AM Feed - August 21: Violent Crime on the Rise
Hot Topics
- The Bush administration has been more than willing to talk the talk when it comes to the war on terror, but let’s look at the results: controversial secret wiretapping programs, a stretched military, and, according to surveys, a rise in domestic violent crime rates. The extra burden created by the terrorism focus – budget cuts, increased poverty and more relaxed gun laws – have combined to create a situation where a number of US cities are experiencing a rise in violent crime and murder. According to the 2005 FBI crime report issued last month, violent crime rose for the first time in four years. [link]
- Meanwhile, the Bush administration has backtracked on its public promises to help rebuild New Orleans. After initially dropping the ball, President Bush delivered a speech from the city’s French Quarter, where he pledged to “do what it takes” to help rebuild. A year later, that promise has gone unfulfilled. Tens of thousands of New Orleans residents still live in trailers, while the cleanup effort has been marked by sloth and corruption. Remember, back in January the Bush White House rejected a comprehensive cleanup plan for Louisiana as too expensive. [link]
Quote of the Day
“How can it be illegal or unethical if the most important man in Congress is doing it?” – Nancy Cunningham, wife of former Rep. Randy Cunningham, stating that she never questioned her husband’s use of junkets because other members of Congress – including Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) – engaged in the same practice.
Morning Snark
- In one short quote, Nancy Cunningham encapsulated everything that’s wrong with Congress right now – and if you swap “America” for “Congress,” she manages to pretty much sums up the Bush administration’s approach to governing at the same time.
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