Showing posts with label World News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label World News. Show all posts

Monday, September 19, 2011

Obama Measured Path Repeal DADT

Obama Measured Path Repeal DADT
Not a single person or organization caused by the dismantling of a great result, "Do not ask, do not tell" (DADT). In the best tradition of the military, was the repeal of the team's success. As we celebrate this historic milestone, it is important to stop and think critically about the roles that so many good, and remember that it took a substantial campaign to pull this off, and that the road has always been revoked - particularly Obama.
When you pushed the issue of DADT in the spring of 2009, a senior assistant of President Obama told me in no uncertain terms: "You do not have the votes." Then, after months of careful management and the pressures on a wide range of benefits, the team's president began a journey that would make it very difficult to get a successful vote for repeal in 2010. They had a solid plan in September, agreed with the military, but I do not agree with their program.
Initially, the President did not cause Congress to repeal DADT direct as many of us had hoped he had not the army to stop law enforcement emergency "stop-loss" of forces, and he did not want the courts to order the army to cancel DADT. What he finally proposed consume far more ambitious and time.
Its two-pronged approach called first, for Congress to pass legislation that would allow waiver process DADT to be killed, and secondly, he wanted the army to literally unplug DADT and bury it. The president would then Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), chairman Admiral Michael Mullen time they wanted to accomplish their mission. He was a son without a high security law and the thinking of many, with little chance of success in 2010, especially in a lame duck session of Congress. Failure to report a White House and inept a major setback for the repeal.
But the president has received help along the way to his friends in the acceleration of the action of the White House, even though his team did not necessarily welcome this.
Three U.S. senators were eager frustrated, perhaps afraid to lift stall. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) took to end in 2009 and never let go. She teamed up with Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), Democratic leader, and Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Carl Levin, Chairman (D-MI) to accelerate the phase.
And in the house, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), with the Congress Steny Hoyer (D-MD), then MP Patrick Murphy (D-PA) will bring together 192 co-sponsors to repeal houses. Their support, combined with high capacities and higher, lawyers and bloggers LGBT lift kept alive when it was dark, or life.
JEH Johnson, the DOD General Counsel and President Obama's first appointed by the Pentagon and was a vital link in the White House and the Pentagon revoked. Gates and Mullen and Obama's cautious Johnson assured the team would be ready for audiences of Levi. These three, and the results of their colleagues in the Pentagon, had been preparing for months. He had fallen low key, Johnson, the elegant bridge, and an honest broker in the White House and the Pentagon revoked. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Jim Messina and his team of lawyers from the White House, heavy Johnson directs the power to lead to final closure.
It took nearly a year in the president's plan to set. And it would be another year before winning the painful voice of Capitol Hill. And after that, seven months would pass before Jeh Johnson signed certification is delivered Gates and Mullen on the White House for the President's signature and sent to the Capitol. However, not much time for a successful operation legislative and military, but too long for the fans and especially high for members of gay and lesbian high every day DADT and those who serve in silence.
And do not be fooled. The President directed the forces accurately, methodically requested and reviewed by all the options. He realized almost from the beginning that it would be successful depends on the military, who needs Gates and Mullen and his senior commanders and troops with him to bring about change. And he knew that would take some time. He had decided not to have to run. The last time the plan was rushed, without military support, and the results were catastrophic. He has not made the mistake.
The second in February 2010, stunned Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen Capitol Hill to outline before the Senate Armed Services Committee exactly what the president had instructed him to do. On this day, knew most waiver happen. It was not a question of if - it was just a matter of when and how. It proved to be the last day of the lame duck session of Congress in 2010, when senators Susan Collins (R-MA), Joe Lieberman (I-CT), and Reid, Pelosi and Hoyer with, prompted a Bill repeals stand-alone on the finish line.
Some will complain and rightly so, how long it took the Obama White House to withdraw this remarkable achievement and who should get credit for what, but something few can argue is that the repeal of "Do not ask, do not say" would not have happened without President Obama solved, the essential and constant buy-in and support of our military, and a lot of good luck.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Obama Offers "tax Buffet" Millionaires

Obama Offers "tax Buffet" Millionaires
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Barack Obama, in a populist gesture designed to appeal to voters, suggests a "tax Buffet" on people making more than $ 1 million a year as part of its recommendations to Congress on Monday the deficit.
That proposal, including proposals to Congress of the European Super expected to seek up to $ 3 billion in deficit savings over 10 years, I appeal to his base of democratic elections in 2012, but probably not increase much revenue.
White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer said in a tweet on Saturday, the tax would act as a "type of AMT" (Alternative Minimum Tax) to ensure at least as many millionaires pay taxes to middle class families.
"Buffett's Tax" refers to the billionaire investor Warren Buffett, who wrote earlier this year that rich people like him often pay less tax than those who work for them because of gaps in taxcode, and can afford to pay more.
Obama will make its recommendations to the White House Rose Garden remarks at 10:30 am on Monday and is expected to urge measures to increase tax revenues and spending cuts.
But Congress is free to ignore his suggestions and
Republicans who control the House of Representatives, said they'll agree to tax increases.
The committee of six Democrats and six Republicans big should find at least $ 1.2 billion in deficit savings for the end of the year to avoid painful cuts automatic, and is responsible for finding savings of up to $ 1, 5 000 million.
These savings are more than 917 billion dollars in deficit reduction agreed at an agreement in August to raise the debt limit and Obama wants to go further.
Are urged to consider separately $ 450 billion in tax increases on top of this objective to pay a bill of jobs announced earlier this month.
The tax could help push Barack Obama Buffett base, highlighting a feature of the tax code that allows the super rich to pay lower tax rates with fewer resources Americans
because most of their income is capital gains, dividends, and "profit the earnings of hedge fund managers.
This is taxed at 15 percent, compared with rates of 10 to 35 percent on incomes simple.
(Reporting by Alister Bull, the French version Peter Cooney)

Friday, September 9, 2011

The Death Of Osama Bin Laden Is A Hoax On The Image Of The Internet [PHOTO GRAPHIC]

The Death Of Osama Bin Laden Is A Hoax On The Image Of The Internet [PHOTO GRAPHIC]
News National Average
Osama bin Laden - Photo Death of false picture spread on the Internet hoax
INTERNET - as happened with Snoop Dogg rumors died during the weekend of Labor Day, another Internet hoax on an image of a dead Osama bin Laden made the rounds this weekend. Since Sept. 11 anniversary approaching ten years, the expression patterns of sites that track popular searches during the day.
As early as May of this year, told TMZ the picture of Osama bin Laden is allegedly dead.They wrote: "photo shows a dead reportedly Osama bin Laden is now well on the internet ... but it seems clear the picture is fake ..."
While Osama bin Laden was killed by U.S. soldiers during a raid in Pakistan do not have pictures of Osama bin Laden was released. Meanwhile, ABC News recently wrote about a weakening al-Qaida continue to pose a security threat.
The White House has not released the official picture of the death of Osama bin Laden at this tim
Official told CNN that the original images of Osama bin Laden there, to show the pull side of his head injury.
The official said because of injuries facing bin Laden was "unrecognizable" in photography.
The report also mentions that the picture can be published in the world.
Back in May this year, CNN also reported the fake Osama bin Laden dead pictures broadcast on the Internet.
The Guardian reported that Osama bin Laden dead hoax photos scattered around the Internet for at least two years.

Obama Goes Big - And Political - Of $ 450 Billion Stimulus Plan

Obama Goes Big - And Political - Of $ 450 Billion Stimulus Plan
Obama finally gets in his latest plan to boost economic growth. Details of the U.S. law works are important and significant to an economy operating in a slow growth.
The administration estimates that the package is worth about $ 450 billion, is good for the economy. The key is to extend and expand the existing holiday pay tax for another year. Instead of paying 4.2 percent on the first $ 106,800 of income Americans pay only 3.2 percent. (The usual rate is 6.2 per cent) are also tax breaks for businesses, infrastructure financing and states, and money to subsidize mortgage refinancing.
But, as a senior administration official who described to me this afternoon, the American Jobs Act was also supposed to be a good policy. And only 14 months until the presidential elections of 2012, the political calculus is almost as important as the economic one.
President Obama has often criticized the Republicans anticipate its proposals for an interview with himself, instead of the proposed declaration. In this case, we are anticipating criticism - all the measures will cost too much and the increase in the deficit! - Having a couple of specific legislation and reforms of the movement, such as closing corporate tax loopholes and higher taxes for the rich. The plan shows a deficit-neutral. What's more, ten days later, go to the Congress, supercommittee deficits and current plans for a broader tax reform in the long term.
Many business groups have opposed the exemption from payroll tax, as it has benefited employees and did nothing to entrepreneurs who need it. This time, Obama is going the extra mile for business. American Jobs Act provides a tax holiday more generous payment for businesses and individuals. Companies will benefit from a reduction of 50 percent - to pay 3.1 percent - on the first $ 5 million in payroll. (Theory:. The big companies are flush with cash and small businesses can use the help) In addition, companies that add new jobs will be exempt from payroll tax for the first year. This is a significant reduction. Companies can also take advantage of accelerated depreciation and tax credits for hiring veterans and long-term unemployed.
In terms of direct costs, Obama explicitly support the creation of an infrastructure bank, and to provide substantial funding for surface transportation, school construction and renovation and rehabilitation of homes in neighborhoods devastated by foreclosures. Total: $ 105 billion.
Here's the problem. All this requires legislation, which means it requires the active cooperation of some House Republicans and Senate Republicans leave that filibuster legislation often defended by the Democratic majority in the Senate.
The administration does not intend to present to the Republicans in advance. But since early this spring, the White House and Republicans held negotiations on the budget issue. And the administration feels like he knows what buttons to push. He made a point whose ideas and suggestions that Republicans - including Republicans in leadership positions - have explicitly supported. House majority leader Eric Cantor has voted for a reduction in payroll tax for employers, and was a stickler to offset new spending with reductions elsewhere. The Administrative Officer provided the infrastructure bank as Kerry Hutchinson proposed infrastructure bank, which Democratic Senator John Kerry and Republican Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson of Texas.
What's more, they have developed policies that influential Republican-friendly groups like the Chamber of Commerce, the Business Roundtable and the National Federation of Independent Business is going well. Corporate lobbyists are likely to support efforts to pass new tax cuts for businesses and investments in infrastructure.
(The most controversial measure is likely to be one that does not require legislation Obama supports expanded mortgage refinancing -. Basically, it appears that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which are now officially owned by the government, to help the Americans to refinance their homes, even if they have a high ratio of loan value, or are under water.)
These measures are designed to stimulate the economy. But they are also designed to put the Republicans in Congress over the place. Are they interested in moving forward the economy by adopting measures that they and their corporate allies have encouraged and supported? Or are they so eager to make Obama a failure, they refuse goodies deficit neutral, they have long sought?
The answer is child's play. According to government officials at the ceiling of the debt and the budget negotiations, the Republican leadership agreed that the dominant group of House Republican caucus was not interested in measures that make the President look good, improving the economy. And again and again over the past three years, moderate Republicans have walked away from the first support for the measures - a cap and trade, an individual mandate for health insurance, immigration reform - simply because the President has been Obama them. The White House no longer has faith in the Republican counterparts on the hill than it did in the spring. But is that the president has to have what is, and then fight for it.
The Obama team believes that it has filed a plan with only a few people on the hill to oppose in principle. He wants the Americans to draw the conclusion that the only reason the Republicans would have voted down the plan was a politician. And if the public vote does not reach this conclusion on their own, will be happy to point in the coming months.
How does this play out? Than usual. The Democratic majority in the Senate embraced it with enthusiasm, and House Democrats plan to do less enthusiastic. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell rejects it, and almost all the Senate Republicans will line up behind him to curb the menace. Tea Party and the crowd loudly Assembly expresses its disagreement, and to throw back non-negotiable, an acceptable alternative. Business groups shy away from battle if enough members to express opposition to the Republican leadership. As was the case with the debt ceiling, it is available to the Speaker of the House John Boehner, and a few Republicans to cut a lot.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Libya Supports Rebel Commander Was Tortured, Issued By The CIA

Libya Supports Rebel Commander Was Tortured, Issued By The CIA
The rebel commander in Tripoli Libya superior military, Abdel Hakim Belhaj, dropped something of a bomb in an interview with the New York Times yesterday: In 2004, he said, two agents of the CIA tortured in Thailand, and then "translated "He Libya. From there, he says, was detained in solitary confinement for the next six years.
"Yes, [Belhaj] said he was detained by Malaysian authorities in 2004 upon arrival at the airport in Kuala Lumpur, where he was subjected to extraordinary rendition on behalf of the United States and sent to Thailand, "New York Times" Norland Rod wrote. "In Bangkok, Mr. Belhaj said he was tortured in a few days by two people he said were CIA agents, and, worse, bring him back to Libya, where he was thrown in a cell of solitary confinement for six years. "
Now head of the committee Belhaj rebels Libyan military to restore order in the capital Tripoli.
A CIA spokesman said on Thursday sent to the agency refused to comment on the allegations Belhaj.
But the allegations suggest the challenge that Western diplomats in Libya: How much does the West know the influential faction of the rebels with the former Libyan Islamist jihad tapes? And how these relationships affect efforts to protect American interests in Libya in a post-Qadhafi?
Omar Ashour The scientist sums up the dilemma in an article published this week reported its Belhaj interview last year: "Is your leadership role means that the jihadists are configured to exploit the overthrow of the Gaddafi?"
Belhaj, known as "Abu Abdullah al-Sadiq" in jihadist circles, the former head of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG), "a jihadist organization historical links with al-Qaida and the Taliban and the Egyptian al-Jihad organization, "Ashour, an academic at the University of Exeter and the Brookings Doha Center, said in an article in Foreign Policy this week.
Paramilitary Libyan Islamic Fighting Group, which was founded in 1990, "led to three years of low-level insurgency in eastern Libya ... and I tried three times to assassinate Gaddafi in 1995 and 1996," said Ashour. When Qaddafi usually crushed Group in 1998, that "most of its leaders and members escaped and joined forces with the Taliban in Afghanistan," in which they have sworn allegiance to Mullah Omar, Taliban leader.
After the September 11 terrorist attacks and subsequent U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, "Belhaj, and most of the LIFG leaders left the country, only to be arrested by the CIA in 2004 and then delivered to the Gaddafi regime, after interviews in Thailand and Hong Kong, "says Ashour. Belhaj was then imprisoned in Libya six years under difficult conditions. After his release in 2010, participated in a series of "reconciliation" conferences between the regime and anti-Gaddafi Gaddafi Muslim extremists, led by Gaddafi's son and heir apparent Seif al-Islam, non-recurring. Ashour has participated in panels, as an observer.
Last week, Belhaj led the rebels took the compound of Gaddafi in Tripoli. But Belhaj exulting that "the tyrant fled," also "repeatedly called for better safety, property protection, ending the feud, and the construction of a new Libya," said Ashour.
In his interview with the Times yesterday, Belhaj said that despite past ties to the group with the Taliban, it is now totally focused on Libya's Gaddafi liberator of control, and no longer promote the cause of jihad world.
"We focused on Libya and Libya only" Belhaj told the Times. "Our goal was to help our people We do not participate or support any action outside of Libya, we never had no connection with Al Qaeda, and it could never be, we had another agenda, global fight ... was not our goal. "
As for his incarceration for six years and Libya and the reproduction of the CIA before it, said Belhaj his Times interview he does not want revenge.
"It was certainly very difficult, very difficult," said Belhaj Times, but added: "We are now in Libya, and we look forward to a peaceful future. I do not want revenge."
However, he added, he would not mind seeing his trial against his interrogators: "If a day is a legal way, I want to see my torturers to justice."

Friday, September 2, 2011

First Responder Dramatic Video After The Attack

First Responder Dramatic Video After The Attack
The firefighters' and Kevin McCullagh Jerry Walsh had retired weeks before terrorists attacked the World Trade Center September 11, 2001. His years on the scale of 126 in South Jamaica, Queens, was over. But when he heard the news, do not hesitate to cross the Hudson River and volunteers to support their fellow firefighters
McCullagh has along its retirement gift: a video camera. Aware that history was happening, began filming bits of what they saw in perspective a firefighter, a giant ball of smoke over the skyline of Manhattan, ash-foot deep, firefighters sifting through the sea by ruins, small fires burning here and there, trees blown on one side, gouges buildings, and the collapse of the Twin Towers.
"It 'was amazing," says McCullagh. "It 'was surreal. I knew what we had when I noticed a firefighter who was coming towards us. It was just beside himself. I asked:" What is it? "And he briefly described what it was and I knew it had to be something unique. There was a massacre. There was a lot of crazy things."
One of the attraction, especially surprised by two friends. In the middle of Twisted Metal and the burning ruins of the fire trucks were smashed, the flat was also caked with dust. "I had been around fire truck in my entire career, and I'd never seen anything like it," says McCullagh, still amazed today. "You see how invincible. When the big red fire engine displays, everything will be OK. And see them thrown around like little toys, and smashed and burned, was rather surprising to see them around."
McCullagh, now 52, ​​and Walsh, now 54, worked for seven days - all day, every day. The lights were still off. Research teams and rescue needs help. Steel workers, electricians and heavy equipment operators needed help moving debris, equipment configuration, and a sense of chaos.
When he was at rest, McCullagh withdraw his camera and shoot a few minutes of the film. Documented canine units to search through the rubble, an ambulance turned into Swiss cheese, an endless line of trucks rolling into position. Cleaning equipment recorded as ants crawling over the mountains of rubble irregular, twisted.
View video clips today McCullagh, the magnitude of the destruction beyond comprehension again. These are the remains were removed within a month remains Herculean feat. "These guys are risking their lives," McCullagh said at one point the camera. "These guys are incredible. My heart goes out to all firefighters in this city."
In recent months, McCullagh and Walsh continued to pitch, often leading back to the site cleanup. But as was later discovered there was a high price for many people working in the toxic environment at Ground Zero. Many first responders are suffering or dying from respiratory problems and fatal diseases such as thyroid cancer, esophageal and lung cancer that doctors say high and epidemiologists are related to pollution control.
McCullagh had not seen his films for almost 10 years, until these issues were told to take a look. When checked, he was surprised by how his punches sent the huge job of cleaning 9.11. I felt it was a powerful historical document, and had not shown anyone. However, during the fight in Congress last year on health benefits of 9 / 11 workers decided it was time to share your images.
Commenting on his retirement firefighter boyfriend Jerry Walsh, he says, "... Jerry was a marathon runner, a great athlete, a strong young man and now he has a rare form of blood cancer. It is too common in guy who was there. There are many people realize. I think people were all behind the fire for some time, but people tend to forget, and perhaps people will remember the 10th anniversary that firefighters, police, steel workers what they experienced. And everything was done without question. Everything went there to do the best they could. "
McCullagh was recently in Lower Manhattan to visit a friend who works on Wall Street, where he made a wrong turn. Suddenly, he was again confronted by Ground Zero. He was able to look through some of the fence, but could see very little.
"I just kept walking," he said. "But it was a little strange. I realized that I had not been there for nine years and older. He looked very different."
Since 9 / 11, McCullagh says that you can not go in most buildings in Manhattan, without showing identification or through a security scanner. He feels the country is tense and paranoid, many people have lost their sense of humor. It feels like rebuilding the World Trade Center was too long and too often used as a political football. A ray of hope for McCullagh was the death of Osama bin Laden.
"Not that anyone will," he says. "It's not going to get people back to their loved ones. But personally I felt good all day. And I was proud of my country. I was proud of the president. I was proud of the military, as they went and did it."
McCullagh was a firefighter for 20 years, including as Chief of Fire and fire investigator. I had friends, lives only a few days before he died at the World Trade Center. Still meets with firefighters to share stories and remember 09.11. However, on the anniversary of 10 years, said there are no special diets.
"They'll just remember being in their own way," he said. "It will not be a celebration, it is completely safe. A moment of silence, just remember all the people all the wonderful people who were lost. "

Thursday, August 25, 2011

How Rebels Libyans Bought A Miniature Unmanned Aircraft On The Internet

How Rebels Libyans Bought A Miniature Unmanned Aircraft On The Internet
Although the rebels in Libya this week held its advantage in the capital, Tripoli, only a few weeks ago, they had a problem. Weapons and poorly trained, various opposition forces in Libya have been the subject of mercy - if not hostile - the reports of journalists who cover their efforts to move forward and keep ground forces apparently discontent against Gaddafi professionals who were trained more and better equipped.
Of course, the rebels turned to the Internet for help. In June, members of the National Transitional Council Libyans were "web search", The New York Times, where information was found on a surveillance drone - "essentially a small four-rotor helicopter that hangs an image stabilizer platform of days it takes - and night vision cameras "- performed by laboratories Aeryon Waterloo, Ontario.
This is how Charles Barlow, a former Canadian official who served with the United Nations in Syria, was in a boat Misrata, Libya, in July, delivering a surveillance drone in miniature for the rebels. (Photo by Barlow to take the port of Misrata July 16 is shown at right.)
"What was happening in [the Libyan rebels], they had to lower the streets, fired and lost people on the street," said Barlow, now President of the Security Zariba, Ottawa, Canada-based company that works closely with the Manufacturer drone Aeryon laboratories. Barlow's envoy spoke Thursday. "They wanted to see, where Gadhafi troops so they do not end up driving directly to them."
The rebels first tried a number of different methods to obtain better visibility of the battlefield. "They have asked NATO to the image. NATO could not foresee that was considered too sensitive," said Barlow. Then install a toy helicopter and attached to a camera, but did not work.
"So they began to look around the drones - the children - that he could be a pilot."
Unlike the Predator drones flying over the United States in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen and elsewhere, which are equipped with sophisticated weapons that can attack the terrorists, allegedly hid the miniature aircraft in air browser does not have a weapons system. It does not require an airport to take off, you can start from, say, the roof of a car. It is essentially a flight without a crew. It weighs about 3 pounds. It can also fly about 2 miles.
The cost? Approximately $ 100,000 to $ 200,000, Barlow said, "but much depends" on the situation, he added, explaining that the mitigating factors, the speed with which the client needs the unit, how they buy, and if it is a drone that thermal cameras that are able to see at night.
(Asked if additional charges if it is committed to providing drones in a war zone, Barlow said he did.) A number of bureaucratic obstacles were also overcome the transaction approved. Canadian companies are required to obtain an export license from the Canadian government. The Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs had to determine whether the equipment can be legally made available to the Libyan opposition coalition, the National Transitional Council (CNT).
"It all started with the official representative of the NTC for Canada," wants to buy drone, Barlow said the envoy. "And we checked with [the Canadian Department of] Foreign Affairs, if it were a real person. We have guys that are really NTC."
After Canada recognized the rebels as a responsible government of Libya has had no more legal impediments, Barlow said.
So in July, Barlow began, "18-hour trip from the port of Malta, Misurata, Libya is a former South Korean fishing vessel chartered by the rebels," as The New York Times.
Barlow spent two days teaching team of the besieged city of Libya, the rebels how to use the drone.
It called the remarks of the Libyan freedom fighters, Barlow said he has met and trained a dozen, none of them were soldiers, but said they had no choice but to fight. An example was, until recently, medical technician, whose hospital was destroyed when Gadhafi troops attacked the city. He no longer works. "So he took the gun and went to fight," said Barlow. "He knew that if young Gaddafi is back in town, they are burned."
"The kids I met were fighting because they had absolutely no choice," Barlow told The Messenger. "They are not there to fight a guy in particular ... Guys, I found the fight on the front are embarrassed that they were fighting for all the other Libyans."
Is the Libyan opposition is to place more orders for the drones? "Now that the rebels have largely won," said Barlow, "they have higher priorities. Likes to rebuild hospitals"

Monday, August 22, 2011

An Elite Group Of 9 / 11 First Responders Still Fighting An Illness, "the WTC Cough"

An Elite Group Of 9 / 11 First Responders Still Fighting An Illness, "the WTC Cough"
Harold Schapelhouman, fire chief in the District of Menlo Park protection against fire, breathing heavily.
The posted speed limit of 15 km / h, but when you fight a respiratory infection through the mountain, rules out the window. Your lungs need. You have to push.
Schapelhouman has been pushing for years.
As the former captain and leader of the working group for the search and rescue in urban California, responded to Schapelhouman disasters across the country. He saw that man and Mother Nature can do, the Oklahoma City bombing to Hurricane Katrina.
He knew what he sees as his team headed to New York to help cleanup efforts and recovery after the attack on the World Trade Center in 2001.
"It's like working in a cemetery. But somebody has to do. Someone has to go there and pick up the pieces. ... We are an elite team, and we were honored to go," he said.
What I do not foresee a long-term impact of his time "stack" is the World Trade Center.
Schapelhouman and his team are just some of the thousands of responders who showed signs of weakening inhaling dust at the site.
Seventy percent of his team got sick of his time at Ground Zero. Symptoms may include nosebleeds, skin rashes, pneumonia, upper respiratory infections, and what is known as the World Trade Center cough.
Schapelhouman often wakes in the middle of the night unable to breathe. "I remember going out on a call from a patient with emphysema 80 years who had smoked all his life. This can not happen to me. I'm too young for that. I'm in the best years of my life I'm in my 40, I on top of my game. "
Schapelhouman is not only a lawyer, but also one of the thousands of employees and residents of the area of ​​Ground Zero in the Global Registry of Health Trade Center. The registry was created to monitor the health effects of those involved in recovery or those living near the towers. It is the largest registry to monitor the health effects of a disaster in American history.
Last year, Congress passed the James Zadroga 9 / 11 and the Act on Compensation of health, which provides financial assistance to sick workers. Joe Daniels, president of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, says that although it took a while to get the bill passed, it was right. "People who have worked here at work, construction workers, volunteers, businesses, first responders did so selflessly. They did not think of anything other than" We have I come here, we are able to help, we want to help. "
Schapelhouman said that this attitude is shared by almost all the staff who helped in the recovery.
"It 'a very contradictory. You want it did not happen, but if it happens, I know that most of the fire brigade or the police would have said:" I want to be there. "Because that's what we do. And 'our work."
Schapelhouman took care of strenuous exercise in its fight against respiratory diseases. It is not a choice. He knows if he does not use a hard, does not live his life, would have lived if he had not gone to Ground Zero.
Once more it is pushing. Not only for himself but for his family.
Schapelhouman wants a normal life. He wants to see his 11 year old daughter to grow up and get married. He wants to live long enough to play with his grandchildren.
He does not forget ground zero, although some of it is.
"One can not help to recover from one of these events and feel like when the sun is out, the days are a little bit brighter. When you are with your family and friends, it is sweeter and better. .. It is realizing how fragile life is.

Libya: Cameron Talks As Rebels Set Up The Government Of Tripoli

Libya: Cameron Talks As Rebels Set Up The Government Of Tripoli
Col Gaddafi regime Mumma end face this morning after the rebels announced they were exulting in their place the government in Tripoli
David Cameron this morning, broke his holiday to chair a meeting of the National Security Council at 9 am at Downing Street.
Mahmoud NACU, Libyan Charge d'Affaires in London, said this morning the new government will increase from Benghazi to Tripoli. Promising "a new government that has ruled the country and serves all citizens", he thanked Britain for its "strong position with the Libyan people", but said it was time for the Libyans to take complete control the conflict.
"In the coming days, we may be facing problems, because every revolution will face some problems, maybe some mistakes will happen," he said.
"But we believe that our people, NTC is able to solve all the problems they could contain the problem and we will move forward to build a promised Libya, and we will have a promised the relationship between Britain and a new Libya. "
He said there are some pockets of support and the dictator is still considered Gaddafi in Libya.
Earlier this month the Libyan embassy in England was presented to representatives of the Council of the National Transitional Government.
Office of Foreign Minister Alistair Burt, said today he was proud of the role in Britain "to prevent the murder of thousands of people."
In extraordinary scenes in Tripoli last night, a column of rebels grew along Omar al Muktar green main street in the capital city of Libya's Square applause and shots into the air in celebration.
British intelligence officials and French have played a central role in planning the final assault on rebels in Tripoli. RAF jets pounded night that the Department of Defense called the plan "oppression remains devices."
Before the National Security Council and Libya during the meeting, Mr. Burt said: "The first and most important thing is to ensure order is maintained, the food and power, all the things that people need to do in everyday life to go. "
He said that NATO continues to fulfill UN resolution 1973 and whether there was a need to protect civilians from attacks by pro-Gaddafi forces that continue, but added: "Clearly, operating in a built-up area is much more difficult. "
He said. "First of all, the British government invited Gaddafi to leave now and save further bloodshed, we do not know his situation, it is clear that the regime collapses around him as senior officials were either arrested or deserted. "
Mr. Burt said, "trust" is the NTC, which reads: ". Evidence of recent months is that the NTC has been able to assemble a diverse group of people to form a coherent opposition to Gaddafi's regime has been exceptionally success "
Last night, thousands of rebel fighters and the inhabitants of Tripoli was full of green square - the scene of rallies Gaddafi at the beginning of the uprising - and began tearing down the posters in the system, and molding, or riddling their bullets.
They waved machetes and automatic rifles as they shouted slogans of victory.
"It's over!" Shouted one man as he rushed out of a building, clutching a cell phone to the ear. Festive gunfire and explosions resounded in the city and cars sounded their horns.
Cranes, red tracer bullets slipped into a black sky. Liam Fox, the defense minister, said: "The time for Kadhafi to go long since passed."
Libyan Ambassador to the UN, Ibrahim Dabbashi, told the BBC that he had contacts with rebel leaders who told him they had taken 90 percent of Tripoli.
"This is not the beginning of the end is the end," he said. Dabbashi said Mr Gaddafi could be "replaced" by rebel leaders "within hours". The rebels claimed that the entire city was under their control, with the exception of Bab Al-Gaddafi Aziziyah Jazeera fief.
There were reports of some resistance in Tripoli space.
It 'was unclear last night with Gaddafi had been, but there have been reports that he was on the road to Algeria. Al Jazeera, Qatar-based carrier, said Gaddafi's son, Mohammed was transferred. Previously, the rebels said Saif al-Islam, a son of the tyrant's confidence and his other son, Saadi.
Sidiq al-Kibir, the leadership of the rebels in Tripoli Representative Council, said: "Saif is kept in a safe place, under close supervision until they handed over the judiciary." NATO has confirmed that the dictator's presidential guard had surrendered. Last night, Gadhafi has urged people to "Go now to clean up the capital" in the message is sent to the state television.
But later, Ibrahim Musa, a spokesman for Gaddafi said that the regime was prepared to negotiate directly with the rebel leader of the Council of the National Transitional Government. He had asked NATO to persuade the rebels to stop attacks on Tripoli.
A NATO spokesman said that to protect citizens and the powers must be peaceful and immediate.
Unconfirmed reports from diplomatic sources suggested that Abdullah Senoussi, Colonel Gaddafi's brother-in-law, had been killed. The climb to Tripoli began after rebels took the key oil city Zawiyah. They made their way through the cities on the western outskirts of the capital.
Last night, the rebel forces were negotiating the surrender regime of the country's largest military air base, mixed, in the east of Tripoli. Local groups said they had been supported by a landing from the sea of ​​rebel troops in eastern Misurata.
NATO jets bombed Tripoli in administrative posts, including those of leadership around the complex in the Bab al-Gaddafi Aziziya.
Gaddafi said officials fighting in the capital overnight Saturday and Sunday morning killed 376 people on both sides and injured about 1,000.
The Libyan leader gave two addresses, by telephone to the state television. In the first, he again assumed a normal tone of impending victory. "The rats are fleeing," he said ironically, referring to an initial success by its security forces put down demonstrations in the city at night.
Last night, this time besieged by the sound, he insisted that he was still in Tripoli, together with those still loyal to him, and asked that people "leave the force" to defend him.
"We can not go back," he said. "To the last drop of our blood, we will be here to defend the city.
"We have no intention of surrendering to the traitors. I'm here with you in this battle. As promised I'm here, I will never give up, and achieve victory."
Government spokesman, Ibrahim Mussa, is angry and passionate attack on NATO assistance "cowards" in advance, Tripoli has also promised to fight, but at the same time, demanding a ceasefire and a peaceful solution.
Alistair Burt, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said that all the recent efforts of the Special Envoy of the United Nations, Abdelilah Al Khatib, contact the argument was rejected. Mr Fox said: "We believe that the system behaves in excess of the civilian population at the time time to go beyond Gaddafi for a long ago for the final days of the system makes the revenge attacks that we and we have to perform a surgical counter-army Britain is to provide great leadership ...."
The White House said it believed that Qaddafi was in his last days in power.
In a written statement last night Obama said in Tripoli was "the shift in understanding of a tyrant."
"The people of Libya shows that the universal quest for dignity and freedom is much stronger than the iron fist of a dictator," he said.
The speed of advance of the rebels in the capital was faster than anyone, themselves, are expected. It took them only on Saturday to clean up the remaining forces of the east coast of Zawiyah Gaddafi.
He continued to drive on Sunday, taking the villages between this and Tripoli.
Government forces have resisted the main coast road, near the headquarters of the brigade Khamis fear, Gaddafi's son's name, their commander.
It was once a prime example of a cruel system, but even here, the government troops fled, leaving behind boxes of ammunition and grenades.
Dance rebels raised their tricolor flag on the door. "It's the richness of the Libyan people that he used against us," said Ahmed al-Ajdal, a fighter with the rebels in Tripoli of the brigade. "Now we will use it against him and any other dictator which goes against the Libyan people. "
The rebels gathered hundreds of tanks and reinforcements for their drive to the west last night and fought on the outskirts of Janzour.
Representative of the rebels said that Colonel Gaddafi, and some of his family is "close to the border with Algeria."

Libya: Cameron Conferences As Rebels Set Up The Government In Tripoli

Libya: Cameron Conferences As Rebels Set Up The Government In Tripoli
Col Gaddafi regime Mummar faced in the late morning after the rebels announced that they were jubilant to establish the government in Tripoli
David Cameron this morning, interrupted his holiday to chair a meeting of the National Security Council at 09:00 am at Downing Street.
Nacua, Mahmoud, Libya is charge d'affaires in London, said this morning the new government moves Benghazi to Tripoli. Promising "a new government rules the country and serves all citizens," he thanked Britain for its "firm with Libya," but said it was time for Libya to take full control of the conflict.
"Over the next few days we have problems, because every round encounter problems, maybe some mistakes will happen," he said.
"But we believe that our people, TNCs are able to solve all problems, which can contain any problem, and we will move forward to build a promised Libya and promise us a relationship between the UK and a new Libya."
He said there are still some pockets of support and the dictator is still considered Gaddafi in Libya.
Earlier this month the Libyan embassy in England was presented to representatives of the Council of the National Transitional Government.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Minister, Alistair Burt, said today that he was proud of the role of the United Kingdom "to prevent the deaths of thousands of people."
In extraordinary scenes in Tripoli last night, a column of rebels grew along Omar al Muktar green main street in the capital city of Libya's Square applause and shots into the air in celebration.
British intelligence officials and French have played a central role in planning the final assault on rebels in Tripoli. RAF jets pounded night that the Department of Defense called the plan "oppression remains devices."
Before the National Security Council and Libya meet, Burt said: "The first and most important thing is to ensure peace and order is preserved, there are food and energy, all the things that people need to ensure that their daily lives, go. "
He said that NATO will continue to make the UN Security Council Resolution 1973, and if it was necessary to protect civilians in attacks by pro-Gaddafi forces would continue, but added: ". And 'evident function of town that is much more difficult "
He said: "First of all, the British government would invite Gaddafi to leave now and spare bloodshed do not know his situation, it is clear that the system is crumbling around him, that senior figures have now been arrested or worse.. "
Mr. Burt has spoken of his "confidence" in the NTC, saying: "The evidence in recent months is that the NTC was able to assemble a diverse group of people to form a coherent opposition to the regime of Gaddafi, who has been extremely successful. "
Last night, thousands of rebels and residents of invaded Tripoli Green Square - theater events Gaddafi at the beginning of the insurgency - and began to debunk the regime posters and stamping on them or shake the grate with bullets.
They waved machetes and automatic rifles as they shouted slogans of victory.
"It's over!" Shouted one man as he rushed out of a building, clutching a cell phone to the ear. Festive gunfire and explosions resounded in the city and cars sounded their horns.
Cranes, red tracer bullets flying in a dark sky. Liam Fox, the Defence Secretary, said: "The time to go to Gaddafi spent a long time."
Libya's ambassador to the UN, Ibrahim Dabbashi, told the BBC that he had contacts with rebel leaders who told him they had 90 percent of Tripoli.
"This is not the beginning of the end is the end," he says. Mr Gaddafi said Dabbashi could be "replaced" by the rebel officials "within hours". Rebelde reported all of the city was under his control, except for Bab Al-Jazeera Gaddafi Aziziya feud.
There were reports of some resistance in the area of ​​Tripoli.
It is not known last night, when Gaddafi was, but there were reports that he was heading to Algeria. Al-Jazeera television channel based in Qatar reported that Mohamed Gaddafi Sun went. Former rebels said they had taken Saif al-Islam, son of confidence tyrant with another son, Saadi.
Sidiq al-Kibir, rebel leaders in Tripoli representative council, said: "Saif is kept in a safe place under close supervision until it is brought to justice." NATO has confirmed that the Presidential Guard of the dictator went. Last night, Gaddafi urged people to "come out now to clean up the capital" in a message broadcast on state television.
But later, Ibrahim Musa, a spokesman for Gaddafi said that the government would be willing to negotiate directly with the leader of the rebel National Council for Transition. He had asked NATO to persuade rebel groups to stop the attack on Tripoli.
A spokesman for Nato said they would protect citizens and the powers must be peaceful and immediate.
Unconfirmed reports from diplomatic sources suggested that Abdullah Senussi, Qaddafi's brother-in-law, had died. Wave to Tripoli began when rebels took the city in key oil Zawiyah. They fought their way through the western fringes of the capital.
Last night, the rebels said that the forces of negotiating the surrender of the main military air base in the country, mixed in the east of Tripoli. Local groups said they had received the support of a rebel troops landed Misurata sea in the east.
NATO planes bombed Tripoli government, including all campus leadership Gadaffi Bab al-Aziziya.
Gaddafi's officials said the fighting in the capital on Saturday evening and Sunday morning, killing 376 people on both sides were injured and about 1000
Libyan leader gave two addresses on state television by phone. In the first, which still tend to expect to win shades. "The rats are fleeing," he mocked, referring to the success of its security forces, counting the night protests in the city.
Last night, this may sound at bay, insisted he was still on the side of Tripoli by the side of the loyalists, and demanded that people "come out in force" to defend.
"We can not go back," he said. "Until the last drop of our blood, we will be here to defend the city.
"We're not giving the traitors. I am here in this battle with you. As promised, I am here, never give up, and we will win."
A spokesman for the regime, Ibrahim Moussa, in a furious and passionate attack on NATO for help "cowardly" in front of Tripoli, also pledged to fight, but at the same time, a halt was called for a peaceful solution.
Alistair Burt, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said all the recent efforts by the United Nations special envoy, Abdelilah Al Khatib, the plan for the negotiations had been postponed. Mr. Fox said: "We believe that the system behaves over time in the civilian population against Gaddafi time to spend much time in his last days the plan is to carry out revenge attacks that have .. information and take out attacks against the surgery. The British Army has provided great leadership. "
The White House said it believed that Qaddafi was in his last days in power.
In a written statement last night Obama said in Tripoli was "the shift in understanding of a tyrant."
"The people of Libya shows that the universal quest for dignity and freedom is much stronger than the iron fist of a dictator," he said.
The speed of progress of the rebel capital was faster than anyone, even those projected. It took only from Saturday to clear the remaining forces on the east side of Gaddafi Zawiyah.
He continued to drive on Sunday, taking the villages between this and Tripoli.
The government troops to resist the coast of the main road near the barracks of the brigade feared Khamis, named after the son of Gaddafi, the commander.
It was once a prime example of a cruel system, but even here, the government troops fled, leaving behind boxes of ammunition and grenades.
Dancing the rebels hoisted the tricolor flag over the door. "This is the wealth of a Libyan who has used against us," said Ahmed al-Ajdal, a fighter with the rebels in the Brigade of Tripoli. "Now we will use it against him and any other dictator, which is contrary to a Libyan."
The rebels have gathered hundreds of tanks and confirmation of their drive to the west, and fought on the outskirts Janzour last night.
A rebel spokesman said that Colonel Gaddafi and some members of his family is "close to the Algerian border."

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