Massachusetts Mandatory Health Insurance

Massachusetts has become the first state to mandate health insurance for everyone. This has forced over two-hundred thousand people to obtain health insurance so they can receive the $219 tax exemption on next year's taxes. Although this has forced many people to obtain health insurance double the amount of the new insurance holders have not gotten health insurance. Many cannot afford it. They have however been more successful than they thought they would be. The state-subsidized insurance which is angled toward low income households has been highly successful in that the program has spent $150 million over the program budget.

The plan of mandating that everyperson in the states must have health insurance made them hope that the prices would not increase as much from year to year. This year it is estimated to rise 12% and the state would like to lower this to the single digits. There is also the 60,000 or so who are exempt because they cannot afford the premiums and the reluctance of many to enroll could cause a problem in truly universal coverage.

If other states strated adopting this plan of mandating health coverage, the amount of people who die because they cannot afford medical attention would decrease majorly. If everyone had health coverage which is doubtful to see ever then the death rate of the United States would see a major decrease because all could afford to visit the doctor once a year and afford surgeries that were necessary.

Immigrant Workers Caught in Net Cast for Gangs

On September 27, armed federal immigration agents and local police officers swept into the East Side of Long Island, NY. Eleven men were added to a running government tally of arrests made in Operation Community Shield, a two-year-old national program singling out violent gang members for deportation. “Violent foreign-born gang members and their associates have more than worn out their welcome,” Julie L. Myers, assistant secretary of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said at an October news conference announcing the arrests of 1,313 people in the operation over the summer and fall nationwide. Only one of the 11 men taken away that morning was suspected of a gang affiliation, according to the Southold Town police, who patrol Greenport and played the crucial role of identifying targets for the operation. The 10 others, while accused of immigration violations, were not gang associates and had no criminal records. Those men were known as good, hard workers and family men. Greenport’s experience with Operation Community Shield sheds light on the inner workings of an antigang crackdown that has brought immigration raids to private homes across the country. The crackdown relies heavily on local police forces to identify suspects, often based on loosely defined or subjective criteria. But, the raid may result in a backlash from residents and officials of Greenport. “We’re not here stomping all over anybody’s rights,” said Peter J. Smith, the special agent in charge of the Long Island operation, which led to the roundup of 186 men. “We’ve got immigration powers.” One of the things that clearly unsettled residents of Greenport was that the immigrants were arrested in their homes, without warrants, an immigration enforcement tactic that has been used more and more since 2005.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/25/nyregion/25raid.html?ref=nyregion

All About The Benjamins

Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani stated that his opponent Mitt Romney is ahead in the polls because of the money being spent for his campaign. Rudy also tells us that Romney is ahead only because of the factor of money, not because the former governor has a record that he can brag about, saying that Romney failed to lower taxes or to anything else of consideration while in office in Massachusetts. Giuliani said that he was lashing out on Romney because of the past criticizing statements made by Romney. Giuliani has devoted more of his resources and funds to a nationwide campaign while Romney and other candidates are pursuing a more conventional campaign approach by funding the early primary election states.

New Hampshire, hosting the nations first primary, held on January 8, has been constantly funded by Romney's campaign while Giuliani stated he put only about $1 million into it in that particular area. Giuliani also stated that most of the other candidates don't have the experience and background that he has. Kevin Madden, a spokesperson for Romney, stated that all of these comments are coming out of Giuliani because of his recent falling poll numbers. Also stated by Madden," There is only one candidate in this race who has actually achieved health-care reform, and that's Gov. Romney. Mayor Giuliani can only recite talking points provided to him because he has neither a record or even a basic understanding of how health care markets work or how reform is achieved." With all of the reforms and changes said to be made, the presidential race is sure to come to an interesting conclusion.

Does War Equal Bankrupcy?

Future Cost Of Iraq War
A war that started over Weapons of Mass Destruction, but is mostly concerning oil has quickly become one of the most costly wars in American history. The price is continuing to increase into the billions. By the end of the year experts conclude that the total will exceed into the trillions. This excess of spending has even affected the American dollar by decreasing its value. If this spending continues then this war will easily become the most costly war America has experienced.The cost of the Iraq war continue to increase. Steven Kosiak, an analyst at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, a Washington think tank estimates the costs of the War to be $450 billion for the Iraq War itself and $127 billion for the movement in Afghanistan. This makes the combined total $577 billion dollars but by the end of the next year the estimated total will rise up to about $808 billion. If this fighting were to continue on for a decade then the totla could exceed a trillion dollars which does not include the debt Washington would pile up to pay for this endeavor. If those were added to the total there would be an additional $700 plus million.This war has many costs especially the increase in oil. Oil used to be $26 a barrel but has not fluctuated to over $81 a barrel in this current week. Oil is increasing the strain on the United States' finances and if Iraq is a protectorate of the US as is predicted they will remainthat way for a decade until they can become stable. This will increase the amount of money the US has spent in Iraq most likely intoover $2 trillion.

Court Splits Abortion and Fetus Murder

On Nov 22 Austin Texas

Laws in Texas allow the killing of a fetus to be prosecuted as murder, but the laws do not apply to abortion. The Court of Criminal Appeals rejected an appeal by Terence Lawrence, who said that his right to due process was violated when he was prosecuted for two murders in the killings of a woman and her 4- to 6-week-old fetus.
The court ruled that state laws declaring a fetus as an individual with protections does not conflict with the United States Supreme Court’s ruling in Roe vs. Wade that women have a constitutional right to abortion. The court said, “The Supreme Court has emphasized that states may protect human life not only once the fetus has reached viability but ‘from the outset of the pregnancy'”. Mr. Lawrence was convicted of capital murder, and he was given life in prison in 2004 for the shooting of his girlfriend and the couple’s unborn child. His appeal argued that he should not have been prosecuted for the death of the fetus, but the Texas court said abortion was based on the premise that a woman wants the procedure to be done.





In 1973 Roe v. Wade was a United States Supreme Court case that resulted in a decision that abortion was not illegal. Most laws against abortion in the United States violated a constitutional right to privacy under the Fourteenth Amendment. This is one of the most controversial and politically significant cases in U.S. Supreme Court history up to date. The decision is that abortion are permissible for any reason a woman chooses only up until the point at which the fetus becomes ‘viable’. (I'm against abortion by the way.)

Black Friday

On Friday shoppers across the country rush to the early-bird specials on “Black Friday”, which marks the first official day of the Christmas shopping season in the US. One storeowner said “If you do well on Black Friday, it's a good indication that you've got the right items and the right marketing to attract the customer for the rest of the season.” Many people come for the sale items and also buy other full priced items. At a Wal-Mart the parking lot was filled and cars were parked in neighboring lots. They had 21 registers open with 10 people in each line and at the electronics section they had 4 registers and 20 people in each line. Black Friday is the day many companies turn a profit, or go in the “black”, for the rest of the year.

138 years ago Black Friday was a word that reminded people of September 24, 1869 when the stock market crashed. It was caused by an attempt by a group of financial speculators, including James Fisk and Jay Gould, who tried to take over the gold market.

Bullet Meant For Dog Kills Owner

A southeastern Indian woman, Nicole Stroud, was shot while chasing her dog. The, 29 year old, woman was shot by a neighbor, Linda Lindauer, after the dog ran through the Neighbor’s property. Linda meant to shoot the dog for trespassing on her property, but accidentally shot Nicole. At the scene, Nicole was found in the backyard surrounded by onlooker as firefights performed CPR. Nicole was pronounced dead minutes after the shooting at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville. Linda was then arrested for preliminary charges of involuntary manslaughter and reckless homicide in Nicole’s death.

Pet-abuse is an organization that tracks and researches on incidents of criminal animal cruelty. they provide service and tools for animal advocaters, human law enforcement, and researchers and prosecutors. This organization promotes the loving and responsible relationship between human and animals. They also encourage people to take the issue of animal cruelty serious. Many of the supporter of this organiztion are volunteers who believe in protecting the rights of animals.

BEEP BEEP BEEP

The government is asking cell phone companies to keep tracking devices on phones up to date. This way they could find the exact location of fugitives, drug dealers, ect.. Judges have granted the feds this power in the past, but privacy advocates are making some noise. They say this violents the rights of the cell phone owners, and the officials sometimes do not even have cause for the data. The reality is that all cell phones have tracking devices on them. The problem is making sure that they are up to date and the phone is enabled to transmit the signals. Many of the requests come from the DEA, Drug Enforement Agency. Earlier this month, the DEA's request for the location of a drug dealer was denied. The triangular signals that phones send when making calls are less accurate than the tracking device, which is the E911.

The cell phone was invented in 1973 by Dr. Martin Cooper. He made the first portable handset phone. Cell phones did not go public until 1977. Chicago was the first city to test the cell phone.

Lawsuit Over my Blog?

Technology these days is allowing every person with Internet access to vent out their opinions by blogging about it. Sometimes bloggers write about serious issues that could get them into trouble. Recently a blogger in Florida wrote about, and insulted his daughter's school in the blog. The blogger said that her 7-year old daughter's school discriminates against "mixed-raced" students and made her daughter unhappy. The school got word of this and it sued her for defamation for claiming that the school had a "kickback" scheme. The blogger is being sued so she will stop...blogging?

Not only are regular everyday bloggers being sued, but websites dedicated to the opinions of it's bloggers are too. Suits filed by product manufacturers against its customers who have created Web sites devoted only to their complaints about specific products. Web site "webgripesites.com," offers a list of these consumer-created sites along with a brief explanation of the complaints. Eric Wiedemer began a site dedicated to complain about his dysfunctional Suzuki car. Manufacturers of the car threatened legal action against Eric, accusing him of depreciating their brand on his site "SuzukiVeronaSucks.com."

A form of blogging has been around since the 1700s. Of course it was not by the use of a computer, but by the use of a newspaper. Benjamin Franklin took this advantage and first wrote articles for his brothers newspaper at night and signed them with the name of a made up widow, Silence Dogood. Dogood was filled with advice and was very critical of the world around her. Years later, Franklin launched his own newspaper, the Pennsylvania Gazette. He drew political cartoons so illiterate people would understand. Franklin published his very opinionated articles under an anonymous name so he wouldn't be given any trouble.

Information on the Pennsylvania Gazette

Blogherald.com

The Evilness of Sesame Street

When one thinks of Sesame Street, perfect days, with almost funny puppets mixed with over zealous human characters come to mind. Who would have thought that the earliest episodes of Sesame Street are under attack for being too inappropriate for children? In a basement of a dull brick house, there you will find Ernie and Bert sharing a grimy apartment, Cookie Monster on the other hand, is on a fast track to diabetes and shows the earliest symptoms of serious addiction, not to mention he use to be shown with a smoking pipe in his hand, and Oscar has showed symptoms of untreated depression. Even in one episode, Sally, a lonely young girl, befriends an older male stranger, who held her hand and took her home. While he brought her to his house to have milk and cookies and to meet his wife, the intentions were good, what lesson is this really teaching children, that meeting up with strangers and going to their houses is good. These episodes were nothing like the colorful, happy-go-lucky characters you see today. Despite all of the "evils?" on the show, it still encourage children to make life more fun and exciting by learning as well as teaching viewers to be nice to their neighbors.

Jim Henson, who is an artist and puppetry, first created Sesame Street for Children’s Television Workshop in the mid-sixties. After several years of research and testing, Sesame Street premiered in 1969. The series was designed to help preschoolers build the skills needed to provide a smooth transition from home to school. The show focused on learning the alphabet, numbers and social skills as well as to combine education with entertainment. The show is probably one of the most researched shows and it has won over 50 Grammy’s

Jim Henson was born in Greenville, Mississippi in 1936. Throughout his childhood, Henson showed an interest in both art and television. In 1954 he began his television career with puppets on a Washington, DC Saturday morning program. During his freshman year in college, he had his own daily, five minute show called “Sam and Friends” on a local NBC affiliate. The show also featured an early version of Kermit the Frog as well as Miss Piggy, who later became very famous Muppets. Jim Henson died in 1990. His son, Brian Henson, however is also an award winning director, producer and puppeteer. Brian Henson is also Chairman of The Jim Henson Company and is continuing his father’s legacy.

Broadway on Strike

This week the theaters on Broadway shut down and could possible stay closed for a while longer. Businesses around Times Square are also suffering because this time of year is usually one of the busiest. The loss of sales is estimated to be around 2 million dollars a day. The estimated loss could rise of they stay on strike the rest of the year. Most store owners are not as affected because a lot of people who pre-booked their trips are coming to shop instead of theater. John's Pizzeria has dropped 24 percent in business since the strike began. Hopefully they will recover with the tourists coming in for shopping. The strike will affect the decision making of many people who were thinking of traveling to New York this holiday season. Talks between stagehands and producers did not end well and resulted on the cancellation of 27 shows. Latest negotiations which happened announced Wednesday that the strikes could come to an end around Thanksgiving.

On September 17, 1913, mineworkers in Colorado went on strike. They went on strike for improves working conditions, better wages, and union recognitions. It caused a massacre called the Ludlow Massacre. Two women and eleven children were killed when a state militia attacked.

Bush Hosts Gore

President Bush is hosting the Nobel Prize winners at the White House after Thanksgiving. One of these winners is former vice president Al Gore. Gore now has to be honored by the man who beat him seven years ago. Bush is hosting five American winners of this year’s Nobel Prize winners in the Oval Office on the 26th of November. The president regularly invites Nobel winners for a handshake and photograph, and this year is no different. The White House was very accommodating to the former vice president, and even changed the proposed date because Gore had a conflict. The president wanted to make sure that Gore would be able to go. This is a kind of awkward situation none the less, but not the first time something like this has happened. President Bill Clinton honored Robert J. Dole, who he defeated in the presidential race, with the Presidential Medal of Freedom three days before taking the oath of office for the second time in January 1997.

The Nobel Prize was established in 1895 in the will of Alfred Nobel. It was first awarded in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, and Peace in 1901. The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel was instituted by Sweden’s central bank in 1968 and first awarded in 1969. The Nobel Peace Prize conveys social prestige. The Nobel Prizes, except for the Nobel Peace Prize, and the Prize in Economics are presented in Stockholm, Sweden on December 10, the anniversary of Nobel’s death. The Nobel Peace Prize and its recipients’ lectures are presented at the annual Prize Award Ceremony in Oslo, Norway, also on December 10.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/16/AR2007111602050.html?hpid=moreheadlines

Bonds Charged With Perjury

Barry Bonds was charged with perjury and a charge of an obstruction of justice after denying to have used steroids before a federal grand jury in 2003. The government claims to have evidence that Bonds tested positive in a steroids test. He is believed to have begun using steroids after Mark McGwire hit 70 home runs in 1998 and 65 in1999.
Steroids have been used in sports since at least 776 BC. In 1954 at the World Weightlifting Championships the Soviets admitted that they had used steroids before the game. They were not penalized for using the steroids because there were no laws against it. This was the first time a team or player confessed to using steroids.

Crack is Wack!

Thousands could be freed soon if they were imprisoned for crack cocaine offenses by the federal government. But, a major issue driving this push for a lower sentences is race. More than 86 of the people convicted are black, and all of these people would be effected by the sentence reduction. A major fear is that drug lords or major drug dealers would be released back into society. This measure will go before a commission in the judicial branch, The US Sentencing Commission, containing seven commissioners. Three federal judges will have to be one the commission. If the measure is approved, inmates can petition a judge to reduce their sentence. But, the judge's decision can be appealed. Another major concern is the affect it will have on the communities. In the D.C. area alone, around 1,400 inmates could have their sentences reduced. If released, these inmates could go back to selling the cocaine. Many fear that is will only intensify the violence surrounding the D.C. area.

The US Sentencing Commission was created after the passing of the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984. The commission is responsible for determining the sentence lengths that are handed out by the Federal Court System. It is an independent branch of the Judicial Branch. There are seven seats on the commission. They are appointed by the President, but must be confirmed by Senate. Each commissioner's term last six years.

To All You Shoppers Out There

People not knowing the boundaries between tradition and capitalism, shop owners persuade shoppers to shop early.Black Friday started today, which shoppers shop for Christmas presents. Some shops opened one minute after midnight. With people starting their shopping early some stores will be opened every early on Thansgiving. The day after Thanksgiving which is actually Black Friday some stores are opening an hour earlyer then they did last year.






Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving. It is refered as the unofficial beginning of the Christmas season. Black Friday started in the 1970's. It was was originally named this because of the heavy traffic on that day, but now it is a period in which retailers are in the black.

Baby Fighting For Life After Taking Bullet

One year old baby fights for her life after being shot. It was said that there were two men in the room, who were believed to be babysitting her or simply visiting the home. According to the Orlando Police, the little girl was shot as her mother slept in the other room and was awakened by the loud gunshot. The police say that the two men at the scene were welcomed guest, but took off after the shooting. The child was taken to the Arnold Palmer Hospital and said to be paralyzed. There are documents from the State Attorney’s Office to prove that police have been to the home, just months before this accident, for aggravated assault involving the mother and a man named Adam Fountain, but charges were dropped.
The Harbor House is an organization that seeks to eliminate domestic violence in Central Florida which started in the 1970s. Barbara Moore, a domestic violence survivor, assembled a small group of women to establish the first Central Florida’s domestic violence shelter. Today, it is known as the Harbor House which is Orange County’s only state certified violence shelter. The Harbor House works to promote peace in every home by providing shelter, safety, empowerment, education, and justice.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. Showing adoration for our country by praising the American flag is custom for Americans to do. But, did you know that most flags are not even made in the United States? Yes, this all came about when a constituent complained he could not find a U.S. flag made domestically to legislation’s sponsor, Representative Patricia Haddad. The Flag Manufacturers Association of America says more than $5 million in U.S. flags were brought in last year; most coming from China. In July, the state of Minnesota took this matter very seriously by taking drastic measures requiring all US flags sold to be of American manufacture. Violations of the law, which comes into action towards the end of the year, will be punished by a $1,000 fine or 90 days in jail. Schools and colleges in Arizona are being forced as well to supply each classroom with a US-made flag. Minnesota is not the only state being affected by this. Tennessee state law (which is already in action) orders that any US flag bought cannot be imported from another country. Similar Bills are being considered by legislators in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The series of new laws is maintained by the Flag Manufacturers’ Association of America. It has been complaining about the flood of US flags, imported mostly from China last year valuing at $5.3 million. It could also be seen another way. Ever since September 11th, the nation has been even more so patriotic. The idea of having American soldiers fighting for our country and enabling us all to buy products from a free country is being taken for granted.

The American Flag has a very famous story behind it. In 1776, it is said that Betsy Ross sat down with George Washington Robert Morris and George Ross. The four talked of Betsy sewing the first American flag. Shortly thereafter the Star Spangled Banner was born. This is what could be bothering many people. The idea that America's flag is being sewn overseas in a foreign country, and then imported to the United States. China, (the last Communist giant) and once a confirmed enemy of America is leading the world in exporting American flags.

The Great American Smokeout

The 31st Great American Smokeout took place on Nov. 14,2007 in various locations in Arizona. The American Cancer Society uses this day to urge tobacco users to quit their drug for one day. They figure that the tobacco users can use this day to think and reflect upon what tobacco really does to them and why they should discontinue its use. In this day and age, millions of dollars are used in opposition of tobacco products and new drugs are created in order to halt the addictions of these users. At this smokeout, information and products are provided for tobacco users. If a user pledges to quit for at least a day, they will receive a gift certificate for a free sandwich.

One man said, "I quit five times before but it's hard. My brother smokes, everybody I know smokes so it's hard," as he dropped a new pack of cigarettes into a box and walked away with his sandwich. "If we get one person to quit today, I think our job was well done and our time well spent," says Marcy Flanagan from the cessation program at the Pima County Health Department. In 2004, over 45 million Americans smoked, as this number is about the same in the year 2007. With the new products today, it is much easier now to stop smoking, a complete turnaround from when the Great American Smokeout began, when it was one of the only options available. The smokeout is now on it's downfall because of all these other options.

Governors Step Up for an Eco-friendly America

Growing impatient with the slow progress of Congress, a number of United States governors have taken a step in advertising the importance of energy and global warming. Three of the United States' western governors will be appearing on a TV ad beginning this Monday to sponsor awareness of environmental issues and the importance of taking the steps to improve conditions. Featured in this ad will be Arnold Schwarzenegger, Republican of California; Jon Huntsman Jr., Republican of Utah; and Brian Schweitzer, Democrat of Montana. Nine other governors of the Midwest have also taken steps by agreeing to reduce carbon emissions and set up a treading system to meet reduction targets. These goals were modeled after similar ones in the Northeastern, Southeastern, and West Coast states. Among those goals, carbon-reduction and preserving energy are the main concern. The Lieberman-Warner legislation, now before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, would provide incentives for research on capturing and storing carbon dioxide from power plants. Also, this action bill help the poor handle the higher costs of electricity in a carbon-constrained economy. It is hopeful this bill will be brought to the full committee for a vote, but so far no date has been scheduled. For now, state leaders are taking action to reduce climate-changing emissions while Congress continues to put off passing any significant law on climate change or energy.

The United States Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works has been responsible for a number of things in the years since its establishment in 1837. It has overseen construction done to the U.S. Capitol building and grounds, been responsible for the development of the interstate highway system, and improved flood control. The Committee has passed acts including the Clean Air Act of 1970 and Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972. These two accomplishments brought much recognition to the committee and it was further assigned jurisdiction over endangered species, fish and wildlife refugees programs, and the regulation of nonmilitary nuclear power in 1977.

O.J on Trial Again

O.J Simpson has been in the news for the past two months now. He will go on trial in Las Vegas. If convicted of the charges he is faced with from the September 18th incident, he could possibly go to jail for life. The judge, Judge Joe M. Bonaventure Jr of the Clark County Justice Court ruled that there was enough evidence for the trial to prove Simpson guilty. Simpson says that the point of the alleged armed robbery was to retrieve all of his possessions that were stolen after he was in court in 1995 for the murder of his wife. He and his two partners-in-crime, Charles Ehrlich and Clarence Stewart, took more than that however. The former football star also took memorabilia from their victim of Joe Montana and baseball starts Pete Rose and Duke Snider.


There were lengthy mini trials where eight witnesses had to say that had enough proof to make a trial. Alfred Beardsley was one. He was put on the stand and said he had nothing to do with helping the sale of Simpsons items with Mr. Fromong, a memorabilia dealer. Thomas Riccio, and auction house owner, previously said that Beardsley did approach him to help Fromong sell the items. Beardley is now in jail after violating probation while being in Nevada during the hearing. Simpson has a slim chance of escaping jail this time.


Simpson was on trial in 1995 for the murder of his ex- wife and her friend. It was one of the most watched legal cases in American History. He had a great lawyer, Johnnie L. Cochran Jr. He died in 2005 at the age of 67 due to a brain tumor. He will not be around to save O.J. Simpson this time around.

What really is it then?

The federal Fish and Wildlife Service declared the western Great Lakes gray wolf off the endangered species list. Under the protection of the Endangered Species Act, the wolf grew in population to 4,000 in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. This comes as a major increase from the several hundred in 1974. The good news, however, was stop short when two evolutionary biologists, Jennifer A. Leonard and Robert K. Wayne did studies showing that many of these gray wolves are in fact hybrids from coyotes and wolfs from Canada. Habitat destructions, as well as the protection of various wolves in one habitat, have created conditions for the hybrid animals. The wolf population today is made up largely of hybrids between the gray wolf and coyote. 31 percent of the animals carry genetic material from the native wolf appears to no longer exist in pure form. Still, the controversy rises over if the hybridizing of the animals will threaten the native wolf and completely wipe the pure form of the Great lake gray wolf forever.

The Endangered Species Act (ESA), was passed by the Congress and signed into law in 1973 to protect threatened or endangered wildlife species and their habitats. A plant or animal is categorized as endangered if it is in danger of extinction. The ESA gives the U.S. government the power to identify and classify species as threatened or endangered, as well as to enforce laws that prohibit harming or possessing such wildlife. It also oversees population recovery programs for listed species, and to protect or establish safe habitats for these plants and animals. Two federal agencies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service, are responsible for carrying out and enforce most of these duties.

The U.S. government’s interest in preserving species in danger of extinction can be traced back to the 19th century. In an effort to stop the mass destruction of the nation's bison population, Congress passed the Buffalo Protection Act in 1875 to protect the few remaining bison. However, President Ulysses S. Grant vetoed the act. For nearly a century thereafter no legislation that directly addressed the issue of endangered species was signed into law.

Four Organ Transplant Recipients Receive HIV as Well

In Chicago, four organ transplant recipients have contracted H.I.V. from an organ donor. This has become the first known case in which an organ recipient has contracted H.I.V. in over a decade. The four patients have also received hepatitis C. This was the first known time that both viruses were spread simultaneously by a transplant. Though exceedingly rare, this type of transmission highlights a known weakness in the system for checking organ donors for infection: the most commonly used tests can fail to detect viral diseases if they are performed too early in the course of the infection. These actions could lead to major changes in the methods of testing. “There are important policy implications,” said Dr. Matthew Kuehnert, director of the Office of Blood, Organ and Other Tissue Safety at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is investigating the case. The cases were first reported yesterday by The Chicago Tribune. Two patients were infected at the University of Chicago Medical Center, and also at Rush University Medical Center and Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The transplants were set-up by an organization called the Gift of Hope of Elmhurst, Ill. Officials would not say what organs were transplanted, but a transplant expert not connected with the case said they were most likely the kidneys, liver and either the heart or lungs. Only four organs, and no other tissue, were taken from the donor. The situation was made known when one of the recipients was being evaluated for a retransplant and tested positive for hepatitis C and H.I.V. The donor had tested negative for H.I.V. and hepatitis C, apparently because the infection was too recent to be detected by blood tests. The transmissions of these viruses are possible, but they are also unlikely. In the past decade, 300,000 transplants have occurred without a transmission of the virus. Although it is rare, other diseases like rabies, West Nile fever and a rodent virus called LCMV have also been spread by organ transplants. In all of those cases, patients died. So, instead of these unlucky recipients helping their lives, they received the news that they have contracted two serious viruses that may be fatal. The first known transplant occurred in 1954, which was a kidney transplant. It is logical that diseases have been contracted from transplant earlier because the medical field of that time is not as sterile and up-to-date as it is now. But, technology is not everything because it shows that even in our modern world diseases cannot be picked up early enough to save a transmission. Now, doctors are working on a test that can help to pick up viruses in the early stages and prevent donors from passing it on to recipients.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/14/health/healthspecial/14hiv.html

http://www.nyodn.org/transplant/organ_history.html

http://www.hiv.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatitis_C

There's no place like Kansas

In the small Kansas town of Smith Center, high school atheletes are giving gradeschoolers someone to look up to. The New York Times reported that all of the student atheletes and cheerleaders must sign a school contract to remain alcohol and drug free, and are given trading cards with their picture on it in return. These cards are traded and passed around by the elementary students of this small community. If any of these students break their contracts, then they are kicked off of their team, and required to speak at the elementary school to explain why they were dismissed. If that wasn't enough, their trading card is also discontinued.

In an ge of coddling, helicopter parenting, and the astonishing ability of many in this nation to sweep sucess under the rug, this town is awe inspiring. The students of Smith Center are learning how to be sucessful, and ambitious, which are two great qualities. This is a far cry from many other school trends of the time. Many schools decide that posting honor roll lists or giving out academic awards canbe damaging to those who do not win these awards. But, Smith Center is doing just the opposite, they are rewarding sucess, and teaching a younger generation how to recognize and appeciate it. It is just great to know that in a society that would prefer to sweep achievment under the rug, at least Kansas still appreciates it, which is why there's no place like home, literally, if you live in Smith Center, Kansas.

Oil Spill in San Francisco

In San Francisco, a container ship from South Korea crashed into the Bay Bridge and spilled 58,000 gallons of bunker oil. Bunker oil is oil that is carried for fuel, not cargo. The oil spread 20 miles out of the city due to the high winds. The oil killed at least six shorebirds. Bunker oil is one of the crudest petroleum products.

There have been many oil spills in the world. One of the largest oil spills since 1967 was in Mexico between 1979 and 1980. A well blowout occurred on Ixtoc I, spilling between 139 and 428 million gallons of oil.

More Power to FDA

The
FDA has more power on drugs sold without a prescription under a bill by three Democrats.This has been a conflict for a while now. The FDA have power to quickly band over the counter products that has a potential safty risks.


The FDA is an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. It is responsible for the safety regulations of foods, dietary supplements, drugs, vaccines, biological medical products, blood products, medical devices, radiation emitting devices, veterinary products, and cosmetics.

Massachusetts Acting to Extend Abortion Buffer

Today, Gov. Deval L. Patrick gave the final approval on a bill that requires protesters to stand at least 35 feet from clinics that offer abortions. He will sign next week and it will be the strictest state law that establishes a fixed zone that protesters can't enter in the nation. This law will protect the patients and staff members entering reproductive health clinics that offer abortions. The bill passed the Senate unanimously and the House 122-28. The current law states that protesters must be 6 feet from a person in an 18-foot zone outside a clinic’s doors but authorities said it was too difficult to enforce. Opponents of the new bill say it violates free speech rights.

Leaves Still on the Trees

All over New England, many leaves are still covered with leaves. Usually by late October, most leaves are orange, red, brown, or on the ground. This year, however, most of the leaves were still green and on the trees while children were out trick-or-treating. It made Halloween not as scary as it used to because instead of seeing bare trees against a dark sky, it just looked like a regular chilly night. The state forester of Connecticut, Donald H. Smith, says it could be due to the combination of two months drought and unusual temperatures. On the plus side, trees may be converting more carbon dioxide into oxygen for a longer time. Russell Russ, a Green Mountain Forest Forester, said that the trees are doing much better than last year. If you can remember, last year was the complete opposite. It rained too much, which caused anthracnose; a tar fungus that makes the leaves turn brown and crumble without any foliage.


Global Warming is one cause of the late foliage. Global warming has always been a problem since the early 80's, but nobody really paid much attention. Look where that ended us. Polar Ice Caps are melting, Fall seasons are warmer, Summer's are hotter. Could it be too late?

Researching Hip Hop Influence on Teenagers

Hip hop music has long been criticized by parents, teachers, and the adult world alike. It is uncertain if it is the music itself is influencing teenagers negatively. Another possibility is that it is seen negatively because most middle-aged and older adults just don't understand it. Researchers are attempting to deconstruct the hip hop culture to solve this mystery. Experts hope to be able to better inform parents on the culture and how it influences their children who surround themselves by it. There is a popular judgement that all hip hop music is bad for you, but what researchers are trying to do is put things on an even playing field for adults to better understand the culture. Most teenagers in a study conducted on this subject were sexually experienced. It was found out, however, that the sexual lyrics and form of dancing, "grinding," that goes with it was not the cause for such behavior. The major influence was found to be typically drugs, alcohol, and peer pressure. It was learned that hip hop music is a support system and social culture dominating youths. Researchers have used this knowledge to more effectively get messages across to youths using the slang and language of hip hop. Hip hop still has its mysteries to most adults, but it is certain that it is a culture that has united generations of youths.


Hip hop is a culture that emerged first in New York City in the 1970s. At the time the ethnicity of the culture was mostly African-American and Latinos. It is a style or rhythmic, rhyming lyrics known as rapping. By the end of the decade, this type of music had exploded throughout the entire country, specifically in the areas of its origin (New York City, New Jersey, and Philidelphia). Entering the 1980s, serious regional diversity began to also emerge. During the early 1980s, the Chicago and L.A. regions began establishing their own rap styles and cultures. Diverse rap and hip hop cultures continued to develop on the west coast, east coast, and in the south of the United States. Rap became even more mainstream with the development of rapcore (a mixture of rap and heavy metal) by bands such as Linkin Park and Rage Against the Machine in the early 1990s. The hip hop culture still continues to develop, grow, and adapt to the youths of society today.

The Heroes Of Our Country Left To Live On The Streets

More than 400 veterans of the War with Iraq have become homeless. People from the Veterans Affairs Department expect there to be a fluctuation in the number of homeless veterans from the Iraq war in the years to come. War veterans experts have seen a pattern that the effects form the war do not usually fully affect the veterans until several years later, but with this recent war this time period has been shortened.

Something that factors into this increase is more women serving in the combat zone. Fourty percent of the homeless women veterans from recent wars have said that they were sexually assaulted. This trauma has caused them to become depressed not being able to hold a job and thus being left on the streets. Another factor among all homeless veterans is PTSD or post traumatic stress disorder. This may eventually cause them to have drinking or drug problems or other compulsive behavior to relieve their pain. This eventually leads them to not be able to hold a job thus leaving them without money to pay bills leaving them homeless.

The Vietnam War has produced many homeless veterans. Most of these homeless veterans came several years following the war. The Iraq war has produced homeless veterans just a couple of years following the warIn a few more years the number of homeless veterans from the Iraq War could fluctuate enough to overcome the vast number of war veterans from the Vietnam War.

Immigrant Deaths Near Border Fall

In Phoenix an estimate of 400 immigrants died, while trying to cross the southern border illegally. The number of people that died decreased 12 percent from the deaths of the previous year. Lloyd Easterling, a Border Patrol, said that though the deaths numbers are still high, he feels that there has been a significant process this year. The main cause to these deaths was heat exposure. Many other reasons for the deaths were automobile accidents, drowning, exhaustion, and banditry (armed thief). The Border Patrol endorsed 2,500 new agents to seek out and stop immigrants from crossing isolated and dangerous territories.

America is perceived as a country of many riches. In the late 1800s, people from different parts of the world migrated to America in search of promising opportunities. Nearly 12 million migrants arrived between the years 1870-1900 all of whom were hoping for a brighter future. 70 percent of immigrants entered through the crowded city of New York. There were never enough jobs to give to immigrants and because of that they were taken advantage of; thus the idea of paying immigrants less money than the regular pay. The newcomers helped transform American society and culture but also caused overly crowded cities and brought about conflict.

San Francisco Oil Spill

Mayor of San Francisco Gavin Newsom threatens to take legal action against company responsible for the 58,000 gallons of oil spilled into the bay after a container ship crashed into Bay Bridge Wednesday. The damage to city property is still being assessed, and local officials said they are working with federal and regional authorities on the cleanup. Oil began leaking into the bay after the 65,131-ton 810-foot-long container ship crashed into the base of a tower of the Bay Bridge in heavy fog at about 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. the Coast Guard said only 140 gallons had spilled from the vessel only until after they conducted their own inspection of the bay they realized the spill was much greater.

U.S. Coast Guard Capt. William Uberti said the initial cleanup response was appropriate, but city officials said that if they had known the spill was 58,000 gallons earlier, they would have laid down more boom lines and responded to the event with more urgency. The swimming portion of a triathlon scheduled to take place at Treasure Island on Sunday, in which athletes were to swim in the bay as part of the race, could be canceled. City officials said that it is canceled, but race officials said it's still on, which depends entirely on how long the clean up will take. Local animal controls are caring for birds impacted by the spill and were monitoring the sea lions at Fisherman's Wharf to see whether or not they had been affected. City officials also warned people against fishing or boating in the bay. Newsom said his office learned from officials that the spill was 58,000, not 140 gallons, after 9 p.m. Wednesday evening. Newsom also said that amidst all of the blaming going on, they must further investigate to see what happened.

Last Good Bye

Miami will play Virginia on Saturday, making this game their last game in the Orange Bowl stadium before moving to Dolphin Stadium next season. The reason for their move is that because the cost to renovate the stadium was too high and the appeal of more modern facilities was too great. The Hurricanes’ 70th season in the Orange Bowl will be their last. The team never had the resources other college football programs did, but many say they made up for it with their “ attitude, swagger, and national titles.” The Old Stadium had seat less backs, deficient amount of bathrooms, as well as parking. But one of the positive reputations of the stadium was that for nine years a visiting team never came out with a victory. From 1985 to 1994 the Miami Hurricanes put together an N.C.A.A.record 58-game home winning streak, won three national titles (1987 1989 and 1991) and had two Heisman Trophy winners, Vinny Testaverde (1986) and Gino Torretta (1992),titles that were won at the Orange Bowl.

The stadium was built by the City of Miami Public Works Department. Construction began in 1936 and was completed in December 1937. The stadium opened for Miami Hurricanes football on December 10, 1937. The Orange Bowl was originally named Burdine Stadium after Roddy Burdine, one of Miami's pioneers. The original stadium consisted of the two sideline lower decks. Seating was added in the endzones in the 1940s, and by the end of the 1950s the stadium was double-decked on the sidelines. The stadium's home field advantage used to include a steel structure that fans would set to rumbling by stomping their feet. Recent concrete reinforcement has silenced the rumble. Still present is the advantage of the West End Zone, which has a relatively narrow radius that amplifies fan noise. Despite all the structural defaults, The stadium will definitly be missed be the fans.

Thank Your For Not Smoking?

Well it seems that for the first time in several years, the number of people smoking has not declined. The government began keeping tracks over 40 years ago, and smoking population in America has seemed to leveled off and not declined. "Anytime we are not seeing a decline, it's a cause of real concern to us," said Corrine Husten, head of CDC's Office on Smoking and Health. It appears that the state and federal taxes that were imposed to help in the decline of smoking are no longer working. The anti-smoking campaigns are no longer working either. The price of cigarettes has not changed much since 2002. Usually, the price of something helps to decrease the popularity of the product. Critics say that the government needs to do more to get the message out there that tobacco kills. The first warning to be released was in the mid-1960s, the First Surgeon Generals report.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention was established on July 1, 1946. It originally was called the Communicable Disease Center. During that period, its main goal was to fight malaria. Today its goal is to help prevent, promote, and prepare the American people in public health ways. They help set up prevention centers and health centers that all are used to help the American People. It is based in DeKalb County, Georgia.

Discovery Returns

On Wednesday, the space shuttle Discovery returned to Earth after concluding a 15 day space station build and repair mission. The space shuttle made a safe landing after crossing the continent in the first coast to coast reentry since the almost five years ago Columbia disaster. The seven shuttle astronauts and three residents of the international space station joined together to save a mangled solar wing. It was one of the most dangerous and difficult repairs ever attempted in orbit, but it was very important for the future of the space station. To land the shuttled first crossed over British Columbia and then diagonally descended over Montana, Wyoming, the Great Plains, the Deep South, before finally landing in Florida. After double inspections it was confirmed that the spaceship’s wing would hold up to three thousand degree heat of atmospheric reentry. The mission began on October 23 and the astronauts knew then that the mission was going to be on of the most complicated and challenging space station construction missions ever. They had no trouble with the repairs, but the flight was where it became complicated. The first wing pooped out fine, but the second one snagged in a clump of tangled wires and ripped in two places. Paraznski, the shuttles captain, fixed the torn wing with pliers and homemade tools. He had to work on a solar wing coursing with more than 100 volts of electricity that was moving back and forth. He was supported on the end of a 90 foot extension beam. Clayton Anderson had spent 152 days in the space station and has finally come home. Melroy became the second woman to land a space shuttle.

NASA stands for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. It is an agency of the United States government, responsible for the nation’s public space program. NASA was established on July 29, 1958 by the National Aeronautics and Space Act. It is responsible for the space program and for the long term civilian and military aerospace research.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/07/AR2007110700206_2.html?hpid=moreheadlines

United States Cracking Down on Iraq Extremists!

American forces have routed Al Qaeda of Mesopatamia, the Iraqi militant network, from every neighborhood of Baghdad. This was stated by an American general. This allows troops supposedly involved to depart as it was previously planned. Maj. Gen. Joseph Fil, commander of United States forces in Baghdad, stated that American troops have not cleared about thirteen percent of the city. That includes areas controlled by Shiite militia. But, violence has been greatly reduced since the spike in June. “Murder victims are down 80 percent from where they were at the peak,” he said. Attacks involving the improvised bombs known as I.E.D.s are down 70 percent, he said. General Fil attributed the decline to improvements in the Iraqi security forces, a cease-fire ordered by the Shiite cleric Moktada al-Sadr, the disruption of funding for insurgents, and most significant, Iraqis’ rejection of “the rule of the gun.” “The Iraqi people have just decided that they’ve had it up to here with violence,” he said. But, they have a greater demand for water, jobs, and electricity. Many families have begun to return to their homes, but a great number still cowers in fear of returning home. Sunni extremist groups could revive and “re-infest very quickly,” General Fil said, Iraq’s leaders should now have the peace they need to build a trusted, cross-sectarian government. But progress toward that, he said, has been “disappointing.” American troops targeted more operations to the farm towns and villages of the country. The operations are aimed at keeping momentum. Stability, General Fil said, “is within sight but not yet within touch.” “Close, but not yet within touch.” Throughout history, the United States government has created military operations to decrease violence and keep the peace in certain countries. Many military operations to lower violence to provide safe areas for people to live in have occurred over time.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/08/world/middleeast/08iraq.html?hp

FDA Foreign Drugs

The Food and Drug Administration said that they can no longer guarantee that the drugs that are sold in the United States are safe anymore, because 80% of all drug ingredients used in the United States are made in other countries. The FDA’s inspections abroad are so bad that they can no longer tell which drugs have been inspected. Inspections are also given by travel schedules and not need. The inspectors also give foreign drug companies a warning before they inspect the drugs.

The FDA began in 1862, with a chemist in the United States Department of Agriculture, who began testing food and drugs. In 1906, a law was passed, the Federal Food and Drugs Act, which added the first regulatory tasks for the FDA. Now, the company has over 9,000 employees and about one-third of them are stationed outside of Washington D.C.

Democats Deny Colbert's Candidicy

It is my sad duty to inform my readers that Dr. Stephen
T. Colbert D.F.A is no longer in the running for the presidency of the United States. The New York Times reported yesterday that the democratic party of South Carolina has officially denied Dr. Colbert's applicaton to be on the ballot. Colbert chose to run in his homestate of South Carolina as a democrat in order to save the extra $32,500 that it costs to be on the republican ballot . The South Carolina Democratic party justified their rejection of Dr. Colbert by saying that he has failed to meet two of their qualifications. The missed requirements are that he failed to actively campaign for the states primary, and that he be acknowledged as a viable nationwide candidate. The council decision not to certify Dr. Colbert, went through 13 to 3. This is a dark day in our country's history. Today, the nation mourns.

Dr. Stephen T. Colbert's Presidential Candidicy: Oct. '07- Nov. '07

Contaminated Pizza

Because of possible E. coli contamination General Mills recalled about five million frozen pizzas sold under the Totino’s and Jeno’s labels. The problem may have come from pepperoni on pizzas produced at a General Mills plant in Ohio. The recall affects about 414,000 cases of pizza products currently in stores and similar pizza products in consumer freezers. Each case contains 12 pizzas. The possible E. coli contamination was uncovered by state and federal authorities investigating 21 E. coli-related illnesses in 10 states. General Mills said nine of the 21 people who reported having eaten Jeno's or Totino's pizza with pepperoni topping at some point before becoming ill. The people were effected by the pizza and became ill between July 20 and October 10, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service said, also saying that all the patients recovered. The recall includes eight different types of Totino's brand frozen pizza and only three types of Jeno's brand frozen pizza all with pepperoni toppings, or a combination of toppings with pepperoni. The frozen pizzas were produced in the Wellston, Ohio, plant and sent throughout the United States. The plant is now currently making other pizzas, but none with pepperoni.

E.coli O157:H7 is a deadly bacteria that can cause bloody dehydration and diarrhea. The children, seniors and people with weak immune systems are the most vulnerable to food borne diseases. E.coli was first discovered in 1982 in the United States when 47 people were said to have developed severe stomach disorders. The cause of this was traced to ground beef patties that were contaminated with the variety of E.coli. Because E.coli can be caught from eating undercooked contaminated ground beef, it has been called the hamburger disease.

Hollywood’s labor peace fell apart on Thursday night. Movie and TV writers declared they would begin a strike for the first time since 1988. The walk-out instantly has threatened to disturb television talk shows such as “Late Night With David Letterman” and “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart." These shows heavily rely on writers to create monologues and skits constantly. As the strike continues, audiences could see the eventual shutdown of soap operas, TV series and movie productions, as the bank of ready scripts is exhausted in Hollywood. In the near term, a writers' strike will have an immediate impact on more than 200,000 workers in the movie and TV industry.
The leaders of the Writers Guild of America West and the Writers Guild of America East were expected to order their members to stop work and take on picket duties during the strike. A strike by the writers threatens to tear a hole in the economy of Southern California especially with the California fires finally ending but leaving the area with immense damage. Talent agencies have to begin to consider the possibility of layoffs and Hollywood’s development executives could be reassigned. Even story departments will soon be effected by the halt in the flow of about 100 new scripts that come through a major studio in a typical week.
In 1988 Hollywood experienced a similar strike. More writers than ever before were joining unions. The strike in 1988 lasted for five months. According to the Writers Guild of America, the relentless writers fought for a well deserved upgrade. The Hollywood industry suffered the loss of $500 million in 1988 because of the strike. Today, if the strike is not settled quickly, the costs of the strike will be astronomical compared to those of 1988.

Get out of Jail Free Card

Well, the prisoners will not be immediately released from prison but the prison sentence of crack cocaine offenders will decrease from ten years and a month to eight years and ten months. This is a a year and three months decrease in prison time. With the jails of the United States overpopulated they hope to see a decrease in the prison population by 3800 in the next fifteen years. Now the courts are trying to determine whether or not this new decreassed prison sentence should be applied to 19,500 crack cocaine offenders who are current prisoners and had commited the crime previously to this new regulation.

These rules have been changed because people thought it was strange that possessing 5ooo grams of powder cocaine has a ten year sentence like the possession of 50 grams of crack cocaine. Also about eighty percent of the convicted for possession of crack cocaine are black which civil rights people were fighting. The Supreme Court felt that the sentencing for this crime was too high, but by reducing the sentence Congress felt underminded since they had rejected the movement to decrease the sentence in 1995.

The original guideline in 1987 had changed a lower sentence to ten years and one month and has not been changed since until now.

F.B.I. Murder Charges Dropped

Roy Lindley DeVecchio, the retired Federal Bureau of Investigation supervisor charged with murder, walked out of court a free man this morning after prosecutors dropped all charges against him because of new evidence that the government’s main witness changed her account and may face perjury charges. Mr. DeVecchio was charged with helping a Mafia informer commit four murders in the 1980s and early 1990s. The trial, which began last month, was upended this week after a reporter revealed that he had taped interviews showing that the prosecution’s main witness, Linda Schiro, a gangster’s mistress, had given varying accounts and had damaged her credibility. After the charges were dismissed, Mr. DeVecchio had a slight smile on his face as he was applauded by fellow F.B.I agents. The trial centers on Mr. DeVecchio’s relationship with his informer, Gregory Scarpa, a notorious capo in the Colombo crime family. Mr. Scarpa, known as the Grim Reaper, died in prison in 1994. In the case on trial, state prosecutors accused Mr. DeVecchio of giving Mr. Scarpa orders to kill rival informers and tips on pending arrests. The case seemed to be weak from the start. In 1995, Mr. DeVecchio had supposedly leaked confidential information to Mr. Scarpa in which he was going to be accused in court.

Throughout history, authority figures and men in organized crime have had relationships to get leads and information. But, in this case, Mr. DeVecchio and Mr. Scarpa had a strong relationship which made people curious and to think DeVecchio is leaking confidential information to the mafia. Mob informants have been close to government officials for a long time and it will stay that way to continue tradition on information trading.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/01/nyregion/01cnd-devecchio.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

http://www.truthinjustice.org/corrupt-FBI.htm this website includes a history of the F.B.I. informant system.

http://www.fbi.gov/

Chrysler Makes Cuts

Today Chrysler added on to its North American overhaul by planning to lay off as many as 12,000 workers, and cut production at many plants and discontinue four vehicles. Just days ago Chrysler completed negotiations with the United Auto Workers union. Earlier this year Chrysler was bought this year by Cerberus Capital Management, which has been aggressively trying to slash costs to generate cash. The US auto sales had been on a 17.2 million a year clip, but the automaker expects annual volume to be greatly lower for this year and next. Chrysler first put a recovery plan in place in February. The plan called for 13,000 job cuts and the closing of one major assembly plant. Robert L. Nardelli, Chrysler’s chairman and chief executive, said that the plans changed because of the continued slow down in the US market. Chrysler is struggling against competition from Asian automakers like Toyota. Figures released yesterday showed a 9% decrease for Chrysler from a year ago. Chrysler is eliminating shifts at five assembly plants, leading to a reduction of 8,500 to 10,000 hourly jobs through 2008. A thousand salaried workers are being cut and a thousand contact workers. The new cuts are affecting plants in Belvidere, Ill; Brampton, Ontario; Detroit; and Sterling Heights, Mich.

Chrysler is an American automobile manufacturer that has been producing cars since 1925 and from 1914 under the Dodge name.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/01/AR2007110100693.html?hpid=topnews

Just Like They Did

A swastika was found spray-painted on a Jewish professor’s office door at Teachers College at Columbia University. This was the second time in less than a month that one of the college’s professors has fallen victim to hate crimes. Elizabeth Midlarsky, a clinical psychologist has been doing studies on the Holocaust, and she says it was actually the third time in recent weeks that she had been the targeted. On October 17, she found an anti-Semitic flier in her mailbox at work. Then on October 24 she found two more copies of the same flier in her mailbox. She said she reported those incidents to the school officials. “I see this as an attack of extreme hate and extreme cowardice by someone trying to make a point,” Dr. Midlarsky said. The police had yet to find a suspect. On Oct. 10, a noose was found on the office door of Madonna G. Constantine, a black professor at the college. Another similar incident occurred to a Brooklyn principal who also received a noose along with a racially charged letter in the mail.

Nazism or National Socialism, refers primarily to the totalitarian ideology and practices of the Nazi Party which was lead by Adolf Hitler. It also refers to the policies adopted by the government of Germany from 1933 to 1945, a period in German history known as Nazi Germany. On January 5, 1919, the party was founded as the German Workers' Party by Anton Drexler along with six other members. Hitler was sent to investigate the party by German intelligence and was invited to join after impressing them with his speaking ability after getting into an argument with party members. Hitler later accepted the invitation and joined the party as the fifty-fifth member in September 1919, he soon became the propaganda boss. July 29, 1921 Hitler became the party leader. This group is known for leading the Holocaust, the systamatic killings of milions of Jews.Amongst killing the Jews, they tourtured and killed any non-whites, catholics, homosexuals, handicapped, and many other groups who did not fit into the aryan race. Their sighn of hatred was the swastica, a sign which is still used to spread hatred and horror today. Even today, many continue to believe and promote the original ideas of this group, hating killing and torturing those who are different, just like they did.