Andrew Reiff

National

Summary- Clinton Wavers on Torture

Bill Clinton, last year, stated his views on torture: that only if a high-ranking terrorist was caught and we know a huge bomb would be set off in the near future, only then would torture be acceptable to save the lives of millions. This quote was given in the Democratic debate on Wednesday. The different candidates gave their opinions, all against torturing the hapless yet mischievous terrorist, including Hillary. Hillary Clinton, when her husband said this quote, agreed with him, but she changed her view.

Opinion-

So lets recap shall we? Hillary Clinton says that she would agree that torturing the one terrorist would be okay but only to save millions of lives. Then she said that it would be a very dangerous power for a president to have to exempt the no-torture rule. Then now she finally says that under no circumstances will she torture. What is wrong with this lady? Can't she see that causing temporary physical pain to one person that can save millions of people of very permanent death is not only the right thing to do, its a moral obligation. Not only Hillary but all those Democratic asses.

International

Summary- Iraq oil exports to north rise

Iraq has the second largest oil reserves in the world, and they are finally exporting almost as much oil as before the war started. The pipeline leading north is being heavily fortified and is currently guarded by over 3000 loyal Iraqi troops. The fortifications are 50 miles long and cost around 30 million dollars, one day's worth of oil export. Leading petroleum companies, including Chevron and Shell, are looking to invest in the area, now that the number of attacks on the pipeline has gone down from over 30 attacks in three months to 10 attacks in 6.

Opinion-

This is the key to the success of Iraq. If they can get their oil flowing again, then we will not be needed. 30 million dollars a day is a fast way to raise money, and since the infrastructure is already there it is mostly profit, nearly 11 billion dollars a year through that pipeline alone. Good for the Iraqis to finally get back on their oil-slicked feet!

National-

Summary- Edwards to accept public campaign funds

John Edwards, in 2004, claimed high moral ground when he refused to accept government funding for his campaign, but now has reversed his viewpoint on that and is going to accept the money this year, when earlier in the year he said he would not. He changed his mind about the federal money when he saw how far behind he was in fundraising compared to Obama and Clinton. He will continue to use federal funding throughout his campaign, but if he wins the nomination will want the Republican candidate to use it as well.

Opinion-

Here's another flip-flopping Democratic screwball... Why would he take such a definent stand on something this large three years ago and then completely reverse his views now? 23 million dollars certainly is not much compared to the 52 million and 58 million that Clinton and Obama have raised, respectively, but I think it is certainly enough to stay in the running and at the front of the minds of the voters. I also think that this is an act of desperation on the part of Edwards, and he will drop out soon unless he finds a miracle.

International

Summary- Myanmar troops kill 9 more protesters

In Myanmar, the brutal military regime has killed more peaceful protesters, including a Japanese journalist. More than 100000 people protested in Myanmar's largest city. President Bush imposed severe economic sanctions on the top leaders of the militaristic regime, as did other countries.

Opinion-

These poor people just want democracy, but evidently peaceful protests are not going to get the job done, so I think its time for them to fight for their freedom as America did. Obviously the rebels would get US support, and they are going to be killed anyway. In 1988, more peaceful protests ended up with over 3000 dead. You gotta fight for your right to be free.