Democracy Now! Monday, February 2, 2009

Today's Headlines

• 21 Afghan Police Officers Killed in Suicide Bombing
• 43 Civilians Die in Pakistan Fighting
• GDP Shrinks 3.8%, Most Since 1982
• McCaskill on Corporate Executives’ Pay: “These People Are Idiots”
• Despite Economic Crisis, States Shrink Welfare Rolls
• Al-Maliki & Allies Poised for Sweeping Victory in Iraq
• Sri Lankan Hospital Shelled; 13 Dead
• Daschle Questioned Over Tax Problems
• Obama Expected to Tap GOP Senator to be Commerce Secretary
• Obama Decides Not to End Extraordinary Rendition Program
• UN’s John Ging: Israel Is Blocking Humanitarian Aid from Gaza
• Spain to Amend War Crimes Law
• Islamist Leader Elected President of Somalia
• Norway Blacklists Barrick Gold, Textron

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  David Cay Johnston: More Corporate Tax Breaks Will Not Stimulate the Economy

  “Getting the economy back on its feet, giving taxpayers a break, saving your retirement fund and your kid’s college tuition? Done. And it won’t cost you a penny.” David Cay Johnston outlines his own “fiscal therapy” to end the economic crisis. [includes rush transcript]

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  Maliki Allies Ahead in Iraqi Election; Voters See Election of Maliki's Party as "Most Expedient Way to End the Occupation"

  In Iraq, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and his allies look poised for a sweeping victory in provincial polls held Saturday. We speak to two independent journalists just back from Iraq, Rick Rowley and David Enders. Rowley said, “Many Iraqis saw this, the votes they were casting in this election, as a way to end the American occupation.” [includes rush transcript]