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S/SW blog philosophy -

I credit favorite writers and public opinion makers.

A lifelong Democrat, my comments on Congress, the judiciary and the presidency are regular features.

My observations and commentary are on people and events in politics that affect the USA or the rest of the world, and stand for the interests of peace, security and justice.


Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Focused on actionable news


There is plenty for activists to do this week. Possible actions include action from Congress and continued protests against the war in Iraq. Watch the House and Senate on C-SPAN and communicate your preferences to your elected representatives. Military patients and families continue to reveal problems in getting needed care and support; volunteer for the military in your local area. There is growing interest in the neglected issue of immigration reform, and there are powerful feelings on both sides of this issue. Look out for bigotry and speak out about it. And finally, write a fan letter to your favorites, after catching up with the latest news from articles focused on activism amongst entertainers. (image: Free-pictures-photos)

The following information was gleaned completely from the CNN.com's excellent website.
War in Iraq - President Bush is ordering 4400 more troops to Iraq. Vice President Cheney is speaking out against Democrats' plans to try to get the troops withdrawn from Iraq. And from CNN.com comes the (3/14/07) headline, "Poll: Less than half of Americans think U.S. can win in Iraq." Quoting the summary,
Story Highlights
• Forty-six percent say U.S. cannot win in Iraq; same percent says U.S. can win
• Most think Bush administration was deliberately misleading before invasion
• So-called "surge" remains unpopular, but opposition has lessened a bit
• Twenty-one percent support an immediate Iraq pullout

Military missteps and health care - The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Peter Pace, injected his personal views on homosexuality into a news interview, causing an uproar. And the glare of publicity has caused wholesale personnel changes in the military's health care system. The latest is Surgeon General, Lt. Gen. Kevin Kiley. And from CNN.com comes the (3/13/07) headline, "Study: Thousands of veterans return with mental illness." Quoting the summary,
Story Highlights
• Study examines vets who received VA care between 2001-2005
• Study says youngest Iraq, Afghanistan veterans have most issues
• Data from 103,788 veterans analyzed in study
• Post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosed in 13 percent of those studied
Immigration reform - Mayans will spiritually cleanse an ancient site after President Bush's visit. And from CNN.com comes the (3/14/07) headline, "Bush promises push for immigration reform." Quoting the summary,
Story Highlights
• President Bush, Mexican president agree on need for secure border
• Felipe Calderon calls for creation of new jobs in Mexico
• Bush promises to push for immigration reform legislation
• Bush, Calderon meeting at Yucatan resort as Bush's five-nation trip winds up
Actors are activists - Fred Thompson is considering running for president. Kiefer Sutherland (of "24") went to Washington to promote his recent documentary. And from CNN.com comes the (3/12/07) story headlined, "Jolie: 'I cried constantly' over refugee work." Quoting the summary,
Story Highlights
• Angelina Jolie says she was initially overwhelmed by UN work
• Jolie: "I went through a period of just complete lack of hope"
• Actress has visited several countries for her work

Technorati tags: My "creative post" today at Southwest Blogger is about the Tetons.



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