Democratic senators who claim moderation are on trial with this one.
Comment Posted By jackson1234 On 27.05.2009 @ 11:37
OBAMA OUTFLANKS GOP WITH SOTOMAYOR PICK
It is shrewd for another reason: it lets Obama forget about amnesty and drives a wedge between ethnic identity groups like La Raza, which see CIR as a central issue, and Hispanic voters who generally could give a shit less. Further, Democratic MoC's in swing districts--already in a good deal of trouble for 2010--won't be forced one way or another to vote on such a toxic issue.
I think the fact Sotomayor is so extreme is a good thing. She won't be able to sway Kennedy, and it is damned likely she even could temper Breyer. Like you said, concentrate on her crazier opinions and statements and all will be well.
Comment Posted By jackson1234 On 26.05.2009 @ 12:53
THE MORAL PARAMETERS OF TORTURE
The intellectually honest issue is as follows: even if torture "works," and from what has been leaked it apparently may have, is it justified? My gut and heart say "no," but I'm not responsible for millions of lives. So I don't have to listen to my head as much.
I know one thing for certain. If the question is posed this starkly, there will never be a straightforward show trial in Congress. There probably couldn't have been given the opposition had access to the same information as the proponents, but to look into the camera and honestly tell the American people that principle has to win out over lives is absolute political suicide.
This was a can of worms the Obama Administration wisely (at least initially) tried not to open.
Comment Posted By jackson1234 On 28.04.2009 @ 13:52
US DECLARES HEALTH EMERGENCY WHILE OBAMA GOLFS
Paging Dr. Gupta?
Comment Posted By jackson1234 On 27.04.2009 @ 14:43
IT'S SILLY TO BLAME A POROUS BORDER FOR SWINE FLU IN US
As of now, you are right. However, if a quarantine were to be imposed and the damned-near criminal neglect of our border continued, there is no question you would be wrong at that point. And don't think for a second the open borders fanatics would see no problem with both a quarantine and unimpeded illegal immigration.
Comment Posted By jackson1234 On 27.04.2009 @ 14:38
NOT A MISPRINT: OBAMA SEEKS CUTS OF 100 <em>MILLION</em> TO CURB DEFICIT
It is a PR stunt, I think. If this is to counter any bad publicity from the Tea Parties (if any), Obama's damned fine message machine really has broken down.
Comment Posted By jackson1234 On 20.04.2009 @ 13:51
INDEFENSIBLE: OBAMA FAILS HIS FIRST BIG TEST
Typically selective, Mr. Stuck. I noticed how you failed to mention political prisoners and closed media outlets and jailed opposition leaders, ad nauseum. And then you constructed a strawman wherein you claimed I said the elections were fraudulent when I clearly said if that had been reported it had escaped me. I should have known better. Next time I will simply ignore you.
Comment Posted By jackson1234 On 21.04.2009 @ 10:56
Here's where to start, Mr. Stuck:
http://thereport.amnesty.org/eng/regions/americas/venezuelah
Be sure to check out what his notorious right-wing cabal has to say about Nicarauga and Bolivia, in particular. I won't wait any apology in the event you are one of the types who no amount of evidence will satisfy, or changes the subject when it gets presented.
Comment Posted By jackson1234 On 20.04.2009 @ 13:55
Mr. Stuck, knock yourself out. I know this notoriously right-wing group will not suffice as evidence for somone of your ilk, but Amnesty International reports:
"http://thereport.amnesty.org/eng/regions/americas/venezuela
Background
President Hugo Chávez Frías took office for a third term in January and Congress granted him powers to pass legislation by decree for 18 months on a wide range of issues including public security and institutional reform. In December, Venezuelans rejected controversial constitutional changes in a referendum. Concerns had been expressed, including by the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Human Rights Defenders and the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, that some of the constitutional changes proposed would have curtailed fundamental human rights
Political violence
The authorities did not take effective action to stop an escalation of violence in the context of demonstrations by supporters and opponents of government policies. There were reports of violent clashes between civilians, and between civilians and police officers throughout the year which resulted in scores of injuries and at least two deaths.
Scores of demonstrators, mainly students, including several who were under 18 were injured or arrested in the context of protests over the authorities’ decision not to renew the licence of Radio Caracas Televisión (RCTV) in May. Several police officers were also injured in the clashes.
Confrontations between both law enforcement officials and demonstrators, and between demonstrators and armed civilians, also took place in the context of tensions over the proposed constitutional reforms.
Human rights defenders
Human rights defenders continued to face intimidation and attack.
José Luis Urbano, human rights defender and president of the Organization for the Defence of the Right to Education (Pro-Defensa del Derecho a la Educación) was shot and wounded in February, in his home town of Barcelona, in the northern state of Anzoátegui. The attack appeared to have been linked to his public criticism of the quality of education available to poor children in the state and his allegations of corruption. José Luis Urbano received protection until April. However, by the end of the year no one had been brought to justice for the attack.
Police and security services
According to the Attorney General, between 2000 and 2007 more than 6,000 complaints were filed at his office for alleged extrajudicial executions by the police. Of the 2,000 officers reportedly involved, less than 400 had been provisionally detained by the end of the year.
None of the recommendations made by the National Commission for Police Reform had been implemented by the end of the year. Among the recommendations of the Commission were measures to improve the accountability of the police, training on human rights and the use of force, the regulation and control of arms used by the security forces, and legislation to integrate the different police bodies.http://thereport.amnesty.org/eng/regions/americas/nicaragua
Workers’ rights
Local organizations reported that labour rights continued to be poorly enforced. Workers lodged various complaints with the authorities and human rights organizations regarding working conditions, including adverse effects on health, and freedom of association.http://thereport.amnesty.org/eng/regions/americas/bolivia
Freedom of expression – attacks on journalists
Comment Posted By jackson1234 On 20.04.2009 @ 11:30
Members of the security forces and others were reported to have attacked and threatened media workers during the year. In November dozens of journalists held a demonstration to highlight abuses against them and journalists’ unions protested at criticism of their work by members of the government.
More than 10 journalists were reportedly attacked in Sucre in November while they were covering violent confrontations between police and demonstrators protesting about the new Constitution.
Political violence
Violence erupted in several cities, including Santa Cruz and Cochabamba, between government and opposition supporters. The clashes left at least five people dead and hundreds injured.
In January Christian Urresti and Juan Ticacolque were killed and more than 100 were injured in Cochabamba, Cochabamba Department, following clashes between groups supporting the governing Movement Towards Socialism (Movimiento al Socialismo, MAS), who were calling for the resignation of the Prefect of Cochabamba, and groups supporting the Prefect and calling for greater regional autonomy. Judicial investigations into the killings were initiated but had not concluded at the end of the year.
In November, three people were killed and over 100 were injured in two days of violent confrontations in Sucre, Chuquisaca Department. Members of the police, using tear gas and rubber bullets, battled with thousands of demonstrators carrying rocks and clubs. Some protesters attacked the headquarters of the Transport Police using firecrackers and Molotov cocktails (home-made explosive devices). They destroyed office equipment and set fire to police and public vehicles....
Luis Cardozo died of gunshot wounds. Juan Carlos Serrudo Murillo died after being hit by a tear gas canister. Members of the police were also injured during the clashes."
Mr. Stuck:
While I could give a fuck less whether you take me seriously, and in full awareness that no amount of what you describe as "evidence" will suffice, I bring you a few excerpts from that right-wing extremist organization Amnety International:
http://thereport.amnesty.org/eng/regions/americas/venezuela
"Background
President Hugo Chávez Frías took office for a third term in January and Congress granted him powers to pass legislation by decree for 18 months on a wide range of issues including public security and institutional reform. In December, Venezuelans rejected controversial constitutional changes in a referendum. Concerns had been expressed, including by the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Human Rights Defenders and the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, that some of the constitutional changes proposed would have curtailed fundamental human rights
Political violence
The authorities did not take effective action to stop an escalation of violence in the context of demonstrations by supporters and opponents of government policies. There were reports of violent clashes between civilians, and between civilians and police officers throughout the year which resulted in scores of injuries and at least two deaths.
Scores of demonstrators, mainly students, including several who were under 18 were injured or arrested in the context of protests over the authorities’ decision not to renew the licence of Radio Caracas Televisión (RCTV) in May. Several police officers were also injured in the clashes.
Confrontations between both law enforcement officials and demonstrators, and between demonstrators and armed civilians, also took place in the context of tensions over the proposed constitutional reforms.
Human rights defenders
Human rights defenders continued to face intimidation and attack.
? José Luis Urbano, human rights defender and president of the Organization for the Defence of the Right to Education (Pro-Defensa del Derecho a la Educación) was shot and wounded in February, in his home town of Barcelona, in the northern state of Anzoátegui. The attack appeared to have been linked to his public criticism of the quality of education available to poor children in the state and his allegations of corruption. José Luis Urbano received protection until April. However, by the end of the year no one had been brought to justice for the attack.
Police and security services
According to the Attorney General, between 2000 and 2007 more than 6,000 complaints were filed at his office for alleged extrajudicial executions by the police. Of the 2,000 officers reportedly involved, less than 400 had been provisionally detained by the end of the year.
None of the recommendations made by the National Commission for Police Reform had been implemented by the end of the year. Among the recommendations of the Commission were measures to improve the accountability of the police, training on human rights and the use of force, the regulation and control of arms used by the security forces, and legislation to integrate the different police bodies."http://thereport.amnesty.org/eng/regions/americas/nicaragua
"Workers’ rights
Local organizations reported that labour rights continued to be poorly enforced. Workers lodged various complaints with the authorities and human rights organizations regarding working conditions, including adverse effects on health, and freedom of association."http://thereport.amnesty.org/eng/regions/americas/bolivia
"Freedom of expression – attacks on journalists
Members of the security forces and others were reported to have attacked and threatened media workers during the year. In November dozens of journalists held a demonstration to highlight abuses against them and journalists’ unions protested at criticism of their work by members of the government.
? More than 10 journalists were reportedly attacked in Sucre in November while they were covering violent confrontations between police and demonstrators protesting about the new Constitution.
Political violence
Violence erupted in several cities, including Santa Cruz and Cochabamba, between government and opposition supporters. The clashes left at least five people dead and hundreds injured.
? In January Christian Urresti and Juan Ticacolque were killed and more than 100 were injured in Cochabamba, Cochabamba Department, following clashes between groups supporting the governing Movement Towards Socialism (Movimiento al Socialismo, MAS), who were calling for the resignation of the Prefect of Cochabamba, and groups supporting the Prefect and calling for greater regional autonomy. Judicial investigations into the killings were initiated but had not concluded at the end of the year.
? In November, three people were killed and over 100 were injured in two days of violent confrontations in Sucre, Chuquisaca Department. Members of the police, using tear gas and rubber bullets, battled with thousands of demonstrators carrying rocks and clubs. Some protesters attacked the headquarters of the Transport Police using firecrackers and Molotov cocktails (home-made explosive devices). They destroyed office equipment and set fire to police and public vehicles. Gonzalo Durán Carazani and José
? Luis Cardozo died of gunshot wounds. Juan Carlos Serrudo Murillo died after being hit by a tear gas canister. Members of the police were also injured during the clashes. Investigations into the incidents have been announced"I'm sure that isn't sufficient for you but it is sufficient to demonstrate you are nothing but a partisan hack, as noted above.
Comment Posted By jackson1234 On 20.04.2009 @ 11:19
