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Indiana Deputy AG’s Solution to Labor Protests: "Use Live Ammunition"

enlarge As the pro-labor protests spread across the nation, right-wing frustration emerges in veiled Twitter threats and calls for counterprotesters to come bearing arms. Adam Weinstein at Mother Jones tells the tale: On Saturday night, when Mother Jones staffers tweeted a report that riot police might soon sweep demonstrators out of the Wisconsin capitol building—something that didn’t end up happening—one Twitter user sent out a chilling public response : “Use live ammunition.” From my own Twitter account, I confronted the user, JCCentCom . He tweeted back that the demonstrators were ” political enemies ” and ” thugs ” who were “physically threatening legally elected officials.” In response to such behavior, he said, “You’re damned right I advocate deadly force.” He later called me a ” typical leftist ,” adding, ” liberals hate police .” Only later did we realize that JCCentCom was a deputy attorney general for the state of Indiana. Um, wow. Read the whole post at Mojo for a sense of how over-the-top dangerous this guy’s remarks were, and how he stands behind them wholeheartedly. It’s been updated with a statement from the state attorney general’s office saying they’re reviewing his comments and will take ‘appropriate personnel action.’ According to IndyStar he’s been fired , which is worrisome, too. After all, this is a guy who clearly despises liberals with more than political passion. He thinks we ought to be shot with live ammunition for exercising our first amendment rights. I shudder to think what his next moves will be now that he’s free to ‘use live ammunition’ without fear of losing his job. From the Indiana Attorney General’s office : Today the Indiana Attorney General’s Office announced that Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Cox is no longer employed by this agency. The Indiana Attorney General’s Office conducted a thorough and expeditious review after “Mother Jones” magazine today published an article attributing private Twitter postings and private blog postings to Cox. Civility and courtesy toward all members of the public are very important to the Indiana Attorney General’s Office. We respect individuals’ First Amendment right to express their personal views on private online forums, but as public servants we are held by the public to a higher standard, and we should strive for civility. But Indiana isn’t the only state with “patriots”. In Atlanta, Freepers are calling for their members to attend the SEIU rallies planned for today with the “usual accoutrements”. As the AJC reports , they’re pretty specific while being non-specific: “Members of the various Tea Party, 9/12, and other freedom-oriented folks in the Atlanta area will be assembling in the vicinity of Georgia State Capitol this coming Wednesday afternoon at 4 pm. We’ll be providing balance to the ravings of the passengers aboard the SEIU Thugbus, which is scheduled to vomit forth its stooges at that same place and time. If you are within three hours drive of ATL, come join us. Dan and others from RTC will be there, with the usual accoutrements. As always, each participant is responsible for compliance with all applicable local laws. Rally point will be the corner of Trinity and Washington Streets in front of the Trinity United Methodist Church. Guide on the Gadsden flags. Rendezvous time no later than 3:45 pm local. There appears to be some regulations re armed protests on the Washington Street side of the Capitol, so attendees are requested to be flexible in your attire. We will attempt (but no promises) to get some additional clarity regarding the situation and post it here prior to the show. Take a stand. Welcome to the New Right Wing. These groups have existed forever, as David and John wrote about in their book , but I can’t recall a time where they’ve become as mainstream as they are now. If ever there was a reason to stand peacefully for people’s rights, that time is now.

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The international community must get over the foolishness of the 2003 invasion, and take swift action against Gaddafi It gets worse and worse. Muammar Gaddafi has declared war on his people and the streets of Libya are flowing with blood. Yesterday I heard of people watching their own air force attack the suburbs of Tripoli, leaving roads filled with burned bodies. When they tried to recover the corpses of friends and relatives, they risked being shot by gangs of roaming mercenaries. It is like an apocalyptic Hollywood film. There are even rumours of systematic male rape in this elegant city of jacaranda trees and Italianate buildings. Who knows what is true and what is false, only that there is a whirlwind of terror amid a media blackout as the people of Libya try to overthrow the despot who has ruined their country these past 41 years. Just a fortnight ago I was in these cities – Benghazi, al-Bayda, Tripoli – talking to people preparing for their day of rage. Now in the east of the country victory is in sight, with the old flag flying in place of Gaddafi’s green pennant. But in the west, Gaddafi has vowed to fight to the death and is keeping his word in the most brutal manner possible. Can anything be done to expedite his

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The Arizona legislature is pushing to make a Colt revolver first manufactured in the late 19th century the official state firearm, the AP reports. The state Senate will soon vote, and considering that almost half of lawmakers are sponsoring the bill, the chances of it passing are pretty good. That’s…

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On the Street….Blue London, Part 2, London
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iBike Dash turns your iPhone or iPod touch into a cycling computer

There’s not exactly any shortage of ways to mount your iPhone or iPod touch to your bike, but there’s decidedly fewer options that actually turn your iOS device into a full-fledged cycling computer that’s able to replace those from the likes of Garmin . This new iBike Dash device promises to do just that, though. It not only houses your device is a protective, waterproof shell, but it includes an ANT+ speed sensor and is compatible with other ANT+ devices so you can measure heart rate and cadence. It also has room for an extra rechargeable battery to extend your run time, and it naturally makes use of a free app that takes advantage of your iPhone’s GPS capabilities (no built-in GPS here to help out iPod touch users). Of course, all that means this one also costs considerably more than a simple bike mount — look for the basic model to set you back $199, while the deluxe package (including cadence and HR monitors along with an extra battery and charger) runs $329. Continue reading iBike Dash turns your iPhone or iPod touch into a cycling computer iBike Dash turns your iPhone or iPod touch into a cycling computer originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 17:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink

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Gastric Bypass: Most Effective Weight Loss Surgery?

Gastric bypass, the most commonly performed surgery for obesity in the U.S., appears to help patients lose more weight and may treat diabetes more effectively than newer techniques, two studies show.

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In response to these rumors , last night at least a hundred firemen arrived at the Capitol to show solidarity and protect the protesters. Stay tuned for developments: Amid the largest protests Madison, Wisconsin has seen in decades, newly elected Republican Gov. Scott Walker last week issued a stark message to public labor unions occupying the capitol building: we have options, and using the National Guard against protesters is among them. Since then, a myriad of rumors have circulated through crowds gathered at the state capitol, united in protest of a bill that would strip public unions of their collective bargaining rights. One rumor, which had not yet come to pass, even suggested that like Egypt’s former dictator did in Tahrir Square, Gov. Walker may call in police to forcibly clear out the capitol. And according to a Wisconsin police union president, whether the police agree or disagree with their governor’s politics, they would “absolutely” carry out any order given to them … even if that order included using force against their fellow Americans gathered in peaceful protest. That’s the message from Wisconsin Law Enforcement Association (WLEA) executive board president Tracy Fuller, whose organization recently issued a statement condemning the governor’s attempt to strip public unions of their collective bargaining rights. Fuller is also a Wisconsin State Patrol inspector. “This bill has some provisions that make no sense, unless the basic intent is to bust unions,” he recently wrote, in a post found on the WLEA website. “One provision makes it illegal for public employers to collect dues for labor organizations. The employer can take deductions for the United Way, or other organizations, but they are prohibited from collecting union dues. “How does that repair the budget?” Fuller explained to Raw Story that he was speaking only for himself when he wrote of his regrets over the troopers’ endorsement. This detail was initially misreported by David Schuster, who claimed it was the Troopers Association itself that had come into a spot of buyer’s remorse over Walker.

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Apple Shareholders Nix CEO Succession Disclosure

Apple shareholders rejected a plan requiring the company to disclose a succession plan for its chief executive. (Feb. 23)

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Heinz to Adopt Coca Cola’s "PlantBottle"

Image: Business Wire Coke’s patented PlantBottle , made from up to 30 percent plant-based material, will now be used for Heinz ketchup. Heinz says it will convert all of its 20-ounce bottles in the U.S. this summer. … Read the full story on TreeHugger

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Two Tennessee lawmakers have introduced a bill that would make following the Islamic code of ethics known as Shariah law a felony punishable by 15 years in prison. The bill exempts the peaceful practice of Islam, according to the Tennessean , but it labels following Shariah “treasonous,” claiming that those who…

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