Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Alternate Realities Roundup 7/23
Posted By Eric S. Peterson on July 23, 2013, 10:26 AM
A new report finds the U.S.' cybersecurity center dysfunctional and technologically out of date.---
Top of the Alty World
“New Report: The State Department's Anti-Hacking Office Is a Complete Disaster”--MotherJones
President Barack Obama offers a more personal reflection on the verdict in the Trayvon Martin case.--Rolling Stone
A leaked report out of Pakistan calls into question the Obama administration's claims of low civilian casualties from drone strikes.--Democracy Now!
Koch industries hoards commodities as part of a questionable trading strategy.--The Nation
Top of Alty Utah
Despite the recent Attorney General scandal, Utah has made strides in government ethics.--Utah Policy
Four children were found abandoned at a Salt Lake City homeless shelter.--Salt Lake City Weekly
Salt Lake City opens an employee health-care clinic.--KUER
The Utah Air Conservation Act sunsets this year and will have to be reauthorized so policymakers can continue to battle to clean the state's extra-chunky air.--KCPW
Rantosphere
Black news and culture site The Root applauds the President's recent remarks following the verdict in the Trayvon Martin case, but says he fell short when it came to specific policy proposals.
“But the president's remarks were at their weakest when it came to policy proposals. Rather than offer a bold new prescription for preventing the gun violence, racial profiling and poverty that too often lead to the incarceration and marginalization of young black boys, the president recommended that the Justice Department review "Stand your ground" laws and improve police training. President Obama must follow the example that he adopted in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook tragedy in Newtown, Conn., by signing a series of executive orders designed to end racial profiling and discriminatory law-enforcement practices.”--The Root
The Long View
The Miami New Times looks at how agrobiz giant Monsanto has sought to take over the world's food supply by producing questionable pesticide-resistant crops.
“Monsanto put a wonderful spin on this development: The so-called "No-Till Revolution" promised greater yields, better profits for the family farm, and a heightened ability to feed a growing world. But, there was a dark side. First, farmers grew dependent on Monsanto, having to buy new seed every year, along with Monsanto's pesticides. The effects on human health were largely unknown — would it harm people to consume foods whose genetic profile had suddenly changed after millions of years? Or to eat the animals that had consumed those plants? What about ripple effects on ecosystems? But, agriculture had placed the belligerent strongman in charge of the buffet line.”--Miami New Times
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