Category: Politics

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Politics

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev Found Guilty on All 30 Counts in The Boston Bombing

Remember when Republicans criticized the American judicial system as not being capable or equip to try and convict terrorists? It was very recently when President Obama wanted to try some of the Gitmo prisoners in the American court system. Well now, the American judicial system has once again proved Republicans wrong.

Shortly after he killed three people and wounded more than 250 others in the Boston Marathon bombing, surveillance images showed Dzhokhar Tsarnaev strolling through the aisles of Whole Foods to buy milk and smiling as he stopped by his college gym.

They were images of someone prosecutors described as a callous killer as they made their case against him.

It was a drastically different scene in court on Wednesday. The now 21-year-old Tsarnaev stood with his head bowed and his hands clasped, fidgeting as jurors dealt out a decisive verdict that could be the first step toward sending him to death row.

It was a decision they didn’t make quickly. It took the jury of seven women and five men 11½ hours of deliberations to reach a conclusion.

But when they did, they didn’t leave room for doubt about who was behind the 2013 attack, finding him guilty of all 30 counts that he faced in the deadly bombings and their aftermath.

Tsarnaev didn’t look at them as the verdict was read.

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Politics

South Carolina Police Officer Arrested for Murdering Unarmed Black Man – Video

CNN is reporting that a  South Carolina officer has been charged with murder after a video surfaced that appears to show him shooting an unarmed man who was running away.

Michael Slager, an officer with the North Charleston Police Department, was arrested Tuesday, according to a statement from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, or SLED. If found guilty of murder, he could face up to life in prison or death.

The shooting took place Saturday morning after a traffic stop, SLED said. Video obtained by The New York Times shows what happened.

A black man, identified as 50-year-old Walter Scott, breaks away from the white officer. Something falls, and the officer fires eight shots at the man as he runs away. Scott, who appears to be unarmed, drops to the ground.

“I can tell you that as the result of that video and the bad decision made by our officer, he will be charged with murder,” North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey told reporters Tuesday. “When you’re wrong, you’re wrong. And if you make a bad decision — don’t care if you’re behind the shield or just a citizen on the street — you have to live by that decision.”

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Easter Politics White House

Kids Scream in Horror at White House Easter Event – Video

The president couldn’t calm the children down as they screamed in horror  at the president’s event.

“Hold on! Hold on! You guys are wild things!,” Mr.Obama said,as he continued his efforts to sooth the children. “You’re not supposed to be scared of bees when you’re a wild thing!”

“They won’t harm nothing. They won’t sting you,” Mr. Obama said on Wednesday as he read “Where the Wild Things Are” at an Easter event. The bees are kept at the White House and their honey is used in White House recipes. But on Wednesday, the kids were apparently on the menu.

Video

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Domestic Policies Indiana News Politics

Corporate America Hangs a left

All of the tension that’s been building in the grand Republican coalition, that uneasy mix of practical business, low taxes, libertarianism and the uncompromising religious sector is now being released. And it’s not working out for the most conservative of the party’s members.

Just a week ago it seemed that at least two new states, Indiana and Arkansas, would pass religious freedom laws that would, in essence, allow people to claim that a robust religious objection to a state or federal law was enough to nullify it, at least for the objector. By the end of the week, both states had to backtrack and add key provisions that did not allow religious people from discriminating against gays and lesbians, among others. Why the change?

Corporations. Walmart. Angie’s List. Axium. et.al.

Big business has seen the light and it’s a bright one. No, not the one that people who have near-death experiences talk about. This is the one that shines into the deep dark corners of discrimination, hatred and prejudice.  Yes, corporations do love they money, but they’re also getting a bit of a soul. After all, corporations are people too, right?

But uncovering the cloistered minds of the far right isn’t the only move forward. Major national businesses are also starting to…wait for it…raise wages. Yes, I know that it’s only a dollar more an hour for now, but the prospect of rising wages for those most in need is a positive step.

Despite a conservative movement that’s made great inroads into American political, economic and social culture, the basic democratic ideals of tolerance, respect for diversity and fairness have endured and are now beginning to emerge from an era where they were somewhat battered and bruised. Americans truly want a government that will stay out of its bedrooms and workplaces even as they want to make sure that there is a safety net for life’s perplexities.

This is why I think the GOP will end up nominating another more moderate candidate in 2016. That won’t make the conservatives happy, but it really is the best hope for the party. And the Democrats had better not take their supporters for granted. The economy is better, but job growth seems to have slowed and the deal with Iran is not a slam dunk, nor should it be.

For now, though, business seems to be on the side of a wider, more inclusive market. And that’s good news.

For more, go to www.facebook.com/WhereDemocracyLives or Twitter @rigrundfest

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Indiana Politics

Indiana’s Republicans Make Changes to “Religious Freedom” Law

Indiana’s Republican Governor Mike Pence proved in a recent interview last Sunday that the knew his state’s version of the “Religious Freedom” act opened the door to discrimination. When George Stephanopoulos asked that very specific question – “should it be legal to discriminate against gays and lesbians” – Pence dodged the question for almost 12 minutes. And now with continued pressure, the truth is finally coming out. And the rush is on to make changes to the law ASAP!

“What was intended as a message of inclusion was interpreted as a message of exclusion, especially for the LGBT community,” Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma told reporters at a 9 a.m. news conference on Thursday. “Nothing could have been further from the truth, but it was clear the perception had to be addressed.”

The proposed update, as released by Indiana GOP lawmakers online, states that the controversial religious-freedom law does not allow any business to deny service to any customer — including on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The new language will still have to be approved by Indiana’s legislature and signed by the state’s Republican governor, Mike Pence, before it goes into effect. Pence this week announced he would support changing the law.

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Politics

President Obama’s Announcement on Framework for Iran Deal – Video

President Obama made his announcement today from the Rose Garden and he spoke about a framework of the new Iran deal, a deal the President said will be finalized in June.

In his announcement, the president warned that any “backsliding” from the deal by Iran, would lead to a collapse of the deal and increased sanctions on Iran. And the president also used the opportunity to quashed some of the Republican lies about him not backing Israel, by pledging his continued support for that country.

Watch the announcement below.

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Politics

Protests Paid Off – McDonald’s Announces Wage and Benefits Increase

The voice of one only goes so far, but the voices of many echoes throughout the nation and the world, and the decision makers at McDonald’s took note.

In a statement released on Wednesday, McDonald’s announced wage increases for its employees and a benefit package including more paid time-off and educational opportunities for its full-time and part-time employees.

“We’ve been working on a comprehensive benefits package for our employees — the people who bring our brand to life for customers every day in our U.S. restaurants,” said McDonald’s President and CEO Steve Easterbrook. “We’ve listened to our employees and learned that — in addition to increased wages — paid personal leave and financial assistance for completing their education would make a real difference in their careers and lives.”

On July 1, 2015, starting wages at McDonald’s company-owned restaurants in the U.S. will be one dollar over the locally-mandated minimum wage. The wages of all employees up to restaurant manager will be adjusted accordingly based on tenure and job performance. By the end of 2016, McDonald’s projects that the average hourly wage rate for McDonald’s employees at company-owned restaurants will be in excess of $10.

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Politics

Bachmann’s Followers Chastise Her for Comparing Obama to German Co-pilot

Like only the crazy Bachmann Lunatic can, she took the opportunity to use the German plane crash for her own dumb Republican politics.

In a post on her Facebook page, the retired Republican congresswoman saw it fit to compare the president of the United States to the co-pilot of the German flight, whose apparent intentional actions crashed the plane killing all 150 people on board.

Said Bachmann;

With his Iran deal, Barack Obama is for the 300 million souls of the United States what Andreas Lubitz was for the 150 souls on the German Wings flight – a deranged pilot flying his entire nation into the rocks. After the fact, among the smoldering remains of American cities, the shocked survivors will ask, why did he do it?

Luckily, Americans have morals and we’re quick to shut down the lunacy emitting from the Republican.

Melissa Coca, replied with this comment;

Comparing this tragedy to anything is moronic and despicable. Congratulations, for once more upholding the level of stupid which only you can.

And this from Henry Graham Kicklighter

I’m so glad that you’re a political has-been, Michele

And Steve Crews had this to say;

Hey fear mongers you should try passing rumors that are true. But You would have to give up on a lot of your rants on here. It has been proven he is not muslim, he is a citizen of the US, he is doing everything he can to avoid a war with Iran (no thanks to 47 traitors) some of you are republican that no matter what you won’t belive anyone that disagrees with you. Some are racist, bigots. And some just vote stright party. He is a good man just he has different ideals than you and you can’t belive a black man might have a better ideal than a bunch of old white men. If you could get over it we would be lots better off.

On and on the disgust for Michele and the Republicans went, and I smiled in delight that my fellow Americans are seeing these people for the sickos they really are.

Categories
New Jersey Politics

NJ Senator Bob Menendez Indicted on Corruption Charges

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Justice Department investigating New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, said, “Robert Menendez, a U.S. senator, and Dr. Salomon Melgen, a Florida ophthalmologist, were indicted today in connection with a bribery scheme in which Menendez allegedly accepted gifts from Melgen in exchange for using the power of his Senate office to benefit Melgen’s financial and personal interests,” said Peter Carr, a Justice Department spokesman, in a statement.

The two were indicted in the district of New Jersey for one count of conspiracy, one count of violating the travel act, eight counts of bribery and three counts of honest services fraud; Menendez was also charged with one count of making false statements, according to Carr’s statement.

Categories
Politics

New Poll – Majority of Americans Want Nuclear Deal with Iran

While Republicans continue to crucify President Obama for even trying to negotiate a deal with Iran that would end that country’s nuclear program, a new Washington Post poll finds that Republicans are once again on the wrong side of the issue, as Americans overwhelming support the negotiations.

Overall, the poll finds 59 percent support an agreement in which the United States and its negotiating partners lift major economic sanctions in exchange for restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program. Thirty-one percent oppose a deal.

Support outpaces opposition across nearly all demographic and political groups, with liberals (seven in 10) and Democrats (two-thirds) the most supportive. At least six in 10 independents and moderates also back the broad idea of a deal with Iran.

Republicans are about evenly divided on an Iran deal, with 47 percent in support and 43 percent opposed. The split contrasts with Republican lawmakers’ widespread backing of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech deriding the potential deal in early March before a joint meeting of lawmakers. Additionally, all but seven Republican senators signed a letter to Iran’s leadership warning that Congress or a future president could override any agreement made by the Obama administration.

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Louie Gohmert Politics

Gohmert’s Office – Louie is Not Running For President Because of He is “Bald”

Last week, Republican Brain Louie Gohmert stunned the rest of the Republican party and caused much amusement among liberals when he hinted that he is interested in running for president in 2016. Speaking to The Hill, Gohmert was asked about his feelings on Ted Cruz and whether he will support Cruz’s run for President.

“Ted is a good friend and would be an outstanding president,” Gohmert said. Then he chimed in this little piece of nugget.”However, I haven’t ruled out an exploratory committee myself!”

Realizing that the Brain had once again stuffed his mouth with his right foot, Gohmert’s office quickly released this statement via email, informing the world that Gohmert was only joking about a possible run for president, and even if he wasn’t joking, the statement concludes that Gohmert’s baldness prevented him from running.

The Statement:

“Washington D.C. contains too many who do not recognize statements made with a figurative tongue in cheek, sometimes known as being ironic,” said an email from Gohmert’s office.

“To more completely describe his actual beliefs, Congressman Gohmert notes the Kennedy-Nixon debates created a line of demarcation beyond which television became the critical factor in being elected President which also meant there would be no more bald Presidents in his lifetime.”

Too bad. I was looking forward to a President Gomer in the White House!

Categories
Indiana Politics

Indiana Gov Mike Pence Cannot Say if New Law Allows for Discrimination – Video

I guess we can say Mike Pence is a politician. That would account for the masterful way he managed to completely avoid answering a straightforward question today from George Stephanopoulos. All George wanted was a yes or no answer and for 11 minutes, Indiana Governor Mike Pence talked and played mary go round until Mr Stephanopoulos had no choice but to end the segment.

What was the question Mike Pence failed to give a yes or no answer to? Whether the new law the Republican signed would allow for discrimination against gays. “It’s a simple yes or no question,” Stephanopoulos said, but of course, nothing is simple with a Republican.

Video

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