John McCain In A 'Nutshell'-- Philanderer, War Pimp, Bush Policy Clone, and Neocon Liar...

(Without his shell, McCain is simply a nut that needs to be cracked, picked apart and exposed)

By Vincent L. Guarisco

Back in April 2007, I wrote a zinger about the foolish maverick John McCain after he returned from his triumphant walkabout on the brutal streets of Baghdad. Johnny Boy headed straight for the public airways, where he smirkingly gushed that the streets of Iraq are now 'safe.' The foolish war pimp tried to sell the lie that everything was cozy and secure, even as he strutted around wearing his bulletproof vest, surrounded by a heavily armed military entourage buzzing in air and on the ground all around him. Indeed, according to McCain, Baghdad was safe then, and it’s even safer today.

Gee, pass the prozac! I guess we're supposed to forget about the scores of GIs and civilians who have since met their brutal end in the very place McCain pranced around. Funny how ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, FOX and the rest of the sorry corporate media failed to do follow-up stories, to show those same streets marred with puddles of blood laced with intestinal tracks, brain matter -- clogged with body parts and various limbs scattered about on those same safe streets. When McCain made his announcement, more than 3,200 of his fellow servicemen and women had been slaughtered in Iraq, millions of Iraqis had been displaced, forced to flee the country or killed outright. Today, 4,147 Americans have been killed and we'll never know how many Iraqis, because we don't do body counts.

Moving right along...

I am a long-time resident and ardent voter in McCain's conservative home state of Arizona. I have lived near the banks of the Colorado River for the better part of 40 years. I’m a proud progressive liberal minority living among many hard-line Republicans in my local area, although I gladly admit the times are changing. The economic hardship under Bush’s leadership is quickly changing the political landscape, moving my locals away from their once cherished right-wing stewardship. Thank God for small miracles...

For me, the McCain saga began years ago. As a young boy, I still remember hearing stories about John McCain’s legacy as a hero. He first caught my attention when his plane got shot down during the Vietnam war and he was captured by the Viet Cong and imprisoned as a POW in the jungles of Hanoi back in 1967. At the time, being a young faithful lad, I prayed daily, not only for McCain, but for the safe return of all our POWs. Our teachers and parents, unlike those of today, were diligent in keeping us updated on what was happening over there during the war.

In 1969, I was ten years old. I was an impressionable school kid who was encouraged by my parents and teachers to write many letters to soldiers and POWs captured in Vietnam. I did this with great reverence; I was proud to show my support. Looking back on it now, it seems like a million years ago. When I first entered the political fray I was very naive -- just beginning to learn about the worldly tribulations of war and, with puberty factored in, I was also learning the value of family morals, love and commitment. Heck, I had just barely held the hand of my first girl friend and soon afterwards received my very first kiss. Ah yes, It was an exciting, innocent time mixed with love, war, hard knocks and many pleasurable moments. And I will never deny I was an excited impressionable boy who deeply admired my war hero, John McCain! He was an inspiration that guided my hand for many letters written to him personally, and to other GIs as well.

To be fair, I agree with those who maintain that McCain deserves our highest respect for his devoted service to our country, including what he went through during his captivity as a POW. Sadly, however, my respect for him abruptly ended when the mud wore off the bottom of his combat boots soon after he returned in 1973. He soon shattered that youthful admiration, which was replaced with a real lesson in 'betrayal' when I realized what he had done to his first wife, Carol Shepp, after he returned from Vietnam. Having knowledgeable parents is indeed educational, but not always pleasant to say the least. I was completely thrown back to learn that John had several extra-marital affairs and was often unfaithful to his loyal wife who had stood by his side through thick and thin. For me, it was a shameful, dark lesson that ultimately shadowed my view of him as I watched him heartlessly divorce her in order to further his shameful political aspirations.

As an emerging student of current events and history, my admiration for him was always a duel package. I sincerely admired Carol as much as him. I took great pride and interest in her too. To me, she was one of the most admired women of her day -- a sacrosanct patriot who deserved to be seated in the front row of Fourth of July parades next to Gold Star Mothers. She was a heroine, widely admired and loved by all of us for her unwavering devotion to her husband who was held as POW.

Carol was a rare, lonely soul who had the strength to carry on and to faithfully await her husband's return. And she did this at a time when many other wives and girlfriends were writing 'Dear John' letters to those still fighting in battle while learning they had no one to come home to. She was my revered role model from Philadelphia. I dreamed of meeting that special someone who might be just like her -- a precious angel. Unfortunately, Carol was thrown through the windshield of her car in a terrible accident that changed her life forever, rendering her permanently scarred and hobbling on crutches. As a result, Carol was a not-so-pleasant sight for her young unsympathetic husband who wanted to be seen on Capital Hill with a bathing beauty while stumping the halls for a new political career.

John McCain totally destroyed my respect for him with the uncaring, selfish, cold-hearted betrayal in how he dumped her. Indeed, I will never forget nor forgive him for the cruel way he showed his true colors. He quickly threw Carol aside and replaced her with Cindy Hensley, his new rich sugar mama, with whom he was having an affair. Hensley is a spoiled home wrecker, worth approximately 100 million, bred from the loins of a staunch Republican father who conveniently helped elevate Johnny boy within the DC realm. I'm not into Freud, but it's easy to wonder who came so ruthlessly after McCain -- Cindy...or her father?

And this self-righteous, self-serving animal wants my vote? Well, it will have to be a Hell's-Kitchen-burning-white-hot-winter November day in Bullhead City, Arizona before I would even consider putting a checkmark next to his pathetic name in the 2008 Presidential Election. Catch my meaning? Good.

As a final note, after Carol suffered her horrible car accident in 1969, she unselfishly refused to allow her POW husband to be notified of her serious injuries for fear it would not be good for him while he was being held captive. You know, out here in the Arizona desert we have an old saying -- if you put an expensive skirt on a fast moving rattlesnake, political horn-dogs like John McCain will chase it all the way to the Potomac River for a kiss, a hug and especially a vote...

I could go on about the many neocon atrocities McCain has performed throughout his career as a Senator and war pimp for the Bush administration. It’s an endless track record -- most of which is public record, easily found for those willing to take the time. So, for all you undecided skeptics, by all means, review his voting record for it is unbridled proof of how he constantly sold us out to K-street lobbyists. His record speaks for itself, the facts and figures are all there which prove he’s not on the side of working-class America. In fact, by his own admission, he does not even know how many homes he owns. And keep in mind, McCain believes Americans are not 'rich' unless they earn $5 million or more. Well, I hate to burst his multi-mansion bubble but, take a quick pop-quiz and ask a few average citizens who are now struggling to make ends meet -- how tough it is to hold onto their 'one' home that many are just one paycheck away from losing. Yeah, I’d say McCain is more than a little out of touch with our bottom-feeding needs to say the least.

Or ask a dozen or so jobless Americans who have already lost everything, including their homes. No confusion there folks. In fact, after living in their cars for awhile or, worse yet, after sleeping on concrete sidewalks, most of them would probably consider any cheap apartment to be the equivalent of one of McCain’s many mansions. And, bear in mind that McCain's veteran 'brothers in arms' are at the top of the list of homeless. Brother John, can you spare a dime?

McCain has 'arrived.' He's a real Bush kinda guy -- a marriage profiteering elitist who seems content to suffer from mansion-memory-loss and wants to be our next President. He is a pompous philanderer who dumped his crippled wife for a new pampered rich one whose daddy got him where he is today. Amazing.

Bottom line, many of you may have some reservations in supporting Barack Obama or Joseph Biden but, compared to Baghdad (neocon) Johnny, they are fricking saints. But at least no one can deny, they are both loyal and totally committed to those they love. Is it really that hard to believe they may actually share some of that proven compassion with us in their new leadership? Well, if not, consider the alternative choice. Yes, consider the harsh implications of placing another known war hawk into the Oval office for four more grueling years. An old stale nut who says he wants to keep us in 'safe' Iraq for another hundred years. A musical maniac who loves to sing: 'Bomb, bomb, bomb...bomb Iran.' And, oh yes -- while you're at it, tell 'Johnny Rich' how many mansions and condos he really owns. But most importantly, and this is crucial, let's remove this nut from his media protected shell, for all the world to see.

Thanks. God speed to the polls.

Vincent L Guarisco is a freelance writer from Bullhead City AZ., a contributing writer for many web sites, and a lifetime founding member of the Alliance of Atomic Veterans. Reprint permission is given as long as article content is not altered or changed and credit is given to the author. The 21st century, once so full of shining promise, now threatens to force countless millions of us at home and abroad into a dark abyss of languishing poverty and silent servitude; a lowly prodigy of painful struggle and suffering that could stream for generations to come. I’m wishing for a miracle, before it is too late, the masses will figure it out and will stand as one and roar. So, pass the word — it’s past time to take back what is ours — the American Dream where the pursuit of happiness, the ability to live in a free and peaceful nation is a reality. We bought it, and we paid for it. It’s time to take it back. For replies, send comments to: vincespainting1@hotmail.com

Palestinian rockets fired at Israel despite truce

"The attack came hours after Israeli troops killed two Palestinians in a West Bank raid. The victims included an Islamic Jihad commander. The militant group later claimed responsibility for firing the rockets, saying the attack was intended to avenge the Israeli operation."

Notice the headline and what's actually written in the article. Now, you tell me who BROKE THE TRUCE...

What a crock of Zionist propaganda Bull Sh*T!

IAEA Chief: Iran Could Make Nuke In 6 Months

"If Iran wants to turn to the production of nuclear weapons, it must leave the NPT, expel the IAEA inspectors, and then it would need at least, considering the number of centrifuges and the quantity of uranium Iran has...It would need at least six months to one year," ElBaradei said. " Therefore, Iran will not be able to reach the point where we would wake up one morning to an Iran with a nuclear weapon," he said.

Notice the headline - "Iran Could Make Nuke in 6 Months"!!! - That's the shock effect - but the really important part of the statement is the last sentence!!!

Boy George Banned in the USA

"The "Karma Chameleon" purveyor has been refused a visa for the U.S. leg of his summer tour, which was to include a special performance for his former colleagues at New York's Department of Sanitation, over complications arising from the singer's criminal past and pending his London trial this November."

Yep, looks like a terrorist to me...

Suicide mars Sarkozy trip to Israel

"French President Nicolas Sarkozy, bottom right, follows wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, top ,as she runs onto an airplane during a departure ceremony at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Tuesday, June 24, 2008. An Israeli police officer fatally shot himself in the head on Tuesday at an airport departure ceremony for French President Nicholas Sarkozy, authorities said, sparking fear of an assassination attempt and prompting bodyguards to whisk Sarkozy and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert away from the scene.(AP Photo/Dan Balilty)"

Now, if any of you buy the propaganda that this was somehow an accident and NOT an assassination attempt on Sarkozy, I've a bridge in Brooklyn and a big clock in London I want to sell you!

Stop the Expulsion campaign launched

"The Civic Coalition today launched a campaign to mobilize the international community to end Israel’s expulsion of Palestinians from Jerusalem. We are calling on everyone from activists to governments to take concrete action to pressure the occupying power into ending violations against Palestinians housing and residency rights in the city."

Jerusalem subjected to comprehensive process to Judaize the land, rights, and sanctities

"The Christian and Islamic Front for the Defense of Jerusalem and its Holy Sites, accuse the “occupying state of conducting a campaign to Judaize the holy city, its intellectual rights, land and holy shrines.” One need only look at the situation on the ground to validate the accusation."

Court Voids Finding on Guantánamo Detainee

"The court’s decision was a new setback for the Bush administration, which has suffered a string of judicial defeats on Guantánamo policy, most recently in a Supreme Court ruling on June 12 that dealt with a separate issue of detainee rights. The Uighur case was argued long before that ruling by the justices."

American Envoy Is Linked to Arms Deal Cover-Up

"An American ambassador helped cover up the illegal Chinese origins of ammunition that a Pentagon contractor bought to supply Afghan security forces, according to testimony gathered by Congressional investigators."

Don Imus says race comment was misunderstood

"Months after returning to the radio with a pledge to mend the wounds caused by his comments about a women's basketball team, Don Imus is once again defending on-air remarks regarding race."

Sworn to virginity and living as men in Albania

Qamile Stema, 88, a so-called sworn virgin, scolds relatives for not visiting her often enough. (Johan Spanner for The New York Times)

"Stripping off their sexuality by pledging to remain virgins was a way for these women in a male-dominated, segregated society to engage in public life," says Linda Gusia, a professor of gender studies at the University of Pristina in Kosovo. "It was about surviving in a world where men rule."

The Myth of 'Weapons-Grade' Enrichment

"Talk about the double standards at the United Nations. Whereas UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon has repeatedly condemned Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad's rhetoric against Israel, expressing "shock and dismay", he has remained ominously, and inexcusably, silent about the blatant Israeli threats of military attacks on Iran, thus undermining the world's confidence in his ability to steer the global community clear of yet another major war in the Middle East caldron. Having turned a blind eye to Iran's formal protest at the UN regarding Israel's explicit threats, Ban may need to revisit his own statement of June 7, 2007, " The secretary general points out that all members have undertaken to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state."

Israel's Holocaust survivors cheated - by Israel

"A report issued Sunday by a commission of inquiry under retired Supreme Court Justice Dalia Dorner found that of the Holocaust reparations paid to Israel under a 1952 deal with Germany, only about 62 percent found their way to survivors living in the Jewish state."

Why am I not surprised by this???

McCain disavows aide's comment about terrorism

"A top adviser to John McCain said another terrorist attack on U.S. soil would be a "big advantage" for the Republican presidential candidate, drawing a sharp rebuke Monday from both the presumed GOP nominee and Democrat Barack Obama."

Dobson accuses Obama of 'distorting' Bible

"I think he's deliberately distorting the traditional understanding of the Bible to fit his own worldview, his own confused theology," Dobson said. "... He is dragging biblical understanding through the gutter."

Obama Insults Half a Race

"The Democratic presidential nominee-apparent seldom speaks directly to Black people, but when he does it is usually to denounce individuals once close to him or to criticize The Race in general for some moral failing. Thus it was no surprise that Barack Obama used the occasion of Father's Day to give Black males the back of his hand, no doubt to the delight of millions of potential white supporters. Black males have "abandoned their responsibilities, acting like boys instead of men," said Obama, citing statistics on female-headed households. "You and I know how true this is in the African-American community.""

Blacks and Muslims shouldn't be surprised by Obama's words and actions - after all, the good Senator is half white and Christian...

Israel 'will attack Iran' before new US president sworn in, John Bolton predicts

"John Bolton, the former American ambassador to the United Nations, has predicted that Israel could attack Iran after the November presidential election but before George W Bush's successor is sworn in."

I noticed that absent from Mr. Bolton's analysis is Iran's certain retaliation...

Iran to get ICBMs before missile shield deployed

"America's proposed missile shield in Europe is unlikely to be operational before Iran acquires inter-continental weapons, it has emerged."

Muslim voters detect a snub from Obama

"When Mr. Obama began his presidential campaign, Muslim Americans from California to Virginia responded with enthusiasm, seeing him as a long-awaited champion of civil liberties, religious tolerance and diplomacy in foreign affairs. But more than a year later, many say, he has not returned their embrace."

Obama is about to learn that - Man does not win presidential campaigns with Jews alone...

The Real State of Iraq

"By now, summer of 2008, excess deaths from violence in Iraq since March of 2003 must be at least a million. This conclusion can be reached more than one way. There is not much controversy about it in the scientific community. Some 310,000 of those were probably killed by US troops or by the US Air Force, with the bulk dying in bombing raids by US fighter jets and helicopter gunships on densely populated city and town quarters."

Iran warns of 'limitless' response to any military strike

"Iran on Sunday dismissed reports that Israel had been practising for air strikes against its nuclear drive as "psychological operations" but warned of a limitless response to any attack."

I'd take these guys at their word - I really don't think their bluffing...

IDF troops admit to taking bribes from Palestinians at checkpoints

"Two IDF soldiers from the Kfir Brigade were arrested last week following suspicions they had accepted bribes from Palestinians seeking to pass through West Bank roadblocks, Ynet has learned."

Notice the spin of the article - they make is sound like a military discipline problem when the issue really relates to criminal behavior and respect for human rights.

My Trip to the West Bank

"Do you see a future for us out there?"

"The driver, an immigrant from Morocco who had served as a tank crewman in the Six-Day War, let me in on his peace plan: "Kill them all! Men, women, and children: all of them, like you did in Hiroshima."

Oil rises, Mideast tension offsets Saudi pledge

"Oil rose 30 cents on Monday as escalating tensions between Israel and Iran countered the impact of Saudi Arabia's promise to pump more oil and a vow by Nigerian militants to halt attacks on oil facilities in the delta."

US envoy slams Israel over 'illegal importation of pistachios from Iran'

"The US and Israel are at odds about Iran’s “weapon”: Ten days ago, US Ambassador to Israel Richard H. Jones wrote a severe letter to Finance Minister Ronnie Bar-On, with copies sent to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and two of his ministers. In the letter, Jones accuses Israel of secretly trading with Iran and transferring foreign currency to the country, in direct violation of an Israeli law prohibiting trade with enemy states."

UNICEF Rejects Support From Israeli Billionaire Known for Constructing Settlements on Palestinian Lands

"UNICEF’s rejection of Leviev’s support followed meetings with Adalah-NY, letters from organizations and Palestinian communities advocating a boycott of Leviev’s companies, and a visit by UNICEF officials to Jayyous, one of the Palestinian communities where a Leviev company is building Israeli settlements. Leviev’s diamond-mining companies in Angola have also been accused of serious human rights abuses."

Travelers Shift to Rail as Cost of Fuel Rises

"Amtrak set records in May, both for the number of passengers it carried and for ticket revenues — all the more remarkable because May is not usually a strong travel month."

Limelight to Shine on Saudis at Energy Forum as Oil Prices Continue to Soar

"Saudi officials acknowledge that fast growth in China and India has stimulated demand and contributed to the oil price spike. But they say the chief causes of the price increase are speculation in oil futures markets and a shortage of capacity to refine oil into gasoline in rich countries. For that reason, there is widespread anger that oil producers here are being blamed for high prices."

Rise in Renters Erasing Gains for Ownership

"Driven largely by the surge in foreclosures and an unsettled housing market, Americans are renting apartments and houses at the highest level since President Bush started a campaign to expand homeownership in 2002."

America’s Irrational Defense of Israel

“My number one priority in foreign policy is to protect Israel.”- Former House Speaker Richard Armey

As an American citizen, I’d like to think the number one “non-negotiable” of anyone who would be president is the security and the interests of the American people. Instead of reading from the same AIPAC-vetted script, McCain and Obama would better serve their country by reading from the same Constitution — the version enshrined in Washington D.C. not in Jerusalem.

Court throws out gov't appeals in AIPAC spying case

"A U.S. appeals court ruled in favor of two former AIPAC staffers who sought to narrow the government's appeal of rulings in a classified information case."

Palestine in the American Imagination

Senator John McCain is greeted by an Ultr-Orthodox Jewish man as he arrives at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City, March 19, 2008. (Photo: AP)

"As Palestinians hurriedly buried their loved ones in the Gaza Strip following a deadly Israeli onslaught, which further contributed to Gaza’s worst humanitarian crisis since 1967 [1], US and Israeli celebrities rallied at a Los Angeles benefit concert for the Israeli town of Sderot, located near the border of Gaza. [2] Hollywood movie stars Sylvester Stallone, Jon Voight, Valerie Harper and comedian Larry Miller mingled with Israeli celebrities such as singer Ninet Tayeb and others. Children from the Israeli town of Sderot, which received the lion’s share of homemade Palestinian rockets, were cheerful nonetheless. Song and dance, interrupted occasionally by solemn messages of support delivered via satellite by both Republican and Democratic Presidential candidates, replaced the cries of sirens the images of huddling families in the town’s shelters. It was a bittersweet moment, that of solidarity, a renewal of the vow made too often, that Israel’s plight is that of America, and Israel’s security is an American priority, and, indeed, ‘God loves those who love Israel’."

Democrats Legalize Bush's Crimes

"House Speaker Nancy Pelosi claims that a key positive feature of the new wiretap “compromise” is that the bill reaffirms that the President must follow the law, even though the same bill virtually assures that no one will be held accountable for George W. Bush's violation of the earlier spying law."

Obama gets his own nifty Great Seal; all he needs now is votes

"There's a bald eagle. And there's Latin. Translation, according to CNN: "Yes we can." There's also the campaign's trademark O logo in the center of the eagle."

Republican Hagel says he'd consider VP offer from Obama

"Hagel's vocal criticism of the Bush administration since the 2003 invasion of Iraq has touched off speculation that if Obama were to pick a Republican running mate, it might be Hagel. Hagel said in an interview with The Associated Press that after devoting much of his life to his country — in the Senate and the U.S. Army — he would have to consider any offer."

Palestinians expect Israel to violate truce

Hamas men take break, but won't forget 'enemy's treacherous nature'

"The fighters have gone back to their homes, to their studies, and to their families, yet their eyes shall remain open for the moment where the Israelis will decide, as always, to violate the lull," he said. "We have no illusion that once their interests dictate it, the Jews will violate the lull. They are known as people who violate agreements and cannot be trusted."

Know thou enemy...

Terrorists Israeli Settler fires rocket at Palestinians

"The officials said troops in the area heard a loud explosion and initially thought Palestinians were attacking the settlement of Yitzhar, where the seminary is situated. They spoke on condition of anonymity because the incident, which occurred about two weeks ago, is still being investigated by police and agents of the Shin Bet security agency."

Right - it would just have to be the Palestinians, wouldn't it?

Before Iraq inks deal with U.S., a little history

"Last week, as some lawmakers in Iraq complained about what they saw as heavy-handed efforts of U.S. negotiators to secure a long-term agreement to maintain nearly 60 military bases in that country, President Bush was in Germany assuring the world that the deal would get done."

Iraqi Shiite cleric opposes US 'eternal slavery' pact

Iraqi Muslims pray during Friday noon prayers at a mosque in Kadhimiyah, northern Baghdad. An Iraqi Shiite cleric on Friday denounced as "eternal slavery" a proposed security deal between Baghdad and Washington that outlines the long-term military presence of American forces in the country.(AFP/Ali al-Saadi)

Sounds like at least one Iraqi knows when its 110 degrees outside, the water you feel on your back isn't rain...

"Strange bedfellows" team up to lobby against wiretap bill

"The American Civil Liberties Union is teaming with supporters of former Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul and scores of liberal bloggers to pressure Congress on the surveillance law; the effort is calling itself Strange Bedfellows."

Other OPEC members may join Saudi oil output hike

"Saudi Arabia has said it will pump 9.7 million barrels per day in July, the fastest rate in decades. No other producer from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has followed suit, and some member countries have reacted coolly to the Saudi plan."

"Ball of fire" if Iran attacked: IAEA chief

"A military strike (against Iran) would in my opinion be worse than anything else... It would transform the Middle East region into a ball of fire," ElBaradei said in an interview with Dubai-based Al-Arabiya television.

It would be pure insanity to even consider attacking Iran. And, that's why the Zionists will probably do it - they are a bunch of blithering idiots playing with, as Ahmedinejad explained, razors blades.

Gulf to earn $1.3 trillion from oil in two years: report

"Oil powerhouse Saudi Arabia's earnings in the two years will be just under 700 billion dollars. The kingdom posted 194 billion dollars in oil revenues in 2007."

Iran presses on with nuclear enrichment

"Iran is pressing on with uranium enrichment "non-stop," its envoy to the U.N. nuclear agency was quoted as saying on Saturday, despite a world powers' offer of economic incentives to coax Tehran into halting such activities."

Stocks plunge as oil rebounds

"The Dow Jones industrials were off 213 points, or 1.8%, to 11,872 at 2:25 p.m. ET. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index was off 25 points, or 1.8%, to 1,318, and the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 58 points, or 2.4%, to 2404."

McClellan faults Bush for withholding facts

"This White House promised or assured the American people that at some point when this was behind us they would talk publicly about it. And they have refused to," McClellan told the House Judiciary Committee. "And that's why I think more than any other reason we are here today and the suspicion still remains."

So, in other words, the President is a liar...

House passes bill to shield telecommunication companies from lawsuits

"The bill, which was passed on a 293-129 vote, does more than just protect the telecoms. The update to the 30-year-old Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is an attempt to balance privacy rights with the government's responsibility to protect the country against attack, taking into account changes in telecommunications technologies."

Japan suicides near record high in 2007

"A report issued by the National Police Agency on Thursday showed that 33,093 people killed themselves in Japan in 2007 -- the second-largest number on record after 34,427 in 2003 -- mostly because of debt, family problems, depression and other health issues."

Russia warns against using force on Iran

“I believe that the international community wants to be very sure that whatever unilateral action is being prepared under the pretext of implementing the decisions of the IAEA and the Security Council should be really very factually substantiated. We have been repeatedly asking our American and Israeli colleagues, who insist that Iran is certainly involved in making an atomic bomb, to provide factual information about this matter. So far we have seen none,” he added.

U.S. lawmakers want Mandela off terror list

"Some U.S. lawmakers are trying to pass legislation to remove former South African President Nelson Mandela from a U.S. list of terrorists by his 90th birthday next month, officials said on Thursday."

I'd bet most Americans didn't know this great man was ever on the US Terrorist List. But, their government, in support of the racist South African government, placed President Mandela on the Terrorist List even while he was serving a 27 year prison term on Robbins Island. His crime? Fighting against apartheid - Some terrorist...