nytimes.com

It’s amazing that a political figure, who has been under investigation by the Federal government since 2004, would barter Barack Obama’s position in Senate. Who would be that stupid? Answer: Rod Blagojevich, the governor of Illinois. Aside from trying to sell the spot for money, he also wanted a high-paying position on Obama’s cabinet. Obama ignored him. So how did Blagojevich respond? He called him a “mother f—er.” Classy guy, no? Without question, the man is unintelligent.

Now, Obama’s Senior Advisor, David Axelrod, stated that Obama had spoken with Blagojevich about the position. Recent reports have Obama denying these remarks. Axelrod has now claimed that he had been wrong in what he said. Also, today Obama “called on the Illinois governor to resign.” Let us hope that those who lead our government will be chosen based on their character and their ability to get the job done, and not the size of their wallet.

mynorthwest.com

It’s the month of December and Christmas is right around the corner. It has become politically correct to say ‘Happy Holidays’ instead of ‘Merry Christmas.’ In this country, Americans are expected to tolerate those with different beliefs. But there seems to be little tolerance with Christianity. Christmas is a federal holiday, and it is being attacked. One example is in the state of Washington, where Governor Christine Gregorie has brought this tolerance to a new level. In the state capitol building, there is a display of a Christmas tree and a Nativity scene, two representations of this federal holiday. But alongside this display is a sign made by atheists that is attacking religion. The sign reads, “”There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.” The sign also asks for the recognition of the winter solstice. I might agree with allowing a atheism symbol (does one exist?) stand alongside the display, but an attack? This is nonsense. And the correct way to make their voice heard is to petition for their own federal holiday. A ‘winter solstice’ holiday, perhaps? In a country where tolerance is expected, you’d think attacks like this would stop.

nytimes.com

So how does the terrorism in India affect us? This was the topic of The O’Reilly Factor‘s Talking Points tonight. In Mumbai 172 people were killed, six of which were Americans. O’Reilly stated these attacks are “warnings that if the Muslim terrorists could, they would slaughter every single American citizen.” For the past six years the Bush administration has kept us safe by using “tough techniques.” These techniques are opposed by the far left. As a new liberal president, how will Obama handle the war on terror? Deepak Chopra said on Larry King Live that Obama has the opportunity to get rid of the war on terrorism. In India, one shooter was captured and I’m sure is undergoing techniques that Obama opposes. According to O’Reilly,  New York Times believes that tough techniques belittes America. Talking Points opposes torture, but not “coerced interrogation methods” such as sleep deprivation. In an October 2006 interview, Bush would not comment on the techniques that are used because he “does not want the enemy to just their tactics” based on these methods. But like O’Reilly mentions, I believe the country has to constantly be on the guard for terrorism.

nytimes.com

The massacre that has been going on in India for two and a half days came to an end Saturday morning. With 195 dead and 300 injured, India authorities are investigating who is behind the attacks. “Local media have labeled the massacre ‘India’s 9/11,’” according to Foxnews.com. “The country is hardly a stranger to terrorism, but the attacks on 10 sites in Mumbai have shaken the country with their violent intensity and brazenness, the extent of which only now is fully coming to light.” It has also been reported that the 10 gunmen had planned to blow up the Taj Majal hotel. In a New York Times article, citizen journalists shared their insight into the horror of the past three days.

nytimes.com

Today is Thanksgiving and I am thankful that I am not in Mumbai, India. Two five-star hotels have been attacked by terrorists “in a wave of violence that has lasted more than 24 hours.” At least three Americans have been injured, and death tolls are around 127, according to Foxnews.com. But “several freed hostages reportedly told Indian authorities that there are many more bodies inside the Taj Mahal hotel.” The attackers are believed to be from outside of India.

Pictures (graphic!): New York Times | Fox News | CNN

*More on this story later, as it is developing

politico.com

Arizona’s very own Governor Janet Napolitano is President-elect Barack Obama’s top pick for Homeland Security secretary. But she told reporters than it isn’t official yet and “she won’t step down as governor right away.” Napolitano is a former federal prosecutor, state attorney general and has twice been elected governor of Arizona. According to foxnews.com, Napolitano is “tough on illegal immigration, child abuse and Republicans.”

latimes.com

Gay activists have been rallying since Proposition 8 was passed in California. This week, many of the demonstrators have been protesting outside of churches, such as Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church. Churches are being targeted. According to Billy O’Reilly, it was the African American’s support for the ban on gay marriage that was the deciding factor for Prop 8, since 70 percent voted for the ban. He noted that this suggests that activists are concerned about being ‘politically correct’ since they aren’t protesting against African Americans. Instead, the protests are all against Christians. Also this week, a 69-year-old woman holding a cross claimed that she was ‘attacked’ when activists knocked the cross out of her hand and started jumping on the cross. The KPSP Local 2 News anchor said there was anger and hate coming from both sides. From what I saw, it was only coming from one side.

nytimes.com

Barack Obama has been elected the next president of the United States, but the person in the spotlight seems to be Sarah Palin. It’s been nearly a week and a half after the election and the media is still reporting on Palin. So what exactly is being said about her?

1. A day after Election Day rumors were buzzing that the McCain campaign blamed Palin for their loss. John McCain, six days later, said on Leno that he was proud of her. And anonymous members within the McCain camp were criticizing Palin, saying that she didn’t know that Africa was a continent and not a country. It has been reported that this rumor about the Alaskan governor is not true.

2. Also in the news: Palin for 2012?

3. The media is still rambling about her wardrobe. Today, while sitting in the First Amendment Forum at Arizona State University, CNN was doing a report, yet again, on her wardrobe. The Washington Post even said she spent money on silk boxers for her husband.

4. Now there are reports saying there is the possibility that Palin could appoint herself as Senator.

nytimes.com

I’m sure the media celebrated yesterday when the American people elected Barack Hussein Obama as the 44th president and the first African American president of the United States. But while many celebrated his victory, others still remain in fear about what is to come.  With the country facing tough economic times, Obama has a lot of challenges that lie ahead. And he’s made a lot of promises that will be hard to keep. Last night McCain gave a respectful speech, and President Bush has promised to work closely with Obama to make a smooth transition for him when he gets to the White House.There is no doubt, change is coming. According to the New York Times, Bush said, “No matter how they cast their ballot, all Americans can be proud of the history that was made yesterday.”