**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.
=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Iceland Names New Prime Minister
By JOHN F. BURNS
LONDON - With the swearing-in of its first female prime minister on Sunday, Iceland became the first country to change its government as a direct resultof the global financial crisis.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/02/world/europe/02iceland.html?scp=2&sq=GAY&st=cse
-Final Sermon for Marble Collegiate Church's Leader
By ANDY NEWMAN
The notice board outside Marble Collegiate Church in Manhattan did not seem designed to draw attention. "Sunday February 1," it said. "Dr. Arthur Caliandro. 'Go with faith.' " But at Marble Collegiate, the landmark church on Fifth Avenue and 29th Street, one of the oldest Protestant congregations in North America and, thanks to Norman Vincent Peale, one of the most prominent, Sunday was a big day indeed.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/02/nyregion/02minister.html?scp=4&sq=GAY&st=cse
-Sam Adams - Portland: The Great Gay Hope
The politician was in his 40s, a rising star, a man with the pilot light of ambition burning bright. The intern was just 17, sorting through emotions about his sexuality, a boy who said he needed someone to mentor him in the political world.
http://egan.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/28/the-great-gay-hope/?ref=opinion
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South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Start Your Engines
RuPaul's 'Drag Race' reality show features SoFla's Glasscock
By Dan Renzi, Tonight is the premiere of RuPaul's Drag Race on Logo, a reality series which will be the ultimate drag competition. Nine of the top drag queens in the country, including Fort Lauderdale's own, Rebecca Glasscock, will be competing for drag stardom by reining supreme in all the judging and eliminations. Each cast member must embody the charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent that made RuPaul an international drag superstar. For more information and broadcast times, visit the Logo website at Logo Online. Let the races begin!http://www.floridablade.com/blog/index.cfm#23700
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AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
-15 Most Loathsome People of 2008
By Allan Uthman and Ian Murphy, Buffalo Beast. Posted January 31, 2009.
Limbaugh, Palin, Warren, and more. They're the worst people in America, and unfortunately they dominated last year's headlines.
http://www.alternet.org/story/123844/15_most_loathsome_people_of_2008/?page=entire
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Forwarded from Euro-Queer
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article:
-Ireland: A fifth of gay people tried suicide - study
ALMOST 20 per cent of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people have attempted suicide and almost all saw this as related to their sexual identity and the experiences of being abused and feeling isolated, a report to be published today has found. The study, Supporting LGBT Lives: A Studyof the Mental Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People, also found almost one-third of respondents had self-harmed at least once. To be published today by Minister for Health Mary Harney, the study is the biggest carried out in the Republic into the mental health of gay, lesbian and transgender people.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/0202/1232923382540.html
-Iceland's PM marks gay milestone
By Vanessa Buschschluter - BBC News
Johanna Sigurdardottir, named as Iceland's prime minister on Sunday, is the first openly lesbian head of government in Europe, if not the world - at least in modern times. The 66-year-old's appointment as an interim leader, until elections in May, is seen by many as a milestone for the gay and lesbian movement. Up until now, if a gay man or woman has been prime minister, they have done their best to conceal the fact. In Iceland itself, however, the new prime minister's sexual orientation appears to becausing less excitement than it is abroad. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7862804.stm
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Ethiopian faith leaders call for constitutional ban on homosexuality
By Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk
The leaders of the Roman Catholic, Ethiopian Orthodox and Protestant churches have called on the government of Ethiopia for a constitutional ban on homosexuality.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10986.html
-Doctors claim NHS has "come a long way" on gay acceptance
The British Medical Association has claimed that attitudes towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans medical staff are improving. It has produced a report which describes the experiences of LGBT doctors and medical students working in the NHS as part of LGBT History Month.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10985.html
-Video: US "family values" group targets Pepsi's British gay advert
By Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk .
A US pressure group that "motivates and equips citizens to change th eculture to reflect Biblical truth and traditional family values" has complained about a new advert from drinks manufacturer Pepsi. The TV ad (scroll down for the advert), currently airing in the UK, features shows a young man passing up several women and finally showing interest in another man.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10966.html
-Washington state may approve full equality for same-sex couples
By Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk
Legislators in the US state of Washingon have unveiled proposals to extend all the rights of married couples to same-sex partners.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10964.html
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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com
Go to the links for the following articles:
-NH: Robinson to Testify at Marriage Hearing
Nashua Telegraph CONCORD (AP) - The Rev. V. Gene Robinson will testify Thursday before the New Hampshire House Judiciary Committee on a bill to allow gay marriage in the Granite State. In 2003, the Episcopal Church consecrated Robinson, the church's first openly gay bishop. That prompted a rift in the global Anglican Communion, which the church belongs to. Democratic state Rep. Jim Splaine, the bill's sponsor, said Robinson wants to see marriage equality in New Hampshire. A state law granting civil unions to gay couples took effect last year. More than 600 couples have had civil unions since then. Read more
-MA: Driver's Licenses Let Applicants Pick Gender
Bob Unruh World Daily News
The state of Massachusetts, which has been at the forefront of normalizing homosexual relationships in law, has taken a bold new step to allow applicants for drivers licenses to select their gender on official documents. The decision by Rachel Kaprielian became public when an organization promoting family values obtained a copy of a letter she dispatched to a homosexual lobbying organization. The letter to Marc Solomon of MassEquality said the state Registry of Motor Vehicles "has amended its policy to enable transgendered individuals to more easily change the gender designation on their licenses and identity cards." Read more
-Cleric Whose Katrina Comment Caused Stir Promoted
Associate Press San Francisco Chronicle
PST VATICAN CITY, (AP) - An Austrian pastor who has been quoted as calling Hurricane Katrina God's punishment for sin in New Orleans is being promoted to the rank of bishop. The Vatican announced Saturday that Pope Benedict XVI has tapped the Rev. Gerhard Wagner, 54, to be auxiliary bishop in Linz, Austria. It made no mention of the reported remarks about Hurricane Katrina. Wagner has served since 1988 as pastor of a church in the Austrian town of Windischgarsten and received a doctorate in theology from the prestigious Gregorian Pontifical University in Rome, the Vatican said. Read more
-Mormon Church Reveals New Spending On Gay Marriage Ban
Carlos Santoscoy On Top Magazine
A new report filed Friday by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) lists more than $190,000 in expenses by the church in support of California's gay marriage ban, reports the Los Angeles Times. Mormon leaders had previously recorded only $2,078 in contributions towards Proposition 8, the constitutional amendment that yanked back the right of gays and lesbians to marry in the state. In November, the California Fair Political Practices Commission agreed to investigate a complaint by Californians Against Hate, a gay rights group that pushed for full disclosure of monetary support of Prop. 8, that alleged numerous contribution violations to the campaign to ban gay marriage by the Utah-based Mormon Church. Read more
-Civil Unions a Minefield for Obama
LOU CHIBBARO JR. Southern Voice
President Barack Obama's support for legislation to provide all of the federal rights and benefits of marriage to same-sex couples joined in civil unions and other legally recognized relationships has raised concern among some activists that the president's proposal could delay progress on same-sex marriage. The Obama administration posted on the White House web site the new president's positions supporting gay rights, including his marriage rights proposal, minutes after Obama took the oath of office Jan. 20 "President Obama supports full civil unions that give same-sex couples legal rights and privileges equal to those of married couples," according to a section of the White House site labeled Support for the LGBT Community. The section adds, "Obama also believes we need to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and enact legislation that would ensure that the 1,100+ federal legal rights and benefits currently provided on the basis of marital status are extended to same-sex couples in civil unions and other legally-recognized unions." Read more
-GA: John Rocker Uses Anti-Gay Slurs Again
DYANA BAGBY Southern Voice
Former Atlanta Brave John Rocker used anti-gay slurs and anti-Semitic statements against local radio host Steak Shapiro during an altercation at the W Buckhead hotel's grand opening last week. News of Rocker being tossed from the glitzy Jan. 22 party was reported in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The newspaper stated Rocker used ethnic slurs against Shapiro, who hosts a sports talk show on AM station 790 The Zone, and in later stories reported that Rocker kept calling Shapiro a"Jew." The AJC did not report that Rocker used the word "faggot." However, Shapiro, who is not gay, confirmed to Southern Voice on Jan. 27 that Rocker used the slur against him. "It [faggot] is one of his favorite terms and he used it multiple times," Shapiro said. "His exact words at least three times [were], 'You Jew faggot.' He is a pathetic guy." Read more
-Bias Behind Higher Rates of HIV in Black Gay Men?
MATT SCHAFER Southern Voice
Gay and bisexual black men in America are the most likely people in the world to contract HIV, and community advocates say current efforts to stem the epidemic aren't working. "Gay black men are more likely to contract HIV than any other population in the country," said Caudie Grissom, a counselor with Atlantabased National AIDS Education & Services for Minorities. "Even with all of our modern technology and medication, American black gay men are more likely to have HIV than people living in third world countries." NAESM sponsored the fifth annual National African-American MSM Leadership Conference on HIV/AIDS. Held Jan. 22-25 in Atlanta, it attracted hundreds of community organizers and activists from across the country. Asked why the rates of HIV and AIDS are higher among black men who have sex with men, answers ranged from poor federal services to stigma and discrimination within a mostly white medical profession. Read more
-GA: Atlanta Pride Returns to Piedmont Park
MATT SCHAFER Southern Voice
Atlanta will once again celebrate Pride in Piedmont Park, but instead of celebrating under a sweltering summer sun, rainbow flags will fly amidst falling leaves and costumes punctuating the Halloween weekend. In an unexpected announcement on Jan. 26, the Atlanta Pride Committee made public a compromise where the City of Atlanta will allow Atlanta Pride to return to Piedmont Park during the Oct. 31 weekend. Last year, Pride was held at the Atlanta Civic Center after all large festivals were booted from the park due to the state's serious drought. The deal to put Pride back in Piedmont Park came after a series of negotiations with City Council President Lisa Borders and Dianne Harnell Cohen, the city's commissioner of Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Events. "I think the most important thing to remember here is that the Pride Committee came to me and said that they need help, and I was honored to help and work with the parks department to reach a compromise that works for everyone, which if you think about it is what I do every two weeks with the City Council meetings," Borders said. Read more
-Marijuana Reform is Part of the Progressive Agenda, So Why are Obama's Drug Cops Already Making Pot Raids?
Armentano, AlterNet
This past August, House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., during a live interview with CNN, did something quite remarkable. She spoke candidly and openly about her support for marijuana-law reform. But rather than demanding her colleagues in Washington take the necessary steps to end the federal government's seven-decade war on weed, she instead called on the public to act. "We have important work to do outside the Congress in order for us to have success inside the Congress." Pelosi said. "[W]e need peoples' help to be in touch with their members of Congress to say why this (marijuana law reform) should be the case."As the saying goes, "Ask and ye shall receive."In the past few months, the public has expressed its support for marijuana law reform in unprecedented numbers. The election of former pot smoker, Barack "I inhaled frequently; that was the point" Obama, coupled with a sagging economy, has stimulated tens of thousands of Americans to demand their government stop spending its limited state and federal law enforcement resources on efforts targeting, arresting and prosecuting marijuana smokers. Read more
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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
Monday, February 02, 2009
NATIONAL & WORLD NEWS - February 02, 2009
**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.
=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Welfare Aid Isn't Growing as Economy Drops Off
By JASON DEPARLE
Despite soaring unemployment and the worst economic crisis in decades, 18 states cut their welfare rolls last year, and nationally the number of people receiving cash assistance remained at or near the lowest in more than 40 years.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/02/us/02welfare.html?hp
-Ads That Pushed Our Usual (Well-Worn) Buttons
By STUART ELLIOTT
In recent months, Americans have been disappointed and appalled by Wall Street, banks, the big-budget film "Australia," investment counselors, Detroit, the governors of at least two states, hedge fund managers and even the geese at La Guardia, which used to know better than to interfere with those metal birds they fly among.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/02/business/media/02adco.html?hp
-Interactive: The Super Ad Bowl: Two Decades of Players
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/02/02/business/media/20090202-business-superbowlads.html
-Sins of Omission: Help for the Beleaguered Homeowner
The Senate will debate its version of the mammoth stimulus and recoverypackage this week. As with last week's version, passed by the House, therewill be considerable argument between Democrats and Republicans over whatbelongs in the bill.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/02/opinion/02mon1.html?ref=opinion
-Op-Ed Columnist: Bailouts for Bunglers
By PAUL KRUGMAN
Published: February 1, 2009
Question: what happens if you lose vast amounts of other people's money? Answer: you get a big gift from the federal government - but the president says some very harsh things about you before forking over the cash.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/02/opinion/02krugman.html?ref=opinion
-Sins of Omission: The Forgotten Poor
Also lost in the wrangling over the huge House economic measure were two programs for the poor that are in urgent need of Congressional attention: legal services and access to family planning.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/02/opinion/02mon2.html?ref=opinion
-The Other Iran
By ROGER COHEN
TEHRAN: At one of the embassies offering islands of peace from the gridlocked, grinding Iranian capital, a Western diplomat said this of United States and allied policy toward Iran: "You could argue that our policy has not yet failed."
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/02/opinion/02cohen.html?ref=opinion
-A New Subpoena for Karl Rove
Last year, Karl Rove defied a Congressional subpoena ordering him to testify about the politically driven hiring and firing of United States attorneys. The House Judiciary Committee has now issued another subpoena. Congress and the Obama administration should do everything they can to compel him to testify.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/02/opinion/02mon3.html?ref=opinion
-Secular Parties and Premier Lead in Iraq
By ALISSA J. RUBIN
BAGHDAD - Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki and several secular parties appeared to score significant gains in Iraq's provincial elections on Saturday, preliminary reports showed Sunday.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/02/world/middleeast/02iraq.html?hp
-And Now Let the Jockeying Begin
By PETER BAKER
In her first days as America's top diplomat, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton found the Middle East portfolio handed off to a special envoy. Afghanistan and Pakistan were assigned to a special representative. And administration officials expect another special envoy to be tapped soon to deal with Iran.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/weekinreview/01baker.html
-Bringing the Internet to Remote African Villages
By CHRIS NICHOLSON
ENTASOPIA, Kenya - The road from Nairobi winds 100 miles to this town deep in Masai country. The asphalt gives way to sand and dust, until finally it is just a dirt track climbing over broken hills and plunging back to desert flats. The going is slow.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/02/technology/internet/02kenya.html
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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-What Obama Owes Africa
Njoroge Wachai - Kenya Njoroge is a journalist who formerly worked for the Kenya-based People Daily.
Dear President Obama: There's nowhere your presidency matters more than in Africa. I know some will differ with me on this; they will, rightly, say that your top priority should be to serve America. Well, I agree, but I must remind you of the folly of forgetting your roots. Expectations are as high for your presidency in Africa as they are here in the U.S. You would deny your African roots at your own peril. Your deceased father hailed from Kenya, and that White House, where you'll be residing for the next four years, or eight years if you win in 2013, was built by African slaves. Don'tyou think you owe us something? [...] For all of his failings, Africans will judge your predecessor, George W. Bush, on what he built, what he contributed to the continent. He looks like a messiah to Africa for the massive aid he channeled there to fight HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other neglected diseases. Imagine what you could contribute in Africa if you helped tamp down the corruption and waste that daily plague our people there. President Obama, how do you plan to deal with leaders who you said "...cling to power through corruption and deceit?" Will you come down hardon them? We hope so.
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/postglobal/njoroge_wachai/2009/01/what_obama_owes_africa.html
-Daschle Apologizes for Income Tax Errors
By Ceci Connolly and Paul Kane
Thomas A. Daschle, fighting to defend his nomination to be secretary of health and human services, released a letter early today apologizing to the top lawmakers on the Senate Finance Committee for mistakes on his personal income tax returns that resulted in $146,000 in back payments.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/02/AR2009020200459.html?hpid=topnews
-Gunmen in Pakistan Kidnap American Official
By Candace Rondeaux
ISLAMABAD, Feb. 2 -- Gunmen in southern Pakistan kidnapped an American United Nations official and fatally shot his driver Monday, the latest in a recent series of high-profile kidnappings and targeted hits on foreigners.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/01/AR2009020100583.html?hpid=moreheadlines
-Phelps Will Not Face Any Sanctions
Photo Appears To Show Drug Use
By Amy Shipley
Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps acknowledged using "bad judgment" and engaging in "regrettable" behavior a day after a British tabloid published a photo in which he appeared to be using marijuana.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/01/AR2009020101022.html?hpid=moreheadlines
-Turkey's Turn From the West
By Soner Cagaptay
Turkey is a special Muslim country. Of the more than 50 majority-Muslim nations, it is the only one that is a NATO ally, is in accession talks with the European Union, is a liberal democracy and has normal relations with Israel. Under its current government by the Justice and Development Party (AKP), however, Turkey is losing these special qualities. Liberal political trends are disappearing, E.U. accession talks have stalled, ties with anti-Western states such as Iran are improving and relations with Israel are deteriorating. On Thursday, for example, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan walked out of a panel at Davos, Switzerland, after chiding Israeli President Shimon Peres for "killing people." If Turkey fails in these areas or wavers in its commitment to transatlantic structures such as NATO, it cannot expect to be President Obama's favorite Muslim country.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/01/AR2009020101672.html
-Bipartisanship at What Price?
By E. J. Dionne Jr.
The coming week will test the strength of President Obama and the Democrats: Will they lose their nerve, or will they face down a rapidly forming conventional wisdom that would allow them to claim victory only if their economic stimulus package passes with substantial Republican support?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/01/AR2009020101000.html
-Four Keys to Success in Afghanistan
by Fareed Zakaria
The war in Afghanistan is not going well; almost all trends are moving in the wrong direction. But we still have time to focus, improve our strategy, calibrate our means. It will help immeasurably if we keep in mind the basic objective of U.S. policy: "Our primary goal is to prevent Afghanistan from being used as a base for terrorists and extremists to attack the United States and its allies," Defense Secretary Robert Gates said last week. That is an admirably clear statement.
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/postglobal/fareed_zakaria/2009/02/four_keys_to_success_in_afghan.html
-The Rise of Soft Censorship
By Don Podesta
Among the accusations swirling around ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is one that touches on his relationship with the most important newspaper in his state, the Chicago Tribune. Blagojevich reportedly threatened to withhold state assistance from a deal involving the sale of Wrigley Field, owned by the Tribune Co., if the paper didn't fire members of the editorial board whom he viewed as highly critical of him.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/01/AR2009020101671.html
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Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/public/us
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Daschle Faces Questions on Trips
On Top of Tax Issues, Senators Also Weigh Propriety of Travel with Charity
By JONATHAN WEISMAN and MELANIE TROTTMAN
Former Sen. Tom Daschle, already facing questions over his failure to pay some taxes in a timely fashion, will likely face another question when the Senate Finance Committee meets Monday to consider his nomination as health and human services secretary: whether he improperly took gifts of value from charities with which he was involved.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123350459826036791.html
-Summers Carves Out a Powerful Role
National Economic Council Has New Prominence, but Also Risks Clashes
By JONATHAN WEISMAN
With a slew of high-profile hires, President Barack Obama's chief economic adviser is raising the clout of the White House National Economic Council -- as well as the prospects of internal conflict in the Obama administration.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123353917172037999.html
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Huge error to welcome back anti-Semitic prelates
BY TIM RUTTEN
The recent announcement by the Vatican that Pope Benedict XVI has lifted the excommunication order his predecessor imposed on four so-called traditionalist bishops has provoked understandable hurt and outrage among Jews. http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/other-views/story/883558.html
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AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
-15 Most Loathsome People of 2008
By Allan Uthman and Ian Murphy, Buffalo Beast.
Limbaugh, Palin, Warren, and more. They're the worst people in America, and unfortunately they dominated last year's headlines.
http://www.alternet.org/story/123844/15_most_loathsome_people_of_2008/?page=entire
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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Just how bad off is the Republican Party?
Republicans know what they're against: Barack Obama. They're still figuring out what they're for.
By Thomas Schaller
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2009/02/02/republicans/index.html
-GOP Leaders Doubt Stimulus Bill Will Pass Senate
Senate Republican leaders cite lack of support for stimulus bill, call for major changes
By DOUGLASS K. DANIEL Associated Press Writer
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said Sunday the massive stimulus bill backed by President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats could go down to defeat if it's not stripped of unnecessary spending and focused more on housing issues and tax cut.
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=6780618
-Congress Eyes New Lifeline For Homeowners
CBS Evening News: Proposed Legislation Would Allow Bankruptcy Judges To Reduce Mortgage Payments For Those Facing Foreclosure
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/02/01/eveningnews/main4767753.shtml?tag=topStory;topStoryHeadline
-'The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama'
by Gwen Ifill
PBS' Ifill takes fresh look at Obama effect. Douglas C. Lyons It's too bad Republicans backing their candidate in the recent presidential election chose to demean Gwen Ifill's The Breakthrough in hopes of disqualifying the venerable black journalist as the moderator of the vice-presidential debate.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/services/newspaper/printedition/sunday/travel/orl-osbkreview20109feb01,0,4834637.story
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Welfare Aid Isn't Growing as Economy Drops Off
By JASON DEPARLE
Despite soaring unemployment and the worst economic crisis in decades, 18 states cut their welfare rolls last year, and nationally the number of people receiving cash assistance remained at or near the lowest in more than 40 years.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/02/us/02welfare.html?hp
-Ads That Pushed Our Usual (Well-Worn) Buttons
By STUART ELLIOTT
In recent months, Americans have been disappointed and appalled by Wall Street, banks, the big-budget film "Australia," investment counselors, Detroit, the governors of at least two states, hedge fund managers and even the geese at La Guardia, which used to know better than to interfere with those metal birds they fly among.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/02/business/media/02adco.html?hp
-Interactive: The Super Ad Bowl: Two Decades of Players
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/02/02/business/media/20090202-business-superbowlads.html
-Sins of Omission: Help for the Beleaguered Homeowner
The Senate will debate its version of the mammoth stimulus and recoverypackage this week. As with last week's version, passed by the House, therewill be considerable argument between Democrats and Republicans over whatbelongs in the bill.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/02/opinion/02mon1.html?ref=opinion
-Op-Ed Columnist: Bailouts for Bunglers
By PAUL KRUGMAN
Published: February 1, 2009
Question: what happens if you lose vast amounts of other people's money? Answer: you get a big gift from the federal government - but the president says some very harsh things about you before forking over the cash.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/02/opinion/02krugman.html?ref=opinion
-Sins of Omission: The Forgotten Poor
Also lost in the wrangling over the huge House economic measure were two programs for the poor that are in urgent need of Congressional attention: legal services and access to family planning.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/02/opinion/02mon2.html?ref=opinion
-The Other Iran
By ROGER COHEN
TEHRAN: At one of the embassies offering islands of peace from the gridlocked, grinding Iranian capital, a Western diplomat said this of United States and allied policy toward Iran: "You could argue that our policy has not yet failed."
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/02/opinion/02cohen.html?ref=opinion
-A New Subpoena for Karl Rove
Last year, Karl Rove defied a Congressional subpoena ordering him to testify about the politically driven hiring and firing of United States attorneys. The House Judiciary Committee has now issued another subpoena. Congress and the Obama administration should do everything they can to compel him to testify.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/02/opinion/02mon3.html?ref=opinion
-Secular Parties and Premier Lead in Iraq
By ALISSA J. RUBIN
BAGHDAD - Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki and several secular parties appeared to score significant gains in Iraq's provincial elections on Saturday, preliminary reports showed Sunday.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/02/world/middleeast/02iraq.html?hp
-And Now Let the Jockeying Begin
By PETER BAKER
In her first days as America's top diplomat, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton found the Middle East portfolio handed off to a special envoy. Afghanistan and Pakistan were assigned to a special representative. And administration officials expect another special envoy to be tapped soon to deal with Iran.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/weekinreview/01baker.html
-Bringing the Internet to Remote African Villages
By CHRIS NICHOLSON
ENTASOPIA, Kenya - The road from Nairobi winds 100 miles to this town deep in Masai country. The asphalt gives way to sand and dust, until finally it is just a dirt track climbing over broken hills and plunging back to desert flats. The going is slow.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/02/technology/internet/02kenya.html
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-What Obama Owes Africa
Njoroge Wachai - Kenya Njoroge is a journalist who formerly worked for the Kenya-based People Daily.
Dear President Obama: There's nowhere your presidency matters more than in Africa. I know some will differ with me on this; they will, rightly, say that your top priority should be to serve America. Well, I agree, but I must remind you of the folly of forgetting your roots. Expectations are as high for your presidency in Africa as they are here in the U.S. You would deny your African roots at your own peril. Your deceased father hailed from Kenya, and that White House, where you'll be residing for the next four years, or eight years if you win in 2013, was built by African slaves. Don'tyou think you owe us something? [...] For all of his failings, Africans will judge your predecessor, George W. Bush, on what he built, what he contributed to the continent. He looks like a messiah to Africa for the massive aid he channeled there to fight HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other neglected diseases. Imagine what you could contribute in Africa if you helped tamp down the corruption and waste that daily plague our people there. President Obama, how do you plan to deal with leaders who you said "...cling to power through corruption and deceit?" Will you come down hardon them? We hope so.
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/postglobal/njoroge_wachai/2009/01/what_obama_owes_africa.html
-Daschle Apologizes for Income Tax Errors
By Ceci Connolly and Paul Kane
Thomas A. Daschle, fighting to defend his nomination to be secretary of health and human services, released a letter early today apologizing to the top lawmakers on the Senate Finance Committee for mistakes on his personal income tax returns that resulted in $146,000 in back payments.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/02/AR2009020200459.html?hpid=topnews
-Gunmen in Pakistan Kidnap American Official
By Candace Rondeaux
ISLAMABAD, Feb. 2 -- Gunmen in southern Pakistan kidnapped an American United Nations official and fatally shot his driver Monday, the latest in a recent series of high-profile kidnappings and targeted hits on foreigners.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/01/AR2009020100583.html?hpid=moreheadlines
-Phelps Will Not Face Any Sanctions
Photo Appears To Show Drug Use
By Amy Shipley
Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps acknowledged using "bad judgment" and engaging in "regrettable" behavior a day after a British tabloid published a photo in which he appeared to be using marijuana.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/01/AR2009020101022.html?hpid=moreheadlines
-Turkey's Turn From the West
By Soner Cagaptay
Turkey is a special Muslim country. Of the more than 50 majority-Muslim nations, it is the only one that is a NATO ally, is in accession talks with the European Union, is a liberal democracy and has normal relations with Israel. Under its current government by the Justice and Development Party (AKP), however, Turkey is losing these special qualities. Liberal political trends are disappearing, E.U. accession talks have stalled, ties with anti-Western states such as Iran are improving and relations with Israel are deteriorating. On Thursday, for example, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan walked out of a panel at Davos, Switzerland, after chiding Israeli President Shimon Peres for "killing people." If Turkey fails in these areas or wavers in its commitment to transatlantic structures such as NATO, it cannot expect to be President Obama's favorite Muslim country.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/01/AR2009020101672.html
-Bipartisanship at What Price?
By E. J. Dionne Jr.
The coming week will test the strength of President Obama and the Democrats: Will they lose their nerve, or will they face down a rapidly forming conventional wisdom that would allow them to claim victory only if their economic stimulus package passes with substantial Republican support?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/01/AR2009020101000.html
-Four Keys to Success in Afghanistan
by Fareed Zakaria
The war in Afghanistan is not going well; almost all trends are moving in the wrong direction. But we still have time to focus, improve our strategy, calibrate our means. It will help immeasurably if we keep in mind the basic objective of U.S. policy: "Our primary goal is to prevent Afghanistan from being used as a base for terrorists and extremists to attack the United States and its allies," Defense Secretary Robert Gates said last week. That is an admirably clear statement.
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/postglobal/fareed_zakaria/2009/02/four_keys_to_success_in_afghan.html
-The Rise of Soft Censorship
By Don Podesta
Among the accusations swirling around ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is one that touches on his relationship with the most important newspaper in his state, the Chicago Tribune. Blagojevich reportedly threatened to withhold state assistance from a deal involving the sale of Wrigley Field, owned by the Tribune Co., if the paper didn't fire members of the editorial board whom he viewed as highly critical of him.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/01/AR2009020101671.html
=
Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/public/us
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Daschle Faces Questions on Trips
On Top of Tax Issues, Senators Also Weigh Propriety of Travel with Charity
By JONATHAN WEISMAN and MELANIE TROTTMAN
Former Sen. Tom Daschle, already facing questions over his failure to pay some taxes in a timely fashion, will likely face another question when the Senate Finance Committee meets Monday to consider his nomination as health and human services secretary: whether he improperly took gifts of value from charities with which he was involved.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123350459826036791.html
-Summers Carves Out a Powerful Role
National Economic Council Has New Prominence, but Also Risks Clashes
By JONATHAN WEISMAN
With a slew of high-profile hires, President Barack Obama's chief economic adviser is raising the clout of the White House National Economic Council -- as well as the prospects of internal conflict in the Obama administration.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123353917172037999.html
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Huge error to welcome back anti-Semitic prelates
BY TIM RUTTEN
The recent announcement by the Vatican that Pope Benedict XVI has lifted the excommunication order his predecessor imposed on four so-called traditionalist bishops has provoked understandable hurt and outrage among Jews. http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/other-views/story/883558.html
=
AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
-15 Most Loathsome People of 2008
By Allan Uthman and Ian Murphy, Buffalo Beast.
Limbaugh, Palin, Warren, and more. They're the worst people in America, and unfortunately they dominated last year's headlines.
http://www.alternet.org/story/123844/15_most_loathsome_people_of_2008/?page=entire
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Just how bad off is the Republican Party?
Republicans know what they're against: Barack Obama. They're still figuring out what they're for.
By Thomas Schaller
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2009/02/02/republicans/index.html
-GOP Leaders Doubt Stimulus Bill Will Pass Senate
Senate Republican leaders cite lack of support for stimulus bill, call for major changes
By DOUGLASS K. DANIEL Associated Press Writer
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said Sunday the massive stimulus bill backed by President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats could go down to defeat if it's not stripped of unnecessary spending and focused more on housing issues and tax cut.
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=6780618
-Congress Eyes New Lifeline For Homeowners
CBS Evening News: Proposed Legislation Would Allow Bankruptcy Judges To Reduce Mortgage Payments For Those Facing Foreclosure
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/02/01/eveningnews/main4767753.shtml?tag=topStory;topStoryHeadline
-'The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama'
by Gwen Ifill
PBS' Ifill takes fresh look at Obama effect. Douglas C. Lyons It's too bad Republicans backing their candidate in the recent presidential election chose to demean Gwen Ifill's The Breakthrough in hopes of disqualifying the venerable black journalist as the moderator of the vice-presidential debate.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/services/newspaper/printedition/sunday/travel/orl-osbkreview20109feb01,0,4834637.story
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
FLORIDA DIGEST - February 02, 2009
**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.
~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-FORT LAUDERDALE CITY COMMISSION
Plenty of Lauderdale Commission candidates but few specificsWith two seats open and two other contested races, the face of the FortLauderdale commission will soon change.
BY AMY SHERMAN
Fourteen candidates vying for four Fort Lauderdale commission seats promiseto safeguard taxes, improve quality of life and forge consensus on the dais.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/story/883582.html
-FORT LAUDERDALE MAYOR
Naugle's nod a wild card in Fort Lauderdale mayor's race
A gay activist and a businessman with a critical view of city finances areamong candidates challenging former legislator Jack Seiler in the mayor's race.
BY AMY SHERMAN
At first blush, the Fort Lauderdale mayor's race may appear lackluster --three attorneys and a businessman complimenting each other at forums as theydiscuss the need for collegiality and budget balancing.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/story/883581.html
=
From Dean Trantalis for Ft. Lauderdale Mayor Campaign
-Let's work together to change the face of history!
With only 9 days until the February 10th election, we still haven't talked to as many people as we will need to win this election. We need your help! Together, we can make Dean Trantalis the next Mayor of Fort Lauderdale, changing the face of the future, but only if we all put in a little something extra... time. Everyone from Dean to me to our event coordinator to our office manager will take part in a massive effort beginning at 12:30pm. We're putting teams of canvassers on the street and phone bankers on the phones to reach as many people in one day as possible. 200 volunteers will allow us to reach the numbers we need in one day. It may seem like alot, but with me there we only need 199 more, with Dean there we only need 198 more, with you there we only need 197 more, and with every single person who shows up we get that much closer, but it will take all of you. Please come to campaign headquarters at 12:30 pm on Saturday, February 7, 2009, bring a friend, and when you respond to this email to let us know that you'll be there, sign up to help us at the polls on election day. We're still about 100 volunteers short for morning, lunch and afternoon shifts.
Chip ClappVolunteer Coordinator
Dean Trantalis for Mayor Campaign
volunteer@deanformayor.com
(954) 701-2902 cell
http://www.deanformayor.com/
=
From Steve Glassman for Ft. Lauderdale City Commission Campaign
-This is a really exciting moment... as we have the unique opportunity to bring a proven leader to Fort Lauderdale, District 2- someone that can bring real change to our city. Our campaign is focused on civility, reason, unity, and judgment. 10 days until election day!! Please tell 10 people tovote for Steve Glassman on February 10th! We are down to the homestretch. You guys have been GREAT! Your friendship and support have been tremendous and extremely appreciated. Every vote counts, and together we can do it! For a yard sign, a t-shirt, or to volunteer this last week and on election day, please call the Campaign Hotline: (954) 638-8461.
http://www.voteglassman.com/
=
From Earl Rynerson for Mayor of Fort Lauderdale Campaign
-As you know, my message throughout this Campaign has been to 1: Get our City's budget back under control; 2: Lower property taxes and; 3: Reducesome of the highest salaries in our City Government and eliminate bureaucracy. This is what I intend to do, with the help of the majority of our newly-elected fellow Commissioners. I believe that our City can become a"World-Class" City for residents, tourists and employers, and I have contributed over $85,000 of my own funds into this Campaign to enable us to win and to start making much-needed improvements to our City. [...] I am asking you to go to our Campaign web site (www.earlformayor.com) and make a secure, online contribution that is one tenth of one percent of what I have invested, or $85.00. That is a small amount, but can help a lot to insure that we are able to place resources where they are needed for Election Day. If you can contribute more, please do so (maximum of $250.00). If you have already contributed the maximum, I thank you! Ask your friends to help out by making an on-line donation instead! Please do it now; if you wait, you'll miss the deadline!
www.earlformayor.com
=
South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Gay night in...Delray Beach? Venture Out at The Coffee District
By Dan Renzi
You probably haven't been to The Coffee District in Delray Beach yet. That's the way the Delray hipsters like it. The creative loafers of South Florida have slowly been migrating to this little town north of the gay'hood, and they're even starting to form their own little scene.
http://www.floridablade.com/blog/index.cfm#23783
~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Nude beaches: Should they stay or go?
Richard Mason of the South Florida Free Beaches and the Florida Naturist Association asked Broward's state lawmakers to oppose any legislation that would force nude beaches to close. Vote: What do you think of nude beaches in our area?
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-0130poll,0,1804769,post.poll
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Sick policy: Gassing mentally ill inmates
OUR OPINION: State should stop cruel and unusual punishment
When federal Judge Timothy J. Corrigan ruled three weeks ago that spraying
mentally ill inmates with skin-blistering chemicals violates the Constitution's ban against cruel and unusual punishment, it seemed that Florida might finally put an end to a horrible, unnecessary practice. Instead, the state is fighting the ruling. The rationale? Two of the inmates have now been transferred to a safer facility. Meanwhile, the shameful practice of using pepper spray to subdue mentally ill inmates for misbehaving continues at Florida State Prison.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/story/883568.html
-Signs call for ouster of Oakland Park city manager
Mysterious signs suggesting that Oakland Park should oust City Manager John Stunson have been appearing along the roadside lately. The signs have emerged during campaign season and on the heels of a controversy about a city-approved project to build an extended-stay hotel.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/southflorida/story/883736.html
-Broward lawmakers lament loss of air bridge
BREANNE GILPATRICK
Broward County legislators are used to feeling a little left out as an overwhelmingly Democratic delegation in the GOP-dominated Legislature, but now some say the feeling starts before they arrive at the Capitol.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/southflorida/story/883737.html
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-GOP moves to oust Sansom as leader, Florida House speaker
By Alex Leary
Three days after announcing he was temporarily stepping aside as speaker ofthe Florida House, Ray Sansom will be forced tonight to fully give up the job.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/state/article972516.ece
-Lobbyist ties, state appraisers' price concerns cloud U.S. Sugar deal
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/hp/content/state/epaper/2009/02/01/a1a_ballard_0202.html
-State probe of gas hikes targets Morgan Stanley over claims of gouging
By CHARLES ELMORE
More than 10,000 Floridians complained to state agencies about steep increases in the price of gasoline after Hurricane Ike last year. At least two retail stations in North and Central Florida have agreed to settlements of price-gouging allegations for about $6,000. A grab bag of such settlements with small-scale businesses is typical after a disaster.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/hp/content/state/epaper/2009/02/01/a1a_pricegouging_0202.html
-Seminole Tribe to defend gambling deal Monday at House panel hearing
By Times Staff Writers
No time for bluffs at gaming hearing
The Seminole Tribe of Florida will defend its gambling deal with the state before a House panel today. Seminole Gaming chief executive James Allen will lay out what the compact means in revenue to the state, economic development and jobs. The House select committee on the deal plans to look into why Gov.Charlie Crist signed the compact, consider ways to change it and decide whether to ratify it.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/article972115.ece
-U.S. aid bill has Florida schools squirming
Florida school districts are anxious to see an economic stimulus package tweaked so education funding is maximized.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/story/883551.html
-New teachers cut, weak links stay?
It's not a good time to be a teacher in Florida, but especially if you're ayoung teacher. As budget cuts have forced districts to look everywhere for savings, many have turned their sights to teachers on annual contract, with the latest example making headlines being down in Indian River County. But is this really the best thing to do?http://blogs.tampabay.com/schools/2009/01/new-teachers-cu.html
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-FORT LAUDERDALE CITY COMMISSION
Plenty of Lauderdale Commission candidates but few specificsWith two seats open and two other contested races, the face of the FortLauderdale commission will soon change.
BY AMY SHERMAN
Fourteen candidates vying for four Fort Lauderdale commission seats promiseto safeguard taxes, improve quality of life and forge consensus on the dais.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/story/883582.html
-FORT LAUDERDALE MAYOR
Naugle's nod a wild card in Fort Lauderdale mayor's race
A gay activist and a businessman with a critical view of city finances areamong candidates challenging former legislator Jack Seiler in the mayor's race.
BY AMY SHERMAN
At first blush, the Fort Lauderdale mayor's race may appear lackluster --three attorneys and a businessman complimenting each other at forums as theydiscuss the need for collegiality and budget balancing.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/story/883581.html
=
From Dean Trantalis for Ft. Lauderdale Mayor Campaign
-Let's work together to change the face of history!
With only 9 days until the February 10th election, we still haven't talked to as many people as we will need to win this election. We need your help! Together, we can make Dean Trantalis the next Mayor of Fort Lauderdale, changing the face of the future, but only if we all put in a little something extra... time. Everyone from Dean to me to our event coordinator to our office manager will take part in a massive effort beginning at 12:30pm. We're putting teams of canvassers on the street and phone bankers on the phones to reach as many people in one day as possible. 200 volunteers will allow us to reach the numbers we need in one day. It may seem like alot, but with me there we only need 199 more, with Dean there we only need 198 more, with you there we only need 197 more, and with every single person who shows up we get that much closer, but it will take all of you. Please come to campaign headquarters at 12:30 pm on Saturday, February 7, 2009, bring a friend, and when you respond to this email to let us know that you'll be there, sign up to help us at the polls on election day. We're still about 100 volunteers short for morning, lunch and afternoon shifts.
Chip ClappVolunteer Coordinator
Dean Trantalis for Mayor Campaign
volunteer@deanformayor.com
(954) 701-2902 cell
http://www.deanformayor.com/
=
From Steve Glassman for Ft. Lauderdale City Commission Campaign
-This is a really exciting moment... as we have the unique opportunity to bring a proven leader to Fort Lauderdale, District 2- someone that can bring real change to our city. Our campaign is focused on civility, reason, unity, and judgment. 10 days until election day!! Please tell 10 people tovote for Steve Glassman on February 10th! We are down to the homestretch. You guys have been GREAT! Your friendship and support have been tremendous and extremely appreciated. Every vote counts, and together we can do it! For a yard sign, a t-shirt, or to volunteer this last week and on election day, please call the Campaign Hotline: (954) 638-8461.
http://www.voteglassman.com/
=
From Earl Rynerson for Mayor of Fort Lauderdale Campaign
-As you know, my message throughout this Campaign has been to 1: Get our City's budget back under control; 2: Lower property taxes and; 3: Reducesome of the highest salaries in our City Government and eliminate bureaucracy. This is what I intend to do, with the help of the majority of our newly-elected fellow Commissioners. I believe that our City can become a"World-Class" City for residents, tourists and employers, and I have contributed over $85,000 of my own funds into this Campaign to enable us to win and to start making much-needed improvements to our City. [...] I am asking you to go to our Campaign web site (www.earlformayor.com) and make a secure, online contribution that is one tenth of one percent of what I have invested, or $85.00. That is a small amount, but can help a lot to insure that we are able to place resources where they are needed for Election Day. If you can contribute more, please do so (maximum of $250.00). If you have already contributed the maximum, I thank you! Ask your friends to help out by making an on-line donation instead! Please do it now; if you wait, you'll miss the deadline!
www.earlformayor.com
=
South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Gay night in...Delray Beach? Venture Out at The Coffee District
By Dan Renzi
You probably haven't been to The Coffee District in Delray Beach yet. That's the way the Delray hipsters like it. The creative loafers of South Florida have slowly been migrating to this little town north of the gay'hood, and they're even starting to form their own little scene.
http://www.floridablade.com/blog/index.cfm#23783
~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Nude beaches: Should they stay or go?
Richard Mason of the South Florida Free Beaches and the Florida Naturist Association asked Broward's state lawmakers to oppose any legislation that would force nude beaches to close. Vote: What do you think of nude beaches in our area?
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-0130poll,0,1804769,post.poll
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Sick policy: Gassing mentally ill inmates
OUR OPINION: State should stop cruel and unusual punishment
When federal Judge Timothy J. Corrigan ruled three weeks ago that spraying
mentally ill inmates with skin-blistering chemicals violates the Constitution's ban against cruel and unusual punishment, it seemed that Florida might finally put an end to a horrible, unnecessary practice. Instead, the state is fighting the ruling. The rationale? Two of the inmates have now been transferred to a safer facility. Meanwhile, the shameful practice of using pepper spray to subdue mentally ill inmates for misbehaving continues at Florida State Prison.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/story/883568.html
-Signs call for ouster of Oakland Park city manager
Mysterious signs suggesting that Oakland Park should oust City Manager John Stunson have been appearing along the roadside lately. The signs have emerged during campaign season and on the heels of a controversy about a city-approved project to build an extended-stay hotel.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/southflorida/story/883736.html
-Broward lawmakers lament loss of air bridge
BREANNE GILPATRICK
Broward County legislators are used to feeling a little left out as an overwhelmingly Democratic delegation in the GOP-dominated Legislature, but now some say the feeling starts before they arrive at the Capitol.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/southflorida/story/883737.html
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-GOP moves to oust Sansom as leader, Florida House speaker
By Alex Leary
Three days after announcing he was temporarily stepping aside as speaker ofthe Florida House, Ray Sansom will be forced tonight to fully give up the job.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/state/article972516.ece
-Lobbyist ties, state appraisers' price concerns cloud U.S. Sugar deal
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/hp/content/state/epaper/2009/02/01/a1a_ballard_0202.html
-State probe of gas hikes targets Morgan Stanley over claims of gouging
By CHARLES ELMORE
More than 10,000 Floridians complained to state agencies about steep increases in the price of gasoline after Hurricane Ike last year. At least two retail stations in North and Central Florida have agreed to settlements of price-gouging allegations for about $6,000. A grab bag of such settlements with small-scale businesses is typical after a disaster.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/hp/content/state/epaper/2009/02/01/a1a_pricegouging_0202.html
-Seminole Tribe to defend gambling deal Monday at House panel hearing
By Times Staff Writers
No time for bluffs at gaming hearing
The Seminole Tribe of Florida will defend its gambling deal with the state before a House panel today. Seminole Gaming chief executive James Allen will lay out what the compact means in revenue to the state, economic development and jobs. The House select committee on the deal plans to look into why Gov.Charlie Crist signed the compact, consider ways to change it and decide whether to ratify it.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/article972115.ece
-U.S. aid bill has Florida schools squirming
Florida school districts are anxious to see an economic stimulus package tweaked so education funding is maximized.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/story/883551.html
-New teachers cut, weak links stay?
It's not a good time to be a teacher in Florida, but especially if you're ayoung teacher. As budget cuts have forced districts to look everywhere for savings, many have turned their sights to teachers on annual contract, with the latest example making headlines being down in Indian River County. But is this really the best thing to do?http://blogs.tampabay.com/schools/2009/01/new-teachers-cu.html
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
Sunday, February 01, 2009
GLBT DIGEST - February 01, 2009
**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.
=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-My Sister's Keeper
By SARAH KERSHAW
THEY called it a lesbian paradise, the pioneering women who made their way to St. Augustine, Fla., in the 1970s to live together in cottages on the beach. Finding one another in the fever of the gay rights and women's liberation movements, they built a matriarchal community, where no men were allowed, where even a male infant brought by visitors was cause for debate.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/fashion/01womyn.html?scp=3&sq=GAY&st=cse
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Fort Lauderdale mayor's gay comments haunt campaign to replace him
By Brittany Wallman
Mayor Jim Naugle's comments about gays in the summer of 2007 were like a shot heard 'round the world. And though much time has passed, Naugle's words still reverberate. Naugle will be replaced in a matter of weeks by Fort Lauderdale Is your Fort Lauderdale restaurant clean? - Click Here. voters. And the four men who want to replace him are facing questions about their attitude toward gays.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/news/fort_lauderdale/sfl-flbgaymayor0201sbfeb01,0,2860839.story
=
Forwarded from Victoria Lavin
Daily Queer News
www.dailyqueernews.com
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Why Do People Believe in God?
Larry Beinhart, AlterNet
We're doing that because if we start with the idea that if God does exist, then we have to explain why there are so many versions of Him (her or it) and why we can't figure out the right one. Historically, that's a dead end, stuck in the same battle as Saladin and Richard the Lionheart in the Crusades. The agnostic position - either we can't know, or let's wait until rocket ship (real or metaphorical) finally lands in heaven or some place of infinite vistas from which we can see there is no God - leaves like Samuel Becket's two tramps, eternally Waiting for Godot. So we start with "God does not exist," which demands that we come up with a theory that will explain why we believe, why belief is so popular, and so strong that people will kill and die for their own particular brand of it. Read more
-OH: Clergy at Local Church Refuse to Sign State Marriage Licenses in Gay Rights Protest
Clergy at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ in Cleveland no longer will sign state marriage licenses until gay unions are legal in Ohio. That means heterosexual couples exchanging wedding vows at the 461-member church in the Tremont neighborhood will need an additional civil ceremony by a justice of the peace or a judge to make their union legal. The move, approved by an overwhelming voice vote during a congregational meeting over the weekend, is a civil-rights protest, said the Rev. John Tamilio III, head pastor of Pilgrim. The church board of directors and the congregation agreed that signing marriage licenses for straight couples and not gay couples is unfair, he said. "It treats one segment of our congregation like second-class citizens. That is an injustice," said Tamilio. "We will still perform holy unions for all couples, we just won't sign the state license." Read more
-Part II: The 2008 Wholly Hypocrite of the Year Award Goes To.
Mel Seesholtz, Ph.D. | Online Journal Contributing Writer | Online Journal
So many worthy candidates. But only one can win. But hail to the Wholly Hypocrite of the Year runners-up. Second runner-up: The Church of Jesus Christ and Later-day Saints. First runner-up: Pastor Rick Warren. And now, for the winner . . . His hypocrisy - as well as that of his apostolic predecessors and the organization they head - are legendary and spans millennia: Read more
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Forwarded from Euro-Queer
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article:
-First gay premier takes helm in Iceland
(CNN) -- Iceland's political parties have reached an agreement that will give the country its first female prime minister and the world its first openly gay leader. Johnanna Sigurdardottir is a former flight attendant and union leader. Johnanna Sigurdardottir is a former flight attendant and union leader. Johanna Sigurdardottir, 66, will lead the government when it is sworn in at 6 p.m. (1 p.m. Eastern) on Sunday, her political advisor Hrannar Arnarsson told CNN via e-mail. A former flight attendant who entered politics via the union movement, Sigurdardottir was minister of social affairs and social security in the outgoing Cabinet, which resigned Monday.
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/02/01/iceland.pm/
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New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-My Sister's Keeper
By SARAH KERSHAW
THEY called it a lesbian paradise, the pioneering women who made their way to St. Augustine, Fla., in the 1970s to live together in cottages on the beach. Finding one another in the fever of the gay rights and women's liberation movements, they built a matriarchal community, where no men were allowed, where even a male infant brought by visitors was cause for debate.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/fashion/01womyn.html?scp=3&sq=GAY&st=cse
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Fort Lauderdale mayor's gay comments haunt campaign to replace him
By Brittany Wallman
Mayor Jim Naugle's comments about gays in the summer of 2007 were like a shot heard 'round the world. And though much time has passed, Naugle's words still reverberate. Naugle will be replaced in a matter of weeks by Fort Lauderdale Is your Fort Lauderdale restaurant clean? - Click Here. voters. And the four men who want to replace him are facing questions about their attitude toward gays.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/news/fort_lauderdale/sfl-flbgaymayor0201sbfeb01,0,2860839.story
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Forwarded from Victoria Lavin
Daily Queer News
www.dailyqueernews.com
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Why Do People Believe in God?
Larry Beinhart, AlterNet
We're doing that because if we start with the idea that if God does exist, then we have to explain why there are so many versions of Him (her or it) and why we can't figure out the right one. Historically, that's a dead end, stuck in the same battle as Saladin and Richard the Lionheart in the Crusades. The agnostic position - either we can't know, or let's wait until rocket ship (real or metaphorical) finally lands in heaven or some place of infinite vistas from which we can see there is no God - leaves like Samuel Becket's two tramps, eternally Waiting for Godot. So we start with "God does not exist," which demands that we come up with a theory that will explain why we believe, why belief is so popular, and so strong that people will kill and die for their own particular brand of it. Read more
-OH: Clergy at Local Church Refuse to Sign State Marriage Licenses in Gay Rights Protest
Clergy at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ in Cleveland no longer will sign state marriage licenses until gay unions are legal in Ohio. That means heterosexual couples exchanging wedding vows at the 461-member church in the Tremont neighborhood will need an additional civil ceremony by a justice of the peace or a judge to make their union legal. The move, approved by an overwhelming voice vote during a congregational meeting over the weekend, is a civil-rights protest, said the Rev. John Tamilio III, head pastor of Pilgrim. The church board of directors and the congregation agreed that signing marriage licenses for straight couples and not gay couples is unfair, he said. "It treats one segment of our congregation like second-class citizens. That is an injustice," said Tamilio. "We will still perform holy unions for all couples, we just won't sign the state license." Read more
-Part II: The 2008 Wholly Hypocrite of the Year Award Goes To.
Mel Seesholtz, Ph.D. | Online Journal Contributing Writer | Online Journal
So many worthy candidates. But only one can win. But hail to the Wholly Hypocrite of the Year runners-up. Second runner-up: The Church of Jesus Christ and Later-day Saints. First runner-up: Pastor Rick Warren. And now, for the winner . . . His hypocrisy - as well as that of his apostolic predecessors and the organization they head - are legendary and spans millennia: Read more
=
Forwarded from Euro-Queer
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article:
-First gay premier takes helm in Iceland
(CNN) -- Iceland's political parties have reached an agreement that will give the country its first female prime minister and the world its first openly gay leader. Johnanna Sigurdardottir is a former flight attendant and union leader. Johnanna Sigurdardottir is a former flight attendant and union leader. Johanna Sigurdardottir, 66, will lead the government when it is sworn in at 6 p.m. (1 p.m. Eastern) on Sunday, her political advisor Hrannar Arnarsson told CNN via e-mail. A former flight attendant who entered politics via the union movement, Sigurdardottir was minister of social affairs and social security in the outgoing Cabinet, which resigned Monday.
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/02/01/iceland.pm/
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NATIONAL & WORLD NEWS - February 01, 2009
**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.
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New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-To Nudge, Shift or Shove the Supreme Court Left
By ADAM LIPTAK
Justice John Paul Stevens, the leader of the Supreme Court's liberal wing, likes to say that he has not moved to the left since he was appointed to the court by President Gerald R. Ford in 1975. It is the court, Justice Stevens says, that has moved to the right.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/weekinreview/01liptak.html?_r=1&hp
-Republican Senator Is Top Choice to Run Commerce Dept.
By SHERYL GAY STOLBERG
Senator Judd Gregg, Republican of New Hampshire, is the top contender to be President Obama's nominee for commerce secretary, the White House said Saturday, a move that could strengthen Democrats' control of Congress.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/us/politics/01gregg.html?hp
-Op-Ed Contributor: If We Buy American, No One Else Will
By DOUGLAS A. IRWIN
Hanover, N.H.: WORLD trade is collapsing. The United States trade deficit dropped sharply in November as imports from the rest of the world plummeted in response to the financial crisis and global recession. United States imports from China, Japan and elsewhere declined at double digit rates. The last thing the world economy needs is for governments to give a further downward shove to trade. Unfortunately, we may be doing just that.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/opinion/01irwin.html?ref=opinion
-Editorial: The Nativists Are Restless
The relentlessly harsh Republican campaign against immigrants has always hidden a streak of racialist extremism. Now after several high-water years, the Republican tide has gone out, leaving exposed the nativism of fringe right-wingers clinging to what they hope will be a wedge issue.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/opinion/01sun1.html?ref=opinion
-Op-Ed Columnist: Herbert Hoover Lives
By FRANK RICH
HERE'S a bottom line to keep you up at night: The economy is falling faster than Washington can get moving. President Obama says his stimulus plan will save or create four million jobs in two years. In the last four months of 2008 alone, employment fell by 1.9 million. Do the math.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/opinion/01rich.html?ref=opinion
-Op-Ed Columnist: Obama's Long Shot for Peace
By NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF
DAVOS, Switzerland: In any discussion of the Middle East at the World Economic Forum here in Davos, the central figure is a man who isn't even here: President Obama.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/opinion/01kristof.html?ref=opinion
-Under Tight Security, Iraqis Vote on Almost Violence-Free Election Day
By STEPHEN FARRELL
BAGHDAD - Iraqis voted on Saturday for local representatives, on an almost violence-free election day aimed at creating provincial councils that more closely represent Iraq's ethnic, sectarian and tribal balance. By nightfall, there were no confirmed deaths, and children played soccer on closed-off streets in a generally joyous atmosphere.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/world/middleeast/01iraq.html
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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Raise the Gas Tax
A Revenue-Neutral Way to Treat Our Oil Addiction
By Richard G. Lugar
Reality is stark: Nearly every major foreign policy challenge we face is aggravated by our continued addiction to oil. Recent developments in Europe, the Middle East and Africa only underscore this fact. But a new president and changed economic conditions offer the chance to take a bold step toward freeing our nation from the grip of foreign petroleum.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013002728.html
-A Conversation with Mohamed ElBaradei
As director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), did
Mohamed ElBaradei soft-pedal Iran's nuclear ambitions to ensure that the Bush administration wouldn't attack that country? That's what many in the former administration, as well as nonproliferation experts of various political backgrounds, assert. Last week, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, ElBaradei sat down with Newsweek-Washington Post's Lally Weymouth to defend his record. Excerpts:
Q: Some in the United States claim that between 2003 and 2007, you protected Iran because you did not want to see a U.S. military attack on it. In retrospect, do you think you allowed Iran to push the limits?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013003085.html
-Take Charge
The stimulus bill requires President Obama's intervention.
MOUNTING THE bully pulpit last week, President Obama gave Wall Street a lecture about the $18.4 billion in bonuses that the securities industry awarded itself in 2008. This was "outrageous," Mr. Obama said. In these tough times, he declared, financiers must "show some restraint and show some discipline and show some sense of responsibility." Well said. Now the president should make the same demand on those in Congress, including leaders of his own party, who are cluttering his fiscal stimulus plan with extraneous and counterproductive provisions.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/31/AR2009013101535.html
-Daschle Delayed Revealing Tax Glitch
Report Details Payments From Health Sector
By Ceci Connolly, Joe Stephens and R. Jeffrey Smith
Thomas A. Daschle waited nearly a month after being nominated to be secretary of health and human services before informing Barack Obama that he had not paid years of back taxes for the use of a car and driver provided by a wealthy New York investor.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/31/AR2009013102021.html?hpid=topnews
-Video: Zimbabwe's Terror, First Hand
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2009/01/30/VI2009013003289.html?hpid=opinionsbox1
-Defense Attorneys In Lawless Juarez Besieged on All Sides
'This Is Nothing Like Before. I Don't Even Take Narco Cases. Not Anymore.'
By William Booth
CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico -- It is common for lawyers everywhere to cover their office walls with diplomas. The Mexican criminal defense attorney Salvador Urbina is making a different statement. His walls are hung with swords -- a hundred sabers, daggers, cutlasses and Japanese katanas, the blades kept sharp.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/31/AR2009013101995.html?hpid=topnews
-Deadly Force
What a SWAT team did to Cheye Calvo's family may seem extreme. But decades into America's war on drugs, it's business as usual.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/23/AR2009012302935.html?hpid=topnews
-GOP governors press Congress to pass stimulus bill
By BETH FOUHY
Most Republican governors have broken with their GOP colleagues in Congress and are pushing for passage of President Barack Obama's economic aid plan that would send billions to states for education, public works and health care.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/31/AR2009013100807.html?hpid=sec-politics
-Televangelism empire in chaos over family split
By GILLIAN FLACCUS
Once one of the nation's most popular televangelists, the Rev. Robert H. Schuller is watching his life's work crumble. His son and recent successor, the Rev. Robert A. Schuller, has abruptly resigned as senior pastor of the Crystal Cathedral. The shimmering, glass-walled megachurch is home to the "Hour of Power" broadcast, an evangelism staple that's been on the air for more than three decades.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/31/AR2009013100872.html?hpid=sec-religion
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Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/public/us
-Gaza Militants Launch Rockets Into Israel
JERUSALEM -- Gaza militants launched two rockets into southern Israel early Sunday, drawing a threat of "disproportionate" military retaliation from Israel's prime minister and further straining a cease-fire that ended Israel's devastating Gaza offensive two weeks ago.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123348818069836725.html
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Why politics has become so destructive
By LEONARD PITTS JR.
This one is for Doug. He was one of maybe 2,000 readers who fired off e-mails in response to a recent column criticizing that paragon of political analysis, Rush Hudson Limbaugh III. I excoriated Limbaugh for saying of Barack Obama's presidency, ''I hope he fails.'' As is generally the case when you exact a pound of flesh from Brother Limbaugh's hide, his legions of listeners were vociferous and unstinting in his defense.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/other-views/story/880795.html
=
Forwarded from Susan Frishkorn
frishkorn@bellsouth.net
Go to this link for the following article:
-Blair 'not concerned' over release of Iraq secrets
By CNN's Simon Hooper
DAVOS, Switzerland (CNN) -- Former British prime minister Tony Blair said Friday he was "not concerned" by a ruling that details of cabinet meetings in the run-up to the Iraq war should be made public and told CNN the release of the minutes was a decision for the current government. Blair committed UK forces to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 despite strong domestic opposition to British involvement. "My reaction is that this is for the government now to deal with," he told CNN's Christiane Amanpour in an interview at the World Economic Forum. "The consequences of this go far beyond the individual cabinet meetings when I was prime minister. I think it is best to leave to the present government." Asked whether he was concerned about the contents of the the minutes, Blair said: "I'm not concerned at all."
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/01/30/blair.iraq.uk/index.html
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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-GOP govs break with party over stimulus
Most support economic plan that got no Republican votes in U.S. House
Most Republican governors have broken with their GOP colleagues in Congress and are pushing for passage of President Barack Obama's economic aid plan that would send billions to states for education, public works and health care.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28949195/
-Obama remakes political rules
By CHARLES MAHTESIAN
Three months after his election, President Barack Obama continues to remake the political landscape-and there's no clearer example than Friday's election of Michael Steele as the Republican National Committee's first black chairman.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0209/18248.html
-Clinton started 2009 with $6 million in debt
By Robert Yoon
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton rang in the new year still saddled with $5.9 million in debts left over from her unsuccessful 2008 presidential campaign, according to records filed Saturday with the Federal Election Commission.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/31/clinton.debt/index.html
-Sheila Bair shakes up Washington, Wall Street
By ALAN ZIBEL
The Wall Street crowd that packed into the ballroom of the fancy Times Square hotel didn't know what was about to hit it. As the bankers and analysts sliced into their grilled beef tenderloin and chicken, Sheila Bair stepped up to the microphone and told them off.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/01/AR2009020100007.html
-Daschle takes 'a bad first-day hit'
By JONATHAN MARTIN & JOHN BRESNAHAN
With President Obama and Senate Democrats rallying behind Tom Daschle after Friday's revelations of back tax troubles, Republican senators faced a difficult choice-whether to support the Cabinet nomination of a former member of their exclusive club, or strike a clean shot at the new Democratic president.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/18245.html
-At least half of Obama's Cabinet chiefs are millionaires
By Matt Kelley
At least eight of President Obama's 14 Cabinet secretaries appointed so far are millionaires, most own homes worth far more than the national average, and at least half already spend much of their time in the nation's capital, financial disclosure reports and property records show.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2009-01-28-cabinetfinances_N.htm
-Expert says attack ads are losing traction
By Adam C. Smith, Times Political Editor
If you're sick of negative campaign ads, take heart. A recurring theme at a conference of campaign professionals, political scientists and journalists Friday was how ineffective many attack ads proved in Florida and elsewhere in 2008.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/state/article972370.ece
-WHO GETS WHAT: Billions for health care insurance
By Calvin Woodward
It will get vastly cheaper for most people to keep health insurance after losing a job if the government's stimulus plan becomes law. Some nickel and dime cuts in health coverage for the poor will be reversed, too. Geek jobs in medicine will grow.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/02/01/who_gets_what_billions_for_health_care_insurance/?rss_id=Boston.com+--+Latest+news
-Tracking the big business of donated blood in Orlando
Dan Tracy
Blood is big business. It starts with Rebecca Zamrycki, 27, who lives in Orlando and has given a pint every eight weeks for a decade. It ends with people such as Ed Havill, the 67-year-old Lake County property appraiser who needs blood transfusions to battle his leukemia.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/orl-blood0209feb01,0,3756894.story?track=rss
-Health care groups paid Daschle $220K
By KENNETH P. VOGEL
Tom Daschle, tapped to be President Obama's health czar, was paid more than $200,000 by the health-care industry in the past two years, according to documents obtained by Politico.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/18237.html
=
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=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-To Nudge, Shift or Shove the Supreme Court Left
By ADAM LIPTAK
Justice John Paul Stevens, the leader of the Supreme Court's liberal wing, likes to say that he has not moved to the left since he was appointed to the court by President Gerald R. Ford in 1975. It is the court, Justice Stevens says, that has moved to the right.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/weekinreview/01liptak.html?_r=1&hp
-Republican Senator Is Top Choice to Run Commerce Dept.
By SHERYL GAY STOLBERG
Senator Judd Gregg, Republican of New Hampshire, is the top contender to be President Obama's nominee for commerce secretary, the White House said Saturday, a move that could strengthen Democrats' control of Congress.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/us/politics/01gregg.html?hp
-Op-Ed Contributor: If We Buy American, No One Else Will
By DOUGLAS A. IRWIN
Hanover, N.H.: WORLD trade is collapsing. The United States trade deficit dropped sharply in November as imports from the rest of the world plummeted in response to the financial crisis and global recession. United States imports from China, Japan and elsewhere declined at double digit rates. The last thing the world economy needs is for governments to give a further downward shove to trade. Unfortunately, we may be doing just that.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/opinion/01irwin.html?ref=opinion
-Editorial: The Nativists Are Restless
The relentlessly harsh Republican campaign against immigrants has always hidden a streak of racialist extremism. Now after several high-water years, the Republican tide has gone out, leaving exposed the nativism of fringe right-wingers clinging to what they hope will be a wedge issue.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/opinion/01sun1.html?ref=opinion
-Op-Ed Columnist: Herbert Hoover Lives
By FRANK RICH
HERE'S a bottom line to keep you up at night: The economy is falling faster than Washington can get moving. President Obama says his stimulus plan will save or create four million jobs in two years. In the last four months of 2008 alone, employment fell by 1.9 million. Do the math.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/opinion/01rich.html?ref=opinion
-Op-Ed Columnist: Obama's Long Shot for Peace
By NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF
DAVOS, Switzerland: In any discussion of the Middle East at the World Economic Forum here in Davos, the central figure is a man who isn't even here: President Obama.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/opinion/01kristof.html?ref=opinion
-Under Tight Security, Iraqis Vote on Almost Violence-Free Election Day
By STEPHEN FARRELL
BAGHDAD - Iraqis voted on Saturday for local representatives, on an almost violence-free election day aimed at creating provincial councils that more closely represent Iraq's ethnic, sectarian and tribal balance. By nightfall, there were no confirmed deaths, and children played soccer on closed-off streets in a generally joyous atmosphere.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/world/middleeast/01iraq.html
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Raise the Gas Tax
A Revenue-Neutral Way to Treat Our Oil Addiction
By Richard G. Lugar
Reality is stark: Nearly every major foreign policy challenge we face is aggravated by our continued addiction to oil. Recent developments in Europe, the Middle East and Africa only underscore this fact. But a new president and changed economic conditions offer the chance to take a bold step toward freeing our nation from the grip of foreign petroleum.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013002728.html
-A Conversation with Mohamed ElBaradei
As director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), did
Mohamed ElBaradei soft-pedal Iran's nuclear ambitions to ensure that the Bush administration wouldn't attack that country? That's what many in the former administration, as well as nonproliferation experts of various political backgrounds, assert. Last week, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, ElBaradei sat down with Newsweek-Washington Post's Lally Weymouth to defend his record. Excerpts:
Q: Some in the United States claim that between 2003 and 2007, you protected Iran because you did not want to see a U.S. military attack on it. In retrospect, do you think you allowed Iran to push the limits?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013003085.html
-Take Charge
The stimulus bill requires President Obama's intervention.
MOUNTING THE bully pulpit last week, President Obama gave Wall Street a lecture about the $18.4 billion in bonuses that the securities industry awarded itself in 2008. This was "outrageous," Mr. Obama said. In these tough times, he declared, financiers must "show some restraint and show some discipline and show some sense of responsibility." Well said. Now the president should make the same demand on those in Congress, including leaders of his own party, who are cluttering his fiscal stimulus plan with extraneous and counterproductive provisions.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/31/AR2009013101535.html
-Daschle Delayed Revealing Tax Glitch
Report Details Payments From Health Sector
By Ceci Connolly, Joe Stephens and R. Jeffrey Smith
Thomas A. Daschle waited nearly a month after being nominated to be secretary of health and human services before informing Barack Obama that he had not paid years of back taxes for the use of a car and driver provided by a wealthy New York investor.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/31/AR2009013102021.html?hpid=topnews
-Video: Zimbabwe's Terror, First Hand
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2009/01/30/VI2009013003289.html?hpid=opinionsbox1
-Defense Attorneys In Lawless Juarez Besieged on All Sides
'This Is Nothing Like Before. I Don't Even Take Narco Cases. Not Anymore.'
By William Booth
CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico -- It is common for lawyers everywhere to cover their office walls with diplomas. The Mexican criminal defense attorney Salvador Urbina is making a different statement. His walls are hung with swords -- a hundred sabers, daggers, cutlasses and Japanese katanas, the blades kept sharp.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/31/AR2009013101995.html?hpid=topnews
-Deadly Force
What a SWAT team did to Cheye Calvo's family may seem extreme. But decades into America's war on drugs, it's business as usual.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/23/AR2009012302935.html?hpid=topnews
-GOP governors press Congress to pass stimulus bill
By BETH FOUHY
Most Republican governors have broken with their GOP colleagues in Congress and are pushing for passage of President Barack Obama's economic aid plan that would send billions to states for education, public works and health care.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/31/AR2009013100807.html?hpid=sec-politics
-Televangelism empire in chaos over family split
By GILLIAN FLACCUS
Once one of the nation's most popular televangelists, the Rev. Robert H. Schuller is watching his life's work crumble. His son and recent successor, the Rev. Robert A. Schuller, has abruptly resigned as senior pastor of the Crystal Cathedral. The shimmering, glass-walled megachurch is home to the "Hour of Power" broadcast, an evangelism staple that's been on the air for more than three decades.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/31/AR2009013100872.html?hpid=sec-religion
=
Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/public/us
-Gaza Militants Launch Rockets Into Israel
JERUSALEM -- Gaza militants launched two rockets into southern Israel early Sunday, drawing a threat of "disproportionate" military retaliation from Israel's prime minister and further straining a cease-fire that ended Israel's devastating Gaza offensive two weeks ago.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123348818069836725.html
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Why politics has become so destructive
By LEONARD PITTS JR.
This one is for Doug. He was one of maybe 2,000 readers who fired off e-mails in response to a recent column criticizing that paragon of political analysis, Rush Hudson Limbaugh III. I excoriated Limbaugh for saying of Barack Obama's presidency, ''I hope he fails.'' As is generally the case when you exact a pound of flesh from Brother Limbaugh's hide, his legions of listeners were vociferous and unstinting in his defense.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/other-views/story/880795.html
=
Forwarded from Susan Frishkorn
frishkorn@bellsouth.net
Go to this link for the following article:
-Blair 'not concerned' over release of Iraq secrets
By CNN's Simon Hooper
DAVOS, Switzerland (CNN) -- Former British prime minister Tony Blair said Friday he was "not concerned" by a ruling that details of cabinet meetings in the run-up to the Iraq war should be made public and told CNN the release of the minutes was a decision for the current government. Blair committed UK forces to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 despite strong domestic opposition to British involvement. "My reaction is that this is for the government now to deal with," he told CNN's Christiane Amanpour in an interview at the World Economic Forum. "The consequences of this go far beyond the individual cabinet meetings when I was prime minister. I think it is best to leave to the present government." Asked whether he was concerned about the contents of the the minutes, Blair said: "I'm not concerned at all."
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/01/30/blair.iraq.uk/index.html
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-GOP govs break with party over stimulus
Most support economic plan that got no Republican votes in U.S. House
Most Republican governors have broken with their GOP colleagues in Congress and are pushing for passage of President Barack Obama's economic aid plan that would send billions to states for education, public works and health care.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28949195/
-Obama remakes political rules
By CHARLES MAHTESIAN
Three months after his election, President Barack Obama continues to remake the political landscape-and there's no clearer example than Friday's election of Michael Steele as the Republican National Committee's first black chairman.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0209/18248.html
-Clinton started 2009 with $6 million in debt
By Robert Yoon
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton rang in the new year still saddled with $5.9 million in debts left over from her unsuccessful 2008 presidential campaign, according to records filed Saturday with the Federal Election Commission.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/31/clinton.debt/index.html
-Sheila Bair shakes up Washington, Wall Street
By ALAN ZIBEL
The Wall Street crowd that packed into the ballroom of the fancy Times Square hotel didn't know what was about to hit it. As the bankers and analysts sliced into their grilled beef tenderloin and chicken, Sheila Bair stepped up to the microphone and told them off.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/01/AR2009020100007.html
-Daschle takes 'a bad first-day hit'
By JONATHAN MARTIN & JOHN BRESNAHAN
With President Obama and Senate Democrats rallying behind Tom Daschle after Friday's revelations of back tax troubles, Republican senators faced a difficult choice-whether to support the Cabinet nomination of a former member of their exclusive club, or strike a clean shot at the new Democratic president.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/18245.html
-At least half of Obama's Cabinet chiefs are millionaires
By Matt Kelley
At least eight of President Obama's 14 Cabinet secretaries appointed so far are millionaires, most own homes worth far more than the national average, and at least half already spend much of their time in the nation's capital, financial disclosure reports and property records show.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2009-01-28-cabinetfinances_N.htm
-Expert says attack ads are losing traction
By Adam C. Smith, Times Political Editor
If you're sick of negative campaign ads, take heart. A recurring theme at a conference of campaign professionals, political scientists and journalists Friday was how ineffective many attack ads proved in Florida and elsewhere in 2008.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/state/article972370.ece
-WHO GETS WHAT: Billions for health care insurance
By Calvin Woodward
It will get vastly cheaper for most people to keep health insurance after losing a job if the government's stimulus plan becomes law. Some nickel and dime cuts in health coverage for the poor will be reversed, too. Geek jobs in medicine will grow.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/02/01/who_gets_what_billions_for_health_care_insurance/?rss_id=Boston.com+--+Latest+news
-Tracking the big business of donated blood in Orlando
Dan Tracy
Blood is big business. It starts with Rebecca Zamrycki, 27, who lives in Orlando and has given a pint every eight weeks for a decade. It ends with people such as Ed Havill, the 67-year-old Lake County property appraiser who needs blood transfusions to battle his leukemia.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/orl-blood0209feb01,0,3756894.story?track=rss
-Health care groups paid Daschle $220K
By KENNETH P. VOGEL
Tom Daschle, tapped to be President Obama's health czar, was paid more than $200,000 by the health-care industry in the past two years, according to documents obtained by Politico.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/18237.html
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
FLORIDA DIGEST - February 01, 2009
**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.
~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Ex-Catholic priest charged with child pornography in Hollywood
BY DAVID SMILEY
dsmiley@MiamiHerald.com
A former Catholic priest living in Hollywood was arrested and indicted Friday on charges that he possessed child pornography.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/southflorida/story/882425.html
~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Broward mayor's vote aided lobbyist husband's client
BY DAN CHRISTENSEN AND AMY SHERMAN
A vote by Stacy Ritter and her colleagues left the Panthers arena underinsured and benefited a firm that paid her husband at least $50,000 in fees.
http://www.miamiherald.com/467/story/882390.html
-FLORIDA MARLINS: Tax revenue for Florida Marlins stadium falling short?
BY DOUGLAS HANKS, JACK DOLAN AND CHARLES RABIN
Miami-Dade counts on future boom tourism years to pay for a $609 million stadium. Declining hotel-tax revenue will test that optimism.
http://www.miamiherald.com/103/story/882405.html
-Sansom's half-step departure rattles Florida House
The day after the half-step departure of House Speaker Ray Sansom, some top Republicans are calling for his permanent removal.
http://www.miamiherald.com/569/story/882423.html
-Farmer's market carving niche in downtown Fort Lauderdale
BY JULIE LEVIN
A Sunday farmer's market in the middle of downtown Fort Lauderdale is ''a community-binding event,'' the organizer says.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/communities/story/879227.html
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-State Farm's decision to leave puts state's citizens on brink
State Farm's decision to quit providing homeowners insurance in Florida shows that the state's insurance market simply can't survive in its current form. Moreover, the company's exit will add to the financial risk that Florida would face if costly storm damage occurs
http://www.jacksonville.com/opinion/letters_from_readers/2009-02-01/story/state_farms_decision_to_leave_puts_states_citizens_on_
-Meek raises 300K for Senate run
Former President Bill Clinton flew to Miami all the way from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland for U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek's first fundraiser for his U.S. Senate campaign. Chris Korge, who hosted the event at his home in Pinecrest, said Clinton helped bring in $300,000.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/nakedpolitics/2009/01/meek-raises-300k-for-senate-run.html
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Ex-Catholic priest charged with child pornography in Hollywood
BY DAVID SMILEY
dsmiley@MiamiHerald.com
A former Catholic priest living in Hollywood was arrested and indicted Friday on charges that he possessed child pornography.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/southflorida/story/882425.html
~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Broward mayor's vote aided lobbyist husband's client
BY DAN CHRISTENSEN AND AMY SHERMAN
A vote by Stacy Ritter and her colleagues left the Panthers arena underinsured and benefited a firm that paid her husband at least $50,000 in fees.
http://www.miamiherald.com/467/story/882390.html
-FLORIDA MARLINS: Tax revenue for Florida Marlins stadium falling short?
BY DOUGLAS HANKS, JACK DOLAN AND CHARLES RABIN
Miami-Dade counts on future boom tourism years to pay for a $609 million stadium. Declining hotel-tax revenue will test that optimism.
http://www.miamiherald.com/103/story/882405.html
-Sansom's half-step departure rattles Florida House
The day after the half-step departure of House Speaker Ray Sansom, some top Republicans are calling for his permanent removal.
http://www.miamiherald.com/569/story/882423.html
-Farmer's market carving niche in downtown Fort Lauderdale
BY JULIE LEVIN
A Sunday farmer's market in the middle of downtown Fort Lauderdale is ''a community-binding event,'' the organizer says.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/communities/story/879227.html
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-State Farm's decision to leave puts state's citizens on brink
State Farm's decision to quit providing homeowners insurance in Florida shows that the state's insurance market simply can't survive in its current form. Moreover, the company's exit will add to the financial risk that Florida would face if costly storm damage occurs
http://www.jacksonville.com/opinion/letters_from_readers/2009-02-01/story/state_farms_decision_to_leave_puts_states_citizens_on_
-Meek raises 300K for Senate run
Former President Bill Clinton flew to Miami all the way from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland for U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek's first fundraiser for his U.S. Senate campaign. Chris Korge, who hosted the event at his home in Pinecrest, said Clinton helped bring in $300,000.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/nakedpolitics/2009/01/meek-raises-300k-for-senate-run.html
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
Saturday, January 31, 2009
GLBT DIGEST - January 31, 2009
**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.
=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-After Departure, No Leader for U.S. AIDS Program
By DONALD G. McNEIL Jr.
The abrupt departure of the State Department's global AIDS coordinator has led to debate over who should run what may be President Bush's most important achievement: his commitment of billions of dollars to fighting AIDS overseas.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/31/health/31aids.html?scp=6&sq=GAY&st=cse
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Finding Your Niche, Anywhere in the World
You want to travel, but you want to do it in a way that reflects you and your needs. To help, we have updated our library of niche resources covering 11 popular travel categories, such as dietary (vegan tours to Italy, anyone? Anyone?) and pet-friendly (including info on pet-friendly RV parks). Here are umbrella organizations, travel agents, Web sites and phone numbers to help you plan the Next Great Trip.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013001702.html
-With Their Assistance, You Can Get There From Here
You lust for a supreme, away-from-it-all experience, exploring cool Croatia, for example, or enjoying a culinary tour of Italy, relaxing on a beach in the South Pacific or backpacking in Alaska. But you don't have the time, energy, expertise or inclination to coordinate all the pieces. Who ya gonna call?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013001746.html
-TED HAGGARD INTERVIEW
Fallen Pastor Makes Peace With Sex Scandal
Fallen evangelical pastor Ted Haggard says he doesn't consider himself gay, but rather "a heterosexual with issues."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013003325.html
-Progressive Faith Groups Now Trying to Shift Debate
Activists Optimistic That Obama Will Back Causes
By Jacqueline L. Salmon and Michelle Boorstein
With a president they view as more sympathetic to their causes, progressive religious activists are pushing the new Obama administration for aggressive action -- on poverty, the environment and social justice issues -- that would mark a significant shift in the faith agenda that dominated the Bush years.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013003471.html?hpid=sec-religion
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Vatican orders review of women's religious communities in US amid steady membership decline
By ERIC GORSKI
The Vatican has begun a first-ever comprehensive study of women's religious orders in the United States, four decades into a steep decline in the number of Roman Catholic sisters and nuns in the country.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/world/wire/sns-ap-rel-vatican-women-religious,0,275087.story
=
Steve Rothaus
www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
Go to this link for the following articles:
-National gay chamber leaders meet at White House
Members of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce met with other business leaders this week at the White House to talk about the president's economic stimulus package.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/
=
South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-South Florida musicians perform in inaugural parade
Residents marched past Obama, protestors as part of Lesbian and Gay Band Association
By J.W. ARNOLD
Jan. 20, 2009 was a day for the history books. Not only were records broken as millions crammed on the National Mall to witness the inauguration of our first African-American president, the inaugural parade featured the first LGBT marching unit. Five South Florida musicians were there to write that new chapter.
http://www.floridablade.com/2009/1-29/news/national/5507.cfm
-Hate crimes bill introduced in Ga. House
Legislation includes sexual orientation, gender identity
By MATT SCHAFER, Southern Voice
A gay and transgender-inclusive hate crime bill has been introduced in the Georgia House of Representatives, while a bill requiring HIV testing of prisoners was introduced in the state Senate. Rep. Pedro "Pete" Marin (D-Duluth) had put forth the hate crimes bill, H.B. 111. It would offer sentence enhancement for hate crimes motivated by the victim's "race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or national origin."
http://www.floridablade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=23769
-Effort to repeal Va. marriage amendment dies
Decision to table the measure approved 7-1
By CHRIS JOHNSON
A legislative attempt to repeal the constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and civil unions in Virginia was defeated Monday when lawmakers voted to kill the measure.
http://www.floridablade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=23758
=
365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-DuBois appointment say about Obama and gays?
By Jennifer Vanasco
Josh DuBois might be called a New Evangelical. He is a Pentecostal pastor who believes Jesus is his personal savior. But he also seems to put more weight on the social gospel (that is, that Christians should take care of the poor and the disenfranchised) than on the old Evangelical hammers of gays and abortion. And now the 26-year-old has a new position: head of the new President's Council for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
http://www.365gay.com/blog/vanasco-what-does-the-dubois-appointment-say-about-obama-and-gays/
-Canadian lesbian couple says doctor refused to treat them
By The Canadian Press
(Winnipeg, Manitoba) A Manitoba lesbian couple rejected by a family doctor from Egypt for religious reasons says Canada must better educate foreign-trained physicians.
http://www.365gay.com/news/canadian-lesbian-couple-says-doctor-refused-to-treat-them/
-Please muzzle Ted Haggard
By James Withers
Shut-up! Shut-up! Shut-up! God, shut your toothy trap! How long is this Ted Haggard speaking tour going to go on? I'm an ardent fan of the First Amendment, but when it comes to Haggard I want to add a provision that keeps him from the public square for 25 years.
http://www.365gay.com/blog/013009-haggard-keeps-talking/
=
The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Pro-Gay Utah Bill Voted Down In Senate Committee
The first in a series of LGBT rights bills to be introduced in the Utah legislature has already died, reports the The Salt Lake Tribune. In a 4-2 vote Tuesday, the senate judiciary committee voted against sending a bill to the Senate floor that would have amended state law to allow financial dependents (beyond spouses, parents, and children) to file wrongful death suits if their main provider was killed.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid71993.asp
=
HIV Leadership Forum
-Call the White House and Your Senator,
Support HIV, STD Prevention funding:
Ensure $400 million funding Remains in Economic Recovery Bill
Why: The Senate will begin debate next week on the Economic Recovery bill, which was passed by the House of Representatives this week. The Senate bill includes $400 million in funding for HIV and STD screening and prevention. (The House version is $335 million and includes TB and Viral Hepatitis as well. We will call for inclusion of those diseases in conference). We must make certain the funding remains in the bill. 56,300 new HIV infections occur annually.
One state plans to close all STD clinics due to budget cuts
More than 680 jobs have been lost in TB control programs in last three years At least 3 million Americans are chronically infected with hepatitis C 25% of the current public health care workforce is eligible to retire in 2012. The money should be sent to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention to address the four most common infectious diseases in the U.S. Adjusted for inflation, CDC's HIV prevention budget alone has decreased by 19.3% since fiscal year 2002. Explain to the Administration and the Senators that prevention funding is critical to the health and well-being of the country.
Take Action:
Contact the White House 202-456-1414 comments line
Contact your US Senator 202-224-3121
Tell them to maintain the $400 million funding for HIV, STD, TB, and Viral Hepatitis Prevention!
http://www.champnetwork.org/?utm_source=20090130_Stimulus_Call&utm_medium=email
=
Forwarded from Kenneth Sherrill - Ken's List
Kenneth.Sherrill@hunter.cuny.edu
Go to the links for the following articles:
Contact rays.list@comcast.net if can't access the article
-Christian Anti-Defamation Commission - Bashing - Youtube video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20M9ywn7Zgs
-Drag kings have a tougher time than queens finding their place in society - or onstage.
http://www.indy.com/posts/the-women-who-would-be-kings
=
Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Russian thug boasts of beating up gay German MP at Moscow Pride
By Tony Grew
Police in Moscow have been forced into action after a news magazine published an interview with a man who boasted about beating up a gay German MP in the city in May 2006.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10969.html
-Video: US "family values" group targets Pepsi's British gay advert
A US pressure group that "motivates and equips citizens to change the culture to reflect Biblical truth and traditional family values" has complained about a new advert from drinks manufacturer Pepsi.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10966.html
-Profile: World's first lesbian Prime Minister's slow rise to power
By Atli Thor Fanndal
When it was announced earlier this week that Johanna Sigurdardottir was likely to be appointed prime minister, little did Icelanders realise that their small island would be making history.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10959.html
-Court rules Spanish children cannot opt out of gay rights class
Parents in Spain who do not want their children to attend civics classes that include lessons on gay rights do not have the right to conscientiously object, a court has ruled. The Roman Catholic church is among those objecting to the new curriculum introduced in 2007 by the Socialist government of Prime Minister José Luis RodrÃguez Zapatero.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10962.html
-Olympian Ian Thorpe 'draws a line' under gay innuendos
One of Australia's best-known sporting heroes has issued a statement after press speculation about the nature of his relationship with a fellow swimmer.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10960.html
=
Forwarded from Victoria Lavin
Daily Queer News
www.dailyqueernews.com
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Experts Hope Divorce Case Makes Couples Think Twice
John Wright | News Editor | Dallas Voice
In the wake of what is believed to be the state's first same-sex divorce filing, LGBT legal experts again advised caution for gay and lesbian couples from Texas who are considering marriage. Same-sex marriage is currently legal only in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and both states allow out-of-state couples to marry there. But both also have residency requirements for divorce, meaning couples from out of state may not be able to undo their vows. Massachusetts, for example, requires that a married couple live in the state for one year before obtaining a divorce. Courts in Rhode Island and Oklahoma have denied divorces to same-sex couples married in other states. And New York is the only state that has indicated it will recognize out-of-state same-sex marriages. Jenny Pizer, director of Lambda Legal's National Marriage Project, said it's an issue the LGBT civil rights group has dealt with as far back as 2000, when Vermont legalized civil unions for same-sex couples from out of state. Read more
-NH Gay Bill Shelved
365gay.com
(Concord, New Hampshire) A bill that would have mandated that partners in civil unions be added to all state insurance laws was put on hold just as House committee was about to hold a hearing on the measure. Rep. Edward Butler (D), the bill's sponsor, pulled the legislation, saying there were other measures dealing with same-sex couples that should be considered first. Among those is a proposal to change New Hampshire's year old civil union law to allow for full marriage. A hearing on that bill is scheduled for Feb. 5. Republicans have filed a bill that would start the process to amend the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage and the legislature will consider a bill that would maintain civil unions and direct the government to recognize civil unions and gay marriages performed in states and countries where they are legal as civil unions in New Hampshire. Read more
-Dallas Woman Stars as Lesbian Face of Avon in Super Bowl ad
Tammye Nash | Senior Editor | Dallas Voice
Avon and lesbian: Not two words you'd usually expect to hear in the same sentence. But that's only if you don't know Daryn DeZengotita. DeZengotita, of Dallas, is one of five Avon sales representatives chosen about two years ago to serve as the "faces of Avon" around the world in an advertising and marketing campaign. Now that commercial is going to get one of the largest television audiences of the year when it airs Sunday, Feb. 1, during the Super Bowl. "It was about two years ago that I was selected to audition for - and got a part in - some national TV commercials for Avon," DeZengotita said this week. "There are a million Avon representatives in the United States. Fifty of those were chosen to audition, and 10 were selected to be in the commercials." Read more
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-After Departure, No Leader for U.S. AIDS Program
By DONALD G. McNEIL Jr.
The abrupt departure of the State Department's global AIDS coordinator has led to debate over who should run what may be President Bush's most important achievement: his commitment of billions of dollars to fighting AIDS overseas.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/31/health/31aids.html?scp=6&sq=GAY&st=cse
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Finding Your Niche, Anywhere in the World
You want to travel, but you want to do it in a way that reflects you and your needs. To help, we have updated our library of niche resources covering 11 popular travel categories, such as dietary (vegan tours to Italy, anyone? Anyone?) and pet-friendly (including info on pet-friendly RV parks). Here are umbrella organizations, travel agents, Web sites and phone numbers to help you plan the Next Great Trip.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013001702.html
-With Their Assistance, You Can Get There From Here
You lust for a supreme, away-from-it-all experience, exploring cool Croatia, for example, or enjoying a culinary tour of Italy, relaxing on a beach in the South Pacific or backpacking in Alaska. But you don't have the time, energy, expertise or inclination to coordinate all the pieces. Who ya gonna call?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013001746.html
-TED HAGGARD INTERVIEW
Fallen Pastor Makes Peace With Sex Scandal
Fallen evangelical pastor Ted Haggard says he doesn't consider himself gay, but rather "a heterosexual with issues."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013003325.html
-Progressive Faith Groups Now Trying to Shift Debate
Activists Optimistic That Obama Will Back Causes
By Jacqueline L. Salmon and Michelle Boorstein
With a president they view as more sympathetic to their causes, progressive religious activists are pushing the new Obama administration for aggressive action -- on poverty, the environment and social justice issues -- that would mark a significant shift in the faith agenda that dominated the Bush years.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013003471.html?hpid=sec-religion
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Vatican orders review of women's religious communities in US amid steady membership decline
By ERIC GORSKI
The Vatican has begun a first-ever comprehensive study of women's religious orders in the United States, four decades into a steep decline in the number of Roman Catholic sisters and nuns in the country.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/world/wire/sns-ap-rel-vatican-women-religious,0,275087.story
=
Steve Rothaus
www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
Go to this link for the following articles:
-National gay chamber leaders meet at White House
Members of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce met with other business leaders this week at the White House to talk about the president's economic stimulus package.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/
=
South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-South Florida musicians perform in inaugural parade
Residents marched past Obama, protestors as part of Lesbian and Gay Band Association
By J.W. ARNOLD
Jan. 20, 2009 was a day for the history books. Not only were records broken as millions crammed on the National Mall to witness the inauguration of our first African-American president, the inaugural parade featured the first LGBT marching unit. Five South Florida musicians were there to write that new chapter.
http://www.floridablade.com/2009/1-29/news/national/5507.cfm
-Hate crimes bill introduced in Ga. House
Legislation includes sexual orientation, gender identity
By MATT SCHAFER, Southern Voice
A gay and transgender-inclusive hate crime bill has been introduced in the Georgia House of Representatives, while a bill requiring HIV testing of prisoners was introduced in the state Senate. Rep. Pedro "Pete" Marin (D-Duluth) had put forth the hate crimes bill, H.B. 111. It would offer sentence enhancement for hate crimes motivated by the victim's "race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or national origin."
http://www.floridablade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=23769
-Effort to repeal Va. marriage amendment dies
Decision to table the measure approved 7-1
By CHRIS JOHNSON
A legislative attempt to repeal the constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and civil unions in Virginia was defeated Monday when lawmakers voted to kill the measure.
http://www.floridablade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=23758
=
365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-DuBois appointment say about Obama and gays?
By Jennifer Vanasco
Josh DuBois might be called a New Evangelical. He is a Pentecostal pastor who believes Jesus is his personal savior. But he also seems to put more weight on the social gospel (that is, that Christians should take care of the poor and the disenfranchised) than on the old Evangelical hammers of gays and abortion. And now the 26-year-old has a new position: head of the new President's Council for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
http://www.365gay.com/blog/vanasco-what-does-the-dubois-appointment-say-about-obama-and-gays/
-Canadian lesbian couple says doctor refused to treat them
By The Canadian Press
(Winnipeg, Manitoba) A Manitoba lesbian couple rejected by a family doctor from Egypt for religious reasons says Canada must better educate foreign-trained physicians.
http://www.365gay.com/news/canadian-lesbian-couple-says-doctor-refused-to-treat-them/
-Please muzzle Ted Haggard
By James Withers
Shut-up! Shut-up! Shut-up! God, shut your toothy trap! How long is this Ted Haggard speaking tour going to go on? I'm an ardent fan of the First Amendment, but when it comes to Haggard I want to add a provision that keeps him from the public square for 25 years.
http://www.365gay.com/blog/013009-haggard-keeps-talking/
=
The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Pro-Gay Utah Bill Voted Down In Senate Committee
The first in a series of LGBT rights bills to be introduced in the Utah legislature has already died, reports the The Salt Lake Tribune. In a 4-2 vote Tuesday, the senate judiciary committee voted against sending a bill to the Senate floor that would have amended state law to allow financial dependents (beyond spouses, parents, and children) to file wrongful death suits if their main provider was killed.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid71993.asp
=
HIV Leadership Forum
-Call the White House and Your Senator,
Support HIV, STD Prevention funding:
Ensure $400 million funding Remains in Economic Recovery Bill
Why: The Senate will begin debate next week on the Economic Recovery bill, which was passed by the House of Representatives this week. The Senate bill includes $400 million in funding for HIV and STD screening and prevention. (The House version is $335 million and includes TB and Viral Hepatitis as well. We will call for inclusion of those diseases in conference). We must make certain the funding remains in the bill. 56,300 new HIV infections occur annually.
One state plans to close all STD clinics due to budget cuts
More than 680 jobs have been lost in TB control programs in last three years At least 3 million Americans are chronically infected with hepatitis C 25% of the current public health care workforce is eligible to retire in 2012. The money should be sent to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention to address the four most common infectious diseases in the U.S. Adjusted for inflation, CDC's HIV prevention budget alone has decreased by 19.3% since fiscal year 2002. Explain to the Administration and the Senators that prevention funding is critical to the health and well-being of the country.
Take Action:
Contact the White House 202-456-1414 comments line
Contact your US Senator 202-224-3121
Tell them to maintain the $400 million funding for HIV, STD, TB, and Viral Hepatitis Prevention!
http://www.champnetwork.org/?utm_source=20090130_Stimulus_Call&utm_medium=email
=
Forwarded from Kenneth Sherrill - Ken's List
Kenneth.Sherrill@hunter.cuny.edu
Go to the links for the following articles:
Contact rays.list@comcast.net if can't access the article
-Christian Anti-Defamation Commission - Bashing - Youtube video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20M9ywn7Zgs
-Drag kings have a tougher time than queens finding their place in society - or onstage.
http://www.indy.com/posts/the-women-who-would-be-kings
=
Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Russian thug boasts of beating up gay German MP at Moscow Pride
By Tony Grew
Police in Moscow have been forced into action after a news magazine published an interview with a man who boasted about beating up a gay German MP in the city in May 2006.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10969.html
-Video: US "family values" group targets Pepsi's British gay advert
A US pressure group that "motivates and equips citizens to change the culture to reflect Biblical truth and traditional family values" has complained about a new advert from drinks manufacturer Pepsi.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10966.html
-Profile: World's first lesbian Prime Minister's slow rise to power
By Atli Thor Fanndal
When it was announced earlier this week that Johanna Sigurdardottir was likely to be appointed prime minister, little did Icelanders realise that their small island would be making history.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10959.html
-Court rules Spanish children cannot opt out of gay rights class
Parents in Spain who do not want their children to attend civics classes that include lessons on gay rights do not have the right to conscientiously object, a court has ruled. The Roman Catholic church is among those objecting to the new curriculum introduced in 2007 by the Socialist government of Prime Minister José Luis RodrÃguez Zapatero.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10962.html
-Olympian Ian Thorpe 'draws a line' under gay innuendos
One of Australia's best-known sporting heroes has issued a statement after press speculation about the nature of his relationship with a fellow swimmer.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10960.html
=
Forwarded from Victoria Lavin
Daily Queer News
www.dailyqueernews.com
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Experts Hope Divorce Case Makes Couples Think Twice
John Wright | News Editor | Dallas Voice
In the wake of what is believed to be the state's first same-sex divorce filing, LGBT legal experts again advised caution for gay and lesbian couples from Texas who are considering marriage. Same-sex marriage is currently legal only in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and both states allow out-of-state couples to marry there. But both also have residency requirements for divorce, meaning couples from out of state may not be able to undo their vows. Massachusetts, for example, requires that a married couple live in the state for one year before obtaining a divorce. Courts in Rhode Island and Oklahoma have denied divorces to same-sex couples married in other states. And New York is the only state that has indicated it will recognize out-of-state same-sex marriages. Jenny Pizer, director of Lambda Legal's National Marriage Project, said it's an issue the LGBT civil rights group has dealt with as far back as 2000, when Vermont legalized civil unions for same-sex couples from out of state. Read more
-NH Gay Bill Shelved
365gay.com
(Concord, New Hampshire) A bill that would have mandated that partners in civil unions be added to all state insurance laws was put on hold just as House committee was about to hold a hearing on the measure. Rep. Edward Butler (D), the bill's sponsor, pulled the legislation, saying there were other measures dealing with same-sex couples that should be considered first. Among those is a proposal to change New Hampshire's year old civil union law to allow for full marriage. A hearing on that bill is scheduled for Feb. 5. Republicans have filed a bill that would start the process to amend the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage and the legislature will consider a bill that would maintain civil unions and direct the government to recognize civil unions and gay marriages performed in states and countries where they are legal as civil unions in New Hampshire. Read more
-Dallas Woman Stars as Lesbian Face of Avon in Super Bowl ad
Tammye Nash | Senior Editor | Dallas Voice
Avon and lesbian: Not two words you'd usually expect to hear in the same sentence. But that's only if you don't know Daryn DeZengotita. DeZengotita, of Dallas, is one of five Avon sales representatives chosen about two years ago to serve as the "faces of Avon" around the world in an advertising and marketing campaign. Now that commercial is going to get one of the largest television audiences of the year when it airs Sunday, Feb. 1, during the Super Bowl. "It was about two years ago that I was selected to audition for - and got a part in - some national TV commercials for Avon," DeZengotita said this week. "There are a million Avon representatives in the United States. Fifty of those were chosen to audition, and 10 were selected to be in the commercials." Read more
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
NATIONAL & WORLD NEWS - January 31, 2009
**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.
=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Supreme Court Steps Closer to Repeal of Evidence Ruling
By ADAM LIPTAK
In 1983, a young lawyer in the Reagan White House was hard at work on what he called in a memorandum "the campaign to amend or abolish the exclusionary rule" - the principle that evidence obtained by police misconduct cannot be used against a defendant.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/31/washington/31scotus.html?_r=1&hp
-Daschle Pays 3 Years of Tax on Use of Car
By ROBERT PEAR
President Obama's pick for health and human services secretary, Tom Daschle, failed to pay more than $128,000 in taxes, partly for free use of a car and driver that had been provided to him by a prominent businessman and Democratic fund-raiser, administration officials said Friday.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/31/us/politics/31daschle.html?hp
-Republicans Choose First Black Party Chairman
By ADAM NAGOURNEY
The Republican National Committee chose Michael Steele, an African-American, as party chairman on Friday, putting a new face on a beleaguered party as it seeks the right posture to take on President Obama and an overwhelmingly Democratic Congress.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/31/us/politics/31repubs.html?hp
-After Departure, No Leader for U.S. AIDS Program
By DONALD G. McNEIL Jr.
The abrupt departure of the State Department's global AIDS coordinator has led to debate over who should run what may be President Bush's most important achievement: his commitment of billions of dollars to fighting AIDS overseas.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/31/health/31aids.html
-Stimulus Plan Encounters Stiff Resistance in Senate
By DAVID M. HERSZENHORN
Senate Republicans and even some Democrats are pressing for big changes to the $819 billion economic stimulus package the House passed this week, setting the stage for a bruising debate over tax cuts and spending that will test the Obama White House.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/31/us/politics/31stimulus.html
-Rising Acidity Is Threatening Food Web of Oceans, Science Panel Says
By CORNELIA DEAN
The oceans have long buffered the effects of climate change by absorbing a substantial portion of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. But this benefit has a catch: as the gas dissolves, it makes seawater more acidic. Now an international panel of marine scientists says this acidity is accelerating so fast it threatens the survival of coral reefs, shellfish and the marine food web generally.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/31/science/earth/31ocean.html
-Editorial: Help for 11 Million Children
Congress is moving rapidly to rectify the Bush administration's shameful refusal to expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program, or S-chip, to cover substantially more low- and middle-income children. That is especially important now when so many workers are losing their jobs and health benefits.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/31/opinion/31sat3.html?ref=opinion
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-'Palestine Today Is an Open-Air Prison'
Tensions between Israel and Turkey broke into the open at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week when Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan blasted Israel for its offensive in Gaza. Excerpts from Erdogan's interview with Newsweek-The Post's Lally Weymouth:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013002809.html
-The House's Modern-Day Hoovers
By Colbert I. King
Republicans are given to saying and doing the darnedest things. Remember last fall when House Republicans, led by Minority Leader John Boehner, whined that they were forced to kill the Bush administration's bank bailout bill because Speaker Nancy Pelosi had given a speech that hurt their feelings?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013003182.html
-THE NEW ANTI-SEMITISM: Using the Holocaust to Attack the Jews
By Walter Reich
Dozens of cities held ceremonies last week to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The good news is that the dead were remembered. The bad news is that even as the Holocaust is becoming a fixture in the world's memory, it is also being increasingly used as a weapon against the Jews and the Jewish state.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013002770.html
-Mr. Mitchell in the Mideast
The Obama administration would do well to follow the advice he already offered -- eight years ago. GEORGE MITCHELL, the Obama administration's new Middle East envoy, encountered a grim landscape on a tour of the region this week. The conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to simmer; no cease-fire has been agreed to. Moderate Palestinian leaders and U.S. allies such as Saudi Arabia and even Turkey are furious about the heavy loss of life and continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. But Israel is drifting to the right. The leader in polls for next month's election is Binyamin Netanyahu, who favors postponing an Israeli-Palestinian peace settlement indefinitely -- and promises to "finish the work" in Gaza.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013003412.html
-A Multi-Pronged Bank Plan
Administration Finalizing Strategy, Probably Won't Toughen Pay Restrictions
By David Cho
The Obama administration has finished drafting the central elements of its plan to rescue the financial markets and is gathering feedback from regulators and Wall Street executives, sources familiar with the matter said yesterday.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013003742.html?hpid=topnews
-Admiration Turns to Anger as Wall St. Bosses Feather Nests
By Frank Ahrens
In times of prosperity, Wall Street executives are highly paid heroes to be emulated. Eye-popping corporate profits and pocket-lining dividends are celebrated like Super Bowl wins and Oscar sweeps. In bad times, like now, the Wall Street Gotbucks find themselves fallen idols on the wrong side of a quick and vicious shift, chastised by President Obama, powerful senators and subpoena-wielding lawmen. Not to mention angry taxpayers who lost savings on Wall Street and who now fund its bailout.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013003665.html?hpid=topnews
-Bishop Apologizes to Pope but Does Not Retract Holocaust Denial
By Francis X. Rocca
VATICAN CITY, Jan. 30 -- A Holocaust-denying bishop who was readmitted to the Catholic Church apologized Friday to Pope Benedict XVI for the "unnecessary distress and problems" caused by his "imprudent remarks."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013003431.html?hpid=sec-religion
=
Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/public/us
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Obama Touts Middle-Class Task Force Led by Biden
President Barack Obama signed a series of executive orders Friday that he said should "level the playing field" for labor unions in their struggles with management. Mr. Obama also used the occasion at the White House to announce formally a new White House task force on the problems of middle-class Americans. He named Vice President Joe Biden as its chairman. (Read more about the White House plan.)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123334427045034353.html
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Exxon Mobil shatters US record with $45.2 billion annual profit despite year-end oil plunge
By JOHN PORRETTO
Exxon Mobil Corp. on Friday reported a profit of $45.2 billion for 2008, breaking its own record for a U.S. company, even as its fourth-quarter earnings fell 33 percent from a year ago. The previous record for annual profit was $40.6 billion, which the world's largest publicly traded oil company set in 2007.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-earns-exxon-mobil,0,2193063.story
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Worst of recession is yet to come, economists say
The nation's economy has just suffered through its worst quarter since the early 1980s, and most experts expect the misery to continue through all of 2009.
http://www.miamiherald.com/103/story/881217.html
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-15 lawmakers to join Obama to watch Super Bowl
He met at the White House with congressional leaders from both parties. He went to Capitol Hill for private meetings with House and Senate Republicans. President Barack Obama even schmoozed with a group over cocktails at the executive mansion. How far is he willing to press his push for bipartisanship? All the way to the Super Bowl.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obama/1406706,w-barack-obama-super-bowl-plans.article
-Are you with Obama or Rush?
By JONATHAN MARTIN
President Obama and a key outside ally are stepping up efforts to ensure passage of the massive economic stimulus package, reaching out to Congress with both carrots and sticks.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/18194.html
-Conyers-Rove showdown postponed
By JOHN BRESNAHAN
The John Conyers-Karl Rove showdown has been delayed. Conyers, the House Judiciary Committee chairman, agreed on Friday to postpone the deadline on the Rove subpoena for three weeks, giving the Obama administration time to decide how it wants to handle the issue of executive privilege and congressional subpoenas.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/18222.html
-State Department To Blackwater: You're Fired, Leave Iraq by May
$1.2 Billion Contract Won't Be Renewed Following Iraqi Refusal to License U.S. Firm
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=6770489&page=1
-Putting A Face On The Minority Party
It's not too early to look forward to the fight for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination.
In the absence of a party leader with an outsized, charismatic personality -- think House Minority Leader Newt Gingrich circa 1993 -- a minority party has a hard time defining itself. And, like it or not, its presidential candidates tend to become the face of the party. [...] Running first was the party's 2008 vice presidential nominee, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, with 67 percent wanting her to run; 30 percent did not want her in the 2012 race. Next came former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney with 62 percent (32 percent opposed), and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee with 61 percent (33 percent opposed). [...] In fourth place was Army Gen. David Petraeus with 49 percent (39 percent opposed). He was followed by another 2008 candidate, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani at 48 percent (47 percent opposed). The final five drew more opposition than support. Gingrich got the nod from 47 percent (48 percent opposed). Next were Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, 34 percent (36 percent opposed); former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, 31 percent (61 percent opposed); Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, 23 percent (46 percent opposed); and Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, 21percent (53 percent opposed).
http://www.nationaljournal.com/njmagazine/cr_20090131_6496.php
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Supreme Court Steps Closer to Repeal of Evidence Ruling
By ADAM LIPTAK
In 1983, a young lawyer in the Reagan White House was hard at work on what he called in a memorandum "the campaign to amend or abolish the exclusionary rule" - the principle that evidence obtained by police misconduct cannot be used against a defendant.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/31/washington/31scotus.html?_r=1&hp
-Daschle Pays 3 Years of Tax on Use of Car
By ROBERT PEAR
President Obama's pick for health and human services secretary, Tom Daschle, failed to pay more than $128,000 in taxes, partly for free use of a car and driver that had been provided to him by a prominent businessman and Democratic fund-raiser, administration officials said Friday.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/31/us/politics/31daschle.html?hp
-Republicans Choose First Black Party Chairman
By ADAM NAGOURNEY
The Republican National Committee chose Michael Steele, an African-American, as party chairman on Friday, putting a new face on a beleaguered party as it seeks the right posture to take on President Obama and an overwhelmingly Democratic Congress.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/31/us/politics/31repubs.html?hp
-After Departure, No Leader for U.S. AIDS Program
By DONALD G. McNEIL Jr.
The abrupt departure of the State Department's global AIDS coordinator has led to debate over who should run what may be President Bush's most important achievement: his commitment of billions of dollars to fighting AIDS overseas.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/31/health/31aids.html
-Stimulus Plan Encounters Stiff Resistance in Senate
By DAVID M. HERSZENHORN
Senate Republicans and even some Democrats are pressing for big changes to the $819 billion economic stimulus package the House passed this week, setting the stage for a bruising debate over tax cuts and spending that will test the Obama White House.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/31/us/politics/31stimulus.html
-Rising Acidity Is Threatening Food Web of Oceans, Science Panel Says
By CORNELIA DEAN
The oceans have long buffered the effects of climate change by absorbing a substantial portion of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. But this benefit has a catch: as the gas dissolves, it makes seawater more acidic. Now an international panel of marine scientists says this acidity is accelerating so fast it threatens the survival of coral reefs, shellfish and the marine food web generally.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/31/science/earth/31ocean.html
-Editorial: Help for 11 Million Children
Congress is moving rapidly to rectify the Bush administration's shameful refusal to expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program, or S-chip, to cover substantially more low- and middle-income children. That is especially important now when so many workers are losing their jobs and health benefits.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/31/opinion/31sat3.html?ref=opinion
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-'Palestine Today Is an Open-Air Prison'
Tensions between Israel and Turkey broke into the open at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week when Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan blasted Israel for its offensive in Gaza. Excerpts from Erdogan's interview with Newsweek-The Post's Lally Weymouth:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013002809.html
-The House's Modern-Day Hoovers
By Colbert I. King
Republicans are given to saying and doing the darnedest things. Remember last fall when House Republicans, led by Minority Leader John Boehner, whined that they were forced to kill the Bush administration's bank bailout bill because Speaker Nancy Pelosi had given a speech that hurt their feelings?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013003182.html
-THE NEW ANTI-SEMITISM: Using the Holocaust to Attack the Jews
By Walter Reich
Dozens of cities held ceremonies last week to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The good news is that the dead were remembered. The bad news is that even as the Holocaust is becoming a fixture in the world's memory, it is also being increasingly used as a weapon against the Jews and the Jewish state.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013002770.html
-Mr. Mitchell in the Mideast
The Obama administration would do well to follow the advice he already offered -- eight years ago. GEORGE MITCHELL, the Obama administration's new Middle East envoy, encountered a grim landscape on a tour of the region this week. The conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to simmer; no cease-fire has been agreed to. Moderate Palestinian leaders and U.S. allies such as Saudi Arabia and even Turkey are furious about the heavy loss of life and continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. But Israel is drifting to the right. The leader in polls for next month's election is Binyamin Netanyahu, who favors postponing an Israeli-Palestinian peace settlement indefinitely -- and promises to "finish the work" in Gaza.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013003412.html
-A Multi-Pronged Bank Plan
Administration Finalizing Strategy, Probably Won't Toughen Pay Restrictions
By David Cho
The Obama administration has finished drafting the central elements of its plan to rescue the financial markets and is gathering feedback from regulators and Wall Street executives, sources familiar with the matter said yesterday.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013003742.html?hpid=topnews
-Admiration Turns to Anger as Wall St. Bosses Feather Nests
By Frank Ahrens
In times of prosperity, Wall Street executives are highly paid heroes to be emulated. Eye-popping corporate profits and pocket-lining dividends are celebrated like Super Bowl wins and Oscar sweeps. In bad times, like now, the Wall Street Gotbucks find themselves fallen idols on the wrong side of a quick and vicious shift, chastised by President Obama, powerful senators and subpoena-wielding lawmen. Not to mention angry taxpayers who lost savings on Wall Street and who now fund its bailout.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013003665.html?hpid=topnews
-Bishop Apologizes to Pope but Does Not Retract Holocaust Denial
By Francis X. Rocca
VATICAN CITY, Jan. 30 -- A Holocaust-denying bishop who was readmitted to the Catholic Church apologized Friday to Pope Benedict XVI for the "unnecessary distress and problems" caused by his "imprudent remarks."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013003431.html?hpid=sec-religion
=
Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/public/us
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Obama Touts Middle-Class Task Force Led by Biden
President Barack Obama signed a series of executive orders Friday that he said should "level the playing field" for labor unions in their struggles with management. Mr. Obama also used the occasion at the White House to announce formally a new White House task force on the problems of middle-class Americans. He named Vice President Joe Biden as its chairman. (Read more about the White House plan.)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123334427045034353.html
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Exxon Mobil shatters US record with $45.2 billion annual profit despite year-end oil plunge
By JOHN PORRETTO
Exxon Mobil Corp. on Friday reported a profit of $45.2 billion for 2008, breaking its own record for a U.S. company, even as its fourth-quarter earnings fell 33 percent from a year ago. The previous record for annual profit was $40.6 billion, which the world's largest publicly traded oil company set in 2007.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-earns-exxon-mobil,0,2193063.story
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Worst of recession is yet to come, economists say
The nation's economy has just suffered through its worst quarter since the early 1980s, and most experts expect the misery to continue through all of 2009.
http://www.miamiherald.com/103/story/881217.html
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-15 lawmakers to join Obama to watch Super Bowl
He met at the White House with congressional leaders from both parties. He went to Capitol Hill for private meetings with House and Senate Republicans. President Barack Obama even schmoozed with a group over cocktails at the executive mansion. How far is he willing to press his push for bipartisanship? All the way to the Super Bowl.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obama/1406706,w-barack-obama-super-bowl-plans.article
-Are you with Obama or Rush?
By JONATHAN MARTIN
President Obama and a key outside ally are stepping up efforts to ensure passage of the massive economic stimulus package, reaching out to Congress with both carrots and sticks.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/18194.html
-Conyers-Rove showdown postponed
By JOHN BRESNAHAN
The John Conyers-Karl Rove showdown has been delayed. Conyers, the House Judiciary Committee chairman, agreed on Friday to postpone the deadline on the Rove subpoena for three weeks, giving the Obama administration time to decide how it wants to handle the issue of executive privilege and congressional subpoenas.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/18222.html
-State Department To Blackwater: You're Fired, Leave Iraq by May
$1.2 Billion Contract Won't Be Renewed Following Iraqi Refusal to License U.S. Firm
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=6770489&page=1
-Putting A Face On The Minority Party
It's not too early to look forward to the fight for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination.
In the absence of a party leader with an outsized, charismatic personality -- think House Minority Leader Newt Gingrich circa 1993 -- a minority party has a hard time defining itself. And, like it or not, its presidential candidates tend to become the face of the party. [...] Running first was the party's 2008 vice presidential nominee, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, with 67 percent wanting her to run; 30 percent did not want her in the 2012 race. Next came former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney with 62 percent (32 percent opposed), and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee with 61 percent (33 percent opposed). [...] In fourth place was Army Gen. David Petraeus with 49 percent (39 percent opposed). He was followed by another 2008 candidate, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani at 48 percent (47 percent opposed). The final five drew more opposition than support. Gingrich got the nod from 47 percent (48 percent opposed). Next were Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, 34 percent (36 percent opposed); former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, 31 percent (61 percent opposed); Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, 23 percent (46 percent opposed); and Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, 21percent (53 percent opposed).
http://www.nationaljournal.com/njmagazine/cr_20090131_6496.php
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
FLORIDA DIGEST - January 31, 2009
**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.
~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~
Steve Rothaus
www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
Go to this link for the following articles:
-South Florida, national gay activists feud with popular DJ Rauhofer
BY STEVE ROTHAUS, srothaus@MiamiHerald.com
Popular DJ Peter Rauhofer enraged local gay activists last fall when he produced a South Beach "Main Event" dance party in direct competition with White Party Week's Noche Blanca AIDS fundraiser. Now, national gay activists are angry with Rauhofer: He is reprising his Main Event party at Mansion on March 1 opposite the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's Winter Party Orbit fundraiser at Cameo. "It hurts the community. That's what it comes down to,'' said Chad Richter of Miami Beach, festival chairman of this year's Winter Party. "We have volunteers who are working hard all year long. To have someone who is also gay and is doing a competing event, it's almost hard for a lot of people to believe." Austrian-born Rauhofer, pictured above on his Sexy album, did not respond to several Miami Herald e-mails requests for comment. Winter Party began in Miami Beach in 1994 with a one-day beach dance event off Ocean Drive. It helped finance a new foundation to benefit local gay groups. The Task Force bought the event, as well as the foundation's annual autumn recognition dinner, after the fundraising group went under in 2004. The Task Force agreed to keep two-thirds of all net profits from the events in Miami-Dade County, giving the money to the Dade Community Foundation's GLBT Community Project Fund.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/
-Gay skate on Feb. 24 for teens and young adults
Call 305-571-9601
www.prideline.org
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Equality Florida
Not all important elections happen in November....on February 10th we have two huge opportunities to: Elect Fort Lauderdale's first LGBT Mayor - Dean Trantalis, Elect Fort Lauderdale's second LGBT Commissioner - Coleman Prewit. Please Join us for a Special Election Briefing Call With Dean and Coleman - This Monday, Feb. 2nd, 4:00 p.m. - Wherever you live in Florida, this election will have an enormous impact. The current mayor of Fort Lauderdale, Jim Naugle, is notoriously anti-LGBT, and electing two of our own in one of Florida's largest cities would signal a huge shift towards Equality. Both Dean and Coleman will join us for the call - to tell you about their campaigns, answer your questions, and ask for your support. Click to RSVP and Receive Dialing Instructions
http://ga4.org/Equalityflorida/events/meetcandidates09/details.tcl
~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Kevorkian to speak at Nova Southeastern University
Dr. Death is coming to Davie.
Dr. Jack Kevorkian will speak at Nova Southeastern University on Thursday, advocating the decriminalization of assisted suicides and one's right to death when faced with a terminal illness. The free event will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m at the University Center, 3301 College Ave. Kevorkian's career studying terminal disease prompted him to decide that a doctor's choice to aid in a patient's suicide was ethical. He began assisting suicides in 1980, was arrested in 1998 and served eight years in prison. Tickets are available by calling 954-262-8236 or visiting
www.undergrad.nova.edu/articles/dss/jackkevorkian
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-PROTECTING WOMEN
Don't poke holes in social safety net
BY KATHY HERSH
During the era of ''compassionate conservatism,'' many faith-based organizations and nonprofits providing social services heeded the call of a Republican government eager to reduce entitlements without appearing to abandon needy families. Much of the federal funding was channeled through state governments, which dispersed the money as grants to private agencies capable of demonstrating their capacity to serve the ``under-served.''
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/other-views/story/881218.html
-Hold off on Gulf aquaculture plan
OUR OPINION: Make sure wild fish are protected from risks of ocean farming
The nation's fisheries are overseen by regional management councils. Their record of creating sustainable fisheries for commercial and recreational purposes has improved over time as science has come to play a larger role in managing them. Still, the oceans are suffering. Temperatures are gradually rising while the oxygen content of oceans is dropping. Many fish species are so depleted that they are off-limits for harvest for long periods.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/story/875506.html
-TALLAHASSEE: New speaker a quiet conservative
Larry Cretul, the Florida House's new speaker, has been a steady right-hand man to Ray Sansom.
BY MARY ELLEN KLAS
Florida's next House speaker is an unassuming real estate agent and Vietnam War vet from Ocala who is as little known in the halls of the Capitol as he is in the rest of the state.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/southflorida/story/881288.html
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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
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~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~
Steve Rothaus
www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
Go to this link for the following articles:
-South Florida, national gay activists feud with popular DJ Rauhofer
BY STEVE ROTHAUS, srothaus@MiamiHerald.com
Popular DJ Peter Rauhofer enraged local gay activists last fall when he produced a South Beach "Main Event" dance party in direct competition with White Party Week's Noche Blanca AIDS fundraiser. Now, national gay activists are angry with Rauhofer: He is reprising his Main Event party at Mansion on March 1 opposite the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's Winter Party Orbit fundraiser at Cameo. "It hurts the community. That's what it comes down to,'' said Chad Richter of Miami Beach, festival chairman of this year's Winter Party. "We have volunteers who are working hard all year long. To have someone who is also gay and is doing a competing event, it's almost hard for a lot of people to believe." Austrian-born Rauhofer, pictured above on his Sexy album, did not respond to several Miami Herald e-mails requests for comment. Winter Party began in Miami Beach in 1994 with a one-day beach dance event off Ocean Drive. It helped finance a new foundation to benefit local gay groups. The Task Force bought the event, as well as the foundation's annual autumn recognition dinner, after the fundraising group went under in 2004. The Task Force agreed to keep two-thirds of all net profits from the events in Miami-Dade County, giving the money to the Dade Community Foundation's GLBT Community Project Fund.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/
-Gay skate on Feb. 24 for teens and young adults
Call 305-571-9601
www.prideline.org
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Equality Florida
Not all important elections happen in November....on February 10th we have two huge opportunities to: Elect Fort Lauderdale's first LGBT Mayor - Dean Trantalis, Elect Fort Lauderdale's second LGBT Commissioner - Coleman Prewit. Please Join us for a Special Election Briefing Call With Dean and Coleman - This Monday, Feb. 2nd, 4:00 p.m. - Wherever you live in Florida, this election will have an enormous impact. The current mayor of Fort Lauderdale, Jim Naugle, is notoriously anti-LGBT, and electing two of our own in one of Florida's largest cities would signal a huge shift towards Equality. Both Dean and Coleman will join us for the call - to tell you about their campaigns, answer your questions, and ask for your support. Click to RSVP and Receive Dialing Instructions
http://ga4.org/Equalityflorida/events/meetcandidates09/details.tcl
~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Kevorkian to speak at Nova Southeastern University
Dr. Death is coming to Davie.
Dr. Jack Kevorkian will speak at Nova Southeastern University on Thursday, advocating the decriminalization of assisted suicides and one's right to death when faced with a terminal illness. The free event will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m at the University Center, 3301 College Ave. Kevorkian's career studying terminal disease prompted him to decide that a doctor's choice to aid in a patient's suicide was ethical. He began assisting suicides in 1980, was arrested in 1998 and served eight years in prison. Tickets are available by calling 954-262-8236 or visiting
www.undergrad.nova.edu/articles/dss/jackkevorkian
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-PROTECTING WOMEN
Don't poke holes in social safety net
BY KATHY HERSH
During the era of ''compassionate conservatism,'' many faith-based organizations and nonprofits providing social services heeded the call of a Republican government eager to reduce entitlements without appearing to abandon needy families. Much of the federal funding was channeled through state governments, which dispersed the money as grants to private agencies capable of demonstrating their capacity to serve the ``under-served.''
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/other-views/story/881218.html
-Hold off on Gulf aquaculture plan
OUR OPINION: Make sure wild fish are protected from risks of ocean farming
The nation's fisheries are overseen by regional management councils. Their record of creating sustainable fisheries for commercial and recreational purposes has improved over time as science has come to play a larger role in managing them. Still, the oceans are suffering. Temperatures are gradually rising while the oxygen content of oceans is dropping. Many fish species are so depleted that they are off-limits for harvest for long periods.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/story/875506.html
-TALLAHASSEE: New speaker a quiet conservative
Larry Cretul, the Florida House's new speaker, has been a steady right-hand man to Ray Sansom.
BY MARY ELLEN KLAS
Florida's next House speaker is an unassuming real estate agent and Vietnam War vet from Ocala who is as little known in the halls of the Capitol as he is in the rest of the state.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/southflorida/story/881288.html
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
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