Now Take the LT Mobile on iPhone
Obama to Address Exit Strategy for Afghanistan in West Point Speech | Besides announcing his decision over the number of troops to be send to Afghanistan on Tuesday, President Obama is expected to present an “exit” strategy for the U.S., through a gradual transfer of the fight to Afghan government, the New York Times reports.
Even though senior officials said there is not a specific timeframe, they said [...]
Obama’s Ode to Thanksgiving
By Claudette Rhone
Published: November 30, 2009
Obama's Ode to Thanksgiving | President Barack Obama’s Thanksgiving Day proclamation, as released by the White House, Provided by the Associated Press:
What began as a harvest celebration between European settlers and indigenous communities nearly four centuries ago has become our cherished tradition of Thanksgiving. This day’s roots are intertwined with those of our nation, and its history traces the American [...]
An Obama Thanksgiving
By Claudette Rhone
Published: November 30, 2009
An Obama Thanksgiving |
The Obama family had a busy weekend saving friendly fowl and doing community service. After President Obama extended a presidential pardoned to the White House turkey, he loaded up the Obama clan and proceeded to Martha’s Table to help hand out food in celebration of Thanksgiving.
The motorcade included Michelle, Sasha and Malia; his mother-in-law, Marian [...]
Dionne: A Corageous Call for Civility
By Alec Rivera
Published: November 30, 2009
Dionne: A Corageous Call for Civility | In The Washington Post, Columnist E.J. Dionne, Jr. comments on how dangerous and hateful rhetoric in today’s political landscape is counterproductive and, despite a need for someone to fight it, no one really does…except former Congressman Jim Leach (R-IA). Leach (now the Director of the National Endowment for the Humanities) was unapologetic for his views, [...]
Weak Economy Has Couples Passing Up Big Weddings
By Alec Rivera
Published: November 30, 2009
Weak Economy Has Couples Passing Up Big Weddings | The Baltimore Sun reports that couples are opting for smaller, more intimate, do-it-yourself weddings in light of current economic turmoil. Guest lists and budgets are getting smaller, making it necessary for bride and groom to get more creative with their nuptials.
Over the past 2-3 years, the average cost of a wedding has fallen by almost [...]
Biden May Be Second Most-Powerful VP
By Alec Rivera
Published: November 30, 2009
Biden May Be Second Most-Powerful VP | The Los Angeles Times reports that, according to a the New York Times magazine, Vice President Joseph Biden, Jr. may be the second most-powerful VP ever…right behind former Vice President Dick Cheney. Biden has only been in office for 321 days and already, he’s been granted a lot of legroom and power, especially when it [...]
Cost of Afghan War Worries Lawmakers
By Maite Jullian
Published: November 30, 2009
Cost of Afghan War Worries Lawmakers | Doubts over the cost and strategy for the Afghan war are increasing in Congress, underlining the challenges facing President Obama as he is expected to announce his decision to send 30,000 or more troops to Afghanistan on Tuesday.
The Los Angeles Times reports that Democrats are growing increasingly critical over the decision to broaden the war, [...]
Iran Says Will Build 10 New Nuclear Plants
By Maite Jullian
Published: November 30, 2009
Iran Says Will Build 10 New Nuclear PlantsIranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, speaks at a ceremony in Iran's nuclear enrichment facility in Natanz, 300 kms 186 (miles) south of capital Tehran, Iran, Monday April, 9, 2007. Iran announced Monday that it has begun enriching uranium with 3,000 centrifuges, a dramatic expansion of a nuclear program that has drawn U.N. sanctions and condemnation from the West. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said at a ceremony at the enrichment facility at Natanz that Iran was now capable of enriching nuclear fuel "on an industrial scale." Asked if Iran has begun injecting uranium gas into 3,000 centrifuges for enrichment, top nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani replied, "Yes." He did not elaborate, but it was the first confirmation that Iran had installed the larger set of centrifuges after months of saying it intends to do so. (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian) | read this item
Two days after the International Atomic Energy Agency asked Iran to halt enrichment activities at the newly disclosed plant near Qum, Tehran announced that it ordered the building of ten new enrichment plants, the New York Times reports.
Iran also said it would reduce its cooperation with the international community regarding its nuclear program. Tehran’s answer [...]
Kristof: To Members of Congress Wavering on Health Reform
By Maite Jullian
Published: November 29, 2009
Kristof: To Members of Congress Wavering on Health Reform | In his Sunday column, Nicholas Kristof is telling the story of John, a man suffering from a brain disease, to give yet another example of why Congress should stop dithering on health care and embrace the reform.
John, 23, has cavernous hemangioma on the left parietal lobe of his brain, which causes excruciating pain, memory losses [...]
On Afghanistan, Biden’s Skepticism Caused Delay, But Strategy is Better for It
By Alec Rivera
Published: November 26, 2009
On Afghanistan, Biden's Skepticism Caused Delay, But Strategy is Better for It | 
The Daily Star reports that, now that President Obama is on the verge of announcing his decision on Afghan troop levels, it is time to reflect on the role Vice President Joseph Biden, Jr. played on the process. Biden was highly skeptical of a troop increase in March, and his views on the second [...]