Temptations walk, harmony, etc...Before the Jacksons there were the Temps

The First Lady Speaks at CBCF Annual Phoenix Awards Dinner

First Lady Michelle Obama delivers remarks at the 2012 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) 42nd Annual Phoenix Awards Dinner

Legendary Acoustic Singer James Taylor at the 2012 Democratic Convention....Sooo Smooth

Singer Andy Williams dies at 84 after battle with cancer

Emmy-winning TV host & crooner Andy Williams has died at age 84. He had been fighting cancer for the last year. He died at his home in Branson, Mo (AP photo and following story)

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Remarks by the President to the UN General Assembly

United Nations Headquarters

New York, New York 

10:22 A.M. EDT

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2012 Democratic Convention Memorable Moments

Yours truly Kirk Tanter arriving Labor Day Monday September 3rd at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, N.C. during Monday's preparations for the Septerber 4th-6th 2012 Democratic National Convention. Our Syndication One News-Talk Radio Network made final preparation to insure our second (2008 first) Democratic Convention broadcast on the DNC's Radio Row at the Arena.

Compliments of Myrtle Beach in North Carolina, the boardwalk near the Time Warner Cable Arena was treated to a beach sand sculpture of  President Obama (photo credit: Kirk Tanter). 

 Veteran Broadcaster/Journalist Geraldo Rivera takes a break from his radio show on the same DNC Radio Row as Syn1 News-Talk Radio Network for a photo op with me.

After my long battle getting National Urban League's President Marc Morial and two of his colleagues into the Time Warner Cable Arena (their DNC credentials were somewhere else) to interview on Syndication One News-Talk Radio Network's Warren Ballentine Show, a grateful former New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial gladly takes a photo op with me. Morial promised a home-cooked meal with gumbo as the main entree' next time I am in New Orleans. I will surely take him up on that promise.

NUL President Marc Morial speaks confidently with Syndication One News-Talk Radio Network talk show host Warren Ballentine at the 2012 Democratic Convention about the National Urban Leagues' "I am empowered" job creation and training program http://www.iamempowered.com/ , and why President Obama earns four more years in the White House (photo credit: Kirk Tanter)..

Legendary Civil Rights Leader and Congressman John Lewis arriving at the 2012 Democratic National Convention.

United States Senators Mark Warner of Virginia and Charles Schlumer from New York and I on the first day of the 2012 DNC Conventon.

Taking a moment from the Michael Baisdan show on DNC's Radio Row was Baisdan, here with California Congresswoman Maxine Waters and I at the 2012 Democratic Convention in Charlotte, NC.

Long time Congresswoman from the great State of California Maxine Waters, takes a moment to speak with our Syndication One News-Talk Radio Network (photo credit: Kirk Tanter).

DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman-Schultz with me after her Syndication One News-Talk Network interview with Warren Ballentine on Radio Row

Producer of the Al Sharpton Show Fatiyn Muhammad and formerly with the Obama Administration Corey Ealons

 United States Senator from my State of Maryland Ben Cardin and I at the 2012 DNC Convention.

Before the First Lady Michele Obama spoke, I took a moment for a photo op with US Congressman Al Green from Texas. The Marantz digital recorder is straped on and ready to record the momumental speech delivered by the First Lady from the Arena's mult-box.

 Congressman Al Green with Sharpton Producer Fatiyn Muhammad

 Co-Chair of the Platform Committee and Mayor of Newark, New Jersey brought the crowd repeatedly to its feet with one of most powerful speeches at the Democratic Conventon. Link to the 2012 Democratic National Platform: http://www.democrats.org/democratic-national-platform (photo credit: Kirk Tanter)

 First Lady Michele Obama delivers passionate speech to the nation on the first night of the Democratic Convention. Tears came to the First Lady's eyes as she spoke of her late Father and their "no-excuses" upbringing (photo credit: Kirk Tanter).

 The Charlotte, North Carolina crowd was estatic as the First Lady delivered her personally revealing speech, ending with her plea of encouragemet to support the President. The First Lady's speech set a most passionate tone for the 2012 Democratic Convention. Here repeated yells of "FOUR MORE YEARS" with the "We Love Michelle" signs raised high. (photo credit: Kirk Tanter)

 The First Lady concludes her speech to a thunderous roar from the Democratic crowd in Charlotte. And yes, the dress she wore to deliver her memorable speech is now back ordered. The price tag for the dress reads $385.00 (photo credit: Kirk Tanter)

 Massachucetts Governor DuVal Patrick and I at a reception following the first night of the 2012 Democratic Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. Patrick gave an impressive speech at the Democratic Convention.

 Saxophonist Brandord Marsalis rehearsing the National Anthem for the 2012 Democratic Convention with the ROTC. (photo credit: Kirk Tanter)

Singer / Song-Writer James Taylor has "Carolina in his mind" as Taylor rehearses in the afternoon for his evening 2012 Democratic Convention performance. Link to the smooth performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30fyy6paGsY (photo credit: Kirk Tanter)

 Al Sharpton's Producer Fatiyn Muhammad and Assistant Democratic Leader Jim Clyburn at the 2012 DNC Convention in Charlotte North Carolina.

 Congressman (SC) Jim Clyburn and I following JC's interview with Al Sharpton on the Syndication One News-Talk Network.

Congressman Jim Clyburn interviewed by Syndication One News-Talk Network's talk show host Al Sharpton on the DNC's Radio Row at the Democratic Convention (photo credit: Kirk Tanter).

 Veteran Actress Lynn Whitfield (who gave a stunning performance playing Josephine Baker) and I at the 2012 Democratic Convention.

 President Obama's Chief Advisor Valerie Jarrett takes a photo op with me following her interview on the Syndication One News-Talk Network at the 2012 Democratic Convention in Charlotte.

President Obama's Chief Advisor Valerie Jarrett interviewed on the Syndication One News-Talk Network (photo credit: Kirk Tanter)

 Legendary NBC Journalist and I (after days without sleep) at the 2012 DNC Convention in Charlotte.

Yours truly, along with "Dreamgirl" Actress and Political Activist Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Ralph's husband Pennsylvania Senator Vincent Hughers at the Time Warner Cable Arena Press Box following a Radio One interview with talk show host Andre Eggelletion at the 2012 Democratic Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Democratic Convention crowd takes a moment to "Thank Our Troops" (photo credit: Kirk Tanter).

Newman from Seinfeld and Jurassic Park famed Wayne Knight stops by the DNC's Radio Row to interview with many shows.

Syndication One's talk show host Andre Eggelletion, my Congresswoman Donna Edwards from Maryland, and I, in front of the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte home of the 2012 Democratic Convention.

Former President Bill Clinton delivers a powerfully convincing speech on in support of President Obama on day two of the 2012 Democratic Convention (photo credit: Kirk Tanter).

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee from Texas arrives at the Time Warner Cable Arena on the night that President Obama spoke. Due to rain all the time during the Convention, President Obama changed the venue from the B of A Stadium to the Arena. Press Release and a conference call insured the tens of thousands that could not attend due to the venue change, that he would return to Charlotte before the Election November 6th.

 Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee with Al Sharpton's Producer Fatiyn Muhammad

Now 'Attorney' Sandra Fluke stopped by the DNC Radio Row to tell her story to the many shows including the Syn1 News-Talk Network. Atty Fluke was the one that was called a "Slut" by Radio Host Rush Limbaugh for requesting that Contraception be covered by the Catholic Georgetown University Insurance she attended and Health Insurance companies without co-pay.

Attorney Sandra Fluke tells her story to Syndication One News-Talk Radio Network's talk show host Warren Ballentine on how life has changed since being placed in the limelight by Rush Limbaugh calling her a "slut", and not being included to speak on the Conscience Clause exceptions in health care for both profit and non-profit organizations. The chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee refused to allow the young lady to speak which enraged Democrats considering Fluke would have been the sole woman to speak on across-the-board covered contraception coverage (photo credit: Kirk Tanter).

 Former RNC Chairman and the first Lt. Governor in the State of Maryland Michael Steele, shows up once again -- as he did in 2008 -- to take notes in his new role of Media Political Analyst at the 2012 Democratic National Convention.

 Michael Steele with Fatiyn at the 2012 DNC Convention in Charlotte

 The Obamas and Bidens are front and center to hear the President and Vice President speak (photo Credit: Kirk Tanter).

Following the President and VP's speeches they take a moment with both families on stage to congratulate one another (photo credit: Kirk Tanter).

Radio still delivers the last word to shoppers.

Briefing by Inside Radio

While it may seem like everyone is constantly surfing the web on their smartphone, when it comes to pre-shopping behavior radio is still far in the lead. New Arbitron-commissioned research shows FM/AM radio also has reach and emotional environment working in its favor.

President Obama Weekly Address 9-22-12: Congress Must Act to Create Jobs and Grow the Economy

President Obama describes how the House of Representatives left town without finishing important work that would create jobs and strengthen our economy.

College Football vicious double hit

Romney paid 14.1 percent effective tax rate in 2011

Story by NBC 

Written by Michael O'Brien

Mitt Romney paid an effective tax rate of about 14 percent last year, his campaign said Friday while also announcing that the Republican presidential nominee had paid an average annual effective tax rate of about 20.2 percent between 1990 and 2009.

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Internet radio royalty legislation introduced.

Briefing by Inside Radio

A bill that has the potential to lower music royalty rates paid by internet broadcasters was introduced by Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) and Jared Polis (D-CO) in the House today. 

A companion bill is expected to be introduced in the Senate. 

The Internet Radio Fairness Act would put internet radio services under the same market-based standard used to establish rates for other digital services, including cable and satellite radio.

Apple Poised to Sell 10 Million IPhones in Record Debut

Story by Bloomberg
Written by Adam Satariano and Ryan Faughnder

Apple Inc. is poised for a record iPhone 5 debut and may not be able to keep up with demand as customers line up from Sydney to New York to pick up the latest model of its top-selling product.

The iPhone 5 hits stores in eight countries today at 8 a.m. local time, giving customers in Australia the first chance to buy the device, followed by those in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, France, Germany, the U.K., Canada and the U.S. With a new wireless contract, the device costs $199, $299 and $399 in the U.S., depending on the amount of memory.

Pedro Mendez, a 21-year-old student from Elmhurst, New York, got in line at Apple’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York on Sept. 18 to make sure he’d get the new phone.

“It’s something you have to do,” said Mendez, who plans to sell his iPhone 4S to a friend. “You stand in line, you see everyone the next day at school and talk about it.”

The crowds reinforce estimates from analysts that the iPhone 5 will be the largest consumer-electronics debut in history. Apple may sell as many as 10 million iPhones during the weekend sales rush, according to Gene Munster, an analyst at Piper Jaffray Cos. Because Apple generates about two-thirds of its profit from the iPhone, a successful introduction is critical to fuel growth that has led investors to catapult Cupertino, California-based Apple to the world’s most valuable company.

‘Cool Kids’

“We’ve never seen anything like this before,” said Andrew McAfee, principal research scientist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Center for Digital Business. “It used to be that with tech products the nerds got them, obsessed about them, and talked about them, and the cool kids wanted no part of that conversation. That’s just not true anymore.”

Apple may have trouble keeping up with initial demand because of supply shortages of components such as in-cell screen displays, according to Barclays Plc. Already, the company had to push out some deliveries to October after early online purchases topped 2 million in 24 hours, double the record set last year with the iPhone 4S.

Apple is introducing the iPhone across the world faster than any of the device’s five previous debuts. The iPhone will go on sale in 22 more countries on Sept. 28, Apple said, and it will be in more than 100 countries by the end of the year.

Bigger Screen

The new iPhone has a bigger screen, lightweight body design and faster microprocessor, and is compatible with speedier wireless networks. Software upgrades include new mapping and turn-by-turn navigation features.

Technology gadget reviewers mostly praised the new device, especially for its swifter wireless speeds that improve Web browsing and other data-hungry tasks. One criticism was the new mapping features, which don’t include details on how to navigate public transportation.

On Sept. 19, two days before the introduction, about 17 people were lined up at Apple’s Fifth Avenue store.

The lines around the world show how customers remain loyal to Apple once they buy one of its products, said Giri Cherukuri, a portfolio manager for Oakbrook Investments LLC, which owns Apple shares.
“The longer people are in the Apple ecosystem, the harder it is for them to switch away,” he said.

Android Competition

Apple is vying with rivals including Samsung Electronics Co., HTC Corp. and Google Inc.’s Motorola Mobility for dominance in a global smartphone market that reached $219.1 billion last year, according to data compiled by Bloomberg Industries. Those manufacturers primarily use Google’s Android operating system, which is the world’s most popular mobile software. Microsoft Corp., which has been working closely with Nokia Ovi, also is introducing a new mobile version of Windows later this year.
The benefits of a successful iPhone debut extend beyond Apple.

Suppliers including Qualcomm Inc. (QCOM), Broadcom Corp. (BRCM), LG Display (034220) and Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. (2317), the owner of Foxconn Technology Co. (2354), also will see a gain, according to Barclays.

To take advantage of the iPhone’s popularity, some of the first to get in line were there for the publicity. Joseph Cruz, 19, said Gazelle.com offered to pay for his iPhone, along with four others in line in New York, if he agreed to wear the company’s t-shirts and wrist bands.

“I’ve just got to wear this stuff for the whole week and they’ll pay for my iPhone,” he said. “I was going to stand out here regardless.”

It's new, it's tall and it's stuffed with billionaires

A view of Central Park from the 85th floor of the One57 tower, which will soon hold the title of New York's tallest building with residences, in New York, Sept. 14. The sheer concentration of wealth in One57, a $1.5 billion development, is raising the eyebrows of some longtime market-watchers, as the buyers of the full-floor apartments near the top that have sold so far were all bought by billionaires.

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Chicago teachers vote to return to classroom

Story by AP
Written by Sophia Tareen and Tammy Webber

CHICAGO - Chicago's teachers agreed Tuesday to return to the classroom after more than a week on the picket lines, ending a spiteful stalemate with Mayor Rahm Emanuel over teacher evaluations and job security, two issues at the heart of efforts to reform the nation's public schools.

Union delegates voted overwhelmingly to suspend the strike after discussing a proposed contract settlement that had been on the table for days. Classes were to resume Wednesday.

Jubilant delegates poured out of a South Side union hall singing "solidarity forever," cheering, honking horns and yelling, "We're going back."

Most were eager to get to work and proud of a walkout that yielded results.

"I'm very excited. I miss my students. I'm relieved because I think this contract was better than what they offered," said America Olmedo, who teaches fourth- and fifth-grade bilingual classes. "They tried to take everything away."

Mayor Rahm Emanuel called the settlement "an honest compromise" that "means a new day and a new direction for the Chicago public schools."

"In past negotiations, taxpayers paid more, but our kids got less. This time, our taxpayers are paying less, and our kids are getting more," the mayor said, referring to provisions in the deal that he says will cut costs.

The walkout, the first in Chicago in 25 years, shut down the nation's third-largest school district just days after 350,000 students had returned from summer vacation. Tens of thousands of parents were forced to find alternatives for idle children, including many whose neighborhoods have been wracked by gang violence in recent months.

Union President Karen Lewis said the union's 700-plus delegates voted 98 percent to 2 percent to reopen the schools.

"We said that we couldn't solve all the problems of the world with one contract," Lewis said. "And it was time to end the strike."

Tuesday's vote was not on the contract offer itself, but on whether to continue the strike. The contract will now be submitted to a vote by the full membership of more than 25,000 teachers.

The walkout was the first for a major American city in at least six years. It drew national attention because it posed a high-profile test for teachers unions, which have seen their political influence threatened by a growing reform movement. Unions have pushed back against efforts to expand charter schools, bring in private companies to help with failing schools and link teacher evaluations to student test scores.Said Shay Porter, a teacher at the Henderson Academy elementary school: "We ignited the labor movement in Chicago."

The strike carried political implications, too, raising the risk of a protracted labor battle in President Barack Obama's hometown at the height of the fall campaign, with a prominent Democratic mayor and Obama's former chief of staff squarely in the middle. Emanuel's forceful demands for reform have angered the teachers.

The teachers walked out Sept. 10 after months of tense contract talks that for a time appeared to be headed toward a peaceful resolution.

Emanuel and the union agreed in July on a deal to implement a longer school day with a plan to hire back 477 teachers who had been laid off rather than pay regular teachers more to work longer hours. That raised hopes the contract would be settled before the start of fall classes, but bargaining stalled on other issues.

Emanuel decried the teachers' decision to leave classrooms, calling the walkout unnecessary and a "strike of choice."

Chicago's long history as a union stronghold seemed to work to the teachers' advantage. As they walked the picket lines, they were joined by many of the very people who were most inconvenienced by the work stoppage: parents who had to scramble to find babysitters or a supervised place for children to pass the time.

To win friends, the union engaged in something of a publicity campaign, telling parents repeatedly about problems with schools and the barriers that have made it more difficult to serve their kids. They described classrooms that are stifling hot without air conditioning, important books that are unavailable and supplies as basic as toilet paper that are sometimes in short supply.

As the strike entered its second week, Emanuel turned to the courts to try to force teachers back to the classroom by filing a lawsuit that described the walkout as an unlawful danger to the public.

The complaint sought a court order to end the strike, citing dangers to students and issues that state law says cannot be grounds for a work stoppage. The case was likely to be moot if teachers went back to class.

The strike upended a district in which the vast majority of students are poor and minority. The district staffed more than 140 schools with non-union workers so students who are dependent on school-provided meals would have a place to eat breakfast and lunch.

When the two sides met at the bargaining table, money was only part of the problem. With an average salary of $76,000, Chicago teachers are among the highest-paid in the nation. After weeks of talks, the district proposed a 16 percent raise over four years — far beyond what most American employers have offered in the aftermath of the Great Recession.

But the evaluations and job security measures stirred the most intense debate.

The union said the evaluation system was unfair because it relied too heavily on test scores and did not take into account outside factors that affect student performance such as poverty, violence and homelessness.

The union also pushed for a policy to give laid-off teachers first dibs on open jobs anywhere in the district. 

The district said that would prevent principals from hiring the teachers they thought best qualified and most appropriate for the position. The tentative settlement proposed giving laid-off teachers first shot at schools that absorbed their former students.

The strike was just the latest and highest-stakes chapter in a long and often contentious battle between him and the union.

When he took office last year, the former White House chief of staff inherited a school district facing a $700 million budget shortfall. Not long after, his administration rescinded 4 percent raises for teachers. He then asked the union to re-open its contract and accept 2 percent pay raises in exchange for lengthening the school day for students by 90 minutes. The union refused.

Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney defends "Victims" comments

 

Young Demos Boost Radio Listening - according to the RADAR September 2012 Report

Infomation released by Arbitron

Adults aged 18 to 34 showing largest gain in radio listening, increasing by more than 800,000 weekly listeners

Arbitron announced today highlights from its September 2012 RADAR® 114 National Radio Listening Report. 

The report shows radio’s audience increased slightly year over year by 249,000 persons aged 12 and older, representing nearly 93% of the population.

Young radio listeners were largely responsible for the year-over-year increase, with Adults aged 18 to 34 showing the largest gain in weekly listeners, adding more than 800,000.

Persons aged 12 to 17 increased slightly also. Radio continues to reach 91% of this demographic. 

Adults aged 18 to 49 and Adults aged 25-54 showed year over year declines in weekly radio listening, largely due to shifts in the composition of the population versus last year. Radio attracts 126 million adults aged 18 to 49 and 119.6 million adults aged 25 to 54 on a weekly basis.

Radio’s Diversity

Radio’s diverse listener base saw a big jump in the September 2012 RADAR study compared to the September 2011 study. The number of Hispanic weekly radio listeners saw impressive increases across most demographic segments.

• Radio’s Hispanic audience aged 12 and older grew by more than 2.5  million versus the September 2011 report.  Radio reaches nearly 95% of Hispanics aged 12 and older.
• Hispanic Teens aged 12 to 17 showed an impressive increase over the past year, rising by more than 300,000 weekly listeners.
• The Black (non-Hispanic) audience also show significant gains.  Radio among Black (non-Hispanic) listeners aged 12 and older grew by more than 975,000 versus September 2011.  Radio reaches approximately 93% of the Black (non-Hispanic) population. 
• Black (non-Hispanic) adults aged 18 to 34 showed the most gains, adding nearly half a million average weekly listeners versus last year.
• The adult 25 to 54 Black (non-Hispanic) demographic also showed impressive gains with an increase of more than 280,000 weekly listeners.

Radio Delivers Affluent, Educated Adults

The September 2012 RADAR report illustrates radio’s ability to attract affluent, educated consumers.  More than 95% of adults aged 25 to 54 with a household income of $75K or more and a college degree tune in to radio on a weekly basis, that’s 25.6 million listeners in this demographic. 

Also, nearly 69.7 million, or 94%, of Adults aged 18 to 49 with a household income of $75K or more tune into radio on a weekly basis.

Chicago teachers 'not happy' with proposed contract; strike continues - CHICAGO THREATENS TO CLOSE 200 SCHOOLS

Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis says delegates have decided to extend their weeklong strike until at least Wednesday to give them time to consult with rank-and-file members before voting to suspend the walkout. Watch her news conference.

Story and Video by NBC News

Delegates from the Chicago Teachers Union told their bargaining team Sunday that they want to meet with the schools they represent before making a decision about whether to end their strike.

"They’re not happy with the agreement and would like it to be a lot better for us than it is," Union President Karen Lewis said in a news briefing Sunday evening, adding that they are returning to their schools with the proposal because they do not want to feel rushed to make a decision.

That means Chicago public schools will remained closed Monday and likely Tuesday, affecting 350,000 kindergarten, elementary and high school students. Parents should plan for their children to be out of school until at least Wednesday, Lewis said.

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700-Thousand Young People deprived of Voting?

From the President's Desk: 

 

As many as 700,000 young people of color could be deprived of their voting rights this year because of regressive new laws aimed at suppressing turnout, according to a study released this week by the University of Chicago.

At least 17 states have some kind of voter ID law already in place or about to go into effect.

This is not about having ID, simply to prove you are who you say you are. This is about having a specific type of ID. You can't show up with your Sam's Club card and vote.

The states that require or will require a photo ID are:

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin.

An earlier analysis by the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University's law school found that 11 percent of Americans lack the specific type of ID required by the new laws. While 9 percent of whites lack ID, 25 percent of blacks and 16 percent of Hispanics do not have them and may be denied the opportunity to vote.

We at the National Urban League are fighting back. Through our Occupy The Vote initiative, we're reaching out to citizens of all ages encouraging them to register, to make sure they have the proper ID, and - most importantly - to vote.

We're also encouraging state legislators and governors across the nation to reject these regressive and discrimatory laws. Find out more, and join the fight, by calling 1-866-MY-VOTE-1 or visiting www.occupythevote12.org.

Report: Liberty to name new Sirius XM CEO.

Story by Inside Radio

John Malone’s Liberty Media is quietly preparing to hire its own chief executive for Sirius XM Radio. The New York Post reports the search will reportedly begin when current CEO Mel Karmazin’s contract expires at the end of the year.

Liberty Media has slowly been building its stake in the satellite radio company over the past several months. It now holds 49.7% and it has already asked the FCC to give it control of Sirius XM.

Karmazin told the Bank of America-Merrill Lynch media conference in Beverly Hills this week he’s not talked about his future with the men that could become his new bosses. “I have not had any conversation with Liberty since these discussions started in May,” Karmazin said. “There’s been no dialogue whatsoever about me staying or going.”

He also said he expects Liberty to replace the current Sirius XM board. If Karmazin does exit, it won’t be surprising to many observers who characterize him as a “rival” to Malone in the world of media moguls. When Karmazin told Forbes over the summer he was “underpaid,” Malone told reporters he didn’t see it that way. “It’s a joke,” Malone said.

First Man on the Moon NASA's Neil Armstrong's Memorial Service from the National Cathedral in Washington DC

Live coverage by NBC News

iPhone 5 Promo Video

Karmazin doesn’t expect to survive takeover.

Briefing by Inside Radio

Sirius XM Radio CEO Mel Karmazin says his services don’t come cheap, and that he wouldn’t be surprised if Liberty Media shows him the door if and when it finally takes control of the satellite radio company. 

His statement comes as Liberty further grows its stake in the company.

Review of the National Defense Authorization Bill

President Obama signs the National Defense Authorization Act after months of debate.

Story by Forbes
Written by Judd Legum

President Obama signed the controversial Defense authorization bill, despite his reservations about provisions related to the treatment of terrorism suspects. The National Journal reports:

President Obama signed the defense authorization bill, formally ending weeks of heated debate in Congress and intense lobbying by the administration to strip controversial provisions requiring the transfer of some terror suspects to military custody.

“I have signed this bill despite having serious reservations with certain provisions that regulate the detention, interrogation, and prosecution of suspected terrorists,” Obama said in a statement accompanying his signature.

The AP has more from the signing statement: “My administration will not authorize the indefinite military detention without trial of American citizens. Indeed, I believe that doing so would break with our most important traditions and values as a nation.”

Full text of the signing statement below:

Statement by the President on H.R. 1540:

I have signed into law H.R. 1540, the “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012.” 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 national security programs that must be renewed. In hundreds of separate sections totaling over 500 pages, the Act also contains critical Administration initiatives to control the spiraling health care costs of the Department of Defense (DoD), to develop counterterrorism initiatives abroad, to build the security capacity of key partners, to modernize the force, and to boost the efficiency and effectiveness of military operations worldwide.

The fact that I support this bill as a whole does not mean I agree with everything in it. In particular, I have signed this bill despite having serious reservations with certain provisions that regulate the detention, interrogation, and prosecution of suspected terrorists. Over the last several years, my Administration has developed an effective, sustainable framework for the detention, interrogation and trial of suspected terrorists that allows us to maximize both our ability to collect intelligence and to incapacitate dangerous individuals in rapidly developing situations, and the results we have achieved are undeniable. Our success against al-Qa’ida and its affiliates and adherents has derived in significant measure from providing our counterterrorism professionals with the clarity and flexibility they need to adapt to changing circumstances and to utilize whichever authorities best protect the American people, and our accomplishments have respected the values that make our country an example for the world.

Against that record of success, some in Congress continue to insist upon restricting the options available to our counterterrorism professionals and interfering with the very operations that have kept us safe. My Administration has consistently opposed such measures. Ultimately, I decided to sign this bill not only because of the critically important services it provides for our forces and their families and the national security programs it authorizes, but also because the Congress revised provisions that otherwise would have jeopardized the safety, security, and liberty of the American people. Moving forward, my Administration will interpret and implement the provisions described below in a manner that best preserves the flexibility on which our safety depends and upholds the values on which this country was founded.
Section 1021 affirms the executive branch’s authority to detain persons covered by the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) (Public Law 107-40; 50 U.S.C. 1541 note). This section breaks no new ground and is unnecessary. The authority it describes was included in the 2001 AUMF, as recognized by the Supreme Court and confirmed through lower court decisions since then. Two critical limitations in section 1021 confirm that it solely codifies established authorities. First, under section 1021(d), the bill does not “limit or expand the authority of the President or the scope of the Authorization for Use of Military Force.” Second, under section 1021(e), the bill may not be construed to affect any “existing law or authorities relating to the detention of United States citizens, lawful resident aliens of the United States, or any other persons who are captured or arrested in the United States.” My Administration strongly supported the inclusion of these limitations in order to make clear beyond doubt that the legislation does nothing more than confirm authorities that the Federal courts have recognized as lawful under the 2001 AUMF. Moreover, I want to clarify that my Administration will not authorize the indefinite military detention without trial of American citizens. Indeed, I believe that doing so would break with our most important traditions and values as a Nation. My Administration will interpret section 1021 in a manner that ensures that any detention it authorizes complies with the Constitution, the laws of war, and all other applicable law.

Section 1022 seeks to require military custody for a narrow category of non-citizen detainees who are “captured in the course of hostilities authorized by the Authorization for Use of Military Force.” This section is ill-conceived and will do nothing to improve the security of the United States. The executive branch already has the authority to detain in military custody those members of al-Qa’ida who are captured in the course of hostilities authorized by the AUMF, and as Commander in Chief I have directed the military to do so where appropriate. I reject any approach that would mandate military custody where law enforcement provides the best method of incapacitating a terrorist threat. While section 1022 is unnecessary and has the potential to create uncertainty, I have signed the bill because I believe that this section can be interpreted and applied in a manner that avoids undue harm to our current operations.

I have concluded that section 1022 provides the minimally acceptable amount of flexibility to protect national security. Specifically, I have signed this bill on the understanding that section 1022 provides the executive branch with broad authority to determine how best to implement it, and with the full and unencumbered ability to waive any military custody requirement, including the option of waiving appropriate categories of cases when doing so is in the national security interests of the United States. As my Administration has made clear, the only responsible way to combat the threat al-Qa’ida poses is to remain relentlessly practical, guided by the factual and legal complexities of each case and the relative strengths and weaknesses of each system. Otherwise, investigations could be compromised, our authorities to hold dangerous individuals could be jeopardized, and intelligence could be lost. I will not tolerate that result, and under no circumstances will my Administration accept or adhere to a rigid across-the-board requirement for military detention. I will therefore interpret and implement section 1022 in the manner that best preserves the same flexible approach that has served us so well for the past 3 years and that protects the ability of law enforcement professionals to obtain the evidence and cooperation they need to protect the Nation.

My Administration will design the implementation procedures authorized by section 1022(c) to provide the maximum measure of flexibility and clarity to our counterterrorism professionals permissible under law. And I will exercise all of my constitutional authorities as Chief Executive and Commander in Chief if those procedures fall short, including but not limited to seeking the revision or repeal of provisions should they prove to be unworkable.

Sections 1023-1025 needlessly interfere with the executive branch’s processes for reviewing the status of detainees. Going forward, consistent with congressional intent as detailed in the Conference Report, my Administration will interpret section 1024 as granting the Secretary of Defense broad discretion to determine what detainee status determinations in Afghanistan are subject to the requirements of this section.

Sections 1026-1028 continue unwise funding restrictions that curtail options available to the executive branch. Section 1027 renews the bar against using appropriated funds for fiscal year 2012 to transfer Guantanamo detainees into the United States for any purpose. I continue to oppose this provision, which intrudes upon critical executive branch authority to determine when and where to prosecute Guantanamo detainees, based on the facts and the circumstances of each case and our national security interests. For decades, Republican and Democratic administrations have successfully prosecuted hundreds of terrorists in Federal court. Those prosecutions are a legitimate, effective, and powerful tool in our efforts to protect the Nation. Removing that tool from the executive branch does not serve our national security. Moreover, this intrusion would, under certain circumstances, violate constitutional separation of powers principles.

Section 1028 modifies but fundamentally maintains unwarranted restrictions on the executive branch’s authority to transfer detainees to a foreign country. This hinders the executive’s ability to carry out its military, national security, and foreign relations activities and like section 1027, would, under certain circumstances, violate constitutional separation of powers principles. The executive branch must have the flexibility to act swiftly in conducting negotiations with foreign countries regarding the circumstances of detainee transfers. In the event that the statutory restrictions in sections 1027 and 1028 operate in a manner that violates constitutional separation of powers principles, my Administration will interpret them to avoid the constitutional conflict.

Section 1029 requires that the Attorney General consult with the Director of National Intelligence and Secretary of Defense prior to filing criminal charges against or seeking an indictment of certain individuals. I sign this based on the understanding that apart from detainees held by the military outside of the United States under the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force, the provision applies only to those individuals who have been determined to be covered persons under section 1022 before the Justice Department files charges or seeks an indictment. Notwithstanding that limitation, this provision represents an intrusion into the functions and prerogatives of the Department of Justice and offends the longstanding legal tradition that decisions regarding criminal prosecutions should be vested with the Attorney General free from outside interference. Moreover, section 1029 could impede flexibility and hinder exigent operational judgments in a manner that damages our security. My Administration will interpret and implement section 1029 in a manner that preserves the operational flexibility of our counterterrorism and law enforcement professionals, limits delays in the investigative process, ensures that critical executive branch functions are not inhibited, and preserves the integrity and independence of the Department of Justice.

Other provisions in this bill above could interfere with my constitutional foreign affairs powers. Section 1244 requires the President to submit a report to the Congress 60 days prior to sharing any U.S. classified ballistic missile defense information with Russia. Section 1244 further specifies that this report include a detailed description of the classified information to be provided. While my Administration intends to keep the Congress fully informed of the status of U.S. efforts to cooperate with the Russian Federation on ballistic missile defense, my Administration will also interpret and implement section 1244 in a manner that does not interfere with the President’s constitutional authority to conduct foreign affairs and avoids the undue disclosure of sensitive diplomatic communications. Other sections pose similar problems. Sections 1231, 1240, 1241, and 1242 could be read to require the disclosure of sensitive diplomatic communications and national security secrets; and sections 1235, 1242, and 1245 would interfere with my constitutional authority to conduct foreign relations by directing the Executive to take certain positions in negotiations or discussions with foreign governments. Like section 1244, should any application of these provisions conflict with my constitutional authorities, I will treat the provisions as non-binding.

My Administration has worked tirelessly to reform or remove the provisions described above in order to facilitate the enactment of this vital legislation, but certain provisions remain concerning. My Administration will aggressively seek to mitigate those concerns through the design of implementation procedures and other authorities available to me as Chief Executive and Commander in Chief, will oppose any attempt to extend or expand them in the future, and will seek the repeal of any provisions that undermine the policies and values that have guided my Administration throughout my time in office.

BARACK OBAMA

THE WHITE HOUSE

President Obama condemns Libya attack

Story by The Hill

Written by Julian Pecquet

Violence in the post-Arab Spring Middle East threatened to upset the presidential race Wednesday after the U.S. ambassador to Libya and three other staffers were killed in an attack by an angry mob on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi.

Ambassador Christopher Stevens, two security officials and another consulate worker were killed as they tried to evacuate the burning building set aflame by protesters.

Initial reports attributed the attack to anger over a crude anti-Islam Web video that mocked the religion. But Obama administration officials now suspect the attack on the consulate was planned, according to The New York Times, though the intelligence is inconclusive.

President Obama and lawmakers on Capitol Hill in both parties condemned the attacks, but GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney struck a different note by ripping the Obama administration's response and criticizing the president's handling of foreign policy.

Romney issued a statement late Tuesday, before the full extent of the tragedy was known, that said the Obama administration was wrong to initially sympathize with those who waged the attacks.

“I'm outraged by the attacks on American diplomatic missions in Libya and Egypt and by the death of an American consulate worker in Benghazi," Romney said in a statement — released before he learned of the death of Stevens. "It's disgraceful that the Obama administration's first response was not to condemn attacks on our diplomatic missions, but to sympathize with those who waged the attacks.”

Read more »

President Live Now ---- Click link ---- U.S. Ambassador to Libya Killed in Attack in Benghazi

President speaks on Libya killings, click link: http://www.c-span.org/Events/US-Ambassador-to-Libya-Killed-in-Attack-in-Benghazi/10737434045/

Pres. Obama, along with Sec. of State Hillary Clinton reacts to the killing of the  U.S. Ambassador to Libya, J. Christopher Stevens, and three other Americans, who were killed in an Attack by Libyan militiamen while they were in Benghazi, Libya on Tuesday.

Cumulus restores 401k match.

Briefing by Inside Radio

In the latest sign of radio’s continuing recovery, Cumulus Media today told its 7,000 employees that it will reinstate the company’s 401(k) match. 

Like most public radio groups Cumulus pulled back on the contribution in early-2009 as a way to conserve cash during the darkest days of the Great Recession. 

A Charles Schwab survey released three weeks ago found 73% of U.S. companies have restored their 401(k) match program to pre-recession levels.

Eleventh anniversary of 9/11

President Obama & Defense Sec. Leon Panetta at the Pentagon (Jason Reed / Reuters)

Dennis Swindell kisses the name of his partner Gary Lee Bright (Timothy A. Clary / Pool via EPA)