Iraqi govt reacts to report that US spied on their prime minister

Bob Woodward's new book, "The War Within: A Secret White House History-2006-2008" has really opened a can of worms with the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and his staff when they found out that the US was spying on them!

It's a bad time right now, as the Iraqi's are constantly saying they want us out of there. Now, more than ever, our government needs to firm up a date for withdrawal and get out of that country.

TODAY'S THREAD:

What do you think is keeping us from announcing an exact withdrawal date?

Suicides in Army expected to surpass record set last year

By the end of August there were 62 confirmed suicides among active duty soldiers. Another 31 cases are still being investigated. It's apparent the strain of years of war are taking their toll on American soldiers who often do two or more combat tours.

TODAY'S THREAD #1

Regardless of who wins the presidency, what do you think the chances of getting out of Iraq in 2009 are?

Fire retardant chemicals found in toddlers' blood

Researchers are saying that young children today have high levels of chemical fire retardants in their blood. The culprit is called PBDEs, and it's used widely in televisions, remote controls, computers, mattresses, and other products.

These PBDEs are thought to be behind possible brain damage and hyperactivity.

TODAY'S THREAD

The problem is, what can be done about it? 

Court says feds violated 10th amendment

In a victory for Californians, a U.S.District Judge ruled that the feds have been bad boys for picking on medical marijuana patients, caregivers, dispensary owners, and local state and county officials.

It's good to see voters get what they asked for, but are the feds going to weasel out of their promise to go along with the new program? Time will tell. For now it's something to savor and a setback to Bush's boys.

Feds report says Gonzales mishandled secrets

Former Atty.Gen Alberto Gonzales resigned last year under fire. Now a fed report says he was improperly-and possibly illegally-storing classified information about two of Bushes administrators. But, the Justice Department refused to prosecute him.

The Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary committee, John Conyers (D-Mich) demanded to know why?

TODAY'S THREAD:
Why do you think Gonzales' case is being dropped?

'I-Witness group arrested before they can video tape RNC protests

'I-Witness' founder, Eileen Clancy, was arrested and detained last Saturday by police in what appeared to be a preemptive arrest.

Clancy said that she and her team were surrounded by police in the house they were staying at in St.Paul before they even had a chance to video tape any protests at the RNC. Journalist Amy Goodman was also arrested amid accusations of police brutality. There's been over three times the arrests (342) at the RNC (and it's only half over) compared to a total number of 130 at the DNC. Tear gas has already been used.

                                                                 TODAY'S THREAD:

Don't you just love how the police tactics with Clancy violated her right to assemble? Why do you think the police are being so aggressive at the RNC?

Palin's 17-yr-old daughter is pregnant

I wonder what conservatives will say when they find out that Bristol Paline is pregnant out-of-wedlock? Her 44-year-old governor mom says the family is supporting her (isn't that nice, their not going to disown her!).

According to the mainstream media McCain was aware of this little situation, but said it was no problem. Really? What about the conservative family values that neo-cons like to trot out at every opportunity? It should be interesting, as we continue to find things out about Palin (and her family). This comes from not properly vetting a candidate and a lot of Republicans are becoming worried with McCain's pick for veep.

TODAY'S 2nd THREAD:

Some pundits say Palin is giving a boost to the Republican Party. Do you agree with that?

Bush is not speaking at the RNC

Looks like President Bush will be a no show at the Republican Convention. Most Republicans are actually quit happy with this arrangement as they see him as one big negative.

McCain's campaign is trying to cut new territory for the Elephant Party and show he's a maverick by picking a woman who has less experience in politics than an intern in Washington.

TODAY'S THREAD:

The rumor is Bush is just sitting in his executive chair waiting to give aid to New Orleans and he can't be bothered with something like a silly convention - why do you think he's not attending?

New marijuana 'road map' still has detours

Today's As It Stands, in the Times-Standard, talks about California Attorney General Jerry Brown who has issued an eleven-page directive that is supposed to make life easier for medical marijuana users and California cops.

The only problem with that list is the Feds are already ignoring it. They have in the past, and will continue to ignore anything this state tries to do to carry out the voter's will.

TODAY'S THREAD:

Which one of the presidential candidates do you think might stand up for the will of California voters and grant more state's rights?