A Blog Called Hope

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) rips into Bush administration based on what he describes as ‘political favoritism’ in Judicial hiring

Former U.S. Attorney, and current Rhode Island Senator, Sheldon Whitehouse has targeted the Bush White House for what he deems unlawful hiring schemes at the Department of Justice. After an extensive investigation into the matter, Senator Whitehouse has uncovered a systematic effort to hire applicants based on political leanings. Such practices violate the hiring rules for civil service positions.

To view Senator Whitehouse’s entire press release visit his website.

From Sunday, July 27, 2008.

Congressman Langevin announces acquisition of $11.6million in federal funds for Rhode Island

Congressman Jim Langevin has announced that over $11million in federal funds from FEMA and Homeland Security will soon be coming to the state of Rhode Island.

The additional money will be utilized to help several agencies in the state prepare for and adequately address natural and man-made disasters.

Congressman Langevin explained that, “This funding is essential to ensure Rhode Island is prepared to respond to all types of emergencies … and has the appropriate resources to be ready for any scenario that may come our way.”

For more on this story visit, The Providence Journal.

Calling into question both his intelligence and ability to adequately serve our country, McCain piles on with the gaffes

Quick Geography Quiz

1.) True or False: Iraq and Pakinstan share a border.

Answer: False. If you answered “True”, you would be 1) Wrong and 2) in the company of John McCain of failing to recognize Pakistan and AFGHANISTAN share a border.

2.) True or False: Vladamir Putin is the President of Germany.

Answer: False. But don’t tell that to John McCain who recently proclaimed Russian President Vladamir Putin was in fact the President of Germany.

3.) True or false: Czecholoslavakia is a presently existing nation.

Answer: False. In 1993 Czechoslovakia became what is now known as the Czech Republic. But don’t tell that to John McCain, who still clings to 1992 in his mind. Let’s all think for a moment how tremendous 1992 was. 1992 gave us “Wayne’s World”, “Ren and Stimpy”, Kris Kross and their backwards clothing, and Barney people! BARNEY! Who can blame John McCain for wanting to continually relive such a wonderful time?!?

For more on John McCain’s many blunders visit, The Washington Post.

Yesterday, Barack Obama sat down with Katie Couric to discuss his foreign policy objectives and the war on terror.

Here is the interview:

Senator Obama and Senator Reed land in Jordan for a summit with Jordanian leaders

Today, Senator Obama will partake in a private meeting with King Abdullah. Later in the evening Senator Obama and the King will be joined by Senators Reed (D-RI) and Hagel (R-NE), and top Jordanian officials, for dinner.

The group will discuss the role of the United States and Jordan in combating terrorism.

During meetings between Senators Obama, Reed, and Hagel, Iraqi Prime Minister al-Maliki expresses support of Obama’s plan for Iraq

Presidential candidate Barack Obama, accompanied by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE), continued their whirlwind tour of the Middle East and Europe yesterday by meeting with Iraqi PM al-Maliki. The four men, along with United States Generals, discussed the United States’ role in Iraq and within the region.

During the conversation, the parties addressed Senator Obama’s plans for a withdrawal in 2010. Despite John McCain’s vehement opposition to a withdrawal, it certainly appears that Iraq itself wants such a timetable. The traveling party quoted al-Maliki as supportive of Obama’s plans and that Iraq wishes for “our continued help in training Iraqi security forces, helping conduct counter-terrorism operations, developing Iraq’s economy and advancing political compromise,” as opposed to continued United States military operations in the country.

Senators Obama, Reed, and Hagel will be in Jordan today to meet with the Jordanian royal family.

For more on this story visit, USA Today.

The New York Times has an interesting and insightful Op-Ed piece pertaining to John McCain and the economy.

Here is a brief look at Frank Rich’s article:

In 2000, he told an interviewer that he would make up for his lack of attention to “those issues.” As he entered the 2008 campaign, Mr. McCain was still saying the same, vowing to read “Greenspan’s book” as a tutorial. Last weekend, the resolutely analog candidate told The New York Times he is at last starting to learn how “to get online myself.” Perhaps he’ll retire his abacus by Election Day.

Mr. McCain’s fiscal ineptitude has received so little scrutiny in some press quarters that his chief economic adviser, the former Senator Phil Gramm of Texas, got a free pass until the moment he self-immolated on video by whining about “a nation of whiners.” -Frank Rich (New York Times)

To read the article visit the New York Times online.

Congressman Jim Langevin to lead field hearing to assess preparedness for contagious biological threats

Rep. Jim Langevin, Chairman of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats. Cybersecurity, Science and technology, has announced plans to hold a hearing to address Rhode Island’s ability to respond to contagious biological threats.

The meeting, to be held tomorrow, will focus on the state and country’s ability to respond to several biological threats that our country faces. The group, which will include state and federal officials, will also determine the measures to take to sufficiently prepare the country for such an event.

For more information on this story visit, WPRI 12.