jruaustralia comments

Wow....Got drunk in the French Quarter and then argued with his wife........bet the New Orleans police have never run across that situation before!

It must be an isolated thing-y in that part of the States.

This is great news indeed for Chinese buyers looking for Japanese properties. Way to go Japan Today!

Short profiles of nat'l leaders on gov't websites should be exciting to readers and students of history, but most are simply partisan or dull to merit a second-look.

I'm a big admirer of US Presidential biographies, and Doris Kearns GOODWIN is obviously associated with essays/biography of the Roosevelts. Although I'm not quite sure why Ms. GOODWIN panned the semi-biographies of US presidents on the White House website.

Harry Truman’s does not mention his 1948 upset victory over Thomas E Dewey, while George W Bush’s offers no detail about the prolonged election of 2000, which ended with a 5-4 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court. Ford’s includes some of his comments upon succeeding Nixon, but leaves out the most famous words: “Our long national nightmare is over.”

Agreed. I believe a group of White House historians--including GOODWIN and Robert CARO-- recently published a collection of short biographies of US Presidents. The collection included essays on US elections, results and the major candidates (primaries and nat'l). The writer of this article must be thinking of the book when writing this piece.

Nothing expected about it now. People living in several areas of the U.S. are now paying that price

Agreed. I think high petrol prices concern everyone not just in the US.

On the plus side, the Fed's fiscal policy is doing its utmost best in slowing inflation. US economy would not have been luckier without it, and a less stressing environment would not have been foreseeable without these Fed fiscal policies.

Obama ran for election on the promise that "I'm not George W. Bush." Now he's running for re-election on the promise that "I'm not Barack Hussein Obama, either."

You should run a comedy club.

Agreed, and let me quote from the senior Senator from NY before the announcement:

"The most logical, best place to start is the Justice Department (re. Khalid Sheikh MOHAMMED, etc). They haven‘t said if they are going to do it or not."

The Atty General have made the decision, and it would be crucial for Dems to support that decision.

look up what the national debt was when Bush left office and what it be now, and what the unemployment rate was when Bush left office and what it be now.

Check above. But I agree, it could be a race about the economy.

Obvious problem with the incumbency is that the buck stops with the Gov't running the show.

Foreign policy wise, there's trade. And the Prez is championing trade much like GW did during his reelection campaign. The APEC meeting could provide a resolute backdrop for US foreign policy for OBAMA's second term. He already pledged full support for Trans-Pac FTA, and support from many nations had been unyielding.

Economy--particularly inflation-- may be the key, and it'll provide the great electoral mood for the upcoming election. If OBAMA supporters started fashioning WIN-like button just ahead of the election then I think there might be a chance he'd lose.

Big Ben's QE2 is doing an incredible job, at least for America's sake, in moderating prices and lowering inflation. Jobs for Americans may soon be coming and I predict better unemployment news in the coming months. Other factors though like high oil prices could potentially play a role, and OBAMA may well wish this is just a temporary thing.

"It proves again that 2012 will be very different than 2008," said Larry Sabato of the University of Virginia. "Then, Obama was very wary of the race issue and of being labeled as a 'black candidate.'"

Thanks, Alphaape, for the quote. And I agree.

But one thing though, during the last primaries most black leaders within the Democratic Party were either backing Hillary Rodham CLINTON or were playing the three-candidate-monte. Support for Barack OBAMA, from prominent blacks, had always been muted at least during the onset.

So far, OBAMA's campaign performance could be considered smooth. He started early, is raising funds early. The GOP and the Republicans-- and I have great respect for many of these American conservatives-- would prove irresistible opponents. But it's hard to beat incumbents. And the GOP may well advise its supporters that beating OBAMA will not be a walk in the park.

Never underestimate the stupidity of the people who gave the nation George W. Bush.

Goodness me, like these people actually care what you think of them.

Should Biden be dropped from the ticket, he'll enjoy a very comfortable retirement.

Where do you get this garbage, Mr Yabits?

And Sarah Palin and the republican band of seven dwarfs pose zero threat to Obama. Zero.

Wait and see for the nos by summer. OBAMA's fundraising schedules look quite busy, and the GOPs only starting to shop around.

If Hillary does run in 2012 it will be for VP with Obama.

Guess what the "official" and "limited-edition" OBAMA-BIDEN reelection campaign t-shirt's (US$30) already out. But that shouldn't stop Clintonistas from praying it'll be Hillary's turn come 2016.

The unfortunate truth is opponents of the decision could well cite minor cases whereas defendants can claim their Miranda Rights had been violated-- and was not served-- if these trials are conducted on a civilian court rather than a mil. tribunal. And that would have been very disrespectful to the families of those killed on 9/11.

But imagine the city-wide shutdown during the duration of these terror trials. The multimillion losses to small businesses, and the inconveniences to ordinary people of NYC.

HOLDER was probably more concerned of setting precedents--initially appeasing the human rights bunch, "while legal reps for the accused will almost certainly try to have charges thrown out--within the boundaries of legal court-- based on the rough treatment of the detainees at the hands of U.S. interrogators".

But I think in the end the people of New York was right to rebuff and complaint against holding these trials in their city.

An attack on the Pentagon is not a military matter?????

I second that. A recent parallel case would be the Lockerbie bombing civilian suit vs a foreign gov't (Libya). But as argued above, I think it's appropriate that these trials proceed under US mil. tribunals.

I know I will get tired of it all by 2012, but it will be intersting to see who will come out at the end.

Yep, season's rather early. Hope everyone wears comfortable shoes =/

If Obama has an "easy victory" within his party, and the GOP will not be able to stand up to him, why is he going to a fund raiser in SF with a cover charge of $30K per person.

I would thought it's strategic, and a unifying message saying "I'am the candidate"-- the only candidate for the Democrats.

Inflation is going to hit hard and wide around June or so. Challengers from either party who can out-debate Obama on jobs and wealth creation - i.e. just about anyone - have the chance to emerge victorious. The race is wide open.

Real economy could determine the 2012. So watch out for those WIN buttons.

Inflation wise, it's all about 3 letters, O-I-L. BERNANKE's QE2 had been tremendous in slowing down price hikes, at least in America, even as economists think otherwise. So long as inflation's moderated, and I think for a good while it'd be the case in the United States, general mood will still be positive.

She's far loonier than Howard Dean ever could be on his worst day. If she becomes the front runner, watch the adults in the Republican Party start to scramble to find a genuinely acceptable candidate.

I dunno about that.

Ms BACHMANN's grand strategy would be (or should be) to position herself as the heir of Compassionate Conservatism brand. Unfortunately Haley BARBOUR seems to be doing a much favorable job than her on winning GW's many wealthy friends.

She's out there and outspoken though, and that could be an asset for the GOP in keeping conservative firebrands satisfy. But obviously not if you want to go further than the seat warmer chargé d'affaires.

If she nails Mitt ROMNEY during the early stage of the campaign, that may put her on the top 3 come primaries. Her conservative message had been pretty much consistent, another plus when courting conservative folks.

Within the GOP, I really only see 3 or 4 candidates that are genuine...

Shame no mention of NY mayor BLOOMBERG on the article. Unfortunate too that a truly New York story got turned as left-wing, right-wing minefield.

(My head aches reading some of the posters on this thread)

But the decision was a triumph for New York, and those that lobbied hard for the 9/11 trial to be far, far away from the city.

For more than a year, New York City officials complained loudly about the hundreds of millions of dollars that security for a Sept. 11 trial would cost. Their public lobbying torpedoed the plan to ever bring the suspects to a U.S. court.

On Monday, Mayor Michael Bloomberg called it "more appropriate" to try avowed Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in a military tribunal.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg says a military commission is a "more appropriate" choice than a civilian trial for avowed Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed.

"While we would have provided the security if we had to here in New York City, you know - being spared the expense is good for us," he said.

But the expense went well beyond the cost of security - the mayor and local business leaders said the city would have lost business for years if it had to barricade its downtown to protect the suspects.

"Holding the terror trials in Lower Manhattan would have undermined the progress and rebuilding of this neighborhood, and it would have eroded the economic development efforts and successes over the last 10 years," said Steven Spinola, president of the Real Estate Board of New York.

(Via AP)

She gives them their best shot to win.

Hardly convincing argument considering... she isn't the president.

Anyways...

If HRC resigns to run, I'd say not only she, but the Dems have a shot in 2012.

That would be a fundraising nightmare for the Dems. But it will sure delight the GOP.

We'll see.

Inflation will be the key, and it'll provide the great electoral mood for the 2012 election. If the Americans-- that's OBAMA supporters-- started fashioning WIN-like button just ahead of the election then I think the Prez will lose.

QE2 it seems is doing the job, at least in the US, in moderating prices. There's no doubt, in my mind, about that.

But high oil prices will start to bite US consumers, and OBAMA may well wish this is just a temporary thing.

Even if the Prez becomes the first ever candidate to raise a billion dollar war chest--and no one doubts it won't help-- the shape of the real economy may well determine his re-election chances.

After all, come 2012, the incumbent is still Barack OBAMA. And the buck stops with him.

Saleh’s top security official in Taiz, Abdullah Qiran, is accused by demonstrators of orchestrating some of the most brutal crackdowns against demonstrators, particularly in the southern port town of Aden. On Sunday, police attacked a march by thousands of women in Taiz, sparking a battle with a separate group of male protesters.

I condemn the use of government forces in muting protests across the Mid East. The region and Japan do have a shared and moral responsibility to ensure that the very basic rights of the Arab (and Libyan) people are respected.

It's a diplomatic, int'l security nightmare. And I sympathize with Sec GATES when he came out last week and told everyone that a post-SALEH regime may prove to be a catalyst for a much more violent and formidable terrorist networks in the Middle East.

"I think it is a real concern because the most active and at this point perhaps the most aggressive branch of Al-Qaeda, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, operates out of Yemen." (Via Reuters)

BUT THE WORLD have heard of Yemeni threats for some time now-- with one source I read claiming the state to be the next Iraq when it comes to terrorist activities. This Arab nation do have a lot of wanna-be AQ groups and whether it's just convenient to use AQ, when it comes to SALEH's defense, is another matter.

Nice =/

So then if Americans that disliked others burning the American flag started killing random people over it would the liberals blame the flag burner or the murderer?

And here... we... go!

I can't say that I support burning things that are holy to others, or burning anything in general, but it's his right.

Such 'rude and insensitive' instances would only increase litigation, not rights.

And Terry Jones' a leader with a public image, and followings. I'd be compelled to think of my moral obligations if I were in his shoes.

Nevertheless--and just before this thread gets hijacked by right-wing, left-wing nuts!-- the region condemns the mob violence in Afghanistan and elsewhere.

Let it stop!

Excellent piece on US, NATO involvement in Libya titled "A Community Organizer Goes to War" by Pat BUCHANAN, 31.03.11. Google and read it!

YouTube search Terry Jones interview with 'MidweekPolitics' on the Koran burning, shedding some lights on the Fl. pastor's insistence that it was all part of 'free speech'.

(Cpy+pasted. Source Fox News)

Senators Want to Punish Koran Burning

Reid: Probe of Quran Burning Considered

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says congressional lawmakers are discussing taking some action in response to the Koran burnings of a Tennessee pastor that led to killings at the U.N. facility in Afghanistan and sparked protests across the Middle East, Politico reports.

“Ten to 20 people have been killed," Reid said Sunday on CBS’ “Face the Nation.” “We’ll take a look at this of course. As to whether we need hearings or not, I don’t know.”

Sen. Lindsey Graham said Congress might need to explore the need to limit some forms of freedom of speech, in light of Tennessee pastor Terry Jones’ Quran burning, and how such actions result in enabling U.S. enemies.

"I wish we could find a way to hold people accountable. Free speech is a great idea, but we're in a war," Graham told CBS' Bob Schieffer on “Face the Nation” Sunday.

First, my thoughts and prayers go to UN workers killed in Afghanistan. The attacks were brutal and senseless, and extremist groups like the Talebans are now exploiting these riots.

As for Dr Terry Jones burning a Koran, let me quote Justice ALITO's remarks on a free speech case recently:

“I fail to see why actionable speech should be immunized simply because it is interspersed with speech that is protected. The First Amendment allows recovery for defamatory statements that are interspersed with non-defamatory statements on matters of public concern..."

Terry Jones last year received a call from the Defense Dep't to reconsider his threat of burning the Holy Muslim book-- yet he did it anyway. Unfortunately, his action only fueled more violent, anti-US sentiments in the Islamic world.

Terry Jones was well aware of the consequences as his Florida Church conducted a mock trial against Islam. Americans should rebuff Terry Jones as much as the world now condemns the mob violence in Afghanistan and elsewhere.