01/06 Morning Report

On the lighter side of news, I have to admit, I enjoyed the focus of this article. It’s a BBC examination of wacky warning labels. Considering the source, I thought it was a pretty fair statement on the litigious culture in America.

In more serious announcements, Reuters reported last night that Democrats want to cap troop levels in Iraq. This morning, sound “details are being quoted on the subject.

Even Sen. John McCain, a Republican who advocates sending more troops in Iraq, said he wouldn't support sending in the additional forces unless the number was adequate enough to finally tamp down the violence. "I need to know if it's enough or not," McCain said.

I’m wondering who decides how “enough” is going to be measured.

In Ohio, an Imam is being deported for hiding his ties to Islamic Jihad. The investigation started after a tape of a 1991 speech surfaced. Among his acquentences is Omar Abdel-Rahman, who was convicted in a 1995 foiled plot to blow up New York City landmarks.
(…and he claimed he made all his speeches before he knew any Jews or Christians…like that makes a difference about lying to hide your past…)

It seems Muslim cabbies are refusing service to those who exhibit non-Muslim life styles.

Last year, the airports commission received a fatwa, or religious edict, from the Minnesota chapter of the Muslim American Society saying "Islamic jurisprudence" prohibits taxi drivers from carrying passengers with alcohol, "because it involves cooperating in sin according to Islam."

The refusal of service also extends to dogs—even for the blind.
(…Islam is such a considerate religion…don’t you think…)

To the south--WAY south--Hugo chavez has finally decided to take notice of violence on the streets and in the prisons. Having ignored it throughout his campaign for re-election, he is solving the issue by firing the interior/justice minister. He also—without explanation—fired his long time confidant and vice president.
(…like everyone is supposed to believe this will suddenly change his policies…I’m not holding my breath over waiting to see changes…)

Speaking of change that doesn’t change anything, the German High Court ruled that Mounir al-Motassadek is guilty of abetting the murder of 246 people on the planes involved in 9-11. The heavy penalty for such heinous actions? Fifteen years in prison. Originally found guilty in 2003 for helping and supporting terrorists who did the deed, the conviction was overturned on appeal. So, now he has been found guilty of accessory to murder.
(…see what the appeals process can get you?...the same sentence…sweet…NOT…)