John Cory | Once Upon America
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/070407A.shtml
John Cory provides a sobering reality check on how the Fourth of July "with its parades and "what America means to me" essays, and picnics and fireworks, and all those pretty speeches about freedom and democracy and the true meaning of Independence Day" is "all a facade. A lie." Modern America now spies on its citizens, conducts warrantless wiretaps, suspends habeas corpus, creates "free speech zones" to corral protestors out of sight of sensitive royal eyes, and politicizes the very justice system meant to protect people's rights by turning it into a fraternity of God-fearing Republican conservatism.
Attorneys See Irony in Libby Case
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/070407B.shtml
The Associated Press' Matt Apuzzo reports that President Bush knew exactly what he was getting when he made Reggie B. Walton one of his first picks for a seat on the federal bench in 2001: a tough-on-crime judge with a reputation for handing down stiff sentences. "A former deputy drug adviser, federal prosecutor and Superior Court judge, Walton seemed a perfect fit for the new president," Apuzzo writes. "And Walton didn't disappoint, proving to be exactly the kind of no-nonsense judge Bush was looking for. Until now. When erasing former White House aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby's 2 1/2-year prison term in the CIA leak case, Bush said Walton was being too harsh."
Ex-Soldier May Face Death Penalty for Iraq Slayings
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/070407C.shtml
Federal prosecutors filed notice Tuesday that they will seek the death penalty if former soldier Steven D. Green is convicted of killing an Iraqi family and raping a 14-year-old girl, reports Brett Barrouquere of The Associated Press.
Contractor Deaths in Iraq, Afghanistan Tops 1,000
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/070407D.shtml
The number of US-paid private contractors in Iraq now exceeds that of American combat troops, newly released figures show, raising fresh questions about the privatization of the war effort and the government's capacity to carry out military and rebuilding campaigns, the Los Angeles Times T. Christian Miller reports in an expose on the lucrative business of war.
Some GOP Senators May Back White House Contempt Charges
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/070407E.shtml
The Hill's Elana Schor reports that Republican Senators may support bringing contempt charges against the White House for refusing to turn over a wide-range of documents related to the US attorney scandal and domestic spying activities.
No Quick Debate in Iraq On Oil Law
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/070407F.shtml
Iraq's parliament might take a week to start debating a key draft oil law, officials said on Wednesday, as complaints from Shi'ite and Sunni Arab politicians and Kurdish authorities signaled its passage could be rocky, Reuters reported Wednesday.
Study: FOIA Requests Plagued by Delays
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/070407G.shtml
"Using the Freedom of Information Act to get information from the government is like waiting for ketchup to flow from a new bottle," writes Michael J. Sniffen of The Associated Press. "Both often take longer than they are supposed to. The act that gave citizens the power to request information from federal government files celebrates its 40th anniversary on July 4. But those seeking data continue to encounter long delays despite a 2005 order by President Bush to clear the unanswered backlog."
VIDEO: Olbermann: Bush, Cheney Should Resign
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/070407Y.shtml
Keith Olbermann's impassioned plea to President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney Tuesday evening, during the "special comment" segment of his news show "Countdown," was succinct: "resign."
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John Cory's Fourth of July reality check; ex-soldier could face death penalty for Iraq slayings; the number of private contractors in Iraq exceed the number of US troops; attorneys see numerous ironies in Libby verdict; and more... Browse our continually updating front page at
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