News of the Day

It's been awhile since I just wrote about interesting articles in the newspapers I read every week. And sadly the state of newspapers is quickly diminishing. Seattle is about to lose one in about a month or so and may lose the other this year. The first was up for sale and had no takers, yet anyway, and the other is bleeding money almost as fast and is reportedly secretly up for sale.

Tacoma's only papers is treading water, but barely. All three raised prices recently and shrunk the size in pages every day. This is sad as I love sitting down with papers and lunch. I only wish others were available locally the same day - not subsriiption to be 1-2 days later. I would love to read the Washington Post alongside the Wall Street Journal - although I'm quickly tiring of Rupert Murdoch's revamping and editorial views, New York Times, and USA Today. That's the three others we get here in print.

But that said, what did I see of merit to me today?

Well for one, Senator Roland Burris. It's clear he should resign. While he didn't lie to the Illinois Senate, he just didn't tell the whole or complete truth. He didn't misspeak, he just didn't speak, and now we're hearing from him he did have numerous conversations with the former Illinois Governor's staff and talked about raising campaign funds for the Governor.

He wanted to be a Senator so much he thought ethics weren't required. And forget the law. Right now he's a walking, talking joke for the Senate after they capitulated and accepted him. If Senator Reid had stood his ground, this wouldn't have happened, but Reid also capitulated to the Black Caucus' political pressure (not my words but the NY Times).

Hopefully someone will get through to Mr. Burris to resign and let the real process of selecting a Senator from Illinois happen. He's tainted by a disgraced Governor and his own reputation lacking any worth or merit, along with the fact he's not a good example for any group.

Ok, onward. The Justice Department has announced it's keeping the Bush rules on secrecy for wiretaps, interrogations and information about "terrorists. " Like we thought they would undo those? The point still remains that we don't know who determines who's a terrorist and what review proceedures they have to ensure it's only terrorists and not ordinary people and especially citizens.

In short, it's business as usual, "Trust us.", except we don't. Your record speaks for itself and the Obama Justice Department has chosen to follow the same Bush Justice Department mentality, don't trust anyone, especially the American people. That's not a good record to stand on and not a good one for the future.

Now we still don't trust you. And you promised changes. Except those changes weren't transparent or good, just new signatures on old administration policy memos.

This one I like a lot. Should Congress or an independent commission investigate Bush and his administration? USA has a good editorial on it. I think the Senate should to the full extent possible, for the future of this country and nation. Put all the information on the table for all to see and judge. And then subpenoa everyone of the Bush's administration, including Cheney and Bush to open, public sessions under oath.

In short, make them plead or tell. The American people deserve answers, not poltiical rhetoric we've heard for the last 8 years. We want a hearings like the Nixon impeachment hearings, in full view of the press and media. Let the American people decide Bush's legacy for themselves than hearing it from elected officials, lawyers, and pundits, all of whom have personal agendas and views we've already heard.

Let the sun shine on Bush and his decisions. Let's look in the shadows of their thoughts. Let's hear their words of admission. Nothing less is more important. No clouding the truth, facts or reality, like the 9/11 Commission, but put it out there. For all of us to see and hear. And if they sweat and plead, let us see it.

And there was good news too. But only if you're not a fan of motobikes, ATV's, etc. for children. The new lead-free toys rules applies to all toys which includes any motorized vehicle specially built for children under 12/13 years. These vehicles have lead in many parts and components, and consequently banned. Granted these are really toys but vehicles, but the rules don't distinguish between the two since it applies to anything targetting children.

This to me is great, really, really great. I've been against giving anyone under the age of 16 anything motorized. They're brains have not fully developed for caution and understanding consequences - which doesn't fully develop until 18-20 years old anyway, so giving something without regard for them learning safety - like they're going to really mind their parents and not to the tricks they see on TV and in videos?

I think this is cool, and now the trick will see how the companies reshape their sales pitch for these "toys", like they can build a lead-free motobike or ATV?

That's my view from here.