Things I read May 5, 2009

Some days, I read so many interesting articles, I can't decide what to blog. So, a potpourri seems like the perfect solution. Hope you find something that interests you.


Goodbye bloggers, it was a nice run

Curious as to what was cut out of the liberty smashing HR 1913, what is being called the "Hate Crimes Act?"

A little portion that helped keep Freedom of Speech protections in place.... Wonder why that was removed before passage?

Reading the list of sponsors makes one think you've entered a Bar Mitzvah.

Another curious part of this piece of crap is the number, 1913. 1913 is the year that the ADL and the Federal Reserve were created. We're getting this rubbed right into our faces and don't even realize what is going on.

Here's what was cut out of this act before it was voted on, the bold portion. Sure are concerned about Free Speech, aren't they?

Text of H.R.1913 as Reported in House Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009....read more here.


The U.S. Economy: The Musical (Video)


UN pushing Israel toward legal proceedings
Gaza under Israeli fire during the 22-day war.

Tue, 05 May 2009
In pursuit of the case of Israeli war crimes, the United Nations moves to report to the Security Council that UN facilities in Gaza had been targeted willfully.

After the United Nations Works and Relief Agency (UNRWA) compound became the target of GPS-guided Israeli mortars on January 15, the UN set up a commission to bring Israeli human rights violations in Gaza out into the open.

The commission -- led by the former British secretary-general of human rights group Amnesty International, Ian Martin -- assembled a report on Israeli actions in Gaza for submission to the Security Council.

"Israel deliberately fired at UN institutions even though it knew it was forbidden", read the report...read more.

More Americans taking drugs for mental illness

Tue May 5, 2009 8:24am EDT
By Julie Steenhuysen
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Many more Americans have been using prescription drugs to treat mental illness since 1996, in part because of expanded insurance coverage and greater familiarity with the drugs among primary care doctors, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday.

They said 73 percent more adults and 50 percent more children are using drugs to treat mental illness than in 1996.

Among adults over 65, use of so-called psychotropic drugs -- which include antidepressants, antipsychotics and Alzheimer's medicines -- doubled between 1996 and 2006...read more.


UN demands Israel compensation for strikes in Gaza

By JOHN HEILPRIN, Associated Press Writer
(05-05) 15:03 PDT UNITED NATIONS, (AP)
A U.N. investigation on Tuesday accused Israel of spreading false statements about its attacks on United Nations schools and other facilities during the Gaza military campaign — including one reported to have killed more than 40 people — and formally demanded compensation.

The investigation ordered by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon found conclusively that Israeli weaponry — some containing white phosphorus — was "the indisputed cause" of attacks on several schools, a health clinic and the world body's Gaza headquarters...read more.


Illinois State Police Seize and Keep Desirable Cars for Personal Use

The Newspaper
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Illinois State Police troopers seized a high-performance muscle car and set it aside for the personal use of an influential police official. The Associated Press reported that a suspected drunk driver in a 2006 Dodge Charger was pulled over in January 2007. The troopers used a state seizure law to confiscate the vehicle.

Once the paperwork was complete, the 425-horsepower vehicle — which had an as-new base price of $38,000 — was handed over for the personal use of Ron Cooley, 56, the Executive Director of the Illinois State Police Merit Board. Taxpayers also pick up the fuel tab for gas-guzzling 6.1 liter V-8 as he drives to and from work each day and on various business trips...read more.