Ukraine's Prime Minister and Cabinet Resign

Azarov

In efforts to bring peace and an end to protests, Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has resigned. His cabinet also joined him in resigning. Shortly before, parliament voted to repeal controversial anti protest laws and afterwards passed an amnesty bill for anyone who protested.

In a further offer to the opposition, President Viktor Yanukovych also offered up constitutional changes which could take power away from his position. Unconfirmed reports also state that he said he would give the opposition anything they wanted, as long as he could stay in office.

A key demand, of the protesters and opposition, has been his removal from office. However, stripping him of power may be enough to end the protests. If the opposition accepts the terms, only time will tell if the protesters will leave the barricades for home.

Tuesday also saw the news that a police officer had died, after succumbing to injuries he received during fighting with protesters, over the weekend. His death brings the total up to five killed in the violence. Over two thousand protesters and two hundred police were injured.

Protests began, in November, when the president backed away from a deal to join the EU, and instead turned to Russia. Multiple police attempts to clear out Kiev's Independence Square have failed, with injuries mounting since last Sunday, and deaths occurring on Wednesday. Many Ukrainians worry that Yanukovych is taking their country back under Russian influence and fear a loss of their independence from their former Soviet masters.

Colorado High School Student Lights Himself on Fire in Suicide Attempt

A Colorado high school student lit himself on fire in a suicide attempt, on Monday morning.

The incident happened in the cafeteria of Standley Lake High School, in Westminster, just after 07:00 MST.

A teacher was able to douse the flames using a fire extinguisher.

The boy is in critical condition, with burns to over eighty percent of his body.

Officials canceled school for the rest of Monday and Tuesday, though it will be open Tuesday morning for counseling efforts.

Mexico Brings Vigilantes Under Army Authority

Mexico's government has finally decided what to do about the large amount of vigilante groups in the country.

The groups rose during 2013 and took over many towns, throughout the country, in order to combat drug cartels.

Earlier in January, Mexico had attempted to disband the groups, but that ultimately failed after several shoot outs between vigilantes and federal troops.

Now, Mexico has resurrected old laws that allowed for Rural Defense Groups, under which the vigilantes become part of the army.

The government will require the groups to register with them and list their members, in exchange they will be provided with "all the means necessary for communications, operations and movement".

Members of the vigilante groups are thought to number more than twenty thousand, so they're addition will bring a lot of man power to the government's forces.

It also brings about a much more determined attitude to ensure the job of eliminating the cartels is accomplished.

Negotiations Continue in The Ukraine

Yanukovych, left center, meets with opposition leaders, right.

Negotiations continued in the Ukraine, on Monday, between President Viktor Yanukovych and opposition leaders.

During Monday's talks, the president offered to repeal anti protest laws, grant amnesty to protesters, and have a vote of no confidence put forth in parliament against the government.

The opposition is unlikely to accept this second set of offers, as they still don't meet their main demands of a new election and the removal of Yanukovych from office.

His first set, which offered government positions to some opposition leaders and leniency towards protesters, were declined for not going far enough.

However, it is considered a good sign that negotiations continued and the Yanukovych offered more in the latest round.

Protests began, in November, when the president backed away from a deal to join the EU, and instead turned to Russia.

Multiple police attempts to clear out Kiev's Independence Square have failed, with injuries mounting since last Sunday, and deaths occurring on Wednesday.

Many Ukrainians worry that Yanukovych is taking their country back under Russian influence and fear a loss of their independence from their former Soviet masters.

US Army: Chief Warrant Officer Edward Balli

Chief Warrant Officer Edward Balli, forty-two of Monterey, California, died on January 20.

He was killed in combat in Kandahar province, Afghanistan.

It was his fourth tour of duty, between Afghanistan and Iraq.

Balli was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, US Army Europe out of Vilseck, Germany.

His decorations include: Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Combat Action Badge.

Protests Continue in Ukraine as Opposition Rejects Yanukovych's Offer

Protests continued throughout the Ukraine, on Sunday, as opposition leaders rejected offers made by President Viktor Yanukovych.

On Saturday, in an attempt to end the protests, the president had offered government positions to two of the opposition's leaders.


He also offered to meet several other conditions that the opposition is demanding.

However, he failed to offer new elections or his resignation, both of which are key demands being made by protesters.

The ball is now back in Yanukovych's court, and Monday will see whether he'll try another offer or if that was the only one he would make.

Protests began, in November, when the president backed away from a deal to join the EU, and instead turned to Russia.

Multiple police attempts to clear out Kiev's Independence Square have failed, with injuries mounting since last Sunday, and deaths occurring on Wednesday.

Many Ukrainians worry that Yanukovych is taking their country back under Russian influence and fear a loss of their independence from their former Soviet masters.

Shooting in Maryland Mall Leaves 3 Dead

Three people were killed in a shooting at the Mall in Columbia, Maryland, on Saturday morning.

Four other people were wounded in the incident, but all are listed in good condition.

Police believe that one of the bodies belongs to the shooter, as it was found with a shotgun and ammunition.

They closed the entire mall and are searching it room by room to ensure that everything is secure.

At this time no known motive is known in the shooting.

Pennsylvania Police Arrest Russian Teen for Possessing Weapon of Mass Destruction

Nineteen year old Vladislav Miftakhov, a Russian national, was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania on charges of possessing a weapon of mass destruction.

Police had been investigating a marijuana growing operation when they found a bomb and bomb making materials.

The bomb was safely defused and disassembled by a Pennsylvania State Police Bomb Squad.

Miftakhov is enrolled as a student at Penn State University, in Altoona.

He was charged with possessing a weapon of mass destruction, possessing instruments of crime, possessing incendiary devices, possessing prohibited offensive weapons, recklessly endangering another person, risking a catastrophe, and multiple drug offenses.

It is unclear what his motive or intended target was.

A federal investigation is now underway, alongside the local and state ones.

Yanukovych Offers Government Positions to Opposition Leaders in the Ukraine

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych made a set of offers, on Saturday, in order to end protests against his government.

He offered the prime minister spot to former economy minister Arseny Yatsenyuk and the deputy prime minister job to former boxing champion Vitaly Klitschko, both of whom are two of the main leaders of the opposition.

In exchange, the president expects all protests to come to an end and all occupied government buildings to be evacuated. Yanukovych also promised to treat all those who had been detained, during the protests, with leniency.

If they do not take his deal, Yanukovych warned that anyone caught protesting would be considered part of an "extremist group" and that police would deal with them harshly.

Under the deal, a new government would be formed, by the opposition, with new parliamentary elections very likely. However, this agreement would leave Yanukovych in power, which might not be acceptable to many of the protesters, since it was anger with him that led to much of the protesting.

The protests began when the president backed away from a deal to join the EU, and instead turned to Russia. Multiple police attempts to clear out Kiev's Independence Square have failed, with injuries mounting since Sunday, and deaths occurring on Wednesday. Many Ukrainians worry that Yanukovych is taking their country back under Russian influence and fear a loss of their independence from their former Soviet masters.

Clashes in Cairo Kill 25

Rival political rallies clashed in Cairo and across Egypt, on Saturday.

Twenty-fie deaths were reported, with the majority taking place in the capital.

Security forces arrested one hundred and thirty-nine supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood and cleared out any protests that the group put together.

Saturday marked the third anniversary of the country's overthrow of Honsi Mubarak.

6.1 Quake Strikes Indonesia

A 6.1 earthquake rocked Indonesia, on Saturday afternoon.

Hardest hit was the town of Banyumas, on the island of Java.

Dozens of houses were damaged an the town's mosque collapsed.

Minor injuries were reported, but no deaths have been confirmed at this point.

No tsunami was caused by the quake, which struck at a depth of fifty-two miles.

Sheriff Joe Arapaio Puts Inmates on Bread and Water for Desecrating US Flags

Sheriff Joe Arapaio is stirring up controversy again.

This time he placed thirty-eight inmates on a bread and water diet for desecrating US flags.

Arapaio stated that, "These inmates have destroyed the American flag that was placed in their cells. Tearing them, writing on them, stepping on them, throwing them in the toilet, trash or wherever they feel."

All prisoners who commit the crime are sentenced to seven days of two meals of bread and water.

A second offense will result in ten days of the same sentence.

Yanukovych Promises Concessions in Ukraine

Faced with the spread of protests against his government, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has offered what is considered the beginning of concessions.

On Friday, Yanukovych pledged to "reshuffle" his government, amend anti-protest laws, and free more than one hundred detainees.

He stated that any decisions would be made at a special session of parliament, on Tuesday.

The president has previously made promises to the protesters and opposition, but each time broken them, so it is unclear if he will actually stand by his latest statements.

It is also unclear if parliament will make changes or if any changes they make will be enough for the protesters to go home.

Yanukovych is faced with an increasingly larger protest movement against him and his government, which has been going for over two months.

Multiple police attempts to clear out Kiev's Independence Square have failed, with injuries mounting since Sunday, and deaths occurring on Wednesday.

The protests began when the president backed away from a deal to join the EU, and instead turned to Russia.

Many Ukrainians worry that Yanukovych is taking their country back under Russian influence and fear a loss of their independence from their former Soviet masters.

Fighting and Explosions Kill 16 in Cairo

Sixteen people were killed and over a hundred were injured in violence in Cairo, on Friday.

Ten of the casualties occurred in clashes between security forces and supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Four explosions claimed six lives, with the biggest occurring outside of the city's police headquarters.

The Muslim Brotherhood is being blamed for the bombings, however Ansar Beit al-Maqdis, the local Al Qaeda affiliate, has claimed responsibility.

Saturday marks the third anniversary of Egypt's overthrow of Honsi Mubarak, a tense time for the politically torn country.

46 Vehicle Accident Kills 3 in Indiana

Three people were killed and more than twenty injured in a forty-six vehicle pileup in Indiana, Thursday afternoon.

Officials say that it went from a sunny day to near white out conditions, within minutes.

Fifteen tractor trailers were involved in the pileup, which occurred near Michigan City.

Both sides of I94 were shutdown for several hours, while emergency workers rescued the injured and trapped passengers and drivers, with the east bound lanes expected to remain closed until late Friday or possibly even Saturday.

Nursing Home Fire Kills 36 in Quebec

A nursing home fire in L'isle-Verte, Quebec  killed thirty-six, early Thursday morning.

Firefighters from several nearby towns were called to help battle the massive blaze.

They also had to contend with freezing temperatures, which made things all the more dangerous and difficult.

Only twenty of the building's fifty-six residents were saved.

Five bodies have been found so far, with the rest missing and presumed dead.

Most of the residents were over eighty-five and very few were mobile.

Cease Fire Declared in Kiev as Protests Spread Across Ukraine

An uneasy truce took place, on Thursday, between protesters and police in Kiev, Ukraine. It is unclear how long it will last as the government seems unwilling to actually give the people what they are demanding, a new election.

Protesters took the time of cease fire to build new and larger barricades, while their leaders met with the President. The meetings ended with nothing being resolved between the two sides.

Thursday also saw the spread of protests to several other cities, across the country. Threats of guerrilla warfare and revolution are now being made by some opposition leaders, angry over the President's refusal to grant any of the demands made of him.

At least four people were killed in Kiev, on Wednesday, as the months long protest turned deadly. Police at Independence Square opened fire on multiple occasions, wounding dozens. The shooting was followed by fire bombs being thrown by both sides.

On Wednesday evening, as thousands more protesters poured in, opposition leaders announced a twenty-four hour deadline for the government to announced emergency elections. If their deadline is not met then they have promised that they will attack.

Nearly two thousand protesters, two hundred police officers, and thirty-six journalists have been injured since Sunday, when the protests turned violent after parliament passed a heavily controversial law, on Friday. Under the bill, any protest can be banned, freedom of speech is limited, freedom of the press is cut, the government is allowed to ban citizens from using the internet, and it classifies advocacy groups as "foreign agents" if they receive money from abroad.

Opposition leaders accused Yanukovych of trying to cement a dictatorship by following the ways of Russia and North Korea. News of the bills passing was met with condemnation from much of the world, especially the European Union.

Continuous protests have been taking place in Kiev, and elsewhere in Ukraine, for several months now, with crowds as large as two hundred thousand, in Kiev's Independence Square alone. Many Ukrainians worry that Yanukovych is taking their country back under Russian influence and fear a loss of their independence from their former Soviet masters.

The protests gained steam after three former presidents backed them. Police were unable to clear out the protesters in December, and their failure had been followed by Yanukovych promising to get back to working on the deal with the EU.

However, his once again breaking his word only heightened the calls for his removal from office and led to many to call him a traitor and warn that he should never return to the country. The opposition had called for the government to replace him, but their lack of movement on the issue has led to calls for their removal as well.

Protests Turn Deadly in Ukraine

At least four people were killed in Kiev, on Wednesday, as the months long protest turned deadly. Police at Independence Square opened fire on multiple occasions, wounding dozens. The shooting was followed by fire bombs being thrown by both sides.

On Wednesday evening, as thousands more protesters poured in, opposition leaders announced a twenty-four hour deadline for the government to announced emergency elections. If their deadline is not met then they have promised that they will attack.

Nearly two thousand protesters, two hundred police officers, and thirty-six journalists have been injured since Sunday, when the protests turned violent after parliament passed a heavily controversial law, on Friday. Under the bill, any protest can be banned, freedom of speech is limited, freedom of the press is cut, the government is allowed to ban citizens from using the internet, and it classifies advocacy groups as "foreign agents" if they receive money from abroad.

Opposition leaders accused Yanukovych of trying to cement a dictatorship by following the ways of Russia and North Korea. News of the bills passing was met with condemnation from much of the world, especially the European Union.

Continuous protests have been taking place in Kiev, and elsewhere in Ukraine, for several months now, with crowds as large as two hundred thousand, in Kiev's Independence Square alone. Many Ukrainians worry that Yanukovych is taking their country back under Russian influence and fear a loss of their independence from their former Soviet masters.

The protests gained steam after three former presidents backed them. Police were unable to clear out the protesters in December, and their failure had been followed by Yanukovych promising to get back to working on the deal with the EU.

However, his once again breaking his word only heightened the calls for his removal from office and led to many to call him a traitor and warn that he should never return to the country. The opposition had called for the government to replace him, but their lack of movement on the issue has led to calls for their removal as well.

Shooting at Purdue University Leaves 1 Dead

A shooting at Purdue University left one person dead, on Tuesday afternoon.

The shooting took place in the Electrical Engineering building in Lafayette, Indiana.

According to witnesses, the shooter came into the classroom, shot one person, set the gun down, and then with hands up walked out of the room and surrendered to police.

Police say that they arrested the shooter, without incident, and found one person deceased.

A campus wide lock down was in place for two hours, but was lifted.

Officials have closed off the Electrical Engineering building, while the investigation is underway.

At this time, the identities of the shooter and victim have not been released, nor has the motive.

Priests Stop Violence in Kiev

Three Orthodox priests brought a pause to three days of clashes between police and protesters in Kiev, on Tuesday.

The priests walked between the two sides praying and calling for peace.

Their bravery was enough to end the fighting, at least for now.

Fighting began Sunday, after parliament passed a heavily controversial law, on Friday.

Under the bill, any protest can be banned, freedom of speech is limited, freedom of the press is cut, the government is allowed to ban citizens from using the internet, and it classifies advocacy groups as "foreign agents" if they receive money from abroad.

Opposition leaders accused Yanukovych of trying to cement a dictatorship by following the ways of Russia and North Korea.

News of the bills passing was met with condemnation from much of the world, especially the European Union.

Hundreds have been injured, as protesters hurled rocks and fire bombs at police, who used water cannons to try and break the protesters into submission.

Tuesday morning saw the police move in to try and break the barricades, leading to some of the worst violence.

It was as police were clearly failing to break the protesters, that the priests appeared.

Continuous protests have been taking place in Kiev, and elsewhere in Ukraine, for several months now, with crowds as large as two hundred thousand, in Kiev's Independence Square alone.

Many Ukrainians worry that Yanukovych is taking their country back under Russian influence and fear a loss of their independence from their former Soviet masters.

The protests gained steam after three former presidents backed them.

Police were unable to clear out the protesters in December, and their failure had been followed by Yanukovych promising to get back to working on the deal with the EU.

However, his once again breaking his word only heightened the calls for his removal from office and led to many to call him a traitor and warn that he should never return to the country.

The opposition had called for the government to replace him, but their lack of movement on the issue has led to calls for their removal as well.

Thailand Declares State of Emergency for Bangkok

Thailand's government declared a state of emergency for Bangkok, on Tuesday.

Under the state of emergency security forces can impose curfews, detain citizens without pressing charges, censor the media, ban gatherings of more than five people, and declare public areas closed.

The government's move follows months of protest, which have begun to cripple the city.

Protesters are demanding that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra resign, with many demanding she and her family leave the country.

Dozens of government buildings have been occupied by the protesters, and police have been unwilling to commit to retaking the buildings.

With the emergency declaration, the police now have more legal ability to begin working on ending the protests.

The state of emergency lasts for sixty days.

2 Killed in Nebraska Plant Explosion

An explosion tore through a plant in Omaha, Nebraska, on Monday morning.

The explosion caused a partial collapse of the plant and killed two people.

Nineteen people are unaccounted for and four of the seventeen injured are in critical condition.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the explosion.

CAR Selects New Interim President

The Central African Republic's Transitional Council selected a new interim leader, on Monday.

Fifty-nine year old Catherine Samba-Panza won the second round of voting, to be named the first woman President of the CAR.

A self risen business woman she is seen as a neutral party who can bring unity.

She immediately called upon all Central Africans to lay down their weapons and bring peace to the war torn country.

Her predecessor, Michel Djotodia, resigned after failing to bring peace.

The violence began several years ago, but intensified after Djotodia was put into power by the National Transition Council.

In 2013, France and the African Union sent troops to try and force a ceasefire, within the CAR.

Djotodia's removal from office had been a key demand of the opposition and many of the rebel groups.

News of his resignation was met by cheering and celebration in the streets.


However, his resignation was not enough to stop violence.


It is hoped with Samba-Panza's filling the presidential spot that peace may finally be attained.

Protesters Clash With Police in Kiev

Protesters in Kiev clashed with police, on Sunday.

Over one hundred thousand protesters poured into Independence Square, joining thousands who've been camping there.

Organizers and opposition leaders are doing their best to maintain peace, but the protests have come increasingly closer to violence as anger continues to mount.

Police used water cannons against protesters who moved on the parliament and other government buildings.

During Sunday, thirty police were hurt and at least fifty protesters were injured.

Anger increased greatly after parliament passed a heavily controversial law, on Friday.

Under the bill, any protest can be banned, freedom of speech is limited, freedom of the press is cut, the government is allowed to ban citizens from using the internet, and it classifies advocacy groups as "foreign agents" if they receive money from abroad.

Opposition leaders accused Yanukovych of trying to cement a dictatorship by following the ways of Russia and North Korea.

News of the bills passing was met with condemnation from much of the world, especially the EU.

Continuous protests have been taking place in Kiev, and elsewhere in Ukraine, for several months now,with crowds as large as two hundred thousand, in Kiev's Independence Square alone.

Many Ukrainians worry that Yanukovych is taking their country back under Russian influence and fear a loss of their independence from their former Soviet masters.

The protests gained steam after three former presidents backed them.

Police were unable to clear out the protesters in December, and their failure had been followed by Yanukovych promising to get back to working on the deal with the EU.

However, his once again breaking his word has only heightened the calls for his removal from office and led to many to call him a traitor and warn that he should never return to the country.

The opposition had called for the government to replace him, but their lack of movement on the issue has led to calls for their removal as well.

US Army: Specialist Andrew H. Sipple

Specialist Andrew H. Sipple, twenty-two of Cary, North Carolina, died on January 17.

He was killed in Kandahar City, Kandahar province, Afghanistan.

Sipple was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division out of Fort Hood, Texas.

His decorations include: Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal with campaign star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal.

Ukraine Strikes Against Free Speech and Other Civil Rights

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych signed into law a heavily controversial law, on Friday.

Mere hours before, the bill passed through a parliament which saw fights break out as the debate over it carried on.

Under the bill, any protest can be banned, freedom of speech is limited, freedom of the press is cut, the government is allowed to ban citizens from using the internet, and it classifies advocacy groups as "foreign agents" if they receive money from abroad.

Opposition leaders accused Yanukovych of trying to cement a dictatorship by following the ways of Russia and North Korea.

News of the bills passing was met with condemnation from much of the world, especially the EU.

Continuous protests have been taking place in Kiev, and elsewhere in Ukraine, for several months now,with crowds as large as two hundred thousand, in Kiev's Independence Square alone.

Many Ukrainians worry that Yanukovych is taking their country back under Russian influence and fear a loss of their independence from their former Soviet masters.

The protests gained steam after three former presidents backed them.

Police were unable to clear out the protesters in December, and their failure had been followed by Yanukovych promising to get back to working on the deal with the EU.

However, his once again breaking his word has only heightened the calls for his removal from office and led to many to call him a traitor and warn that he should never return to the country.

The opposition had called for the government to replace him, but their lack of movement on the issue has led to calls for their removal as well.

So far, the protests have been almost completely peaceful, but that could change as anger continues, and this new bill will only fuel that.

US Army: Sergeant Daniel T. Lee

Sergeant Daniel T. Lee, twenty-eight of Fort Wright, Kentucky, died on January 15.

He was killed during combat in Parwan province, Afghanistan.

Lee was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group Airborne out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

It was his second deployment, between Afghanistan and Iraq.

Among his completed courses were: Basic Combat Training, Basic Airborne Course, Warrior Leaders Course, Advanced Leaders Course; Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape Course; Special Forces Qualification Course.

His decorations include: Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Globral War on Terrorism Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Basic Parachutist Badge, Special Forces Tab.

Wyoming National Guard: Chief Warrant Officer Andrew L. McAdams

Chief Warrant Officer Andrew L. McAdams, twenty-seven of Cheyenne, Wyoming, died on January 10.

He and another soldier were killed when their airplane crashed at Bagram Airfield, Parwan province, Afghanistan.

McAdams was assigned to Detachment 53, Operational Support Airlift Command, Joint Force Headquarters out of Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Hawaii National Guard: Sergeant Drew M. Scobie

Sergeant Drew M. Scobie, twenty-five of Kailua, Hawaii, died on January 10.

He and another soldier were killed when their airplane crashed at Bagram Airfield, Parwan province, Afghanistan.

Scobie was assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery out of Wahiawa, Hawaii.

The GOP’s Phenomenal Record On Civil Rights

The Grand Old Party, the party responsible for the vast majority of civil rights legislation, began in a little schoolhouse in Ripon, Wisconsin, in 1854. A small assembly of abolitionists came together to bring an end to the institution of slavery. This tiny group of individuals eventually gave way to a political party dedicated to freedom, equal opportunity and civil rights. The name “Republican” alludes to Thomas Jefferson’s Democratic-Republican Party and the commitment to the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Formal organization of the GOP took place in July, 1854 at a convention in Jackson, Michigan. Thousands of anti-slavery activists were present and two years later, in 1856, the first Republican National Convention took place in Philadelphia, at which the party’s Constitution was written.

Less than a decade later, on January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation which followed, in 1864, by the Republican National Convention’s call for the abolition of slavery. In 1865, Congressional Republicans passed the 13th Amendment which abolished slavery–unanimously, with only a few Democrat votes.

The 13 Amendment conferred U.S. citizenship on all black Americans and afforded them “full and equal benefit of all laws and proceedings for the security of person and property as is enjoyed by white citizens.” 

The 14 Amendment, passed on June 13, 1866, also garnered unanimous support from Republicans and vehement opposition from Democrats. Section 1 of the amendment states:

“All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”

Following the Civil War, much of the work towards civil rights for blacks was initiated by the wing of the Republican party known as the Radical Republicans. They were referred to as “radical” because of their strong stance on these and other issues. The right that provoked the greatest controversy concerned black male suffrage. 

In 1867, Congress passed a law requiring the former Confederate states to include black male suffrage in their new state constitutions. Ironically, even though black men began voting in the South after 1867, the majority of Northern states continued to deny them this basic right. Finally, at the end of February 1869, Congress approved a compromise amendment that didn’t specifically mention black men:

Section 1: The right of citizens of the United States vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

Section 2: The Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Once approved by the required two-thirds majorities in the House and Senate, the 15th Amendment had to be ratified by 28, or three-fourths, of the states. Due to reconstruction laws, black male suffrage already existed in 11 Southern states. While Congress debated the 15th Amendment early in 1869, 150 black men from 17 states assembled for a convention in Washington, D.C. This was the first national meeting of black Americans in the history of the United States. Frederick Douglass was elected president of the convention.

Despite Democratic opposition, the Republican party secured ratification victories throughout 1869. Ironically, it was a Southern state, Georgia that clinched the ratification of the 15th Amendment on February 2, 1870.

On March 30, President Grant officially proclaimed the 15th Amendment as part of the Constitution. Washington and many other American cities celebrated. More than 10,000 blacks paraded through Baltimore. In a speech on May 5, 1870, Frederick Douglass rejoiced. “What a country — fortunate in its institutions, in its 15th Amendment, in its future.”
But, the elation over this victory was short-lived. While Republicans amassed loyal black voters in the North, the South was a different story altogether. The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) leashed a reign of terror against black men who tried to vote or who had voted, by burning homes, churches and schools, and in some cases by resorting to murder.

The KKK was founded in Tennessee, in 1866, as a social club. It then spread into just about every state in the South and eventually into the North in various locations. According to Dr. Eric Foner, professor of history at Columbia University: “In effect, the Klan was a military force serving the interests of the Democratic party, the planter class, and all those who desired the restoration of white supremacy. It aimed to destroy the Republican party’s infrastructure, undermine the Reconstruction state, reestablish control of the black labor force, and restore racial subordination in every aspect of Southern life.” 

Indeed, from 1870 to 1930 Democrats used fraud, lynching, whippings, mutilation, murder and intimidation in order to suppress the black population. In addition to that, Black Codes and Jim Crow laws, which legalized racial discrimination and denied blacks equal rights, were enforced. Gun control measures were also taken in order to disarm the black population.

It was during this period of time, in 1875, that landmark legislation was introduced—The Civil Rights Act of 1875. Introduced by Radical Republican Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts, it “guaranteed all citizens, regardless of color, access to accommodations, theatres, public schools, churches, and cemeteries. The bill further forbid the barring of any person from jury service on account of race, and provided that all lawsuits brought under the new law would be tried in federal, not state, courts.” Unfortunately, Sumner died before the passage of his bill. The senator died of a heart attack in 1874 and as he lay dying, he said: “Don’t let the bill fail.” He exhorted Frederick Douglass and the others at his bedside to take care of his civil rights bill.

In the years following the turn of the century, the women’s rights movement began to gain some steam and was solidly Republican. Most suffragists, including Susan B. Anthony, favored the GOP. The 19^th Amendment was written by a Republican senator and received greater support from Republicans than from Democrats. It was passed by Congress on June 4, 1919 and ratified on August 18, 1920. It guarantees American women the right to vote. 

Prior to the passage and ratification of the 19^th Amendment, in 1917 the first woman was elected to Congress. Rep. Jeannette Rankin (R-MT) was sworn in on June 4, 1919.
Not long after that, on June 2, 1924, the Republican-controlled 68th Congress and President Calvin Coolidge granted citizenship to Native Americans with the Indian Citizenship Act. Then, in 1928 Sen. Octaviano Larrazolo (R-NM) was sworn in as the first Hispanic U.S. Senator.

Later on down the line, on May 17, 1954, the legendary Brown v Board of Education ruling struck down racial segregation in public schools. The majority decision was written by Chief Justice Earl Warren who was a former Republican governor of California and also a vice presidential nominee.

In 1957, President Eisenhower, who appointed Justice Warren, sent Congress a proposal for civil rights legislation. The end result was the Civil Rights Act of 1957 which established the Civil Rights Section of the Justice Department and enabled federal prosecutors to obtain court injunctions against interference with the right to vote. It also established the Civil Rights Commission which was given the authority to investigate discriminatory conditions and recommend corrective measures. In the end, however, the final act was weakened by Congress due to lack of support from Democrats. President Eisenhower was also responsible for sending U.S. troops to Arkansas to desegregate schools.

The Republican party also produced the first Asian-American U.S. Senator, Hiram Fong (R-HI), who won his seat on August 21, 1959.

On June 10, 1964 the Senate passed key civil rights legislation–The 1964 Civil Rights Act in which the Republican leader, Everett Dirksen (R-IL), defeated a Democrat filibuster. The Civil Rights Act of 1964:

“…is the nation’s benchmark civil rights legislation, and it continues to resonate in America. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Passage of the Act ended the application of ‘Jim Crow’ laws, which had been upheld by the Supreme Court in the 1896 case Plessy v. Ferguson, in which the Court held that racial segregation purported to be ‘separate but equal’ was constitutional. The Civil Rights Act was eventually expanded by Congress to strengthen enforcement of these fundamental civil rights.”

According to the Michael Zak, in his book, Back to Basics for the Republican Party:

“On this day in 1964, Everett Dirksen (R-IL), the Republican Leader in the U.S. Senate, condemned the Democrats’ 57-day filibuster against the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Leading the Democrats in their opposition to civil rights for African-Americans was Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV). Byrd, who got into politics as a recruiter for the Ku Klux Klan, spoke against the bill for fourteen straight hours. Democrats still call Robert Byrd ‘the conscience of the Senate.’”

In addition to that, the House version of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was supported by only 61 percent of that Chamber’s Democrats while 80 percent of Republicans embraced the act. In the final Senate vote on the Act, it received 82 percent of the Republican vote and was opposed by 69 percent of Democrats.

Similarly, 94 percent of Senate Republicans voted in favor of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 versus 73 percent of Democrats. The final vote on the House’s version was even more stark as only one Senate Republican voted against it while seventeen Democrats opposed it. In the House, 82 percent of Republicans supported the bill versus 78 percent of Democrats.

In the decades following the civil rights era, the GOP continued its pioneering dedication to freedom and liberty for all U.S. citizens. For instance, on September 25, 1981, President Ronald Reagan appointed the first woman, Sandra Day O’Connor, to the Supreme Court.

Republicans sought to create an environment in which anyone who persevered could achieve the American dream. GOP-driven welfare reform, for example, is responsible for helping scores of people move forward towards self-sufficiency. Moreover, charter schools have been significantly effective in rescuing poor urban children from failing public schools and providing them with the tools to succeed in life.

Consistently embracing a law and order platform, the GOP has always fought gun control measures which disarm the law-abiding citizens. In many high crime areas minorities are victimized and often unable to defend themselves because of strict gun laws which have little impact on criminals. The GOP supports measures which reduce the amount of gun violence by empowering the law-abiding citizen.

The Republican party has historically also fought illegal immigration and one reason for that is because illegal workers steal jobs from black and Hispanic laborers who are in this country legally. 

As we pay tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. on his birthday, we should be mindful also of the Republican party’s persistent dedication to freedom, liberty and justice for all. Let freedom ring.

Review: The Legend of Hercules

The Legend of Hercules, which came out Friday, January 10, doesn't even have enough decent action to make it worth it.

This is truly one of those movies where the only good thing about it was that it finally ends.

It's laced with a love story with such cheesy lines that even George Lucas or Twilight would've avoided them.

Gladiator kept coming to mind as our lead is betrayed by his king, survives to be sold into slavery, and then rises through the gladiator ranks to fight in the main event and win his freedom.

While the movie also brings thoughts of 300, it fails to bring either of those movies great levels of action.

The acting could have used a lot of work, but halfway decent writing would've helped the actors out, a lot.

Do yourself a favor and don't go see this movie, don't watch it when it comes out on DVD, just never watch it.

If you really feel the need to get a Hercules fix, wait til July 25, when Hercules, starring Dwayne Johnson comes out.

Mexico Orders Vigilantes to Disarm in Michoacan

Mexican police and the military have moved into the state of Michoacan and ordered vigilante groups to stand down and disarm.

The groups rose during 2013 and took over many towns, in the state, in order to combat the Knights Templar drug gang.

Military forces engaged some of the vigilante groups in gun fire, only increasing hostilities between the groups and the federal government.

The General Council of the Community and Self Defence Groups of Michoacan, as the groups call themselves, feel abandoned by the government, saying that the federals left them to the mercy of the drug gangs.

Most of the groups state that they have no intention of laying down their arms, and will continue to defend their homes from the gangs and even the government if necessary.

Their leaders say they will only stop fighting once the Knights Templar are eliminated.

Dozens of Fires Burning in South Australia and Victoria

Conditions in Australia remain perfect for a dangerous fire season.

High temperatures are combining with lightning to have created nearly a thousand fires, over the past week.

South Australia and Victoria are taking the brunt of the fires, with the two states hosting more than six hundred of them.

As of Wednesday, firefighters had put out all but fourteen of the blazes in South Australia and twenty-nine still burned in Victoria.

Eleven people have been injured by the fires, including ten firefighters.

Worries are that Friday will bring stronger winds, only increasing the danger.

Colorado Police Seeking Vandals Who Broke Into Englewood High School

Englewood Police have released photos of vandals who broke into Englewood High School.

Three adult men broke into the school, early Sunday morning, and vandalized various parts of the school.

They smashed windows, damaged computers in a computer lab, and set fires in the band room.

The fires set off the fire alarms, which drew police and firefighters to the school.

The sprinkler system knocked out the fires, but the water added to the damage done.

A two thousand dollar reward is being offered for information which leads to an arrest.

Anyone with information should call the Englewood Police Department at 303-761-7410 or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.

Colorado School Evacuated by Chemical Device

SkyView Academy, a K-12 school, in Highlands Ranch, Colorado was evacuated Tuesday.

Authorities say that some sort of "chemical device" went off just before noon.

Three students and a teacher have been hospitalized due to exposure, while nine other patients required treatment.

Parents were able to pick up their children from the school's gym, which was taken off the evacuation list after it was deemed safe by emergency crews.

No further information has yet been released about what occurred at the school.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Littleton Fire Department, and South Metro Fire Department are investigating the incident.

2 Wounded in Shooting at New Mexico Middle School

Two students were wounded when a third student opened fire at a New Mexico middle school.

Tuesday morning's shooting took place at Berrendo Middle School, in Roswell.

Witnesses say that a twelve year old male student fired multiple shots, with a shotgun, at a fourteen year old male student.

His shots hit his target and also struck a thirteen year old female.

A teacher was able to talk him into putting the gun down, before anyone else was hurt.

The school was immediately put on lock down as a precaution.

Students were bussed to the Roswell Mall, where their parents were able to pick them up.

Both victims were transported to University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas for medical treatment.

According to the hospital, the male is in critical condition and the female is in serious condition.

Chicago Given 6 Months to Write New Gun Laws

On Tuesday, US District Judge Edmond Chang agreed to Chicago's request for a delay to allow for gun sales.

The city had requested one hundred and eighty days and Chang granted it.

Chang had ruled on Monday, January 6, that the city's gun ban was unconstitutional, and then stayed his own ruling to give the city time to appeal.

However, Chicago decided not to appeal the decision only asking for the delay to make new laws.

This sets the way for gun sales to begin in mid July.

Chicago had taken a lot of grief over the gun laws, which despite being the strictest in the US, were unable to stop gun violence.

In fact, gun violence only increased each year since the ban was put into place.

Constitutional Vote in Egypt

Egyptians once again voted for a constitution, on Wednesday, though with notable distinctions from the last vote.

The turn out for this new mostly secular constitution is much greater than the thirty-three percent of the previous Islamic based constitution.

Many Egyptians are celebrating this constitution as one that actually brings freedom to the people.

If it passes, as is expected, it will set up general elections later this year.

Unfortunately, violence also marred this vote, as supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood attacked poll stations and clashed with voters and security forces.

Eight people have been killed in the violence, with at least sixty-six arrests made.

The Muslim Brotherhood, which is recognized as a terrorist organization, and other Islamic groups boycotted this constitutional vote, saying that it is illegitimate for various reasons.

Denver Hostage Situation Ends With Suspect Shot

A hostage situation in Denver ended with the suspect shot, on Monday morning.

Police responded to a suspicious person call at 08:30 MST, at the 7-11 located at Perry and Colfax.

There they found an armed man had two hostages, inside the store.

After an hour of negotiations the suspect came outside with a female hostage as a shield.

When he refused to release her and attempted to take her back into the store, a Denver police officer shot him.

Neither hostage was hurt, while the suspect was taken to a hospital in critical condition.

Shooting Closes I270 in Denver

A shooting closed Interstate 270, through Commerce City, Colorado, on Monday morning.

Just after 03:00 MST police responded to reports of an accident.

When they arrived, shots were fired at them.

Officers returned fire, striking the shooter.

The shooter was taken to the hospital with non life threatening injuries, while no officers were harmed.

Police closed the entire nine mile stretch of the interstate, in both directions, until 11:30, while the investigation was underway.

West Virginia Slowly Clearing Water

Officials in West Virginia have announced that tap water will slowly be safe for drinking again.

A map will soon be put out on the West Virginian American Water website, showing which areas are safe.

The map will be simple with uncleared areas being marked in red and then changed to green once they are cleared.

Seventeen hundred miles of pipes were possibly contaminated by a chemical spill on Thursday.

A state of emergency was declared for Charleston and the surrounding areas, with people warned not to drink or wash in the water.

National Guard troops and other sources helped distribute bottled water.

6.5 Quake Rattles Puerto Rico

A 6.5 earthquake struck off the coast of Puerto Rico, on Monday morning.

More than seventy aftershocks have followed, with three of them being larger than 3.5.

The quake cracked floors, knocked items off shelves, knocked out power, and caused other damage, but no injuries have been reported.

No tsunami alert was issued, which caused criticism of the government, however officials note that there was no tsunami, so no need for an alert.

It was the biggest quake to hit US territory since March 2011.

Bangkok Shutdown by Protesters Blockade

Protesters in Thailand have blockaded the financial center of Bangkok.

They had announced their intention to do so, last week, leading to an order from the government that they not do so.

However, they have ignored the government's ban on their blockade and moved into the city anyways.

The opposition is demanding that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra resign, with many demanding she and her family leave the country.

At this time, the government has not yet made a move to clear the protesters.

Any attempt to do so would clearly require violence from the police and be met with violence from the protesters.

It is unclear if the government would be able to call upon the military, who has stayed neutral in this political conflict, in order to end things.

20 Dead in Philippines Flooding

Flooding in the Philippines has left twenty dead and fourteen missing.

Most heavily hit was the Mindanao area.

Heavy rains brought not just the flooding but mudslides as well.

Ten provinces and nearly two hundred thousand people have been affected by the floods and mudslides.

Several towns have been cut off, as the only bridges to them have been covered by the waters or destroyed.

CAR's President Djotodia Resigns

Michel Djotodia, interim president of the Central African Republic, announced his resignation, on Friday.

He did so in an attempt to end the violence which has plagued the country.

The violence began several years ago, but intensified after he was put into power by the National Transition Council.

In 2013, France and the African Union sent troops to try and force a ceasefire, within the CAR.

Djotodia's removal from office had been a key demand of the opposition and many of the rebel groups.

News of his resignation was met by cheering and celebration in the streets.

It is yet unclear if his resignation will have the desired effect or if the fighting will continue on anyways.

Emergency Declared After Chemical Leaks Into West Virginia Water Supply

Nine counties in West Virginia are under a declaration of emergency, after their water was contaminated.

According to officials, a foaming agent used in the coal preparation process, leaked from a tank at Freedom Industries and enter the Elk River, Thursday morning.

The leak was stopped, but an unknown amount of the chemical entered the water supply of Charleston and the surrounding area.

Boone, Cabell, Clay, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Putnam, and Roane counties are affected.

Residents are warned to avoid tap water, and only use it for toilets.

Boiling will not removed the chemical from the water and showering or washing in it would cause exposure.

Restaurants and other food based services have been told to close, unless they use bottled water.

Many stores, in the affected area, are already out of bottled water, with more being rushed in.

At this time, it is not known how long it will take to completely flush the chemical out of the water systems.

Lightning Strike Kills 3 in Argentina

Three tourists were killed when lightning struck a beach in Argentina.

Twenty-two other people were injured in the incident.

It happened in Villa Gesell, on Thursday evening.

Witnesses said that the storm came out of nowhere and that people were heading for shelter, when the strike occurred.

The government issued a statement, calling the incident a "disgrace".

Japan Factory Explosion Leaves 5 Dead

Five people were killed in a factory explosion, in Japan on Thursday afternoon.

It happened at a Mitsubishi factory, in Yokkaichi.

Seventeen other people were injured in the blast.

Emergency crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire, caused by the explosion.

Officials say that workers were cleaning a heat exchange, when the explosion occurred.

It is believed that a chemical reaction with hydrogen was the cause, but the investigation is continuing.