Friday, July 2 Issue #24

TODAY'S ACTION ALERTS
Tell your Representatives that you want them to back the Hinchey-Rohrabacher amendment which protects medical marijuana patients.

Support the Freedom to Read amendment to the PATRIOT Act.

FEATURED ARTICLES
The U.S. is lagging way behind other nations on child poverty and social spending.

Violence continues to rule the day in Iraq.

Nader is officially off of the Arizona ballot.

The EPA continues to show a lack of concern over polluted air.

ADDITIONAL ARTICLES
Paul Krugman describes the service of Michael Moore.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce President backs offshoring.

A moron files heresy charges against John Kerry under Catholic Church procedures.

Civil rights champion John Lewis firing up his rhetoric.

QUOTE OF THE DAY
"It's hard to decide if TV makes morons out of everyone or if it mirrors Americans who really are morons to begin with."
-Martin Mull

TODAY'S BUSHISM
"And one of the things we've got to make sure that we do is anything."
-May 7, 2002

BLOG OF THE DAY
ponnyj.com is one of my daily reads from a self-titled "positively unemployed" blogger. Focused mainly on politics and media, the blog covers other aspects of daily life such as sports and social issues. Check out ponnyj today. Plus, the blog offers a link to my IDV site, so it must be top-shelf! ;)

NEWSWORTHY
Holy Crap: Jesse Helms has a negative perspective of Bush's tax cuts! Do I really have to agree with Jesse??? The quote is at the bottom of the article.

Generic AIDS drugs are proving promisingly effective.

The John Kerry campaign is rocketing into record fundraising territory, passing the $180 million mark.

DRUG WAR UPDATE
Former Miami-Dade detective op-eds for the decriminalization.

Columbia, MO group seeks to decriminalize small-scale possession of marijuana.

Drug war may invade more personal spaces.

LINK OF THE DAY
How does the current King George compare to the original King George? Take the quiz.

SITE OF THE DAY
PollingReport.com offers poll results updated daily from many sources, including Zogby, Gallup, and the news outlets.

ONLINE VIDEO OF THE DAY
John Ashcroft is Spy-der-man!

CLAPS, SLAPS, AND THE MIDDLE FINGER

Claps go to the Iraqi judicial system which has thus far shown positive and significant support for personal and legal protections. In the case against Saddam, it will be very easy for the courts to judge him in a biased manner (and who could blame them?), so the ultimate treatment of such a high-profile and reviled defendant as the former Iraqi president/dictator will speak volumes towards the fairness of the Iraqi justice system. Regardless of the Saddam verdict, his treatment must be such that any Iraqi in the court system will hold trust in the justness of the process.

Slaps to President Bush for making the current economic figures appear more positive than truly experienced. Although job growth did exist in the past month, the figures were only 1/2 those expected, a troubling sign at the moment. Wages did not increase as necessary to spark economic gains, and unemployment remained steady despite the job figures. The economy may be recovering, but its only 3 steps into a 12-step program, and still manages to fall off the wagon often.

My Middle Finger jabs at the Los Angeles Police Department for proving yet again that racism and terror are a strong part of our police state. After a second recorded beating surfaced in recent days, the LAPD again looks to be the worst incarnation of the hatred and injustice which has long hindered the growth of tolerant, peaceful law and order. Regardless of the need to "restrain" the suspect, the LAPD's frequent use of excessive force leaves no doubt as to why so many black people possess no faith in our lawmen.

ANIMAL RIGHTS WATCH
Arizona Governor signs new dognapping/dog fighting law.

CANDIDATE OF THE DAY
Betty Castor is seeking a Senate seat in the battleground state of Florida. A long-time supporter of expanded health care coverage, Castor has taught in East African and served as President of the University of South Florida. Betty faces strong primary challenges from two other Democrats, including current Congressman Peter Deutsch.

DAILY PHOTO

1st Armored Division by night


TODAY'S POLITICAL CARTOON


HISTORY LESSON
This week the world saw the death of Thai tyrant Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn. Learn more about him here.