In the News: Aug-14

Bush signs bill banning lead from children's toys - 14 Aug 2008 at 12:40pm - WASHINGTON -- President Bush on Thursday signed consumer-safety legislation that bans lead from children's toys, imposing the toughest standard in the world.

Pentagon official removed from 2nd Gitmo trial - 14 Aug 2008 at 11:24am - A military judge on Thursday barred a Pentagon official from taking part in a second war crimes trial at Guantanamo Bay, providing more ammunition for detainee lawyers who allege that political interference taints the proceedings. The ruling will fuel defense challenges in other trials at this U.S. Navy base, where a former chief prosecutor and defense lawyers have accused Air Force Brig Gen. Thomas Hartmann, the legal adviser to the tribunals, of demanding that certain cases be pursued over others based on political considerations.

Soldiers in combat at higher risk for binge drinking: U.S. study - 14 Aug 2008 at 9:59am - U.S. National Guard and Reserve combat troops in Iraq and Afghanistan are more likely to develop drinking problems than active-duty soldiers, a new military study suggests. The authors speculate that inadequate preparation for the stress of combat and reduced access to support services at home may be to blame.

U.S. Navy charges Iraq camp guards with abuse - 14 Aug 2008 at 9:37am - BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Six sailors working as prison camp guards in Iraq face courts martial for abusing detainees, some of whom were sealed in a cell with pepper spray, the U.S. Navy said on Thursday.

Thought for the day:
The people I distrust most are those who want to improve our lives but have only one course of action. -Frank Herbert (1920 - 1986)