On Monday, President Obama signed the "Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act" in honor of Daniel Pearl. It was passed by Congress and orders the State Department to prepare and publish a list of countries where journalists and bloggers aren't safe. Duh!
This is somehow supposed to shame those countriesinto changing their ways.
It took an act of Congress to pass something that we should already know, that the State Department should already be doing, and for which visas should not be issued or authorized?
It was a nice gesture to honor Daniel Pearl and his family, but wasn't there a proclamation or something else that could have been used?
Clearly Congress has nothing better to do than create something that didn't need passed. Last time I looked, the State Department was in the Administration, and the President could have so directed them to do this if they weren't doing it already.
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Chances are someone in Congress, if not all, wanted credit for it and somethng more positive to add to their list of accomplishments than what has been going on this year.
Stevel
Yes, but then it would not bring political points... Wasn't that the whole idea behind the signing of the Act?
They're losing the Jewish vote. They'll try anything to improve their chances in the upcoming elections.
So does that mean that AR can't have members in those countries? That AR can't be SPAMMED from those countries? Congress is clueless!!!
If any of the dictators from the named countries protest by criticizing the U.S., they can be assured B. Hussein O. will respond by putting down our country.
Kristen,
I think you're onto something there - slow news week and all. :)
Steve
Jon,
Can't argue with that. :)
Steve
Will,
Yes, that seems to be the case. :)
Steve
Wallace,
Just don't travel to those countries and expect any type of support. :)
Steve
Jon,
Or maybe by inviting them to the White House "to talk." :)
Steve
Steve - but on the bright side, they could have been working on something that would only screw up the country more, like Cap & Tax.
Mike,
I am painfully aware of that. I'd rather have them do nothing. Just take the rest of the year off. :)
Steve
Great information Steve!
Thank you for sharing.
Have a good evening!
Joshua,
Thank you. Finish your week strong. :)
Steve
Steve, The way I look at it is that they wanted to get recongition for doing something good, and that is by honoring Daniel... They are stretching in trying to get the popular vote back.
Did this make sense, or am I just so tired I can't see or read straight.
Have a good night Steve.
Steve
It about political positioning; it's a SAD state of affairs in Washington.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Valerie,
I think you're right. This was a "feel good" PR type bill that really didn't have to be passed at all. Finish the week strong. :)
Steve
Lou,
What are they trying to do - win the press vote? They already have that. :)
Steve
They need to get back to the important work... like hearings into steroids in baseball, or the BCS or something. That way they won't screw up anything meaningful.
The amount of spinning wheels that takes place in government is startling.
Lane,
So true. Thanks. :)
Steve
Steve,
Indeed. :)
Steve
Our tax payer dollars at work. What a waste of time. One more reason among a thousand to toss out all incumbents in November.
Michael,
There can't be that many who deserve to be retained. :)
Steve
Really is a bunch of dunderheads in control of our country. Steve why do we even work any more?
John,
Good point. Nancy Pelosi said we don't have to - that the government will give us free health care. :)
Steve