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| NEWS of the Day - August 27, 2011 |
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on some issues of interest to the community policing and neighborhood activist across the country
EDITOR'S NOTE: The following group of articles from local newspapers and other sources constitutes but a small percentage of the information available to the community policing and neighborhood activist public. It is by no means meant to cover every possible issue of interest, nor is it meant to convey any particular point of view ...
We present this simply as a convenience to our readership ... |
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From the Los Angeles Times
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Calderon calls on U.S. society to curb its drug use
The White House on Friday issued a rare statement by U.S. President Obama on the deadly attack against civilians in a casino in northern Mexico, while President Felipe Calderon of Mexico delivered sharp words on American complicity in the violent conflict that has left tens of thousands dead in his country.
Obama's statement said:
I strongly condemn the barbaric and reprehensible attack in Monterrey, Mexico, yesterday. On behalf of the American people, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families at this difficult time.
The president called Mexico's campaign against organized crime groups "a brave fight" and said the U.S. "will remain a partner in this fight." The statement renewed a consistent American commitment since President George W. Bush's administration to support Calderon, in office since late 2006, and his government's efforts against powerful drug cartels.
On Friday, Calderon visited the site of the attack that killed more than 50 gamblers and employees at the popular Casino Royale in Mexico's wealthiest city. Calderon again issued a call to the U.S. to do more to tackle the American demand for drugs and the smuggling of weapons into Mexico.
In the prepared remarks released by the president's office, Calderon said the extortion-related attack in Monterrey was due to one primary factor, "the movement and sale of drugs to the United States." Calderon went on (link in Spanish):
Part of the tragedy that Mexicans are living has to do with the fact that we are alongside the biggest consumer of drugs in the world, and at the same time, the biggest vendor of weapons in the world, which pays billions of dollars every year to the criminals who supply them with narcotics.
These ... dollars end up arming and organizing the criminals, and places them in their service and against the citizens.
This is why it is my duty, also, to make a call to the society, the Congress, and the government of the United States. I ask them to reflect on this tragedy that we Mexicans and many other countries in Latin America are living, as a consequence, in great part, to the insatiable consumption of drugs in which millions and millions of Americans participate.
Separately, the Obama administration is facing domestic political pressure over the secret gun-tracking program dubbed Fast and Furious, which resulted in hundreds of weapons being "walked" into Mexico and then lost, fueling drug-related violence. Read recent coverage in The Times of Operation Fast and Furious here and here.
Since 2007, when Bush and Calderon negotiated the Merida Initiative, the U.S. has sent almost $1.5 billion in aid to Mexico for its fight against the cartels, a foreign-aid package similar to the $7 billion Plan Colombia that sought to help that South American nation fight drug traffickers and guerrillas.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/laplaza/2011/08/mexico-drug-war-obama-calderon-reaction-twitter-society-casino-attack.html
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'Pipeline' drug tunnel discovered in Calexico, across from Mexicali
Federal law enforcement agents have discovered the beginnings of a cross-border tunnel in the Imperial Valley border community of Calexico that represents the latest tactic of drug smugglers, officials announced Friday.
While cross-border tunnels are not unusual -- two were found earlier this month in Calexico -- the tunnel that had its origin at a closed Vons grocery store was unusual for two reasons, officials said.
First, it was apparently meant to be a "pipeline tunnel" where drugs could be conveyed from Mexico to the U.S. through a PVC pipe that is 4 inches in diameter. Most tunnels are much larger so bales of marijuana can be smuggled in.
Second, digging began in the U.S., not Mexico. The tunnel had advanced southward about 100 yards but had not yet crossed into Mexicali, officials said.
Tunneling equipment was found, but no arrests were made. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents began investigating after neighbors complained of a possible gas leak.
In March, state Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris was shown a drug tunnel in Calexico and immediately vowed to add investigators to keep the Calexico area from being a corridor for massive amounts of drugs to enter the U.S.
"What happens here has impact and effect throughout the state of California," she said.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/
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From Google News
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Obama: 9/11 A National Day of Service, Remembrance
U.S. President Barack Obama says the 10th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks should be a National Day of Remembrance and Service.
During his weekly address Saturday, Obama urged the nation to honor the victims of the attacks with an act of service or charity.
The president says he and first lady Michelle will participate in a local service project, and he urged citizens to get involved by logging onto the website Serve.gov.
Obama is appealing to citizens to show the same compassion displayed after the September 2001 attacks, and volunteer their services as the victims are remembered.
President Obama also said he and the first lady will be joining commemorations at New York's Ground Zero, in Shanksville, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon. Nearly 3,000 people were killed during the terrorist acts at the three locations.
http://www.voanews.com/english/news/Obama-911-A-National-Day-of-Service-Remembrance-128521108.html
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From the Department of Homeland Security
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New Digital Tools: FEMA App and Text Message Updates
by Shayne Adamski, Senior Manager, Digital Engagement
As Hurricane Irene threatens the East Coast, I'm excited to announce FEMA's gone mobile (again). I wanted to share two new ways you can get information about how to prepare for and recover from hurricanes and other disasters on your mobile devices. In the new FEMA App, you'll be able to:
- Check off the items you have in your family's emergency kit,
- Enter your family emergency meeting locations,
- Review safety tips on what to do before, during and after a disaster,
- View a map of shelters and disaster recovery centers across the U.S., and
- Read our latest blog posts.
When we built the app, we kept the disaster survivor in mind, making sure much of the information would be available even if cell phone service isn't, so you'll be able to access the important information on how to safe after a disaster, as well as your family emergency meeting locations.
So as Administrator Fugate said, you can download our app today in the Android market, and look for FEMA App for Blackberry version 6 devices and iPhones in the coming weeks.
FEMA Text Messages
A new and separate service from the new app, our text message updates will allow cell phone users to receive text message updates from FEMA.
- Text PREPARE to 43362 (4FEMA) to sign up to receive monthly disaster safety tips
- Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345)
(For availability of shelters and services, contact your local emergency management agency.)
- Text DRC + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest disaster recovery center in your area (for example, if you lived in Annandale, Virginia with a Zip Code of 22003, you'd text DRC 22003).
We're excited to provide these two new ways you can access information on your mobile device, in addition to our already existing mobile site – m.fema.gov. Stay tuned to our blog, Facebook and Twitter channels as we roll out our app to the remaining smartphone operating systems and make enhancements to our text messages program.
So download the app or text PREPARE to 43362 , and then leave us a comment and let us know what you think. We encourage you to tell a family member, friend, or neighbor as well, so they can have disaster safety information always at their fingertips.
FEMA app frequently asked questions
Q: Will I get emergency alerts and warnings through the FEMA App?
A: No. The FEMA App provides preparedness and disaster recovery information only. If you are in an emergency situation and need to reach a first responder, you should always dial 911. And remember to listen to your state and local officials for instructions and updates about emergencies where you live.
Q: Can I discontinue using the App at anytime?
A: Yes. To discontinue using the FEMA App, simply delete the icon on your smartphone or remove it just like you remove any other App on your smartphone.
Q: What are the future enhancements?
A: If you have suggestions/ideas for future enhancements, please send them to: FEMA-new-media@dhs.gov. FEMA will continue to develop enhancements and add them to updated versions of the App, and we welcome your input.
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FEMA text messages frequently asked questions
Q: Can I discontinue using this service at anytime?
A: Yes. To stop receiving Text Messages from FEMA, simply text: STOP to 43362 (4FEMA).
Q: How often will I receive these messages?
A: If you sign up for the monthly preparedness message, then obviously once a month. When we create additional keywords to sign up for more information, we will let you know how often we think we will send updates. At any time, you can unsubscribe from updates by texting: Stop to 43362 (4FEMA).
Q: What are the future enhancements?
A: If you have suggestions/ideas for other information you would like to receive via text message, please send them to: FEMA-new-media@dhs.gov
Q: Will I get emergency alerts and warnings through the FEMA Text Messaging?
A: No. FEMA Text Messages are not for emergency alerts or notifications. If you are in an emergency situation and need to reach a first responder, you should always dial 911. And remember to listen to your state and local officials for instructions and updates about emergencies where you live.
http://blog.fema.gov/2011/08/new-digital-tools-fema-app-and-text.html
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Secretary Napolitano Announces "Stop.Think.Connect."
Campaign Partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Stop.Think.Connect.™ campaign today announced a new partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which serves nearly four million young people from across the country.
The campaign will provide Boys & Girls Club with tools and resources to help raise awareness among teens, young adults and parents about the importance of cybersecurity and online safety.
"In today's world, Americans can use technology to engage with communities around the globe," said Secretary Napolitano. "Now, more than ever, it is important that all Americans learn to protect themselves online and do their part to ensure that cyberspace is a safe and secure environment for all Internet users."
"Technology skills and access to the Internet are critical in closing the academic achievement gap and leveling the playing field for all children," said Boys & Girls Clubs of America President and CEO Roxanne Spillett. "Equally as important is ensuring online safety by preventing abuse of technology where bullying and other negative behaviors live on indefinitely."
The partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America builds on the Stop.Think.Connect.™ campaign's ongoing outreach to youth. Last month, DHS announced a partnership with Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) America. In June, the campaign announced winners of the Stop.Think.Connect.™ PSA Challenge, which called on individuals of all ages, non-profit organizations and corporations to create and submit short video PSAs encouraging their fellow citizens to be safe and secure online.
Stop.Think.Connect.™ is a national public awareness effort to guide the nation to a higher level of Internet safety and security by educating and empowering the American public to be more vigilant about practicing safe online habits. The campaign encourages Americans to view Internet safety and security as a shared responsibility at home, in the workplace, and in our communities.
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has changed lives, saved lives, and created great futures. The organization's partnership with Stop.Think.Connect.™ adds a cyber education element to the services it provides through guidance programs emphasizing academic success, character and leadership development, community service, and healthy lifestyles.
For additional information on the Stop.Think.Connect.™ Campaign and on the Boys & Girls Clubs of America please click here:
http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/20110826-napolitano-stop-think-connect-boys-girls-club.shtm
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From the FBI
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Situational Alert Regarding Charitable Contribution Schemes
In light of Hurricane Irene, the public is reminded to beware of fraudulent e-mails and websites claiming to conduct charitable relief efforts. Disasters prompt individuals with criminal intent to solicit contributions purportedly for a charitable organization or a good cause.
To learn more about avoiding online fraud, please see "Tips on Avoiding Fraudulent Charitable Contribution Schemes" at: http://www.ic3.gov/media/2011/110311.aspx.
For updates and tIps on preparing for hurricanes and other emergencies, go to Ready America at ready.gov.
More E-Scams
http://www.fbi.gov/news/news_blog/charity_082611 |
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