In the News: Jan-12

Bush defends presidency in final news conference - 12 Jan 2009 at 11:47am - WASHINGTON -- By turns wistful, aggressive and joking in the final news conference of his presidency, President George W. Bush vigorously defended his record Monday but also offered an extraordinary listing of his mistakes - including his optimistic Iraq speech before a giant "Mission Accomplished" banner in 2003.
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He particularly became indignant when asked about America's bruised image overseas. "I disagree with this assessment that, you know, that people view America in a dim light," he said. "It may be damaged amongst some of the elite. But people still understand America stands for freedom."

Still the quintessential bubble-boy.

Joe the Plumber calls on Obama to help Israel - 12 Jan 2009 at 11:24am - Joe the Plumber called on President-elect Barack Obama on Monday to help Israel in its campaign against Hamas.

Joe the activist plumber-reporter. How much help does he think Israel needs?

Advisers say Obama preparing to close Gitmo - 12 Jan 2009 at 2:59pm - WASHINGTON -- Advisers to President-elect Barack Obama say one of his first duties in office will be to order the closing of the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay. That executive order is expected during Obama's first week on the job - and possibly on his first day, according to two transition team advisers. Both spoke Monday on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

State Dept: US to evacuate 150 from Gaza - 12 Jan 2009 at 12:16pm - WASHINGTON -- The State Department says it is planning to evacuate about 150 Americans and non-American family members from Gaza, where Israel is continuing major military operations against Hamas militants.

Bush says U.S. moral standing not diminished under his watch - 12 Jan 2009 at 12:15pm - In the final news conference of his presidency, U.S. President George W. Bush strongly dismissed suggestions that the United States lost its moral standing during his administration, insisting his most vociferous critics are few.

Bush Calls on Republican Party to Be Inclusive - 12 Jan 2009 at 8:42am - President Bush warned his fellow Republicans against appearing ?anti-immigrant? while offering kind words for his successor in one of his last major interviews.

Thought for the day:
There is absolutely no inevitability as long as there is a willingness to contemplate what is happening. -Marshall McLuhan (1911 - 1980)