VIDEO: TROY DAVIS WAS EXECUTED AT 11:08 PM ET

Troy Davis, 42, was executed in Jackson, Georgia by lethal injection and died at 11.08 PM ET. (Earlier coverage of the battle to stay the execution of Troy Davis here...)

TROY DAVIS EXECUTED AT 11:08 PM ET

FINAL UPDATE: Troy Davis, 42, was executed by lethal injection and died at 11.08 PM ET in Georgia. September 21, 2011 - Just minutes ago, at 10:18 PM Eastern Time, attorneys for Georgia death row inmate Troy Davis said that the U.S. Supreme Court has denied Davis's request for a stay of execution. The execution is expected to happen at any minute now. The Christian Science Monitor reports that Davis, a convicted cop-killer, "will be executed by way of lethal injection Wednesday night in Butts County, Georgia, despite appeals from thousands worldwide for his pardon." Davis was convicted in 1991 for the murder of Savannah police officer Mark MacPhail (photo). RELATED: White Supremecist Executed For Texas Dragging Death - Houston Chronicle

ANOTHER Stupid Gaffe by Hank Johnson

Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA) is like the gift that keeps on giving. Now infamous for his moronic concern that the island of Guam might "tip over or capsize," Johnson seems to be a habitual imbecile. 

We found another of his gaffes (below) of him calling last year's heavy flooding in Georgia a "national disaster," when in fact it was a "major disaster." Hear Johnson's gaffe at 2:54 in the video below. 

A congressman should know the correct terminology for what his own state is the recipient of. Dear Leader Obama declared it to be a "major disaster," not a "national" one.

Under Stafford Act authority, "major disaster" is defined as:

A major disaster, according to the Stafford Act, is “any natural catastrophe [...] or, regardless of cause, any fire, flood, or explosion, in any part of the United States, which in the determination of the President causes damage of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant major disaster assistance under [the] act to supplement the efforts and available resources or states, local governments, and disaster relief organizations in alleviating the damage, loss, hardship, or suffering caused thereby.” The President issues a major disaster declaration after receiving a request form the governor of the affected state. The governor of the affected state must base a request for a declaration by the President on a “finding that the disaster is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and the affected local governments and that federal assistance is necessary.” (1, p. 9)

"Worst Black Congressman" Freaks Out at Townhall Meeting

Congressman David Scott (Democrat) of Georgia got very angry and yelled at the good folks in a little townhall audience. He falsely accused them of not even being his constituents, when in fact they were constituents. (Is Scott just paranoid or does he believe his own party's propaganda lies about conservatives astroturfing townhall events?) The Black Commentator magazine called Scott the "worst black congressman" in their March 31, 2005 issue cover story. They wrote this about him: Most of you don’t even know his name. David Scott (rhymes with rot) is the most non-representative Black person in the U.S. Congress. The very worst. Rep. Scott, whose district lies south of Atlanta, runs with a gaggle of renegade rightwing House members that includes Harold Ford, Jr., of Memphis, Alabama’s Artur Davis and fellow Georgian Sanford Bishop. Scott leads the pack, having managed to vote with Republicans more than any other member of the Congressional Black Caucus on issues tracked by Techpolitics.org, the authoritative site run by veteran political researcher Ken Colburn. Rep. Scott may have been with running with a few Republicans in 2005, but when it comes to dodging questions about health care, high taxes and government waste in general, Scott seems to be a full-blooded Democrat. The videos of him melting down at that recent townhall bear witness to that. and you can see them at NBC 11 Atlanta's website. Here's an excerpt from NBC 11's report: DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. -- U.S. Rep. David Scott (D-13th) was involved in what many called an embarrassing display of losing his temper at a town hall meeting in Douglasville last weekend. In the meeting, Scott lost his temper and began yelling at a crowd that included two people who came forward during the question-and-answer portion of the meeting to ask Scott about his stance on the health care plan proposed by the White House and being debated on Capitol Hill. >>> Now watch the videos. It's great theater. RELATED: Georgia Congressman Yells At Constituent For Asking A Question Rep David Scott Corrects Unruly Serf on Health Care‎ U.S. Congressman David Scott : 13th District Of Georgia The Black Commentator - Cover Story: The Worst Black Congressman Are YOU a citizen of the United STRAIGHTS of America? Leave a Comment... Chicago News Bench RSS Feed We're on Twitter...

Tea Party Protesters in U.S. Need to Get Serious - Updated

If Thomas Jeffereson, Ben Franklin, Sam Adams and the rest of our Founders had settled for the mild-mannered tactics of today's "Tea Parties," we would still be paying taxes to the British Crown. Ask yourself this: Your elected representatives are not obeying you, so why are you still obeying them? People, if you're going to challenge Authority, dammit, then truly challenge it. Tea Party protesters in the United States take note: In the nation of Georgia, tens of thousands of people have been protesting at the Georgian Parliament. They are demanding the resignation of their president, Mikheil Saakashvili. UPDATE 04:41 GMT, April 10, 2009: Georgia's opposition said it would launch more protests and block streets in the capital Tblisi, after President Mikheil Saakashvili ignored calls to resign. "Because Saakashvili has not decided to resign, the opposition has decided to start a national disobedience campaign," Kakha Kukava, a co-leader of the opposition Conservative Party, told about 25,000 protesters outside parliament. "As of six pm this Friday the protesters will block main streets throughout Tbilisi," Kukava said. Full Article at Deutsche Welle... Original Post: This is how it's done. Either you're serious about a protest, or you're not. Either you're serious about a "movement," or you're not. Cute and clever marketing campaigns are well and good, but only if they can inspire boots-on-the-ground, physical action against Authority. You want inspiration, Tea Party People? Watch the BBC slideshow of the Georgian protests. The protesters in Georgia aren't merely taking an extra hour for lunch. They're camping on the streets (see video below). The protesters in Georgia aren't just surfing the web, making snide comments in chat rooms. They engaged, they're actually doing something. Georgian opposition leader Kakha Kukava said today (April 10, 2009) that demonstrators engage in massive civil disobedience. Americans engaging in Tea Party Protests should emulate the tactics of the Georgians. Protesters there plan to block main arteries Tbilisi, the capital city, as well as the roads that lead to the Sakkashvili's office. According to Voice of America (VOA), "Kukava announced the escalation of tactics at a rally of at least 25,000 protesters who gathered outside parliament for a second day of demonstrations." Why do I urge these tactics for Americans who are participating in so-called Tea Parties? Simple. The Left is not taking the Tea Parties seriously. Why should they? What is the motivation for Authority to listen? A bunch of mild mannered, mostly-conservative gatherings with polite signs and courteous marchers pose no real inconvenience to the Obama Administration or your corrupt representatives. I do not advocate violent tactics of any kind, as have occurred in nearby Moldova this week, but I do strongly advocate clogging up major streets, blocking the entrances to state capitals and local city halls, and a barrage of tea bags and irate letters mailed to elected representatives at all levels of government, from local to federal. Stop being so damned polite. Civil disobedience is a effective tool, whether used by liberals or conservatives, but do note that "disobedience" is a key portion of the phrase. Think, people, about what a protest movement is and must be: A major pain in the ass to those who are being challenged. You don't ask "pretty please." You demand and tell them "or else." You don't give in to their demands that you accomodate their schedules, their convenience. You demand that they give in to you. You issue ultimatums. Where are the ultimatums in today's Tea Party protests? Taking your two-hour lunch break and chanting in the park or a public square for 90 minutes just doesn't cut it. We all remember the protests of the 1960's, or have seen video of them. They were successful in getting many of their demands met because they were causing major inconveniences to the powers that were. In the US, the Tea Party events are nice but have been - and will continue to be - ineffective in achieving their primary goal, which is to get the federal government to stop its obscene spending and quit its march toward totalitarianism. Sure, the "movement" is building networks and encouraging people to get involved in the political process. That's nice for the long run, and some of those people might actually stay in the game long enough to make a difference one day. But for now, the Obama Administration and its accomplices in Congress continue to roll over you, all the while laughing at those funny conservatives in their Dockers and Brooks Brothers suits politely marching up Main Street. If you intend the play the game, friends, you'd better learn how to play it. (Related articles follow, under the video.) RELATED: Unrest In Georgia, Moldova Reflects Precedent Set By Kosovo How to Protest Using Civil Disobedience 'Peace' Activists Not Sure How to Protest Obama Political struggle and protest tactics Twin Cities Daily Planet How To Protest and Not Get Arrested Wiki Guide Political Tasks EurasiaNet - Georgia: Opposition Leaders Revive Street Protest Strategy. Chicago News Bench RSS Feed CommieBama Hats and More

Revolution in Georgia?

Today's massive protests in Georgia are getting major media coverage, but few are reporting that this seems to be the beginning of a revolution in the small European nation. (Tea Party protesters take note!) BBC reports today: Thousands of Georgians have gathered outside parliament saying they will not disperse until the president resigns. Protesters, numbering up to 60,000, blamed President Mikhail Saakashvili for defeat against Russia in August's war and said he had stifled democracy. BBC quotes Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili as saying, "There is no chance of a revolution in Georgia." However, a bulletin from Stratfor Global Intelligence says quite the opposite: This is not the first set of rallies against Saakashvili, who has had a rocky presidency since taking power in the pro-Western “Rose Revolution” of 2003. Anti-government protests have been held constantly over the past six years. But the upcoming rally is different: This is the first time all 17 opposition parties have consolidated enough to organize a mass movement in the country. Furthermore, many members of the government are joining the cause, and foreign powers — namely Russia — are known to be encouraging plans to oust Saakashvili.... If the movement does inspire such a large turnout, it would be equivalent to the number of protesters that hit the streets at the height of the Rose Revolution, which toppled the previous government and brought Saakashvili into power in the first place. Full Article at www.stratfor.com... RELATED: Georgia: Unrest and the Secessionist Regions - Strafor (with free subscription) Georgia's president under pressure to resign - The Associated Press Georgians ask Saakashvili to resign - United Press International Georgians Rally Outside Parliament, Demand President Mikhail - TransWorldNews Georgians call for President to quit 09/04 20:03 CET - euronews Georgia: Oppositon Gives Saakashvili Ultimatum to Resign - EurasiaNet Chicago News Bench RSS Feed CommieBama Hats and More

RUSSIA TO LEAVE GEORGIA

Merci, Monsieur Sarkozy! Progress in the Russia-Georgia conflict: Russia has agreed to pull all of its forces out of Georgia within a month under a landmark deal reached by the president, Dmitry Medvedev, and his French counterpart, Nicolas Sarkozy, in Moscow today. It's not all rosy, however: But there was no agreement today on the future status of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Georgia's two breakaway enclaves. Medvedev said Moscow's decision to recognise them as independent was "irrevocable". Sarkozy, for his part, said the EU, which dispatched him to Moscow after an emergency session of all 27 member countries last week, condemned Russia's move. FULL STORY at Guardian UK...

Der Spiegel notes the problems, too:

However, EU plans to send in monitors to replace Russian soldiers don't seem to be going down well in Moscow. FULL ARTICLE at Spiegel Online...

PUTIN, RUSSIA ACCUSE U.S. "SPY"

RUSSIA MAY BE ABOUT TO USE A U.S. CITIZEN AS A PAWN IN A DIPLOMATIC CHESS GAME. Russia, desperate to justify its brutal invasion of tiny Georgia, is trumping up charges against American citizen Michael Lee White of Texas. The New York Times and other news outlets are reporting this as of late yesterday, BUT THERE IS A BIZARRE TWIST TO THE STORY. First, a summary from the New York Times (followed by the weird twist): A senior Russian defense official, Col. Gen. Anatoly Nogovitsyn, said at a news conference in Moscow on Thursday that Russian forces had found a United States passport in a ruined building near Tskhinvali, the capital of South Ossetia. The position, he said, had been occupied by Georgian Interior Ministry forces.... [Russian] General Nogovitsyn said the passport was in the name of Michael Lee White of Texas, but gave no information on whether Russians believed that he was a member of the United States military. The United States Embassy in Georgia told The Associated Press that it had no information on the matter. (Source: New York Times...) The bizarre twist: Last night, not sleeping well, I got up and listened to the radio for brief time. A woman called in to Coast to Coast AM, a national radio show, and said she was the mother of Michael Lee White. First, a the summary from Coast to Coast's web site: Maida in Austin, TX told George her son's missing passport that was found in Georgia by Russian defense officials. The passport, belonging to Texas resident Michael Lee White, is being used by Vladimir Putin to implicate the United States in the Georgia conflict.... According to Maida, her son's passport was stolen in Kazakhstan in 2005. He was traveling with a new passport and has gone missing in China, she said. Maida believes her son may be under arrest and fears he may be forced to confess to something he did not do. (Source: Coast to Coast AM What Coast to Coast's web site omitted, from my notes taken as Maida spoke is this: Maida's son, Michael Lee White, has been teaching English as a foreign language in China for about two years. The U.S. Department of State phoned her home earlier this week to warn them about the Russian-Chinese scheme to set him up, but too late. Michael had already returned to China, to teach in the new semester, just two or three days before the State Department phone call. Think about this analogy: Police arrest a guy, plant drugs in his pocket, and claim they arrested him for carrying drugs. That seems to be what Russia is doing with a U.S. passport lost or stolen in Kazakhstan in 2005. Michael had been in Texas to help mother Maida care for his elderly father, who recently suffered a stroke. The reason Michael may be missing and under arrest in China, Maida said on the air, is that - in her estimation - the Chinese are cooperating with Russia to set up the U.S. as the culprit in the Russia-Georgia war. Maida noted that there was a recent meeting of officials from Russia, China and Kazakhstan and that they cooked up the scheme to use Michael's lost 2005 passport for the set up. The Chinese, said Maida, may try to extract a false confession from Michael, even though, she insists, he could not have been involved while he was caring for his ailing father in Texas. Russia is obviously trying to score public relations points with this tactic. Let us pray for the safety of Michael Lee White, in the hands of the Chinese who are acting in coordination with Russia. RELATED: Georgia 'overrun' by Russian troops as full-scale ground invasion begins - Mail Online (UK) Russia facing battle backlash - National Post, Canada Putin links war in Georgia to GOP's ambitions - The Plain Dealer Russia isolated over Georgia - elEconomista.es, Spain Russian leaders act intoxicated by oil revenue - PennEnergy, TX Understanding Putin and the conflict in the Caucasus - OpEdNews Putin warns Europe not to support US - United Press International Bush correct to rattle saber - Santa Maria (CA) Times Putin blames West for manipulating news about Georgia conflict - Hindu, India

MUST READ: WORLD WAR THREE

Some say it's inevitable. Some say it's about to begin. One, Nikolai Sokov, postulates in the Asia Times how WWIII will begin, why and where. Remember how WWI began? Sokov briefs us on that nicely, then runs headlong into this: Now imagine the repetition of exactly the same scenario a year from now. With troops in Georgia, the US government will not be able to stay away or back down. Whatever actually provokes hostilities, the US's pro-Georgian and anti-Russian version will prevail. This means America will be at war. The Russians cannot back down either, and their pretext will be the exact opposite of Tbilisi's and Washington's. They will be at war as well. Scary reading, but important and essential. See the FULL ARTICLE at Asia Times... RELATED: Russia cruiser to test weapons in crowded Black Sea Russian war emboldens Georgia's other separatists West Struggles for Solutions as Caucasus Crisis Simmers Pentagon says Russia not honoring Georgia deal Russia mocks West's displeasure over war in Georgia

UKRAINE TO RUSSIA: SCREW YOU

Welcome to Part II of the Cold War. Gen X and Gen Y kidz can now experience for themselves the tensions and fears of what Boomers and the Greatest Generation went through for decades: Nations begging the United States for help in defending their freedom against the Russians. (Yes, the U.S., the country that Liberals love to portray as being hated by everyone in the world, is the country that nations in trouble still turn to for hope and help.) Take this for example: After the recent Rape of Georgia by Vladimir Putin's stormtroopers, the nations of Eastern Europe are nervous that they will be next. Ukraine, in a major move both diplomatically and militarily, has taken a precautionary move by offering the use of a Soviet-built air base to the United States, and by upping their defensive weapons purchasing from us. Ukraine said it was ready to give both Europe and America access to its missile warning systems after Russia earlier annulled a 1992 cooperation agreement involving two satellite tracking stations. Previously, the stations were part of Russia's early-warning system for missiles coming from Europe. [Source: Telegraph UK] Remember that countries such as Poland, Romania, Latvia, and Georgia were once captive nations, part of the old Soviet Union (USSR) not by choice but by the force of Russian might. The Russian army continues to rape and pillage inside of Georgian territory, despite the recent Neville Chamberlain-style "cease fire" brokered by French President Sarkozy, Ukraine looks to the United States for defensive weapons and reassurance. (The BBC, an admittedly Leftist "news" organization with old pro-Soviet leanings, lavished praise on Sarkozy's efforts even as they were failing - and even as the BBC knew they were failing.) The difference between the Sarkozy ceasefire and the Chamberlain deal with Hitler is that, at least, Chamberlain negotiated with Hitler in a vain attempt to prevent an invasion. Sarkozy got involved after Russia was already well behind Georgian lines. We've seen this kind of invasion before: Russia's August 1968 Invasion of Czechoslovakia; Germany's invasion of the Sudetenland (part of the former Czechoslovakia) in October, 1938. Perhaps we have learned from it, perhaps not. Sarkozy, heart in the right place, seems not to have gotten the lesson. Barack Obama immediately urged both Russia and Georgia to "show restraint," a la Chamberlain, in a way that only a self-centered man with no understanding of current world politics or 20th Century history could. Georgia did not attack Russia in 2008. Czechoslovakia did not attack Russia in 1968, nor Germany in 1938. Those invasions were completely unprovoked attacks, invasions motivated solely by territorial gain for strategic purposes. Rory Leishman writes today in the London Free Press (Canada) that we must not forget history: Today, unlike 70 years ago, the leaders of most of the Western democracies seem resolved not to be weighed in the balance and found wanting in their determination to resist the aggression of a dictatorial thug. FULL COLUMN... Make no mistake: The old USSR/Soviet Union is trying to resurrect itself in Europe. That scares the hell out of Europeans, and rightly so. It should scare the rest of the world, too. RELATED: Bad New Bear Why Is Moscow Risking a New Cold War? Russia calls for new security order in Europe ”USA lagging behind in race for the Arctic“ Treating War as Political Farce Georgian powder keg evokes plight of Czechoslovakia October 15, 1938 - Germans Troops Occupy Sudetenland

"Shame on You, Mr. Gorbachev"

Just can't help himself, he can't. Former president of the USSR Mikhail Gorbachev is blaming the "barbaric assault" of Georgia on Tskhinvali as the reason for Russia's barbaric assault on Georgia. Georgia's President, Mikheil Saakashvili, who appeared on the program next, said: "Shame on you, Mr Gorbachev, for perpetuating the very regime you helped defeat." FULL STORY at Sydney Morning Herald... MEANWHILE, there is this: Russia warns Poland over US missile shield plan (Guardian UK). The US is helping Poland to set up a defensive shield against possible Russian aggression. If Russia has no plans against Poland, then Russia should not be alarmed by this any more than you should be alarmed by your neighbor getting a good alarm system. If and when Russia decides to invade Poland - or Ukraine, or the Czech Republic or any other Eastern European nation - will Gorbachev blame it on some imagined "barbaric assault" by Poland?

RUSSIA + GEORGIA: "YOU DO THE MATH"

For those of us old enough to remember, or who paid attention in history class, the ongoing rape of Georgia by Russia looks all too familiar. "Sudetenland" comes to mind (look it up). The West's response to Russia's outrageous act has been tepid, says a former Marines major general. "The Russians went in with tanks, and we answered with [French president] Sarkozy and [Sec. Condoleeza] Rice. You do the math," said the chairman of the United States Naval Institute, Tom Wilkerson, said. [Source: New York Sun, 8/15/08; link below] Wilkerson is a former Marines major general. Wilkerson said he was concerned that such an equation would send the wrong message for America's would-be allies and proposed instead to form a coalition of neighboring states that would pose a military challenge to Moscow. FULL ARTICLE at NY Sun... The Sun article also discusses the hurried arrangements to arm up Poland with a missile shield station.

It's All About Putin

There are multiple reasons for the current conflict in Georgia and South Ossetia. Russian troops brutally invaded the region and continue to hold territory, enforced with ongoing violence. But what was Russian strongman Vladimir Putin's real motive for launching the invasion? Power, of course. It's all about consolidating his personal political at home. "In recent weeks," writes Cathy Young at reason.com, "the independent Russian media had started to talk about Dmitry Medvedev growing more assertive in his role as president.... But in the operation against Georgia, Putin has dominated the news, acting as commander-in-chief and perhaps showing not only Saakashvili but Medvedev who's boss.... Putin, the Russian strongman, not only firmly holds the reins of power; he is also riding a popular wave of jingoism, one-upmanship, paranoia, and grievance toward the West—the very sentiments that have always formed the core of Putinism." FULL ARTICLE... ALSO SEE: The Master Plan

MUST READ: WAR BLOGS IN GEORGIA

From the war zone of Georgia / South Ossetia, compelling posts from bloggers who are there, some hiding in their basements, machine guns on their laps. This special feature from Global Voices should not be missed. READ IT NOW... RELATED: Bloggers Chime In On Russian Attacks Wired.com: Georgian bloggers ward off Russian cyberattacks Russian Bloggers Are As Powerful As Russian Hackers Attacks on Georgia Web Sites May Not Be ‘Cyberwar’ (NewsFactor) Russian cyberwar! Yes, no, maybe so? Russian Cyberwar Against Georgia Coincides with Invasion

Video: Today's Bush Speech on Russia, Georgia

RICE ON WAY TO FRANCE, GEORGIA - BUSH DEMANDS RUSSIA PULL OUT

"The United States stands with the democratically elected government of Georgia and insists that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia be respected," Bush said in a speech at 10:12 a.m. CDT today. Most Americans are still not fully aware of Russia's recent invasion of the sovereign republic of Georgia. This is a catastrophe for the region, and holds potential for serious conflict between the U.S. and Russia. The president announced that "to demonstrate our solidarity with the Georgian people" he was sending Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to Paris to assist the West's diplomatic efforts on the crisis, and then on to the Georgian capital of Tbilisi. [Bush] also announced a massive U.S. humanitarian effort that would involve American aircraft as well as naval forces. A U.S. C-17 military cargo plane loaded with supplies landed in Georgia on Wednesday, and Bush said that Russia must ensure that "all lines of communication and transport, including seaports, roads and airports," remain open to let deliveries and civilians through. MORE at Examiner.com... RELATED, CURRENT: NationMaster - Encyclopedia: History of Georgia Rice Warned Georgia on South Ossetia, Russia in July Russia rejects west's call to recognise Georgian sovereignty Russian soldiers looting Georgian houses Russia slams Ukraine decree on Black Sea Fleet as anti-Russian Editorial: Georgia faces poorer future

TODAY GEORGIA, TOMORROW UKRAINE?

"Today, Georgia; tomorrow, Ukraine; the day after, Estonia? " That's what Max Boot asks in his LA Times column. He urges the US to stand up to Russian aggression. "By crossing Georgia's borders, the Russians have committed their worst violation of international law since the invasion of Afghanistan in 1979," he notes. FULL COLUMN...

RAPING GEORGIA

The Rape of Georgia continues, unabated. Where are the hand-wringing liberals who sport "Free Tibet" bumpers stickers on their fossil fuel-burners? Separatist fighters and Russian troops have looted and set homes ablaze in Georgian territory amid fears over a fragile ceasefire that ended five days of bitter conflict. Despite a French-brokered truce agreed to by the leaders of the two countries, Russia faces mounting criticism in the West. FULL STORY, ABC Australia...

Russia Escalates Fighting in Georgia

War, ongoing war. Georgia called for a ceasefire on Saturday after Russia sharply escalated an offensive to take back control of the capital of Georgia’s breakaway region of South Ossetia and expanded a bombing campaign to hit Georgian targets outside the war zone. George W. Bush, the US president, said attacks by Russia on Georgian targets outside South Ossetia were a ”dangerous escalation” of the crisis and called on Moscow to halt the bombing immediately. FULL STORY at FT.com... More: EU, U.S. back Georgian call for truce in S.Ossetia Georgia In "State Of War" Against Russia Hostilities Escalate in Georgia Putin accuses Georgia of genocide Russia widens attacks as world pleads for peace Attack in the Mountains: Is this the First War between Russia and a Former Soviet State? Crisis in South Ossetia: Bitter Fighting Continues in Caucuses Smith calls for ceasefire in bloody South Ossetia conflict