Judicial Watch Calls on President Obama to Overrule Attorney General Holder's Decision on Khalid Sheikh Mohammed Trial
/Standard Newswire/ Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton issued the following statement today in response to the decision by Attorney General Eric Holder to grant a civilian criminal trial to 9/11 terrorist mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and other 9/11 terrorists in New York City.
"The decision to bring Mohammed and other Al Qaeda terrorists to New York for a civilian criminal trial is not Eric Holder's to make. President Obama is the commander in chief and he is ultimately responsible for the safety and security of this county.
"President Obama already reversed Holder on the release of prisoner abuse photos on national security grounds and he should reverse Holder now in the interest of national security. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed should remain in military custody, be kept outside the United States and be brought to justice in the military tribunal system."
"An unprecedented civilian trial for the 9/11 terrorists will harm our national security, place government officials and civilians at risk, and provide a propaganda platform to rally and recruit terrorists. And it is no small risk that a civilian criminal proceeding may result in the release of these terrorists onto American soil. No one elected Eric Holder to make these types of national security decisions. Eric Holder is making a dangerous mistake, and the President needs to act to protect the country and overrule the Attorney General."
Judicial Watch is representing a 9/11 victim in various litigation. And with respect to the military tribunal process, in 2008, Judicial Watch was selected by the Pentagon to monitor the arraignments at Guantanamo Bay of the five terrorist prisoners who are now set to be brought to New York.
(In August, Judicial Watch obtained a CIA report entitled, Khalid Shaykh Muhammad: Preeminent Source on Al Qa'ida, which documented the information gained by interrogations of
Mohammed: "KSM's (Khalid Sheikh Mohammed's) decade-long career as a terrorist, during which he met with a broad range of Islamic extremists from around the world, has made him a key source of information on numerous al Qa'ida operatives and other mujahidin. He has provided intelligence that has led directly to the capture of operatives or fleshed out our
understanding of the activities of important detainees, which in turn assisted in the debriefings of these individuals." This document was obtained through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit.)
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Thursday, November 19, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Judicial Watch Obtains Documents on Obama FCC 'Diversity Czar'
/Standard Newswire/ -- Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, announced today that it has obtained documents from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding President Obama's "Diversity Czar" Mark Lloyd's official mission and responsibilities.
According to the documents, provided in response to a Judicial Watch Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, Lloyd's mission is "to open up opportunities for all Americans, in particular women, minorities, small business owners, to participate in and benefit from a robust communications marketplace." Among Lloyd's duties and responsibilities: "To work with the
Consumer Bureau (and other bureaus as appropriate) to collect relevant data and assess the
interaction between communications service providers and consumers in minority communities..." and "to consult with other federal agencies to determine best practices for advancing the goal of greater inclusion and diversity in government programs."
Judicial Watch also requested information pertaining to Chief Diversity Officer Lloyd's office staffing and budget for operation and administration. However, according to FCC Associate General Counsel Joel Kaufman, "We could locate no records responsive to...parts of your request. While Mr. Lloyd shares support staff with others in OGC (Office of General Counsel), no one was hired or assigned specifically to support him in his work. His position is funded out of the agency's fiscal year budget...but he has no separate budget for operation and administration."
In May 2009, Judicial Watch uncovered documents that demonstrate the FCC plans to use the professed goal of "diversity" to regulate free speech in the media. For example, in December 2007, the FCC proposed new "localism" measures to force broadcast stations to offer programming more "responsive to the needs and interests of the communities that they are
licensed to serve." Some legal analysts have said such "localism" policies represent a back-door into the controversial Fairness Doctrine, which the Obama administration claims to oppose.
Lloyd, meanwhile, has been criticized heavily for making a number of controversial statements on race. For example, during a conference in 2005, Lloyd said, "There's nothing more difficult than this. Because we have really, truly good white people in important positions. And the fact of the matter is that there are a limited number of those positions. And unless we are conscious of the need to have more people of color, gays, other people in those positions we will not change the problem. We're in a position where you have to say who is going to step down so someone else can have power." During a 2008 National Conference for Media Reform, Lloyd also said Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez's rise to power was "really an incredible revolution - a democratic revolution."
Judicial Watch's FOIA request regarding Mark Lloyd is part of the organization's comprehensive investigation of all Obama administration czars. Judicial Watch has filed a FOIA request with the Office of Management and Budget as well as requests with each separate "czar" office. Article II section 2 of the Constitution, states that, "...[the President] shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the Supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose
Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law."
Unlike the heads of other executive departments (such as the Secretaries of Energy, Transportation, etc.), most of Obama's "czars" have not been confirmed by the U.S. Senate or have had their positions authorized by Congress. Some of these appointees might not have even been subjected to a basic FBI background check. Importantly, some of the "czars" work for the president in the White House -- these individuals could claim "executive privilege" if ever subpoenaed to testify before Congress. And they may not be subject to transparency laws.
"Obama seems to have a 'czar' for everything and too many wield power with zero congressional and public accountability. And considering the radical views of 'czars' like Mark Lloyd, the more information the American people can get on them the better. Do we really want a race-baiting promoter of Hugo Chavez presiding over questionable diversity programs at the FCC?" said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton.
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According to the documents, provided in response to a Judicial Watch Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, Lloyd's mission is "to open up opportunities for all Americans, in particular women, minorities, small business owners, to participate in and benefit from a robust communications marketplace." Among Lloyd's duties and responsibilities: "To work with the
Consumer Bureau (and other bureaus as appropriate) to collect relevant data and assess the
interaction between communications service providers and consumers in minority communities..." and "to consult with other federal agencies to determine best practices for advancing the goal of greater inclusion and diversity in government programs."
Judicial Watch also requested information pertaining to Chief Diversity Officer Lloyd's office staffing and budget for operation and administration. However, according to FCC Associate General Counsel Joel Kaufman, "We could locate no records responsive to...parts of your request. While Mr. Lloyd shares support staff with others in OGC (Office of General Counsel), no one was hired or assigned specifically to support him in his work. His position is funded out of the agency's fiscal year budget...but he has no separate budget for operation and administration."
In May 2009, Judicial Watch uncovered documents that demonstrate the FCC plans to use the professed goal of "diversity" to regulate free speech in the media. For example, in December 2007, the FCC proposed new "localism" measures to force broadcast stations to offer programming more "responsive to the needs and interests of the communities that they are
licensed to serve." Some legal analysts have said such "localism" policies represent a back-door into the controversial Fairness Doctrine, which the Obama administration claims to oppose.
Lloyd, meanwhile, has been criticized heavily for making a number of controversial statements on race. For example, during a conference in 2005, Lloyd said, "There's nothing more difficult than this. Because we have really, truly good white people in important positions. And the fact of the matter is that there are a limited number of those positions. And unless we are conscious of the need to have more people of color, gays, other people in those positions we will not change the problem. We're in a position where you have to say who is going to step down so someone else can have power." During a 2008 National Conference for Media Reform, Lloyd also said Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez's rise to power was "really an incredible revolution - a democratic revolution."
Judicial Watch's FOIA request regarding Mark Lloyd is part of the organization's comprehensive investigation of all Obama administration czars. Judicial Watch has filed a FOIA request with the Office of Management and Budget as well as requests with each separate "czar" office. Article II section 2 of the Constitution, states that, "...[the President] shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the Supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose
Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law."
Unlike the heads of other executive departments (such as the Secretaries of Energy, Transportation, etc.), most of Obama's "czars" have not been confirmed by the U.S. Senate or have had their positions authorized by Congress. Some of these appointees might not have even been subjected to a basic FBI background check. Importantly, some of the "czars" work for the president in the White House -- these individuals could claim "executive privilege" if ever subpoenaed to testify before Congress. And they may not be subject to transparency laws.
"Obama seems to have a 'czar' for everything and too many wield power with zero congressional and public accountability. And considering the radical views of 'czars' like Mark Lloyd, the more information the American people can get on them the better. Do we really want a race-baiting promoter of Hugo Chavez presiding over questionable diversity programs at the FCC?" said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton.
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Friday, November 13, 2009
Boehner Statement on the Obama Administration’s “Irresponsible” Decision to Prosecute 9/11 Mastermind in NYC
House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement on the Obama Administration’s decision to prosecute the mastermind of the 9/11 terrorist attacks Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and several other Guantanamo Bay detainees in New York City before a civilian federal court:
“The Obama Administration’s irresponsible decision to prosecute the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks in New York City puts the interests of liberal special interest groups before the safety and security of the American people. The possibility that Khalid Sheik Mohammed and his co-conspirators could be found ‘not guilty’ due to some legal technicality just blocks from Ground Zero should give every American pause.
“These men are part of a global terrorist network dedicated to attacking America and civilization itself, and on that awful day nine years ago, they succeeded in killing nearly 3,000 innocent men, women, and children. These terrorists were already being tried by military commissions, which were specifically designed to prosecute such heinous acts.
“This decision is further evidence that the White House is reverting to a dangerous pre-9/11 mentality – treating terrorism as a law enforcement issue and hoping for the best. We need a real strategy for fighting and winning the war on America’s terrorist enemies that includes an effective, credible, and consistent plan for all terrorist detainees.”
NOTE: In May, House Republicans introduced H.R. 2294, the Keep Terrorists Out of America Act, which would stop the transfer or release of terrorists held at the Guantanamo Bay prison into the United States. The legislation unequivocally opposes releasing terrorists from the Guantanamo Bay facility and transferring them to the United States, makes clear that governors and state legislatures must pre-approve the transfer or release of any terrorist detainee into their respective states, and requires the Administration to meet strict criteria and certification standards before terrorists housed at the Guantanamo prison could be brought to the United States.
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“The Obama Administration’s irresponsible decision to prosecute the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks in New York City puts the interests of liberal special interest groups before the safety and security of the American people. The possibility that Khalid Sheik Mohammed and his co-conspirators could be found ‘not guilty’ due to some legal technicality just blocks from Ground Zero should give every American pause.
“These men are part of a global terrorist network dedicated to attacking America and civilization itself, and on that awful day nine years ago, they succeeded in killing nearly 3,000 innocent men, women, and children. These terrorists were already being tried by military commissions, which were specifically designed to prosecute such heinous acts.
“This decision is further evidence that the White House is reverting to a dangerous pre-9/11 mentality – treating terrorism as a law enforcement issue and hoping for the best. We need a real strategy for fighting and winning the war on America’s terrorist enemies that includes an effective, credible, and consistent plan for all terrorist detainees.”
NOTE: In May, House Republicans introduced H.R. 2294, the Keep Terrorists Out of America Act, which would stop the transfer or release of terrorists held at the Guantanamo Bay prison into the United States. The legislation unequivocally opposes releasing terrorists from the Guantanamo Bay facility and transferring them to the United States, makes clear that governors and state legislatures must pre-approve the transfer or release of any terrorist detainee into their respective states, and requires the Administration to meet strict criteria and certification standards before terrorists housed at the Guantanamo prison could be brought to the United States.
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Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Hoyer, Reid move to finish health reform legislation by December
The House could be in session until nearly Christmas Eve to try to win final passage on a healthcare bill. By Jordan Fabian and Ian Swanson Read more: http://www.thehill.com/homenews/house/67361-hoyer-reid-move-to-finish-healthcare-in-2009-
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Georgia Workers and the State Slide Backwards
The annual State of Working Georgia examines the deteriorating status of working Georgians 20 months into the recession, outlining solutions that position Georgia to catch up. The recession pummeled Georgia and, as the 2009 edition points out, we have more catching up to do than most states.
§ Georgia lost 7.6 percent of jobs in this recession, the 5th highest of all states. Compared to other recent recessions, the current prolonged job loss is unparalleled. Georgia has less jobs today than in 2001.
§ The working age population of Georgia grew by 19 percent between January 2001 and September 2009, making Georgia a leader in population growth among states, yet with a startling job-population mismatch this decade.
§ Unemployment doubled since the beginning of the recession. Roughly 480,000 Georgia workers (10.1 percent) were unemployed. Additional workers have stopped looking for work or taken part-time jobs, making almost 1 in 6 workers underemployed.
"The task facing Georgia leaders today is to protect and preserve the quality of life of Georgians as they weather the economic downturn," said Sarah Beth Gehl, the report's author and the Institute's deputy director."
In addition to overall workforce trends, the analysis documents income, poverty, health insurance coverage, and disparities among demographics. For example:
§ African-American workers experienced 15.6 percent unemployment in the third quarter of this year, twice the level of unemployment among white workers (7.7 percent).
§ Low-income workers are much less likely to receive employer-sponsored health coverage than higher-wage workers: Twenty-seven percent of low-income, non-elderly adults had employer-sponsored coverage in 2007-2008 compared to 63 percent of all non-elderly adult Georgians.
§ In 2008, half of Hispanic part-time workers wanted full-time employment, but could only locate part-time work.
§ Education levels bookend the earnings spectrum.
"We recommend that Georgia policymakers invest more heavily in raising adult education levels and strengthening supports for low-wage workers," said Gehl, "rather than pushing tax cut legislation that further reduces Georgia's ability to meet people's needs today and make sure our economy is positioned for when prosperity returns."
There is a silver lining to the dismal workforce findings. Georgia can climb itself out of the mire: there are many public policies available to boost the situation of low-income workers and increase the education levels of Georgia workers hardest hit.
To review the analysis and solutions, read State of Working Georgia 2009.
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§ Georgia lost 7.6 percent of jobs in this recession, the 5th highest of all states. Compared to other recent recessions, the current prolonged job loss is unparalleled. Georgia has less jobs today than in 2001.
§ The working age population of Georgia grew by 19 percent between January 2001 and September 2009, making Georgia a leader in population growth among states, yet with a startling job-population mismatch this decade.
§ Unemployment doubled since the beginning of the recession. Roughly 480,000 Georgia workers (10.1 percent) were unemployed. Additional workers have stopped looking for work or taken part-time jobs, making almost 1 in 6 workers underemployed.
"The task facing Georgia leaders today is to protect and preserve the quality of life of Georgians as they weather the economic downturn," said Sarah Beth Gehl, the report's author and the Institute's deputy director."
In addition to overall workforce trends, the analysis documents income, poverty, health insurance coverage, and disparities among demographics. For example:
§ African-American workers experienced 15.6 percent unemployment in the third quarter of this year, twice the level of unemployment among white workers (7.7 percent).
§ Low-income workers are much less likely to receive employer-sponsored health coverage than higher-wage workers: Twenty-seven percent of low-income, non-elderly adults had employer-sponsored coverage in 2007-2008 compared to 63 percent of all non-elderly adult Georgians.
§ In 2008, half of Hispanic part-time workers wanted full-time employment, but could only locate part-time work.
§ Education levels bookend the earnings spectrum.
"We recommend that Georgia policymakers invest more heavily in raising adult education levels and strengthening supports for low-wage workers," said Gehl, "rather than pushing tax cut legislation that further reduces Georgia's ability to meet people's needs today and make sure our economy is positioned for when prosperity returns."
There is a silver lining to the dismal workforce findings. Georgia can climb itself out of the mire: there are many public policies available to boost the situation of low-income workers and increase the education levels of Georgia workers hardest hit.
To review the analysis and solutions, read State of Working Georgia 2009.
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Friday, November 6, 2009
Pelosi to House: Let's Destroy More Jobs
/PRNewswire/ -- With the unemployment rate now shockingly high, and perhaps moving higher, a national small business leader warned the U.S. House that advancing the Pelosi health-care bill will lead to further job loss and a deterioration of the small business sector if enacted. According to Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council) President & CEO Karen Kerrigan, the economic rebound that Americans are desperately looking for will not happen with job-killing tax hikes and mandates like those included in H.R. 3962. The House is scheduled to vote on the bill on November 7, 2009.
"The Pelosi health bill drains capital from the enterprises that need it most, and imposes taxes and mandates on businesses and individuals that can least afford these new cost burdens. Small firms will be forced to cut jobs, and encouraged to stay below the penalty threshold of the 'play-or-pay' scheme. That means fewer jobs created. To top it off, the legislation will not lower health coverage costs for small business owners. In fact, it will raise health costs. H.R. 3962 is an irrational piece of legislation and we expect every member of the House who claims an allegiance to small business owners to vote against it," said Kerrigan.
It was reported today that the unemployment rate has reached 10.2 percent. Small business owners continue to be gripped by uncertainty because of unstable economic conditions and the fear of policies being debated in Washington that will impose new costs and requirements on their firms.
"The key issues of concern in Tuesday's elections were jobs and the economy. Indeed this 'local issue' is a national one and all U.S. House members must pay attention to their constituents needs. Real people's jobs are on the line with this legislation, as is the survival of countless small businesses," added Kerrigan.
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"The Pelosi health bill drains capital from the enterprises that need it most, and imposes taxes and mandates on businesses and individuals that can least afford these new cost burdens. Small firms will be forced to cut jobs, and encouraged to stay below the penalty threshold of the 'play-or-pay' scheme. That means fewer jobs created. To top it off, the legislation will not lower health coverage costs for small business owners. In fact, it will raise health costs. H.R. 3962 is an irrational piece of legislation and we expect every member of the House who claims an allegiance to small business owners to vote against it," said Kerrigan.
It was reported today that the unemployment rate has reached 10.2 percent. Small business owners continue to be gripped by uncertainty because of unstable economic conditions and the fear of policies being debated in Washington that will impose new costs and requirements on their firms.
"The key issues of concern in Tuesday's elections were jobs and the economy. Indeed this 'local issue' is a national one and all U.S. House members must pay attention to their constituents needs. Real people's jobs are on the line with this legislation, as is the survival of countless small businesses," added Kerrigan.
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Obamacare's nasty surprise
Fewer insured, higher costs might be the result
Obamacare could have the unintended consequence of raising health insurance premiums and causing a decline in the number of people with insurance.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/05/AR2009110504327.html
Note: This one is a must read!
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Obamacare could have the unintended consequence of raising health insurance premiums and causing a decline in the number of people with insurance.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/05/AR2009110504327.html
Note: This one is a must read!
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