Foreign ministry confirms wife Safia, daughter Aisha, and sons Mohammed and Hannibal have crossed to Algeria Muammar Gaddafi’s wife, two of his sons and a daughter arrived in Algeria on Monday morning, the Algerian foreign ministry has confirmed. Al-Jazeera has established that sons Mohammed and Hannibal are now under Algerian protection, along with his wife, Safia and daughter Aisha, both of whom Gaddafi had sent to Belarus in May. The whereabouts of Gaddafi’s other sons, Saif al-Islam, Mutassim, Khasim, and Saadi remain unknown, along with his second daughter Hannah, who was thought to have been killed in a US air strike in 1986, but was last week found to be working in a Tripoli hospital. The director of the Sharwa Zarwa hospital, in the centre of the capital, told the Guardian that Hannah Gaddafi had ordered staff not to treat wounded rebels during the past six months. “She also stayed here sometimes during the night,” said Dr Ghassem Barouni. Gaddafi’s other son, Saif al-Arab, is thought to have been killed by a Nato strike in April. However, the reappearance of his second daughter after 25 years has left some members of the Transitional National Council sceptical of the claim. Libya’s new governing authority says it has no credible information about Gaddafi’s whereabouts. Several of his sons are thought to still be in Tripoli. Muammar Gaddafi Libya Algeria Arab and Middle East unrest Middle East Africa Martin Chulov guardian.co.uk
Continue reading …NY Times Reporter Justin Gillis Again Uses Natural Disaster to Promote ‘Climate Change’
August 29, 2011 No Comment
Never let a natural disaster go to waste. In August 2010, New York Times environmental reporter Justin Gillis reacted to that summer's heat waves and flooding with “ In Weather Chaos, a Case for Global Warming ” on the front page of the Times. So it was no surprise he took advantage of Hurricane Irene in Sunday’s edition, “ Seeing Irene as Harbinger of a Change in Climate .” Gillis’s latest story, admittedly written when Irene looked more dangerous than it turned out to be, was also guilty of disaster hype. The scale of Hurricane Irene, which could cause more extensive damage along the Eastern Seaboard than any storm in decades, is reviving an old question: are hurricanes getting worse because of human-induced climate change? The short answer from scientists is that they are still trying to figure it out. But many of them do believe that hurricanes will get more intense as the planet warms, and they see large hurricanes like Irene as a harbinger. While the number of the most intense storms has clearly been rising since the 1970s, researchers have come to differing conclusions about whether that increase can be attributed to human activities. Blogger A.J. Strata reminded the Times that Hurricane Isabel caused massive damage and deaths just eight years ago. Apparently the NY Times is not aware that 8 years is not a longer time span than ‘decades’. In 2003 a little ‘ol Cat 2 hurricane (not a middling Cat 1 such as Irene) hit the “Eastern Seaboard”, rearranging the outer banks and pitching the DC area into darkness for days. Gillis does admit the jury is still out on details, but is confident that a line can be drawn from greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to more vulnerable coastlines from hurricanes. The ocean has been getting warmer for decades, and most climate scientists say it is because greenhouse gases are trapping extra heat. Rising sea-surface temperatures are factored into both Mr. Knutson’s and Dr. Emanuel’s analyses, but they disagree on the effect that warming in remote areas of the tropics will have on Atlantic hurricanes. Air temperatures are also rising because of greenhouse gases, scientists say. That causes land ice to melt, one of several factors leading to a rise in sea level. That increase, in turn, is making coastlines more vulnerable to damage from the storm surges that can accompany powerful hurricanes. Overall damage from hurricanes has skyrocketed in recent decades, but most experts agree that is mainly due to excessive development along vulnerable coastlines.
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Storm’s death count continues to rise as widespread flooding affects states all across the eastern United States The remains of Hurricane Irene have begun to dissipate over Canada as the storm’s death toll continued to rise and widespread flooding affected states across the north-eastern United States. The huge, slow-moving storm travelled along 1,100 miles of US coastline leaving a trail of destruction reaching far inland. At least 28 deaths have so far been attributed to Irene with about 3 million people left without power along its path. People have struggled to get back to work as officials tried to remove fallen trees from roads and train tracks and clear flooded subway tunnels. Airports across the region have started opening again but were left dealing with around 9,000 flights cancelled as Irene struck. More than 250 roads were closed by flooding in Vermont as the state experienced its worst floods for 75 years. Governor Peter Shumlin declared the state a federal disaster area as hundreds were told to leave their homes. “We prepared for the worst and we got the worst in central and southern Vermont,” Shumlin said. “We have extraordinary infrastructure damage.” On Sunday, up to 13 inches (33cm) of rain fell on states across the east coast with more than 10in of rain in parts of North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and upstate New York. The rain followed record rainfalls earlier this month, bursting the banks of already swollen rivers in several states. On 14 August, nearly 8
Continue reading …Mark Pearce has been elevated to chair of the National Labor Relations Board , replacing outgoing chair Wilma Liebman. Pearce worked for the NLRB for 15 years before going into private practice. In 2010, President Barack Obama appointed Pearce to the NLRB. He was confirmed after some controversy over fellow nominee Craig Becker , who Pearce was nominated with simultaneously. Not a lot of information is readily available about Pearce. His bio from the NLRB website: Mark Gaston Pearce was a founding partner of the Buffalo, New York law firm of Creighton, Pearce, Johnsen & Giroux, where he practiced union side labor and employment law before state and federal courts and agencies. In 2008, he was appointed to the New York State Industrial Board of Appeals, an independent quasi-judicial agency responsible for review of certain rulings and compliance orders of the NY Department of Labor in matters including wage and hour law. Pearce has taught at Cornell University’s School of Industrial Labor Relations Extension, and is a Fellow in the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers. Prior to 2002, Pearce practiced union side labor and employment law at Lipsitz, Green, Fahringer, Roll, Salisbury & Cambria LLP. From 1979 to 1994, he was an attorney and District Trial Specialist for the NLRB in Buffalo, NY. Pearce received his J.D. from State University of New York, and his B.A. from Cornell University. The National Right to Work Committee, a right-wing anti-union group, previously attacked Pearce by criticizing his art, suggesting he wasn’t dedicated to the job and trying to connect him to former clients who had legal troubles.
Continue reading …WaPo Hypes Concern Over Birds Killed by Windmills, Yet Housecats Kill 200x More Per Year
August 29, 2011 No Comment
“Wind farms' turbines drawing static over bird kills” blared the page A4 headline in today's Washington Post. “Advocates want oversight,” added a subheadline. Yet it took until paragraph 11 out of 28 that Post staffer Darryl Fears noted that “power lines kill an estimated 10 million, and nearly 11 million are hit by automobiles,” compared to just about 500,000 birds who die each year thanks to green energy-friendly windmills. According to information from the American Bird Conservancy included in a graphic accompanying Fears's article, hundreds of millions of birds meet their demise thanks to domestic and feral cats. In other words, felines are at least 200 times deadlier than manmade windmills, although it'd be patently ridiculous to call for federal regulation of cat ownership. But never mind such silly things like facts. Fears closed his article with an over-the-top fear-mongering quote by American Bird Conservancy's Robert Johns, who said he wants to ensure that “you don't have to look up one day and say, 'Hey, we've killed all the birds.'”
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Organisers say event is on course to be one the best in years and ‘has allowed Londoners to reclaim the streets’ after the riots Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets of Notting Hill, as organisers of Europe’s largest carnival said it was on course to be one of the best in years. More than 6,500 police officers were on duty on Monday amid fears the event could be a catalyst for trouble following the riots and looting that hit London and other English cities this month. But organiser Chris Boothman said the carnival had allowed Londoners to “reclaim the streets”. He added: “We haven’t seen any major trouble so far and the atmosphere seems to be fantastic. People have really come out to support the carnival and it shows once again that London can put on large events.” Organisers said they were expecting up to 800,000 people to come to the carnival on Monday – and more than 1 million over the two days. Thousands of people lined the route as more than 70 floats, dancers and drummers wound their way through the usually quiet streets of Notting Hill in west London. Others congregated in the network of side roads where scores of sound systems created a patchwork of smaller parties. Suzzie Morgan, 21, said it was her third carnival. “We didn’t even think about not coming after the riots – why should we?” she said. “It is just as good an atmosphere as always and I think everyone is here for a party.” Ann Shore from Chesterfield was at her first carnival. “We were in London for the weekend so thought we would come a long and see what it is like and it is pretty impressive … We are northers so we are not worried about any trouble and if there was any I would give them a swing of my handbag!” Despite the upbeat mood there was a huge police presence on the streets leading to the carnival route. Using special powers granted under a Section 60 order, officers stopped hundreds of people – mostly young men – looking for “drugs, weapons and anything that could cause problems”, according to one policeman. Nathan, 21, from Peckham, south London, was one of those stopped. “They have got a job to do but there is no need to treat us like that … We have come here today for a party and hopefully to get some girls, not for anything else.” This year’s carnival has been scheduled to start and finish early on both days, with people due to leave the area at around 6.30pm on Monday. A spokeswoman for the Metropolitan police said 88 people had been arrested by 8am on Monday, adding that the Section 60 order had been extended “to support the pan London and Notting Hill carnival policing operations to keep the capital as safe as can be”. Notting Hill carnival Festivals London Matthew Taylor guardian.co.uk
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Stuart Varney is one of Fox’s most popular business and economic reporters. I say this not because he’s good or bad, but because you can see him on his own show on Fox Business Network and all through the day on FNC. He does his guest spots on Fox & Friends , Megyn Kelly and Bill O’Reilly. Maybe Roger Ailes just likes Varney’s accent. We know what else he likes on his telecasts. Varney on The Daily Show: Poor families in the United States are not what they used to be. 99.6% have a refrigerator. Stewart: 99% have refrigerators…How dare you. Varney: It was funny, Jon Stewart going me for telling the truth about poor people. The image we have of poor people as starving, living in squalor really is not accurate. Many of them have things, what they lack is the richness of spirit. That’s my opinion. This is so twisted that I can’t even begin to analyze this thinking. It’s definition time: Squalor A filthy and wretched condition or quality. Having a few things means exactly what, Varney? Poverty doesn’t exist? Here’s FDR on these tax cutting bastards who have been with us a lot longer than Varney has : President Roosevelt : “In 1776 the fight was for Democracy in Taxation. In 1936 there is still the fight. Mister Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes once said ‘taxes are the prices we pay for civilized society’. One sure way to determine the social conscience of a government is to examine the way taxes are collected and how they are spent. And one sure way to determine the social conscience of an individual is to get his tax reaction. Taxes, after all are the dues we pay for the privilege of membership in an organized society. And as society becomes more civilized government, national and state and local, is called on to assume more obligations to its citizens. The privileges of membership in a civilized society are vastly increased in modern times. But I am afraid we still have many who still do not recognize their advantages and want to avoid paying their dues.” Tax breaks for the wealthy were a concept well in place by the time Hoover was President. Varney made these statements last week and I’m sorry I didn’t respond sooner.(h/t Atrios ) I guess if Americans aren’t living like this , they are living the high life. enlarge Credit: Glogster Homeless during the Depression Here’s his Fox Bio: Veteran business journalist Stuart Varney joined FOX Business Network as an anchor in September 2007. He also serves as a business contributor and substitute host for FOX News Channel’s Your World with Neil Cavuto. He currently hosts Varney & Co. at 9:20AM ET. Since joining FNC’s business team in January 2004, Varney has contributed to the network’s weekday and weekend business programming including Your World with Neil Cavuto, Bulls & Bears, Cavuto on Business and Cashin’ In. What would Stuart Varney know about the poor? enlarge Credit: Financial Jesus Shanty Towns @Varneyco let him know what you think. nicely. And tell @JohnAmato sent you.
Continue reading …Happy Labor Day: Republican Politicians Not Welcome at WI Labor Day Parade
August 29, 2011 No CommentI wish more organizations stopped inviting Republicans to events honoring things they don’t support. May I suggest Tom Morello instead? Community parades often feature local politicians waving to the crowds, but this year’s annual Labor Day parade in Wausau may be short a few elected officials. That’s because the head of the group that sponsors the Wausau Labor Day Parade, the Marathon County Central Labor Council, is telling Republicans lawmakers from the area that they’re not welcome on Sept. 5. “Usually they’ve been in the parade, but it seems like they only want to stand with us one day a year, and the other 364 days they don’t really care,” said Randy Radtke, president of the Council. The Council is made up of about 30 local unions from the Marathon County area. In a statement, Radtke added that parade is intended to celebrate working men and women and what the labor movement has given them: weekends, a 40-hour work week, child labor protection and a safe working environment. “It should come as no surprise that organizers choose not to invite elected officials who have openly attacked worker’s rights or stood idly by while their political party fought to strip public workers of their right to collectively bargain,” Radtke said.
Continue reading …You have to hand it to Politico, they know how to gin up publicity. “Is Rick Perry dumb?” asks the top headline on the website today. Yet on balance, the corresponding article by Jonathan Martin isn't all that bad, noting that Perry has often been underestimated politically, much to the peril of numerous Republican and Democratic opponents who are now footnotes at best in Texas political history. That being said, there's little doubt that the media, including Martin, are hard at work cementing certain prejudices and lowering expectations about the three-term Texas governor: Doubts about Perry’s intellect have hounded him since he was first elected as a state legislator nearly three decades ago. In Austin, he’s been derided as a right-place, right-time pol who looks the part but isn’t so deep — “Gov. Goodhair.” Now, with the chatter picking back up among his enemies and taking flight in elite Republican circles, the rap threatens to follow him to the national stage. And publishing a piece entitled “Is Rick Perry dumb?” isn't Politico's effort to ensure that? I'd look for the following mainstream media narrative on Perry to develop heading into 2012: He's a whip-smart politician who shouldn't be underestimated when it comes to roping in votes, but that his ideology will stupidly blind him to how there's undisputable evidence that we need a large and growing federal government to tackle pressing problems.
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Calls for Abdelbaset al-Megrahi to face extradition appear redundant after footage emerges showing him close to death The campaign for the extradition of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, the man convicted of the Lockerbie bombing, has in effect ended after footage emerged showing him apparently close to death. Calls for his rearrest from US senators, lawyers and relatives of Lockerbie bombing victims appeared redundant given Megrahi’s abject condition in images recorded at his mother’s house in Tripoli. The Scottish first minister, Alex Salmond, said the Scottish government “never had any intention” of asking for Megrahi to be returned to jail. Andrew Mitchell, the UK government foreign minister, said the question was now “academic” after CNN broadcast footage showing Megrahi lying in bed unconscious and apparently “at death’s door”. Mitchell said the Tories had opposed Megrahi’s original release on compassionate grounds in 2009, but that the question of whether to extradite him was a matter for the Scottish government. He added: “It’s clear that many of these matters are now academic as his life is drawing to a close … it’s clear from reports today that he has not got much longer to live.” Megrahi’s son Khaled and brother Abdul Nasser al-Megrahi told reporters at the family home that Megrahi was now comatose and close to death. They said he had been without proper medical attention for several days, claiming his medication had been looted from pharmacists during the rebel advance into Tripoli. “There is no doctor. There is nobody to ask. We don’t have any phone line to call anybody,” Khaled al-Megrahi said. Speaking on Sky News, Salmond said recent speculation about Megrahi’s disappearance had been “completely inaccurate”. He said: “The only people who have any authority in this matter are the Scottish government, who have jurisdiction in this matter … and the new Libyan transitional council, who are the new duly constituted legal authority in Libya. “We have never had and don’t have any intention of asking for the extradition of Mr Megrahi. It’s quite clear from the Libyan transitional council that following their own laws they had never any intention of agreeing to such extradition.” On Monday the Libyan rebels’ National Transitional Council said the Megrahi case was not a priority. The justice minister, Mohammed al-Alagi, said: “We have very many important issues now. We realise this [the Megrahi case] is very important to some of our western allies. But the most crucial thing now is to secure our country. The second thing is to stabilise Libya so that it can function. After that we can look at related issues between us and other governments.” Calls for Megrahi to be either taken back into Scottish custody or extradited to the US for a fresh trial intensified last week, led by the US Republican Mitt Romney, after it emerged that Scottish officials charged with monitoring him in Libya after his early release from jail had been unable to make contact. That raised substantial questions about whether Megrahi had breached the terms of his release on licence in August 2009. On Sunday night, East Renfrewshire council and the Scottish government issued a joint statement saying they had finally made contact with Megrahi’s family over the weekend. However, East Renfrewshire officials have admitted to the Guardian that they have not yet spoken to Megrahi in person. Their last contact directly with him was on 8 August. They said they were still trying to talk to him, but confirmed that his dramatically worsening health was making that task far more difficult. “We are still in the process of re-establishing contact,” a council spokesman said on Monday morning. “We have had some contact with the family and we will continue with that.” Direct contact is “part of the licence and that is what we are aiming for, if we can do that”, he said. Romney and US relatives claim Megrahi was not properly punished for his alleged role in the Lockerbie atrocity, in which 270 crew, passengers and people on the ground were killed when Pan Am Flight 103 was blown up over the small Scottish town in December 1988. Despite his repeated claims of innocence, they also believe he could offer new evidence about Libya’s role in the bombing. John Bolton, the former US ambassador to the United Nations, said Megrahi should have received the death penalty for Lockerbie. “To me it will be a signal of how serious the rebel government is for good relations with the United States and the west if they hand over Megrahi for trial,” he said. “He killed 270 people. He served roughly 10 years in jail before he was released by British authorities. Do the math – that means he served roughly two weeks in prison for every person he killed. Two weeks per murder. That is not nearly enough.” In a statement posted on a “justice for Megrahi” page on Facebook on Saturday night, Khaled al-Megrahi said: “My father’s general health is very bad. Sometimes he is in a coma. The family is trying to help him to eat at least a little food. We move him to hospital and his parent’s house. He is still confined to his bed, and my mother and his sister are helping him. “All our house telephones are out of order. I personally tried to get in touch with the drug store to get his regular daily use of medicine. Thieves have stolen most of his medicine.” Dr Jim Swire, the Lockerbie campaigner whose daughter Flora died in the attack, said Megrahi ought to be allowed to die with dignity. “I feel in view of all he has been through that he should have been accorded a peaceful end in Tripoli with his family. The idea of extraditing him is a monstrous one,” he said. “This is a man who withdrew his appeal so that he could be allowed to die close to his family and he deserves to be left in peace for his last days.” Abdelbaset al-Megrahi Libya Lockerbie plane bombing Arab and Middle East unrest Scotland Middle East Africa Global terrorism UK security and terrorism Air transport Severin Carrell Luke Harding guardian.co.uk
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