An engineered virus, injected into the blood, can selectively target cancer cells throughout the body in what researchers have labelled a medical first.
The virus attacked only tumours, leaving the healthy tissue alone, in a small trial on 23 patients, according to the journal Nature.
Researchers said the findings could one day "truly transform" therapies.
Cancer specialists said using viruses showed "real promise".
Using viruses to attack cancers is not a new concept, but they have needed to be injected directly into tumours in order to evade the immune system.
Smallpox to cancer
Scientists modified the vaccinia virus, which is more famous for being used to develop a smallpox vaccine.
The virus, named JX-594, is dependent upon a chemical pathway, common in some cancers, in order to replicate.
It was injected at different doses into the blood of 23 patients with cancers which had spread to multiple organs in the body.In the eight patients receiving the highest dose, seven had the virus replicating in their tumours, but not in healthy tissue.
Prof John Bell, lead researcher and from the University of Ottawa, said: "We are very excited because this is the first time in medical history that a viral therapy has been shown to consistently and selectively replicate in cancer tissue after intravenous infusion in humans.
"Intravenous delivery is crucial for cancer treatment because it allows us to target tumours throughout the body as opposed to just those that we can directly inject."
Infection prevented further tumour growth in six patients for a time. However, the virus did not cure cancer. Patients were given only one dose of the virus as the trial was designed to test the safety of the virus.
It is thought that the virus could be used to deliver treatments directly to cancerous cells in high concentrations.
Prof Bell acknowledges that the research is still in the very early stages, but he said: "I believe that some day, viruses and other biological therapies could truly transform our approach for treating cancer."
Cancer Research UK's Prof Nick Lemoine, also director of Barts Cancer Institute, said: "Viruses that multiply in just tumour cells - avoiding healthy cells - are showing real promise as a new biological approach to target hard-to-treat cancers.
"This new study is important because it shows that a virus previously used safely to vaccinate against smallpox in millions of people can now be modified to reach cancers through the bloodstream - even after cancer has spread widely through the patient's body.
"It is particularly encouraging that responses were seen even in tumours like mesothelioma, a cancer which can be particularly hard to treat."
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Report: Up to $60 Billion Wasted in Iraq, Afghanistan
VOA NEWS
The United States' extensive outsourcing of military functions in war zones has been controversial since the beginning of the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
A report by the bipartisan Commission on Wartime Contracting has heightened concerns with details of allegations of billions of dollars lost due to waste and corruption.
To lessen wartime strains on America’s all-volunteer military force, the Pentagon hires private businesses to provide a vast array of support services.
Reliance on contractors expanded drastically during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, feeding what is now a large for-profit military industry funded by U.S. taxpayers.
The commission's co-chairman, Michael Thibault says not all of the money has been well-spent.
“Total spending on contract and grants in Iraq and Afghanistan amounts to $206 billion. We estimate that $31-$60 billion of that total has been or is being lost to waste and fraud,” said Thibault.
At a news conference Wednesday, Thibault stressed that the commission's aim is not to attack the reputations of individual contractors, but rather to identify problems in the government’s contracting process. He says many problems have been identified.
“The cost of contract support has been unnecessarily high. [The U.S.] government has not effectively managed contracts to promote competition, reward good performance, and impose accountability for poor performance and misconduct by both government and contractor personnel,” Thibault said.
As an example of counter-productive efforts, the commission alleges that some U.S. funds for construction projects in Afghanistan wound up in the hands of insurgents battling American troops.
Contractors do everything from serving meals to troops to building power plants and guarding diplomats.
The commission urges an overhaul of government contracting procedures in war zones, and even phasing out the use of contractors for certain functions.
The other commission co-chairman is former Congressman Christopher Shays.
“The way forward demands reform. With tens of billions of dollars already wasted, with the prospect of more to follow, and with the risk of re-creating these problems the next time America faces a contingency, denial and delay are not good options,” said Shays.
Questions surrounding private military contractors are not new. In 2007, Congress held hearings on allegations that contractors targeted Iraqi civilians with excessive and reckless force. Eric Prince, founder of Blackwater, a well-known military contracting firm, denied any wrongdoing by his employees.
“I disagree with the assertion that they acted like cowboys,” Prince said.
Democratic Senator Jim Webb of Virginia says the commission’s report is a call to action for Congress. “These recommendations will be listened to and, when appropriate, acted on by the United States Congress,” Webb said.
In May, the Congressional Research Service reported that the United States had 155,000 private contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan, compared with 145,000 uniformed personnel.
The United States' extensive outsourcing of military functions in war zones has been controversial since the beginning of the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
A report by the bipartisan Commission on Wartime Contracting has heightened concerns with details of allegations of billions of dollars lost due to waste and corruption.
To lessen wartime strains on America’s all-volunteer military force, the Pentagon hires private businesses to provide a vast array of support services.
Reliance on contractors expanded drastically during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, feeding what is now a large for-profit military industry funded by U.S. taxpayers.
The commission's co-chairman, Michael Thibault says not all of the money has been well-spent.
“Total spending on contract and grants in Iraq and Afghanistan amounts to $206 billion. We estimate that $31-$60 billion of that total has been or is being lost to waste and fraud,” said Thibault.
At a news conference Wednesday, Thibault stressed that the commission's aim is not to attack the reputations of individual contractors, but rather to identify problems in the government’s contracting process. He says many problems have been identified.
“The cost of contract support has been unnecessarily high. [The U.S.] government has not effectively managed contracts to promote competition, reward good performance, and impose accountability for poor performance and misconduct by both government and contractor personnel,” Thibault said.
As an example of counter-productive efforts, the commission alleges that some U.S. funds for construction projects in Afghanistan wound up in the hands of insurgents battling American troops.
Contractors do everything from serving meals to troops to building power plants and guarding diplomats.
The commission urges an overhaul of government contracting procedures in war zones, and even phasing out the use of contractors for certain functions.
The other commission co-chairman is former Congressman Christopher Shays.
“The way forward demands reform. With tens of billions of dollars already wasted, with the prospect of more to follow, and with the risk of re-creating these problems the next time America faces a contingency, denial and delay are not good options,” said Shays.
Questions surrounding private military contractors are not new. In 2007, Congress held hearings on allegations that contractors targeted Iraqi civilians with excessive and reckless force. Eric Prince, founder of Blackwater, a well-known military contracting firm, denied any wrongdoing by his employees.
“I disagree with the assertion that they acted like cowboys,” Prince said.
Democratic Senator Jim Webb of Virginia says the commission’s report is a call to action for Congress. “These recommendations will be listened to and, when appropriate, acted on by the United States Congress,” Webb said.
In May, the Congressional Research Service reported that the United States had 155,000 private contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan, compared with 145,000 uniformed personnel.
Militant wing in political parties not to be tolerated: Gilani
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday pledged to take across the board action against anti-social elements without showing any leniency to them for restoring peace to Karachi.
The prime minister said this while addressing a large gathering of people including notables of the area, party workers and office bearers at the Circuit House.
The prime minister said that any criminal, terrorist, or militant if found guilty of killing innocent people in Karachi would be sternly punished.
Gilani said "we would not tolerate militant wing in any party".
The Prime Minister expressed the resolve to remove the sense of deprivation of the people of under-developed areas, which remained neglected in the past.
He recalled that the sense of deprivation prevailed among the people of Dhaka before 1971. The country would not have witnessed break-up had the voice from Dhaka was heard and proper steps taken to end their sense of deprivation, he added.
The Prime Minister said that there was a sense of deprivation among the people of southern Punjab. The people wanted their rights protected and "we will support them to remove their six-decade long sense of deprivation. It is our responsibility to act in accordance with their aspirations," he added.
He said that some people were issuing statements to weaken the stance of the people of southern Punjab. Some people had objected to the word 'Seraiki' but flower would give fragrance no matter what name it was given, he added.
He said that the government was moving forward in the right direction and would solve all the problems of people.
Prime Minister Gilani said that a new era of revolutionary development would usher in the area. It pace of development would match with that in other parts of Punjab, he added.
The prime minister said this while addressing a large gathering of people including notables of the area, party workers and office bearers at the Circuit House.
The prime minister said that any criminal, terrorist, or militant if found guilty of killing innocent people in Karachi would be sternly punished.
Gilani said "we would not tolerate militant wing in any party".
The Prime Minister expressed the resolve to remove the sense of deprivation of the people of under-developed areas, which remained neglected in the past.
He recalled that the sense of deprivation prevailed among the people of Dhaka before 1971. The country would not have witnessed break-up had the voice from Dhaka was heard and proper steps taken to end their sense of deprivation, he added.
The Prime Minister said that there was a sense of deprivation among the people of southern Punjab. The people wanted their rights protected and "we will support them to remove their six-decade long sense of deprivation. It is our responsibility to act in accordance with their aspirations," he added.
He said that some people were issuing statements to weaken the stance of the people of southern Punjab. Some people had objected to the word 'Seraiki' but flower would give fragrance no matter what name it was given, he added.
He said that the government was moving forward in the right direction and would solve all the problems of people.
Prime Minister Gilani said that a new era of revolutionary development would usher in the area. It pace of development would match with that in other parts of Punjab, he added.
Zardari pledges closer cooperation with China in fighting terrorism
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari said that his country will cooperate more closely with China in fighting terrorism during a visit to west China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, an area that has recently weathered deadly terrorist attacks.Zardari made the statement here Tuesday during a meeting with Zhang Chunxian, Xinjiang's top official.
Zardari came to Urumqi to attend the first China-Eurasia Expo, which will be held from Sept. 1 to 5.Zardari stated that Pakistan opposes any terrorist activities and will work more closely with China in combating terrorism.Xinjiang's city of Kashgar, which is located near Pakistan's northeastern border, suffered two terrorist attacks in July.
Local officials previously said that an initial probe linked the two attacks to a group of religious extremists headed by militants who were trained in camps run by the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM). The militants then entered Xinjiang to plot terrorist attacks.
The ETIM is a cross-border terrorist organization recognized by both Beijing and the U.N.
Zardari came to Urumqi to attend the first China-Eurasia Expo, which will be held from Sept. 1 to 5.Zardari stated that Pakistan opposes any terrorist activities and will work more closely with China in combating terrorism.Xinjiang's city of Kashgar, which is located near Pakistan's northeastern border, suffered two terrorist attacks in July.
Local officials previously said that an initial probe linked the two attacks to a group of religious extremists headed by militants who were trained in camps run by the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM). The militants then entered Xinjiang to plot terrorist attacks.
The ETIM is a cross-border terrorist organization recognized by both Beijing and the U.N.
Minister snapped leaving No 10 with Afghan memo
BBC.COM
A senior minister has accidentally revealed a UK government briefing document "welcoming" the departure of Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell was photographed clutching the note as he left No 10.
It said the UK should "publicly and privately" approve Mr Karzai's decision not to seek a third term in 2014.
In response, Foreign Secretary William Hague said the memo was "pretty low level", adding "these things happen".
Mr Mitchell was photographed leaving Downing Street following a meeting of the National Security Council - in which ministers discussed Libya, Afghanistan and a range of other issues.
The BBC's Political Correspondent Robin Brant said Mr Mitchell immediately realised he had mistakenly displayed confidential briefing papers and told an aide "it is nothing top secret".
'Routine'
The document says: "Note that Karzai has publicly stated his intention to step down at the end of his second term as per the constitution. This is very important. It improves Afghanistan's political prospects very significantly. We should welcome Karzai's announcement in private and in public."It goes on to say: "Afghan perceptions of violence are very important for their confidence in their future, and for their readiness to work for the Afghan government.
"Have we got the strategic communications on levels of violence right?"
The document also discusses reforms to Afghanistan's banking sector and a planned IMF visit to the country.
The Department for International Development said the papers were "of a routine nature".
"They would have had a national security level marking of 'restricted' or 'confidential' if they contained anything of significant sensitivity," a spokesman said.
Mr Karzai was controversially re-elected to a second five-year term in 2009 after an election which was marred by allegations of fraud and vote-rigging.
Troubled relationship
Under the terms of the Afghan constitution, Mr Karzai is not allowed to stand for a third term - which means he will stand down in 2014.
There had been speculation he would try to continue in office beyond that date but he has confirmed he will not be seeking a third term.
Asked about Mr Mitchell's disclosure, Mr Hague said the memo was a "pretty low level briefing document within one department" and President Karzai had already made his intentions clear.
He added: "Of course we always look to presidents of a country, of all countries, to respect the constitution of their countries. It is as simple as that."
The Afghan leader's relationship with the UK and US has often been fraught, with critics urging him to do more to tackle corruption within his government.
But Nato forces in Afghanistan have said significant progress is being made in building up the capacity of the Afghan army and police as they take over greater responsibility for security.
The UK plans to withdraw the majority of its 9,000 troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2014, when its combat mission will come to an end.
Mr Mitchell is not the first person to be caught unawares by photographers outside No 10.
Former senior Metropolitan Police officer Bob Quick mistakenly revealed a secret terrorism document as he arrived at Downing Street in 2009.
He subsequently resigned, saying his position was "untenable".
In other similar cases, Treasury minister Danny Alexander was pictured last year holding a memo detailing the forecast scale of public sector job cuts while, in 2009, the then Labour Cabinet minister Caroline Flint inadvertently displayed a document which talked of a "property crisis".
A senior minister has accidentally revealed a UK government briefing document "welcoming" the departure of Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell was photographed clutching the note as he left No 10.
It said the UK should "publicly and privately" approve Mr Karzai's decision not to seek a third term in 2014.
In response, Foreign Secretary William Hague said the memo was "pretty low level", adding "these things happen".
Mr Mitchell was photographed leaving Downing Street following a meeting of the National Security Council - in which ministers discussed Libya, Afghanistan and a range of other issues.
The BBC's Political Correspondent Robin Brant said Mr Mitchell immediately realised he had mistakenly displayed confidential briefing papers and told an aide "it is nothing top secret".
'Routine'
The document says: "Note that Karzai has publicly stated his intention to step down at the end of his second term as per the constitution. This is very important. It improves Afghanistan's political prospects very significantly. We should welcome Karzai's announcement in private and in public."It goes on to say: "Afghan perceptions of violence are very important for their confidence in their future, and for their readiness to work for the Afghan government.
"Have we got the strategic communications on levels of violence right?"
The document also discusses reforms to Afghanistan's banking sector and a planned IMF visit to the country.
The Department for International Development said the papers were "of a routine nature".
"They would have had a national security level marking of 'restricted' or 'confidential' if they contained anything of significant sensitivity," a spokesman said.
Mr Karzai was controversially re-elected to a second five-year term in 2009 after an election which was marred by allegations of fraud and vote-rigging.
Troubled relationship
Under the terms of the Afghan constitution, Mr Karzai is not allowed to stand for a third term - which means he will stand down in 2014.
There had been speculation he would try to continue in office beyond that date but he has confirmed he will not be seeking a third term.
Asked about Mr Mitchell's disclosure, Mr Hague said the memo was a "pretty low level briefing document within one department" and President Karzai had already made his intentions clear.
He added: "Of course we always look to presidents of a country, of all countries, to respect the constitution of their countries. It is as simple as that."
The Afghan leader's relationship with the UK and US has often been fraught, with critics urging him to do more to tackle corruption within his government.
But Nato forces in Afghanistan have said significant progress is being made in building up the capacity of the Afghan army and police as they take over greater responsibility for security.
The UK plans to withdraw the majority of its 9,000 troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2014, when its combat mission will come to an end.
Mr Mitchell is not the first person to be caught unawares by photographers outside No 10.
Former senior Metropolitan Police officer Bob Quick mistakenly revealed a secret terrorism document as he arrived at Downing Street in 2009.
He subsequently resigned, saying his position was "untenable".
In other similar cases, Treasury minister Danny Alexander was pictured last year holding a memo detailing the forecast scale of public sector job cuts while, in 2009, the then Labour Cabinet minister Caroline Flint inadvertently displayed a document which talked of a "property crisis".
Libya's interim leaders reject UN military personnel
BBC.COM
Libya's interim leadership has rejected the idea of deploying any kind of international military force, the UN envoy to the country has said.
Ian Martin said the UN had considered the deployment of military observers.
Earlier, the chairman of the National Transitional Council (NTC) said the country did not need outside help to maintain security.
The news came as fighters loyal to the council approached the pro-Gaddafi stronghold of Sirte from east and west.
The town's defenders have been given until Saturday to surrender.
However, fugitive ex-leader Col Muammar Gaddafi's spokesman, Moussa Ibrahim, rejected the ultimatum, the Associated Press reports.
"No dignified honourable nation would accept an ultimatum from armed gangs," he said in a telephone call to the AP on Monday night.
Mr Ibrahim reiterated Col Gaddafi's offer to send his son Saadi to negotiate with rebels and form a transitional government, the agency said.
Libya's interim leadership has rejected the idea of deploying any kind of international military force, the UN envoy to the country has said.
Ian Martin said the UN had considered the deployment of military observers.
Earlier, the chairman of the National Transitional Council (NTC) said the country did not need outside help to maintain security.
The news came as fighters loyal to the council approached the pro-Gaddafi stronghold of Sirte from east and west.
The town's defenders have been given until Saturday to surrender.
However, fugitive ex-leader Col Muammar Gaddafi's spokesman, Moussa Ibrahim, rejected the ultimatum, the Associated Press reports.
"No dignified honourable nation would accept an ultimatum from armed gangs," he said in a telephone call to the AP on Monday night.
Mr Ibrahim reiterated Col Gaddafi's offer to send his son Saadi to negotiate with rebels and form a transitional government, the agency said.
Some U.S. firms paid more to CEOs than taxes: study
Twenty-five of the 100 highest paid U.S. CEOs earned more last year than their companies paid in federal income tax, a pay study said on Wednesday.
It also found many of the companies spent more on lobbying than they did on taxes.
At a time when lawmakers are facing tough choices in a quest to slash the national debt, the report from the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS), a left-leaning Washington think tank, quickly hit a nerve.
After reading it, Democratic Representative Elijah Cummings, ranking member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, called for hearings on executive compensation.
In a letter to that committee's chairman, Republican Darrell Issa, Cummings asked "to examine the extent to which the problems in CEO compensation that led to the economic crisis continue to exist today."
He also asked "why CEO pay and corporate profits are skyrocketing while worker pay stagnates and unemployment remains unacceptably high," and "the extent to which our tax code may be encouraging these growing disparities."
In putting together its study, IPS chose to compare CEO pay to current U.S. taxes paid, excluding foreign and state and local taxes that may have been paid, as well as deferred taxes which can often be far larger than current taxes paid.
The group's rationale was that deferred taxes may or may not be paid, and that current U.S. taxes paid are the closest approximation in public documents to what companies may have actually written a check for last year.
$16.7 MILLION AVERAGE
Compensation for the 25 CEOs with pay surpassing corporate taxes averaged $16.7 million, according to the study, compared to a $10.8 million average for S&P 500 CEOs. Among the companies topping the IPS list:
* eBay whose CEO John Donahoe made $12.4 million, but which reported a $131 million refund on its 2010 current U.S. taxes.
* Boeing, which paid CEO Jim McNerney $13.8 billion, sent in $13 million in federal income taxes, and spent $20.8 million on lobbying and campaign spending
* General Electric where CEO Jeff Immelt earned $15.2 million in 2010, while the company got a $3.3 billion federal refund and invested $41.8 million in its own lobbying and political campaigns.
Though the companies come from different industries, their tax breaks fall into two primary areas.
Two-thirds of the firms studied kept their taxes low by utilizing offshore subsidiaries in tax havens such as Bermuda, Singapore and Luxembourg. The remaining companies benefited from accelerated depreciation.
Shareholders have responded favorably when companies in which they invest keep a tax bill low through legal methods, thereby benefiting earnings. But Chuck Collins, an IPS senior scholar and co-author of the report, said that is a mistake.
"I think it's an exposure of weakness in a company if their profitability is dependent on their accounting department and not on making better widgets," he said.
In prior reports, Collins said, out-sized CEO pay was often a red flag of bigger problems to come. The IPS has been putting a pay report together for 18 years. Among those whose leaders have made the high pay list in years past, only to have their businesses falter: Tyco, Enron and WorldCom.
The New Resentment of the Poor
EDITORIAL:
In a decade of frenzied tax-cutting for the rich, the Republican Party just happened to lower tax rates for the poor, as well. Now several of the party’s most prominent presidential candidates and lawmakers want to correct that oversight and raise taxes on the poor and the working class, while protecting the rich, of course.
These Republican leaders, who think nothing of widening tax loopholes for corporations and multimillion-dollar estates, are offended by the idea that people making less than $40,000 might benefit from the progressive tax code. They are infuriated by the earned income tax credit (the pride of Ronald Reagan), which has become the biggest and most effective antipoverty program by giving working families thousands of dollars a year in tax refunds. They scoff at continuing President Obama’s payroll tax cut, which is tilted toward low- and middle-income workers and expires in December.
Until fairly recently, Republicans, at least, have been fairly consistent in their position that tax cuts should benefit everyone. Though the Bush tax cuts were primarily for the rich, they did lower rates for almost all taxpayers, providing a veneer of egalitarianism. Then the recession pushed down incomes severely, many below the minimum income tax level, and the stimulus act lowered that level further with new tax cuts. The number of families not paying income tax has risen from about 30 percent before the recession to about half, and, suddenly, Republicans have a new tool to stoke class resentment.
Representative Michele Bachmann noted recently that 47 percent of Americans do not pay federal income tax; all of them, she said, should pay something because they benefit from parks, roads and national security. (Interesting that she acknowledged government has a purpose.) Gov. Rick Perry, in the announcement of his candidacy, said he was dismayed at the “injustice” that nearly half of Americans do not pay income tax. Jon Huntsman Jr., up to now the most reasonable in the Republican presidential field, said not enough Americans pay tax.
Representative Eric Cantor, the House majority leader, and several senators have made similar arguments, variations of the idea expressed earlier by Senator Dan Coats of Indiana that “everyone needs to have some skin in the game.”
This is factually wrong, economically wrong and morally wrong. First, the facts: a vast majority of Americans have skin in the tax game. Even if they earn too little to qualify for the income tax, they pay payroll taxes (which Republicans want to raise), gasoline excise taxes and state and local taxes. Only 14 percent of households pay neither income nor payroll taxes, according to the Tax Policy Center at the Brookings Institution. The poorest fifth paid an average of 16.3 percent of income in taxes in 2010.
Economically, reducing the earned income tax credit and the child tax credit — which would be required if everyone paid income taxes — makes no sense at a time of high unemployment. The credits, which only go to working people, have always been a strong incentive to work, as even some conservative economists say, and have increased the labor force while reducing the welfare rolls.
The moral argument would have been obvious before this polarized year. Nearly 90 percent of the families that paid no income tax make less than $40,000, most much less. The real problem is that so many Americans are struggling on such a small income, not whether they pay taxes. The two tax credits lifted 7.2 million people out of poverty in 2009, including four million children. At a time when high-income households are paying their lowest share of federal taxes in decades, when corporations frequently avoid paying any tax, it is clear who should bear a larger burden and who should not.
In a decade of frenzied tax-cutting for the rich, the Republican Party just happened to lower tax rates for the poor, as well. Now several of the party’s most prominent presidential candidates and lawmakers want to correct that oversight and raise taxes on the poor and the working class, while protecting the rich, of course.
These Republican leaders, who think nothing of widening tax loopholes for corporations and multimillion-dollar estates, are offended by the idea that people making less than $40,000 might benefit from the progressive tax code. They are infuriated by the earned income tax credit (the pride of Ronald Reagan), which has become the biggest and most effective antipoverty program by giving working families thousands of dollars a year in tax refunds. They scoff at continuing President Obama’s payroll tax cut, which is tilted toward low- and middle-income workers and expires in December.
Until fairly recently, Republicans, at least, have been fairly consistent in their position that tax cuts should benefit everyone. Though the Bush tax cuts were primarily for the rich, they did lower rates for almost all taxpayers, providing a veneer of egalitarianism. Then the recession pushed down incomes severely, many below the minimum income tax level, and the stimulus act lowered that level further with new tax cuts. The number of families not paying income tax has risen from about 30 percent before the recession to about half, and, suddenly, Republicans have a new tool to stoke class resentment.
Representative Michele Bachmann noted recently that 47 percent of Americans do not pay federal income tax; all of them, she said, should pay something because they benefit from parks, roads and national security. (Interesting that she acknowledged government has a purpose.) Gov. Rick Perry, in the announcement of his candidacy, said he was dismayed at the “injustice” that nearly half of Americans do not pay income tax. Jon Huntsman Jr., up to now the most reasonable in the Republican presidential field, said not enough Americans pay tax.
Representative Eric Cantor, the House majority leader, and several senators have made similar arguments, variations of the idea expressed earlier by Senator Dan Coats of Indiana that “everyone needs to have some skin in the game.”
This is factually wrong, economically wrong and morally wrong. First, the facts: a vast majority of Americans have skin in the tax game. Even if they earn too little to qualify for the income tax, they pay payroll taxes (which Republicans want to raise), gasoline excise taxes and state and local taxes. Only 14 percent of households pay neither income nor payroll taxes, according to the Tax Policy Center at the Brookings Institution. The poorest fifth paid an average of 16.3 percent of income in taxes in 2010.
Economically, reducing the earned income tax credit and the child tax credit — which would be required if everyone paid income taxes — makes no sense at a time of high unemployment. The credits, which only go to working people, have always been a strong incentive to work, as even some conservative economists say, and have increased the labor force while reducing the welfare rolls.
The moral argument would have been obvious before this polarized year. Nearly 90 percent of the families that paid no income tax make less than $40,000, most much less. The real problem is that so many Americans are struggling on such a small income, not whether they pay taxes. The two tax credits lifted 7.2 million people out of poverty in 2009, including four million children. At a time when high-income households are paying their lowest share of federal taxes in decades, when corporations frequently avoid paying any tax, it is clear who should bear a larger burden and who should not.
Blast In A Hazara Eidgah Kills 10; More Casualties Feared
A powerful bomb went off outside an Eidgah in Quetta on Wednesday where Shia-Hazaras had gathered for Eid prayers, killing at least 10 people — including three women — and wounding 11 others.
The blast on Hazara Eidgah on Gulistan Road also caused damages to several vehicles and nearby buildings.
Security forces cordoned off the area and started investigation and rescue teams shifted the dead and the wounded to nearby hospitals. Some of the injured are reportedly in critical condition.
According to reports on some news channels, Quetta Azadari Council has announced weeklong mourning against the blast. Hazara Democratic Party (HDP) has also condemned the terrorist attack while several other Shia parties have alsocalled for a 10-day mourning.
Hazara community in Quetta, predominantly Shia-Muslim, have repeatedly come under attack in the volatile province of Balochistan. Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, a militant Sunni extremist group with links to Punjabi Taliban, has often claimed responsibility for attacks on Hazaras in the town. However, there was no no immediate claim of responsibility for this bomb blast.
The blast on Hazara Eidgah on Gulistan Road also caused damages to several vehicles and nearby buildings.
Security forces cordoned off the area and started investigation and rescue teams shifted the dead and the wounded to nearby hospitals. Some of the injured are reportedly in critical condition.
According to reports on some news channels, Quetta Azadari Council has announced weeklong mourning against the blast. Hazara Democratic Party (HDP) has also condemned the terrorist attack while several other Shia parties have alsocalled for a 10-day mourning.
Hazara community in Quetta, predominantly Shia-Muslim, have repeatedly come under attack in the volatile province of Balochistan. Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, a militant Sunni extremist group with links to Punjabi Taliban, has often claimed responsibility for attacks on Hazaras in the town. However, there was no no immediate claim of responsibility for this bomb blast.
Suicide-car-bomber kills 10 in Quetta
A blast on Quetta’s Gulistan Road has killed at least ten and seriously injured 13 people, a private TV channel reported on Wednesday.
Police are suspecting it to be a suicide blast.
"I have a hunch it was a suicide blast where the bomber, driving a car laden with explosive, rammed into this parking area and blew it up", CCPO said while talking to the channel.
Eyewitnesses said that ten to fourteen vehicles parked in the lot caught fire as a result.
Rescue work is in process and the injured have been rushed to hospitals.
Zulfi Mirza vs the MQM
EDITORIAL: Daily Times
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has disowned Zulfiqar Mirza’s allegations after a meeting was held at the Presidency. The PPP suspended Dr Mirza’s basic membership. On Tuesday, Dr Mirza announced that he was quitting politics and lashed out at the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) once again. This time he chose Hyderabad as the venue. On the other hand, the MQM challenged Dr Mirza to provide proof to substantiate his allegations against the party. MQM leader Faisal Sabzwari said, “It is a lie that the MQM’s enemies have been narrating since the party was created, which is nothing new.” Mr Sabzwari further added that Dr Mirza’s “drama was carried out to divert attention from the suo motu hearing of the Supreme Court (SC) on the Karachi situation” and alleged that Dr Mirza wanted to create rifts between the Pashtuns and the Muhajir community. The MQM asked its workers to remain calm. The SC has expressed its dissatisfaction over a report presented by Inspector General (IG) of Sindh Police Wajid Durrani on the Karachi situation and directed the government to expose those behind the spate of violence. This should serve as a wake-up call for the law enforcement agencies. The apex court has done the right thing by pointing out its dissatisfaction with the report. It is time that the government comes clean about the real perpetrators of violence in Karachi regardless of their party affiliations.
The PPP is still wedded to its so-called policy of reconciliation and there are reports that the MQM may join the federal and provincial government soon. Explanations regarding Dr Mirza’s allegations are being called for left, right and centre — be it the Awami National Party (ANP), Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif or other political leaders. Responses and demands aside, whatever Dr Mirza has said merits serious consideration. The situation in Karachi has reached a critical stage. It is time that the government adopts a policy that will cut through the maze. Violence continues unabated in Karachi, the bhatta (extortion) mafia, land mafia, drug mafia, trafficking mafia and other such criminal activities have not yet stopped in the city. There is an entire political and ethnic mélange that has put the metropolis under constant siege. While the political parties keep playing politics on dead bodies and play their victimhood card, it is the common citizens who keep suffering. The surgical operation that has been launched in the city should be seen through to the bitter end. So far we have seen that the areas dominated by the MQM have not been touched. Since the PPP wants to keep the MQM on board in order to save its government, the PPP’s own constituency is being alienated. Prime Minister Gilani said, “The government cannot and would not allow the terrorists and gangsters to play with the lives of innocent people of Karachi.” Well, if he is really serious about getting rid of terrorists and criminals, his government should be expedient in carrying out justice instead of being politically partisan. The government’s credibility is already decreasing day by day. By carrying out an operation across the board, the government would not just save Karachi but would also add to its credibility. Here is wishing a peaceful Eid in Pakistan, particularly in Karachi.
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has disowned Zulfiqar Mirza’s allegations after a meeting was held at the Presidency. The PPP suspended Dr Mirza’s basic membership. On Tuesday, Dr Mirza announced that he was quitting politics and lashed out at the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) once again. This time he chose Hyderabad as the venue. On the other hand, the MQM challenged Dr Mirza to provide proof to substantiate his allegations against the party. MQM leader Faisal Sabzwari said, “It is a lie that the MQM’s enemies have been narrating since the party was created, which is nothing new.” Mr Sabzwari further added that Dr Mirza’s “drama was carried out to divert attention from the suo motu hearing of the Supreme Court (SC) on the Karachi situation” and alleged that Dr Mirza wanted to create rifts between the Pashtuns and the Muhajir community. The MQM asked its workers to remain calm. The SC has expressed its dissatisfaction over a report presented by Inspector General (IG) of Sindh Police Wajid Durrani on the Karachi situation and directed the government to expose those behind the spate of violence. This should serve as a wake-up call for the law enforcement agencies. The apex court has done the right thing by pointing out its dissatisfaction with the report. It is time that the government comes clean about the real perpetrators of violence in Karachi regardless of their party affiliations.
The PPP is still wedded to its so-called policy of reconciliation and there are reports that the MQM may join the federal and provincial government soon. Explanations regarding Dr Mirza’s allegations are being called for left, right and centre — be it the Awami National Party (ANP), Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif or other political leaders. Responses and demands aside, whatever Dr Mirza has said merits serious consideration. The situation in Karachi has reached a critical stage. It is time that the government adopts a policy that will cut through the maze. Violence continues unabated in Karachi, the bhatta (extortion) mafia, land mafia, drug mafia, trafficking mafia and other such criminal activities have not yet stopped in the city. There is an entire political and ethnic mélange that has put the metropolis under constant siege. While the political parties keep playing politics on dead bodies and play their victimhood card, it is the common citizens who keep suffering. The surgical operation that has been launched in the city should be seen through to the bitter end. So far we have seen that the areas dominated by the MQM have not been touched. Since the PPP wants to keep the MQM on board in order to save its government, the PPP’s own constituency is being alienated. Prime Minister Gilani said, “The government cannot and would not allow the terrorists and gangsters to play with the lives of innocent people of Karachi.” Well, if he is really serious about getting rid of terrorists and criminals, his government should be expedient in carrying out justice instead of being politically partisan. The government’s credibility is already decreasing day by day. By carrying out an operation across the board, the government would not just save Karachi but would also add to its credibility. Here is wishing a peaceful Eid in Pakistan, particularly in Karachi.
Some forces trying to topple PPP govt: PM
: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Tuesday said that certain forces were striving to end the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) government before the upcoming March.
However, he said that such efforts would go in vain as the government enjoyed the support of the poor people.
Addressing a public gathering after the inauguration of Islamabad-Murree Expressway, the prime minister said that the unlawful tactics of such elements, who wanted to derail democracy, could not weaken the government.
He urged the people with such wishful approach to have patience and wait for another year for the completion of the present government’s tenure.
He said that his government was enjoying complete support of the masses and warned that “political fortune-tellers” predicting end of its tenure would face disappointment.
He stressed that the government had not come into power through backdoor, and added that it was up to the people to decide for the government’s next term on the basis of performance.
Gilani announced provision of gas to Murree in the near future. The decision was cheered by the gathering with people raising slogans in favour of the government and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).
He announced the grand project of constructing a road between Lower Topa to Kohala, which will link Punjab, Azad Kashmir and Hazara. He mentioned that he had also announced the provision of electricity to the remaining houses in Bhara Kahu. He also ordered for the completion of Nazir Satti College in Murree.
He said that he would also study the proposal of a project to provide water from River Jhelum to Murree.
Gilani asked Pakistan Baitul Maal Chairman Zamurrad Khan to set up Sweet Home, an orphanage in Murree.
He announced for establishing a fund for every union council which, he said, would bring prosperity in the area.
The prime minister said that his party had great affinity with Murree. He recalled the address of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto 35 years ago in the same city and also his own childhood memories of visiting Murree.
He said that the PPP was a symbol of a vision, ideology and belonged to martyrs. He said that this was the only party whose leaders had rendered sacrifices side by side by its workers.
Gilani said that a PPP worker always followed the footsteps of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, adding that democracy in the country was the outcome of Bhuttos sacrifices.
He said that the PPP had the ability to absorb all people from across the country.
The prime minister said that with Bhuttos policies, the country emerged as a nuclear power in the comity of nations.
He said that the vision of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto could not be restricted to one province, but spreads throughout the nation. He mentioned several reforms introduced by the government in terms of constitutional amendments which, he said, would strengthen the people’s roots.
Gilani said that the PPP had always struggled for democracy by fighting against dictators.
The prime minister wished the gathering Eid Mubarak in advance and appreciated their spirit of joining him on the last day of Ramazan.
Leader of the House in Senate Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, Baitul Maal Zamurrad Khan, and MNAs Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Mehreen Anwar Raja and Fauzia Habib were present.
Fauzia Wahab appreciated the president and the prime minister on giving courage to the nation in the hour of crises. Mehreen Raja said the government’s policy of reconciliation had played a positive role in the functioning of the government and its relations with other parties. app
However, he said that such efforts would go in vain as the government enjoyed the support of the poor people.
Addressing a public gathering after the inauguration of Islamabad-Murree Expressway, the prime minister said that the unlawful tactics of such elements, who wanted to derail democracy, could not weaken the government.
He urged the people with such wishful approach to have patience and wait for another year for the completion of the present government’s tenure.
He said that his government was enjoying complete support of the masses and warned that “political fortune-tellers” predicting end of its tenure would face disappointment.
He stressed that the government had not come into power through backdoor, and added that it was up to the people to decide for the government’s next term on the basis of performance.
Gilani announced provision of gas to Murree in the near future. The decision was cheered by the gathering with people raising slogans in favour of the government and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).
He announced the grand project of constructing a road between Lower Topa to Kohala, which will link Punjab, Azad Kashmir and Hazara. He mentioned that he had also announced the provision of electricity to the remaining houses in Bhara Kahu. He also ordered for the completion of Nazir Satti College in Murree.
He said that he would also study the proposal of a project to provide water from River Jhelum to Murree.
Gilani asked Pakistan Baitul Maal Chairman Zamurrad Khan to set up Sweet Home, an orphanage in Murree.
He announced for establishing a fund for every union council which, he said, would bring prosperity in the area.
The prime minister said that his party had great affinity with Murree. He recalled the address of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto 35 years ago in the same city and also his own childhood memories of visiting Murree.
He said that the PPP was a symbol of a vision, ideology and belonged to martyrs. He said that this was the only party whose leaders had rendered sacrifices side by side by its workers.
Gilani said that a PPP worker always followed the footsteps of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, adding that democracy in the country was the outcome of Bhuttos sacrifices.
He said that the PPP had the ability to absorb all people from across the country.
The prime minister said that with Bhuttos policies, the country emerged as a nuclear power in the comity of nations.
He said that the vision of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto could not be restricted to one province, but spreads throughout the nation. He mentioned several reforms introduced by the government in terms of constitutional amendments which, he said, would strengthen the people’s roots.
Gilani said that the PPP had always struggled for democracy by fighting against dictators.
The prime minister wished the gathering Eid Mubarak in advance and appreciated their spirit of joining him on the last day of Ramazan.
Leader of the House in Senate Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, Baitul Maal Zamurrad Khan, and MNAs Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Mehreen Anwar Raja and Fauzia Habib were present.
Fauzia Wahab appreciated the president and the prime minister on giving courage to the nation in the hour of crises. Mehreen Raja said the government’s policy of reconciliation had played a positive role in the functioning of the government and its relations with other parties. app
Peshawari chappal becoming fade in high society
The Frontier Post
Wearing peshawari Chappal is not only the tradition of people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but also one of their identiy. Buying new pair of peshawari Chappal on special occasion like Eid is also an old tradition of the province. The footwear is more a sandal than a slipper and is the only footwear that most people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are comfortable in. The chappal gained a boost as a fashion item in the 80′s era when people like former Pakistan Cricket team captain Imran Khan wore it with jeans as well. Peshawari chappal since than caught the eyes of many fashion conscious people around the country and even of people abroad. In Pakistan, it isseen on the feet of many elite and fashion conscious rich people. It is also worn on many festive occasion as a matter of style by many,.The history of using peshawari chappal has evolved over the years from the rugged hard leather version that was once popular to softer suede numbers that can be bought at boutique shops all over the country. One master craftsman, Attaullah Khan, said that the real chappal should have soles shaped out of cut truck tyres. The durability of these chappals was more as compared to other footwear.”What is interesting is that the original chappals were made in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, now the trend has been extended to other parts of the country and even you can see people living in Karachi wearing peshawari chappal,” he explained. Craftsmen like Attaullah Khan migrated several years ago from his native village in Upper Dir of the Khyber Pakhunkhwa to Peshawar as he says the demand for chappal is very high here.He said that wearing peshawari chappal had become a tradition of the people of Pakhtuns and they like to wear it on special occasion like wedding parties and Eid. “My entire family is in touch with the business and has established outfits in Karachi, Rawalpindi, Kohat and Quetta. Talking about the prices of the product, he said that the cost of both leather and rubber has gone up in the past year so a chappal that was once sold for Rs 500 has reached to Rs 1000. However, the price of the chappal when someone demands a custom made chappal with specific additions and alternation may cost much more.”The word Peshawar as its name implies was the city of skilled people and that is the reason that most of the Pakhtuns living in other parts of the world especially in Middle East countries like to take it with themselves when going abroad.And many Pakhtuns when someone is coming from Pakistan ask their friends to bring peshawari chappals to them, “Attaullah Khan told.
Wearing peshawari Chappal is not only the tradition of people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but also one of their identiy. Buying new pair of peshawari Chappal on special occasion like Eid is also an old tradition of the province. The footwear is more a sandal than a slipper and is the only footwear that most people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are comfortable in. The chappal gained a boost as a fashion item in the 80′s era when people like former Pakistan Cricket team captain Imran Khan wore it with jeans as well. Peshawari chappal since than caught the eyes of many fashion conscious people around the country and even of people abroad. In Pakistan, it isseen on the feet of many elite and fashion conscious rich people. It is also worn on many festive occasion as a matter of style by many,.The history of using peshawari chappal has evolved over the years from the rugged hard leather version that was once popular to softer suede numbers that can be bought at boutique shops all over the country. One master craftsman, Attaullah Khan, said that the real chappal should have soles shaped out of cut truck tyres. The durability of these chappals was more as compared to other footwear.”What is interesting is that the original chappals were made in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, now the trend has been extended to other parts of the country and even you can see people living in Karachi wearing peshawari chappal,” he explained. Craftsmen like Attaullah Khan migrated several years ago from his native village in Upper Dir of the Khyber Pakhunkhwa to Peshawar as he says the demand for chappal is very high here.He said that wearing peshawari chappal had become a tradition of the people of Pakhtuns and they like to wear it on special occasion like wedding parties and Eid. “My entire family is in touch with the business and has established outfits in Karachi, Rawalpindi, Kohat and Quetta. Talking about the prices of the product, he said that the cost of both leather and rubber has gone up in the past year so a chappal that was once sold for Rs 500 has reached to Rs 1000. However, the price of the chappal when someone demands a custom made chappal with specific additions and alternation may cost much more.”The word Peshawar as its name implies was the city of skilled people and that is the reason that most of the Pakhtuns living in other parts of the world especially in Middle East countries like to take it with themselves when going abroad.And many Pakhtuns when someone is coming from Pakistan ask their friends to bring peshawari chappals to them, “Attaullah Khan told.
Three urdu movies to be released on Eid
Three Urdu movies of Lollywood are set to be released on first day of Eid in an attempt to revive the dying film industry of Pakistan.
“Love Mein Gum”, “Jugni” and “Bhai Log” are among the quality movies to be released that will serve the fun lovers to enjoy on eid occasion. With the status of dying film industry, Pakistani cinema Industry was all set to screen Hollywood and Bollywood movies but efforts are made by Pakistani producers and directors to produce quality movies and screen them on Eid.
Three Urdu movies - “Love Mein Gum”, “Bhai Log” and “Jugni” and two Punjabi movies “Society Girl” and “Shah Murad” - will be exhibited in all the cinemas across the country.
Much awaited Reema Khan’s movie Love Men Gum will showcase the acting skills of Moammar Rana, Reema Khan, Nabeel Khan, and Araida in the leading roles. Reema Khan, the director and producer of the film, claims that Love Mein Gum is the most expensive film to be made in Lollywood. Its music is given by M Arshad, Najat Ali, Ravi Bal, Waqar Ali and Huntar and the lyrics by Khawaja Parvaiz, Ahmad Aqeel Ruby and Marz. The singers include Ali Zafar and Abrarul Haq and Shazia Manzoor.
“Love Mein Gum”, “Jugni” and “Bhai Log” are among the quality movies to be released that will serve the fun lovers to enjoy on eid occasion. With the status of dying film industry, Pakistani cinema Industry was all set to screen Hollywood and Bollywood movies but efforts are made by Pakistani producers and directors to produce quality movies and screen them on Eid.
Three Urdu movies - “Love Mein Gum”, “Bhai Log” and “Jugni” and two Punjabi movies “Society Girl” and “Shah Murad” - will be exhibited in all the cinemas across the country.
Much awaited Reema Khan’s movie Love Men Gum will showcase the acting skills of Moammar Rana, Reema Khan, Nabeel Khan, and Araida in the leading roles. Reema Khan, the director and producer of the film, claims that Love Mein Gum is the most expensive film to be made in Lollywood. Its music is given by M Arshad, Najat Ali, Ravi Bal, Waqar Ali and Huntar and the lyrics by Khawaja Parvaiz, Ahmad Aqeel Ruby and Marz. The singers include Ali Zafar and Abrarul Haq and Shazia Manzoor.
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