Edward Copeland's Institute of Lower Learning - 02-27-06

The Institute For Lower Learning

After a slow few days, important topics are busting out all over and
on nearly every continent. The Dubai port controversy seems to have
subsided -- that is so last week -- so let's see what new Bush
Administration fuckup springs forward this week. The way things are
going, looking at today's items, it seems like it's an oldie but a
baddie -- Iraq.

Now the index:

Iraq, Part 1: The curfew has slowed the violence, but it has also left
Iraqi families trapped in their homes with dwindling food and
supplies. Meanwhile, neighboring countries fear a Sunni-Shiite
conflict will spread to them.

Iraq, Part 2: Dubya unites -- all 50 state governors against what his
policies have done to their National Guards.

Iraq, Part 3: What's a little fraud between friends? Halliburton
subsidiary KBR will get paid most for most of its contract, despite
government audits finding overcharging.

Problems with Putin: The International Herald Tribune has a lengthy
analysis of how the changes in Russia that Dubya has largely ignored
could end up being another one of his huge mistakes.

Call for special counsel: 18 House Democrats are demanding the Bush
and Alberto Gonzales appoint a special counsel to investigate the NSA
program. The big question -- why are there only 18 names on the
letter?

Plan B: As the FDA refuses to make a decision on making the
morning-after pill available without a prescription, states are
entering the fray -- with moves for and against the pill breaking down
largely along red and blue state lines.

Vanishing relief: Nearly 2/3 of the billions raised for hurricane
relief has already been disbursed by charities -- with much work left
to be done. On a sidenote, a new report shows how much the American
Red Cross has spent to try to boost its image.

DeLay loses another one: The Hammer tried to use the IRS to go after a
perceived enemy -- but the IRS exonerated the group and is raising
questions about improper use of their audits.

Exiles in Egypt: People escaping war-torn Sudan are finding bigotry
and roadblocks in their new home.

Wal-Mart begs: Their CEO pleads with governors not to punish the
retailer with legislation over their mistreatment of workers.