Obama Signs It

The National Defense Authorization Act was signed into law the last day of 2011, even though the White House originally said it would veto the bill, as it allows for indefinite detention with no trial for suspected terrorists.

Barack Obama did not keep his lingering concerns about aspects of the bill law a secret, however. In justifying his decision to sign NDAA into law, Obama said in a statement, “I have signed the Act chiefly because it authorizes funding for the defense of the United States and its interests abroad, crucial services for service members and their families, and vital …

Two Maryland Abortion Doctors Face Murder Charges

Submitted by Mary

Steven Brigham and Nicola Riley are in New Jersey and Utah jails, each facing five counts of second-degree murder and one count of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder.

Defense attorney Tom Brown told CNN by e-mail that Brigham “has fully cooperated with this investigation” and has not “violated any Maryland laws.” Another lawyer for Brigham, Norman Wilson, declined to comment.

Sharon Krevor-Weisbaum, an attorney at a Baltimore-based law firm that is representing Riley, said, “We believe that the criminal charges are without merit, (and) we believe it is inappropriate for (Riley) to be held without bond.”…

Go Ahead: Add Your Happy New Year Video Greeting To Our Comment Section

Here’s to a wonderful 2012. We are enhancing our site with new features, and are working with ViaFoura and Dream Creations to bring you a great user experience in 2012. Try our our new video commenting system to wish your fellow Liberalanders a Happy New Year. And thank you very much for being a part of our community.

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North Carolina Walmart Customer Tries To Pay With $1 Million Bill

It would be difficult to come up with change for $476.

Investigators told the Winston-Salem Journal ( http://bit.ly/u7ZrEN ) that 53-year-old Michael Fuller tried to buy a vacuum cleaner, a microwave oven and other items. Store employees called police after his insistence that the bill was legit, and Fuller was arrested.

The largest bill in circulation is $100. The government stopped making bills of up to $10,000 in 1969.

Fuller was charged with attempting to obtain property by false pretense and uttering a forged instrument. He is in jail on a $17,500 bond, and it isn’t clear if he …

Sarah Palin’s Advice To Candidates: Read My Book

Sarah Palin has advice for anyone running for president, which is to read her book.

Given the concerns I have for some of the Republican field’s focus thus far, I must implore the candidates to do something that sounds self-promoting, but whatever. Candidates, please turn to Chapter Three of “Going Rogue” and read what it takes for our country to step toward energy independence. Note the lesson I share in the same chapter about taking on the “elite,” the crony capitalists and the permanent political establishment to get a job done.

She goes on to warn, “What is at stake …

Romney: “I Won’t Cry, But I Do, I Do”

Mitt Romney wanted the audience to know he wouldn’t cry when talking about his parents, but assured them he’s capable of it.

Romney described the patriotism of his parents, both deceased, at a campaign stop in New Hampshire on Friday. He was interrupted by an audience member who shouted, “Don’t cry.”

“I won’t cry,” Romney said, quickly adding: “But I do, I do. Nothing to be ashamed of in that regard.”

The emotional moment drew quick comparisons to Gingrich, who earlier in the day in Iowa choked up while discussing his mother and her battle with mental illness.

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Michigan Man Purposely Infected More Than 3000 Men And Women With HIV

David Dean Smith turned himself in to Michigan police and confessed to infecting more than 3000 men and women with HIV over several years. (via Global Grind)

One of his alleged partners spoke to MSNBC calling Smith a ‘sociopath’ and ‘a predator.’ The two met through a Yahoo! personal’s listing in 2008.

The night Smith turned himself into police he reportedly texted her saying “Turning myself into the law, my life is over. Take care. Always love you.”…

In Michigan, sexual penetration with HIV is considered a felony and he will be tried accordingly.…

Poor Prospects For The Payroll Tax

by Stuart Shapiro

When Congress passed a two month extension to the payroll tax holiday, I assumed that the same incentives would hold in two months and a longer extension was inevitable.  Steve Benen looks at the appointment of three hardline Senators to the conference committee as a sign that the opposite is true.

Instead of last week, when House Republicans became the clear villains, when the conference committee struggles to come up with a bipartisan solution, the party will find it easier to spread the blame around.

“It’s not our fault,” GOP leaders would say. “We tried to work …

Indiana Senator Wants To Fine People For Messing Up The Star Spangled Banner

Submitted by James Morgan

Indiana Republican State Senator Vaneta Becker wants “performance standards” for the Star Spangled Banner.

Becker of Evansville calls for the Indiana Department of Education to implement specific “performance standards” for the way the anthem is sang and played at any event sponsored by public schools and state universities.

The bill seeks to fine individuals $25 if intentional changes are made to the song.

If you’re at a Colts game, warning: don’t ad-lib.…

Gingrich Internal Memo: Will Outlast Romney Because Of “Long-Term Brand Strength”

An internal Gingrich memo obtained by Fox News shows senior strategist Kevin Kellums expressing great confidence that Newt will get the nomination.

“We have a strategic advantage over the rest of the field, including Romney – due to Newt’s long-term brand strength as well as regional strength in South Carolina and Florida,” Kellems wrote. “He’s been around long enough and has been tested; people know Newt. Note, for example, that he was the only man among the GOP presidential candidates to make Gallup’s annual short list of most admired Americans, which was released this week.”…

On Friday’s Radio Show…

• All Eyes on Iowa: Alan has the latest on the GOP candidates as they enter the final days of campaigning in the Hawkeye State.

• Journalist Ronald B. Scott, author of Mitt Romney: An Inside Look at the Man and His Politics, gives Alan a glimpse into Romney’s political decisions.

• It’s the Friday Night Free-For-All!

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