Monday, February 23, 2015

American sniper trial halted due to ice storm

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/23/texas-trial-for-american_n_6735210.html?utm_hp_ref=politics

The Texas trial of a man charged for shooting former US NAVY SEAL Chris Kyle was halted Monday due to a nice storm.

Eddie Ray Routh is accused if shooting Kyle and kyles friend Chad Littlefield. Took place southwest of Fort Worth in February 2013.

Defense attorneys are trying to find him innocent by reason of insanity. "Routh had paranoid schizophrenia and showed signs if psychosis that could not be faked" said a psychiatrist called by the defense.

Prosecutors are seeking life in prison without parole. Say Routh was aware if what he was doing and says the psychologist who testified did not meet states legal definition of insanity and was faking it.

Considered by many in Texas as a hero. Now in a movie "American Sniper" which was nominated for six Academy Awards.

Routh served with US marines in Iraq and Hautu and had been admitted to Veterans Affairs hospitals after his service for mental illnesses.

Prosecutors contend that Routh was a heavy drug user who smoked weed, dipped in formaldehyde before shooting the two men, and cannot escape bane for his drug use.
Anti-Abortion Lawmaker Clearly Doesn't Understand Female Anatomy

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/23/idaho-lawmaker-abortion_n_6738550.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular

Republican lawmaker in Idaho was asked if women can swallow a small camera to conduct a gynecological exam with a doctor.

Idaho rep Vito barbieri posted a question to a Dr. Named Julie Madsen, testifying the bill that would "ban doctors from prescribing medication abortion via webcam unless they have examiner the woman in person. Madsen had to explain to Barbieri that swallowed items, like pills do not land in the vigina"
(Oh my god what an idiot)

Proponents of the bill said making medication abortion more difficult to access would give women the ability to change their minds and have time to think ab it.
Lindsey Graham calls for republicans to end immigration standoff with Obama

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/22/lindsey-graham-calls-for-_0_n_6730428.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular

(Cool bc it goes along w my article before)

senator Lindsey Graham called on republicans to abandon the congressional standoff with President Obama over immigration policy and funding the department homeland security.

GOP has resisted calls to fund the agency because they object Obama's recent actions making the department of unfocumented immigrants less of a priority.

Federal judge in Texas recentky imposed "an injunction against implementing the reforms, which would allow millions of undocumented immigrants to continue living in the US without being harassed by law enforcement"

On ABC graham said, he agreed with the judge and called in Republicans to support.

House Repubkicans passed a bill to fund DHS but no chance of enactment due to Obama saying he would veto it.

Graham goes on to say that "he would seek to fix immigration rather than tell about it if he were president"

He's exploring a 2016 presidential bid!!!

Obama warns security funding lapse would hurt economy

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/23/obama-warns-us-security_n_6737534.html?utm_hp_ref=politics

Earned in Monday that partial shutdown of the department of homeland security would suspend for for more than 100,000 border patrol, port inspection and airport security agents.

Obama states that it will have a direct impact on your economy. Also that national security works hard to keep us safe.

This Friday the spending will expire unless Congress approves funding. A new $39.7 billion budget for the department is stalled in Ckngress over republican-authorized provisions to "block any spending on Obamas recent executive orders that life the threat of deportation from millions of undocumented immigrants"

Republicans who control the US senate will push for the fourth time to advance the measure. It needed more votes than it received from democrats. Even if it passed Obama would veto it unless immigrant restrictions were stripped

Aides to senate and house declined to outline lawmakers next steps.

Ron Johnson, senate a Homeland Security and gov affairs committee chairman said "responsible members of both parties ust work together to find some way to find DHS without further delay"


Rudy Giuliani: "I didn't indend to question Obamas heart"

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/22/rudy-giuliani-obama-love_n_6732212.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular

Rudy Giuliani made comments regarding the presidents love for America.

He states he that his point was to show how his words and actions effect the morale of the country. And how the effect will damage his performance.

He goes on to say "his inability or disinclination to emphasize what is right with America". Supporting republicans views. He also was frustrated with the fact that Obama is not giving enough support for allies like Israel and Ukraine.

He says "I bear him no ill will, and in fact think that his personal journey is inspiring and a testament to much of what makes this country great"

He was also angry at the fact that he said that the US "tortured people in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 2001 because it "undermined those who managed successfully to protect us from further attack"


Monday, February 9, 2015

Homeland Security Chief Say 30,000 Will Be Furloughed If Department Shuts Down

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/08/homeland-security-shutdow_n_6639720.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular

Jeh Johnson said that he would have to let go at least 30,000 workers if Congress doesn't fun his department by the end of February. Johnson says, "in these challenging times we need a fully funded Department of Homeland Security." And goes in to say this is not something to make light of to CNN.

He said that it was wrong and not to "particularly effective to require people to work without pay". He then says that 80% if his workforce would have to be furloughed.

Johnson said he has been working everyday with Republicans and democrats to help fund this department of homeland security.

The standoff in Congress is over if DHS funding bill should include riders to the end or Obama's executive actions to defer deportations for various groups of undocumented immigrants.

House passes this bill. Filibustered 3 times by the Senate by Democrats. Will face veto through President even if it makes it through the chamber.

DHS currently employs 230,000 individuals.
Styles Differ, But US Presidents Make Fitness a Priority

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/09/presidential-fitness_n_6644108.html?utm_hp_ref=politics

Ted Vickwy was the director of the White Houses Athletic Center during presidency of GBB and Clinton. Vickey said each made it a probity to stay in shape/fitness.

Says that Clinton enjoyed running out of the gates talking to people while Bush did not and also enjoyed speed golf.

Bush used it to "manage his day". Vickey installed a folding treadmill on Air Force One so he could work out on a trip to Colombia.

A room near the Lincoln bedroom was changed into a fitness center.

Vickye was called to provide an elliptical and tower, bike and to have it delivered the next day. Bush also encouraged his staffers to workout throughout the work day.

It has been shown from a fitness expert that research showed that the exercise Brigitte's these two presidents. Helping with high stress and helping avoid depression/burn out.

Vickye left in 2005 yet is still a huge supporter of fitness he says, "I know President Barack Obama is big on basketball". Going on to say he also enjoys golf and brought his personal trainer from Chicago with him.

Growing Economy Good News For Obama

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/09/economy-obama_n_6644178.html?utm_hp_ref=politics

Americans have had a slight improvement on their views on Obama in the past two months. Positivity on the Heath of the economy. 47% approved of how he was doing his job aposed to 41% in December. 51% on how he handles unemployment-used to be 44%. Half say economy is good-used to be 41%. 2013 it showed only 1/3 thought economy was good. Only 35% poll that their family has improved and recovered in the "recovery".

It has been said the the trend of Obamas acceptance from the people will continue. His approval eating will not raise muh more above 50%.

Showing job improvements-"more people are getting back in the labor market", "more people are actually looking for work", "more people are quiting their jobs", "the unemployed are spending less time out of work".

Jeb Bush (republican candidate) is taking slight lead. 16%
Rand Paul in second w 13%
Scott walker 12%
Hillary Clinton is doninating her potential democratic rivals.

People are not paying much attention to the early voting.

Technology has helped provide away for everyone's views to be known politically. Yet it can make it harder for political pollsters to gather and measure public opinions w precision or consistency.
Obama Says Rape is 'Not okay- And It Has To Stop' in Grammys message

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/08/obama-grammys-rape_n_6641922.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular

(I am obsessed w the Grammies and found this and the talk about no more abuse was very dramtic for the Grammys)

He says on a recording "it's not okay- and it has to stop"
Going on to say that it was on us to "create culture where violence isn't tolerated, where survivors are supported, and where all our young people-men and women- can go as far as their talents and their dreams will take them"

"It's on us" is something he is using for his public awareness campaign. Trying to "end" sexual assault at college campuses by enlisting support of sports stars/celebs. Asking fans to contribute to the effort.

In the video 1/5 women have been raped 1/4 have experinced domestic violence.

I was confused how contributing to this campaign would actually stop anything.
District of Columbia Holds Hearing on Marijuana Sales

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/09/dc-marijuana-sales_n_6643538.html?utm_hp_ref=politics

District of Colombia city council members begin to weigh a bill to legalize pot and regulating it's sale.

Hearing comes right as congress has a deadline to reject the ballot or not although it's been approved by Washington voters.

This regulation act would legalize possession and sale of small amounts of marijuana and permit up to have 6 plants.

65% approved for recreational use. Yet faces oppositions from congressional republicans. Congress does have oversight of District of Columbia and the congressional review period for Initiative 71 runs out end of February.

A woman who just took office last month, bowser, says she wants to try to work w congress and enforce what the voters wanted.

Chairman Phil Mendelson says that by end of March there will be no way to buy pot illegally.

Obama has alllwed District of Cumbia to spend funds on legalization freely.

City is the lightest on pot possessions yet still under federal law it is illegal.

Shown that last year Alaska and Oregon made it legal for adults.