Green Zone Blinders
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/17/AR200708170=
1578.html
By Jonathan Finer
Saturday, August 18, 2007; Page A13
Late last month the Brookings Institution's Kenneth Pollack and
Michael O'Hanlon, just back from a quick trip to Baghdad, proclaimed
in the New York Times that "we are finally getting somewhere in Iraq."
In June, Sen. Joseph Lieberman, fresh from his latest whirlwind tour
of the war zone, described in the Wall Street Journal a "dramatic
reversal" in the security situation in restive Anbar province. As
Washington anticipates a September report assessing the troop surge,
there is good reason to be skeptical of such snapshot accounts.
A dizzying number of dignitaries have passed through Baghdad for high-
level briefings. The Hill newspaper reported this month that 76 U.S.
senators have traveled to Iraq during the war, 38 in the past 12
months. Most never left the Green Zone or other well-protected
enclaves. Few, if any, changed the views they held before arriving.
A Plan for Iraq
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/17/AR200708170=
1579.html
By Ayad Allawi
Saturday, August 18, 2007; Page A13
Next month, Gen. David Petraeus, commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, and
Ambassador Ryan Crocker will report to Congress on the situation in my
country. I expect that the testimony of these two good men will be
qualified and nuanced, as politics requires. I also expect that their
assessment will not capture the totality of the tragedy -- that more
than four years after its liberation from Saddam Hussein, Iraq is a
failing state, not providing the most basic security and services to
its people and contributing to an expanding crisis in the Middle East.
The Family Business
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/17/AR200708170=
1938.html
The political fundraising practices of Linda Chavez and family offer a
lesson: caveat donor.
Saturday, August 18, 2007; Page A12
POLITICS IS a business these days, and, as in the ordinary business
world, smart political operatives need to diversify: a few political
action committees here, a nonprofit there, perhaps a charitable
organization on the side. These businesses, though, aren't subject to
much scrutiny of how effectively they fulfill their proclaimed
missions and who benefits along the way. The Post's Matthew Mosk
offered a glimpse of this underscrutinized, under-regulated world in
examining the various entities associated with Linda Chavez.
Qualified to Serve
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/17/AR200708170=
1800.html
The opponents of appeals court nominee Leslie H. Southwick haven't
made their case.
Saturday, August 18, 2007; Page A12
BEFORE BEING nominated by President Bush to the U.S. Court of Appeals
for the 5th Circuit, Leslie H. Southwick served for almost 12 years on
the Mississippi Court of Appeals, where he participated in thousands
of cases spanning the gamut of civil and criminal law. A panel of the
American Bar Association unanimously found Judge Southwick to be "well
qualified" for the promotion, its highest ranking. Yet congressional
opponents have latched on to two opinions that Mr. Southwick joined,
but did not write, to argue that he is unfit for the federal appeals
post.
Fed Lowers Bank Rate, Shifts View On Economy
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/17/AR200708170=
0618_pf.html
Market Turmoil Supplants Inflation as Top Priority
By Neil Irwin
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, August 18, 2007; A01
The Federal Reserve cut a key interest rate yesterday, trying to ease
a worldwide credit crunch, and said for the first time that it viewed
turmoil in financial markets as a major risk to the U.S. economy.
Taken together, the two moves signaled that the central bank stands
ready to take serious action to prevent disruptions that began in the
market for household mortgages from spreading through the economy.
Stock markets worldwide rallied on the surprise announcements.
Yo Mama Obama
http://djtop.com/2007/08/18/yo-mama-obama/
Filed under: music; Author: ; Posted: August 18, 2007 at 8:59 am;
The ridiculous rumor that Obama is not black enough has inspired me to
make a quick movie to show how silly the subject is. Music and lyrics
was Created by Rob Vinson. Movie was edited and produced by Rob
Vinson. Songs were Performed by Monica Hickson and Rob Vinson
Recruiting For Iraq War Undercut in Puerto Rico
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/17/AR200708170=
2175_pf.html
By Paul Lewis
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, August 18, 2007; A01
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- The political activists, brown envelopes
tucked under their arms, staked out the high school gates just after
sunrise. When students emerged from the graffiti-scorched streets of
the Rio Piedra neighborhood here and began streaming toward their
school, the pro-independence advocates ripped open the envelopes and
began handing the teens fliers emblazoned with the slogan: "Our youth
should not go to war."
At the bottom of the leaflet was a tear sheet that students could sign
and later hand to teachers, to request that students' personal contact
information not be released to the U.S. Defense Department or to
anyone involved in military recruiting.
Liberal Suburbs Don't Avoid Heated Debates On Immigration
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/17/AR200708170=
2426_pf.html
By Ernesto Londo=F1o and Karin Brulliard
Washington Post Staff Writers
Saturday, August 18, 2007; A01
The air was stuffy and hot inside a packed hall in Silver Spring
during Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett's town hall meeting
last month when a lanky man in the back row raised his hand.
What, he asked, is Leggett doing to curb the influx of illegal
immigrants to the county?
Cellphone Contracts: Hard to Get off the Hook
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/17/AR200708170=
2365_pf.html
By Kim Hart
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, August 18, 2007; A01
Fed up with dropped calls and a string of defective cellphones, Corey
Taylor said he became irate when he learned he'd have to pay $175 to
get out of his long-term contract with Verizon Wireless. So he
resorted to a rather extreme measure. He faked his own death.
After reading on a blog that wireless companies would cancel the
contracts of deceased customers, "I thought, 'What have I got to lose,
besides a cellphone I despise?' " Taylor said. The Chicago consultant
fashioned a fake death certificate and had a friend fax it to Verizon
Wireless, his carrier. He thought he was in the clear -- until the
company caught on.
FDA Warns Nursing Mothers of Possible Codeine Risk
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/17/AR200708170=
1879.html
By David Brown
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, August 18, 2007; Page A02
The Food and Drug Administration yesterday warned nursing mothers who
are taking the painkiller codeine to be vigilant for unusual
drowsiness or other signs of overdose in their babies, because a
significant fraction of women carry a gene that leads to high
concentrations of narcotic substances in their breast milk.
The warning is not meant to discourage women who are prescribed
codeine from breast-feeding. But it should spur them to contact their
doctors if they or their babies seem overly sleepy while taking usual
doses of the painkiller, an agency official said.
Experts Advise Parents to Inspect Recalled Toys
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/17/AR200708170=
2275.html
Child Needs Lead Test if Paint Is Sullied
By David Brown
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, August 18, 2007; Page A03
Parents whose children have toys that were recently recalled because
they contain lead paint should inspect the playthings, and if they see
that paint is missing or damaged, they may want to have the child's
blood tested for lead.
That is the advice of two experts in lead poisoning, both of whom said
the chance of harm from the Chinese-made toys is probably very low.
Secret Court Asks For White House View on Inquiry
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/17/AR200708170=
1923.html
ACLU Seeking Rulings Issued On Warrantless Wiretapping
By Dan Eggen
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, August 18, 2007; Page A03
A secret U.S. intelligence court has ordered the Bush administration
to register its views about a records request by the American Civil
Liberties Union, which wants the court to release a series of pivotal
orders issued earlier this year about the National Security Agency's
wiretapping program.
The move is highly unusual, because the court -- which approves
warrants for electronic surveillance within the United States by
intelligence and counterterrorism agencies -- operates in almost total
secrecy and has made only one ruling public in its 29-year history.
Is It Too Late for the Late Show?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/17/AR200708170=
1489_pf.html
Thompson Sees Delayed Entry as a Plus, but Obstacles Remain
By Anne E. Kornblut and Michael D. Shear
Washington Post Staff Writers
Saturday, August 18, 2007; A04
DES MOINES, Aug. 17 -- Mobbed by voters at the Iowa State Fair, some
of them carrying homemade signs encouraging him to run, Fred D.
Thompson on Friday showed off the advantages he would enjoy as a
celebrity latecomer to the 2008 Republican presidential campaign.
"A lot of people say it's late and all that, but I look at my history
books and see where people announced in September, October, November,"
said the former Tennessee senator, who did not seem concerned that
making his candidacy official sometime after Labor Day, as he is
expected to do, might be late in the game.
Hague Likely Host For Lebanon Trial
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/17/AR200708170=
2103.html
Case Involves 2005 Hariri Assassination
By Molly Moore
Washington Post Foreign Service
Saturday, August 18, 2007; Page A09
PARIS, Aug. 17 -- Responding to a U.N. request, the Netherlands is
prepared to host the trial of suspects in the 2005 assassination of
former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq al-Hariri, the Dutch Foreign
Ministry said Friday.
"I am working under the premise that the tribunal will be in The
Hague," Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen told Dutch radio. "Obviously
we have to sort out some practical matters first, like financing and
where possible convicts will go to serve their sentences."
Bus Expedites Wheels of Justice in Rural India
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/17/AR200708170=
2173_pf.html
By Rama Lakshmi
Washington Post Foreign Service
Saturday, August 18, 2007; A09
INDANAKOTHI, India -- For 11 long years, Abdul Kareem was locked in a
slow, bitter court battle with his cousin over a wall that divided
their two homes and blocked sunlight. Several fights broke out between
the two wheat farmers, and family members in both homes were injured.
But for Kareem and his cousin, there was something far worse than all
the abusive words and physical blows that were exchanged. It was the
ordeal of actually getting to the court -- an arduous and expensive 30-
mile journey involving a long walk, a jeep ride, a bus journey and
days of endless waiting.
Polonium Traced to 4 New Sites
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/17/AR200708170=
2102.html
Litvinenko Probe Finds Radiation in London Club, Restaurant
By Karla Adam
Special to The Washington Post
Saturday, August 18, 2007; Page A10
LONDON, Aug. 17 -- British authorities on Friday disclosed four new
London locations, including a Moroccan restaurant and a lap-dancing
club, at which investigators have found the kind of radiation that
killed former Russian intelligence agent Alexander Litvinenko in
November.
The investigation stretched over 47 locations, the Westminster City
Council said. The newly disclosed sites were Hey Jo, a lap-dancing
club in central London; Litvinenko's personal Mercedes; Dar Marrakesh,
the restaurant; and a gray Mercedes taxi.
Egypt Expands Crackdown
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/17/AR200708170=
2106.html
16 Brotherhood Officials Arrested
Saturday, August 18, 2007; Page A10
CAIRO, Aug. 17 -- Egyptian security forces arrested the head of the
Muslim Brotherhood's political bureau and at least 15 other
Brotherhood officials Friday, leaders of the group said. The arrests
were part of a continuing government crackdown on the Brotherhood,
Egypt's largest opposition organization.
Essam al-Erian, who helps direct Brotherhood political activities in
Egypt, was taken into custody at a meeting of Cairo-area officials of
the group, said Abdel Monem Abo el-Fetouh, a member of the
Brotherhood's top-level guidance office. Mahmoud Hussein, another
member of the guidance office, also was arrested, as were the group's
Cairo-area officials, Abo el-Fetouh said.
Keeping Cool, Clear Tap Water
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/opinion/18sat1.html?_r=3D1&oref=3Dslogin
If too many people convert to bottled water, there would be less
political support for spending on our aging water distribution
systems.
Herndon, Va.'s Labors
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/opinion/18sat2.html
Having hit upon a humane and effective solution to the unruliness of
day labor, Herndon is moving to abandon it, so great is its desire to
rid itself of illegal immigrants.
A Better Way to Feed the Hungry
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/opinion/18sat3.html
A cash-based food aid system could save as much as $33 million that is
now lost to shipping and transaction costs. That money could be far
better spent fighting hunger.
One Bridge Doesn't Fit All
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/opinion/18billington.html
By DAVID P. BILLINGTON
The goal of good bridge design is to integrate efficiency, economy and
elegance in a single design. Few bridges built over the last century
have achieved this.
Baseball's Bad Bet
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/opinion/18weber.html
By BRUCE WEBER
To reduce the risk of a gambling scandal, baseball needs to invest in
minor-league umpiring by improving the benefits of those who will hold
the major-league game upright.
How the Vast Desert Teaches a Man Introspection
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/world/middleeast/18shannon.html?ref=3Dwor=
ld&pagewanted=3Dall
By MICHAEL SLACKMAN
For more than three decades, Amr Shannon has been introducing tourists
to the thrill of Egypt's unique and sprawling deserts.
Entrepreneurs From China Flourish in Africa
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/world/africa/18malawi.html?pagewanted=3Da=
ll
By HOWARD W. FRENCH and LYDIA POLGREEN
Hundreds of thousands of Chinese migrants are doing business on a
continent that until five years or so ago had been terra incognita.
White House to Offer Iraq Plan of Gradual Cuts
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/washington/18military.html?ref=3Dworld
By STEVEN LEE MYERS and THOM SHANKER
The plan falls far short of the drawdown demanded by Congressional
opponents of the war, officials said.
Grimmest Site in a Grim Peruvian City: The Cemetery
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/world/americas/18peru.html?ref=3Dworld
By SIMON ROMERO
Two days after an earthquake killed 510 people, dust rose around the
gravediggers making way for more bodies.
Recalling Cold War, Russia Resumes Long-Range Sorties
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/world/europe/18russia.html?ref=3Dworld
By ANDREW E. KRAMER
The Russian Air Force is resuming regular, long-range patrols by
nuclear-capable bombers over the world's oceans for the first time in
15 years.
Texas Trader Admits Guilt in Iraq Oil-for-Food Fraud
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/world/middleeast/18oilfood.html?ref=3Dwor=
ld
By ALAN FEUER
David B. Chalmers Jr., a Houston oil trader, admitted that he and two
companies he ran made millions of dollars in kickbacks to the Iraqi
government.
5 Former Officials Are Sentenced for Apartheid-Era Crime
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/world/africa/18safrica.html?ref=3Dafrica
By MICHAEL WINES
A Pretoria court gave suspended sentences to five security officials
who confessed to the attempted murder of a black activist under South
Africa's apartheid government.
U=2ES. May Add Eritrea to List of Nations Backing Terrorists
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/washington/18terror.html?ref=3Dafrica
By MARK MAZZETTI
The Bush administration says Eritrea has been trying to destabilize
Somalia's fragile government, running arms to Islamic insurgents
there.
Progress on Closing of North Korean Nuclear Sites
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/world/asia/18nuke.html?ref=3Dasia
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
The International Atomic Energy Agency said North Korea was
cooperating with experts overseeing the mothballing of important
nuclear installations.
Thais to Vote on a Constitution That Would Restore Civilian Rule in
Diluted Form
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/world/asia/18thai.html?ref=3Dasia
By SETH MYDANS
Analysts say the new constitution is likely to weaken democratic
processes and return power to traditional centers of authority.
Recalling Cold War, Russia Resumes Long-Range Sorties
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/world/europe/18russia.html?ref=3Deurope
By ANDREW E. KRAMER
The Russian Air Force is resuming regular, long-range patrols by
nuclear-capable bombers over the world's oceans for the first time in
15 years.
Lebanon Bans Tale of Fighters in Militias
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/theater/18perf.html?ref=3Dmiddleeast&page=
wanted=3Dall
By KAELEN WILSON-GOLDIE
Over the next three months, the Lebanese artist Rabih Mrou=E9 will stage
his new performance piece in Paris, Rome and the capitals of Tunisia,
Morocco and Egypt. But he will not present it for the audience with
whom it might resonate most.
Warrant Seeks Saddam Hussein's Wife and Daughter
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/world/middleeast/18iraq.html?ref=3Dmiddle=
east
By STEPHEN FARRELL
Iraqi officials would not discuss the specific charges against Raghad
Saddam Hussein and her mother, Sajida Khairalla Tulfa.
Texas Trader Admits Guilt in Iraq Oil-for-Food Fraud
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/world/middleeast/18oilfood.html?ref=3Dmid=
dleeast
By ALAN FEUER
David B. Chalmers Jr., a Houston oil trader, admitted that he and two
companies he ran made millions of dollars in kickbacks to the Iraqi
government.
At German Base, Troops and Kin Gird for New Iraq Tour
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/world/middleeast/18troops.html?ref=3Dmidd=
leeast
By MARK LANDLER
With multiple deployments lasting longer than in previous wars, the
Army has been forced to re-examine the way it prepares families to
deal with long absences.
In Praise of Scoops on Heaven, Hell and, Yes, God
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/us/18beliefs.html?ref=3Dus&pagewanted=3Da=
ll
By PETER STEINFELS
No one has sufficiently mourned the loss to religion reporting
resulting from the closing of the Weekly World News.
Padilla Case Offers New Model of Terrorism Trial
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/us/nationalspecial3/18legal.html?ref=3Dus
By ADAM LIPTAK
The Justice Department's use of a seldom-tested conspiracy law in the
case cemented a new prosecutorial paradigm.
A Congressman's $10 Million Gift for Road Is Rebuffed
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/washington/18earmarks.html?ref=3Dus
By DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK
A Florida community turned down an Alaskan congressman's gift of a
highway interchange that would have been a boon to a major political
fund-raiser.
U=2ES. Agency Is Swamped by Requests for Visas
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/us/18visa.html?ref=3Dus
By JULIA PRESTON
Immigration authorities have received about 300,000 applications for
high-skilled-employment visas since July 1.
New Field for Earmarks in U.S. Goals on Energy
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/us/18energy.html?ref=3Dus&pagewanted=3Dall
By JOHN M. BRODER
The government is shoveling out billions of dollars to energy-related
businesses working to reduce dependence on foreign oil and combat
global warming.
U=2ES. Proposes $2.78 Million Fine in Worker's Death
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/washington/18cintas.html?ref=3Dus
By STEVEN GREENHOUSE
The fine against the Cintas Corporation is more than four times the
previous safety penalty leveled against a service-sector company.
Obama Opts Out of Forums
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/obama-opts-out-of-presidentia=
l-campaign-forums/
DES MOINES - Senator Barack Obama announced today that he will no
longer be attending most presidential campaign forums, saying the
schedule has become too unwieldy and is taking away time to campaign
in early-voting states. "Unfortunately, we simply cannot run the kind
of campaign we want and need to, engaging with voters in the early-
voting states.
Thompson at the Fair
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/08/17/thompson-at-the-fair/
Fred Thompson punched his ticket at the Iowa State Fair today, acting
very much the candidate.
P=2EM. Postscript: Family, Foreclosures and Fund-Raisers
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/08/17/pm-postscript-family-foreclos=
ures-and-fund-raisers/
Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani answered another
question about his family today, former Senator John Edwards talked
about his investments, and a look ahead at some swanky fund-raisers.
Slide Show: Meet Me at the Fair
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/08/17/slide-show-meet-me-at-the-fai=
r/
The Iowa State Fair is a must-attend event for the 2008 presidential
candidates.
2008: A Thompson Debut, of Sorts
Former Senator Fred D. Thompson was shaking lots of hands, but not
asking for votes, at the Iowa State Fair yesterday.
To Warren Buffett, Obama and Clinton Are Both Presidential
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/08/17/to-warren-buffett-obama-and-c=
linton-are-both-presidential/
In his Web column today, Jeff Zeleny writes that in the Warren Buffett
primary, "there is nothing but neutrality when it comes to divining
who he believes would make the better Democratic presidential nominee:
Hillary Rodham Clinton or Barack Obama."
Thompson Woos Iowa, a Presidential Hopeful in All but Formality
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/us/politics/18thompson.html
By SUSAN SAULNY
Fred D. Thompson punched his ticket at the Iowa State Fair but, having
not yet declared his candidacy, was barred from asking for votes.
Edwards Says He Will Drop His Investments in Subprime Lenders
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/us/politics/18edwards.html?ref=3Dpolitics
By LESLIE WAYNE
The presidential candidate plans to divest his portfolio of
investments in companies that have foreclosed on victims of Hurricane
Katrina.
After Loss of Majority, Several Republicans Head for Exits
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/us/politics/18cong.html?ref=3Dpolitics
By DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK
Republican leaders are anxious about a potential wave of retirements
after announcements from four House Republicans that they will not
seek re-election.
China Seeks to Regain Confidence on Food Safety
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/business/worldbusiness/18safety.html?ref=
=3Dworldbusiness
By DAVID BARBOZA
The government said it appointed Vice Prime Minister Wu Yi to head a
cabinet-level panel to oversee product quality and food safety.
Toys 'R' Us Stops Selling Lead-Tainted Bibs
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/business/18bibs.html?ref=3Dworldbusiness
By ERIC LIPTON
The giant toy chain said Friday that it would halt sales of vinyl baby
bibs after tests it commissioned in recent days found two samples with
lead exceeding its standards.
Jittery Markets Deflate Trades Centered on Yen
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/business/worldbusiness/18yen.html?ref=3Dw=
orldbusiness
By WAYNE ARNOLD
For several years, investors have borrowed cheaply in Japan and
invested that money in higher-return locales. But the recent market
volatility may mark the end of this particular investment strategy.
Fearing Slide in Economy, Fed Cuts Its Discount Rate
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/business/18fed.html?ref=3Dworldbusiness&p=
agewanted=3Dall
By LOUIS UCHITELLE
The rare move was seen as an admission by the Federal Reserve that its
outlook on the credit crisis was flawed, and analysts suggested that
further cuts are likely.
Latest Genealogy Tools Create a Need to Know
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/business/18genealogy.html?ref=3Dtechnolog=
y&pagewanted=3Dall
By ELLEN ROSEN
As genealogical societies and Web sites proliferate and DNA testing
becomes more widely available, researching family roots has become a
passion for many Americans.
Obama's had enough
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/8/18/123716/023
by Kagro X
Sat Aug 18, 2007 at 10:39:45 AM PDT
More via Ambinder:
Frustrated with the volume of interest group forums and non-party
sponsored debates, Sen. Barack Obama's campaign manager has put his
foot down: Obama won't attend any more debates that aren't sanctioned
by the Democratic National Committee, and he won't accept any more
invitations to speak at candidate forums.
Enough's Enough: Obama Will Limit Forum/Debate Participation
http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2007/08/enoughs_enough_obama_w=
ill_limi_1.php
18 Aug 2007 10:52 am
Frustrated with the volume of interest group forums and non-party
sponsored debates, Sen. Barack Obama's campaign manager has put his
foot down: Obama won't attend any more debates that aren't sanctioned
by the Democratic National Committee, and he won't accept any more
invitations to speak at candidate forums.
In a memo the campaign will post on its website shortly, campaign
manager David Plouffe writes that Obama has already spoken at 19
different candidate forums and has participated in seven full debates
and is committed to attending a total of fifteen debates.
Can Oprah Help Get Obama into the White House?
http://www.alternet.org/story/59651/
By Felix Gilette and Leon Neyfakh, New York Observer
Posted on August 18, 2007, Printed on August 18, 2007
Oprah can get people to like Obama, but can she get people to vote for
him?
If you picked it up with a pair of tweezers and plopped it down in a
sterile laboratory environment, the conversation which took place
between Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama on Oct. 18, 2006, probably
wouldn't look so good under a microscope.
Here were two people with impeccably manicured public images bemoaning
the calculated spin of politics. Two professionally driven people
paying homage to life outside of work. If you tested the exchange for
traces of organic life, the results would probably come back negative.
Black celebs are major political players
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/celebrity/la-et-cause17aug17,0,10=
69617.story?coll=3Dla-home-entertainment
In recent years they've become an integral part of Hollywood and the
fundraising process.
By TINA DAUNT
August 17, 2007
Hollywood's biggest and richest fundraisers of this election cycle are
being hosted by some of the entertainment industry's most respected
and influential African Americans, a potent symbol of how much has
changed in recent years.
These fundraisers underscore the importance and security of the black
celebrities and executives, who have become such an integral part of
Hollywood. They've become a community unafraid to divide its
loyalties, regardless of race. The days when "black Hollywood" felt
that it needed to marshal all its resources behind a single candidate
or cause are past. So, some of the biggest names are backing Sen.
Hillary Rodham Clinton, while others are supporting Sen. Barack Obama.
Good Move by Barack Obama
http://www.raisingkaine.com/showDiary.do;jsessionid=3DC328D4965FFC0E7A4BAA3=
2371C0BB8AA?diaryId=3D9953
by: Lowell
Sat Aug 18, 2007 at 16:03:49 PM EDT
This is a good move for Barack Obama, I believe:
Senator Barack Obama announced today that he will no longer be
attending most presidential campaign forums, saying the schedule has
become too unwieldy and is taking away time to campaign in early-
voting states.
Obama Video of the Day - 8/18/2007
http://blackwomenforobama.wordpress.com/2007/08/18/obama-video-of-the-day-8=
182007/
Saturday, August 18th, 2007 in The Campaign Trail, Did You Know?,
Commentary by bfwo
Today's video is as inspiring as it is entertaining!
We found this video on YouTube as well. In this video, You Tube user
Akinscribe5 has compiled footage of both ordinary citizens and elected
officials, celebrating the candidacy of the Senator, and also speaking
candidly about why it is so important that Senator Barack Obama be the
nect President of the United States.
The video shows an exciting 4th of July parade in Jersey and the Bronx
Dominican Parade juxtaposed with remarks by Mayors Cory Booker,
Jerramiah Healy, and Jun H. Choi.
"A Different World" actress campaigns for Obama
http://www.beaufortgazette.com/local_news/story/6625969p-5902624c.html
Published Saturday August 18 2007
By TIMOTHY WOERNER
twoerner@islandpacket.com
843-706-8138
HILTON HEAD ISLAND -- Actress Jasmine Guy stood at a podium in front
of more than 200 Barack Obama supporters at Hilton Head Country Club
on Friday and, within a few moments of starting her speech, scrapped
her notes.
"My dad worried I'd say something wrong." she said. "He drilled me on
what I was going to say. (But) you can't be wrong if you speak from
the heart."
Open Letter To Obama
http://thenewspeculator.blogspot.com/2007/08/open-letter-to-obama.html
I watched Kenny Sia's recommendation on what Jeff Ooi or DAP could use
as a platform.
Barack Obama is a member of the reality-based community.
http://cannablog.wordpress.com/2007/08/18/barack-obama-is-a-member-of-the-r=
eality-based-community/
Mitt Romney is not.
Extra Golden - Hera Ma Nono (Thrill Jockey 2007)
http://audiversity.com/2007/08/extra-golden-hera-ma-nono.html
Extra Golden - Hera Ma Nono / Thrill Jockey
Last September (2006), I made it a priority to catch Extra Golden play
live during at least one of their multitude of performances at
Chicago's excellent World Music Festival. I was already infatuated
with their debut album, Ok-Oyot System (which not only made
Audiversity's Top 60 of 06 but was in my Top 10 as well), and seeing
as how half the band was from Kenya and could very well never make the
trip to the states again, it seemed slightly urgent. The surreal night
still rings in my head as if it happened just hours ago: I took the
bus down to the South Shore Cultural Center and entered the walled
compound fifteen minutes after the show had started. It was my first
trip to the Southside Center, and with it already being a visceral
fall night, as I was walking up to the mammoth, almost plantation home-
looking building in the center of the large walled-in park it honestly
felt like I was being geographically transplanted to accommodate the
music. After entering the near empty, antiquated Center, I followed
the distinct syncopated rhythms to the dimly lit auditorium where
Extra Golden was performing. The room already looked like it hadn't
been refurbished since the 40s and with the array of metal chairs set-
up, the low, glowing lights and the small number of people dancing
dreamily to the music, I swear I had to forcefully shake off the
feeling that I was just somehow transported sixty years back to an
East African performance hall. Extra Golden's music just has that
effect on you; it's nostalgic, hypnotic and transcendent.
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