Political, Military Leaders From China, India, Pakistan, and Britain Respond to Obama Prague Speech: All Nuclear Powers Should Commit to Multi-Lateral Negotiations for Elimination of All Nuclear Weapons
/PRNewswire / -- Political and military leaders at the forefront of the Global Zero initiative, a nonpartisan international effort to achieve a phased, verifiable plan to eliminate all nuclear weapons worldwide, immediately expressed support for President Obama's Prague speech and the newly announced U.S.-Russian effort to eliminate nuclear weapons, and called on their own governments to commit now to participating in multi-lateral negotiations for an agreement to eliminate all nuclear weapons worldwide. In his speech yesterday, President Obama said he will "seek to include all nuclear weapons states in this endeavor."
Air Chief Marshal (ret.) Shashindra Pal Tyagi, former Indian Air Force Chief "India has always supported the vision of a nuclear weapons free world. Now that the leaders of the U.S. and Russia have declared their desire to achieve Global Zero, India needs to actively support the movement and participate in a multi-national initiative to ensure a phased, verifiable and time-bound program to eliminate all nuclear weapons."
K. Shankar Bajpai, former Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs of India "The US-Russia summit commitment to achieving Global Zero is as heartening as it is vital. These are the two powers who must set, not just the pace, but the example we can and must all follow. To be clear, Global Zero does not rest with partial disarmament: all states must abandon all nuclear weapons. I am privileged to be among those supporting this vital cause and to join in urging all states, not least my own, to follow up on the US-Russian statement, swiftly and constructively."
Gen. (Ret.) Jehangir Karamat, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Pakistan "The Obama-Medvedev declaration is a very real and tangible step towards reduction of nuclear weapons and transcends regional and other concerns. Pakistan should, and I am sure will, be supportive of this initiative."
Maj. Gen. (retired) Peng Guangqian, Chinese Defense Analyst "Elimination of all nuclear weapons globally is a long process, but most importantly, the U.S. and Russia have taken the first step. China always advocates a complete ban and ultimate elimination of all nuclear weapons. As a country with nuclear weapons, China has demonstrated that it will not avoid the responsibility and obligation in nuclear disarmament."
Malcolm Rifkind, former Foreign Secretary, Defence Secretary of the United Kingdom "It is critical that all of the other nuclear powers commit now to participating in multi-lateral negotiations on an agreement to eliminate all nuclear weapons worldwide - Global Zero. Getting to Global Zero will require the phased and verified reduction of all nations' nuclear arsenals over many years. It is urgent that we begin now."
Chuck Hagel, former U.S. Senator "The launch of the North Korean missile - in addition to demanding the aggressive pursuit of the six-party talks - should be viewed as an urgent call for the leaders of all the nuclear countries to support Presidents Obama's and Medvedev's bold and historic effort to achieve the only real and lasting solution to proliferation and nuclear terrorism: the elimination of all nuclear weapons - Global Zero."
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Monday, April 6, 2009
The Appearance of Security: New Proposal Changes Benchmarks for Secure IDs
/PRNewswire / -- The REAL ID Act, written in the wake of the September 11 attacks, has created the rules and regulations for states to follow, establishing minimum standards for secure state identification documents. Currently, a new piece of legislation named "Providing for Additional Security in States' Identification Act of 2009" or PASS ID Act is accumulating signatures in the Senate and may be introduced. A new report from the Center for Immigration Studies shows how this legislation would change the current benchmarks for secure IDs.
The report, "The Appearance of Driver License Security: REAL ID Final Regulations and Proposed PASS ID Act of 2009," was prepared by Janice Kephart, the Center's Director of National Security Policy and former 9/11 Staff Counsel. It is available on the Center's website at: http://cis.org/PASSID.
The changes the Pass ID Act would make to current law include:
-- Push full compliance out until 2021, 20 years after 9/11 and four
years past REAL ID.
-- State laws preempt the PASS ID Act, including privacy laws.
-- States may file a justification for noncompliance and receive an
extension.
-- Pushes off compliance for use of electronic verification of lawful
status (via the Department of Homeland Security's SAVE Program) until
January 1, 2013.
-- Deletes the requirement that "the applicant must provide sufficient
documentation for a state to both verify identity and authenticate
documents presented for the purpose of establishing identity."
-- Deletes requirement that applicants provide a Social Security number,
only needing to "take appropriate steps to validate" the number if the
applicant "has been issued a Social Security number."
-- Deletes the benchmarks and timetable for compliance.
-- Deletes requirement that states "make reasonable efforts" to ensure
that applicant does not have more than one driver's license/non-driver
ID under a different or same identity in state where applying, or has
been issued a DL/ID in another state. This weakness was exploited by
the 9/11 hijackers.
-- Deletes listing of acceptable documents to prove date of birth.
-- Deletes requirement that states verify birth certificates through the
Electronic Verification of Vital Events system, as it becomes
available.
-- Deletes requiring two documents to show principal place of residence,
only requiring one, the same standard the 9/11 hijackers exploited to
obtain fraudulent ID cards in Virginia.
-- Deletes requirement that DL/ID not be issued until resolution with
issuing office if there is a non-match or a document does not appear
authentic.
-- Deletes requirement that applicant supply full legal name.
-- Deletes applicant declaration that information presented is true and
correct under penalty of perjury.
-- Deletes some of the major anti-tampering requirements including that
the ID require an "easily identifiable visual or tactile feature" for
cursory examination without aids.
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The report, "The Appearance of Driver License Security: REAL ID Final Regulations and Proposed PASS ID Act of 2009," was prepared by Janice Kephart, the Center's Director of National Security Policy and former 9/11 Staff Counsel. It is available on the Center's website at: http://cis.org/PASSID.
The changes the Pass ID Act would make to current law include:
-- Push full compliance out until 2021, 20 years after 9/11 and four
years past REAL ID.
-- State laws preempt the PASS ID Act, including privacy laws.
-- States may file a justification for noncompliance and receive an
extension.
-- Pushes off compliance for use of electronic verification of lawful
status (via the Department of Homeland Security's SAVE Program) until
January 1, 2013.
-- Deletes the requirement that "the applicant must provide sufficient
documentation for a state to both verify identity and authenticate
documents presented for the purpose of establishing identity."
-- Deletes requirement that applicants provide a Social Security number,
only needing to "take appropriate steps to validate" the number if the
applicant "has been issued a Social Security number."
-- Deletes the benchmarks and timetable for compliance.
-- Deletes requirement that states "make reasonable efforts" to ensure
that applicant does not have more than one driver's license/non-driver
ID under a different or same identity in state where applying, or has
been issued a DL/ID in another state. This weakness was exploited by
the 9/11 hijackers.
-- Deletes listing of acceptable documents to prove date of birth.
-- Deletes requirement that states verify birth certificates through the
Electronic Verification of Vital Events system, as it becomes
available.
-- Deletes requiring two documents to show principal place of residence,
only requiring one, the same standard the 9/11 hijackers exploited to
obtain fraudulent ID cards in Virginia.
-- Deletes requirement that DL/ID not be issued until resolution with
issuing office if there is a non-match or a document does not appear
authentic.
-- Deletes requirement that applicant supply full legal name.
-- Deletes applicant declaration that information presented is true and
correct under penalty of perjury.
-- Deletes some of the major anti-tampering requirements including that
the ID require an "easily identifiable visual or tactile feature" for
cursory examination without aids.
-----
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Friday, April 3, 2009
Eagle Forum: Iowa's Supremacist Judges Overturn State Law and OK Gay Marriage
/PRNewswire / -- Eagle Forum, a leading conservative grassroots organization founded by Phyllis Schlafly, condemns the activist decision of the Iowa Supreme Court, which ruled unanimously today that the state law prohibiting same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. The case, Varnum v. Brien (2005), was brought by six same-sex Iowa couples who sued Polk County Recorder Timothy Brien after his office denied them marriage licenses on the basis that Iowa's decade-old state law recognizes marriage only between one man and one woman.
Because the justices ruled that gay marriage should be legal in Iowa, this means that out-of-state same-sex couples could flock to Iowa to get married, as Iowa has no residency requirements for a marriage license. In May 2008, when the California Supreme Court ruled in favor of gay marriage, homosexual marriage opponents quickly struck back by working to get a November ballot initiative (Proposition 8) which passed and effectively amended the state Constitution to uphold a one man-one woman law. However, in Iowa, such a constitutional change would face additional hurdles, such as approval by the state legislature in two consecutive legislative sessions, with a subsequent ballot initiative which receives a popular vote.
"This decision should be a wake-up call to Americans that traditional marriage is under assault not only in liberal havens, like Massachusetts and California, but also in traditionally conservative states," said Eagle Forum President Phyllis Schlafly. "The American people will not continue to stand by silently in the face of more and more of these activist court rulings that openly defy the will of the people."
"Over the past few decades, many of the most far-reaching social, economic, and political decisions have been made by judges rather than elected representatives," Schlafly said. "Only elected representatives have the power to make laws, not judges."
"We can never allow the definition of marriage to simply mean two consenting persons who agree to share quarters and start applying to the government for benefits," concluded Schlafly. "Eagle Forum calls on the Iowa state legislature to work to adopt a constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between one man and one woman only, and by subsequently passing a state law that withdraws jurisdiction from the state courts over this issue."
Eagle Forum advocates a multi-faceted strategy to protect marriage. While a constitutional amendment is ultimately necessary to protect marriage from activist judges, it remains a long process requiring a super-majority in Congress and then ratification by 38 states. Although removing jurisdiction from federal courts over the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) would provide immediate protection for marriage, as it only requires a majority of Congress, Eagle Forum continues to work for a significant constitutional amendment.
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Because the justices ruled that gay marriage should be legal in Iowa, this means that out-of-state same-sex couples could flock to Iowa to get married, as Iowa has no residency requirements for a marriage license. In May 2008, when the California Supreme Court ruled in favor of gay marriage, homosexual marriage opponents quickly struck back by working to get a November ballot initiative (Proposition 8) which passed and effectively amended the state Constitution to uphold a one man-one woman law. However, in Iowa, such a constitutional change would face additional hurdles, such as approval by the state legislature in two consecutive legislative sessions, with a subsequent ballot initiative which receives a popular vote.
"This decision should be a wake-up call to Americans that traditional marriage is under assault not only in liberal havens, like Massachusetts and California, but also in traditionally conservative states," said Eagle Forum President Phyllis Schlafly. "The American people will not continue to stand by silently in the face of more and more of these activist court rulings that openly defy the will of the people."
"Over the past few decades, many of the most far-reaching social, economic, and political decisions have been made by judges rather than elected representatives," Schlafly said. "Only elected representatives have the power to make laws, not judges."
"We can never allow the definition of marriage to simply mean two consenting persons who agree to share quarters and start applying to the government for benefits," concluded Schlafly. "Eagle Forum calls on the Iowa state legislature to work to adopt a constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between one man and one woman only, and by subsequently passing a state law that withdraws jurisdiction from the state courts over this issue."
Eagle Forum advocates a multi-faceted strategy to protect marriage. While a constitutional amendment is ultimately necessary to protect marriage from activist judges, it remains a long process requiring a super-majority in Congress and then ratification by 38 states. Although removing jurisdiction from federal courts over the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) would provide immediate protection for marriage, as it only requires a majority of Congress, Eagle Forum continues to work for a significant constitutional amendment.
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Thursday, April 2, 2009
Isakson, Chambliss Praise Move to Give Banks Flexibility in Valuing Certain Securities
Urges FASB to Allow Banks Same Flexibility with Real Estate Assets
U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today praised this morning’s action by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to give auditors more flexibility in valuing certain assets that have long-term value, and Isakson and Chambliss urged the board to apply the same flexibility to all real estate assets.
“This is a good step in the right direction by FASB, and I hope they will apply this same flexibility to real estate assets as well,” Isakson said. “Mark-to-market rules have devastated the evaluation of real estate assets held by community banks. Mark-to-market should not be an arbitrary write-down to zero; it should be a recognition of the transition of values in a down market or in an up market.”
“This economic crisis is not going to be resolved overnight and certainly not by any single remedy,” said Chambliss. “However, today FASB has helped move our financial institutions toward greater stability by loosening the accounting rules required of them. Relaxing the mark-to-market rules will provide a more accurate portrayal of the long-term fiscal health of our financial institutions.”
Isakson and Chambliss have repeatedly called for reform of mark-to-market accounting rules that they believe are disproportionately penalizing American banks. The rules require the banks to assign a value to an asset based on the current market price for the security or a similar asset, and banks have complained that the rules are penalizing in cases in which they have viable assets if held to term or liquidated over time.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board, which is known as FASB and is authorized by the Securities and Exchange Commission to set the standards of financial accounting and reporting, today voted unanimously to allow banks and their auditors to use "significant judgment" when valuing certain illiquid securities.
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---
U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today praised this morning’s action by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to give auditors more flexibility in valuing certain assets that have long-term value, and Isakson and Chambliss urged the board to apply the same flexibility to all real estate assets.
“This is a good step in the right direction by FASB, and I hope they will apply this same flexibility to real estate assets as well,” Isakson said. “Mark-to-market rules have devastated the evaluation of real estate assets held by community banks. Mark-to-market should not be an arbitrary write-down to zero; it should be a recognition of the transition of values in a down market or in an up market.”
“This economic crisis is not going to be resolved overnight and certainly not by any single remedy,” said Chambliss. “However, today FASB has helped move our financial institutions toward greater stability by loosening the accounting rules required of them. Relaxing the mark-to-market rules will provide a more accurate portrayal of the long-term fiscal health of our financial institutions.”
Isakson and Chambliss have repeatedly called for reform of mark-to-market accounting rules that they believe are disproportionately penalizing American banks. The rules require the banks to assign a value to an asset based on the current market price for the security or a similar asset, and banks have complained that the rules are penalizing in cases in which they have viable assets if held to term or liquidated over time.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board, which is known as FASB and is authorized by the Securities and Exchange Commission to set the standards of financial accounting and reporting, today voted unanimously to allow banks and their auditors to use "significant judgment" when valuing certain illiquid securities.
---
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Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
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---
U.S. House Takes Giant Step Toward Historic Regulation of Tobacco Products
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement of Matthew L. Myers, President, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids:
The U.S. House of Representatives today put Congress on the brink of truly historic action to reduce tobacco use -- the nation's No. 1 cause of preventable death -- by approving legislation granting the FDA authority over tobacco products. We urge the Senate to quickly pass this legislation and resist all efforts to weaken it. There are few steps Congress can take that would make a bigger difference for America's health than to pass this long-overdue legislation. It will end the special protection the tobacco industry has enjoyed for too long and protect our children and the nation's health instead.
We applaud House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Representative Todd Platts (R-PA) for their leadership in introducing this strong legislation and quickly moving it forward.
Today's 298-112 vote underscores the broad, bipartisan support for this legislation and provides strong momentum for enacting it into law this year. It has been endorsed by more than 1,000 public health, faith, medical and other organizations (see list at www.tobaccofreekids.org/reports/fda/organizations.pdf). A poll last year found that 70 percent of American voters support FDA regulation of tobacco products (see details at www.tobaccofreekids.org/fdapoll/). It has been endorsed by scientific authorities including the Institute of Medicine and the President's Cancer Panel.
Tobacco use kills more than 400,000 Americans and costs the nation $96 billion in health care bills each year. Every day, more than 1,000 children become new regular smokers. Yet tobacco products are exempt from the FDA's common-sense regulations that apply to virtually every other product we consume, from food to drugs to cosmetics. This allows tobacco companies to market their deadly and addictive products to children, deceive consumers about the harm their products cause, make changes to their products without disclosing them (such as manipulating nicotine levels in cigarettes), and resist any meaningful change to make their products less harmful.
This legislation would grant the FDA the authority and resources to effectively regulate the manufacturing, marketing and sale of tobacco products. Among other things, it would:
-- Restrict tobacco advertising and promotions, especially to children.
-- Stop illegal sales of tobacco products to children.
-- Require larger, more effective health warnings on tobacco packages and
advertising.
-- Ban misleading health claims such as "light" and "low-tar" and
strictly regulate all health claims about tobacco products to ensure
they are scientifically proven and do not discourage current tobacco
users from quitting or encourage new users to start.
-- Require tobacco companies to disclose the contents of tobacco
products, as well as changes in products and research about their
health effects.
-- Empower the FDA to require changes in tobacco products, such as the
removal or reduction of harmful ingredients or the reduction of
nicotine levels.
-- Fully fund the FDA's new tobacco-related responsibilities with a user
fee on tobacco companies so no resources are taken from the FDA's
current work.
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The U.S. House of Representatives today put Congress on the brink of truly historic action to reduce tobacco use -- the nation's No. 1 cause of preventable death -- by approving legislation granting the FDA authority over tobacco products. We urge the Senate to quickly pass this legislation and resist all efforts to weaken it. There are few steps Congress can take that would make a bigger difference for America's health than to pass this long-overdue legislation. It will end the special protection the tobacco industry has enjoyed for too long and protect our children and the nation's health instead.
We applaud House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Representative Todd Platts (R-PA) for their leadership in introducing this strong legislation and quickly moving it forward.
Today's 298-112 vote underscores the broad, bipartisan support for this legislation and provides strong momentum for enacting it into law this year. It has been endorsed by more than 1,000 public health, faith, medical and other organizations (see list at www.tobaccofreekids.org/reports/fda/organizations.pdf). A poll last year found that 70 percent of American voters support FDA regulation of tobacco products (see details at www.tobaccofreekids.org/fdapoll/). It has been endorsed by scientific authorities including the Institute of Medicine and the President's Cancer Panel.
Tobacco use kills more than 400,000 Americans and costs the nation $96 billion in health care bills each year. Every day, more than 1,000 children become new regular smokers. Yet tobacco products are exempt from the FDA's common-sense regulations that apply to virtually every other product we consume, from food to drugs to cosmetics. This allows tobacco companies to market their deadly and addictive products to children, deceive consumers about the harm their products cause, make changes to their products without disclosing them (such as manipulating nicotine levels in cigarettes), and resist any meaningful change to make their products less harmful.
This legislation would grant the FDA the authority and resources to effectively regulate the manufacturing, marketing and sale of tobacco products. Among other things, it would:
-- Restrict tobacco advertising and promotions, especially to children.
-- Stop illegal sales of tobacco products to children.
-- Require larger, more effective health warnings on tobacco packages and
advertising.
-- Ban misleading health claims such as "light" and "low-tar" and
strictly regulate all health claims about tobacco products to ensure
they are scientifically proven and do not discourage current tobacco
users from quitting or encourage new users to start.
-- Require tobacco companies to disclose the contents of tobacco
products, as well as changes in products and research about their
health effects.
-- Empower the FDA to require changes in tobacco products, such as the
removal or reduction of harmful ingredients or the reduction of
nicotine levels.
-- Fully fund the FDA's new tobacco-related responsibilities with a user
fee on tobacco companies so no resources are taken from the FDA's
current work.
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Bipartisan Senators Introduce 'National Energy Security Act'
PRNewswire / -- Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Senator George Voinovich (R-OH), and key members of the Energy Security Leadership Council (ESLC), a project of Securing America's Future Energy (SAFE), unveiled The National Energy Security Act of 2009 Wednesday. The bill presents a comprehensive plan to reduce our nation's dangerous dependence on oil, primarily through the electrification of the short-haul ground transportation fleet.
"For too long, our national security and our economy have been dependent on a global oil market that we cannot control," ESLC Co-Chairmen Frederick W. Smith, Chairman, President, and CEO of FedEx Corporation, and General P.X. Kelley (Ret.), 28th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, said. "We can no longer remain at the mercy of terrorists, anti-American regimes, or even hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico. Today, we are offering a new way forward. This bill has the potential to finally defeat the energy policy gridlock by offering a bipartisan, achievable, comprehensive solution that will end our dangerous dependence on petroleum and leave a stronger, safer America in its place."
"America's energy security will continue to be at risk until we can move away from our dependence on foreign oil, much of which is located in dangerous regions of the world," Dorgan said. "Breaking this dependence on foreign oil requires a long-term commitment, and now is the time to make the investments that will improve our security and create jobs in the process. This legislation is a road map for our energy future. The problem with reducing our dependence on foreign sources oil is that many have seen where we want to go, but don't know how to get there. This legislation provides a road map, and will strengthen our energy security for generations to come."
"For years I have called for a Second Declaration of Independence from foreign sources of energy," Voinovich said. "Alleviating our reliance on foreign energy sources is a key to strengthening both our national and economic security. Too many of our energy resources come from politically unstable regions of the world, which often support ideologies in opposition to our own national interests. Our economic interests are then affected by this political and military unrest, causing energy costs to rise, hindering our ability to compete in the global marketplace and bringing our national security into question. It is about time we work on a bipartisan basis to solve this crisis."
In September, the ESLC - a distinguished group of business executives and national security leaders led by Smith and General Kelley - released A National Strategy for Energy Security. The National Strategy offered a comprehensive plan to reduce U.S. oil dependence, primarily through electrification of the short-haul ground transportation fleet, along with crucial measures - including expanded domestic production of oil and natural gas - to keep our nation safe and secure in the interim.
The legislation introduced today by Senators Dorgan and Voinovich largely mirrors the policies laid out in the National Strategy. The bill would:
-- Promote the development and production of an electrified
transportation fleet, creating a transportation system that will be
powered by a wide array of mostly domestic fuels instead of one solely
dependent on oil.
-- Support building the crucial infrastructure necessary to power that
fleet, including recharging stations and vital steps needed to create
a robust, reliable national grid.
-- Strengthen transmission, including giving FERC the power to site
transmission lines, to ensure that the grid is sufficiently robust to
meet the growing demand of an electrified transportation system.
-- Promote the expanded development of domestic oil and natural gas by
conducting an inventory of the most promising areas of the Outer
Continental Shelf (OCS), opening new areas of the Gulf of Mexico, and
ensuring the expeditious leasing of certain areas of the OCS for all
forms of energy, while strengthening environmental safeguards.
-- Support low-carbon electricity, including from nuclear and advanced
coal, through loan guarantees.
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"For too long, our national security and our economy have been dependent on a global oil market that we cannot control," ESLC Co-Chairmen Frederick W. Smith, Chairman, President, and CEO of FedEx Corporation, and General P.X. Kelley (Ret.), 28th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, said. "We can no longer remain at the mercy of terrorists, anti-American regimes, or even hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico. Today, we are offering a new way forward. This bill has the potential to finally defeat the energy policy gridlock by offering a bipartisan, achievable, comprehensive solution that will end our dangerous dependence on petroleum and leave a stronger, safer America in its place."
"America's energy security will continue to be at risk until we can move away from our dependence on foreign oil, much of which is located in dangerous regions of the world," Dorgan said. "Breaking this dependence on foreign oil requires a long-term commitment, and now is the time to make the investments that will improve our security and create jobs in the process. This legislation is a road map for our energy future. The problem with reducing our dependence on foreign sources oil is that many have seen where we want to go, but don't know how to get there. This legislation provides a road map, and will strengthen our energy security for generations to come."
"For years I have called for a Second Declaration of Independence from foreign sources of energy," Voinovich said. "Alleviating our reliance on foreign energy sources is a key to strengthening both our national and economic security. Too many of our energy resources come from politically unstable regions of the world, which often support ideologies in opposition to our own national interests. Our economic interests are then affected by this political and military unrest, causing energy costs to rise, hindering our ability to compete in the global marketplace and bringing our national security into question. It is about time we work on a bipartisan basis to solve this crisis."
In September, the ESLC - a distinguished group of business executives and national security leaders led by Smith and General Kelley - released A National Strategy for Energy Security. The National Strategy offered a comprehensive plan to reduce U.S. oil dependence, primarily through electrification of the short-haul ground transportation fleet, along with crucial measures - including expanded domestic production of oil and natural gas - to keep our nation safe and secure in the interim.
The legislation introduced today by Senators Dorgan and Voinovich largely mirrors the policies laid out in the National Strategy. The bill would:
-- Promote the development and production of an electrified
transportation fleet, creating a transportation system that will be
powered by a wide array of mostly domestic fuels instead of one solely
dependent on oil.
-- Support building the crucial infrastructure necessary to power that
fleet, including recharging stations and vital steps needed to create
a robust, reliable national grid.
-- Strengthen transmission, including giving FERC the power to site
transmission lines, to ensure that the grid is sufficiently robust to
meet the growing demand of an electrified transportation system.
-- Promote the expanded development of domestic oil and natural gas by
conducting an inventory of the most promising areas of the Outer
Continental Shelf (OCS), opening new areas of the Gulf of Mexico, and
ensuring the expeditious leasing of certain areas of the OCS for all
forms of energy, while strengthening environmental safeguards.
-- Support low-carbon electricity, including from nuclear and advanced
coal, through loan guarantees.
-----
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Georgia Front Page
FOX News Report Highlights How Democrats' Budget Reinstates the Death Tax
Everyone knows the Democrats’ budget spends too much, taxes too much, and borrows too much, but a Fox News report today highlighted a little-known aspect of their proposal. At a time when families and small businesses are struggling, the Democrats’ budget would reinstate the Death Tax, which would hurt small businesses and family farms that are already overtaxed. The GOP budget alternative, introduced by Budget Committee Ranking Republican Paul Ryan (R-WI) today, eliminates the Death Tax permanently. Full video and transcript of the report follow: .....http://republicanleader.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=117103
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Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Statement of David Poythress re: Thurbert Baker Joining GA Governor's Race
“I wasn’t surprised to see Thurbert Baker throw his hat in the Governor’s race today. I consider Thurbert a friend and a serious opponent, but I am confident that I will win the Democratic primary. Even with Thurbert’s entry to the race, I am the only candidate with strong executive experience and a record of results.
- As Deputy Revenue Commissioner I led the first investigation of Organized Crime in Georgia.
- As Secretary of State I modernized the office to create efficiency and even returned money to the state Treasury.- As Labor Commissioner I cut payroll taxes by more than $200 million.- As Adjutant General I was serving on 9-11 as Commander of the Georgia National Guard and led the effort to protect Georgia from future terrorist attacks while preparing our troops for war in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Simply put, I’ve been tested and I succeeded.
I look forward to a spirited debate about our preparation, record of achievement and competing vision for the future of Georgia. From day one in this campaign, I have been leading the charge on action plans that will create jobs, transform public education and provide solutions to our transportation and water crises.”
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- As Deputy Revenue Commissioner I led the first investigation of Organized Crime in Georgia.
- As Secretary of State I modernized the office to create efficiency and even returned money to the state Treasury.- As Labor Commissioner I cut payroll taxes by more than $200 million.- As Adjutant General I was serving on 9-11 as Commander of the Georgia National Guard and led the effort to protect Georgia from future terrorist attacks while preparing our troops for war in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Simply put, I’ve been tested and I succeeded.
I look forward to a spirited debate about our preparation, record of achievement and competing vision for the future of Georgia. From day one in this campaign, I have been leading the charge on action plans that will create jobs, transform public education and provide solutions to our transportation and water crises.”
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---
It's Official: Karen Handel Files for Georgia Governor
Note: We received this Friday and included it on the main site, however we neglected to share it properly with our blog, Twitter and Facebook friends. While it's no longer "new" news, it's important and worth sharing a few times. - jmd
Former GOP Chair Fred Cooper to Serve as Campaign Chairman
Karen Handel has officially filed the necessary paperwork to form a campaign committee to seek the office of Governor of Georgia in 2010.
Handel said, “After prayerful consideration and with the support of my husband Steve, I have decided to run for Governor. I am humbled by the level of support I am receiving from all across Georgia and I'm looking forward to the campaign.
“Our next Governor will face many difficult challenges. I look forward to meeting those challenges with exciting new ideas and a vision that will put us on the path to growth and prosperity.”
Handel also announced that Fred Cooper will serve as Campaign Chairman. “Fred Cooper is recognized as one of the great leaders of the Republican Party and in the Georgia business community. I am fortunate to consider him a great friend and I am honored to have him as chairman of our campaign,” Handel said.
Cooper said, “Karen Handel possesses the qualities that are so important in public service – absolute integrity, exceptional experience, remarkable intelligence, and strong, fair leadership. She has consistently demonstrated those qualities….as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor; as Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners; and as Secretary of State.
“She is ready to be Governor; she will be an excellent Governor; I am proud to be on her team,” Cooper added.
Karen Handel biographical information:
Karen Handel is currently serving as the first Republican Secretary of State. She previously served in elective office as Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. In the business community she has served as President and CEO of the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, and held executive positions with CIBA Vision and KPMG. Karen has also served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Sonny Perdue, and in the White House to Marilyn Quayle. She lives in Roswell with her husband Steve.
Fred Cooper biographical information:
Fred Cooper is a longtime leader in the Georgia business community and the Republican Party of Georgia. He has served as State Chairman of the Georgia Republican Party, as Georgia State Chairman of former President George H.W. Bush’s campaigns and as Georgia General Chairman for President George W. Bush, who chose Mr. Cooper to be Chairman of the G-8 Summit Host Committee for the G-8 Summit held in 2004 in Sea Island, GA.
Mr. Cooper is Chairman of Cooper Capital, LLC, a private investment firm, which he founded in 1998. Previously, Mr. Cooper was Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of CooperSmith, Inc., an Atlanta based company which produced and distributed a variety of baked foods, primarily under the trademark Sunbeam, throughout most of the Southeast and New England. In 1998, CooperSmith was acquired by The Earthgrains Company (now Sara Lee).
Mr. Cooper has held several executive and legal positions, including Vice Chairman, President, Executive Vice-President and General Counsel, at Flowers Industries, Inc., a Fortune 500, New York Stock Exchange Company.
Mr. Cooper is 66 years old, resides in Atlanta, Georgia, and he and his wife Helen have two married sons and five grandchildren.
Former GOP Chair Fred Cooper to Serve as Campaign Chairman
Karen Handel has officially filed the necessary paperwork to form a campaign committee to seek the office of Governor of Georgia in 2010.
Handel said, “After prayerful consideration and with the support of my husband Steve, I have decided to run for Governor. I am humbled by the level of support I am receiving from all across Georgia and I'm looking forward to the campaign.
“Our next Governor will face many difficult challenges. I look forward to meeting those challenges with exciting new ideas and a vision that will put us on the path to growth and prosperity.”
Handel also announced that Fred Cooper will serve as Campaign Chairman. “Fred Cooper is recognized as one of the great leaders of the Republican Party and in the Georgia business community. I am fortunate to consider him a great friend and I am honored to have him as chairman of our campaign,” Handel said.
Cooper said, “Karen Handel possesses the qualities that are so important in public service – absolute integrity, exceptional experience, remarkable intelligence, and strong, fair leadership. She has consistently demonstrated those qualities….as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor; as Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners; and as Secretary of State.
“She is ready to be Governor; she will be an excellent Governor; I am proud to be on her team,” Cooper added.
Karen Handel biographical information:
Karen Handel is currently serving as the first Republican Secretary of State. She previously served in elective office as Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. In the business community she has served as President and CEO of the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, and held executive positions with CIBA Vision and KPMG. Karen has also served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Sonny Perdue, and in the White House to Marilyn Quayle. She lives in Roswell with her husband Steve.
Fred Cooper biographical information:
Fred Cooper is a longtime leader in the Georgia business community and the Republican Party of Georgia. He has served as State Chairman of the Georgia Republican Party, as Georgia State Chairman of former President George H.W. Bush’s campaigns and as Georgia General Chairman for President George W. Bush, who chose Mr. Cooper to be Chairman of the G-8 Summit Host Committee for the G-8 Summit held in 2004 in Sea Island, GA.
Mr. Cooper is Chairman of Cooper Capital, LLC, a private investment firm, which he founded in 1998. Previously, Mr. Cooper was Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of CooperSmith, Inc., an Atlanta based company which produced and distributed a variety of baked foods, primarily under the trademark Sunbeam, throughout most of the Southeast and New England. In 1998, CooperSmith was acquired by The Earthgrains Company (now Sara Lee).
Mr. Cooper has held several executive and legal positions, including Vice Chairman, President, Executive Vice-President and General Counsel, at Flowers Industries, Inc., a Fortune 500, New York Stock Exchange Company.
Mr. Cooper is 66 years old, resides in Atlanta, Georgia, and he and his wife Helen have two married sons and five grandchildren.
Statement of Attorney General Eric Holder Regarding United States v. Theodore F. Stevens
PRNewswire / -- The following is a statement of Attorney General Eric Holder:
"In connection with the post-trial litigation in United States v. Theodore F. Stevens, the Department of Justice has conducted a review of the case, including an examination of the extent of the disclosures provided to the defendant. After careful review, I have concluded that certain information should have been provided to the defense for use at trial. In light of this conclusion, and in consideration of the totality of the circumstances of this particular case, I have determined that it is in the interest of justice to dismiss the indictment and not proceed with a new trial.
"The Department's Office of Professional Responsibility will conduct a thorough review of the prosecution of this matter. This does not mean or imply that any determination has been made about the conduct of those attorneys who handled the investigation and trial of this case.
"The Department of Justice must always ensure that any case in which it is involved is handled fairly and consistent with its commitment to justice. Under oftentimes trying conditions, the attorneys who serve in this Department live up to those principles on a daily basis. I am proud of them and of the work they do for the American people."
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Fayette Front Page
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Georgia Front Page
"In connection with the post-trial litigation in United States v. Theodore F. Stevens, the Department of Justice has conducted a review of the case, including an examination of the extent of the disclosures provided to the defendant. After careful review, I have concluded that certain information should have been provided to the defense for use at trial. In light of this conclusion, and in consideration of the totality of the circumstances of this particular case, I have determined that it is in the interest of justice to dismiss the indictment and not proceed with a new trial.
"The Department's Office of Professional Responsibility will conduct a thorough review of the prosecution of this matter. This does not mean or imply that any determination has been made about the conduct of those attorneys who handled the investigation and trial of this case.
"The Department of Justice must always ensure that any case in which it is involved is handled fairly and consistent with its commitment to justice. Under oftentimes trying conditions, the attorneys who serve in this Department live up to those principles on a daily basis. I am proud of them and of the work they do for the American people."
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www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
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