Reut R. Cohen

Thousands Turn Out For Paterno’s Public Memorial

2012-01-26T18:32:00.000-08:00

"Thousands Turn Out For Paterno’s Public Memorial" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, January 26, 2012:

A massive crowd turned out for the conclusion of five days of public mourning over the death of Joseph Paterno. Roughly 10,000 attended the memorial event at the Penn State campus on Thursday, according to Reuters.
Paterno, a longtime football coach with the most wins in major college football, died of lung cancer complications at age 85 on Sunday.
His fans choose to focus on his legacy in college football rather than the recent child sexual abuse scandal involving Paterno’s assistant Jerry Sandusky. Paterno did not alert police to alleged rampant child abuse.
Sandusky released a statement following Paterno's death.
"This is a sad day! Our family, Dottie and I would like to convey our deepest sympathy to Sue and her family," Sandusky said in a statement. "Nobody will be able to take away the memories we all shared of a great man, his family, and all the wonderful people who were a part of his life."
Sandusky, who is awaiting trial, is facing 52 criminal counts. Prosecutors say he abused 10 children over a period of 15 years. He denies the allegations.
Sandusky's critics say the statement was ill-timed and inappropriate.

Reuters has more.

Aid Workers Freed By U.S. Forces Arrive At Military Base

2012-01-26T18:01:00.000-08:00

"Aid Workers Freed By U.S. Forces Arrive At Military Base" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, January 26, 2012:

Two hostages freed in a U.S. military operation involving SEAL Team 6 arrived at a U.S. base in Sicily on Thursday.
The hostages, 32-year-old American Jessica Buchanan and 60-year-old Poul Hagen Thisted were working with the Danish Demining Group, a humanitarian aid organization, when they were kidnapped in Somalia in October 2011.

Buchanan and Thisted are at the Naval Air Station Sigonella, according to base public affairs officer Lt. Tim Page.

President Obama released a statement following the raid, which killed nine Somali pirates.

“On Monday, I authorized an operation to rescue Jessica Buchanan, an American citizen who was kidnapped and held against her will for three months in Somalia. Thanks to the extraordinary courage and capabilities of our Special Operations Forces, yesterday Jessica Buchanan was rescued and she is on her way home,” Obama said. [...]

Read it all here.

Aging and Life Quality: What Does the Future Hold?

2012-01-17T10:37:00.000-08:00

"Aging and Life Quality: What Does the Future Hold?" by Reut Cohen for the Scientific American Blog Network, January 17, 2012:

The first thing one would notice about Lulu is her smile. “Hello, dear, when is your party?” Lucille “Lulu” Weinstein beams at me. “I need to decide what to wear. What are you going to wear to the party? A blue dress or a pink one?”
Lulu’s effervescent and undeniably sweet personality easily charms. She’s the kind of lady who wants to have a nice time and look good doing it. The 87 year old who likes to put on lipstick and pull back her hair into a neat twist suffers from Alzheimer’s. It’s a chronic disease marked by bouts of confusion and a rather frightening sense of losing one’s identity.
Alzheimer’s leads Lulu to jump from asking about the weather to discussing a party she’s made up in her head. Lulu, a patient at Carmel Board and Care, California, is lucky. She’s cheerful and gentle, and has been placed by her loving family in a top nursing facility whose employees care for all of her basic needs as well as her emotional ones. She has a constant stream of visitors and is generally happy.
Many Americans, those who cannot afford first-rate private care, are not so lucky.
Americans 65 years or older were numbered at 39.6 million in 2009, making up 12.9 percent of the U.S. population or about one in every eight Americans. That number will increase, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is estimated that about 72.1 million older persons will make up the 65 plus age bracket by 2030. With a rising aging population comes a growing demand for special care facilities. Living longer means that diseases become long-term and chronic, and services are more expensive as people spend more time in facilities. Not everyone will be able to afford private care and will eventually come to rely on social welfare—but can governmental services, city and federal alike, cope with demands?

Read it all here.

Ambassador John Bolton Endorses Mitt Romney

2012-01-12T12:06:00.000-08:00

"Ambassador John Bolton Endorses Mitt Romney" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, January 12, 2012:

John Bolton, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, has endorsed Mitt Romney’s presidential bid.
"Of all the candidates, Mitt Romney possesses the strongest vision for America's leadership role in the world, and I am proud to endorse him," Bolton said, according to a statement released by Romney’s campaign Thursday. "President Obama has sapped America's credibility abroad, weakened our military and failed to lead on issues vital to U.S. national security... Mitt Romney will restore our military, repair relations with our closest allies, and ensure that no adversary—including Iran— ever questions American resolve."
Bolton was the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under President George W. Bush.
In a statement Romney welcomed Bolton’s support and said he looks forward to "consulting with him" during the campaign.
"John has been a staunch defender of U.S. interests and values, both while he was in and out of government," said Romney.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has been touted as the candidate most likely to become the Republican candidate for the 2012 election.
Earlier this week Romney's campaign announced it has raised "more than $56 million so far in the primary," with $24 million raised in the fourth quarter.

Probe Ordered Over Video Showing Marines Urinating On Dead Taliban

2012-01-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

"Probe Ordered Over Video Showing Marines Urinating On Dead Taliban" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, January 12, 2012:

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta blasted the behavior of U.S. Marines who allegedly urinated on the bodies of dead Taliban.
"I have seen the footage, and I find the behavior depicted in it utterly deplorable,"Panetta said in a written statement Thursday. "This conduct is entirely inappropriate for members of the United States military and does not reflect the standards or values our armed forces are sworn to uphold. Those found to have engaged in such conduct will be held accountable to the fullest extent."
Officials from the Pentagon have not authenticated the video, which shows four Marines urinating on three bodies of Taliban fighters.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai "condemned the video, describing the men's actions as 'inhuman' and calling for an investigation," according to Reuters.
Fox News has more.

Japan Promises To Gradually Reduce Iranian Oil Dependence

2012-01-12T11:55:00.000-08:00

"Japan Promises To Gradually Reduce Iranian Oil Dependence" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, January 12, 2012:

Diplomatic relations between Iran and Japan may get strained following Japan’s announcement that it is prepared to cut down its oil dependency on Iran.
"In the past five years, we have reduced... the amount of oil imported [from Iran]," said Japanese Finance Minister Jun Azumi during a joint press conference with US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. "We wish to take planned and concrete steps to further reduce this share, which now stands at 10 percent."
Iran is a major oil supplier to Japan, along with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. According to the BBC, Japan is urging Gulf Arab nations to boost oil exports in order to make up shortages.

Geithner praised the Japanese support for sanctions over Iran's nuclear program, which critics say is aimed toward the development of atomic bombs.

"We very much appreciate the support Japan has provided standing with us and the international community in support of this very important strategic objective," said Geithner, stressing that the U.S. is working closely with Euope and other allies to “substantially increase the amount of pressure” against the Iranian regime.

China, meanwhile, has called for cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

"To place one country's domestic law above international law and press others to obey is not reasonable," Liu Weimin, a Chinese ministry spokesman told reporters Wednesday.

Last Wednesday the European Union, in a bold move, announced a plan to ban Iranian oil imports, a move that experts say will further undermine the Iranian regime’s hold on power.

"The tide has truly turned over the past few months as evidenced by the U.S.'s move to sanction Iran's Central Bank, Chinese companies leaving Iran, and Europe's impending embargo of Iranian oil imports," said Ambassador Mark D. Wallace who heads United Against a Nuclear Iran, a non-partisan coalition, in a statement. "Just months ago these measures were being described as unlikely, yet intense public pressure, Iranian intransigence, and committed lawmakers have made them a reality."

Ron Paul Fans Boost Kelly Clarkson Record Sales

2012-01-03T21:56:00.000-08:00

"Ron Paul Fans Boost Kelly Clarkson Record Sales" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, January 3, 2012:

Kelly Clarkson, the winner of the first ever American Idol, is seeing a surge in record sales after endorsing presidential hopeful Texas Rep. Ron Paul.
"I love Ron Paul," Clarkson wrote last Thursday on the social networking site WhoSay. "I liked him a lot during the last Republican nomination and no one gave him a chance. If he wins the nomination for the Republican party in 2012 he's got my vote. Too bad he probably won't."

Clarkson’s recent album, Stronger, rose 442 percent in Amazon sales to the number two spot within 24 hours of endorsing Paul. The artist’s digital sales rose to the sixth spot on the iTunes Charts.

Ron Paul’s supporters took to Amazon.com to thank the artist and pledge to purchase her records.

"Thank you for your brave and intelligent support of Ron Paul for 2012!" one commenter said on Amazon. "I'm going to buy your album now, and every album hereafter!"

Other comments left on Amazon decried the media, arguing Ron Paul’s popularity is surging but the media has failed to take notice.

The Texas congressman has been nicknamed the "intellectual godfather" of the Tea Party movement. Paul favors cutting $1 trillion from the federal government, slashing the corporate tax rate and removing taxes on capital gains and dividens. He also supports the elimination of five federal cabinet agencies and strongly opposes federal health care, making him popular with groups that favor limited government.

Paul has recently come under scrutiny for allegedly writing vitriolic comments in old newsletters. [...]

Read it all here.

Christopher Hitchens Dies Following Battle With Cancer

2011-12-15T23:36:00.000-08:00

"Christopher Hitchens Dies Following Battle With Cancer" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, December 15, 2011:

Christopher Hitchens, an author and pundit whose career spanned more than four decades, died Thursday night from pneumonia resulting from cancer complications. He was 62.
The provocative but beloved author passed away at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, according to a statement from Conde Nast, publisher of Vanity Fair magazine.

In June 2010 Hitchens cancelled a tour for his memoir “Hitch-22,” announcing that he was undergoing treatment for cancer of the esophagus.
Here’s more from the Associated Press:
"Hitchens, a frequent television commentator and a contributor to Vanity Fair, Slate and other publications, had become a popular author in 2007 thanks to "God is Not Great," a manifesto for atheists that defied a recent trend of religious works. Cancer humbled, but did not mellow him. Even after his diagnosis, his columns appeared weekly, savaging the royal family or reveling in the death of Osama bin Laden."
Hitchens, a militant humanist, was well-known for his consistent, equal opportunity attacks of causes on both the political left and right. The Al Qaeda attacks on Sept. 11 caused Hitchens to veer away from the political left and criticize what he called "fascism with an Islamic face."
Hitchens became a media fellow at the Hoover Institution in September 2008. He is considered to be one of the world's most influential thinkers.

GOP Hopefuls Attack Obama Over Iran

2011-12-15T23:33:00.000-08:00

"GOP Hopefuls Attack Obama Over Iran" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, December 15, 2011:

Republican candidates mocked President Barack Obama during the Thursday night debate in Iowa over his handling of the downed U.S. drone in Iran.

"This is a president that the spy drone being brought down, he says pretty please? Foreign policy based on pretty please? You have to be kidding," former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney said. "This is a president who fundamentally believes that the next century is the post-American century. Perhaps it will be the Chinese century. He is wrong. It has to be the American century. America has to lead the free world."

On Monday President Obama acknowledged Iran had the drone in its possession. "We've asked for it back," he said. "We'll see how the Iranians respond."

Texas Gov. Rick Perry also chastised Obama, saying the U.S. should have either destroyed the craft or obtained it so that sensitive technology wouldn’t fall into Iranian hands. Perry called Obama’s reaction to the felled drone "the worst and the weakest."

The drone—a bat-winged RQ-170 Sentinel—was on a CIA mission when it went missing on Dec. 4, according to US officials. Meanwhile Iran has promised it would "reverse-engineer" the craft to exploit its technology.

Iran was the hot foreign policy issue during the Iowa debate Thursday. [...]

Read it all here.

Iowa Debate: Newt Gingrich On The Defense

2011-12-15T23:24:00.000-08:00

"Report: Economic Insecurity Growing" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, December 15, 2011:

Newt Gingrich was on the defense during Thursday’s GOP debate in Iowa, denying that money influenced his positions on Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.

Several GOP hopefuls, including Texas Rep. Ron Paul and Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, criticized Gingrich, the new frontrunner of the race. Bachmann went as far to suggest Gingrich is guilty of "influence peddling" while he worked as a consultant for the two lenders.

"I have never once changed my positions because of any kind of payment," Gingrich said. "I was a national figure who was doing just fine doing a whole variety of things, including writing bestselling books."

Gingrich, who compared himself to Ronald Reagan, said he believes he "can beat Obama" during the Iowa debate.

"Barack Obama will not have a leg to stand on," boasted Gingrich.

Toward the end of the debate, Gingrich and Bachmann got into a heated exchange. The former speaker of the house said Bachmann didn’t have her "facts right" about his pro-life record. Gingrich took exception that his conservative stance on abortion would be questioned. Bachmann retorted that she is a "serious candidate" who is aware of the facts and that Gingrich had a chance to defund Planned Parenthood over performing abortions.

Iowans for Life has accused Gingrich of campaigning for "pro-partial birth abortion candidates" and chastised the former speaker for failing to keep taxpayers from Planned Parenthood.

Ron Paul Jumps In Polls Prior To Sioux City Debate

2011-12-15T23:12:00.000-08:00

"Ron Paul Jumps In Polls Prior To Sioux City Debate" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, December 15, 2011:

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich is the newly presumed frontrunner of the GOP race followed by former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. But can Texas Rep. Ron Paul still be discounted as a long shot?

Paul, who has spent most of his career in Congress, has already rocked the GOP race.

The latest Iowa poll puts Ron Paul at just a percent point from the new frontrunner in the state.
The Texas congressman has been nicknamed the "intellectual godfather" of the Tea Party movement. Paul favors cutting $1 trillion from the federal government, slashing the corporate tax rate and removing taxes on capital gains and dividens. He also supports the elimination of five federal cabinet agencies and strongly opposes federal health care, making him popular with groups that favor limited government.

Asked about earmarks during Thursday’s debate in Iowa, Paul said he has never voted for them, although he acknowledged using funds.

"I do argue the case for the people I represent to try and get their money back if at all possible," said Paul.

In a Thursday afternoon appearance on Fox News Paul attacked Newt Gingrich for allegedly dodging military service during the Vietnam War. Paul said Gingrich got several military deferments to avoid service.

"There was one other issue that I personally found annoying is that he's probably as aggressive with the military as anybody, he supports all the wars in the Middle East a thousand times more than I would," Paul told host Megyn Kelly.

Paul also defended a new web ad in which he calls Gingrich a “serial hypocrite.”

“Negative campaigning is calling people names, demagoguing issues … pointing out differences is my job,” Paul said.

Read it all here.

Slain Virginia Tech Officer And Suspect Shot By Same Gun, Say Police

2011-12-08T23:13:00.000-08:00

"Slain Virginia Tech Officer And Suspect Shot By Same Gun, Say Police" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, December 8, 2011:

The gunman who shot and killed a Virginia Tech police officer Thursday has yet to be identified by authorities. Two people were left dead in what appears to be a murder-suicide. Police said Thursday night that ballistics tests confirm the police officer and the man suspected in his shooting were killed using the same gun.
Virginia Tech was in lockdown mode shortly after noon local time for a couple of hours. The university’s website and Facebook page turned into an alert page, confirming that a police officer was shot and killed after performing a routine traffic stop in a parking lot. The shooter fled the scene on foot and headed to another parking lot on campus, according to witnesses.
A second unnamed man was later found dead in the parking lot and is believed to be the shooter according to several major news networks, although authorities have not confirmed the report.
The police officer, Deriek Crouse, 39, was a four-year veteran of Virginia Tech’s police force. [...]

Read it all here.

Barbara Walters’ Assad Interview Draws Praise, Censure

2011-12-08T22:20:00.000-08:00

"Barbara Walters’ Assad Interview Draws Praise, Censure" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, December 8, 2011:

Barbara Walters' interview with Syria's President Bashar al-Assad—excerpts of which aired on Wednesday—has earned the veteran journalist both praise and censure.
Clips of the ABC interview show Assad denying that he ordered a brutal crackdown on Syrian dissidents.
"We don’t kill our people," he said. "No government in the world kills its people, unless it’s led by a crazy person."
Assad also denied that he is in charge of the army.
"Many people criticize me, did they kill all of them, who killed who, most of the people that have been killed are supporters of the government not the vice versa," Assad told Walters.
A United Nations Commission report has estimated that 4,000 protestors have been killed since March. Assad did not acknowledge the report and asked to see evidence that his regime has committed crimes against humanity.
"They don't have even the names, who are the rape people or who are the tortured people who are they, we don't have any names, they didn't," the Syrian president said.
Walters pressed Assad on abuse, citing the murder of Hamza al-Khateeb, a 13-year-old boy who was detained after a protest and tortured by authorities. [...]

Read it all here.

Report: Economic Insecurity Growing

2011-11-29T00:17:00.000-08:00

"Report: Economic Insecurity Growing" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, November 28, 2011:

More than one in five Americans lack a disposable income that can tide them through a recession and are more financially vulnerable, according to a report released Monday.
The report updates an Economic Security Index created by a Yale political science professor Jacob Hacker.
CNN Money has more:
"More than 20% of the nation faced this condition in each of the three years spanning 2008 to 2010, a sharp increase from 14.3% in 1986. Some 62 million Americans faced economic insecurity last year.
Many of the people who suffered in the economic downturn are in the middle class.
The middle class is facing much more instability and health care [cost] risk than a generation ago," Hacker said. The Great Recession is also prompting deep losses among the insecure, with the median drop in income for this group hitting a record 46.4% in 2009."
Hacker’s Economic Security Index considers major income loss, out-of-pocket medical expenses and lack of savings to determine insecurity. It also takes into account U.S. Census figures. A record 46.2 million Americans—1 out of every 6 people—are living in poverty, according to U.S. Census Bureau findings released earlier this year on income, poverty and health insurance released this month. [...]

Read it all here.

LA Auto Show: What To Expect

2011-11-17T23:12:00.000-08:00

"LA Auto Show: What To Expect" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, November 17, 2011:

California is the biggest luxury car market in the world. Los Angeles alone boasts an enormous car-buying market, so it’s no surprise that the LA Auto Show is bigger and better than other regional shows.

Visitors at this year’s LA Auto Show at the Convention Center, which commences Friday, will be treated to interactive displays featuring models ranging from compact electric cars to the fastest muscle cars. Of the more than 1,000 vehicles on display, 50 are debuts—which include the Chevrolet Spark and the Audi R8 GT Spyder.

Here’s a glimpse at what the show has to offer:

Audi – Look for the debut of the third wave of new performance models, the S6, S7 and S8. Audi A7 was named the winner of the first Vehicle of the Year award Wednesday evening at the show. "It was a close contest, but the 2012 Audi A7 managed to edge out the competition with its compelling combination of handsome styling, dynamic handling and advanced in-car technology," said Laura Burstein, president of MPG, the most prominent auto journalist association in North America.

Bentley – The British automaker showcases its updated Continental GTC Convertible. Also look for the Bentley Mulsanne, estimated at $350,000, which focuses on rear-seat passengers. The Mulsanne concept car is where technology meets luxury, boasting a 4G-connection router that allows passengers to use tablets and laptops as they’re chauffeured around. [...]

Read it all here.

Most Republicans Believe Romney Will Win GOP Nomination

2011-11-10T23:28:00.000-08:00

"Most Republicans Believe Romney Will Win GOP Nomination" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, November 10, 2011:

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is predicted to win the GOP 2012 presidential nominations, according to a Gallup poll of registered Republicans and Republican-leaning independents. The poll, released Thursday, shows that 45 percent of those polled believe Romney will receive the nomination regardless of which candidate they perfer. Herman Cain and Texas Gov. Rick Perry came in second and third, respectively.
The survey was conducted after sexual harassment allegations against Cain surfaced. Cain is accused of harassment while he was the president of the National Restaurant Association in the 1990s. He has denied the allegations. Cain's popularity has taken a hit but he remains tied with Romney, each with 21 percent support as the candidate Republicans are most likely to support.

Tea Party supporters show a "slight preference” for Cain but are as likely as Tea Party non-supporters “to believe Romney will eventually win the nomination,” according to Gallup. [...]

Read it all here.

Cain’s Defamation Lawyer Monitoring Harassment Accusations

2011-11-10T23:25:00.000-08:00

"Cain’s Defamation Lawyer Monitoring Harassment Accusations" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, November 10, 2011:

Republican presidential contender Herman Cain’s defamation lawyer isn’t looking to scare or intimidate anyone but to monitor and respond to accusations, he told the Associated Press on Thursday.

“Mr. Cain is being tried in the court of public opinion based on accusations that are improbable and vague,” Lin Wood, an Atlanta attorney, told the Associated Press. “The media — bless your heart — you turn our system of justice into one of guilt by accusation.”

Cain is accused of sexually harassing employees while he was the president of the National Restaurant Association in the 1990s. He hired Wood on Monday after the one of his accusers, Sharon Bialek, went public.

Bialek and one more accuser, Karen Kraushaar, were planning to hold a news conference Thursday but changed their minds.

According to Kraushaar’s attorney his client has unsuccessfully been trying to reach two other accusers who have not gone public.

Cain vehemently denies the sexual harassment claims.

"The American people deserve better than someone being tried in the court of public opinion based on unfounded accusations," Cain said at the Republican debate on Wednesday.

Cain’s attorney told Reuters that people should, in general, be careful about public accusations and consider the consequences. [...]

Read it all here.

Is Italy Next In Line For A ‘Bailout’?

2011-11-10T23:22:00.000-08:00

"Is Italy Next In Line For A ‘Bailout’?" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, November 10, 2011:

Italy is currently in the process of forming a new unity government and voting on austerity measures. It remains to be seen if the country will be able to avert a euro zone meltdown on its own or if it will need EU assistance to prevent disaster.
Compared to Greece, Portugal and Ireland, Italy is an economic giant.
Italy’s debt is the second largest in the euro zone, leading many to question if the country is just too big to bail out. Italy’s debt is at $2.6 trillion (€1.9 trillion)—simply too much for the European continent to cover.
Gold holdings in Italy’s central bank are worth just a tenth of what the country would require for a bailout.

Investors are dumping Italian bonds. Interest rates on 10-year bonds are now over 7 percent—an enormous rate. Markets in the U.S. and Europe are reacting negatively to Italy’s fiscal crisis.

If Italy is unable to pay its massive debt it could mean a economic repercussions for Europe and the U.S. Banks in the U.S., in particular, are more affected by Italy than other countries in the EU. [...]

Read more here.

Greek Cabinet Approves Euro Referendum

2011-11-01T23:38:00.000-07:00

"Greek Cabinet Approves Euro Referendum" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, November 1, 2011:

Greece’s Prime Minister Georgios Papandreou has the unanimous backing of his cabinet over the latest plan to pull the country out of a colossal debt crisis following speculation that his government is on the verge of collapse.
"The referendum will be a clear mandate and strong message within and outside Greece on our European course and our participation in the euro," Papandreou said.

On Wednesday Papandreou will meet with European leaders in France.
Here’s more from Bloomberg:
Papandreou will fly to France today to face European leaders surprised by his decision to put the bailout plan to a national vote and call a confidence vote in parliament. His grip on power weakened after a lawmaker from his socialist Pasok party defected, leaving him with 152 deputies in the 300-seat chamber, while another, Vasso Papandreou, called for the formation of a national unity government.
Papandreou faces increasing criticism from his own party over rigid austerity policies in EU's bailout deal for Greece.
Austerity measures have been protested—even violently—by the Greek public. A recent poll shows that more than half of Greek voters are against the austerity package.

Islam Is ‘Not A Religion,’ GOP Candidate Says In Email

2011-11-01T23:36:00.000-07:00

"Islam Is ‘Not A Religion,’ GOP Candidate Says In Email" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, November 1, 2011:

A Republican candidate from Hillsborough County in Florida is the subject of criticism over an email in which he argued Islam is not a religion but a totalitarian ideology "littered with human rights violations."
Scott Barrish, the GOP candidate, sent an email to Hassan Shibly, Tampa’s executive director of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR). The email was apparently in response to Shibly's piece, "U.S. Muslims are not the enemy."

"Dear Hizballah Apologist," wrote Barrish, referencing the terror group, "I have done my research and can see right through your feeble attempts at promoting Islam as a religion of peace and under persecution by non-believers."
Barrish signed the email identifying himself as a member of the Hillsborough County Republic Party executive committee, prompting criticism from the county party’s chairwoman.
"He was absolutely in error using his title as a member of our committee – he does not speak on behalf of the Republican Party or Republicans across Hillsborough, and I have told him that," said Chairwoman Debbie Cox-Roush, according to Tampa Bay Online.

Read it all here.

Bryan Stow Shares “Liability” For Attack, Dodgers Attorney Says

2011-11-01T23:34:00.000-07:00

"Bryan Stow Shares “Liability” For Attack, Dodgers Attorney Says" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, October 27, 2011:

An attorney for the Dodgers and its owner, Frank McCourt, told ESPN that the Dodgers franchise is not responsible for the brutal beating of San Francisco Giants fan Byran Stow last March.
"One of the things the jury will be asked to do is to determine what percentage of fault various individuals have for this event," Jerome Jackson, McCourt's attorney, said in an interview with ESPNLosAngeles.com. "You’re saying to the jury, 'They (the Stow family) are saying we're 100 percent liable. But does that mean (Marvin) Norwood and (Louis) Sanchez, who beat this guy up, have no liability? And, does it mean Mr. Stow himself has no liability?'"

Jackson filed a civil complaint naming the two men charged in the Stow’s beating, according to ESPN.

"I've been doing these cases for 23 years and I have never seen one yet in which it didn't take at least two people to tango," Jackson told ESPN, suggesting jurors may decide Stow is also to blame for the attack. "So stay tuned and stand by."

Stow, who has been moved to a long-term rehabilitation center, suffered critical brain injuries and was in a coma for several months after the March 31 attack. According to his family he still requires around-the-clock care despite significant improvement.

Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi Wants To Surrender To Avoid Death, Libyan Official Says

2011-11-01T23:32:00.000-07:00

"Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi Wants To Surrender To Avoid Death, Libyan Official Says" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, October 27, 2011:

A senior Libyan official said Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the son of Libya’s late dictator Muammar Gaddafi, attempted to arrange a flight from his refuge to the Hague war crimes court.
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, 39, has “taken refuge among Sahara nomads and is seeking a safe haven abroad,” according to Reuters. Muammar Gaddafi's fugitive son is wanted for arrest by the International Criminal Court.
Here’s more from Reuters:
"Saif is concerned about his safety," the source said. "He believes handing himself over is the best option for him."
The younger Gaddafi, once seen as a potential liberal reformer but who adopted a belligerent, win-or-die persona at his father's side this year, was looking for help from abroad to fly out and take his chances at The Hague, where there is no death penalty…
Libya’s National Transitional Council said they would prefer to try suspects based on Libyan law.
Muammar Gaddafi’s family is reportedly planning to sue NATO in the International Military Court. Gaddafi’s family cited “war crime charges” which they believe led to the late leader’s death last Thursday, according to the Agence France-Presse.
Muammar Gaddafi was buried in a secret location somewhere in the Sahara Desert on Tuesday.

Obama’s Job Approval Rating Sees Modest Gain

2011-11-01T23:30:00.000-07:00

"Obama’s Job Approval Rating Sees Modest Gain" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, October 27, 2011:

President Barack Obama’s latest job approval rating shows a modest gain from recent weeks, with the latest Gallup Daily tracking based on an Oct. 24-26 poll indicating the president's approval is at 43 percent.
Obama’s job approval “has been at or above 42% in each of the last seven days,” according to Gallup. In the last two weeks the president’s approval has been at or below 40 percent. Here’s more from Gallup:
More broadly, Obama's approval rating averaged 40% from Oct. 1-19, but 43% since Oct. 20.
The increase in Obama's approval rating could be tied to two recent major foreign policy events -- the death of Libyan President Moammar Gadhafi and Obama's announcement that virtually all U.S. troops would be withdrawn from Iraq by Dec. 31. Additionally, the U.S. stock market has shown gains this month, particularly in the past week.
Although Obama’s approval rating has shown a modest increase, more Americans are reportedly dissatisfied with the direction the country is headed. In an Anderson Robbins Research poll for Fox News 76 percent of those polled said they were dissatisfied with the direction of the country—an increase from 69 percent in April and 61 percent in January.

Video Purports To Show Gaddafi’s Desert Burial

2011-10-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

"Video Purports To Show Gaddafi’s Desert Burial" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, October 26, 2011:

Dubai news station Al-Aan claims that it received video of Muammar Gaddafi’s funeral somewhere in the Sahara Desert. The video also appears to show both former Libyan dictator and his son inside caskets.
The funeral reportedly took place Tuesday at a secret location.
Muammar Gaddafi’s family is reportedly planning to sue NATO in the International Military Court. Gaddafi’s family cited “war crime charges” which they believe led to the late leader’s death last Thursday, according to the Agence France-Presse.

PETA Sues SeaWorld For Violation Of Whales' 'Constitutional Rights'

2011-10-26T17:33:00.000-07:00

"PETA Sues SeaWorld For Violation Of Whales' 'Constitutional Rights'" by Reut Cohen for KCET, October 26, 2011:

The animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said it will sue SeaWorld for allegedly holding orca whales as slaves "in violation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution."
The federal lawsuit calls for SeaWorld to release three orca whales in San Diego and two in Orlando. PETA says the orcas (also known as killer whales), are, by definition, slaves.
The lawsuit will be filed in a San Diego court Wednesday.
"All five of these orcas were violently seized from the ocean and taken from their families as babies. They are denied freedom and everything else that is natural and important to them while kept in small concrete tanks and reduced to performing stupid tricks," said PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk in a statement. "The 13th Amendment prohibits slavery, and these orcas are, by definition, slaves."
SeaWorld officials called the lawsuit "baseless" and an offensive publicity stunt. [...]

Read it all here.

Post-Qaddafi Libya: Bad To Worse?

2011-10-26T17:25:00.000-07:00

"Post-Qaddafi Libya: Bad To Worse?" by Reut Cohen for the Jewish Policy Center, October 26, 2011:

Former Libyan dictator Muammar Qaddafi's capture and subsequent death last Thursday was met with tremendous joy. Qaddafi, without a doubt, was an evil tyrant who terrorized his people for 42 years.

The late Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat characterized Muammar Qaddafi as the "madman" of Tripoli for his reckless, violent behavior. Prior to the bombing of Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, Qaddafi's government funded dozens of terror organizations in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. His fomentation of violence ranged from the Philippines to India. Reports during fighting over the last months indicated that Qaddafi distributed Viagra to his troops so that they could rape more women. Dissidents were captured and charged with trumped up crimes. One such case that received international attention involved Eman al-Obeidy, the woman who became a symbol of Libyan resistance when she fought back against the government for suggesting she was "insane" or a prostitute after she accused 15 of Qaddafi's troops of gang raping her.

But, despite the triumph over Tripoli's flamboyantly-clad despot, will Libya move from bad to worse? And will the West, which supported Qaddafi's ouster, lose face if the immediate power vacuum in Libya is filled by Islamic totalitarian entities?
The very manner in which Qaddafi was executed can only be described as a vulgar lynching, casting doubt over the likelihood that a post-Qaddafi Libya can maintain a semblance of democracy. On the one hand, such a violent human being was literally dealt the same fate he had bestowed upon so many others. However, not surprisingly, the violation of international standards has been met with calls for an international inquiry—justifiable when one considers Qaddafi did not appear to resist capture. Would it not have been preferable for Libyans to see Qaddafi humiliated in a court of law for his crimes against humanity?
It's worth noting that since civil war broke in Libya, reports, sometimes underplayed in the Western press, documented the Libyan rebels' ties to Islamic totalitarian organizations and their penchant for summary killings. Most recently, 53 decomposing bodies of Qaddafi loyalists found in Sirte reconfirm reports that the rebels are no more humane than Qaddafi's Viagra warriors. [...]

Read it all here.

Obesity Rising In Los Angeles County

2011-10-26T17:20:00.000-07:00

"Obesity Rising In Los Angeles County" by Reut Cohen for KCET, October 26, 2011:

More than half of the adult population is overweight or obese in Los Angeles County. Statistics show that low-income areas in Los Angeles are at higher risk for preventable diseases linked to obesity, including, heart attacks, strokes, diabetes and even cancer.
Experts say that poorer communities around Los Angeles have less access to healthy foods.
"Being able to have access to healthy foods is very compromised in these communities," said Karen Lincoln, associate director of the USC Roybal Institute. "If people want to eat healthier they have to have access to healthy foods."
Lincoln notes that health disparities exist in various groups, with African-Americans and Hispanics at a higher risk of diseases linked to poor nutrition habits.
"There's a saying if you know someone's zip code, you know their health," said Lincoln. "It's very clear when you look at Los Angeles County."
In 2007 the Department of Public Health and the American Diabetes Association of Los Angeles found that 22% of residents suffer from obesity--up from 14.3% in 1997.
The epidemic of childhood obesity is also growing, which means that health care providers will be dealing with more chronic, debilitating diseases in the future. [...]

Read it all here.

Gaddafi’s Violent Death

2011-10-21T13:07:00.000-07:00

"Gaddafi’s Violent Death" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, October 20, 2011:

Former Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi’s 42-year rule came to a violent end on Thursday when rebels apparently killed the leader in his hometown of Sirte.

The Gaddafi regime, which gave up its nuclear weapons program in 2003, has a long history of terror not limited to the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103.
The late Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat characterized Muammar Gaddafi as a “madman” for his reckless, violent behavior. For decades Gaddafi’s government funded dozens of terror organizations in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. Gaddafi's fomentation of violence has ranged from the Philippines to India. He was also no stranger to extreme anti-Jewish attitudes, which prompted a remaining minority population of Libyan Jews to flee.

Gaddafi, who often referred to his enemies as vermin, was ironically captured in a sewage tunnel in his hometown.
“He called us rats, but look where we found him,” Ahmed Al Sahati, a 27-year-old fighter, told Reuters.
A video captured the last few minutes of Gaffafi’s life, showing angry rebels dragging him while chanting “Allahu Akbar” (“God is Great”).
In another video, Gaddafi appears to be dead as rebels forcibly remove his clothes and kick him. The details are still murky, as the videos provide only a brief glimpse and don’t show who pulled the trigger. But what is clear is that Gaddafi died the same way he lived—violently. [...]

Read it all here.

NGOs Call On UN To Apologize For “Legitimizing” Gaddafi

2011-10-21T13:04:00.000-07:00

"NGOs Call On UN To Apologize For “Legitimizing” Gaddafi" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, October 20, 2011:

A coalition of 45 human rights groups are calling on the United Nations to apologize for granting Libya’s recently deceased leader Muammar Gaddafi influential posts at the UN. Gaddafi, who ruled Libya for 42 years, was killed on Thursday by rebels after surviving a NATO airstrike in his hometown of Sirte, according to reports.
"It’s time for the UN to formally apologize for having legitimized Gaddafi’s regime by electing Libya to its Human Rights Council last year, to the Security Council in 2008-2009, and as General Assembly president in 2009," said Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch, a Geneva-based organization.

UN Watch specifically called on UN chief Ban Ki-moon and human rights commissioner Navi Pillay "to acknowledge the UN was wrong to support Gaddafi by granting him key posts on its most influential bodies."

The appeal calls out Jean Ziegler from the UNHRC Advisory Committee who helped to create the Muammar Gaddafi Prize for Human Rights in 1989. According to UN Watch, a Swiss TV report confirmed Ziegler’s role in creating the Gaddafi prize and described it as "an instrument of propaganda for the dictator." [...]

Read it all here.

LAUSD Teacher Loses Job Over Anti-Semitic Comments At Occupy Los Angeles

2011-10-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

"LAUSD Teacher Loses Job Over Anti-Semitic Comments At Occupy Los Angeles" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, October 20, 2011:

Patricia McAllister, a Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) substitute teacher, was fired from her job earlier this week over anti-Jewish comments she made at the Occupy Los Angeles protest.
"The Zionist Jews who are running these big banks and the Federal Reserve, which is not run by the Federal Government, they need to be run out of this country," said McAllister who identified herself as a LAUSD employee during an interview with Reason.tv. The short clip went viral quickly.
McAllister made similar comments in a later interview with Fox 11.
"Jews have been run out of 109 countries throughout history, and we need to run them out of this one," she told Fox 11.

In a statement LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy condemned McAllister’s remarks, acknowledging "freedom of speech rights of public employees" but noting that she is an "at-will" employee. [...]

Read it all here.

Hilary Swank Apologizes For Attending Chechen President's Birthday Bash

2011-10-13T23:10:00.000-07:00

"Hilary Swank Apologizes For Attending Chechen President's Birthday Bash" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, October 13, 2011:

Academy Award-winning actress Hillary Swank said Thursday that she regrets attending an Oct. 5 gala featuring Chechen president Ramzan Kadyrov, who human rights activitsts say utilizes terror tactics to stifle dissent in the Russian republic.
"I deeply regret attending this event, which has thrown into question my long and deeply-held commitment to the protection of human rights. I would never intentionally do anything that raised doubts about such commitment,” said Swank. “I will continue to donate my time and my financial resources not only to the charities with which I am currently affiliated, but also those dedicated to the preservation of human rights.”

Human Rights Watch, a non-governmental organization, criticized the celebrities who attended Kadyrov's bash.
"Ramzan Kadyrov is linked to a grim record of abuse," said Hugh Williamson, Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch, in a press release. "When stars get paid to turn up to party with him, it trivializes the suffering of countless victims of human rights abuses."
A representative for Swank told TheWrap that the star plans to donate money she earned by attending Kadyrov’s party.

"She is donating her personal appearance fees from this event to various charitable organizations," Swank’s spokesperson said Thursday. [...]

Read it all here.

Solyndra CEO Resigns, Replacement Named

2011-10-13T23:06:00.000-07:00

"Solyndra CEO Resigns, Replacement Named" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, October 13, 2011:

The chief executive of Solyndra, who invoked his right against self-incrimination and refused to answer questions from angry lawmakers on Capitol Hill last month, has resigned amid scandal over a $535 million federal loan that was given to the struggling company.
Papers filed in a Delaware bankruptcy court Tuesday noted that that Brian Harrison, the former CEO, resigned last Friday and asked to hire R. Todd Nielson from the California-based Berkeley Research Group LLC.
Nielson, a high-profile bankruptcy expert, acted as the bankruptcy trustee for boxer Mike Tyson and the rap label Death Row Records, according to the court filing.
Solyndra said it expected Harrison's resignation before the FBI raided its Fremont offices in California last month. Harrison became Solyndra’s CEO in July 2010. He and other company officials are accused of hiding the fact the solar company was struggling.
The scandal surrounding the company has only escalated in recent weeks. [...]

Read more here.

Google Surpasses Earning Estimates For Q3

2011-10-13T23:03:00.000-07:00

"Google Surpasses Earning Estimates For Q3" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, October 13, 2011:

Despite a gloomy global economic outlook, Google Inc. has managed to surpass earning estimates for the third quarter. Google’s quarterly earnings show that the company’s revenue has risen to 33 percent while net income grew to 26 percent, surpassing—even surprising—analysts' expectations.
"We had a great quarter,” said Google CEO Larry Page in a statement. Page also said people are “flocking” to Google+, a social networking application that recently passed the 40 million users mark.
Google’s net revenue rose to $7.51 billion while estimates were at around $7.31 billion—$200 million more than analysts predicted. The company’s acquisition costs were $2.21 billion.
Google also managed to add 2,585 new employees during the last quarter, bringing the company’s total to 31,353. [...]

Read it all here.

PETA Says Glendale Invites 'National Embarrassment' With Circus Elephant Float

2011-10-13T22:58:00.000-07:00

"PETA Says Glendale Invites 'National Embarrassment' With Circus Elephant Float" by Reut Cohen for KCET, October 10, 2011:

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said they will continue to protest the city of Glendale's float, which features a depiction of a circus elephant, for the 2012 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade.
Animal activists are pointing to inhumane treatment of elephants in the circus. They say the name of the float, "Just Imagine the Music, Fun, and Freedom," presents a misleading idea of what circus animals endure.
"These chained and beaten animals enjoy no freedom and have no fun; theirs is a life of misery and torment. This is like changing the name of the slave novel 'Roots' to 'Fun and Freedom,'" said David Perle, a senior media coordinator for PETA, in an email.
Perle added that city officials are inviting "national embarrassment by cozying up to such a horrifically cruel industry."
Glendale City officials considered altering the float design during an Aug. 30 council meeting. Glendale's Mayor Laura Friedman suggested the design could be altered to feature an elephant in the wild. Another council member, Rafi Manoukian, suggested featuring a disclaimer. [...]

Read it all here.

Official In Charge Of Solyndra Loan Program Resigns

2011-10-06T22:31:00.000-07:00

"Official In Charge Of Solyndra Loan Program Resigns" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, October 6, 2011:

The official in charge of the U.S. Energy Department's loan program that promised a $535 million federal loan to Solyndra, a now-bankrupt solar company, announced he was resigning Thursday. Jonathan Silver, the former head of the Loan Programs Office, will now join the group Third Way, according to Fox News.
"The career change comes in the middle of heavy scrutiny from Congress over the department's handling of the Solyndra agreement. Documents that have emerged over the past month show officials were warned about potential problems with the company as it sought government help."
Silver was sharply criticized during a House subcommittee three weeks ago.
White House e-mails unveiled this week also showed Energy Department officials were concerned about monitoring of the loan program. Energy Secretary Steven Chu accepted responsibility for decisions made about Solyndra.
Officials said Silver has decided to leave his position as head of the Loan programs Office in July. [...]

Read it all here.

Biden Compares Occupy Wall Street And Tea Party

2011-10-06T22:25:00.000-07:00

"Biden Compares Occupy Wall Street And Tea Party"" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, October 6, 2011:

Vice President Joe Biden compared Occupy Wall Street protesters to Tea Party members on Wednesday, arguing both groups are driven by middle-class discontent.
“What is the core of that protest, and why is it increasing in terms of the people its attracting? The core is that the bargain has been breached with the American people,” said Biden at a Washington Ideas Forum. “The core is that the American people do not think the system is fair or on the level."
Biden also criticized Bank of America for their new policy which will charge a $5 monthly debit card fee.
“At a minimum, they are incredibly tone deaf. At a minimum,” Biden said about Bank of America. “At a maximum, they are not paying their fair share of the bargain here. And middle-class people are getting killed.”
Earlier on Wednesday President Obama empathized with Wall Street protesters. [...]

Read it all here.

Jewish Man Scolded, Mocked By Occupy Wall Street Protester

2011-10-06T22:21:00.000-07:00

"Jewish Man Scolded, Mocked By Occupy Wall Street Protester" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, October 6, 2011:

A video posted on Tuesday shows a young man spewing anti-Semitic rhetoric at an observer of the Occupy Wall Street protests in Zuccotti Park. The protester mocked the older Jewish man and told him to “go back to Israel.”
National Review correspondent Charles Cooke explained what happened:
Moments after I arrived, I saw a Jewish gentleman being berated when he criticized a protester. (Shortly after my video camera was switched off, he (inexplicably) shouted the N-word at the same man.)
Here's the video:
The event appears to be the second anti-Semitic incident captured on video at an “Occupy Wall Street” protest. [...]

Read it all here.

Steve Jobs' Legacy Remembered

2011-10-05T19:32:00.000-07:00

"Steve Jobs' Legacy Remembered" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, October 5, 2011:

Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, arguably one of the world’s most revolutionary inventors, passed away Wednesday. Jobs was 56. He died surrounded by his family, according to a statement.
Jobs was a master innovator even throughout a debilitating illness. Perhaps that — his unwillingness to let his illness stop him from creating — is one of the reasons he is such an inspiration.
In 2004 Jobs fought against a rare form of pancreatic cancer. In 2009, he underwent a liver transplant, ultimately stepping down on Aug. 24, 2011 as Apple’s chief executive due to health issues.
“I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple's CEO, I would be the first to let you know,” Jobs’ resignation letter read. [...]

Read it all here.

Tackling Waste Management Problems With Bacteria-Powered Fuel Cells

2011-10-03T15:34:00.000-07:00

"Tackling Waste Management Problems With Bacteria-Powered Fuel Cells" by Reut Cohen for KCET, October 3, 2011:

Bacteria-powered fuel cells created by a team of University of Southern California scientists have very practical, self-sustaining applications that can save some U.S. city services millions, Geobiologist Kenneth H. Nealson, the Wrigley Chair in Environmental Studies at USC, said at a meeting last week.
Nealson is working with the City of San Diego's Environmental Services Department, which is responsible for costly waste management services.
"We believe we can take their system and make it one-tenth the size," said Nealson. "That would save them on the order of $80 million a year."
Nealson said the waste could be cycled without creating any sewage sludge. [...]

Read it all here.

Aging And Life Quality: What Does The Future Hold?

2011-10-03T15:27:00.000-07:00

"Aging And Life Quality: What Does The Future Hold?" by Reut Cohen for KCET, October 3, 2011:

Los Angeles is often perceived as the land of perpetual youth. The Sunset Strip is filled with aspiring models and actors, some beyond their prime, perfectly coiffed, with sprayed on tans and face-lifts galore
There is a sense of trepidation people feel about aging, so it's hardly surprising so many of us try to delay it as long as possible. Yet we can't ignore that our population is now aging faster than ever before.
"There seems to be a sort of fear, if you will, of aging," said Valentine Villa, a Cal State Los Angeles Social Work professor and the director of the Applied Gerontology Institute. "In aggregate we are doing better in terms of health, in terms of socioeconomic status. We've been living longer."
However, there are shortcomings. [...]

Read more here.

Amanda Knox Verdict: What Do You Think?

2011-10-03T15:23:00.000-07:00

"Amanda Knox Verdict: What Do You Think?" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, October 3, 2011:

American college student Amanda Knox, convicted by an Italian court of killing her roommate Meredith Kercher, successfully appealed her murder conviction and was ordered immediately released from prison on Monday.
Knox, 24, nearly collapsed as the verdict was read. She has been in prison for nearly four years.
Raffaele Sollecito, Knox's former boyfriend, was also found not guilty. Knox, however, monopolized most of the headlines in Italy and abroad.
A Perugia court found Knox and Sollecito guilty in 2009 of sexually assaulting and murdering Kercher, a British student, in the apartment shared by Knox and Kercher. Prosecutors argued Sollecito held Kercher while Knox stabbed her and another man, Rudy Guede, attempted to rape Kercher. [...]

Read it all here.

Is Ahmadinejad A Truther? Al Qaeda Thinks So

2011-09-28T22:01:00.000-07:00

"Is Ahmadinejad A Truther? Al Qaeda Thinks So" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, September 28, 2011:

The latest edition of Inspire, an English-language Al Qaeda magazine based in the Arabian Peninsula, slammed Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for suggesting that the United States was behind the 9/11 attacks.
"The Iranian government has professed on the tongue of its president Ahmadinejad that it does not believe that al Qaeda was behind 9/11 but rather, the U.S. government," wrote Abu Suhail, an opinion writer for the publication. "So we may ask the question: why would Iran ascribe to such a ridiculous belief that stands in the face of all logic and evidence?"
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad delivered a speech at the United Nations last week in which he called the 9/11 attacks a mystery.
"Last year, when the need to form a fact-finding team to undertake a thorough investigation concerning the hidden elements involved in September 11 incident was brought up; an idea also endorsed by all independent governments and nations as well as by the majority in the United States, my country and myself came under pressure and threat by the government of the United States," said Ahmadinejad. [...]

Read it all here.

Michael Jackson's Kids Witnessed Revival Attempts, Witness Says

2011-09-28T21:56:00.000-07:00

"Michael Jackson's Kids Witnessed Revival Attempts, Witness Says" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, September 28, 2011:

Michael Jackson’s children saw the body of their lifeless father as a nervous and sweating Dr. Conrad Murray, who is charged with involuntary manslaughter of the pop star, attempted to resuscitate him, Jackson’s head of security testified Wednesday.
"Dr. Murray asked the question, 'Does anyone know CPR?'" said Jackson’s former head of security, Faheem Muhammad, who saw the body and said that Jackson appeared to be dead.
It’s unclear from Muhammad’s testimony whether Murray, a cardiologist, needed help in administering CPR.
Jackson’s daughter, Paris, aged 11 at the time, and son, Prince, then 12, were outside the room, according to Muhammad’s testimony. [...]

Read it all here.

Poll: Mitt Romney Leading GOP Again

2011-09-28T21:50:00.000-07:00

"Poll: Mitt Romney Leading GOP Again" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, September 28, 2011:

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is the GOP front-runner again following the third presidential debate, according to a Fox News poll released Wednesday.
Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who was leading Republican contenders just a few weeks ago, dropped in the poll to second place. Herman Cain is now in the top three.
Cain has benefited not only from his debate performances, but also significant media attention after winning the Florida Republican Party’s straw poll on Saturday.
Perry now garners 19 percent, a drop of 10 percentage points from a month ago. That puts Romney back in the top spot with the support of 23 percent. Last month Romney was at 22 percent.

Read more here.

Netanyahu Sets Record Straight At The UN

2011-09-28T15:57:00.000-07:00

"Netanyahu Sets Record Straight at the UN" by Reut Cohen for The Jewish Policy Center, September 26, 2011:

He's done it again. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke at the UN General Assembly Friday and reminded the audience that he's a master orator. Netanyahu extended a hand in peace to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas—a gesture that will be rebuffed—while he carefully laid out a case for the United Nations' single-minded condemnation of Israel.
"It's here, year after year that Israel, is unjustly singled out for condemnation," said Netanyahu. Indeed, of all the General Assembly resolutions, 21 out of 27 condemn Israel. That is more than all of the other nations combined, although Israel, a tiny, multi-ethnic country, is the freest country in the region, according to Freedom House.
On Thursday Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad delivered a speech at the United Nations where he condemned the United States and European countries as "arrogant powers." The Iranian president's comments calling the 9/11 attacks a mystery prompted a walkout. Netanyahu responded to those comments during his address.
"Last night I laid a wreath on the 9/11 memorial. It was deeply moving," said Netanyahu. "But as I was going there, one thing echoed in my mind: the outrageous words of the president of Iran on this podium yesterday." The Israeli Prime Minister pointed out some delegates left the hall and argued that all the delegates "should have."

Can City Services Keep Up With Increased Poverty Levels?

2011-09-26T16:39:00.000-07:00

"Can City Services Keep Up With Increased Poverty Levels?" by Reut Cohen for KCET, September 26, 2011:

A record 46.2 million Americans--1 out of every 6 people--are living in poverty, according to U.S. Census Bureau findings on income, poverty and health insurance released this month.
"The only word for it is grim," said Robert Greenstein, president of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
Local and state organizations are concerned about the staggering numbers, but it's unclear if they will be able to keep up with an aging population and increased poverty.
The Department of Aging is particularly focused on "low income, socially isolated" senior citizens who require more assistance, according to Laura Trejo, general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Aging.
"We are keeping a watchful eye so people are not falling through the cracks," said Trejo in an interview. The organization provides support to senior citizens and disabled individuals, including transportation, especially for disabled citizens, and a daily nutritious meal for senior citizens who are in need. [...]

Read it all here.

GOP Rivals Battle Over Immigration

2011-09-22T22:29:00.000-07:00

"GOP Rivals Battle Over Immigration" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, September 22, 2011:

Republican hopefuls sparred over immigration at the Fox News/Google Republican presidential debate in Florida Thursday evening.
Rep. Michelle Bachmann said that as president, she would build a fence along America's southern border Thursday evening at the Fox News/Google Republican presidential debate in Florida.
“On every mile, on every yard, on every foot, on every inch of the southern border,” said Bachmann. “I think that's what we have to do."
The Minnesota congresswoman criticized Obama on Arizona.
“It’s reprehensible that President Obama has sued the state of Arizona for trying to protect the people of Arizona,” said Bachmann, referencing the president’s objection to SB1070, which requires law enforcement to determine a suspect’s immigration status during a "lawful stop, detention or arrest." [...]

Read it all here.

Bachmann, Perry Spar Over HPV Vaccine

2011-09-22T22:26:00.000-07:00

"Bachmann, Perry Spar Over HPV Vaccine" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, September 22, 2011:

Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann and Texas Gov. Rick Perry had a chance to clarify their views on the HPV vaccine Thursday night at the Fox News/Google presidential debate in Florida.
The GOP contenders last sparred over the issue during the last presidential debate when Bachmann attacked Perry for trying to make the vaccine mandatory for teen girls.
"Gov. Perry made a decision where he gave parental rights to a big drug company," said Bachmann.
Perry appeared ready for the attack.
"I got lobbied by a 31-year-old young lady who had stage 4 cervical cancer," said Perry. "The fact is, I erred on the side of life and I will always err on the side of life." [...]

Read it all here.

GOP Contenders Grade Education

2011-09-22T22:23:00.000-07:00

"GOP Contenders Grade Education" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, September 22, 2011:

Education is not a primary concern in this election cycle, but most GOP contenders would give the Department of Education a failing grade if the Fox News/Google debate Thursday night was any indication.
Former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson received a strong applause when he called for abolishing the Department of Education.
Texas Rep. Ron Paul called for the right to "opt out" of public education and for parents to receive certain credits. Paul argued that No Child Left Behind should not be enforced and that it is a policy “no one likes."
Texas Gov. Rick Perry said he supports school choices, which include charter institutions. Perry criticized former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, stating that Romney supports President Obama’s "Race to the Top plan."
"I'm not sure exactly what he's saying," said Romney in response. [...]

Read it all here.

GOP Hopefuls Criticize Obama’s Economic Record

2011-09-22T22:19:00.000-07:00

"GOP Hopefuls Criticize Obama’s Economic Record" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, September 22, 2011:

Not surprisingly GOP contenders spent the first few minutes Thursday evening criticizing President Obama’s economic record at the Fox News/Google debate.
Texas Gov. Rick Perry and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, both identified as frontrunners, said they oppose federal government regulations on small businesses and individuals.
“President Obama has done everything wrong,” said Romney to applause. “I happen to believe to create jobs, it helps to have had a job. And I have.”
Herman Cain, a businessman who was not initially taken seriously as a candidate, criticized Romney’s job plan.
“That dog won't hunt,” Cain said to applause. [...]

Read it all here.

Residents Voice Concerns About Hollywood Sign Tourism

2011-09-22T09:25:00.000-07:00

"Residents Voice Concerns About Hollywood Sign Tourism" by Reut Cohen for KCET, September 22, 2011:

The Hollywood sign is one of Los Angeles' most iconic landmarks, attracting tourists of all stripes who are usually unaware of the frustrations they create for property owners.
Hollywoodland homeowners whose homes sit on the narrow streets above the Cahuenga Pass voiced their concerns to Councilman Tom LaBonge and represenatives of City Council President Eric Garcetti at a meeting Tuesday.
"We feel we are at high risk of fire and accidents from the behavior of tourists on our substandard streets," a message from the Hollywoodland Homeowners Association reads. "It is [a] serious situation, and we have very little protection. Even if you do not live in an area directly impacted, we all know how fast fires can spread."
Property owners complained Tuesday about tourists that park on residential streets illegally, leave rubbish behind, and create fire hazards when they smoke near brush. [...]

Read it all here.

'Unemployment' Biggest Concern For Americans, According To Gallup Poll

2011-09-15T22:28:00.000-07:00

"'Unemployment' Biggest Concern For Americans, According To Gallup Poll" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, September 15, 2011:

High unemployment is now the biggest concern for Americans, according to a Gallup poll released Thursday.
According to Gallup, 76% of respondents identified an economic issue as the most important problem for Americans.
39% of poll respondents in September identified unemployment or jobs as the most critical problem the nation faces—compared to 29% in August.

14% of Americans said they were dissatisfied with the government.

Asked which political party was better prepared to tackle the nation’s problems, 44% identified Republicans and 37% identified Democratic Party as more capable.

"It is the largest GOP advantage since January 1995, when Republicans had a 10-point edge," Gallup notes. [...]

Read it all here.

Group Asks NYC Hotel Not To Host Ahmadinejad

2011-09-15T22:18:00.000-07:00

"Group Asks NYC Hotel Not To Host Ahmadinejad" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, September 15, 2011:

United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), a non-profit advocacy group, is calling on Warwick hotel not to host Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his delegation during his stay in New York for the United Nations General Assembly which begins Sept. 19.
“Do you honestly think it is appropriate to provide accommodations to the leader of such a detestable regime, specifically in the very city where the worst of 9/11 occurred?” wrote UANI president Mark D. Wallace in a letter to Warwick executives.

In the statement Wallace also said that UANI will peacefully protest all of the hotel chain’s properties worldwide should the hotel host the Iranian president.
“Warwick is accepting blood money from a regime that presents an overwhelming threat to global security,” said Wallace. [...]

Read it all here.

Texas Death Row Inmate’s Execution Delayed

2011-09-15T22:11:00.000-07:00

"Texas Death Row Inmate’s Execution Delayed" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, September 15, 2011:

The U.S. Supreme Court halted the execution of a black man convicted of a double murder 16 years ago in Texas following appeals from the man’s lawyers which argue race played a role in the man’s death sentence.
Duane Buck, 48, was to be put to death by lethal injection Thursday evening. He was convicted of shooting to death his former girlfriend, Debra Gardner, 32, and Kenneth Butler, 33, in July 1995.

His lawyers said a question asked during the trial was racially charged and a psychologist’s testimony that black people are more likely to pose a risk to society after prison release did not allow their client to receive a fair trial, according to CBS.
Buck’s lawyers made a similar request to Texas Gov. Rick Perry. [...]

Read it all here.

PETA Opposes Glendale's Circus Elephant Parade Float

2011-09-14T17:43:00.000-07:00

"PETA Opposes Glendale's Circus Elephant Parade Float" by Reut Cohen for KCET, September 14, 2011:

There's an elephant to contend with at Glendale's City Council. Literally. City officials are trying to accommodate calls from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to change the city's float for the 2012 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. The contentious float features a circus elephant--not a real one--that has animal activists pointing to inhumane treatment of elephants in the circus.

"We feel like its celebrating elephants in the circus," said Alicia Woempner, senior special project coordinator for PETA, in an interview. She said elephants are forced to perform painful tricks and are abused with electric prods and bullhooks, and that the float sends the wrong message. "It will give millions of people the idea Glendale approves."

Read it all here.

Ten Years Later: A Marine's Perspective

2011-09-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

"Ten Years Later: A Marine's Perspective" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, September 10, 2011:

It’s been a decade since Al Qaeda flew planes into the soaring World Trade Center and the seemingly impenetrable Pentagon. The passengers of the hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 bravely fought back and thwarted hijackers’ plans to hit the U.S. Capitol. That plane ultimately crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pa. before it could hit its intended target.
After the initial shock at the wreckage and destruction, overwhelming anger and sadness set in. 2,977 Americans were listed as killed—murdered—in the worst attacks this country has ever seen on its soil.

Since the attacks on 9/11, 6,236 more Americans have died trying to protect the rest of us. Their lives and their families, too, have been irrevocably changed. It’s more than most of us can begin to fathom.
Former Marine Corps Sgt. Drew Scott, 29, was 18 when he enlisted in September 2000. His parents were inordinately proud of their son’s decision to serve the nation, but worried the way any loving parents would worry. Their concern was slightly alleviated by the fact the U.S. was in peacetime. That changed just a year after Scott’s enlistment.

“I knew my original plan of joining the Marine Corps was about to be scrapped for this real service,” said Scott. “9/11 was gut wrenching and the drive to seek vengeance set in—I think of it as rattling a hornets’ nest.”

Read the entire feature story here.

L.A. Sheriff's Department Heightens Metro Rail Security

2011-09-08T21:14:00.000-07:00

"L.A. Sheriff's Department Heightens Metro Rail Security" by Reut Cohen for KCET, September 8, 2011:

"The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, which provides Metro Rail security, has heightened patrols and monitoring services in an effort to prevent possible anniversary attacks this upcoming tenth anniversary of 9/11.
Many Metro Rail riders have already noticed increased visibility of deputies, but much of the increased security will not be visible.
"There is a plain clothed [patrol] presence you won't see," said Capt. Daniel Cruz. "We're going to maintain liaisons with federal and local authorities."

Read it all here.

NYPD Beefs Up Security Following “Credible” 9/11 Anniversary Threat

2011-09-08T20:27:00.000-07:00

"NYPD Beefs Up Security Following “Credible” 9/11 Anniversary Threat" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, September 8, 2011:

The New York Police Department has increased security following what U.S. officials called "credible but unconfirmed" 9/11 anniversary threats.

"The threat at this moment has not been corroborated," New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Thursday evening at a news conference. "We do live in a world where we must take these threats seriously and we certainly will."

Bloomberg also said that the NYPD had already beefed up security ahead of the anniversary of 9/11.

Police commissioner Ray Kelly said Thursday night that security measures will include vehicle checkpoints, bag checks at subway stations, radiation-monitoring equipment and patrols with bomb-sniffing dogs. ...

Read it all here.

Finnish Crane Manufacturer Ends Business With Iran

2011-09-01T22:06:00.000-07:00

"Finnish Crane Manufacturer Ends Business With Iran" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, September 1, 2011:

Finnish crane manufacturer Konecranes has terminated business dealings with Iranian companies, according to a statement by United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), a non-profit group that launched a campaign in May to bring attention to the Iranian regime’s grisly misuse of cranes.
UANI publicly called on Konecranes "to end its business in Iran" in August, citing the "Iranian regime's abhorrent executions by hanging from construction cranes."
According to a UANI statement, the crane manufacturer informed the organization it would "withdraw from the Iranian market" and that it is "systematically refus[ing] all opportunities to sell new equipment and services to the country."

Konecranes’ decision comes following two other crane manufacturers, Tadano and UNIC, which ended their business in Iran this summer following public calls from UANI. ...

Read it all here.

New York Times Prints Third Correction In Issa Story

2011-08-27T18:13:00.000-07:00

"New York Times Prints Third Correction In Issa Story" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, August 27, 2011:

The New York Times issued additional corrections Friday, acknowledging mistakes made in an article ("A Businessman in Congress Helps His District and Himself") about Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) that ran in the front page of the newspaper Aug. 15.
The latest correction suggests the article relied on "erroneous information" relating to the sale of a mutual fund in which facts were corrected with public "redactions" by Issa.
The 2,700 word article written by Pulitzer Prize winning reporter Eric Lichtblau suggests that Issa's holdings have soared due to actions he's taken in an official capacity.

Issa's communication director, Frederick Hill, sent a letter to the New York Times in which he demanded a full retraction.
Here’s an excerpt from Hill's letter to Dean Baquet, editor with the New York Times:
As Congressman Darrell Issa’s Director of Communications, The New York Times’ acknowledgement of two more critical errors in its front page article of August 15 in addition to a previous error corrected on August 16 are steps in the right direction. The new acknowledgement of these false assertions about enormous profits from the sale of a mutual fund and the appreciation of a commercial real estate property owned by Rep. Issa fully removes all examples cited in the article as evidence that the "congressman’s government actions [help] to make a rich man even richer" and that values of his holdings have "soared" due to his official actions.
The letter, which calls the article "deeply flawed," also calls into question the Times' conduct and the objectivity of Lichtblau. ...

Read it all here.

Syrian Military Continues Crackdown Against Pro-Democracy Protesters

2011-08-27T16:15:00.000-07:00

"Syrian Military Continues Crackdown Against Pro-Democracy Protesters" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, August 27, 2011:

Syrian forces continued the crackdown against protesters Saturday as Syria’s Interior Ministry cautioned residents in Damascus not to protest in a statement published on the official ministry website.
"The Interior Ministry calls on the brother citizens not to respond to social networking sites to participate in rallies or assemble in public squares in Damascus in the interest of public safety,” the statement reads.

Pro-democracy activists said military forces fired at thousands gathered in the center of Damascus to prevent marching on Saturday. According to Gulf News, at least three people were killed.
One of Syria’s most powerful allies, Iran, warned of a regional crisis if Syrian President Bashar Al Assad’s regime falls. Iran’s Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi called on Assad to “pay heed to the legitimate demands of his people.”

Read it all here.

What's Next For Libya?

2011-08-25T22:35:00.000-07:00

"What's Next For Libya?" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, August 25, 2011:

In an exclusive interview with Neon Tommy, Dr. Zuhdi Jasser, a recognized expert on political Islam and American Islamist organizations, discusses the turmoil in Libya and the future of the poor but oil-rich North African country.
Jasser, a devout Muslim, founded the American Islamic Forum for Democracy in 2003. He has briefed members of the House and Senate congressional anti-terrorism caucuses about radical Islam. Jasser's organization seeks to “provide an American Muslim voice” while arguing for the founding principles of freedom in the U.S. Constitution. Jasser is a former Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy and served 11 years as a medical officer.

What are the immediate challenges Libya faces as rebels continue to take over more of the country.

Zuhdi Jasser: The Islamists in many of these countries have a disproportionate influence in the immediate vacuum that will happen in the post-departure of dictators. This is why the first few weeks, the first few months, are very important to be involved. Not with boots on the ground but covertly, such as intelligence operations and NGOs.
Describe what Libyans can do to ensure that their country doesn't transition from a corrupt regime to an oppressive theocratic one?

ZJ: We need to put things in perspective. There is no way to improve and reform Muslim interpretations of Islam against dangers of the Muslim Brotherhood and their offshoots in the environment that was Gaddafi’s Libya. That environment was nutritional support to Al Qaeda-type movements and radical Islamists. ...

Read it all here.

Video Shows Syrian Military Beating Detainees

2011-08-19T23:46:00.000-07:00

"Video Shows Syrian Military Beating Detainees" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, August 19, 2011:

A YouTube video posted Thursday appears to have captured an incident in which Syrian military beat detained men on a bus while forcing them to shout slogans in favor of Syrian president Bashar Assad.
In the two-minute video, the men are being abused and can be heard shouting, "With blood and soul, we sacrifice for you Bashar" and "Allah, Syria and Bashar only."

The video description does not indicate when and where in Syria it was taken.

Syrian security forces killed at least 22 people Friday amid mounting pressure from the international community calling for Bashar Assad to step down.

GOP Contenders Spar Over Iranian Nuclear Ambitions

2011-08-12T18:24:00.000-07:00

"GOP Contenders Spar Over Iranian Nuclear Ambitions" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, August 12, 2011:

The Republican presidential debate in Iowa Thursday evening included heated exchanges on the United States’ policy regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
During the second half of the televised debate, Texas Rep. Ron Paul and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum clashed over the issue of a nuclear Iran.

"Why wouldn’t it be natural that they might want a nuclear weapon?" asked Paul, suggesting other countries, including India and Israel, have nuclear capabilities. "Internationally they would be given more respect."

In a heated response Santorum called out Paul, suggesting the GOP hopeful is "obviously not seeing the world very clearly."

Santorum said Iran "must be confronted," describing the government as "a mullahcracy that tramples the rights of women, tramples the rights of gays, tramples the rights of people all throughout their society – and is the greatest supporter of terrorism in the Middle East and around the world."

Paul rejoined that Santorum was churning out war propaganda.

"You’ve heard the war propaganda that is liable to lead us into the sixth war, and I worry about that position," said Paul. ...

Read it all here.

Crane Manufacturer, UNIC, Ends Business With Iran Following Awareness Campaign

2011-08-08T13:18:00.000-07:00

"Crane Manufacturer, UNIC, Ends Business With Iran Following Awareness Campaign" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, August 8, 2011:

Japanese crane manufacturer Furukawa UNIC has announced it has ended business with the Iranian regime following reports that its cranes have been used to stage public executions.
The decision comes on the heels of two other companies, Tadano and Terex, which ended relations with Iran following awareness campaigns by United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) warning construction companies of Iran’s grisly misuse of cranes.

Officials from UNIC wrote to United Against Nuclear Iran, stating that they will no longer sell products to Iran or profit from such sales. The company added that they "will not accept orders for any of our products if such products are known to be destined for Iran."

"UANI commends UNIC for refusing to do business in Iran and taking a stand against Iran's ghastly public execution binge," said the president of United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), Mark Wallace, in a public statement. "UANI calls on all crane companies to end their business in Iran and their indirect investment in Iran's barbaric execution campaign."

In a Los Angeles Times op-ed Wallace named several hydraulic crane manufacturers, including UNIC and Tadano, as doing business with Iran. In the editorial Wallace called on these companies to take a "principled stand of renouncing their business ties with the regime until Iran becomes a civilized member of the international community."
United Against Nuclear Iran first brought the issue to the attention of the crane manufacturer in May. ...

Read it all here.

Feds May Have Granted Drug Cartel Permission To Smuggle Drugs In Return For Information

2011-08-05T16:44:00.000-07:00

"Feds May Have Granted Drug Cartel Permission To Smuggle Drugs In Return For Information" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, August 5, 2011:

U.S. federal court documents suggest federal agents may have permitted a Mexican drug cartel, known as the Sinaloa cartel, to traffic several tons of cocaine to the United States in exchange for information on rival cartels that operate in the United States.
The court documents, which have been posted on the Internet, are part of the defense of Vicente Zambada-Niebla, who was extradited to the United States and faces drug-trafficking charges.
Fox News has more:
". …The allegations are made by Vicente Zambada-Niebla, a top ranking cartel boss extradited to the U.S. last year on drug charges. He is a close associate of Mexico's most wanted man, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman and the son of Ismael "Mayo" Zambada-Garcia.
Both remain fugitives, in part, because of the deal Zambada- Niebla made with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, according to a defense motion filed last Friday in the case.

Alvin Michaelson, the Los Angeles attorney representing Zambada- Niebla who wrote the brief, refused comment.
The deal allegedly began with Humberto Loya-Castro, a Sinaloa cartel lawyer who became an informant for the D.E.A. after a drug case against him was dismissed in 2008. …"
Read the full article here.
The motion filed by Zambada-Niebla’s lawyers alleges that their client was assured he was immune from charges when he met with two Drug Enforcement Agency agents.

Read it all here.

Weak Economic Growth Puts Nation At Recession Risk

2011-07-29T15:43:00.000-07:00

"Weak Economic Growth Puts Nation At Recession Risk" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, July 29, 2011:

The U.S. Commerce Department reported that the nation’ gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 1.3 percent between April and June, below economists’ prediction of a 1.8 percent growth rate. But the new numbers were overshadowed by a revision to figures from the first quarter, suggesting the economy is growing at a much slower pace than expected.
According to MarketWatch:
The new data on the inflation- and seasonally-adjusted value of all goods and services produced in the United States showed the economy barely grew at all in the January-through-March quarter, rising just 0.4% as opposed to the initially reported 1.9% improvement. At the same time, the government said the recession proved to be deeper than initially projected.
Speaking to MarketWatch, Mark Vitner, a senior economist at Wells Fargo, suggested that Congress may have to refrain from slashing government spending as part of a deal on increasing the debt ceiling. ...

Read it all here.

Funerals For Victims Of Norway’s Twin Terror Attacks Begin

2011-07-29T15:40:00.000-07:00

"Funerals For Victims Of Norway’s Twin Terror Attacks Begin" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, July 29, 2011:

Funerals for the victims of Norway's twin terror attacks began Friday as police continue to question Anders Behring Breivik, who confessed to the attacks but has pleaded not guilty because he believes he is in a "state of war."
On Friday a memorial service was held for the 77 victims, eight who were killed in a bomb attack in Oslo’s government district and 69 who were shot down at a political youth camp on the island of Utoya.

"We were victims of an attack on the heart of democracy," said Jens Stoltenberg, Norway's prime minister, at the memorial service Friday. "We want to be one community. Across faith, ethnicity, gender and rank."

On July 22 an explosion rocked Norway’s government headquarters in Oslo when Breivik parked a van with a half-ton bomb just a few feet away from the prime minister’s office in Norway, killing eight. Just hours after the explosion, Breivik, shot at a summer youth Labour Party camp on the Norwegian Island of Utoya near Oslo, leaving 69 people dead. ...

Read it all here.

Edward Said: The Charisma of Criticism

2011-07-25T11:20:00.000-07:00

"Edward Said: The Charisma of Criticism" by Reut Cohen for The Middle East Quarterly, SPRING 2011 • VOLUME XVIII: NUMBER 2:

The Charisma of Criticism
by H. Aram Veeser
New York: Routledge, 2010. 260 pp. $39.95.

Reviewed by Reut R. Cohen
Los Angeles, Calif.
Middle East Quarterly
Spring 2011

In this hagiography of the late Edward Said, Veeser, of the English department at City College of New York, purports to present the man behind the myth, a devotee of Savile Row tailors who, at the same time, allegedly chastised the West and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) with equal gusto.

To his credit, Veeser unmasks several contradictions within the character of his icon, acknowledging, for example, that despite his wish to "preserve a distance" from the PLO, Said eventually supported it. The author sees this somehow as a "political error" in which Said stole "victory from youthful fighters" and, by cooperating with the PLO, mistakenly handed it to "corrupt old men." Never mind that these "youthful fighters" were financially and morally supported in their butchery of Israeli civilians by the "old men"; Said's change of heart was a "tragic irony" that came a "decade too late."

Read it all here.

Terror In Norway: Shooting Suspect Named, At Least 87 Dead

2011-07-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

"Terror In Norway: Shooting Suspect Named, At Least 87 Dead" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, July 22, 2011:

Media named a 32-year-old suspect in connection with Friday’s grisly attacks in Norway that left at least 87 dead. The suspect, Anders Behring Breivik, is an ethnic Norwegian.

An explosion rocked Norway’s government headquarters in Oslo and killed at least seven people Friday, according to Norwegian state broadcaster NRK. Police said witnesses saw Breivik loitering around the area where the bombing took place before the bomb went off.

Just hours after the explosion, a gunman, presumably Breivik, shot at a summer youth Labour Party camp on the Norwegian Island of Utoya near Oslo and left at least 80 dead and several more injured, according to police.

"The updated knowledge we are sitting on now is at least 80," said police chief Oystein Maeland at a news conference. "We can’t guarantee that won’t increase somewhat."
Although the media initially speculated the attacks were linked to Islamic terrorism, Norway’s TV2 reported Breivik has ties to right-wing extremists but did not disclose their source information. ...

Read it all here.

Terror In Norway: More Feared Dead

2011-07-22T15:09:00.000-07:00

"Terror In Norway: More Feared Dead" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, July 22, 2011:

An explosion rocked Norway’s government headquarters in Oslo and killed at least seven people Friday, according to Norwegian state broadcaster NRK. Just hours after the explosion, a gunman dressed in police clothing shot at a summer youth Labour Party camp on the Norwegian Island of Utoya near Oslo and left at least 10 dead and several more injured, according to Norwegian reports.
Unconfirmed reports suggest the death toll from the shooting may be higher.
Norwegian journalist Ketil B. Stensrud tweeted the following:
Eye-witness on Utøya LIVE on NRK just said that he saw 20-30 dead youths floating by the shore. Shocking.
Norway's TV2 showed aerial images of a SWAT team arriving at the island. Images also show youths who swam from the island toward shore.
As reported earlier on Neon Tommy, police believe the bombing and shooting are connected and arrested a suspect following the shooting. ...

Read it all here.

Bomb Blast, Shooting Attack Rock Norway

2011-07-22T15:07:00.000-07:00

"Bomb Blast, Shooting Attack Rock Norway" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, July 22, 2011:

A bomb blast rocked Norway’s government headquarters in Oslo and killed at least seven people Friday, according to Norwegian state broadcaster NRK. Just hours after the explosion, a gunman dressed in police clothing shot at a summer youth Labour Party camp on the Norwegian Island of Utoya near Oslo and left at least five people injured.
According to NRK, police believe the bomb blast and shooting are connected. Norwegian police arrested a suspect after the shooting.

Oslo’s mayor, Fabian Stang, told CNN that the "the situation is under control, but it's been a terrible day."

Norway’s NATO membership and participation in Afghanistan and Libyan conflicts make the nation a target for terror organizations. In July Muammar Gaddafi threatened attacks on Europe if NATO continues their campaign in Libya. ...

Read it all here.

Japanese Crane Manufacturer Cuts Ties With Iran

2011-07-15T14:36:00.000-07:00

"Japanese Crane Manufacturer Cuts Ties With Iran" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, July 15, 2011:

Japanese crane manufacturer Tadano has announced that it has ended business with the Iranian regime following reports that its cranes have been used to stage public executions in Iran.
Tadano’s announcement comes just days after the president of United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), Mark Wallace, wrote in a Los Angeles Times op-ed that the company exports cranes to Iran which have been misused in what he called the regime's "execution binge."
UANI praised Tadano’s decision to cut ties with Iran.

"Tadano is a responsible corporation and its decision is another example of an international company taking the right action in the wake of UANI’s Cranes Campaign,” said Wallace in a statement. “UANI hopes that even more crane companies will end their business in Iran as the bright light of world attention is cast on Iran’s barbaric execution binge."

United Against Nuclear Iran first brought the issue to the attention of the crane manufacturer in May. In a press release, UANI named Japanese company Tadano and another company, Furukawa UNIC, as providers of hydraulic cranes to Iran. According to the release, photographic evidence shows that Iranian citizens have been executed using cranes from both Japanese companies. ...

Read it all here.

Casey Anthony Acquittal Prompts Push For 'Caylee's Law'

2011-07-08T15:54:00.000-07:00

"Casey Anthony Acquittal Prompts Push For 'Caylee's Law'" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, July 8, 2011:

The acquittal of Casey Anthony, who was accused of murdering her 2-year-old daughter Caylee, has prompted a push for a new law that would criminalize failure to report a missing or dead child. The proposal, called "Caylee’s Law," originated through an online petition started by Michelle Crowder of Durant, Okla.

The petition for a federal law has collected more than half-million signatures and aims to “prevent another case like this from happening.”
According to local reports, proposals for "Caylee's Law" have been filed in Kentucky, New Jersey, North Carolina, and other states.

Legislators in Florida, Oklahoma, New York and West Virginia have announced that they will propose their versions of "Caylee’s Law."
Oklahoma Rep. Paul Wesselhoft told ABC that several of his constituents emailed him about Crowder’s petition and that he plans to propose a law at the legislative session in his state in 2012.

"Yesterday, I got a lot of emails from my constituents who are very outraged by the trial and the verdict," Wesselhoft said. "We're all outraged that Caylee did not receive justice. There's no question about that."

Wesselhoft (R-Okla.) said he would propose a law which would explicitely criminalize failure to notify authorities within 24 hours of a child dying. The Oklahoma lawmaker also wants to propose legislation that would require parents to alert authorities about runaways under age 12 within an appropriate timeframe, but agreed that setting a time is difficult in such situations "because you don't know when the clock starts."

The Casey Anthony trial riveted the nation for weeks. ...

Read it all here.

Amazon Refuses To Collect Sales Tax In California

2011-07-01T16:47:00.000-07:00

"Amazon Refuses To Collect Sales Tax In California" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, July 1, 2011:

California Gov. Jerry Brown approved a bill stipulating that online retailers, such as Amazon.com, collect sales taxes on purchases made by California residents starting Friday. But Amazon.com and Overstock.com are defying the new law.
In a statement sent to the New York Times, Amazon called the legislation “counterproductive” and said the company would not charge sales tax for the state.
Amazon terminated their Affiliates Program in California as of Wednesday in response to the new legislation. The law considers Amazon’s advertisements on affiliate sites as a selling presence and hoped to force sellers to collect taxes.
By ending the program, Amazon, which sells products nationwide, may have exempted their company from California’s new law.

Other web-based companies based in California worry that the new law could make it even harder for their small businesses to compete with big-box chains. ...

Read it all here.

Gaddafi’s Daughter Calls Father A “Symbol”

2011-07-01T16:41:00.000-07:00

"Gaddafi’s Daughter Calls Father A “Symbol” " by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, July 1, 2011:

The outspoken daughter of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi said her father would not be stepping down and called him “a symbol, a guide” for Libyans in an interview with France 2.

Aisha Gaddafi, 34, said there are direct and indirect talks between Libyan authorities and rebels, although the Benghazi-based opposition is not in contact with Tripoli, according to Reuters.

The interview featuring Gaddafi’s daughter comes 100 days since NATO’s campaign to forcibly remove Gaddafi and his government began.

“I've already lost one of my children and my brother in the bombings,” she said through an interpreter. “Every day there are members of my people who die. Civilians. Anyone who has a heart can understand what I feel."

Aisha Gaddafi, who studied in France, decried France's participation in the effort to bring an end to her father’s 42-year rule.

“Never would I imagine this country would one day kill my brother and my family," she said through an interpreter. “I want to send a message to the wives of the French pilots who bomb us. Your husbands are not working to defend civilians in Libya,” she said.

The United Nations Security Council approved the use airstrikes in March to achieve the ouster of Gaddafi but the Libyan leader has shown no signs of giving up. In May the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Muammar Gaddafi and his son, Saif al-Islam, for crimes against humanity.

Aisha Gaddafi, a lawyer and activist, was appointed as a UN Goodwill Ambassador for her charitable work. However, she has also spoken out in favor of the IRA, Iraqi insurgents and joined the defense team for Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

Will An Amazon Tax In California Kill Small Businesses?

2011-06-29T16:47:00.000-07:00

"Will An Amazon Tax In California Kill Small Businesses?" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, June 29, 2011:

California Gov. Jerry Brown reached a budget deal Tuesday night, without Republican support, which forces online retailers, particularly Amazon.com, to collect sales tax on purchases made by California residents. Three sales tax bills, incorporated into AB 28X, were approved Wednesday by Gov. Brown, according to the Los Angeles Times.
On Wednesday, just a few hours before Brown approved the new tax, Amazon issued a notice to all Amazon Associates in California that the company will have to “terminate” their program in the state if AB 28X passes.
Amazon has terminated programs in other states because of similar legislation. Those states include Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, North Carolina, Rhode Island and Texas.

Amazon Associates participants and other web-based companies are likely to suffer.
The Coalition to Protect Small Business Jobs appealed to Gov. Brown not to sign the bill into law. They argue the bill makes it “harder” to “compete with larger retailers on the web.”
Cal Watchdog reported that 25,000 businesses could find themselves shutting down.
"Supporters of online sales taxes claim the state will earn an additional $150 million in tax revenue. But former state senator and current Board of Equalization member George Runner says that the punitive online tax bills would cut into the $124 million in tax revenue paid last year in by small California business affiliates, and would chase the online affiliate businesses out of California forever."
In an attempt to squeeze more taxes from small businesses, California could wind up killing those same businesses.
Amazon, which has called the tax “unconstitutional,” also pointed out in their message to Associates that similar legislation in other states “has led to job and income losses, and little, if any, new tax revenue.”

What do you think about the tax? Will it help or harm California?

Returning Troops From Iraq And Afghanistan Face Challenges

2011-06-24T19:26:00.000-07:00

"Returning Troops From Iraq And Afghanistan Face Challenges" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, June 24, 2011:

President Barack Obama said Wednesday that he would order the withdrawal of 10,000 U.S. troops from Afghanistan by the end of the year. The remaining 33,000 are set to leave no later than September 2012, just two months before the presidential election.

Many of those returning from overseas will undoubtedly face challenges, including physical and mental health problems, as they re-enter civilian life.

Jeremy Williams, a behavioral health program coordinator with the Mental Health America of Greater Houston (MHA Houston), advocates for the rights of military servicemen and women who are now returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Williams, a retired Marine who was wounded in the line of duty, has been honored by the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans as a National Military Scholar and awarded the Distinguished Citizen Award by the Marine Corps League for his service to veterans.
Williams explains what resources are available to wounded warriors as well as the challenges troops face as they return from abroad. He stressed that the situation of American veterans is “just as important of a social issue as obesity, cancer and racism.”

What resources does the Mental Health America of Greater Houston offer to veterans?

Jeremy Williams: In 2009, MHA Houston was tasked by then Houston Mayor Bill White and Harris County Commissioner Ed Emmet to address the gaps in veterans’ mental health services in the Greater Houston Area. MHA in collaboration with over 70 federal, state, and local agencies to formulate an action plan and implement recommendations within the community to improve the care of Houston’s population of returning OEF/OIF veterans. Since early 2010 some of these facets within the Veterans Behavioral Health Initiative included the following elements: Implementing a suicide prevention campaign, and assisting in the implementation of a Veterans Court, to divert veterans with a criminal charge in lieu of treatment for their service related mental health concerns. Other resources include MHA’s Information and referral line and our pro bono counseling service to those who qualify. MHA has also distributed countless amounts of our resource guides through out the veterans’ community via the Houston VA Medical Center. ...

Read the full interview here.

House Rebukes Campaign In Libya, But Does Not Cut Funds

2011-06-24T16:37:00.000-07:00

"House Rebukes Campaign In Libya, But Does Not Cut Funds" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, June 24, 2011:

The Republican-led House sent a mixed message in the last two votes Friday afternoon, voting down a bill that would have restricted America’s involvement in the effort in Libya while also voting against a bill that would express support for it.
The measure to express support for the mission in Libya, which was backed by the White House, was defeated in a 295-123 decision. Republicans largely opposed the measure while 70 Democrats voted against it.

Jay Carney, White House press secretary, was “disappointed” with the vote, saying the “writing is on the wall” for Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. “Now is not the time to let up,” said Carney.

Despite the lack of support for U.S. presence in Libya reflected by the vote, the House rejected a Republican-authored bill in a 238-190 vote that would restrict funding for the mission in Libya. The majority of Democrats voted no while Republicans votes yes by a smaller margin.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she was “pleased that a very important statement was made today by the house, on a bipartisan basis, that recognizes the need for us to continue this important mission.”

The Pentagon has spent an estimated $700 million on the war effort in Libya. Polls suggest declining support for the U.S. presence in Libya.
Lawmakers increasingly voiced their opposition to the effort today before and after the votes. ...

Read it all here.

Wilders Acquitted Of Incitement To Hatred

2011-06-24T16:30:00.000-07:00

"Wilders Acquitted Of Incitement To Hatred" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, June 23, 2011:

It’s a trial that never should have been—no matter what one thinks about Wilders.
Dutch politician Geert Wilders, who has described the Islamic faith as “fascist,” has been acquitted of inciting hatred against Muslims.
Wilders has previously said that it was not he who was put on trial but his “freedom of speech,” arguing Western values are at stake in the Netherlands.
Wilders, who identifies as an agnostic, leads an anti-Islam Freedom Party that has enjoyed growing support in the Netherlands. The Dutch MP first courted controversy with his film "Fitna," a short piece that juxtaposes passages from Islamic holy texts and grisly scenes of terrorism perpetrated by Islamic Totalitarian organizations.
As a result of his activism Wilders was not allowed to enter the United Kingdom for several months, with the ban lifted in late 2009. Just a few months prior to banning Wilders the United Kingdom’s Home Secretary allowed a radical Lebanese propagandist, who calls for violence and terrorism in the name of Islam, to enter the U.K. The important distinction is that Wilders, whether or not one agrees with him, does not advocate for violence. ...

Read it all here.

Al Gore Applauds Mitt Romney’s Stance On Climate Change

2011-06-17T18:28:00.000-07:00

"Al Gore Applauds Mitt Romney’s Stance On Climate Change" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, June 17, 2011:

Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney has received unexpected support from long-time climate change advocate and former vice president Al Gore over Romney’s position that human activities have contributed to climate change.
“Good for Mitt Romney though we've long passed the point where weak lip-service is enough on the Climate Crisis,” Gore wrote on his blog. “While other Republicans are running from the truth, he is sticking to his guns in the face of the anti-science wing of the Republican Party.”

However, the praise from Gore could stir up further criticism from conservatives who oppose Romney’s Massachusetts health care law. The law has often been compared to President Obama’s controversial health care reform that passed last year and lauded by Democrats who support health care reform.
Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, is the front-runner for the 2012 GOP nomination.

France’s Burka Ban: Just How Effective Is The Law?

2011-06-17T18:21:00.000-07:00

"France’s Burka Ban: Just How Effective Is The Law?" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, June 17, 2011:

Not particularly effective, apparently.
Two women who are accused of violating France’s so-called “burka ban” could not appear in court because they refused to remove their head and face covering, according to the French news service AFP.
The women, who will only identify themselves by their first names, are from Aulnay-sour-Bois, a Paris suburb. Each woman faces a charge of “covering her face in a public place.”

If they are eventually convicted they each could face a fine of 150 euros and compulsory citizenship classes.

Some Western nations already have laws, implemented to varying degrees, which prohibit covering one’s face in public. Other nations, particularly in the European Union, are considering legislation that would prevent wearing clothing in public that covers the face, including Islamic garments which cover the face.

Officials cite safety and security concerns. ...

Read it all here.

Yemen’s President Won’t Return, Says Saudi Official

2011-06-17T18:19:00.000-07:00

"Yemen’s President Won’t Return, Says Saudi Official" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, June 17, 2011:

A Saudi official has told the news service AFP that Ali Abdullah Saleh, Yemen’s besieged president, will not be returning to Yemen. Saleh is in Saudi Arabia where he is being treated for shrapnel wounds.
“It has not been decided where he will stay,” the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told the AFP.
But Yemeni government officials have denied the claims, stating that they expect the president to return to Yemen within a few days.
On June 3 Saleh sustained injuries from a bomb explosion at a mosque inside of his presidential compound in Sana’a. He was flown to Riyadh the following day on a Saudi medical aircraft and has not been in public since.
Saleh’s deputy Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi has been met with demands from protesters to put into place an interim ruling council. The council would prevent Saleh’s return to power. ...

Read it all here.

Palin Emails: A Disappointment To Her Detractors

2011-06-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

"Palin Emails: A Disappointment To Her Detractors" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, June 14, 2011:

On Friday, following a two-year-old request, the state of Alaska released more than 24,000 pages of Sarah Palin's emails.
The messages, from both a state and private Yahoo account, were sent during the former Alaska governor’s term from 2006 to 2008.
So what do the emails show? Nothing, really. At least not yet.
The Anchorage Daily News reported that there are very few emails from Palin’s first month in office, which has led officials to investigate the alleged gap.
Palin isn’t worried about the emails.
“I think every rock in the Palin household that could ever be kicked over and uncovered anything, it's already been kicked over,” Palin said on "Fox News Sunday" earlier this month. “I don't think there's anything private in our family now. A lot of those emails obviously weren't meant for public consumption. They are between staff members. They're probably between family members.”
On a personal level, the messages show the former vice presidential hopeful is a likable person who cares about her family. She was the recipient of nasty messages and death threats in the run up to the 2008 presidential race and worried about the media’s treatment of her family. Nothing in the slew of messages is shocking or new.
So what’s the point of the irrational witch-hunt against Palin?
Chances are she won’t run for president. If she did, she is unlikely to win the GOP nomination.
As the Daily Telegraph’s Toby Harnden notes, the emails paint her as an “idealistic” woman who is “slightly bemused by the world of politics.” Hardly a nefarious individual worthy of such negative scrutiny.

Gaddafi Faces Charges For Using Rape As A Weapon

2011-06-10T18:03:00.000-07:00

"Gaddafi Faces Charges For Using Rape As A Weapon" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, June 10, 2011:

Chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, said Thursday that his office is gathering evidence on rapes perpetrated by the Gaddafi regime. Moreno-Ocampo said that he is becoming “more convinced” due to evidence that Libyan authorities purchased “Viagra-type” medications to give to Libyan troops.
“Now we are getting some information that Gaddafi himself decided to rape, and this is new," said Moreno-Ocampo.

A decision from judges on the request to charge the Libyan leader with crimes against humanity is expected within days.

“We had doubts at the beginning but now we are more convinced that he decided to punish using rapes,” Moreno-Ocampo told reporters. ...

Read it all here.

Gingrich Says He’s Still In The Race

2011-06-10T18:01:00.000-07:00

"Gingrich Says He’s Still In The Race" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, June 10, 2011:

Republican presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich is adamant about staying in the race despite the resignations from his top aides yesterday. Speaking to reporters, Gingrich acknowledged Friday that he and his staffers “had a strategic disagreement about how to run a campaign.”
The former House Speaker also posted a message on the social networking site Facebook Friday where he wrote that he still intends to run.

“As someone who has been in public life for nearly forty years, I know full well the rigors of campaigning for public office,” Gingrich wrote. “I will endure them. I will carry the message of American renewal to every part of this great land, whatever it takes.”

Gingrich recently came under fire for leaving the country to take a two-week cruise to the Greek islands just after announcing his campaign tour.

The former House Speaker addressed that criticism Friday. ...

Read it all here.

Obama Meets With Gabon's President Despite Criticism

2011-06-09T18:30:00.000-07:00

"Obama Meets With Gabon's President Despite Criticism" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, June 9, 2011:

On Thursday, despite questions over whether such an invitation was appropriate, President Barack Obama met with President Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon, a small West African nation whose government is accused of rampant human rights abuses and systemic corruption. The meeting, which was private, took place in the Oval Office.
White House press secretary Jay Carney said Wednesday that Gabon's president has a “less than sterling” record. Carney also said that Gabon holds a "rotating presidency on the U.N. Security Council" and said the U.S. considers Gabon to have voted in ways which are "very helpful" in the United Nations.
According to an ABC News report, the White House considered Thursday's meeting “very important” due to Gabon’s “reform efforts” which Obama’s administration supports.
Ali Bongo Ondimba was elected president after his father, Omar Bongo, died two years ago. Bongo’s family empire, according to ABC News, is “allegedly the product of corruption” and has an estimated worth of hundreds of millions of dollars. ...

Read it all here.

Facial Recognition Feature On Facebook Raises Concerns

2011-06-09T15:25:00.000-07:00

"Facial Recognition Feature On Facebook Raises Concerns" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, June 8, 2011:

Last December, without notifying users, Facebook began using a facial recognition feature that suggests tags to friends on pictures, according to USA Today.
The feature, called Tag Suggestions, has prompted criticism from privacy critics over Facebook's failure to alert users to the change. Users can only change their settings after the fact, as the facial recognition setting is applied without consent.

According to the New York Times, the facial recognition feature has prompted privacy inquiries. The European Union data-protection regulators will be investigating Facebook Inc. over the facial recognition feature. In the United States, the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), a privacy watchdog group, is planning to file a complaint this week with the Federal Trade Commission.
The New York Times reported that the Washington-based group is expected to be file their complaint Wednesday or Thursday, according to the EPIC executive director Marc Rotenberg. The Times also said that a spokesperson for Facebook, Andrew Noyes, declined to comment on EPIC's plans to file an F.T.C. complaint.
Meanwhile, users can turn the facial recognition setting off in privacy settings underneath the “Things other share” menu.
Here’s how:
At the top right hand corner of your page, select the "Account" tab
Click "Privacy settings"
Select "Customize settings"
Scroll down the page to "Things others share"
Select "Edit settings" next to "Suggest photos of me to friends" and "Disable" the feature from the dropdown menu

Is Australia Racist? U.N. Rights Chief Navi Pillay Thinks So

2011-06-07T17:33:00.000-07:00

"Is Australia Racist? U.N. Rights Chief Navi Pillay Thinks So" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, June 7, 2011:

U.N. rights chief Navi Pillay slammed Australia following a six-day visit in May.
Pillay said there is a “racial discriminatory element” in Australia, attacking the country’s refugee policies and their treatment of Australian Aborigines.

“I come from South Africa and lived under this, and am every way attuned to seeing racial discrimination," said Pillay, who was an anti-apartheid campaigner in South Africa.

In response to the claims, UN Watch’s Hillel Neuer went on the record on Canada’s Sun News TV where he argued that Pillay has a record of ignoring the world’s worst abusers.
On Tuesday UN Watch published a summary of study findings that examined Pillay’s statements from September 2008 to June 2010. According to the findings, Pillay has shown a “questionable sense of priorities” and failed to show concern for victims for some of the most oppressive nations.
Here’s an excerpt:
Ms. Pillay turned a blind eye to most of the world’s worst abusers. She made no statement on the human rights situations of 146 countries. She failed to voice any concern for victims in 34 countries rated “Not Free” by Freedom House—meaning those with the worst records, and the most needy victims. She failed to criticize another 50 countries rated “partly free” and 63 countries rated “free.” Among the countries not criticized: Algeria, Angola, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Brunei, Cambodia, Cameroon, Congo (Brazzaville), Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mauritania, North Korea, Oman, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
Read the full summary of the findings here.

Qatar Deports Alleged Libyan Rape Victim

2011-06-03T17:58:00.000-07:00

"Qatar Deports Alleged Libyan Rape Victim" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, June 3, 2011:

Eman al-Obeidy, the Libyan woman who accused 15 men from Muammar Gaddafi’s military of raping and beating her in March, has been expelled from Qatar where she and her family sought refuge. Al-Obeidy, who has become a symbol of resistance, was deported by Qatari authorities to Benghazi on Thursday.
Al-Obeidy said officials in the Transitional National Council had pressured Qatar to deport her, according to CNN. She also said Qatari officials had beaten, handcuffed and forced her onto a Qatari military plane.

U.S.-based Libyan opposition activist Nasha Dawaji told CNN that al-Obeidy had arrived in Benghazi with signs of physical abuse.

"Al-Obeidy had a black eye, like she had been punched, Dawaji said. She also had bruises on her legs and scratches on her arms," CNN’s report said.

In a written statement, Human Rights Watch, an independent NGO, criticized Qatar’s forced return of the alleged victim. ...

Read it all here.

Dr. Kevorkian, Supporter Of Physician-Assisted Suicides, Dead At 83

2011-06-03T17:54:00.000-07:00

"Dr. Kevorkian, Supporter Of Physician-Assisted Suicides, Dead At 83" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, June 3, 2011:

Michigan pathologist Dr. Jack Kevorkian, dubbed Dr. Death for assisting more than 100 people to end their lives, died early Friday. Kevorkian, 83, was being treated for pneumonia and kidney problems at a hospital in Royal Oak, Mich.
In a 1998 60 Minutes interview, Kevorkian showed a videotape in which he administered a lethal injection to a patient who suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease.
“Somebody has to do something for suffering humanity,” Kevorkian said at the time. “I put myself in my patients' place. This is something I would want.”
Although he was charged with murder several times, Kevorkian was not convicted until 1999 over the death of a 52-year-old ALS sufferer to whom Kevorkian administered a lethal injection. Kevorkian served 8 years of a 10 to 20 year sentence.
Following his release from prison, Kevorkian swore not to participate in any more physician-assisted suicides. In recent years he spoke out in favor of changing state laws to allow patients' "right to die."
The debate over physician-assisted suicide remains a controversial subject. ...

Read it all here.

The Persecution Of Jews In Iraq

2011-06-01T13:49:00.000-07:00

"The Persecution Of Jews In Iraq" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, June 1, 2011:

Today is the 70th anniversary of the Farhud, a "violent dispossession" or pogrom against Iraq's Jews which took place on June 1, 1941.
Haj Amin al-Husseini, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and one of the initial members of the Muslim Brotherhood, became a Nazi agent after meeting Adolf Eichmann, an architect of the Holocaust, in 1937. With Nazi funds al-Husseini organized the Arab Revolt of 1936-39, which led to the British stopping Jewish immigration to modern day Israel. This facilitated the "Final Solution" by closing off the avenue of refuge. In 1941, the mufti orchestrated a short-lived, Nazi-backed generals' coup in Iraq. The coup was followed by the Farhud, a pogrom against Baghdad's Jews.

The Mufti obtained Hitler's assurance in November 1941 that after dealing with the Jews of Europe, Hitler would treat the Jews of the Middle East similarly.

In a two-day period Arab mobs went on a rampage in Baghdad and other cities in Iraq. 150 Jews were killed and more than 2,000 injured; some 900 Jewish homes were destroyed and looted; and hundreds of Jewish-owned shops were robbed and destroyed.
My paternal grandfather with his sons in the late 1950s.
My older family members recall witnessing how Iraqi soldiers pulled small children away from their parents and ripped the arms off young girls to steal their bracelets; pregnant women were raped and their stomachs cut open. My grandfather hid his baby brother underneath his t-shirt when the violence began and ran home. My great-grandfather saved his entire family during the riots that broke out in Baghdad by claiming to be a Muslim when Iraqi troops came into their home with the intent of looting, raping, and killing.
Eventually, when being a Jew was practically criminalized, my father's family escaped to Israel with only the clothes on their backs—their belongings were confiscated—leaving behind everything that they knew....

Read it all here.

Clinton Arrives In Pakistan To Sooth Tense Relations

2011-05-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

"Clinton Arrives In Pakistan To Sooth Tense Relations" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, May 27, 2011:

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in Islamabad Friday to patch up tense relations between the U.S. and Pakistan following the raid that killed al-Qaeda terror mastermind Osama bin Laden. Clinton said there is no evidence any high-ranking Pakistani officials were aware of the al-Qaeda leader’s whereabouts.

“There is absolutely no evidence that anyone at the highest levels of the Pakistani government knew he was living just miles from where we are today,” said Clinton.

She also said Pakistan must take “decisive steps” against terrorism.

Clinton was accompanied by the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, who called for closer cooperation.

“Now is not the time for retreat or for recrimination,” said Mullen at a news conference, acknowledging that the U.S. raid on bin Laden’s compound caused diplomatic problems with Pakistan. ...

Read it all here.

Italian Seismologists Face Manslaughter Charges For Failure To Predict Quake

2011-05-27T16:56:00.000-07:00

"Italian Seismologists Face Manslaughter Charges For Failure To Predict Quake" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, May 27, 2011:

Top Italian seismologists are being tried for the manslaughter of 308 people who died in the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake. The president of Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, Enzo Boschi, faces trial along with six other scientists and technicians for failure to predict the disaster.

Italian Judge Giuseppe Romano Gargarella reportedly said the seven scientists offered "imprecise, incomplete and contradictory information" during a televised press conference just 6 days before the earthquake struck, according to the Italian daily Corriere della Sera. During the conference, scientists reassured residents that there was no evidence a major earthquake was imminent. The area had experienced smaller quakes prior to the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) website, no earthquake has ever been predicted successfully.
The USGS says scientists can only calculate the probability of a potential quake, but do not expect to predict them for the "foreseeable future."

Alan Leschner, chief executive of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, told Fox News that his organization wrote a letter to Italy’s government last year when the scientists were first placed under investigation. ...

Read it all here.

Point Of View: Report Criticizes National Science Foundation's Wasteful Spending

2011-05-26T19:33:00.000-07:00

"Point Of View: Report Criticizes National Science Foundation's Wasteful Spending" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, May 26, 2011:

73-page report released today accuses the National Science Foundation, or NSF, of mismanaging federal funds. Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), the author of the report, said he identified more than $3 billion in mismanagement at NSF, calling for cuts.
The report alleges that taxpayer money has gone to fund such programs as Jell-O wrestling in Antarctica and observing shrimps' ability to exercise on a treadmill.
In the case of the shrimp the National Science Foundation spent $500,000 on the research—although the purpose remains unclear.
Other NSF mismanagement, according to the report, includes excessive operating costs and duplication of operations performed by other agencies.
Here’s an excerpt from the report:
"The good news for taxpayers is there is no question NSF has contributed significantly to scientific discovery.
The bad news is a significant percentage of your money is going to what most Americans will consider fraud, waste and abuse, and there are many areas where NSF could contribute far more with better management and smarter targeting of resources.
This report identifies over $3 billion in mismanagement at NSF. This includes tens of millions of dollars spent on questionable studies, excessive amounts of expired funds that have not been returned to the Treasury, inadequate contracting practices that unnecessarily increase costs, and a lack of metrics to demonstrate results."
Read Coburn's report here.
In a statement, NSF officials responded to Coburn’s study and defended the agency's work.
“While no agency is without flaws, NSF has been diligent about addressing concerns from members of Congress about workforce and grant management issues, and NSF's excellent record of tracking down waste and prosecuting wrongdoing is apparent from Sen. Coburn's report. We believe that no other funding agency in the world comes close to NSF for giving taxpayers the best return on their investment.”
Scientists whose research was targeted in Coburn's report have also accused the senator of misrepresenting their work.
Some questionable behavior outlined in the report was investigated by the NSF’s inspector general. One example includes a senior executive who viewed pornography on his computer for “at least 331 days” on a government computer. According to Coburn’s report, “porn viewing was so pervasive that the cases overwhelmed the agency's IG and undermined the watchdog’s ability to investigate other misspent funds or fraudulent activities.” In 2008, seven of 10 misconduct cases involved viewing online pornography.
NSF projects have led to significant scientific and engineering innovation. However, Coburn’s report outlines some serious waste and repeated patterns of mismanagement.

What do you think? Will it be helpful or hurtful to cut and streamline NSF funding?

Point Of View: Canadian Couple Aim To Raise A Gender Neutral Baby

2011-05-25T15:50:00.000-07:00

"Point Of View: Canadian Couple Aim To Raise A Gender Neutral Baby" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, May 25, 2011:

Is the idea of gender neutral society a fantasy? Perhaps even a myth?

A Canadian couple has announced that their baby will be raised without the burden of a gender identity.
David Stocker and Kathy Witterick hope that by hiding the gender of their baby, 4-month old Storm, the pressures to act in accordance with expected social norms will not be a factor in his or her life.
But this experiment—or perhaps political statement—is hardly original.
In his most recent column, The Telegraph's Ed West points to one fascinating experiment which quickly went awry:
. … Children don’t tend to rebel as much as we assume (80 per cent of people vote for the same parties as their parents), but neither do they sexually rebel. That’s because, contrary to what the Wittericks believe, what’s between our legs and what’s between our ears are rarely unconnected.
Back in the 1970s the belief that gender identity is socially constructed was common, and attempts were made, from the US to Britain to Germany to Israel, to raise children in gender-neutral surroundings. ...
And, as West notes, these attempts failed. In Israel, where the experiment was carried out in the Kibbutz, a communal living compound, the next generation of women didn't want to be truck drivers or politicians. They wanted to be mothers. According to anthropologist Melford Spiro, it "all but undid the earlier revolution."
Gender identity isn’t just affected by society but also deeply rooted in nature.

What do you think? Are Storm’s parents making the right decision or harming their baby?

Point Of View: Are 1967 Israel-Arab Borders A Formula For War?

2011-05-24T19:44:00.000-07:00

"Point Of View: Are 1967 Israel-Arab Borders A Formula For War?" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, May 24, 2011:

In his latest column The Wall Street Journal’s Bret Stephens called President Obama’s 1967 border Israel-Arab peace proposal a “formula for war,” noting Obama’s "telling omissions and self-contradictions" at AIPAC this Sunday.
Here’s an excerpt:
. ... When this president wants to make a show of his exquisite diplomatic sensitivity—burgers with Medvedev, bows to Abdullah, New Year's greetings to the mullahs—he knows how. And when he wants to show his contempt, he knows how, too.
The contempt was again on display Sunday, when Mr. Obama spoke to the Aipac policy conference in Washington. The speech was stocked with the perennial bromides about U.S.-Israeli friendship, which brought an anxious crowd to its feet a few times. As for the rest, it was a thin tissue of falsehoods, rhetorical legerdemain, telling omissions and self-contradictions. Let's count the ways.
For starters, it would be nice if the president could come clean about whether his line about the 1967 line—"mutually agreed swaps" and all—was pathbreaking and controversial, or no big deal … .
Read Stephens’ column here.
On Friday Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Obama in Washington a day after the U.S. president delivered a speech outlining a peace plan between Israel and the Palestinian Authority based on 1967 lines.

Netanyahu rejected Obama's plan, citing Israeli security and demographic concerns. Netanyahu’s aides have also pointed out the 1967 lines are not part of an agreed border but designated by Jordanian and Israeli fighters when a ceasefire was called in 1949 to end an earlier war.

Ports Of Los Angeles And Long Beach See Reduction In Toxins Amid Health Concerns

2011-05-20T16:47:00.000-07:00

"Ports Of Los Angeles And Long Beach See Reduction In Toxins Amid Health Concerns" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, May 20, 2011:

Donna Ethington remembers the putrid smells and diesel fumes that would waft into her Wilmington office near the Port of Los Angeles. The smell from the trucks and ships at the port was so bad she couldn’t keep the doors and windows open. Just five years later, Ethington is breathing easier.
“My office is right in this port—I’m there 24/7 unless I’m in a meeting somewhere. I can tell you that there has been a huge reduction in emissions,” said Ethington, a member of the Wilmington Neighborhood Council who has lived in the area for 32 years and campaigned for a cleaner environment.
Southern California’s ports have come under pressure from environmental and community groups in recent years over toxic emissions that are linked to cancer and respiratory diseases like asthma. The result is the ports have adopted greener ways of conducting business.
The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have imposed stricter environmental rules on the thousands of trucks that transport containers each week and on the diesel-churning vessels that bring in cargo from abroad. Over the last four years the worst types of diesel emissions linked to cancer have fallen by more than 50 percent.
“They are moving in the right direction,” said Morgan Wyenn, project attorney for the National Resources Defense Council, or NRDC, in Santa Monica. “Other ports around the country are starting to copy what the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have done.”
But the ports have a long way to go.
The ports are a busy trade gateway with a crucial impact on the nation’s economy. More than 40 percent of cargo coming into the United States is transported through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, making them the largest shipping complex in the country.
Southern California’s port complex has dwarfed its American rivals. It brings in more than double—even triple—the amount of cargo than other U.S. ports, but it also has been responsible for significantly more pollution.
Prior to 2004, the combined port was responsible for more than triple the amount of smog-contributing toxins than the Port of Virginia and triple the amount of cancer-causing emissions than ports in Houston and Seattle.
With the rise of container ships and a bustling industry, air pollution in Southern California grew to the highest rates but with very little action to curb the industry’s effects on communities and the environment....

Read it all here.

Netanyahu Calls ’67 Borders Indefensible

2011-05-20T16:45:00.000-07:00

"Netanyahu Calls ’67 Borders Indefensible" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, May 20, 2011:

After a meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is ready to make concessions for peace but cannot go back to 1967 borders. Netanyahu also said that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas must decide between its fresh reconciliation with Hamas and peace with Israel.

The comments come a day after Obama outlined his peace plan that calls for negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority based on 1967 lines.

“Israel cannot negotiate with a Palestinian government backed by Hamas,” said Netanyahu, calling Hamas a “Palestinian version of al Qaeda.”

Netanyahu met with Obama in Washington on Friday. The leaders held a closed-door meeting in the Oval Office followed by a press session where each delivered statements....

Read it all here.

The Forgotten Middle Eastern Refugees

2011-05-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

"The Forgotten Middle Eastern Refugees" by Reut Cohen for Neon Tommy, May 16, 2011:

Jewish refugees who fled Iraq in 1951 register upon arrival in Israel. (Courtesy of Babylonian Heritage Center)
Every year the month of May marks the creation of the State of Israel— for some a celebration. For others, it marks a ‘Nakba’—a catastrophe—that prompts everything from public demonstrations to violent riots around the world.
In the United States and the United Kingdom student organizations, such as the Muslim Students Association and Students for Justice in Palestine, push anti-Israel divestment campaigns on their college campuses. These divestment campaigns perpetuate lies about the State of Israel, painting the Jewish state as racist and a colonial usurper, all this despite the fact it’s no larger than the state of New Jersey and its territory a tiny fraction of the Middle East.

These campaigns demand “right of return”— not a lasting peace with Israelis, but the deliberate destruction of the State of Israel.

The May campaigns also allege that Israelis are committing genocide against the Palestinian Arabs, a ludicrous statement. Figures show that since 1948 this segment of the population has quickly increased to over 4 million.

Beyond the anti-Israel campaigns—movements that have become more like street theater—is the plight of a genuine refugee group that has suffered in total silence.

With the rise of Arab nationalism in the early 1900s, Jews in what became Islamic lands found that they had become a scapegoat. No longer living under colonial rule, their situation began to worsen. Even prior to the establishment of the State of Israel, Jews found that they were being discriminated against under Arab governments. In many cases, being Jewish was practically outlawed due to Nuremberg-style laws.

In 1948 the Arab League declared all Jewish people enemy citizens, regardless of the fact that several had no will or motivation to leave their homes. Throughout the Middle East Jewish bank accounts and property were confiscated, Jews were arrested and fired from their jobs, and synagogues were attacked. Homes were looted, women were raped and people were killed....

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