In Peacefulness, US Ranks 83rd

The 2009 Global Peace Index shows New Zealand is the most peaceful place on earth.  This ranking is conducted by the Institute for Economics and Peace, that rates how tranquil 144 nations are, using 23 indicators, such as gun sales, the number of homicides, the number of people in jail, and the size of the military.

After New Zealand, the top 10 most peaceful nations are Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Austria, Sweden, Japan, Canada, Finland and Slovenia. In the bottom 10 are Zimbabwe, Russia, Pakistan, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Israel, Somalia, Afghanistan and, in last place, Iraq.

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How Will Obama’s Egypt Speech Play?

Much attention will be focused on President Obama’s unique background with his upcoming Egyptian speech. With stories like, “The Emergence of President Obama’s Muslim Roots,” the emerging dialogue will, hopefully, be productive and lead to less bigotry.  Muslims have become the new communists in America.  For those who must have an enemy, that is it.

Obama is talking more openly these days about his roots as he reaches out to the Muslim world.

In his April 6 address to the Turkish Parliament, President Obama referenced how many “Americans have Muslims in their families or have lived in …

Let Us Not Forget Another Unnecessary Murder

It’s important to note that the killing of an army recruiter doing his job should, like the killing of George Tiller, be roundly condemned.  One private was killed and another wounded by a gunman identified as Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad.  Just as Dr. George Tiller was serving women and ensuring their reproductive rights, Pvt. William A. Long of Conway, Arkansas, was serving his country when he was gunned down.  Pvt. Quinton Ezeagwula remains in stable condition as a result of the shooting.

Muhammad, who was born Carlos Bledsoe, says he was angry about wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  He is …

On Tuesday’s Radio Show…

• Alan discusses the impact of the GM bankruptcy with Lansing, Michigan Mayor Virg Bernero.

• How could anyone celebrate the murder of George Tiller? Alan confronts Wiley Drake, a California pastor who says Tiller’s death was an answer to his prayers. 

• Conservatives are outraged at President Obama for saying that Iran may have a right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Alan attempts to calm their fears.…

Alan Keyes’ Running Mate: “I Am Glad George Tiller Is Dead” (UPDATED)

Wiley Drake, who was Alan Keyes’ running made during Keyes’s last attempt at the presidency, said on his radio program, “I am glad George Tiller is dead” and “…it’s an answer to prayer.”

Drake, pastor at the First Southern Baptist Church in Buena Park, CA., also referred to Tiller as ”a brutal, murdering monster” and said he is “grateful to God” that he’s no longer around. Drake says about a year ago he began “imprecatory prayer,” meaning he prayed for evil.  Drake is also praying imprecatorily for Americans United for Separation of Church and state.

“This man, George Tiller, was …

Are Groups That Actively Pursued Tiller Culpable In His Murder?

Rogers Cadenhead of the Drudge Retort writes that one group in particular might bear some responsibility for the murder of George Tiller.  However, unlike some Tiller haters, Jenn Giroux (right), who runs Women Influencing the Nation, posted this after the murder:

Women Influencing the Nation condemns all form of murder. The murder of George Tiller is in direct contradiction with the beliefs and morals embraced by those of us who believe that every life is precious in the eyes of God and no individual has the right to take the life of another. We encourage everyone to pray for the …

Scott Roeder: What We Know

George Tiller’s accused killer, Scott Roeder, is 51 years old, and from Merriam, Kansas. Here’s what is known about him:

The 2012 Presidential Campaign Has Now Begun

You have to love it when politicians with presidential ambitions visit Iowa in the off-season, and say they just happen to be in the neighborhood.  Given the number of GOP visitors to the state, it is clear the race has begun.

Potential Republican candidates who have visited the state include Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who won the GOP caucuses in 2008. More politicians have trips planned, starting with Nevada Sen. John Ensign on Monday, followed by Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and another appearance by Mr. Huckabee.

Of course, they’ll say they’re …

Randall Terry: Tiller Reaped What He Sowed, Now Let’s Have Lunch

Operation Rescue co-founder Randall Terry, speaking at the National Press Club, reiterated his statement that George Tiller was a mass murderer, and added that he reaped what he sowed:

But what was really on Terry’s mind was lunch: Guinness with hot and spicy chicken wings:

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On Monday’s Radio Show…

• Anti-abortion activist Dave Leach defends his shocking claim that scriptures support the murder of Dr. George Tiller.

• Former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore, who lost his job over his refusal to remove a Ten Commandments monument from the state courthouse, tells Alan why he’s now running for governor.…

If All Cons Had Gay Kids They’d Think Like Cheney On Gay Rights

Dick Cheney has certainly come in for criticism on this site and other progressive venues.  However, on the issue of gay rights he sounds downright liberal.  Speaking at the National Press Club, Cheney said, “Freedom means freedom for everyone…People ought to be free to enter into any kind of union they wish.”  Cheney said it’s up to the states to decide, but “People ought to get a shot at that.”

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