01/25 Morning Report

I thought this piece of media analysis was interesting. It goes through the media economic reporting trend for 2006. What I find most interesting is the focus has been basically the same since Clinton left office. Why is they never said these things during Clinton’s last few years in office? The economy was on a slide through that time frame leading up to Bush first inauguration. Meanwhile, the CBO predicts another drop in the deficit for 2007.
(…oh…but I forgot…there is no media bias…)

On the subject of partisan politics, the Democrats are now looking
For Republican support for their Iraq Resolution. The great victory—kind of like the deficit—over Bush plans seems to be a little short on backing. Whether it stays that way as everyone postures and positions themselves politically for the coming election season, and the aftermath, remains to be seen.

The border fence is going up--finally. Given the politics of the whole thing, thought the emphasis of this article started properly:

Construction began Wednesday on vehicle barriers that will be part of a mix of fencing along the Arizona-Mexico border to discourage illegal border crossings.

As with all things Washington, the goal is not to really accomplish something. It is merely to discourage something Americans find offensive. This is the source of the legal climate that stymies efforts to uphold existing laws. There were two quotes in that article that really had meaning. City Councilman O’Hare said:

“People are upset that the law is not being upheld,” Mr. O’Hare said.

“They’re trying to send a message that minorities aren’t welcome,” said Ms. Villafranca, adding that she had been told to “go back to Mexico,” even though she was born in the United States.

The problem is both positions are right. But, the media only looks at the one. We cannot assume that someone is an ILLEGAL immigrant because of their skin tone. However, we also cannot ignore the ILLEGAL immigration problem.

In a tangent article, though sort of related to ILLEGAL immigration, one of the 2002 Bali bombers has been wounded was traced to the Philippines. That alone says a lot about how well terrorists are tracked—alternatively how good security measures are. And, that’s not to mention the arrest of a Russian uranium smuggler.
(…I wonder what kind of legislation on privacy rights will come out of all this…)

In other disturbing foreign news, it seems the North Koreans are helping the Iranians with nuclear testing.
(I missed this. So, go read Op-For’s breakdown on it.)

On the subject of military technology, El Capitan has a good write up on the new “Trojan Suit.” Should work really well with the new heat ray gun.
(…does this article seem to put the focus on crowd control or what…)

***UPDATE***
On the subject of media effectiveness, there is a continuing series on 5th Generation Warfare over at Fix4RSO. His latest post is on the subject o military planning, development and the need for media involvement. GO READ THIS!!!