From The G-Man

President Obama: 'Never Forget. Never Again'

2012-01-27T14:08:00.001-05:00

Polish civilians watch as German police deport some of their fellow
Belchatowers to Germany for forced labor (1941). (Click to enlarge.)

Statement by the President on International Holocaust Remembrance Day

This International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Michelle and I join people in the United States, in Israel, and across the globe as we remember the six million Jews and millions of others who were murdered at the hands of the Nazis.

We commit ourselves to keeping their memories alive not only in our thoughts, but through our actions. As we remember all those who perished in camps from Auschwitz to Treblinka, Dachau to Sobibor, we pledge to speak truth to those who deny the Holocaust.

As we celebrate the strength and resilience of survivors, we pledge to stand strong against all those who would commit atrocities, against the resurgence of anti-Semitism, and against hatred in all its forms.

As we draw inspiration from the righteous gentiles who risked their lives to save friends, neighbors, and even strangers, we pledge to continue the hard work of repairing the world.

Together with the State of Israel, and all our friends around the world, we dedicate ourselves to giving meaning to those powerful words: “Never Forget. Never Again.”

Photograph from the US Holocaust Memorial Museum Photo Archives -- public domain

Aneesh Chopra to Leave White House Post

2012-01-27T13:48:00.000-05:00

Aneesh Chopra

Also Served as Chief Technology Officer

WASHINGTON, DC — The White House today announced the departure of Aneesh Chopra, Assistant to the President and the federal government’s first Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

President Obama said, “As the federal government’s first Chief Technology Officer, Aneesh Chopra did groundbreaking work to bring our government into the 21st century. Aneesh found countless ways to engage the American people using technology, from electronic health records for veterans, to expanding access to broadband for rural communities, to modernizing government records. His legacy of leadership and innovation will benefit Americans for years to come, and I thank him for his outstanding service.”

Photo source: Office of Science and Technology Policy

Author: US Govt.. Original uploader was Duffy2032 at en.wikipedia

Permission: PD-USGOV

Advance Estimate of GDP Growth for the Fourth Quarter of 2011

2012-01-27T13:35:00.001-05:00

(Click to enlarge graph)

Report Released by Council of Economic Advisers

The following information was submitted by Alan Krueger, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers.

Today’s report shows that the economy posted its tenth straight quarter of positive growth, as real GDP (the total amount of goods and services produced in the country) grew at a 2.8 percent annual rate in the fourth quarter of last year. For 2011 as a whole, GDP rose by 1.7 percent, raising the level of real GDP 0.7 percent above where it was at the start of the recession in the fourth quarter of 2007. While the continued expansion is encouraging, faster growth is needed to replace the jobs lost in the recent downturn and to reduce long-term unemployment.

Positive contributions to real GDP growth in the fourth quarter included consumer spending (1.5 percentage points) and fixed investment (0.4 percentage point). Overall government purchases fell (4.6 percent), with substantial declines in Federal defense spending (12.5 percent) and State and local spending (2.6 percent).

As President Obama has said, this is a make-or-break moment for the middle class, and those who are struggling to get into the middle class. That is why the President announced on Tuesday his Blueprint for an America Built to Last – an economy built on American manufacturing, American energy, skills for American workers, and a renewal of American values.

Legislation Sought to Ban Insider Trading by Congress Members

2012-01-27T13:02:00.001-05:00

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney

Statement by the Press Secretary

Leader Reid has announced the Senate will take-up legislation making it clear that Members of Congress may not engage in insider trading, an important component of the President’s blueprint for an America built to last. As the President said in his State of the Union message, this bipartisan legislation will help limit the corrosive influence of money in politics and restoring the American people’s trust in Washington. Members of Congress should not be able to trade stocks based on nonpublic information gleaned on Capitol Hill nor should they be able to own stocks in industries they impact. We believe this is an important first step to prevent members of Congress from profiting from their positions and call for swift passage.

North Carolina Congressman, Governor to Retire

2012-01-27T12:54:00.000-05:00

Congressman Brad Miller

Statement from the President on the Retirement of Congressman Brad Miller and Governor Bev Perdue

Brad Miller has served the people of North Carolina for two decades. In the House of Representatives, Brad helped lead the fight to protect families from abuses by the financial industry, and is a key reason why today we finally have a strong watchdog in place looking out for American consumers. Michelle and I thank Brad for his service, and wish him the very best in the future.

Governor Bev Perdue

As the first woman to serve as North Carolina’s Lieutenant Governor and Governor, Bev Perdue has never been afraid to break barriers. For over 25 years, she has fought for the people of the Tar Heel State – working to transform the state’s public schools, improve the health care system, protect and attract jobs for members of the military and their families, and create the jobs of the future. Michelle and I want to congratulate Governor Perdue on her historic tenure, and we wish Bev and her family well in the future.

Congressman Miller photo source:

Online Guide to House Members and Senators

Author: Online Guide to House Members and Senators

Permission: Public Domain

Governor Perdue photo source: http://www.governor.state.nc.us/library/images/Official_Perdue_Portrait.jpg
Author: Office of Governor Beverly Perdue
Permission: Public Domain

Newsy Now: News Round-Up

2012-01-27T12:17:00.000-05:00

Romney and Gingrich spar in Florida; BP must cover Transocean in oil spill clean-up; Twitter under fire; last chance to apply for astronaut school!

Sources:CNN KING WTVJ KOLD KUSA

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/newsy-now-january-27-1700-gmt/

By Harumendhah Helmy

Anchor: Christina Hartman

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Death Toll Rises in Pakistan from Heart Meds

2012-01-27T12:12:00.000-05:00

Officials reported Wednesday cheap heart drugs have now killed more than 100 patients in Pakistan.

Sources:BBC DAWN PakistanToday
TheExpressTribune

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/death-toll-rises-in-pakistan-from-heart-meds/

By Emily Spain

Anchor: Emily Spain

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Mystery Illness Diagnosed and Debated by Medical Community

2012-01-27T12:08:00.000-05:00

The Centers for Disease Control says Morgellons Disease is to blame for bizarre symptoms plaguing people across the nation.

Sources:KHOU FoxNews ABC InsideEdition

SanFranciscoChronicle

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/mystery-illness-diagnosed-and-debated-by-medical-community/

By Meredith Baldwin

Anchor: Ana Compain-Romero

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

For Gingrich, Does Rhetoric Match Record on Reagan?

2012-01-27T12:04:00.000-05:00

The candidate has caught flak in recent days over past criticisms of the Reagan administration, while touting his ties to the former president.

Sources:DrudgeReport TheNationalReview NBC

CNN YouTube

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/for-gingrich-does-rhetoric-match-record-on-reagan/

By Zach Toombs

Anchor: Zach Toombs

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

First Lady, Goya Team Up for "MiPlato"

2012-01-26T12:29:00.002-05:00

Joint Effort Part of "Let's Move" Initiative

Tampa, Florida - In support of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative, Goya Foods, the largest, Hispanic-owned U.S. food company, is committing resources to promote the USDA's MyPlate, or MiPlato, a new food group symbol to remind families about making healthy meal choices with easy “how-tos” about proper portions.

The First Lady joined Bob Unanue, President of Goya Foods, and leading Latino organizations to promote their nationwide effort to encourage health and wellness in communities across the country.

Goya Foods is rolling out numerous steps to help communities enjoy healthy, tasty and affordable meals including creating brochures, posters, coupons and cookbooks for consumers; developing educational tools for 4th through 6th grade students across the country; and imprinting the MiPlato icon on some of their products.

“Today’s announcement is what Let’s Move! is really all about – folks from every sector of our society stepping up and coming together on behalf of our kids. One of the pillars of Let’s Move! is empowering parents with the information they need to make healthy choices. MiPlato is a tool to help support families in that effort. Today, Goya is utilizing their incredible reach into communities across the country to get this helpful information to the hand of parents,” said First Lady Michelle Obama.

“Everything that Goya is doing – from the MiPlato posters and pamphlets to cookbooks and recipes – center around the idea that we parents can make simple changes to help their children lead healthier lives.”

“For Goya, MiPlato is an ideal reflection of our product line; quality, flavor, healthy and nutritious; while offering guidance to the public to easily identify the basic food groups of vegetables, grains, fruits, proteins, and dairy,” added Bob Unanue, president of Goya Food.

Community organizations from Florida to California have shown their support of Let’s Move! with commitments to promote MiPlato and distribute the Goya-produced materials through local churches, food pantries, promotores (community health workers) networks, registered dietitians, and schools.

Organizations include the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, which will distribute materials at its Nuestro Futuro rallies across the country, and the New Mexico Collaboration to End Hunger, which is working with New Mexico’s state social services and statewide food bank to ensure New Mexico’s families receive materials.

The booklets will also be distributed through food bank members of Feeding America in Texas, Florida, Arizona, New York, and California.

In Tampa, the Girl Scouts of the USA has committed to promote MiPlato to Tampa-area Girl Scouts through the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. Several organizations have also joined USDA’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion’s Nutrition Communicators Network as a Community Partner.

Goya Foods will collaborate with Let's Move! and USDA by producing a brochure featuring a series of recipes that meet the Dietary Guidelines that support MiPlato and ten tips for healthy eating. The Goya sales force will offer these brochures to 32,000 supermarkets to distribute in their communities.

Goya will also print MiPlato posters for distribution in various supermarkets and grocery stores and produce brochures with a Goya savings coupon that will be distributed to a variety of national Hispanic associations and organizations at the various festivals and events that Goya sponsors throughout the year.

In the spring, Goya will launch the official MiPlato cookbook and distribute copies to their consumers.

Goya developed comprehensive lesson plans for grade students using beans as education characters, and will distribute these to elementary schools in six major cities including New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, Miami and Tampa.

The MiPlato icon will be printed on six different Goya products including black beans, pinto beans, white beans, chick peas, red kidney beans and the sazón Goya natural and complete.

The following Latino organizations have joined this effort:

ACTIVE Life

American Cancer Society

California Food Policy Advocates

Catholic Charities Philadelphia

Cuban American National Council (CNC)

Feeding America

San Antonio Food Bank (Feeding America)

Treasure Coast Food Bank (Feeding America)

St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance (Feeding America)

Island Harvest (Feeding America)

FIND Food Bank (Feeding America)

Florida Dietetic Association

Ferias (para Aprender/Fitness)

Girls Scouts of the USA

Help4Kidz Foundation

Hispanic Access Foundation

Hispanic Federation

La Clinica del Pueblo

LULAC and their 850 councils

National Caucus of State Elected Legislators

National Council of La Raza (NCLR) - 300 affiliates

National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference

National Latino Evangelical Coalition (NaLEC)

New Mexico Collaboration to End Hunger

New York City Coalition Against Hunger

Pacific Southwest Conference for the Evangelical Church

Cancer Preventorium

Seventh Day Adventist Church

South Florida Center for Reducing Cancer Disparities

St. Cajetan Catholic Church/Hispanic Access

St. Camillus Catholic Church

Texas Hunger Initiative

Texas Impact

Urban Strategies

Vision y Compromiso

First Lady photo source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/

Author: Joyce N. Boghosian, White House photographer

Permission: Public Domian

Goya image courtesy of http://www.goya.com

Bernanke Announces Fed's Plan

2012-01-26T10:10:00.000-05:00

Ben Bernanke laid out the Federal Reserve's plan for the next few years on Wednesday. See what's in store.

Sources:Bloomberg C-SPAN CNNMoney FoxBusiness

CNBC TheWallStreetJournal

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/bernanke-announces-fed-s-plan/

By David Earl

Anchor: Christina Hartman

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Davos 2012 Kicks Off Wednesday

2012-01-26T10:05:00.000-05:00

The world's annual billionaires' bash kicks off in Switzerland.

Sources:FoxBusiness BBC Bloomberg TheGuardian

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/davos-2012-kicks-off-wednesday/

By David Earl

Anchor: Ana Compain-Romero

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

New Hampshire Law Lets Parents Pick Kids' Curriculum

2012-01-26T10:01:00.000-05:00

New Hampshire says parents get the final say in what their children learn. Critics say that leaves teachers catering to many different opinions.

Sources:SeacoastOnline RT TheNewYorkTimes
WFXT

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/new-hampshire-law-lets-parents-pick-kids-curriculum/

By Meredith Baldwin

Anchor: Ana Compain-Romero

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Alaskan Women, 85, Whacks Moose to Save Husband

2012-01-26T09:56:00.000-05:00

An 85-year old Alaskan women hit a moose with a shovel after her husband was attacked. George Murphy was rushed to the hospital with injuries.

Sources:AnchorageDailyNews KTVA AnchorageDailyNews

KTNARadio

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/alaskan-women-85-whacks-moose-to-save-husband/

By Christine Karsten

Anchor: Megan Murphy

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Google to Overhaul Privacy Policies

2012-01-26T09:50:00.000-05:00

Google is planning to consolidate its privacy policies across its services into one global agreement.

Sources:TechCrunch Gizmodo ZDNet GigaOM

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/google-to-overhaul-privacy-policies/

By Evan Thomas

Anchor: Megan Murphy

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

President Speaks on an Economy Built to Last in Iowa

2012-01-25T21:19:00.001-05:00

President Obama visits Conveyor Engineering and Manufacturing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and speaks about strengthening our economy and building an American that’s built to last.

USDA Unveils Historic Improvements to School Meals

2012-01-25T13:24:00.000-05:00

New Standards Will Improve the Health and Well-Being of 32 Million Kids Nationwide

FAIRFAX, Va – First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today unveiled new standards for school meals that will result in healthier meals for kids across the nation.

The new meal requirements will raise standards for the first time in more than fifteen years and improve the health and nutrition of nearly 32 million kids that participate in school meal programs every school day.

The healthier meal requirements are a key component of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which was championed by the First Lady as part of her Let's Move! campaign and signed into law by President Obama.

"As parents, we try to prepare decent meals, limit how much junk food our kids eat, and ensure they have a reasonably balanced diet," said First Lady Michelle Obama.

"And when we're putting in all that effort the last thing we want is for our hard work to be undone each day in the school cafeteria. When we send our kids to school, we expect that they won't be eating the kind of fatty, salty, sugary foods that we try to keep them from eating at home. We want the food they get at school to be the same kind of food we would serve at our own kitchen tables."

"Improving the quality of the school meals is a critical step in building a healthy future for our kids," said Vilsack.

"When it comes to our children, we must do everything possible to provide them the nutrition they need to be healthy, active and ready to face the future – today we take an important step towards that goal."

The final standards make the same kinds of practical changes that many parents are already encouraging at home, including: ensuring students are offered both fruits and vegetables every day of the week; substantially increasing offerings of whole grain-rich foods; offering only fat-free or low-fat milk varieties; limiting calories based on the age of children being served to ensure proper portion size; and increasing the focus on reducing the amounts of saturated fat, trans fats and sodium.

A sample lunch menu with a before and after comparison is available to view and download in PDF andJPG formats.

USDA built the new rule around recommendations from a panel of experts convened by the Institute of Medicine —a gold standard for evidence-based health analysis.

The standards were also updated with key changes from the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans – the Federal government's benchmark for nutrition – and aimed to foster the kind of healthy changes at school that many parents are already trying to encourage at home, such as making sure that kids are offered both fruits and vegetables each day, more whole grains, and portion sizes and calorie counts designed to maintain a healthy weight.

USDA received an unprecedented 132,000 public comments on its proposed standards (available on the web at www.regulations.gov) – and made modifications to the proposed rule where appropriate.

USDA Under Secretary Kevin Concannon said: "We know that robust public input is essential to developing successful standards and the final standards took a number of suggestions from stakeholders, school food service professions and parents to make important operational changes while maintaining nutritional integrity."

The new standards are expected to cost $3.2 billion over the next five years -- less than half of the estimated cost of the proposed rule and are just one of five major components of the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act, now implemented or under development, that will work together to reform school nutrition.

In addition to the updated meal standards, unprecedented improvements to come include: the ability to take nutrition standards beyond the lunchline for the first time ever, foods and beverages sold in vending machines and other venues on school campuses will also contribute to a healthy diet; increased funding for schools – an additional 6 cents a meal is the first real increase in 30 years – tied to strong performance in serving improved meals; common-sense pricing standards for schools to ensure that revenues from non-Federal sources keep pace with the Federal commitment to healthy school meals and properly align with costs; and training and technical assistance to help schools achieve and monitor compliance.

The final nutrition standards released today also provide more time for schools to implement key changes, which will be largely phased in over a three-year period, starting in School Year 2012-2013. For example, schools will be permitted to focus on changes in the lunches in the first year, with most changes in breakfast phased in during future years.

USDA's Food and Nutrition Service administers 15 nutrition assistance programs including the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs, the Summer Food Service Program, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Together these programs make up the federal nutrition safety net.

Image courtesy of http://www.schooljotter.com

Navy SEALs Rescue Somalia Captives

2012-01-25T12:08:00.000-05:00

Navy SEAL Insignia

Statement by the President on Successful Hostage Rescue

On Monday, I authorized an operation to rescue Jessica Buchanan, an American citizen who was kidnapped and held against her will for three months in Somalia. Thanks to the extraordinary courage and capabilities of our Special Operations Forces, yesterday Jessica Buchanan was rescued and she is on her way home. As Commander-in-Chief, I could not be prouder of the troops who carried out this mission, and the dedicated professionals who supported their efforts.

Jessica Buchanan was selflessly serving her fellow human beings when she was taken hostage by criminals and pirates who showed no regard for her health and well-being. Last night I spoke with Jessica Buchanan’s father and told him that all Americans have Jessica in our thoughts and prayers, and give thanks that she will soon be reunited with her family. The United States will not tolerate the abduction of our people, and will spare no effort to secure the safety of our citizens and to bring their captors to justice. This is yet another message to the world that the United States of America will stand strongly against any threats to our people.

Details on the series of events can be obtained here: Miami Herald: Navy SEALs Rescue

Navy SEAL insignia courtesy of http://www.navycs.com

Newsy Now: News Round-Up

2012-01-25T11:46:00.000-05:00

Navy SEALs rescue hostages in Somalia; first anniversary of Egypt uprising; Apple reporting monstrous earnings; Julian Assange to host talk show.

Sources:FoxNews AlJazeera CNN RT

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/newsy-now-january-25-1615-gmt/

By Harumendhah Helmy

Anchor: Jim Flink

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Suze Orman Under Fire for Her Debit Card

2012-01-25T11:36:00.000-05:00

Personal finance guru Suze Orman is under fire for her new prepaid debit card. Critics say it’s full of hidden fees.

Sources:KMBC Fox HLN TIME FoxBusiness

BusinessWeek

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/suze-orman-under-fire-for-her-debit-card/

By David Earl

Anchor: Nathan Byrne

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Martha Stewart Sued by Macy's

2012-01-25T11:31:00.000-05:00

Mega department store Macy's sues Martha Stewart -- a business partner -- for striking a new deal with discount rival J.C. Penney.

Sources:FoxBusiness YouTube TheWallStreetJournal

ABC

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/martha-stewart-sued-by-macy-s/

By David Earl

Anchor: Nathan Bryne

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Gingrich Super PAC Gets Boost

2012-01-25T11:28:00.000-05:00

Mariam and Sheldon Adelson have donated another five million dollars to Gingrich’s Super PAC: Winning Our Future.

Sources:CNN TheDailyBeast TheNewYorkTimes

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/gingrich-super-pac-gets-boost/

By Brian Bondus

Anchor: Nathan Byrne

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Newt Gingrich Squeaks Out a Lead in the Polls

2012-01-25T11:23:00.000-05:00

Hot on the heels of a primary win and impressive showings at two debates, Newt Gingrich has edged out Mitt Romney’s lead in the polls.

Sources:FoxBusiness TheWashingtonPost NPR

TheGuardian TheNewYorkTimes

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/newt-gingrich-squeaks-out-a-lead-in-the-polls/

By Alyssa Cartee

Anchor: Zach Toombs

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

EU Proposes New Data-Protection Laws

2012-01-25T11:19:00.000-05:00

The European Union will propose new data protection rules Wednesday in an attempt to regulate online data privacy.

Sources:Bloomberg FinancialTimes WallStreetJournal

TheNewYorkTimes

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/eu-to-issue-tough-data-protection-rules/

By Jing Liu

Anchor: Megan Murphy

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

2012 State Of The Union Address: Enhanced Version

2012-01-25T00:45:00.001-05:00

Cuomo Responds to State of the Union Address

2012-01-24T22:37:00.000-05:00

"Our Top Priority Must Be Jobs, Jobs, Jobs"

New York Governor has issued the follow statement regarding President Obama's State of the Union speech:

"In his 2012 State of the Union Address, President Obama put forward a bold vision to strengthen the national economy, grow America's middle class, and protect consumers. The President is right to put private sector growth at the center of his agenda to create jobs, and his address laid out specific steps to build our country's economy not just for today but for future generations as well.

"Here in New York State we have seen the effectiveness of public-private partnerships at jumpstarting economic growth. I applaud the President's proposal to work with private industries to rebuild America's manufacturing sector and his call for tapping into alternative energy sources to power our economic recovery. As we in New York work to transform our state's education system, I welcome President Obama's call for a renewed focus on making sure all students receive the education and training they need to be successful in today and tomorrow's economy.

"Our top priority must be jobs, jobs, jobs. When the national economy improves New York benefits, and I look forward to continuing to work together with the President and our federal representatives to grow our economy."

Gingrich Releases Freddie Mac Contract

2012-01-24T20:09:00.000-05:00

Ahead of Monday’s Florida debate, Newt Gingrich released documents explaining his relationship with Freddie Mac.

Sources:HLN Bloomberg HuffingtonPost

FoxBusiness WashingtonPost FoxNews

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/gingrich-releases-freddie-mac-contract/

By Victoria Craig

Anchor: Victoria Craig

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

France Passes 'Armenian Genocide' Bill

2012-01-24T20:05:00.002-05:00

Armenians are celebrating the bill, which penalizes people for denying the Armenian genocide of 1915. But Turkey's Prime Minister calls it "racist."

Sources:euronews Hurriyet NewYorkTimes
France24 AlJazeera ArmeniaNow.com

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/france-passes-armenian-genocide-bill/

By Kevin Dubouis

Anchor: Megan Murphy

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Campaign Manager’s Cat Killed, Message Left

2012-01-24T19:58:00.000-05:00

An Arkansas Democratic campaign manager found his family cat dead and painted with the word 'liberal'.

Sources:TheHuffingtonPost Gather BlueArkansasBlog

HyperVocal CNN

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/democrat-s-cat-killed-branded-with-message/

By Alyssa Cartee

Anchor: Lauren Gores

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Romney Releases Tax Returns

2012-01-24T19:53:00.000-05:00

After intense pressure from both parties, GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney released his tax returns on Tuesday.

Sources:Bloomberg FoxBusiness CNNMoney MSNBC

WashingtonPost TheAtlantic CBS Today

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/romney-releases-tax-returns/

By Victoria Craig

Anchor: Victoria Craig

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

'Egypt Has Come a Long Way in the Past Year'

2012-01-24T18:49:00.011-05:00

Flag of Egypt

Statement by the Press Secretary on Egypt's Transition to Democracy

This week, Egypt achieved several historic milestones in its transition to democracy. Yesterday, democratically-elected representatives of the People’s Assembly met for the first time since Egypt’s revolution, and the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces transferred legislative authority to them. Today, Field Marshal Tantawi took steps to lift the state of emergency that has existed in Egypt for several decades. And tomorrow, Egyptians will commemorate the anniversary of the revolution that made Egypt’s transition to democracy possible. We congratulate the Egyptian people and their government on these important steps toward fulfilling the promise of Egypt’s revolution, which has inspired the world. While many challenges remain, Egypt has come a long way in the past year, and we hope that all Egyptians will commemorate this anniversary with the spirit of peace and unity that prevailed last January. The United States will continue to stand with the Egyptian people, and those across the region, as they defend universal values and work toward a better future for all Egyptians.

Image source: Open Clip Art Library

Author: Open Clip Art Library

Permission: Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.

Cuomo's Mandate Relief Council to Meet January 25

2012-01-24T18:11:00.001-05:00

Council to Hold Public Hearings Across the State for Public Input

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the Mandate Relief Council will meet on Wednesday, January 25 in the State Capitol in Albany.

The Council was created by the Governor and Legislature to address the skyrocketing costs facing local governments that have contributed to New York State's high property tax rates. Wednesday’s meeting will be the first public meeting of the Council, which will also be conducting public hearings across the state.

"For too many years local governments and school districts have been burdened with growing costs, driving up property taxes and cutting into the delivery of vital services," Governor Cuomo said.

"My budget already includes billions of dollars of relief to help lower costs for taxpayers and this council will continue to build on that effort to ensure more savings for New Yorkers."

The Mandate Relief Council is an eleven-member Executive and Legislative council charged with reviewing and advancing proposals to reduce the statutory and regulatory burden on local governments and school districts.

Governor Cuomo signed the law creating the Mandate Relief Council as part of a mandate relief package that will save local governments and school districts more than $125 million.

The Council's meeting on Wednesday, January 25 will be held at 10:00AM in the Blue Room (Room 250 in the Capitol).

The State depends on its local governments and school districts to deliver essential services to its residents and often prescribes how these services should be provided.

These requirements are woven throughout State laws and regulations – limiting flexibility and increasing costs. The Council was created to find, review, and reform these mandates.

Members of the Council include: Lawrence Schwartz, Chair, Secretary to the Governor; Mylan Denerstein, Counsel to the Governor; Robert Megna, Director of the Division of the Budget; Cesar Perales, Secretary of State; David Wakelyn, Deputy Secretary for Education; James Introne, Deputy Secretary for Health; Kristin Proud, Deputy Secretary for Human Services, Operations, and Technology; Senator Elizabeth Little (appointed by the Temporary President of the Senate); Senator Jack Martins (appointed by the Temporary President of the Senate); Assemblyman Carl Heastie (appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly) and Assemblyman William Magnarelli (appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly).

Behind the Scenes: Writing the 2012 State of the Union Address

2012-01-24T14:12:00.000-05:00

Take a look inside the West Wing as the 2012 State of The Union Address is written The President has been brainstorming with the speechwriters and huddling with the policy team. He's come up with new ideas, rewritten language, and reordered pages. For President Obama, this isn't simply an editing exercise. He's invested in creating the State of the Union because he sees it as his opportunity to take his vision for the country to the American people directly.

Obama to Deliver State of the Union: What to Expect

2012-01-24T14:07:00.000-05:00

Aside from a bipartisan seating chart, analysts don't expect much civility ahead of President Obama's 2012 State of the Union address.

Sources:KABC NY1 MSNBC KCNC TheWhiteHouse

FoxBusiness USAToday

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/obama-to-deliver-state-of-the-union-what-to-expect/

By Christina Hartman

Anchor: Christina Hartman

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

GOP Faceoff in Florida: Two Candidates Emerge

2012-01-24T14:03:00.000-05:00

GOP presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich steal the spotlight during Florida’s Monday debate.

Sources:NBC NewYorkTimes PBSNewshour

LATimes Newsweek

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/gop-faceoff-in-florida-two-candidates-emerge/

By Allie Spillyards

Anchor: Allie Spillyards

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Year of Dragon Means Potential Baby Boom

2012-01-24T13:59:00.000-05:00

Celebrations for the Chinese New Year Monday welcomed the Year of the Dragon, the luckiest of all the zodiac signs.

Sources:BBC BBC TIME DailyTelegraph

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/year-of-dragon-means-potential-baby-boom/

By Samantha Kubota

Anchor: Lauren Zima

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Study Says Smokers Light Up Even After Cancer Diagnosis

2012-01-24T13:56:00.000-05:00

The American Cancer Society released a study Monday that showed 14 percent of lung cancer patients still smoked five months after their diagnosis.

Sources:MSNBC TheConversation CNN

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/study-says-smokers-light-up-even-after-cancer-diagnosis/

By Emily Spain

Anchor: Emily Spain

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Spike Lee Goes After Hollywood At Sundance

2012-01-24T13:52:00.000-05:00

Spike Lee is the latest filmmaker to go off on big Hollywood studios, saying it's impossible to get a movie made with a mostly black cast.

Sources:NewYorkPost BigHollywood CBS LATimes

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/spike-lee-goes-after-hollywood-at-sundance/

By Brice Sander

Anchor: Brice Sander

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Supreme Court Rules Police Need Warrant For GPS

2012-01-24T13:47:00.000-05:00

The nation's highest court says police can't track a suspect's movements with GPS technology without a warrant. Analysts call it a landmark ruling.

Sources:KCRA MSNBC TheBostonGlobe Forbes

TheBaltimoreSun

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/supreme-court-rules-police-need-warrant-for-gps/

By Lauren Zima

Anchor: Lauren Zima

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Rand Paul v. TSA

2012-01-24T13:40:00.000-05:00

Senator Rand Paul says he was detained by the TSA Monday in Nashville. Now, he's questioning the agency's procedures.

Sources:LATimesBlog CNN WashingtonPost Politico

FoxNews Gawker ABC

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/rand-paul-v-tsa/

By Breana Jones

Anchor: Lauren Zima

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

White House Briefs

2012-01-23T22:21:00.000-05:00

EU to Impose Additional Sanctions on Iran

2012-01-23T17:13:00.003-05:00

Statement by the President on Today's Iran-Related Sanctions

I applaud today’s actions by our partners in the European Union to impose additional sanctions on Iran in response to the regime’s continuing failure to fulfill its international obligations regarding its nuclear program. These sanctions demonstrate once more the unity of the international community in addressing the serious threat presented by Iran’s nuclear program. The United States will continue to impose new sanctions to increase the pressure on Iran. On December 31, I signed into law a new set of sanctions targeting Iran’s Central Bank and its oil revenues. Today, the Treasury Department announced new sanctions on Bank Tejerat for its facilitation of proliferation, and we will continue to increase the pressure unless Iran acts to change course and comply with its international obligations.

Details about the sanctions are available here: EU Sanctions

We Can't Wait: President Obama Takes Action

2012-01-23T16:37:00.001-05:00

President Obama is not letting congressional gridlock slow economic growth. Here are the actions he has taken to support the middle class.

Addabbo Supports Raising Age for Gambling to 21

2012-01-23T16:24:00.001-05:00

Pitfalls of Gambling Among Youth Cited

Queens, NY - At the start of the legislative session, New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens) reports to his constituents the need to raise the minimum age to gamble at a state’s casino to 21.

Now that Governor Cuomo has initiated the legislative process and the wheels of Albany are turning toward legalizing full casino gaming in New York, the senator believes that now is also the time to address this important issue.

The senator wants to raise awareness of the pitfalls of gambling and promote legislative support in Albany for raising the age to legally gamble at a state’s casino to 21 from 18, the current legal age in New York State.

“I believe the time is right to address the issues of gambling through raising awareness and legislation,” Addabbo stated.

Addabbo has met with a number of individuals who represent organizations that have programs that attend to social problems associated with all types of gambling.

This past week, Addabbo discussed the issue with personnel from Genting New York, operators of the Resorts World Casino at Aqueduct, and was informed that it has an internal program for its employees and displays information on the issue for its customers throughout the casino.

“Our economy hinges on winning the future. For America to own this century, we must provide our younger residents with the conditions to excel academically and professionally in order to create the next Google or to invent the next critical piece of technology that revolutionizes the way people live," Addabbo stated.

"To do this, young people must have the opportunity to study in advanced fields of science and mathematics. With college costs continuing to grow, it is vital to provide a firm financial foundation for scholars to become the next entrepreneurs,” the senator added.

Addabbo believes that part of achieving this goal is to remove those impediments that may distract from, or curb, success. That is partly why the senator supports making the gambling age 21.

While gambling provides the allure of easy riches, the reality is that high school- and college-aged individuals are more likely to develop a pathological obsession with gambling similar to alcohol abuse.

According to a study published a few years ago by the Council on Alcoholism and Addictions of the Finger Lakes, Raising the Gambling Age to 21 in New York State, the earlier in life when a person begins gambling, the more likely it is that they will experience symptoms that correlate with pathological gambling.

Research has shown that gambling at a young age is a trigger for alcohol abuse, drug use and criminal behavior later in life. Moreover, youngsters are more inclined to gamble than older individuals, in games such as cards, dice, and pool.

According to Youth Gambling International (YGI), young adults ages 18-21 are three times more likely to have problems associated with gambling. Addiction professionals point to delaying the exposure of young people to problems as a means of prevention.

The organization also cites the following:

Making the gambling age 21 would ensure that there is a smaller likelihood that the youth in the state develop gambling addictions.

The prospect of thousands of young gambling addicts would place undue burdens on families and friends at a time when New Yorkers are recovering from a harsh recession and need to be investing wisely and preparing for the future.

It would also place unnecessary financial burdens on the state, which is obligated to aid citizens in need. If raising the minimum age to gamble is not realized, New York will be one of only six states that allow statewide gambling of all kinds and in all places at the age of 18.

The years between ages 18-21 are also the defining years of a young adult’s life. These are the years which will determine the kind of person they will become. It is a time when lifelong friends are made and an individual discovers who they are. It is reckless and irresponsible to place this personal discovery in jeopardy by luring young adults into gambling away their mental and financial well-being with a hope of easy riches.

It has been reported that the dangerous side effects of gambling addiction are not limited to the young. Seniors can also become pathological gamblers. Many seniors gamble as a means of passing the time or to increase their fixed incomes—but they may become addicted. Be on the lookout for warning signs that you or a loved one may have a gambling addiction, such as mood swings, decreased appetite or gambling with money designated for necessary expenses such as groceries or medications.

“Our state’s Constitution must be amended over two consecutive legislative sessions and then a deciding vote, via the people’s vote on a referendum ballot, must also provide public assent before full casino gaming can operate in the state. Since we have a few years before that is likely to happen, it gives us enough time to be more responsible by raising awareness to avoid youthful gambling addictions. I will continue to meet with all interested parties to address this serious issue,” Addabbo concluded.

Image courtesy of http://djassie.blogspot.com

Mason Named Spokesperson for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

2012-01-23T10:53:00.017-05:00

Bishop Terry Angel Mason

Event Will Target 14 Major Cities to Promote Awareness

Terry Angel Mason, internationally-renowned author, keynote speaker, poet, singer, songwriter, minister, columnist and civil rights activist has been selected as The National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Spokesperson for 2012.

February 7, will mark the 12th annual observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a nationwide community mobilization effort to emphasize the HIV/AIDS “State of Emergency” among African-Americans. The theme for this year's event is entitled “I am my Brother/Sister’s Keeper: Fight HIV/AIDS."

Mason will be assisting NBHAAD by using his international platform to encourage individuals to get educated about HIV/AIDS, get tested, get treated, and get involved in advocating for the resources necessary to fight the disease.

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day will target 14 major cities to promote awareness events and activities: Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, Detroit, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Oakland, Philadelphia, Raleigh-Durham and Washington, DC.

The National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is led by a Strategic Leadership Council (SLC) that provides guidance, direction, and strategic thought to engage African American community stakeholders and organizations for sustained participation in the initiative.

The SLC includes six national organizations that work together to address specific issues which influence the course of HIV/AIDS in African American communities across the United States.

The author and LGBT advocate has been making local and international headlines since the release of his first book, Love Won’t Let Me Be Silent, a gripping tome that offers strategies to help parents, families, ministers, teachers and community leaders effectively understand and support gay teens, young adults and people infected with HIV/AIDS.

A highly respected, in-demand speaker, Mason is poised to join other notable leaders, entertainers and spokespeople in fighting this disease, and recently announced that he will be available for interviews on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

“The HIV/AIDS epidemic has hit the African-American community the hardest, and I want to prevent the spread of this disease in our community by sharing my story and educating people on the facts and how they can protect themselves,” stated Mason.

Mason has been garnering local and national praise for his latest literary release titled, They Say That I Am Broken, which deals with a plethora of issues affecting the Same-Gender-Loving community, including homophobia in the Black church, HIV, DADT (Don't Ask Don't Tell), gay marriage, homeless gay children, and more.

“The book also features captivating articles about CNN anchor and author Don Lemon, Los Angeles Lakers’ basketball superstar Kobe Bryant, and much more,” said the author.

“They Say That I Am Broken is poised to gain worldwide recognition, as it affirms God’s love for all people, and eloquently dissects race, religion and homosexuality through empowering essays, poems and stories,” Mason added.

A survivor of full-blown AIDS and cancer, Mason was selected as Real Health’s Magazine Advocate of the Month and featured in www.HealthyBlackMen.org -- for the month of December -- for World AIDS Day. (Direct link to article: Terry "Angel" Mason is Blessed, Not Broken )

Mason's books have touched millions of lives and have been submitted for a Pulitzer Prize and numerous awards, including the Lambda Literary Award and the Stonewall Book Awards. Since his international debut, Mason has sparked worldwide debate about pressing issues affecting African-Americans and the gay and lesbian community.

The celebrated blogger and columnist recently published an article about SB 48, (The Fair Education Act; a law that requires schools to include LGBT history), and denounced the Black religious community’s actions to overturn the bill, citing that their intolerance and support of inequality promotes more bullying, discrimination and violence in the gay community.

Photo courtesy of Bishop Terry Angel Mason

'I Congratulate the New York Giants'

2012-01-23T10:52:00.000-05:00

Cuomo Issues Statement on GIANTS Win in San Francisco

"I congratulate the New York Giants on their victory over the San Francisco 49ers which is another step in their remarkable and historic Super Bowl run. I am thrilled that the Giants have come closer to bringing home the well-deserved Vince Lombardi Trophy."

Image source: http://www.sportslogos.net/logo.php?id=919

Author: New York Giants
Permission: Public Domain

Netflix Looking For New Chief Marketing Officer

2012-01-23T09:45:00.000-05:00

Netflix is in the process of reshuffling its staff and for the first time might hire an outsider to fill a major position within the company.

Sources:WKYC WallStreetJournal ZDNet Wired

GigaOM AOLNews

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/netflix-looking-for-new-chief-marketing-officer/

By Leah Becerra

Anchor: Brice Sander

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

MegaUpload Melodrama

2012-01-23T09:41:00.000-05:00

After a government take down and arrest, new details emerge about the strange man behind the popular website.

Sources:CNN TheDailyMail TheWallStreetJournal

NewYorkPost Bloomberg

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/megaupload-mega-melodrama/

By Brice Sander

Anchor: Brice Sander

Lin courtesy of Newsy.com

Mitt Romney’s Terrible Week

2012-01-23T09:36:00.000-05:00

Losing in South Carolina and in an Iowa recount in the span of three days, the candidate’s record in nominating contests went from 2-for-2 to 1-for-3

Sources:MSNBC FoxNews TheWashingtonExaminer

CNN Politico RealClearPolitics

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/mitt-romney-s-terrible-week/

By Zach Toombs

Anchor: Zach Toombs

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Mubarak Defense Attorney: He's Still Egypt's President

2012-01-23T09:31:00.000-05:00

The lawyer for Hosni Mubarak, the deposed Egyptian ruler, claims because he didn't sign resignation papers himself, he's still Egypt's ruler.

Sources:BikyaMasr HuffingtonPost CNN AlJazeera

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/mubarak-defense-attorney-he-s-still-egypt-s-president/

By Adnan Khan

Anchor: Lauren Zima

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Obama and Biden Comment on Giffords' Resignation

2012-01-23T09:26:00.002-05:00

Statement from President Obama

Gabby Giffords embodies the very best of what public service should be. She’s universally admired for qualities that transcend party or ideology – a dedication to fairness, a willingness to listen to different ideas, and a tireless commitment to the work of perfecting our union. That’s why the people of Arizona chose Gabby – to speak and fight and stand up for them. That’s what brought her to a supermarket in Tucson last year – so she could carry their hopes and concerns to Washington. And we know it is with the best interests of her constituents in mind that Gabby has made the tough decision to step down from Congress.

Over the last year, Gabby and her husband Mark have taught us the true meaning of hope in the face of despair, determination in the face of incredible odds, and now – even after she’s come so far – Gabby shows us what it means to be selfless as well.

Statement from Vice President Biden

I spoke with Gabby’s husband Mark yesterday and told him that the most important thing is Gabby's recovery. We fully support their decision. I know that Gabby will continue to make significant contributions to her state and country, and I stand with her in whatever endeavor she decides to pursue. Jill and I wish Gabby and Mark all the best as they embark on the next phase of recovery.

Photo source: The White House

Permission: Public Domain

Gabrielle Giffords Resigns From Congress

2012-01-23T09:08:00.000-05:00

Giffords says she will step down to focus on her recovery. Find out what's next for her seat.

Sources:YouTube CNN WSVN FoxNews

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/gabrielle-giffords-resigns-from-congress/

By Lauren Zima

Anchor: Lauren Zima

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Joe Paterno - The Legacy Left Behind

2012-01-23T09:04:00.000-05:00

Joe Paterno died Sunday morning at age 85 after battling complications from lung cancer treatment. Now, the media is reflecting on his legacy.

Sources:LATimes CBS TheWashingtonPost MSNBC

ABC CNN OrlandoSentinel

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/joe-paterno---the-legacy-left-behind/

By Kylie McGivern

Anchor: Kylie McGivern

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

New Autism Definition Proposed

2012-01-23T08:59:00.000-05:00

A new definition of autism would eliminate high-functioning individuals from the autism spectrum.

Sources:The New York Times ABC TIME WNCT

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/new-definition-of-autism-proposed/

By Stacey Welsh

Anchor: Zach Toombs

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Graphic Abortion Ad Set To Air During Super Bowl

2012-01-23T08:53:00.001-05:00

Long-shot presidential candidate Randall Terry endorses graphic abortion ads via a FCC loophole.

Sources:TheWashingtonPost TheGuardian KYTV

BleacherReport

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/graphic-abortion-ad-set-to-air-during-superbowl/

By Gina Cook

Anchor: Zach Toombs

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

R.I.P: Bill Mardo, Sportswriter, Civil Rights Icon

2012-01-20T21:50:00.003-05:00

Bill Mardo eventually became a close friend of Dodgers great Jackie Robinson.

"The Mighty Mardo"

(October 24, 1923 - January 20, 2012)

From The G-Man would like to take this opportunity to honor a man that the majority of the country completely forgot about during his final years, even though he played a significant role in the reconstruction of Major League Baseball by challenging the legendary Branch Rickey and helping the late, great Jackie Robinson break baseball's color barrier.

Bill Mardo was a fan and supporter of this news and information site, and I'm extremely proud of the fact that one of the greatest sportswriters and civil rights icons considered the article below to be nothing short of "brilliant" when it was read to him by his companion, Ruth. It was written with the fearlessness, passion, power and venom that became Mardo's trademark during his illustrious career -- a career that is worthy of the highest national accolades.

Once again, From The G-Man respectfully requests that President Barack Obama, Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig, the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg do everything possible to publicly acknowledge Bill Mardo for his remarkable literary achievements and the indelible mark he left on this great nation.

Now, a final tribute - which was originally published January 3, 2011 -- to my friend, idol and mentor...."The Mighty Mardo". I love you, and I'll miss you, man.

"The Mighty Mardo"

Bill Mardo, pictured at age 18, joined the Daily Worker in 1942.

Politicians, Media Ignore Pleas to Honor Severely Ill Civil Rights Icon

“Jackie…. Jackie…. puh-leeze …Jackie! Excited kids leaning over the Dodger dugout roof, imploring a smiling, ebony-skinned twenty-eight-year old athlete to scribble his name on a white baseball…. on an outstretched piece of paper…. on anything. The air so thick with excitement you could almost dip your fingers into it. Ebbets Field, Opening Day of a new baseball season – opening in a whole new way. Yes, yes, on this fifteenth day of April in 1947, Jackie Robinson picked up his bat and broke the chains that had imprisoned a great American game for more seasons than anyone wants to remember."

Bill Mardo

An excerpt from “Robinson – Robeson”, the twelfth chapter of “Jackie Robinson: Race, Sports and the American Dream” (Edited by Joseph Dorinson and Joram Warmund)

My relationship with Bill Mardo, whom I affectionately refer to as “The Mighty Mardo”, began back in April of 2010. At the time, I was volunteering at a Manhattan senior care facility. Every Wednesday, from 3pm to 4pm, I would serve as the deejay for “The Classics Café”, a dance mix program that I created for the facility to engage and entertain many of the wheelchair-bound residents. I would play anything from the Andrew Sisters to James Brown, and the seniors would get their groove on for the full hour.

The program became an enormous hit, and it wasn’t long before many of the residents approached me for requests. But there was one man who never did. I approached him -- as he sat close to his longtime companion, Ruth -- and asked if there was a specific artist or song he liked. With a slight smirk he responded, “Sinatra”. The smirk led me to believe that he didn’t think I could pull it off, but I promised him that I would play a classic or two from “Old Blue Eyes” every week. I kept that promise for eight consecutive months. The Creator rewarded me for my act of kindness by allowing me to discover this man’s amazing and breathtaking legacy.

One day, while in route to the facility, I ran into Ruth. “Everyone loves you and the Classics Café! We hope you’re not leaving anytime soon, especially Bill,” she exclaimed. “He was so thrilled when you played Sinatra, and I wanted to show my appreciation by giving you this,” she stated. She handed me a thick envelope and revealed that she Googled me. Your work as a journalist and writer is absolutely amazing, G-Man. You have a lot in common with Bill. Please read this and let me know what you think,” she concluded. We hugged in the middle of 86th Street and West End Avenue and parted company.

The envelope contained the complete version of the Robinson–Robeson excerpt I presented at the beginning of this article. The chapter features one of the greatest essays ever written on not just Robinson breaking the color barrier in professional baseball, but also on racism in America and the true relationship between Robinson and the legendary Paul Robeson. Mardo unleashes a blistering and merciless attack on the late, great Dodger general manager Branch Rickey and his original reluctance to sign Robinson to the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Mardo brought these words to life during a speech at Long Island University, in 1997, marking the 50th anniversary of Robinson’s historic feat. Copyright restrictions prevent me from publishing the piece in its entirety, but I urge each of you to obtain a copy and share it with as many people, especially young people, as possible. Please!

To say that I was speechless after reading Mardo’s essay would be an understatement. I was determined to find out more about him and conducted Internet searches that went well past 3am. I was catapulted into a state of awe after learning Mardo, back in 1941, at the tender age of 18, became a member of the Young Communist League (YCL). Mardo took the editor of the “YCL Review” to task for not having a sports page – something Mardo felt was crucial in the fight against Jim Crow. The fiery, unrelenting and young sportswriter became the YCL Review’s first sports editor.

His powerful prose and scathing attacks on segregation and racism, in both society and professional sports, eventually caught the attention of another columnist named Lester Rodney. Rodney was the sports editor for the “Daily Worker”, the Communist Party U.S.A.’s newspaper. In 1937, Rodney and the publication launched a personal crusade against segregation and racism in professional sports through a series of news stories and columns. Mardo brought his take-no-prisoners style of writing to the publication in 1942, and Robinson was signed to the Dodgers five years later. This "Dynamic Duo of Desegregation" helped change the course of history and sports journalism.

The Daily Worker Sitting Room, circa 1943.

Many historians and sports analysts have cited Rodney, Mardo and the Daily Worker as having an enormous impact on Branch Rickey’s decision to bring Jackie Robinson into the major leagues. While it is true that many Black organizations, newspapers and sportswriters were just as important in defeating segregation in major league baseball at that time, Mardo was one of the few sportswriters in the country that developed and maintained a very close relationship with Robinson on and off the field.

Mardo was there when people, Black and white, Jew and Protestant, praised and prayed for Robinson. Mardo was also there when people spit on Robinson and yelled, “Go back to the nigger leagues, boy!” or “Got that fried chicken and watermelon for you in the dugout, nigger!” Mardo battled the monsters with his conviction, sharp mind and love of words. Lester Rodney died in 2009 at the age of 98. Mardo, now 87, a knight who played a significant role in slaying the baseball segregation dragon, is all that’s left to remind us of this dynamic duo’s remarkable achievement and the Daily Worker’s unsung legacy.

Every person in America owes a huge debt of gratitude to Bill Mardo, Lester Rodney and the Daily Worker, and it is high time that something was done to honor them. Mardo and I have become extremely close, and not too long ago Ruth informed me that he is extremely ill. Needless to say, I was deeply affected by the news.

Realizing he may not have much time left with us, as he is battling Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, I refuse to simply stand by and watch this great man waste away or die in a Manhattan nursing home. Soon, these dreadful diseases will rob him of every wonderful memory he has of his beloved Ruth, his family, his friends, his historic achievement, Robinson and Robeson. The day will come when Mardo, a man that helped change the course of history, won’t remember any of it. Not only does this make me angry and sad, it makes me cry. That’s why something must be done now!

Ladies and gentlemen, I proudly introduce "The Mighty Mardo".
He is pictured with his long-time companion, Ruth.

I'm determined to see that this legendary man is honored. I’ve reached out to most of the major sports anchors and writers in New York City, and they haven’t even bothered to respond. I’ve reached out to the New York State Conference of Black Senators, and they haven’t bothered to respond. I love Bill Mardo and his legacy enough to tell them all, right here and now, in classic Mardo fashion, that they’re a disgrace to this nation for refusing to acknowledge his legacy! They aren’t fit to carry the trusty typewriter Mardo constantly banged away on, and they should be deeply, deeply ashamed of themselves!

That’s why I wrote this piece, and that’s why I’m calling on President Barack Obama, Governor Andrew Cuomo, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the New York City Council, filmmakers Steven Spielberg and Clint Eastwood, ESPN Magazine, and professional athletes from various sports to publicly acknowledge Bill Mardo and Lester Rodney. I’m also urging the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) to launch an all-out effort to have them inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

I will close with another excerpt from Mardo’s brilliant and critically acclaimed Robinson-Robeson.

“Having had the real privilege of knowing both Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson, I know in my gut that this is what Jackie and Paul would be addressing today. They might be saying, “Hey, Ebonics is a fact of Black life. But c’mon, let’s get real! Roots…street language…the vernacular…don’t have a damn thing to do with what is number one on the agenda. There’s a four-letter word that we all spell alike and pronounce alike. It’s called jobs…J-O-B-S! Jobs lead to another four-letter word that we all spell alike and pronounce alike. It’s called hope....H-O-P-E! Jobs and hope lead to something called.....
L-I-F-E-!”

For more information on Bill Mardo and the Daily Worker, please visit these links:

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2010/02/03/Personality-Spotlight-Bill-Mardo-fought-to-break-down-race-barriers-in-sports/UPI-77111265193120/

http://clogic.eserver.org/3-1&2/rusinack&lamb.html

Jackie Robinson photo courtesy of http://publicdomainclip-art.blogspot.com

Carney: 'The United States Will Not Waiver in Our Support for the Liberty of the Cuban People'

2012-01-20T20:03:00.001-05:00

Wilmar Villar Mendoza

Statement by the Press Secretary on the Death of Cuban Activist Wilmar Villar

President Obama’s thoughts and prayers are with the wife, family, and friends of Wilmar Villar, a young and courageous defender of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Cuba who launched a hunger strike to protest his incarceration and succumbed to pneumonia.

Villar’s senseless death highlights the ongoing repression of the Cuban people and the plight faced by brave individuals standing up for the universal rights of all Cubans. The United States will not waiver in our support for the liberty of the Cuban people.

We will remain steadfast in our outreach to the Cuban people through unlimited Cuban American family visits and remittances, purposeful travel, and humanitarian assistance to dissidents and their families in support of their legitimate desire to freely determine Cuba’s future.

Details on Villar's death are available at the following: The Death of Wilmar Villar Mendoza

Photo courtesy of http://cubanitoencuba.com

Congress Puts SOPA, PIPA on Hold

2012-01-20T19:36:00.000-05:00

On Friday Congress put the controversial legislation on hold after mounting pressure from critics.

Sources:Bloomberg MSNBC CNN Politico Forbes

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/congress-puts-sopa-pipa-on-hold/

By Christina Hartman

Anchor: Megan Murphy

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Gingrich Surges in South Carolina

2012-01-20T19:32:00.000-05:00

New poll numbers show Gingrich ahead of Romney in South Carolina just one day before the primary.

Sources:CNN MSNBC Politico NewYorkDailyNews

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/gingrich-surges-in-south-carolina/

By Allie Spillyards

Anchor: Allie Spillyards

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Bangladesh: Alleged Coup Attempt Foiled

2012-01-20T19:28:00.000-05:00

The Bangladesh army said it cracked down on a coup to overthrow PM Sheikh Hasina's government in December.

Sources:NewsX IBN Live Los Angeles Times

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/bangladesh-alleged-coup-attempt-foiled/

By Xiaonan Wang

Anchor: Ana Compain-Romero

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Mom: Toddler Denied Transplant Over Mental Disorder

2012-01-20T19:21:00.000-05:00

A doctor refuses to put Amelia Rivera on the kidney transplant list reportedly because she suffers from Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome.

Sources:CNN Change.org Facebook
TheHuffingtonPost KYW

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/mom-toddler-denied-transplant-over-mental-disorder/

By Meredith Baldwin

Anchor: Christina Hartman

Link courtesy of Newsy.com