Bits & Pieces

 

Bits and pieces from this reporter’s notebook.

Da-deet-da-deet-.....The reason why the Congress didn’t bend over for the first Bush bailout proposal was that they were inundated by calls and emails opposing the measure. Our Dianne Feinstein received over 91,000 comments, and over 86,000 were in opposition.

Da-deet-da-deet..With our own generals are pleading for more troops, the Brit commander in Afghanistan says the war against the Taliban can’t be won. One problem is that heroin makes up 80% of the country’s economy.

Da-deet-da-deet...The military is crowing about meeting recruitment goals. However the Army and Marines spent over $640 million in recruitment bonuses. This after further lowering of standards for criminal history and people who didn’t graduate high school. They also paid huge re-enlistment bonuses.

Da-deet-da-deet...The Pentagon is spending another $300 million on propaganda in Iraq. They’re trying to "engage and inspire" Iraqis into believing that their government and our military presence are actually good for them.

Da-deet-da-deet...The number of killings may be down in Iraq but the horror persists. A minibus was stopped in the Diyala province. The driver, three women and two young children were shot to death.

Da-deet-da-deet...So is the waronterror working? Most people don’t think so. A survey of 24,000 worldwide indicated that the majority view is that Al Qaeda is stronger than it was. Only a third of Americans think these efforts have been successful.

Da-deet-da-deet...India has banned smoking in public, hoping some of their 120 million smokers – half of them under 30 – will quit. One big problem is that cheaper cigarettes cost only two cents a piece.

Da-deet-da-deet...Finally, the EPA has ruled that perchlorate in drinking water isn’t dangerous. This despite scientific evidence that links the chemical to thyroid problems for pregnant women, infants and young children. An environmental group is suing the EPA.

 

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