U.S. troop levels in Iraq stymie panel
WASHINGTON - Members of an independent commission on Iraq policy could not reach a consensus Tuesday on how many or how long U.S. troops should remain in Iraq, forcing the group to return for a third day of debate, according to an official close to the panel’s negotiations.
Wars wearing down military gear at cost of about $2 billion a month
About $2 billion worth of Army and Marine Corps equipment from rifles to tanks is wearing out or being destroyed every month in Iraq and Afghanistan, military leaders and outside experts say.
Yes, and that’s exactly why the makers of rifles and tanks invest in politicians who support perpetual war.
Bush wants more countries in visa-waiver program
President Bush said Tuesday that he wants more countries in a program that allows foreigners to stay in the USA without visas, despite criticism that the move could open the door to terrorists.
Bush willing to work with Dems on trade
WASHINGTON - President Bush’s top trade negotiator said Tuesday the president still hopes to achieve bipartisan support for an aggressive trade liberalization agenda in the next Congress even with Democrats in control.
You’re not the only one calling the shots this time, Junior. The Democrats will work with you on trade if the result is to reverse the tide that’s destroying the middle class.
U.S. bans sale of iPods to North Korea
WASHINGTON - The Bush administration wants North Korea’s attention, so like a scolding parent it’s trying to make it tougher for that country’s eccentric leader to buy iPods, plasma televisions and Segway electric scooters.
Yeah, that’ll show ‘em. All three people in North Korea who could afford these things can’t have them.
Senate leader-elect sets agenda
WASHINGTON - Senate Majority Leader-elect Harry Reid said Tuesday he’s doing away with the “do-nothing Congress” that Democrats campaigned against and plans to keep senators working long hours — focusing first on ethics, the minimum wage and stem cell research.
Democrats plan to revive stem cell bill
WASHINGTON - The same embryonic stem cell bill that prompted President Bush’s only veto is headed to his desk again, this time from Democrats who have it atop their agenda when they take control of Congress in January.
Damn straight. Make him veto it.
Webb may test Senate s limits
At a recent White House reception for freshman members of Congress, Democrat James Webb declined to stand in a presidential receiving line or to have his picture taken with the man he had often criticized on the stump this fall.
Pelosi passes Hastings for Intel chair
WASHINGTON - In a decision that could roil Democratic unity in the new House, Speaker-to-be Nancy Pelosi passed over Rep. Alcee Hastings Tuesday for the chairmanship of the Intelligence Committee.
Judge strikes down Bush on terror groups
LOS ANGELES - A federal judge struck down President Bush’s authority to designate groups as terrorists, saying his post-Sept. 11 executive order was unconstitutionally vague, according to a ruling released Tuesday.
Vague? VAGUE?? How about unconstitutional? How about we’re not a monarchy? How about we have the rule of law, not the rule of men?