Some Interesting Poll Results; Waterboarding, 2008 Election
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Berkeley East; Toledo Mayor Finkbeiner Kicks The Marines Out
Screw Toledo. There's a reason it's called the "arm-pit" of Ohio. I was going to Toledo for the Kid Rock concert, but I would rather wait and see if he goes to Cleveland instead. The only time I go to Toledo anyway is to drive through on my way to Cabela's.
A company of Marine Corps Reservists received a cold send-off from downtown Toledo yesterday by order of Mayor Carty Finkbeiner.
The 200 members of Company A, 1st Battalion, 24th Marines, based in Grand Rapids, Mich., planned to spend their weekend engaged in urban patrol exercises on the streets of downtown as well as inside the mostly vacant Madison Building, 607 Madison Ave.
Toledo police knew days in advance about their plans for a three-day exercise. Yet somehow the memo never made it to Mayor Finkbeiner, who ordered the Marines out yesterday afternoon just minutes before their buses were to arrive.
***UPDATE 02/09/08 7:40PM***
Apparently some have not read the entire article. They think it's to defend against Canada or a show of force by the "Military Industrial Complex". It must be too complex of a thought to associate it with Global War on Terror that was AUTHORIZED BY CONGRESS. In their fantasy world, they believe wars are being waged on battlefields, instead of the reality that they are being fought in cities, with buildings. This person thinks we should take money from troops on the ground to build a mock city for the exercises. I bet they complain about government waste too.
Members of the 1st Battalion, 24th Marines have trained periodically in downtown Toledo since at least 2004 and most recently in May, 2006.
Past exercises have involved mock gun fights, ambushes, and the firing of blank ammunition.
[...]
The Reservists' visit was no surprise to Toledo police, who Tuesday issued a news release to media outlets on behalf of the Marines that asked Toledoans not to be startled by the sight of camouflaged soldiers toting M16 rifles.
Police officers were awaiting the Marines' arrival yesterday afternoon and had set up a roadblock at Madison Avenue and Huron Street.
[...]
A pair of Marines spent the better part of yesterday setting up the Madison Building with generators, heaters, radios, and food to become the unit's overnight headquarters.
[...]
Lance Cpl. Brandon Bukrey-McCarty, 22, recalled taking part in the company's 2006 urban patrol exercise in downtown Toledo.
He said he learned skills during that exercise that proved useful during the unit's deployment to Fallujah, Iraq, in 2006-2007.
"It was extremely helpful," Corporal Bukrey-McCarty said.
The training "got me used to looking up on rooftops, looking around every alley, every open door."
Sergeant Davis and other company leaders estimated the total cost of the aborted training exercise, including travel, at roughly $10,000.
***UPDATE 02/10/08 10:45AM***
The Fink is getting hammered. He has not only disgraced himself to Ohioans, but to Americans as well. I had seen yesterday that this story had made LGF and Drudge.
***UPDATE 02/11/08 12:29AM***
You can email the Fink at mayor.toledo@toledo.oh.gov or you can call, (419) 245-1001. If you call, remember to be polite to the person that answers the phone.
It's interesting to note that the mayors website is no longer working. *UPDATE* It's working again
***UPDATE 02/12/08 2:00PM***
Five Toledo city councilmen have called this an embarrassment and have demanded that Mayor Fink apologize.
Councilmen Frank Szollosi, D. Michael Collins, Joe McNamara, Michael Ashford, and Mike Craig spoke to reporters yesterday at Government Center and presented a proposed resolution apologizing to the Marines.
[...]
Mr. Collins, a Marine from 1963 to 1969, said the situation is an embarrassment for the city.
"The city signed-off on those plans or they wouldn't have embarked on this trip," he said. "I sincerely hope that our reputation throughout the United States isn't reflective that this is the value system that Toledo, Ohio, has."
[...]
Mr. Ashford challenged Mr. Finkbeiner's statement from the previous day that people downtown would be frightened by warfare exercises and said he was doubtful the mayor was completely unaware of the planned visit.
"If you have ever been downtown on a weekend in February, there is no one downtown," Mr. Ashford said.
Mayor Fink feels the wrath of college basketball fans.
There was much disdain for Mr. Finkbeiner when he competed in a free-throw shooting contest during halftime of yesterday's men's basketball game between the University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University at BGSU's Anderson Arena.
Mr. Finkbeiner, who competed against Bowling Green Mayor John Quinn, was showered with boos by fans from both teams. The mayor responded by cracking a faint smile.
Mayor Fink says he would do it all again. On top of that, he addresses the USMC incorrectly.
Mayor Carty Finkbeiner was unapologetic yesterday and said he would do it all over again and cancel another Marine Corps warfare training exercise on the streets of downtown Toledo, despite the backlash for his decision last week.
However, the mayor tried to make good with the Marines and last night e-mailed a “formal invitation” back to the city to several officers. The invitation incorrectly spelled the U.S. Marine Corps as U.S. Marine Corp.
“I have further stated my desire to have the U.S. Marine Corp. conduct training exercises in the city of Toledo, wherever appropriate, with the probable exception of the central business district,” the letter stated.
If you question the Mayor's loyalty, you're a baboon.
“Anybody who suggests that this man is in some way, shape, or form not loyal to this country or not loyal to the military of this country, well that person is just a plain baboon who doesn’t know me in any way, shape, or form and what I stand for,” Mr. Finkbeiner said.
City commissioners and the visitors bureau is trying to make amends.
The commissioners and the convention and visitors bureau are offering the Marines a free, one-night stay at a hotel, a $50 gift certificate to a restaurant, and free family admission to the Toledo Zoo.
Marines who take advantage of the offer have to stay at a hotel and eat at a restaurant that are convention and visitors bureau members.
They will receive the offer in the form of gift certificates and a “Do Toledo” card, which will help direct them to the bureau’s member restaurants and hotels.
***UPDATE 02/13/08 10:55AM***
City council has unanimously approved a resolution apologizing to the Marines.
Toledo City Council yesterday attempted to quell the controversy surrounding Mayor Carty Finkbeiner’s order to cancel a Marine Corps warfare training exercise downtown with a unanimous vote of apology.
Without discussion, the 12-member council approved a resolution apologizing to Company A, 1st Battalion, 24th Marines, based in Grand Rapids, Mich., for the mayor’s action Friday afternoon.
Mr. Finkbeiner, who has refused to apologize and has defended his decision, yesterday declined to say whether he would sign the resolution or if he believed the controversy would hinder the city’s attempt to renew the 0.75 percent income tax on the March 4 ballot.
Good News From The War On Terror 2/8
Coalition forces capture Special Groups leader, detain four total suspects
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured a suspected Special Groups leader and detained three other suspects late Thursday during operations to disrupt criminal networks in the Mashru area, south of Baghdad.
The targeted individual was reportedly a deputy for Special Groups criminal elements in Wasit Province. Reports also indicate he was an associate of several senior-level criminal element leaders involved in attacks on Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition forces.
Intelligence led ground forces to the target area where they captured the wanted individual and the three other suspected criminals without incident.
Coalition disrupts al-Qaeda operating in northern Iraq, 10 suspects detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 10 suspected terrorists today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq networks operating in northern Iraq.
During two coordinated operations in Sharqat, Coalition forces captured an alleged senior leader of the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in the city and his deputy. Reports indicate the suspected terrorists are responsible for directing terrorist operations in the region, to include kidnappings, mortar and improvised explosive device attacks. The suspects are also allegedly responsible for attacks against Coalition and local awakening forces. In addition to the two wanted individuals, the ground force detained three suspected terrorists during the operations.
Further north in Mosul, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists during an operation targeting a senior foreign terrorist facilitator. The leader is allegedly associated with al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leadership, and reportedly commands a group of foreign terrorists and suicide bombers who are responsible for the attack that resulted in the death of five Coalition Soldiers Jan. 28.
Also in Mosul, Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists while targeting an alleged manufacturer of improvised explosive devices involved in attacks against Iraq and Coalition forces.
Coalition disrupts al-Qaeda in central Iraq; eight terrorists killed, 12 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed eight terrorists and detained 12 suspects Thursday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central Iraq.
East of Samarra Thursday and today, Coalition forces conducted coordinated operations targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader of the network in the city and his associates. Coalition forces observed numerous personnel at a known al-Qaeda in Iraq meeting location and followed the suspects to two separate areas, killing one armed terrorist who displayed hostile intent.
Nearby Coalition forces followed two other individuals in a vehicle and observed them reaching for weapons. Perceiving hostile intent, a supporting aircraft engaged, killing two terrorists. Following the strike, numerous secondary explosions erupted from the vehicle, indicating weapons were stored inside. Coalition forces went back to the area today and detained three suspected terrorists for their alleged association to the al-Qaeda in Iraq leader.
Further east, near the Hamrin Mountains Thursday, two suspects were detained while targeting an associate of the al-Qaeda in Iraq network responsible for operating an al-Qaeda in Iraq prison and training camp in the region. The targeted individual is allegedly associated with the suspect detained Jan. 28 for his role as an interrogator at the prison.
In Baqubah today, Coalition forces targeted an associate of the al-Qaeda in Iraq leadership responsible for the suicide network operating in Diyala, Baghdad, Mosul and other areas of Iraq. As the ground force arrived in the area, they called for a target building’s occupants to come out. Coalition forces then engaged four terrorists in the building and killed them.
A young woman and girl, who had complied with instructions and exited the building, told the ground force that a man remained inside. As Coalition forces assaulted the building they observed it explode. After the area was secure, the ground force assessed the man had detonated explosive materials inside, killing himself and destroying the building. An Iraqi civilian in the area confirmed the terrorist killed inside the building was the targeted individual.
During operations in Baghdad today, Coalition forces captured three wanted individuals reportedly involved in the al-Qaeda in Iraq media and propaganda network. The suspects include an alleged senior leader operating in the terrorist network in Baghdad; one of his subordinates, who is reportedly responsible for facilitating the movement of media network members; and an alleged leader in the Mosul based media network. All of the suspected terrorists are reportedly close contacts of senior leaders within the media network, who have direct ties to the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader Abu Ayyub al-Masri. In addition to the wanted individuals, the ground force detained four suspected terrorists during the operations.
Friday, February 08, 2008
The Swiftboating Of John McCain
...has begun.
I'm not posting the video. I'm not saying it's bad, but I haven't served in the military so I'm not going to judge him on his military service. I will judge him on his public service, and that is why I'm 90% sure I won't be voting for him.
h/t: LGF
Today's Odd Headlines
34yo man & 13yo girl relationship "real love" says Italian court
Because a 13yo girl knows"real love".
A 34-year-old Italian man who had sex with a 13-year-old girl has had his sentence cut by a two-thirds because a court decided there was "real love" between the pair.
Cult member circumcised his children, at home, with a utility knife
I think this asshole should be re-circumcised, at home, with a utility knife, by a Parkinson's patient.
Investigators say a man has been charged with child abuse in Caldwell County for circumcising his two infant sons with a utility knife.
Georgia, Tennessee in border dispute over water
The state of Georgia would rather invade other states' water instead of conserving its own.
The resolution, which has passed early hurdles but has not received final passage, claims that the boundary was erroneously surveyed in 1818 and that Georgia has never accepted it. The resolution calls for the creation of a "Georgia-Tennessee Boundary Line Commission" that would perform joint surveys and change the line to the "definite and true" boundary line: exactly following the 35th parallel.
3rd grade transgendered student?
You have to wonder if his parents wanted a daughter.
The issue of being transgender usually pops up with students in high school. However, a 3rd grade boy wants to dress as a girl and wants teachers and students to address him with a girl's name.
Good News From The War On Terror 2/6-7
3 suspected extremists arrested in Rashid
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers arrested three suspected Sunni extremists Feb. 3 during operations across the Rashid District of the Iraqi capital.
Policemen from 1st Brigade, 7th Iraqi National Police Division, arrested a man believed to be an al-Qaeda operative after he tried to pass through a traffic control checkpoint in Massafee.
The man, suspected of murder, placing improvised explosive devices and weapons trafficking, was taken to an Iraqi facility for further questioning.
Earlier in the day, Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, MND-B, captured two suspected AQI cell members in two separate raids in Doura.
During the first raid, Company B Soldiers knocked on the door of home believed to be an AQI sniper, and arrested a man matching the extremist’s name and description. The man is accused of setting up false checkpoints to kidnap Shia and Christian Iraqis in the Arab Jabour region of the city.
Later, Company C Soldiers arrested a man accused of murder, forcibly displacing families and placing IEDs in the Doura area.
Coalition disrupts al-Qaeda in Iraq networks; one terrorist killed, 12 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained 12 suspects Wednesday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in northern Iraq.
During two coordinated operations in Mosul Wednesday and today, Coalition forces targeted associates of a senior al-Qaeda in Iraq foreign terrorist facilitator. The terrorist leader reportedly leads a group of foreign terrorists and suicide bombers who are responsible for the attack that resulted in the death of five Coalition soldiers Jan. 28.
Reports led Coalition forces to an area where one of the suspects was believed to be operating and one terrorist was killed. Coalition forces also destroyed a vehicle in the target area to prevent its further use for terrorist operations. In the eastern portion of the city, Coalition forces detained six suspected terrorists for their alleged association with the terrorist leader.
In Bayji today, Coalition forces captured an individual who is allegedly an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leader involved in the city's terrorist network. The suspect reportedly leads and coordinates attacks on Coalition forces operating in the region. He is also believed to be a close associate of the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader for the network, as well as a member of an anti-Coalition forces group active in the region. A group of Concerned Local Citizens led the ground force to the location where the individual was operating and he was subsequently detained along with one additional suspect.
During an operation in Tikrit this morning, Coalition forces captured an alleged member of an al-Qaeda in Iraq media and propaganda cell with suspected ties to al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leadership. Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists in addition to the wanted suspect.
Coalition finds cache, disrupts al-Qaeda network; five terrorists killed
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed five terrorists and discovered a weapons cache during operations Wednesday and today to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central Iraq.
During continued efforts in the Diyala River Valley, Coalition forces conducted an operation northeast of al-Khalis Wednesday targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq associates involved in weapons smuggling and attacks again Coalition forces. Reports indicate that Coalition success in degrading the networks in Baghdad has pushed groups of al-Qaeda into the Diyala River Valley, where they are seeking safe haven.
Coalition forces confirmed the presence of enemy personnel in the target area, and called for supporting aircraft to engage, killing five terrorists. As the ground force cleared the area, they discovered numerous weapons, to include 12 machine guns and ammunition, multiple mortar tubes, two anti-aircraft weapons and multiple rocket-propelled grenades. The weapons were safely destroyed, along with a vehicle in the target area, to prevent future use for terrorist activity.
While conducting a boat patrol south of Baghdad today, Coalition forces were engaged by small-arms fire. They returned fire in self-defense and called supporting aircraft to engage. Following the engagement, ground forces arrived to assess the scene and discovered that the location where the small-arms fire originated was a Concerned Local Citizens check point. The CLC unit had mistakenly fired on Coalition forces, who followed proper self-defense measures in response to the threat. The building next to the check point was struck by the supporting aircraft fire, killing an Iraqi civilian and damaging the building.
Two ton explosives cache found in Salah ad Din province
BAYJI, Iraq – Iraqi Police, Sons of Iraq and Coalition Forces discovered a 4,400 pound cache of explosives, in Salah ad Din province during a joint operation, Feb. 6.
Iraqi Police and SOI noticed freshly disturbed dirt off an unimproved road. Coalition Forces investigated the site with IP and SOI assistance. Buried under a hidden tarp were 40 bags filled with a mixture of ammonia nitrate and cocoa powder, each weighing approximately 110 pounds or 50 kilograms. This mixture is commonly used as a homemade explosive commonly used by al-Qaeda in Iraq.
I Caught A Few Minutes Of McCain's Speech At CPAC
There isn't enough Pepto in the world to cure my nausea.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Baby Found Alive In Field After Tornadoes
Amazing. He was found 100 yards from his house, and with the exception of a few scratches, unharmed. Unfortunately; his mother didn't survive.
The muddy field was littered with debris after a wave of violent storms: Living room couches, strollers, children's toys. So when two rescuers came upon a baby, they thought he was a doll.
Then he moved.
"We grabbed hold of his neck (to take a pulse) and he took a breath of air and started crying," said David Harmon, a firefighter from a nearby county who was combing the field for tornado victims.
The boy was found at least 100 yards away from where his family's house had been, possibly lifted by the storm's fierce winds, according to witnesses at the scene on Thursday. There was no trace of exactly where the house stood. His mother, who did not survive, was found in the same field.
Is There Anything More Spectacular
...than seeing the space shuttle lift-off. I rarely get to see it, but am captivated when I can.
The first time I remember anything about the space shuttle, was the space shuttle Challenger explosion. I was a wee lad in elementary school. The playground supervisor, an Englishman named Mr. Peoples, told me about it.
Romney Suspends Campaign
I imagine what this means is, he's not dropping out, just not campaigning any longer. Should he somehow win the nomination, he would resume campaigning. The amazing thing is, I still planned on writing-in Duncan Hunter in the primary March 4th, but, should Romney win the nomination, I had considered voting for him. Now, I get to write-in Duncan Hunter in the primary and general elections.
McShamnesty and Shmuckabee remain in the race. Hooray for Conservatives!
Good News From The War On Terror 2/4-5
BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained two terror suspects and killed three terrorists in separate operations Feb. 1.
In the village of Mashraf, Iraqi and U.S. Forces detained two members of an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell who are believed to be responsible for multiple improvised explosive device and small-arms fire attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces.
According to intelligence reports, the two suspects are directly responsible for a January 2008 attack on an Iraqi Police checkpoint that killed two Iraqi Soldiers and an Iraqi Police officer.
Near the city of Tal Afar, an Iraqi Special Weapons and Tactics Team, together with U.S. Special Forces, conducted an operation to detain two suspected terrorist cell leaders.
During the course of the operation, the assault force came under small-arms fire. The assault force returned fire, killing three terrorists. One Coalition Force team member received minor injuries when a grenade thrown by one of the terrorists exploded near his position.
Night raids apprehend eight extremists
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers arrested eight suspected extremists during ongoing operations in the Rashid District Feb. 1 and 2.
“Raiders,” from Troop C, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, MND-B, detained three men thought to be members of a Sunni extremist improvised-explosive device cell during a raid in Doura, Feb. 1.
During a raid in the early hours of Feb. 2, the “Black Lions” of Company B, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th IBCT, arrested three alleged special group cell members -- one believed to be a cell leader from Rusafa.
Soldiers from Company A, 1st Bn., 28th Inf., captured a suspected special group cell members thought to be involved with weapons trafficking during a morning raid in Aamel. In Doura that morning, Soldiers from Troop B, 1-4 Cav. Regt., arrested a man believed to be involved in an al Qaeda IED cell.
Coalition targets weapons, foreign terrorist facilitators; eight suspects detained
BAGHDAD – Coalition forces detained eight suspected terrorists today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in northern Iraq.
During an operation in Ad Dawr, Coalition forces captured an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq weapons facilitator. The suspect reportedly sells artillery rounds and improvised explosive devices in the Ad Dawr and Tikrit area. He is also believed to be associated with the alleged former leader of the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in the city who was detained Jan. 26. During the course of operations the suspect was injured, treated on site and subsequently detained.
In Tikrit, Coalition forces captured an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq member also involved in the facilitation of weapons and terrorists, terrorist financing, and coordinating attacks against Concerned Local Citizen groups and Coalition forces. Reports indicate the suspect is associated with an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader for the Salah ad Din network, and a Moroccan foreign terrorist facilitator who was killed during an operation in September. The ground force detained one suspected terrorist in addition to the wanted individual.
Coalition forces continued to degrade the weapons facilitation network in Tikrit, capturing another alleged facilitator and two additional suspects in the city. The wanted individual is reportedly a member of the Islamic Army and is believed to maintain weapons caches in the area.
During an operation in southwest Mosul, two suspected terrorists were detained, to include a suspected associate of an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader in the city. The alleged terrorist leader is believed to be responsible for a group of foreign terrorists and suicide bombers operating in the area. Reports indicate the group was responsible for the attack that resulted in the death of five Coalition Soldiers Jan. 28.
Iraqi SWAT detains 28 suspects, kills seven terrorists in operations targeting AQI
BAGHDAD – The Al Hillah Iraqi Special Weapons and Tactics unit, with U.S. Special Forces advisors, arrested 28 suspects during air assault operations targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist network near Salman Pak Feb. 3.
During the operation, Iraqi and U.S. Forces killed seven terrorists and wounded one.
Hillah SWAT launched the mission to capture an al-Qaeda commander who led operations in Al-Suwayrah, south of Baghdad. According to credible intelligence, he conducted financial transactions for the terrorist group and recruited foreign fighters, including women, to attack Iraqi citizens, Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces with improvised explosive devices and small-arms attacks.
Reports indicate he ordered a female suicide bomber to attack a religious gathering in Diyala Province Jan. 16. Also targeted was an AQI cell that builds vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices.
The cell is reportedly responsible for six attacks against Coalition and Iraqi Forces, as well as the murder of four Iraqi citizens.
Iraqi and U.S. Forces landed at multiple helicopter landing zones, moved to several objectives and entered multiple residences during the operation. During the operation, as two enemy fighters were observed maneuvering tactically against one of the HLZs, they were engaged by a Coalition Forces aerial weapons team and killed.
Ground forces received small-arms fire during entry into one structure. One U.S. Special Forces Soldier disarmed an enemy fighter and rendered first aid to him for a hand wound.
Five enemy fighters observed maneuvering from structure to structure to flank ground forces were engaged and killed.
Moving to another structure, ground forces came under heavy small-arms fire. Ground forces returned fire and entered the structure. Upon entry, ground forces secured and detained eight males.
During a search of the building, ground forces found hand grenades and a suicide vest IED.
Ground forces detained 28 suspects for further questioning.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Time To Update The Presidential Poll
I find something interesting though. The question that is being asked is, "Which candidate do you believe would be the best president"? Yet, that is not how people are voting. Before Fred Thompson and Duncan Hunter dropped out, they were the top two choices. Now that they have dropped out, all of a sudden Romney, McCain, and Huckabee are surging ahead.
Seriously sheeple, we should never be in this predicament.
For the new poll, I will drop Giuliani, Thompson, and Hunter from the poll. I will add to the poll, Write-In, Third party, or stay home.
For those of you choosing to write-in or vote third party, leave a comment stating which candidate you picked.
I may add those candidates to the new poll in two weeks.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
So I Hear It's Super Tuesday
Wee!
Here are the results, with New Mexico yet to announce.
REPUBLICANS
John McCain: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma
Mitt Romney: Alaska, Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Utah
Mike Huckabee: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, West Virginia
DEMOCRATS
Hillary Clinton: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Tennessee
Barack Obama: Alaska, Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Utah
So here's the current delegate count:
Democrats (2,025 needed to win nomination)
Candidates number of delegates
Hillary Clinton 845
John Edwards 26
Mike Gravel 0
Barack Obama 765
Total 1636
Republicans (1,191 needed to win nomination)
Candidates number of delegates
Rudy Giuliani 0
Mike Huckabee 190
John McCain 613
Ron Paul 14
Mitt Romney 269
Total 1086
Monday, February 04, 2008
Good News From The War On Terror 2/3
Iraqi emergency response unit detains eight suspects during Baghdad raid
BALAD, Iraq – An Iraqi Emergency Response Unit detained six suspected criminal gang members during a Baghdad raid Jan. 31.
The suspects are security workers for the Al Atheer mobile communications company. They were detained on Iraqi Ministry of Interior warrants for suspicion of engaging in criminal activity within the Monsour area of Baghdad.
The individuals were detained without incident. Iraqi forces confiscated two machine guns, an assault rifle and an armored Mercedes Benz sedan during the operation. The Iraqi Army raided the Al Atheer facility in early January 2008 and confiscated several unlicensed weapons.
Two other persons of interest were also taken into custody for further questioning.
Citizen tip leads Iraqi Security Forces to large weapons cache
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, uncovered a large weapons cache near Diwaniyah after receiving a tip from an Iraqi citizen Feb. 1.
Iraqi and Coalition Forces were informed of the cache after a telephone call came in on a tip line set up to allow Iraqis to report suspicious activity.
The cache included four 100-pound bombs, five 82 mm mortars, four 107 mm rockets, one 81 mm mortar, 17 mortar fuses, one rocket propelled grenade with three boosters, one complete SA-7 missile, one DSHKA machine gun, two PKM machine guns and one RPK machine gun.
Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain 12 in separate operations
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained one known terrorist, four known extremist network members and seven suspects Jan. 30 during operations in Kirkuk Province and Baghdad.
Iraqi Army Scouts and U.S. Special Forces conducted a raid in the Hawijah district of Kirkuk Province to disrupt a terrorist group reported to be conducting improvised explosive device and small-arms attacks against Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces. One terrorist detained is believed to be responsible for vehicle-born and other improvised explosive device attacks as well as surveillance against CF and ISF.
During entry into one targeted residence, assault forces killed one male after he ignored verbal warnings and reached for a weapon. Seven other suspects were detained for further questioning.
In an operation in Baghdad, an Iraqi Emergency Response Unit and U.S. Special Forces captured four known members of an extremist network. The extremists were reportedly involved in numerous criminal enterprises, including the kidnapping and murder of Iraqi citizens.
During that operation, several armed individuals were observed entering a house and taking up positions on its roof, presenting a threat to ground forces. The individuals were engaged with gunfire from a Coalition Force aircraft, resulting in one enemy fighter killed and three enemy fighters wounded.
Iraqi, U.S. Special Forces detain two extremist leaders in separate operations
BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, with U.S. Special Forces advising, detained two extremist leaders during separate operations in Baghdad Jan 31.
In the first operation, Iraqi and U.S. Forces detained the suspected leader of an extremist group responsible for improvised explosive device and explosively-formed projectile attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces. The suspect is also believed to be involved in supplying IEDs and EFPs to extremists throughout Baghdad for use in attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces.
In the second operation, Iraqi and U.S. Forces detained the suspected leader of an extremist cell responsible for the murder of Iraqi citizens. Intelligence reports indicate the suspect is believed to be involved in improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces. He is also thought to be active in supplying weapons, including improvised explosive devices and rocket propelled grenades, to extremist groups.
Man Faces Life In Prison For Stealing Doughnuts, California 3 Strikes Law
The guy steals a 50 cent package of doughnuts, because he had two previous felony theft convictions, this charge automatically became a felony charge under California law.
He was busted for not paying for a small package of donuts, and now he could spend the rest of his life in prison.
Friday in court, Robert Fassbender’s attorney, Michael Webb, tried to get the charges dropped before having to go to trial.
But the District Attorney’s Office plans to prosecute the case to the hilt, even if it means life in prison for Fassbender under California’s controversial three strikes law.
[...]
But Kern County District Attorney Ed Jagels said Fassbender has earned his third strike, with two previous felonies dating back to 1977 and 1999 for robbery.
My brother and I had argued about this yesterday. He says it's a waste of taxpayer money to send this guy to prison for 25 to life over a 50 cent package of doughnuts. I say good riddance, the law is the law and he broke the law. If he would not have committed two previous felonies, this charge would've amounted to nothing more than a fine. I don't have one ounce of sympathy for this man.
I beginning to think my brother is a closet liberal. I may have to commit an honor killing.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Good News From The War On Terror 2/2
Coalition disrupts weapons facilitation networks, six detained
BAGHDAD – Coalition forces detained six suspected terrorists today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central Iraq.
During coordinated operations near Abu Ghurayb, Coalition forces captured an alleged al-Qaeda member associated with the procurement of weapons from outside of Iraq. The suspected terrorist is reportedly involved in the construction of improvised explosive devices, to include booby-trapped houses. Intelligence indicates he is also associated with other al-Qaeda in Iraq members involved in the weapons facilitation network, including the terrorist targeted during a follow-on operation in Baghdad. In addition to the wanted individual, Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists and found numerous IED materials on site.
Information gained from the operations in Abu Ghurayb led Coalition forces to Baghdad, where they targeted a suspected terrorist leader responsible for the facilitation of homemade explosives and IED materials from outside of Iraq, and associated with the al-Qaeda in Iraq media and propaganda network in the city. The ground force detained three suspected terrorists on site without incident.
Coalition disrupts suicide bombing cell, five detained
BAGHDAD – Coalition forces detained five suspected terrorists today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in northern Iraq.
In continued efforts to disrupt terrorist networks in Mosul, Coalition forces conducted operations targeting members of an al-Qaeda in Iraq suicide bombing cell. During the operations, the ground force captured the alleged cell leader and his brother-in-law, who is reportedly also a member of the cell. The suspected terrorist cell leader allegedly coordinated attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces, as well as assassinations targeting local officials and rival insurgents. In addition to the alleged cell leader and his brother-in-law, one other suspected terrorist was detained during the operations.
Also in Mosul, Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists while targeting associates of an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader for the network operating in the southeast region of the city. The leader is allegedly a foreign terrorist facilitator with numerous connections to al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leadership.
Coalition targets al-Qaeda in Iraq networks in Mosul, seven detained
BAGHDAD – Coalition forces detained seven suspected terrorists today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in Mosul.
During a series of operations in west Mosul, Coalition forces captured three wanted individuals believed to be associated with the former senior leader of the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in the city. The three suspects are reportedly brothers, one of whom allegedly works directly for the former terrorist leader. Also, intelligence indicates the brothers have ties to other al-Qaeda in Iraq leadership operating in the region.
On the other side of the city, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an alleged judge of a terrorist illegal court system. An individual believed to be the previous terrorist judge involved in the interrogation of al-Qaeda in Iraq kidnapping victims was detained during an operation Jan. 17. Four suspected terrorists were detained during the operation.
These captures add to numerous successes by Coalition forces in the city over the last few weeks, including the detention of several suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders, alleged members of a suicide bombing cell, and two individuals believed to be leaders in the region’s Ansar al Sunna group.
Coalition targets al-Qaeda in Iraq networks; one killed, 13 detained
BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained 13 suspects Friday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central and northern Iraq.
During an operation northeast of Samarra Friday, Coalition forces targeted al-Qaeda in Iraq associates believed to be connected to several known terrorist meeting locations in the area. The ground force detained one suspected terrorist without incident and destroyed a vehicle in the target area that was being used for terrorist activity.
Information gained from the operation led Coalition forces to another location outside of Samarra Friday, where al-Qaeda in Iraq associates were believed to be operating. The ground force called in supporting aircraft to engage an underground bunker believed to be occupied by terrorists. When the aircraft engaged, Coalition forces observed considerable secondary explosions erupt from the location, indicating numerous explosive materials and weapons were stored inside. The ground force assessed that one terrorist was killed. Nearby, the ground force also detained an additional two suspects believed to be tied to the al-Qaeda in Iraq network.
West of Mahmudiyah early this morning, Coalition forces captured an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq member believed to be associated with the procurement of weapons from outside of Iraq. The wanted individual is reportedly a direct contact of a suspect detained Jan. 31, who was taken into custody based on similar allegations, including the construction of improvised explosive devices and booby-trapped houses, as well as ties to a senior al-Qaeda in Iraq weapons facilitator. The ground force detained one suspected terrorist in addition to the wanted individual.
During an operation in Bayji today, Coalition forces captured an alleged terrorist media cell member involved in the city’s al-Qaeda in Iraq network. Reports indicate the suspect is specifically involved in the production of propaganda materials, to include items featuring the former al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. The suspect is also allegedly associated with several al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders in the network. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force found numerous media materials on site.
An additional seven suspects were detained during an operation north of Tarmiyah when Coalition forces targeted the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader for the network in the city.
During an operation in Baghdad, Coalition forces destroyed an IED and weapons cache to prevent future use for terrorist activity.
Coalition forces capture criminal Special Groups facilitator, detain two other suspects
BAGHDAD – Coalition forces captured a suspected criminal Special Groups finance facilitator and detained two other suspects early this morning during operations to disrupt criminal networks in the Baghdad area.
The targeted individual was reportedly in charge of payroll for criminal Special Groups in Wasit Province, and oversaw all criminal Special Groups operations in Suwayrah, Numaniyah, Aziziyah and Kut. He allegedly financed criminals and their attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces. Reports indicate he was an associate of several senior-level criminal element leaders involved in attacks on Coalition forces.
Intelligence led ground forces to the target area where they captured the wanted individual and the two other suspected criminals without incident.
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