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Congressman Kucinich Calls For Bush Impeachment

June 11th, 2008 . by HSLEADER

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ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT OF PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH

Washington, Jun 10 - Dennis J. Kucinich of Ohio
In the United States House of Representatives
Monday, June 9th, 2008
A Resolution

INDEX

Article I
Creating a Secret Propaganda Campaign to Manufacture a False Case for War Against Iraq.

Article II
Falsely, Systematically, and with Criminal Intent Conflating the Attacks of September 11, 2001, With Misrepresentation of Iraq as a Security Threat as Part of Fraudulent Justification for a War of Aggression.

Article III
Misleading the American People and Members of Congress to Believe Iraq Possessed Weapons of Mass Destruction, to Manufacture a False Case for War.

Article IV
Misleading the American People and Members of Congress to Believe Iraq Posed an Imminent Threat to the United States.

Article V
Illegally Misspending Funds to Secretly Begin a War of Aggression.

Article VI
Invading Iraq in Violation of the Requirements of H. J. Res114.

Article VII
Invading Iraq Absent a Declaration of War.

Article VIII
Invading Iraq, A Sovereign Nation, in Violation of the UN Charter.

Article IX
Failing to Provide Troops With Body Armor and Vehicle Armor.

Article X
Falsifying Accounts of US Troop Deaths and Injuries for Political Purposes.

Article XI
Establishment of Permanent U.S. Military Bases in Iraq.

Article XII
Initiating a War Against Iraq for Control of That Nation’s Natural Resources.

Article XIIII
Creating a Secret Task Force to Develop Energy and Military Policies With Respect to Iraq and Other Countries.

Article XIV
Misprision of a Felony, Misuse and Exposure of Classified Information And Obstruction of Justice in the Matter of Valerie Plame Wilson, Clandestine Agent of the Central Intelligence Agency.

Article XV
Providing Immunity from Prosecution for Criminal Contractors in Iraq.

Article XVI
Reckless Misspending and Waste of U.S. Tax Dollars in Connection With Iraq and US Contractors.

Article XVII
Illegal Detention: Detaining Indefinitely And Without Charge Persons Both U.S. Citizens and Foreign Captives.

Article XVIII
Torture: Secretly Authorizing, and Encouraging the Use of Torture Against Captives in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Other Places, as a Matter of Official Policy.

Article XIX
Rendition: Kidnapping People and Taking Them Against Their Will to “Black Sites” Located in Other Nations, Including Nations Known to Practice Torture.

Article XX
Imprisoning Children.

Article XXI
Misleading Congress and the American People About Threats from Iran, and Supporting Terrorist Organizations Within Iran, With the Goal of Overthrowing the Iranian Government.

Article XXII
Creating Secret Laws.

Article XXIII
Violation of the Posse Comitatus Act.

Article XXIV
Spying on American Citizens, Without a Court-Ordered Warrant, in Violation of the Law and the Fourth Amendment.

Article XXV
Directing Telecommunications Companies to Create an Illegal and Unconstitutional Database of the Private Telephone Numbers and Emails of American Citizens.

Article XXVI
Announcing the Intent to Violate Laws with Signing Statements.

Article XXVII
Failing to Comply with Congressional Subpoenas and Instructing Former Employees Not to Comply.

Article XXVIII
Tampering with Free and Fair Elections, Corruption of the Administration of Justice.

Article XXIX
Conspiracy to Violate the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Article XXX
Misleading Congress and the American People in an Attempt to Destroy Medicare.

Article XXXI
Katrina: Failure to Plan for the Predicted Disaster of Hurricane Katrina, Failure to Respond to a Civil Emergency.

Article XXXII
Misleading Congress and the American People, Systematically Undermining Efforts to Address Global Climate Change.

Article XXXIII
Repeatedly Ignored and Failed to Respond to High Level Intelligence Warnings of Planned Terrorist Attacks in the US, Prior to 911.

Article XXXIV
Obstruction of the Investigation into the Attacks of September 11, 2001.

Article XXXV
Endangering the Health of 911 First Responders.

Full Content…

Reality Show Will Document Homeland Security

May 29th, 2008 . by HSLEADER

From HollywoodReporter.com, by James Hibberd

A new ABC unscripted series will take an unprecedented look behind the scenes at the government’s fight against terrorism.

The network has ordered 11 hours of “Border Security USA” from executive producer Arnold Shapiro (”Big Brother”). Shot on location throughout the United States, the series will focus on the efforts of border protection agencies to halt illegal smuggling and immigration.

A typical episode might jump from a border patrol in Texas to security screeners at a New York airport to a Coast Guard boat off Puerto Rico.

“Border” is billed as the first multiepisode television series to be shot in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security, as well as several other government agencies.

Full Story… 

Bob Barr Enters Race For White House

May 13th, 2008 . by HSLEADER

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For Americans who may have been hungry for a credentialed conservative candidate in the 2008 Presidential contest, the wait is over.

Bob Barr today announced his candidacy for the presidency. Barr will run as a Libertarian and have to secure the their party’s nomination at a convention in Denver in two weeks.

In discussing the 2008 race earlier this year, GOP insider Andy Card said the early primaries and potential candidate overexposure in the media may have voters looking for options by summer.

“This year will present the perfect storm for an independent candidate,” Card advised.

Barr clearly hopes to take advantage of exactly that kind of opportunity. And, as a former CIA officer, a Reagan appointed U.S. Attorney and a Congressman who was known for hardcore conservative principles, Barr is a long way from the pro-pot fringe some may associate with the early days of the Libertarian Party.

Any honest assessment of his voting record in Congress will make both Obama and McCain look like liberals and his long time leadership on Second Amendment issues is not likely to be forgotten by the legions of N.R.A. loyalists. Finally, Barr’s pro-life credentials are certainly equal to John McCain’s, if not stronger.

As a campaigner, Barr is a thick skinned and seasoned professional. Having run severally hotly contested races in Georgia, his former opponents have come to understand that there are simply no skeletons or scandals to be found in Bob’s long history of public service.

On the major issues, Barr said he would look for a way to begin bringing troops home from Iraq and would evaluate other ways to reduce the military’s footprint abroad. He also said he doesn’t want to see America ushered into a war with Iran. On illegal immigration, he said that major reforms are needed because, “The United States of America is not a charity.”

In announcing his candidacy, Barr said that as President, he would focus on reducing the size of government, supporting original intent of the Constitution and restoring checks and balances between the three branches of government.

One thing is for sure, this race has just gotten a lot more interesting.

DHS Proposes Biometrics Collection on Exiting Non-US Citizens

April 22nd, 2008 . by HSLEADER

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WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today a notice of proposed rulemaking that will establish biometric exit procedures at all U.S air and sea ports of departure.  The majority of non-U.S. citizens are already required to submit digital fingerprints and a digital photograph for admission into the country.   The US-VISIT Exit proposal would require non-U.S. citizens who provide biometric identifiers for admission to also provide digital fingerprints when departing the country from any air or sea ports of departure. 
 
“The 9/11 Commission called for biometric entry and exit records, because biometrics confirm that travelers are who they say they are and the purpose of their travel is as they claim it to be,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.  “We’ve built an effective entry system, and combined with the proposed exit system, we’ll have made a quantum leap in America’s border security. Air and sea carriers would actively participate in the proposed exit system, and I look forward to an ongoing dialogue on solutions to meet this key 9/11 Commission recommendation.”
 
The United States Congress, the 9/11 Commission and the department have concluded that biometric records of the entry and exit of international visitors are essential for the integrity of the nation’s immigration and border management system.  The proposed rule does not change current exit procedures for departing visitors. Visitors departing the U.S. should continue to return their paper Form I-94 or Form I-94W to airline or ship representatives.
 
The proposed rule would require commercial air carriers and cruise line owners and operators collect and transmit international visitors’ biometric information to DHS within 24 hours of leaving the United States.  Carriers are already required to transmit biographic information to DHS for all passengers prior to their departure from the United States.  DHS is committed to protecting the privacy of international visitors and will require that these systems meet the department’s transmission capability and data security requirements. The proposed rule does not designate a specific location within the port of departure for biometric collection and does not apply to small carriers or vessel owners and operators, or to general aviation.
 
DHS completed a test of biometric exit procedures at several U.S. airports and seaports last year. Based on the results of this test, DHS determined that biometric exit procedures must be integrated into the existing traveler process to ensure compliance and provide visitors with a consistent experience from port to port.
 
DHS intends to implement air and sea biometric exit procedures by January 2009, fulfilling a key provision of the Implementing the Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. This proposed rule will enable the Secretary of DHS to retain the necessary authority to manage the Visa Waiver Program effectively. If the exit program has not been implemented by June 30, 2009 the department may not be able to extend Visa Waiver Program privileges to new countries. The Secretary’s waiver authority is critical for the United States to invite more of its allies to participate in the Visa Waiver Program.
 
The notice of proposed rulemaking will be published in the Federal Register and will provide the general public an opportunity to submit written comments electronically or by mail. Once published, comments may be submitted via:
 
Federal Rulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number for this rulemaking. All comments received will be posted without change to www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided.
 
Mail: Written comments may be submitted to: US-VISIT, Attn: Air Exit NPRM, Department of Homeland Security, 1616 N. Fort Myer Drive, 18th Floor, Arlington, VA 22209.
 
Submissions must include the agency name and docket number DHS-2008-0039.  The text of the proposed rule is available at www.dhs.gov.  Following the 60?day public comment period and review, a final rule will be published outlining the new requirements and their effective date.

Random Search Stops $600 Million In Trade Secrets Bound For China

April 8th, 2008 . by HSLEADER

From InformationWeek, by Thomas Claburn

The feds have indicated a software engineer who was flying to China with confidential technical documents, a thumb drive, four external hard drives, 29 recordable compact discs, and a videotape.

A former software engineer for a telecommunications company based near Chicago was indicted for allegedly stealing trade secrets worth an estimated $600 million and trying to take the documents to China.The FBI said Wednesday that Hanjuan Jin of Schaumburg, Ill., a naturalized U.S. citizen who was born in China, was stopped at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport on Feb. 28, 2007, in a random search.

According to an affidavit filed by FBI special agent Michael R. Diekmann, Jin was traveling on a one-way ticket to Beijing at the time. She declared that she had $10,000 in U.S. currency in her carry-on luggage. Customs and Border Protection officers found about $30,000 in cash.

Full Story…

Sec. Chertoff Announces Gonzalez’s Departure

March 14th, 2008 . by HSLEADER

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Today’s statement from Sec. Chertoff:

Emilio Gonzalez has informed me of his intention to resign as Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), effective April 18. Emilio has been an extraordinary director who is leaving an indelible mark on the transformation and modernization of USCIS operations.

Emilio is an American by choice and he has brought that unique experience to his leadership of this critical agency, and more importantly to our nation’s unparalleled efforts to welcome immigrants and foster their integration into our society. During his tenure, Emilio oversaw important efforts to improve customer service and modernize the agency’s operations to further strengthen the security and integrity of the immigration system well into the 21st century. He has led efforts to ensure the reliability of processes for international adoptions. Emilio also undertook great steps to expedite the naturalization of immigrant servicemen and women defending and protecting our nation from harm. I had the special opportunity of traveling with him to Iraq as part of a naturalization ceremony for more than 170 of those brave members of the armed services.

Prior to joining the department in 2005, Emilio served as the Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs at the National Security Council. He also had a distinguished 26-year career in the U.S. Army.

I am grateful for Emilio’s contributions to America’s rich tradition of welcoming newcomers and to his deep commitment of service to the American public. I look forward to our continued friendship.

Michael Chertoff’s Deepest Fears

February 12th, 2008 . by HSLEADER

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From NewYorkDailyNews.com, By James Gordon Meek 

America’s top counterterror official says “more than a dozen” people tied to Al Qaeda, Hezbollah and other extremists have tried to infiltrate the U.S. since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

But they weren’t caught swimming the Rio Grande from Mexico, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff told the Daily News in a recent interview.

“More Canada than Mexico, to be honest with you,” he said.

Full Story…

HSLEADER Attends History Making Day at CPAC

February 8th, 2008 . by HSLEADER

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Vice President Dick Cheney spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Thursday in Washington, D.C.  The Vice President used the occasion to give an unapologetic defense of the President and the Bush Administration’s policies. 

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Vice President Cheney told the crowd, ”From the very morning our nation was attacked on 9/11, the President of the United States has had to make some immensely enormous decisions. Every day he faces responsibilities that others would pale before. I’ve been there with him. I’ve seen him make the tough calls, and then weather the criticism and take the hits. President Bush has been tough and courageous. He’s made the right decisions for the right reasons, and he always reflects the best values of the American people. I’ve been proud to stand by him and by the decisions he’s made. And I would support those same — and would I support those same decisions again today? You’re damn right I would.” 

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Gov. Mitt Romney gave an inspiring speech and then shocked the crowd by ending his candidacy.  He cited his interest in allowing McCain more time organize and mount his campaign as his reason for leaving the race.  Gov. Romney said, given the reality that a Democrat victory would result in a withdrawal from Iraq, he didn’t feel it was right to continue with a divisive GOP contest that would allow the Democrat’s nominees to get a lead in the race.

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Sen. John McCain chats with Laura Ingraham and Lt. Col. Oliver North in a holding room prior to giving his speech at CPAC. 

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In a moment he has probably dreamed about for years, Sen. John McCain prepares to take the stage, and his place in history, as the de facto Republican nominee for President of the United States.  In terms of required delegate votes, it is a mathematical improbability that either of the two remaining GOP candidates could win the nomination. 

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Sen. John McCain’s moment of glory.  Taking the stage at CPAC, he placated a testy crowd, congratulated Gov. Romney on a good race and vowed to work with conservatives to continue the Reagan Revolution.  He also promised to continue the prosecution of the War in Iraq, to protect America from terrorism and to prioritize the effort to secure America’s borders. 

FBI Requesting Help with Identification of Victim

February 4th, 2008 . by HSLEADER

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From FBI Release 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) today placed “Beloved Doe” on its “Wanted – Seeking Information” list, along with a promise of a reward offered for information leading to the identification of “Beloved Doe”, his parents, or caretaker. “Beloved Doe” was the nickname given to an unidentified male child, whose remains were discovered in a dumpster inside the Willow Creek Apartment Complex, address 7575 Office City Drive, Houston, Texas on the morning of Thursday, March 13, 2003.

The Houston office of the FBI is joining the Houston Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety’s ongoing investigation into the death of this unidentified child in the hopes of generating the information needed to solve this case.

“Beloved Doe” is believed to have been a white male, possibly of Hispanic descent, between 3 to 6 years of age. Evidence recovered in the case suggested the possibility that the child received prior medical treatment, perhaps at a hospital or other medical facility. A medical examination of the body indicated the child died of malnutrition and dehydration. No other signs of abuse or injuries were indicated in the report.

At the time of his death, “Beloved Doe” was wearing a white disposable diaper with bears depicted on the front. He was wrapped in a gray Afghan-style blanket and placed in a red and white checkered plastic bag. “Beloved Doe” had a surgical scar on the right side of his neck, two vertical scars on his abdomen, and a small mole on his right forearm. He had close-cropped hair, bushy eyebrows, and long eyelashes. His right ear was larger than his left ear.

Investigators have reason to believe there may be individuals who have information pertinent to this investigation, but for unknown reasons, have not yet come forward. Information about suspicious persons, vehicles, or activities in the area of the Willow Creek Apartments in March of 2003 could be extremely important to this investigation.

The Houston office of the FBI is offering up to $20,000 for information leading to the identification of “Beloved Doe”, his parents, or caretaker. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Houston office of the FBI at 713-693-5000 or toll free at 1-888-FBI-IDEN (1-888-324-4336). For any information originating outside the United States , contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate.

Additional information regarding “Beloved Doe”, including the seeking information poster and photographs, are available on the FBI’s Internet Home Page at http://www.fbi.gov.

  

SA Shauna A. Dunlap
Tel. 713-693-5229
Shauna.Dunlap @ic.fbi.gov

SA Patricia Villafranca
Tel. 713-693-1933
Patricia.Villafranca @ic.fbi.gov

 

FBI Houston, 2500 East T.C. Jester Blvd., Houston, Texas 77008

Mexican Drug Lords Implement Decapitation Strategy Against Police

February 1st, 2008 . by HSLEADER

From PoliceMag.com

The effects of cross-border violence fueled by drug cartels spilled over into El Paso Wednesday as a local hospital was locked down to protect a Chihuahua police commander who survived an assassination attempt.

El Paso police, sheriff’s deputies, and federal agents patrolled the hospital with assault weapons and all visitors were screened for metal as part of the lockdown.

Chihuahua Police Commander Fernando Lozano is in critical but stable condition in the hospital following an ambush attack in Juarez. Two vehicles full of gunmen attacked Lozano as he drove in a Jeep Cherokee. More than 50 shots were fired in the attack.

Full Story…

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