Free Republic

This evening at maghrib prayers throughout Java calls went out for "volunteers" to go to Aceh to provide humanitarian services and "spiritual guidance" for those affected by the earthquake and tsunami. Volunteers from Solo, Kendal, Bogor, Cirebon, Majalengka, Pekalongan and Yogyakarta have answered the call and are being transported in chartered buses to Jakarta. At least 77 members of (JI) departed Tuesday (4/1/05) from Yogyakarta to Jakarta in two chartered buses. Islamic militancy groups are angry and claiming that Jakarta has refused to allow the charter of private aircraft from Jakarta into Banda Aceh at the request of the Americans...

New measure seeks to repeal Maine pedestrian crossing law AUGUSTA - A teenager stepped from the curb and started to walk across the street at a marked pedestrian crossing in downtown Saco. A large truck in the right-hand lane stopped to let the boy cross, as required by law.But a car in the left lane, whose driver apparently could not see the young pedestrian, passed the truck and kept going. The end was a near-tragedy, said Rep. Christopher O'Neil, who watched with horror as the episode unfolded. "The kid must have flown 30 feet," said O'Neil, noting that the boy...