This is the unknown blow. And it comes on the heels of the best pass-rush in the NFL.
Kaczur can't tackle practice
He's among three who miss workout
Email|Print| Text size – + By Christopher L. Gasper
Globe Staff / December 28, 2007
FOXBOROUGH - The Patriots may have to face the New York Giants, the NFL leaders in sacks with 52, without starting right tackle Nick Kaczur.
The team released its injury report yesterday and Kaczur (foot) was among three players not participating in practice. The others were tight end Kyle Brady, who missed last Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins with an ankle injury, and fullback Kyle Eckel, who injured his stomach on kickoff coverage during the second quarter of the Patriots' 28-7 win over the Dolphins.
The Patriots have played the last three games, and seven games this season, without right guard Stephen Neal, who has been troubled by a shoulder injury and had limited participation in practice yesterday. But Kaczur has started all 15 games at right tackle.
The options to replace the third-year tackle are second-year tackles Wesley Britt and Ryan O'Callaghan. Britt made his only career start last season, against the Cincinnati Bengals, and O'Callaghan started six of the first seven games last season before ceding to Kaczur, who was recovering from a shoulder injury.
O'Callaghan replaced Kaczur for a series during the Patriots' 48-27 win over the Dallas Cowboys Oct. 14. Kaczur had moved to left tackle to spell an ailing Matt Light. O'Callaghan surrendered a sack to Cowboys Pro Bowl linebacker DeMarcus Ware.
Even with Kaczur in the lineup, the Patriots, who have surrendered 20 sacks, the fifth fewest in the league, are in for a challenge against the Giants, who boast defensive linemen Osi Umenyiora (13 sacks), Justin Tuck (10 sacks), and Michael Strahan (nine sacks). The Giants tied the NFL record for sacks in a game (12) earlier this season against Philadelphia. Umenyiora had six in that game.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Young Voter PAC Helps Iowa Students Get Back For Caucus
I just found this at the Des Moines Register website. It's from the Young Voter PAC. Here's the text:
Students Needing Help
If you are going to school in Iowa and want to come back and caucus, we can help. In order to get gas money and a hotel room just download and fill out this form. Email the form to jane@youngvoterpac.org. You MUST complete the form by Dec. 31st.
Youth Caucusing Stories + Press Inquiries
We compiled a Youth Press Corps that includes youth voting experts and young people living in Iowa. Please call Jane Fleming Kleeb at 202-445-5263 or email mail jane@youngvoterpac.org to set up interviews and to find out what groups are doing on the ground in Iowa.
This is great news for college students in Iowa who want to get back home for the Iowa Caucus, Jan 3rd.
Students Needing Help
If you are going to school in Iowa and want to come back and caucus, we can help. In order to get gas money and a hotel room just download and fill out this form. Email the form to jane@youngvoterpac.org. You MUST complete the form by Dec. 31st.
Youth Caucusing Stories + Press Inquiries
We compiled a Youth Press Corps that includes youth voting experts and young people living in Iowa. Please call Jane Fleming Kleeb at 202-445-5263 or email mail jane@youngvoterpac.org to set up interviews and to find out what groups are doing on the ground in Iowa.
This is great news for college students in Iowa who want to get back home for the Iowa Caucus, Jan 3rd.
Bill Clinton Helped Dubai On Ports Deal In 2006 - FT.com
What does this say if on the one hand the Clinton's are helping Dubai, but then opposing the same deal on the political end?
Bill Clinton helped Dubai on ports deal
By Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Washington
Published: March 1 2006 23:50 | Last updated: March 1 2006 23:50
Bill Clinton, former US president, advised top officials from Dubai two weeks ago on how to address growing US concerns over the acquisition of five US container terminals by DP World.
It came even as his wife, Senator Hillary Clinton, was leading efforts to derail the deal.
Mr Clinton, who this week called the United Arab Emirates a “good ally to America”, advised Dubai’s leaders to propose a 45-day delay to allow for an intensive investigation of the acquisition, according to his spokesman.
On Sunday, DP World agreed with the White House to undertake the lengthy review, a move which has assuaged some of the opposition from the US Congress.
However, Mrs Clinton remains a leading voice against the deal, and this week proposed legislation to block it, arguing that the US could not afford to “surrender our port operations to foreign governments”.
Mr Clinton’s spokesman said: “President Clinton is the former president of the US and as such receives many calls from world leaders and leading figures every week. About two weeks ago, the Dubai leaders called him and he suggested that they submit to the full and regular scrutiny process and that they should put maximum safeguards and security into any port proposal.”
He added that Mr Clinton supported his wife’s position on the deal and that “ideally” state-owned companies would not own US port operations.
Mr Clinton’s contact with Dubai on the issue underscores the relationship he has developed with the United Arab Emirates since leaving office. In 2002, he was paid $300,000 (€252,000) to address a summit in Dubai.
The backlash against Dubai’s takeover has seen some lawmakers in Washington highlight the UAE’s alleged role in helping to finance September 11.
Bill Clinton helped Dubai on ports deal
By Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Washington
Published: March 1 2006 23:50 | Last updated: March 1 2006 23:50
Bill Clinton, former US president, advised top officials from Dubai two weeks ago on how to address growing US concerns over the acquisition of five US container terminals by DP World.
It came even as his wife, Senator Hillary Clinton, was leading efforts to derail the deal.
Mr Clinton, who this week called the United Arab Emirates a “good ally to America”, advised Dubai’s leaders to propose a 45-day delay to allow for an intensive investigation of the acquisition, according to his spokesman.
On Sunday, DP World agreed with the White House to undertake the lengthy review, a move which has assuaged some of the opposition from the US Congress.
However, Mrs Clinton remains a leading voice against the deal, and this week proposed legislation to block it, arguing that the US could not afford to “surrender our port operations to foreign governments”.
Mr Clinton’s spokesman said: “President Clinton is the former president of the US and as such receives many calls from world leaders and leading figures every week. About two weeks ago, the Dubai leaders called him and he suggested that they submit to the full and regular scrutiny process and that they should put maximum safeguards and security into any port proposal.”
He added that Mr Clinton supported his wife’s position on the deal and that “ideally” state-owned companies would not own US port operations.
Mr Clinton’s contact with Dubai on the issue underscores the relationship he has developed with the United Arab Emirates since leaving office. In 2002, he was paid $300,000 (€252,000) to address a summit in Dubai.
The backlash against Dubai’s takeover has seen some lawmakers in Washington highlight the UAE’s alleged role in helping to finance September 11.
NFL NETWORK GAME RATINGS UP 31 PERCENT - NFLMEDIA.COM
Patriots-Giants Concludes Slate Saturday at 8:00 PM ET
Thursday and Saturday Night Football Tops Cable Ratings
For All Games to Date
Viewership among Men 18-49 up 55 Percent for Season
NFL Network’s Thursday and Saturday Night Football games have scored a ratings touchdown this season… before the eagerly anticipated New England Patriots-New York Giants matchup on Saturday at 8:00 PM ET.
After seven contests this season (including Dallas-Carolina on Saturday night), NFL Network games are averaging a 7.1 coverage area rating – up 31 percent from last season at this point (5.4). In addition, Thursday and Saturday Night Football posted a 48 percent increase in average viewers (4.6 million vs. 3.1 million through seven games last year) and is up 55 percent among Men 18-49 (1.7 million vs. 1.1 million).
Saturday night’s game had a 7.5 coverage area rating, continuing the network’s streak of topping the day’s ad-supported cable ratings for all 15 of its Thursday and Saturday Night Football games since November 2006.
Following is a look at NFL Network season-to-date ratings for Thursday and Saturday Night Football:
Season-to-Date Summary
All seven Thursday and Saturday Night Football games topped daily ad-supported cable ratings.
Average coverage rating of 7.1 is up 31 percent from last year at this point (5.4).
Average of 4.6 million viewers is up 48 percent from last year at this point (3.1 million).
According to Nielsen Media Research December 2007 reporting, NFL Network reaches 43 million U.S. households.
Patriots-Giants is the second of three live games in a four-day span on NFL Network. The 2007 Texas Bowl (Houston vs. TCU) airs at 8:00 PM ET on Friday, Dec. 28 on NFL Network and the 2007 Insight Bowl (Indiana vs. Oklahoma State) at 6:00 PM ET on Monday, December 31.
Thursday and Saturday Night Football Tops Cable Ratings
For All Games to Date
Viewership among Men 18-49 up 55 Percent for Season
NFL Network’s Thursday and Saturday Night Football games have scored a ratings touchdown this season… before the eagerly anticipated New England Patriots-New York Giants matchup on Saturday at 8:00 PM ET.
After seven contests this season (including Dallas-Carolina on Saturday night), NFL Network games are averaging a 7.1 coverage area rating – up 31 percent from last season at this point (5.4). In addition, Thursday and Saturday Night Football posted a 48 percent increase in average viewers (4.6 million vs. 3.1 million through seven games last year) and is up 55 percent among Men 18-49 (1.7 million vs. 1.1 million).
Saturday night’s game had a 7.5 coverage area rating, continuing the network’s streak of topping the day’s ad-supported cable ratings for all 15 of its Thursday and Saturday Night Football games since November 2006.
Following is a look at NFL Network season-to-date ratings for Thursday and Saturday Night Football:
Season-to-Date Summary
All seven Thursday and Saturday Night Football games topped daily ad-supported cable ratings.
Average coverage rating of 7.1 is up 31 percent from last year at this point (5.4).
Average of 4.6 million viewers is up 48 percent from last year at this point (3.1 million).
According to Nielsen Media Research December 2007 reporting, NFL Network reaches 43 million U.S. households.
Patriots-Giants is the second of three live games in a four-day span on NFL Network. The 2007 Texas Bowl (Houston vs. TCU) airs at 8:00 PM ET on Friday, Dec. 28 on NFL Network and the 2007 Insight Bowl (Indiana vs. Oklahoma State) at 6:00 PM ET on Monday, December 31.
Cam Cameron, Randy Muller, and Joey Porter To Be Out At Miami Dolphins - Profootballtalk.com
If this is true, then Bill Parcells is cleaning house big time. The organization needs a shake-up. I would link to the specific place where this is, but they don't have a standard blog system, so I can't.
"SWEEPING CHANGES" COMING IN MIAMI
A source with knowledge of the situation in South Florida tells us that "sweeping changes" are most likely coming for the Dolphins. And soon.
Coach Cam Cameron? Out. General Manager Randy Mueller? Out as soon as Monday, even though he's been doing research all year for free agency and the draft.
We're told that Parcells already has been working directly with the league office to obtain the appropriate permissions to hire Cowboys V.P. of college and pro scouting Jeff Ireland.
As Peter King of SI.com pointed out earlier in the week in his MMQB column, Parcells' contract makes clear that he merely is the overseer of the football operations.
"We set it up so the general manager I hire will have that authority. I want to make it clear: I don't want to be the general manager. I don't want to be the head coach. I told Wayne [Huizenga] that very clearly. I don't think it will be an issue.''
If it is an issue -- if the league concludes that Parcells has final say over personnel -- then the Fins might have trouble finding a G.M. Under league rules, a team is not required to allow a front office employee to leave unless he will have final say in his new job.
So if it's determined that the Tuna has the juice, the only guys he'll be able to hire are guys who are permitted by their teams to leave, or who have contracts that specifically allow a premature departure.
And even if a guy is in the final year of his contract, most front office deals run through the draft.
With all that said, there's a growing sense in some circles that Parcells will get Ireland, and that the pair will work together in reshaping the front office.
Another source tells us that the fates of Mueller and Cameron have been sealed by people telling the Tuna that the current G.M. and coach don't burn the midnight fish oil in South Florida. Parcells, a workaholic, doesn't like the idea of guys not doing all they can to win.
POSTED 9:38 a.m. EST, December 28, 2007
PORTER DONE IN MIAMI?
With new Fins football poobah Bill Parcells declaring that he wants no "thugs and hoodlums" in Miami, the immediate reaction in league circles is that linebacker Joey Porter won't be long for South Florida.
Though Porter is primarily a bag of hot air, he was busted earlier in the year for busting up Bengals left tackle Levi Jones.
And Parcells surely means it. The Cowboys, a team primarily built by Parcells, have had no arrests in 2007. Ditto for the Patriots, who are led by a long-time Parcells' lieutenant, and by Parcells' son-in-law. And the Jets, under the leadership of Parcells' protege G.M. Mike Tannenbaum, have had only one incident this year.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins have amassed the most points in our Turd Watch game (which we need to update). Much of the damage was done by defensive tackle Fred Evans and receiver Kelly Campbell, who already are long gone.
The only caveat as to Porter is that the $20 million in guaranteed money that he reportedly received when he signed would hit the cap. Parcells could designate Porter as a post-June 1 cut, taking the bulk of the hit in 2009.
"SWEEPING CHANGES" COMING IN MIAMI
A source with knowledge of the situation in South Florida tells us that "sweeping changes" are most likely coming for the Dolphins. And soon.
Coach Cam Cameron? Out. General Manager Randy Mueller? Out as soon as Monday, even though he's been doing research all year for free agency and the draft.
We're told that Parcells already has been working directly with the league office to obtain the appropriate permissions to hire Cowboys V.P. of college and pro scouting Jeff Ireland.
As Peter King of SI.com pointed out earlier in the week in his MMQB column, Parcells' contract makes clear that he merely is the overseer of the football operations.
"We set it up so the general manager I hire will have that authority. I want to make it clear: I don't want to be the general manager. I don't want to be the head coach. I told Wayne [Huizenga] that very clearly. I don't think it will be an issue.''
If it is an issue -- if the league concludes that Parcells has final say over personnel -- then the Fins might have trouble finding a G.M. Under league rules, a team is not required to allow a front office employee to leave unless he will have final say in his new job.
So if it's determined that the Tuna has the juice, the only guys he'll be able to hire are guys who are permitted by their teams to leave, or who have contracts that specifically allow a premature departure.
And even if a guy is in the final year of his contract, most front office deals run through the draft.
With all that said, there's a growing sense in some circles that Parcells will get Ireland, and that the pair will work together in reshaping the front office.
Another source tells us that the fates of Mueller and Cameron have been sealed by people telling the Tuna that the current G.M. and coach don't burn the midnight fish oil in South Florida. Parcells, a workaholic, doesn't like the idea of guys not doing all they can to win.
POSTED 9:38 a.m. EST, December 28, 2007
PORTER DONE IN MIAMI?
With new Fins football poobah Bill Parcells declaring that he wants no "thugs and hoodlums" in Miami, the immediate reaction in league circles is that linebacker Joey Porter won't be long for South Florida.
Though Porter is primarily a bag of hot air, he was busted earlier in the year for busting up Bengals left tackle Levi Jones.
And Parcells surely means it. The Cowboys, a team primarily built by Parcells, have had no arrests in 2007. Ditto for the Patriots, who are led by a long-time Parcells' lieutenant, and by Parcells' son-in-law. And the Jets, under the leadership of Parcells' protege G.M. Mike Tannenbaum, have had only one incident this year.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins have amassed the most points in our Turd Watch game (which we need to update). Much of the damage was done by defensive tackle Fred Evans and receiver Kelly Campbell, who already are long gone.
The only caveat as to Porter is that the $20 million in guaranteed money that he reportedly received when he signed would hit the cap. Parcells could designate Porter as a post-June 1 cut, taking the bulk of the hit in 2009.
Oakland Raiders' Warren Sapp Was Fined $75,000
NFL docks Raiders' Sapp $75K for penalties in loss to Jaguars - ESPN and AP
ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Warren Sapp was fined $75,000 on Thursday by the NFL for his confrontation with game officials that led to his ejection last week.
The league said Sapp was punished for "physical and verbal actions toward game officials that drew an unprecedented three unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and ejection from last Sunday's game."
Defensive end Derrick Burgess was also fined $25,000 for verbally abusing an official during the same sequence.
The punishments were announced after the Raiders' media availability on Thursday, so neither player nor coach Lane Kiffin was available to comment. Both Sapp and Kiffin said previously they were not worried about a possible suspension.
The altercation came late in the first half of last Sunday's 49-11 loss at Jacksonville, when the Raiders were called for four unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in one sequence. The dispute began when Jaguars right tackle Tony Pashos was flagged for illegal use of his hands to the face.
Officials initially said the Raiders declined the penalty, and the Jaguars lined up for a 43-yard field goal attempt. Officials then said Oakland would accept the penalty, making it third-and-20 from the Raiders 35.
Jacksonville's offense went back on the field, but a few seconds later, the officials called the first unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Sapp, who said Wednesday he was angry the officials declined the penalty without checking first with the Raiders.
That gave the Jaguars an automatic first down, and Sapp started jawing at officials. Sapp and Burgess were both flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct penalties during the arguments. Sapp kept talking and then drew the third penalty and the ejection. Sapp had to be restrained by teammates and defensive line coach Keith Millard after being kicked out of the game.
Referee Jerome Bogar said after the game that Sapp was ejected for bumping umpire Garth DeFelice. Sapp denied making any contact with an official.
Sapp has had run-ins with officials in the past. Before a game against Washington in 2003, Sapp, then with Tampa Bay, reportedly bumped an official. Four days later he was fined $50,000 for what the league called "repeated violations of abusing officials."
ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Warren Sapp was fined $75,000 on Thursday by the NFL for his confrontation with game officials that led to his ejection last week.
The league said Sapp was punished for "physical and verbal actions toward game officials that drew an unprecedented three unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and ejection from last Sunday's game."
Defensive end Derrick Burgess was also fined $25,000 for verbally abusing an official during the same sequence.
The punishments were announced after the Raiders' media availability on Thursday, so neither player nor coach Lane Kiffin was available to comment. Both Sapp and Kiffin said previously they were not worried about a possible suspension.
The altercation came late in the first half of last Sunday's 49-11 loss at Jacksonville, when the Raiders were called for four unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in one sequence. The dispute began when Jaguars right tackle Tony Pashos was flagged for illegal use of his hands to the face.
Officials initially said the Raiders declined the penalty, and the Jaguars lined up for a 43-yard field goal attempt. Officials then said Oakland would accept the penalty, making it third-and-20 from the Raiders 35.
Jacksonville's offense went back on the field, but a few seconds later, the officials called the first unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Sapp, who said Wednesday he was angry the officials declined the penalty without checking first with the Raiders.
That gave the Jaguars an automatic first down, and Sapp started jawing at officials. Sapp and Burgess were both flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct penalties during the arguments. Sapp kept talking and then drew the third penalty and the ejection. Sapp had to be restrained by teammates and defensive line coach Keith Millard after being kicked out of the game.
Referee Jerome Bogar said after the game that Sapp was ejected for bumping umpire Garth DeFelice. Sapp denied making any contact with an official.
Sapp has had run-ins with officials in the past. Before a game against Washington in 2003, Sapp, then with Tampa Bay, reportedly bumped an official. Four days later he was fined $50,000 for what the league called "repeated violations of abusing officials."
Oakland Raiders' Warren Sapp Was Fined $75,000
NFL docks Raiders' Sapp $75K for penalties in loss to Jaguars - ESPN and AP
ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Warren Sapp was fined $75,000 on Thursday by the NFL for his confrontation with game officials that led to his ejection last week.
The league said Sapp was punished for "physical and verbal actions toward game officials that drew an unprecedented three unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and ejection from last Sunday's game."
Defensive end Derrick Burgess was also fined $25,000 for verbally abusing an official during the same sequence.
The punishments were announced after the Raiders' media availability on Thursday, so neither player nor coach Lane Kiffin was available to comment. Both Sapp and Kiffin said previously they were not worried about a possible suspension.
The altercation came late in the first half of last Sunday's 49-11 loss at Jacksonville, when the Raiders were called for four unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in one sequence. The dispute began when Jaguars right tackle Tony Pashos was flagged for illegal use of his hands to the face.
Officials initially said the Raiders declined the penalty, and the Jaguars lined up for a 43-yard field goal attempt. Officials then said Oakland would accept the penalty, making it third-and-20 from the Raiders 35.
Jacksonville's offense went back on the field, but a few seconds later, the officials called the first unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Sapp, who said Wednesday he was angry the officials declined the penalty without checking first with the Raiders.
That gave the Jaguars an automatic first down, and Sapp started jawing at officials. Sapp and Burgess were both flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct penalties during the arguments. Sapp kept talking and then drew the third penalty and the ejection. Sapp had to be restrained by teammates and defensive line coach Keith Millard after being kicked out of the game.
Referee Jerome Bogar said after the game that Sapp was ejected for bumping umpire Garth DeFelice. Sapp denied making any contact with an official.
Sapp has had run-ins with officials in the past. Before a game against Washington in 2003, Sapp, then with Tampa Bay, reportedly bumped an official. Four days later he was fined $50,000 for what the league called "repeated violations of abusing officials."
ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Warren Sapp was fined $75,000 on Thursday by the NFL for his confrontation with game officials that led to his ejection last week.
The league said Sapp was punished for "physical and verbal actions toward game officials that drew an unprecedented three unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and ejection from last Sunday's game."
Defensive end Derrick Burgess was also fined $25,000 for verbally abusing an official during the same sequence.
The punishments were announced after the Raiders' media availability on Thursday, so neither player nor coach Lane Kiffin was available to comment. Both Sapp and Kiffin said previously they were not worried about a possible suspension.
The altercation came late in the first half of last Sunday's 49-11 loss at Jacksonville, when the Raiders were called for four unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in one sequence. The dispute began when Jaguars right tackle Tony Pashos was flagged for illegal use of his hands to the face.
Officials initially said the Raiders declined the penalty, and the Jaguars lined up for a 43-yard field goal attempt. Officials then said Oakland would accept the penalty, making it third-and-20 from the Raiders 35.
Jacksonville's offense went back on the field, but a few seconds later, the officials called the first unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Sapp, who said Wednesday he was angry the officials declined the penalty without checking first with the Raiders.
That gave the Jaguars an automatic first down, and Sapp started jawing at officials. Sapp and Burgess were both flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct penalties during the arguments. Sapp kept talking and then drew the third penalty and the ejection. Sapp had to be restrained by teammates and defensive line coach Keith Millard after being kicked out of the game.
Referee Jerome Bogar said after the game that Sapp was ejected for bumping umpire Garth DeFelice. Sapp denied making any contact with an official.
Sapp has had run-ins with officials in the past. Before a game against Washington in 2003, Sapp, then with Tampa Bay, reportedly bumped an official. Four days later he was fined $50,000 for what the league called "repeated violations of abusing officials."
Oakland Raiders Steve Smith Needs Our Help
Oakland Raiders running back Steve Smith needs the help of every Raider and football fan as he battles ALS or "Lou Gehrig's Disease". This video is about his struggle and what you can do to help. Pass it on.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Benazir Bhutto is Murdered; Riots In Pakistan | Nuclear Stockpile Safety At Issue
Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was shockingly assassinated by a gunman who then blew himself up, bring another 22 people to the end of their lives on earth. According to officials the terrorist organization Al Qaeda's claiming responsibility.
As Pakistan has an active nuclear stockpile, there's fear around the world that Radical Islamic Fundamenalists could gain control of those weapons.
Here's the news from CNN and YouTube videos:
(CNN) -- Benazir Bhutto, who was assassinated Thursday in Rawalpindi, was the first female prime minister of Pakistan and of any Islamic nation. She led Pakistan from 1988 to 1990 and again from 1993 to 1996.
Benazir Bhutto died Thursday after a suicide bombing at a political rally in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Bhutto, 54, spent eight years in self-imposed exile in Great Britain and Dubai after President Farooq Leghari dismissed her second administration amid accusations of corruption, intimidation of the judiciary, a breakdown of law and order, and undermining the justice system.
She was found guilty of corruption and sentenced to five years in prison. The conviction was later overturned but she remained in exile until this year.
She returned to Pakistan in October after President Pervez Musharraf signed an amnesty lifting corruption charges. Watch political history of Bhutto »
In a September 26 interview on CNN's "The Situation Room," Bhutto said she expected threats against her life as she prepared to lead a push for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan.
"After military dictatorship an anarchic situation developed, which the terrorists and Osama (bin Laden) have exploited," she told CNN's Wolf Blitzer. "They don't want democracy, they don't want me back, and they don't believe in women governing nations, so they will try to plot against me.
"But these are risks that must be taken. I'm prepared to take them," she said.
Bhutto narrowly escaped injury on October 18 when a suicide bombing near her convoy in Karachi killed 126 people.
"Soon thereafter, I was asked by authorities not to travel in cars with tinted windows -- which protected me from identification by terrorists -- or travel with privately armed guards," she wrote for CNN.com in November.
"I began to feel the net was being tightened around me when police security outside my home in Karachi was reduced, even as I was told that other assassination plots were in the offing."
"I decided not to be holed up in my home, a virtual prisoner," she wrote. "I went to my ancestral village of Larkana to pray at my father's grave. Everywhere, the people rallied around me in a frenzy of joy. I feel humbled by their love and trust."
Musharraf declared a state of emergency and placed Bhutto under house arrest twice in November as anti-government rallies grew in Rawalpindi. The arrest warrant was lifted November 16.
She filed a nomination paper for a parliamentary seat on November 25 and appeared headed for a power showdown with Musharraf before she was assassinated Thursday. See a timeline of Bhutto's political career »
Bhutto was the daughter of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, former president and prime minister of Pakistan, who was hanged in 1979 for the murder of a political opponent two years after he was ousted as prime minister in a military coup. Benazir Bhutto was the de facto leader of her father's Pakistan People's Party.
Her brother, Murtaza, was killed along with six others in a 1996 shootout with police at his home. Another brother, Shahnawaz, died mysteriously in France in 1985.
"I know the past is tragic, but I'm an optimist by nature," Bhutto told Blitzer in September. "I put my faith in the people of Pakistan, I put my faith in God. I feel that what I am doing is for a good cause, for a right cause -- to save Pakistan from extremists and militants and to build regional security.
"I know the danger is out there, but I'm prepared to take those risks."
Benazir Bhutto earned degrees from Radcliffe College and Oxford University and received an honorary degree from Harvard University in 1989.
She leaves her husband of 20 years, Asif Ali Zardari, two daughters and a son.
Videos,
Benazir Bhutto's last moments...
What are the implications for the US? We'll have more focusing on that question in what is a big, big mess.
As Pakistan has an active nuclear stockpile, there's fear around the world that Radical Islamic Fundamenalists could gain control of those weapons.
Here's the news from CNN and YouTube videos:
(CNN) -- Benazir Bhutto, who was assassinated Thursday in Rawalpindi, was the first female prime minister of Pakistan and of any Islamic nation. She led Pakistan from 1988 to 1990 and again from 1993 to 1996.
Benazir Bhutto died Thursday after a suicide bombing at a political rally in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Bhutto, 54, spent eight years in self-imposed exile in Great Britain and Dubai after President Farooq Leghari dismissed her second administration amid accusations of corruption, intimidation of the judiciary, a breakdown of law and order, and undermining the justice system.
She was found guilty of corruption and sentenced to five years in prison. The conviction was later overturned but she remained in exile until this year.
She returned to Pakistan in October after President Pervez Musharraf signed an amnesty lifting corruption charges. Watch political history of Bhutto »
In a September 26 interview on CNN's "The Situation Room," Bhutto said she expected threats against her life as she prepared to lead a push for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan.
"After military dictatorship an anarchic situation developed, which the terrorists and Osama (bin Laden) have exploited," she told CNN's Wolf Blitzer. "They don't want democracy, they don't want me back, and they don't believe in women governing nations, so they will try to plot against me.
"But these are risks that must be taken. I'm prepared to take them," she said.
Bhutto narrowly escaped injury on October 18 when a suicide bombing near her convoy in Karachi killed 126 people.
"Soon thereafter, I was asked by authorities not to travel in cars with tinted windows -- which protected me from identification by terrorists -- or travel with privately armed guards," she wrote for CNN.com in November.
"I began to feel the net was being tightened around me when police security outside my home in Karachi was reduced, even as I was told that other assassination plots were in the offing."
"I decided not to be holed up in my home, a virtual prisoner," she wrote. "I went to my ancestral village of Larkana to pray at my father's grave. Everywhere, the people rallied around me in a frenzy of joy. I feel humbled by their love and trust."
Musharraf declared a state of emergency and placed Bhutto under house arrest twice in November as anti-government rallies grew in Rawalpindi. The arrest warrant was lifted November 16.
She filed a nomination paper for a parliamentary seat on November 25 and appeared headed for a power showdown with Musharraf before she was assassinated Thursday. See a timeline of Bhutto's political career »
Bhutto was the daughter of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, former president and prime minister of Pakistan, who was hanged in 1979 for the murder of a political opponent two years after he was ousted as prime minister in a military coup. Benazir Bhutto was the de facto leader of her father's Pakistan People's Party.
Her brother, Murtaza, was killed along with six others in a 1996 shootout with police at his home. Another brother, Shahnawaz, died mysteriously in France in 1985.
"I know the past is tragic, but I'm an optimist by nature," Bhutto told Blitzer in September. "I put my faith in the people of Pakistan, I put my faith in God. I feel that what I am doing is for a good cause, for a right cause -- to save Pakistan from extremists and militants and to build regional security.
"I know the danger is out there, but I'm prepared to take those risks."
Benazir Bhutto earned degrees from Radcliffe College and Oxford University and received an honorary degree from Harvard University in 1989.
She leaves her husband of 20 years, Asif Ali Zardari, two daughters and a son.
Videos,
Benazir Bhutto's last moments...
What are the implications for the US? We'll have more focusing on that question in what is a big, big mess.
Barack Obama "Our Moment Is Now" Speech In Des Moines Iowa
Today, in Des Moines, Iowa, U.S. Senator Barack Obama gave what many have said -- including Time Magazine -- is the best speech of the presidential campaign. I also remind all that it was Senator Obama who stated months ago that our focus should be not in Iraq, but in Pakistan, where Prime Minister Butto was assassinated today.
Iowa Obama Supporter Victim Of Hate Crime But Police Say It's Not A Hate Crime? WTF?
You've got to read this; it will make your blood boil! How in heck can this not be a hate crime?
Local Obama supporter victim of vandalism, theft
By KEN BLACK, TIMES-REPUBLICAN
POSTED: December 27, 2007
Save | Print | Email | Read comments | Post a comment
For most, the backlash for supporting one presidential candidate over another is usually nothing more than a random, unappreciative comment — if that.
But one Marshalltown family woke up on Christmas Eve having to deal with much more than baking pies and wrapping a few additional presents.
Supporters of Barack Obama living on 25th Street reported a number of racial slurs and derogatory comments had been spray painted on their property. Further, the family’s Christmas presents were all stolen from a vehicle and a garage.
Chief Lon Walker confirms the police received the report Monday morning.
“We found vandalism to the house. When we got there, we found some racial things regarding presidential candidate Barack Obama,” he said.
Marie Ortiz has been working as a volunteer for the Obama campaign locally. She has volunteered her time in the office, going door to door, and has signs supporting Obama in her yard.
She has two children, ages 11 and 2.
But Christmas was not completely ruined for the youngsters. Campaign workers at the local Obama office came by on Christmas Eve with presents.
A neighbor also gave the family some money to replace some of the things that were lost.
“They were really a godsend,” Ortiz said.
Walker reported he considers the case somewhat unusual because there has been no other reports of such severe backlash for those outwardly supporting presidential candidates. Even among Obama backers, no other crime of this degree has been reported.
“We are treating it right now as if the derogatory racial comments were aimed toward Obama,” the chief said. “We’re not treating it as a hate crime because it does not appear as if the victims were the intended recipient of the racial slurs.”
The couple living at the home comes from a minority heritage.
However, Ortiz has a different opinion on the matter.
“A hate crime is a hate crime. I think it was probably racially motivated,” she said.
At this point, the police have little to go on. Some footprints were found in the snow and photographed, but a canvas of the neighborhood turned up no significant information.
“If anyone saw anything or knows of anything, we’d sure love to hear from them,” Walker said.
The Marshalltown Police Department can be contacted at 641-754-5725.
———
Contact Ken Black at 641-753-6611 or kblack@timesrepublican.com
Local Obama supporter victim of vandalism, theft
By KEN BLACK, TIMES-REPUBLICAN
POSTED: December 27, 2007
Save | Print | Email | Read comments | Post a comment
For most, the backlash for supporting one presidential candidate over another is usually nothing more than a random, unappreciative comment — if that.
But one Marshalltown family woke up on Christmas Eve having to deal with much more than baking pies and wrapping a few additional presents.
Supporters of Barack Obama living on 25th Street reported a number of racial slurs and derogatory comments had been spray painted on their property. Further, the family’s Christmas presents were all stolen from a vehicle and a garage.
Chief Lon Walker confirms the police received the report Monday morning.
“We found vandalism to the house. When we got there, we found some racial things regarding presidential candidate Barack Obama,” he said.
Marie Ortiz has been working as a volunteer for the Obama campaign locally. She has volunteered her time in the office, going door to door, and has signs supporting Obama in her yard.
She has two children, ages 11 and 2.
But Christmas was not completely ruined for the youngsters. Campaign workers at the local Obama office came by on Christmas Eve with presents.
A neighbor also gave the family some money to replace some of the things that were lost.
“They were really a godsend,” Ortiz said.
Walker reported he considers the case somewhat unusual because there has been no other reports of such severe backlash for those outwardly supporting presidential candidates. Even among Obama backers, no other crime of this degree has been reported.
“We are treating it right now as if the derogatory racial comments were aimed toward Obama,” the chief said. “We’re not treating it as a hate crime because it does not appear as if the victims were the intended recipient of the racial slurs.”
The couple living at the home comes from a minority heritage.
However, Ortiz has a different opinion on the matter.
“A hate crime is a hate crime. I think it was probably racially motivated,” she said.
At this point, the police have little to go on. Some footprints were found in the snow and photographed, but a canvas of the neighborhood turned up no significant information.
“If anyone saw anything or knows of anything, we’d sure love to hear from them,” Walker said.
The Marshalltown Police Department can be contacted at 641-754-5725.
———
Contact Ken Black at 641-753-6611 or kblack@timesrepublican.com
NFL DRAFT BIBLE moves Football Friday Podcast to Blogtalkradio.com
Well we have just outdone it this time. We will begin "live streaming"
our weekly shows in just a little over two weeks!
Our Page is www.blogtalkradio.com/nfldraftbible
our weekly shows in just a little over two weeks!
Our Page is www.blogtalkradio.com/nfldraftbible
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