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MIAMI (AP) — From the T-shirt and hoodie sales to trademarking slogans like "Justice for Trayvon" to the pass-the-hat rallies that bring in thousands, the case of an unarmed black teenager killed by a neighborhood watch volunteer is quickly turning into an Internet-fueled brand. Websites are hawking key chains bearing Trayvon Martin's likeness. His parents have bought two trademarks, saying they hope to raise money to help other families struck by tragedy. Trayvon clothes, bumper stickers, buttons and posters are up for grabs on eBay.

First it was tattoos; a pimp put his name on the shoulder of his “girls” as indication that they “belonged” to him. Now, unbelievably, those guys are branding their “babes.” It’s happening not in a foreign underdeveloped country but right here in America. Earlier this month, a 40-year-old man, Shawn Bailey, and a 22-year-old woman were arrested in Phoenix for actively pimping girls aged 14-17. The charges against the man included aggravated assault because one of the girls had been branded! Appalling! Those of us who work to combat sex trafficking are aware that the horrendous act of branding is...

As glad that I am that Senator Hillary Clinton is on-board with the President's policy in Iraq, I am just as worried that the liberal junior Senator from New York will likely flip-flop in order to protect her prospects in 2008. It is no secret that she's going to run. But realizing that her liberal base has been alienated by her pro-troops/pro-war stance on the Iraq war she is likely to take a 180 degree reversal when it comes time to campaign for the White House. More at http://www.gribbitonline.com/2005/12/hillarys_problem.html

Rialto, Calif. -- Rodney King, whose videotaped beating by Los Angeles police led to the deadly Los Angeles riots of 1992, was arrested for allegedly making threats following a fight between his daughter, his girlfriend and an ex-girlfriend, police said. King, 40, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of making criminal threats. He was held on $25,000 bail. Police were called to the King home shortly after 4:15 p.m. Authorities said King's live-in girlfriend, Dawn Jean, 29, got into a fight with daughter Candace King, 23, who also lives in the home. The daughter allegedly assaulted Jean, leading Carmen Simpson, Candace...

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I am a former producer for WMAL (2000 - 2002) having won an Edward R. Murrow Award in 2001. The story with Bill Press is fascinating. He was always good on TV (Crossfire) and the radio; sharp, witty, and funny. Yet his time at WMAL as a morning show host was a failure. Why? Because of the audience. Conservatives will listen to conservatives or "middle-of-the-roaders" not liberals. Press is a liberal and makes no bones about it. This was a problem back then but I think national radio provides him the opportunity to do whatever show he wants however he...

A 14-year-old Israeli was arrested by police on suspicion of working as a pimp, Israeli newspapers reported Thursday. "Instead of playing ball with his friends, he discovered there was lot of money to be made in the sex industry," the daily Maariv reported. According to the newspaper, the adolescent allegedly employed two teenagers, age 17 and 19, to sell favors to Palestinian workers. In the beginning, he split the profits with the girls, but later began pocketing the entire amount. The teen was apprehended Tuesday and faced a judge in a Jerusalem court, a police spokesman told AFP. "The investigation...

Here's my blog. I found the following commentary to be very intellectually stimulating. "Republicans have principles and consistency in beliefs, so we are told. Therefore, we should list their ideological similarities. 1) A central belief that government needs to be limited in order to be legitimate. 2) Social services are meant to be temporary, and individual responsibility the norm. 3) Government is best that governs least, and should reflect local administration. 4) Taxes should be low, less progressive and confiscatory, to fund a smaller government. 5) Military Defense and International Diplomacy are meant to safeguard America. 6) Environmental protection is...