http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/26/world/meast/syria-qa/index.html?hpt=wo_c2

So the question is, does the United States have an obligation to move in? If people are being slaughtered, and the U.S has the potential ability to stop it, should they do so? I don't know.

Romney Flip-Flops

Is Romney a practical alternative to President Obama? Or is he just another flip-flopper who will say anything to get the presidency?

Mitt Romney's Economics: Flip Back Please

Which Romney would we prefer? Which Romney will we get?

Wal-Mart faces big fines amid bribery charges

Allegations that Wal-Mart Stores Inc. covered up the findings of an internal probe that proved its Mexican subsidiary bribed officials in that country could have huge implications for the world's biggest retailer and its executives.

What would we do without Walmart?

www.deseretnews.com/article/765570923/Wal-Mart-faces-big-fines-amid-bribery-charges.html?pg=3

"Defending" Afghanistan

"Washington has pledged in a newly agreed strategic pact to help defend Afghanistan militarily for at least a decade after the country formally takes control of its own security"  Fox quoting AP

Q: Who are we defending Afghanistan against?

A: The Taliban

Q: The Taliban are citizens of what country?

A: Afghanistan

So, we are defending the government of Afghanistan against its own citizens.

That's what you get for having " highly critical" views Rohrabacher!

"A senior US Congressman who is highly critical of the Afghan government has been prevented from entering the country, Afghan officials say. "

So, this guy was refused a visa to go into Afghanistan, and was  not allowed to board a plane to Afghanistan from Dubai. He is well known for being very- well- outspoken about Afghanistan's government.

"Anyone who speaks against the good of Afghanistan and tries to interfere in our internal affairs is ineligible for an Afghan visa," one official told our correspondent.

 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17812898

North Korea is Messed up.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/19/politics/pol-clinton-panetta-interview/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

North Korea making trouble much?

Let's all just hope and pray that Kim Jong Un can take care of the mess his father left behind. If they can't pick up the pace with this one, WWIII is gonna be at our door. The old leader was messed up, the country was starving, and now they want to start something. OFFFFFF!!!

Should Women have the right to become a member of Augusta national?

Augusta national is a privately owned golf club that doesn't allow women. should they?

Syria steps up offensives ahead of cease-fire

"Syrian troops shelled restive areas and sent tanks and snipers into battle against rebels in the capital's suburbs on Friday, broadening a government offensive that appeared aimed at crushing pockets of opposition less than a week before an internationally sponsored cease-fire is to take hold, activists said."


This raises serious doubts about how serious Assad is about a cease fire.  Why would he agree to one, any way?
On the other hand, it seems that the Syrian conflict is still going to be interesting by the time the extempers get to the speech and debate tournament on the 28th.
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=235&sid=19334115&title=syria-steps-up-offensives-ahead-of-cease-fire
For more about the Syrian conflict in general: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-17258397

How Gas Could Hit $6 a Gallon

Awww man, right when I'll hopefully be getting a license. Here is the article.

Jews Accept Jesus? Hmmm.....

http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/04/05/jews-reclaim-jesus-as-one-of-their-own/?hpt=hp_c2

This is an article about The Jews and Jesus. It talks about how the Jewish people have accepted Jesus now. Alrighty, it's been what? 2,000 years since they denied him? I'm not so sure about this one people. I mean, the Jews must be scattered first before they will be brought to the fold of God again. I don't think they are scattered enough. In fact, I think they felt a little out of the loop if you get my drift. Point is, I'm not convinced, nor am I thriled. But who knows? Maybe they have taken a turn for the best?

Copyright Stagnation

Overly long copyrights are a pet peeve of mine.

Here is a graph which vividly shows the negative effects of copyright on availability of books.

Personally, I like the idea from Lawrence Lessig and others of having shorter but renewable copyrights, so that those who care about protecting and publishing their work can have longer terms, while neglected works will revert to the public domain sooner.

Syria 'agrees' to peace plan deadline

According to this artical on BBC, Syria has agreed to -on April 10th- pull back all soldiers and weapons being used to attack their people, and send humanitarian aid.  But many are concerned thet Assad will not be reliable enough to keep his promise- including the US rep. for the UN, Susan Rice.

The BBC's Barbara Plett, in New York, says Mr Annan told the closed session that Syria had said it was not ready to pull troops and heavy weapons out of the cities unless the armed opposition laid down their weapons too.  

The deadline will make clear whether, as some of his critics have said, Mr Assad is simply stalling for time, our correspondent adds.

Will Assad actually follow through?
And if he does, then what?
What measures does America need to take- both in dealing with Assad and helping the Syrian people?

 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-17587438