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Quote of the day. "I wanted to make a point that humanitarianism is not a crime, and water's not littering." Walt Staton, of “No More Death,” convicted in Tucson, AZ, for littering after leaving water bottles for immigrants along trails in the desert. (Los Angeles Times)
Health care. Obama Injects Himself Into Health Talks, Despite Risks “Behind the scenes, however, Mr. Obama and his advisers have been quite active, sometimes negotiating deals with a degree of cold-eyed political realism potentially at odds with the president’s rhetoric.” U.S. healthcare town halls: Anger, fear and lunacy “The sound and fury at U.S. 'town hall' meetings on healthcare reform have revealed as much about conservative fears of President Barack Obama as about health issues -- and in the end might have little significance in the broader debate.” AARP wields its power in health care debate “AARP has supported the concept of overhauling the system and has endorsed an $80 billion White House deal with pharmaceutical drug manufacturers that will save seniors money under Medicare Part D, but it has not expressed support for any of the specific pieces of legislation making their way through Congress.”
Foreclosures. U.S. home foreclosures set another record in July “U.S. home loans failed at a record pace in July despite ongoing federal and state programs to avoid foreclosures, which have severely strained housing and the economy.”
United Nations. U.S. vows to embrace U.N. in break with Bush-era policy “The Obama administration will work with the United Nations to fight terrorism and other major world challenges, U.S. envoy Susan Rice said on Wednesday, marking a clear shift from the Bush administration's disregard for the world body.”
Iraqi immigrants. Iraqi Immigrants Face Lonely Struggle in U.S. “But now that Iraqis are arriving in larger numbers, many are discovering that life in the United States is much harder than they expected.”
Green churches. Churches follow bible of green “Churches have been going green for years because many see it as a way of carrying out environmental stewardship by caring for God's Earth. The recession brings up another powerful motivator: money.”
Afghanistan-election. As Afghan Vote Nears, Taliban Intimidation Rises “The Taliban have escalated a campaign of threats and intimidation ahead of the presidential election next Thursday, warning voters in mosques and through leaflets and radio announcements not to vote, or face 'strong punishment.'” Afghan candidates face more vocal constituency: women “They have learned a lot about politics and advocacy in the past seven years. And though some are hesitant to call the nascent efforts a full-blown women's movement, few doubt that women have come a great distance when it comes to knowing and advocating for their own rights.”
Afghanistan-war. Afghan Strategy Poses Tactical Tests for Marines “The new U.S. strategy for Afghanistan, as articulated in military headquarters and congressional hearing rooms, puts the emphasis not on killing Taliban fighters but on winning over the local people.” Use of drones in Pakistan and Afghanistan: deadly, but legal? “Unmanned aerial drones have become important weapons in the U.S. counterterrorism effort. But questions are mounting about who controls the drones, and what laws govern their use.”
Pakistan. Deaths in Pakistan Taliban attack “At least 70 people are reported to have been killed and dozens injured in a major battle between Taliban fighters and another tribal group in Pakistan.” Taliban, Foes Clash in Pakistan “Taliban fighters attacked rival militants backed by the government in Pakistan's tribal areas, sparking clashes that officials and tribal elders said left dozens dead.”
Iran. Iran opposition leader decries 'show trials,' prisoner treatment “Iran's legal system came under fresh criticism Wednesday amid allegations of prisoner abuse and controversy over televised courtroom confessions, decried as 'show trials' by domestic and international critics.” Iran jail rape claims 'baseless' “The speaker of Iran's parliament has dismissed claims by a defeated presidential candidate that opposition protesters were raped in detention.”
Honduras. Honduras protesters mob legislator “Supporters of Manuel Zelaya, the ousted Honduran president, have mobbed a legislator known to back the coup that pushed the president from power.”
Colombia. U.S. might use Colombia's military bases “Colombia's armed forces chief Wednesday said negotiations could conclude this weekend on an agreement to increase the U.S. military presence in the South American country — a vaguely explained deal that has sparked strong protests in the hemisphere.”
Opinion. Progress Over Perfection (Paul Begala, The Washington Post) “Let's hope those writing the new health-reform bill can give us something that represents historic progress -- and that those of us most passionately committed to fundamental reform can celebrate progress, not lament a lack of perfection.” Invest in Africa, invest in the whole world (Peter Hazell, Guardian) “Africa will feel the worst effects of rising food prices. But with greater investment in agriculture from governments and donors, the continent could become the bread basket of the world.”
Personal note. A special thank you to Kaitlin Barker, Sojourners’ editorial assistant for the past year. As part of her work, she has faithfully proofread and formatted the Daily Digest. Kaitlin’s next step is to work in the Women's PeaceMakers Program at the Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice at the University of San Diego. Thanks, Kaitlin.
And, while I’m on vacation the next two weeks, Sojourners assistant editor Jeannie Choi will be compiling the Digest.
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