Bush, UN condemn 'barbaric' Jerusalem school attack

Members of a previously unknown group called “Phalange of Free Men of Galilee” shot and killed eight students and wounded nine others at the Merkaz Harav Yeshiva in west Jerusalem. President Bush gave his condolences to the families of the children and said that the U.S. condemns such actions. The UN will be meeting soon to decide the next course of action.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23334418-1702,00.html

Though there were more motives at hand, this shooting is somewhat like the Virginia Tech and NIU shootings in that innocent students were killed unsparingly. The people involved in the shooting were part of a group of the Martyr Imad Mughnieh and Martyrs of Gaza, which makes their actions seem contradictory. If they truly believe in martyrdom then they should believe in sacrificing their own lives for what they believe, not others’ lives.

Bush endorses McCain in US race

President George W. Bush is endorsing his one-time rival, John McCain, in his run for presidency. Bush believes that McCain will be able to win this race with his support. In the Democratic run, Obama is beating Clinton in the battle for delegates. A joint ticket has been proposed due to the closeness of the race, though it is too early to tell if this will even occur.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7279796.stm

The world will be affected greatly, depending on who wins the upcoming presidential election. Though McCain has a chance, the fact that Bush is endorsing him might hurt him more than it is helping him due to the people’s dislike for Bush. If Obama wins, it will mark a changing point in America as the first time a white man is not the president. Likewise, with Clinton, it will mark the first woman president.

Vt. towns approve Bush 'indictment'

Voters in Brattleboro and Marlboro, Vt. approved of measures to call “for the indictment of President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney.” They believe the two are in violation of the Constitution and should be arrested if they ever visit the two towns. Many that voted for the indictment did this to show their frustration over the war in Iraq. Others did not view it as beneficial to the community.

http://origin.mercurynews.com/weirdnews/ci_8449821

Some viewed this as a “waste [of] taxpayer dollars” and felt that the towns should be looking for ways to help their own problems rather than create new ones. Though this issue does bring up some serious issues, in the long run it could help long-existing ones such as the war in Iraq. However, this indictment is coming at a rather late stage in the current presidency. If this issue ever got big enough, it wouldn’t be until after Bush is out of office.

White House aide accused of plagiarism

Timothy Goeglein, a special assistant to Bush and deputy director of the Office of Public Liaison, was accused of plagiarism on Friday. An article he had published in The News-Sentinel in Fort Wayne, Ind. was found to be copied almost directly from a Dartmouth College publication. The News-Sentinel is now looking for other articles Goeglein could have plagiarized.

http://www.mercurynews.com/natbreakingnews/ci_8408740

Goelgein’s actions are good examples of what not to do when becoming a journalist. This one instance could very well ruin his entire reputation. If there are enough people reading the right articles, it is only a matter of time until someone like this gets caught. Though it is not clear if he will keep his job, he will most likely be punished in some way.

Bush: More Free Trade, not Less

President Bush is pushing for the Colombia Free Trade Agreement to pass, despite opposition from Obama and Clinton. Bush believes that it will ensure that everyone is treated fairly in trading, whereas Obama and Clinton believe that the agreement will cause many workers to lose their jobs.

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dc/2008/02/bush-more-free-trade-not-less.html

If this agreement is passed, it will supposedly allow products to be traded freely and equally between Columbia and the U.S. However, there is the chance that it will have the same effect as NAFTA had on Ohio, hurting both its workers and its economy. If it is not passed, Bush believes that “it will sorely affect the national security interests of the United States…It will undermine the standing of courageous leaders like [Columbian] President [Alvaro] Uribe.”

Bush names special US envoy to Islamic conference

President Bush named a Texas entrepreneur, Sada Cumber, to The Organization of the Islamic Conference. Cumber will represent more than 50 Islamic states and explain to them that America values freedom, despite anti-American sentiment.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/02/28/america/NA-GEN-US-Muslim-Envoy.php

This new entrepreneur, though a Texan, is still a Muslim by faith and should help support America’s name. Many people from other countries come to America to escape religious persecution and with any luck, Cumber will teach the Islamic world just that.

Senate candidate calls for Bush’s arrest

Laurie Dobson, an Independent U.S. Senate candidate stationed in Kennebunkport, Maine, wants Bush and Cheney to be indicted as war criminals. She called Bush “the worst president in the history of the United States,” because he had “made killing fields of many countries.” She also wants a warrant for Bush and Cheney’s arrests for “crimes against our Constitution.” Despite the facts that towns in Maine have no power to indict and the police will not arrest Bush or Cheney should they arrive in the town, Dobson is adamant on getting something done.

http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080226/NEWS/80226036/-1/NEWS19&sfad=1

At such a late stage in Bush’s presidency, anything as drastic as indictment will most likely not happen unless Bush completely messes up. As of now, Dobson’s campaign is small and will not attract as much attention as would be necessary for the kind of change she is looking for. With everyone looking forward to the next presidential race, America’s attention is divided from Bush and focused on who our next president will be; furthermore adding to the lack of attention Dobson’s campaign will receive.