2012: America Sees Hotttest Year on Record

Scientists and climatologists have came to the conclusion that 2012 was officially the warmest year on record for the United States. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports an average temperature of 55.3°F surpassing the old 1998 record by a single degree.

When breaking the weather down by seasons, 2012 saw the fourth-warmest winter, the warmest spring, a warmer-than-average fall and the second hottest summer on record. July was officially named the warmest month ever in the lower 48 states.

Check out: NOAA's State of the Climate National Overview.

Great Barrier Reef in Decline-Starfish to Blame?

The world's largest barrier reef ecosystem, located off the coast of Australia, is in grave danger. In fact, the reef has lost more than half of its mass in the last quarter century. The reef serves as a home habitat for an exceptionally diverse array of marine life. 

The Crown-of-thorns Starfish is thought to be responsible for a great deal of the reef's decay.

A recent study by the Australian Institute of Marine Sciences took a look at 214 different coral reefs in the area to learn more about the rate of decline and possible solutions to the problem. The studies showed that each year the reef decays by an alarming 3.4%. Several factors are at play in determining the direct cause of the decay, including; pollution, tropical cyclones, climate change, and crown-of-thorns-starfish. Yes, starfish are playing a role in destroying the reef, in fact the reefs provide a valuable food source for the fish.

The reef before being attacked by Starfish.

"I hear of the changes anecdotally, but this is the first long-term look at the overall status of the reef. There are still a lot of fish, and you can see giant clams, but not the same color and diversity as in the past," said coral reef expert Katharina Fabricius.

Reducing carbon emissions and taking measures to combat climate change are seen as long-term ways to help reverse the trend, but scientists are in agreement that little can be done in the short-term, especially in regards to tropical cyclones that often batter the area.
As for the starfish that are feeding on the reef in increasing numbers, scientists are looking at ways to use natural starfish diseases as a method of population control. Many say that by reducing the starfish population, it would help the reed naturally re-build itself over the coming decades.

The reef after being attacked by the Starfish.

"The problem is entirely soluble, and coral reefs can be saved through concerted effort over this and the following two or three generations...There is absolutely no excuse for failure to do this, and if we do fail our generation will forever be remembered for unimaginable, unforgivable stupidity and sloth," commented Les Kaufman, a Boston University biologist.

Other interesting articles on this topic:

US News Science : Ocean Acidification May Reduce Reef Diversity

CNN : Floods a Threat to Great Barrier Reef

CNN : 10 Natural Wonders to See Before They Disappear

New Law Limits Protests at Military Funerals

Photo Source: www.buzzfeed.com

President Barack Obama has officially signed into law the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012. The bill is meant to give provide American service men and women with additional benefits while also enacting new restrictions on funeral protests.

Funeral protests?

Well, one would think that decent American citizens would allow our military dead to be laid to rest with respect, integrity, and solace, but apparently the members of Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas never got the moral memo.

In fact, members of the church have been demonstrating and protesting at select funerals across the country for many years now. The group is best known for the ways in which it specifically targets gays and lesbians, blaming America's problems on the society's increasing acceptance of homosexuality. Led by their notorious pastor, Fred Phelps, the church is both privately and publicly labeled as a hate group.


"We have a moral sacred duty to our men and women in uniform...The graves of our veterans are hallowed grounds", Obama said prior to signing the bill into law.

So what's in the law that directly impacts Westboro Baptist Church?

The new law contains arguably stringent implications for those not abiding by the new statutes which include a requirement that protests must be held at least 300 feet from military funerals and are prohibited two hours before and/or after a service. In 2011, the Supreme Court ruled that protests organized by Westboro Baptist Church were constitutionally protected under the First Amendment and the church has officially stated that the new law will not impact their "ministry".

Punishment under the law includes a potential $50,000 fine for statutory damages. Unfortunately, it seems that punishment should be much more severe if it is to deter future protests, but proponents of the law have to be careful as they try to enforce new laws that are so closely tied with free speech.

Nevertheless, it's an important step in the right direction and does maintain the important dialog we should all be having about how we treat our veterans, even our gay veterans. And perhaps most of all, it should be a solemn reminder that everyone, no matter their background, deserve nothing but the utmost reverence and respect when their families and friends lay them to rest.

If you'd like to learn more about the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012, click here.

The following articles will also shed some light on the history of Westboro Baptist Church and their homophobic antics...

THE WASHINGTON POST: Westboro Baptist...The Church that Cries Picket

BUZZFEED: The 30 Best Anti-Westboro Baptist Church Signs

RICKROSS.COM: A Collection of Westboro Related Articles and Ex-Members Stories

MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Stop the Westboro Baptist Church Facebook Page

A Comparison of Where Obama and Romney Have Lived in the Past

Romney’s Mansions v Obama’s Humble Beginnings on Movoto Real Estate

Very Disturbing News for the World's Oceans

We've all known for quite sometime that the Earth's oceans have been in environmental duress; now we know that the problem is much worse than initially thought. So, what is one the biggest contributors to the problem? Plastic, plastic, plastic!

According to a new study conducted by the Universities of Washington and Delaware and the Sea Education Association, "natural ocean processes such as wind, drag, turbulence and wave height can push the plastic deep down, where it floats along, suspended underwater and unobserved by people examining the ocean's surface." The study was recently published in the Journal of Geophysical Research Letters.

Not only is the problem rapidly changing the natural acidity and chemistry of the world's oceans, but it's also killing off species at a rate never seen before, thereby permanently altering the food chain. Plastic and other pollutants are also responsible for a myriad of other problems--contaminating human food sources, contaminating beaches and coastal communities, and altering coral reef formations.

READ MORE HERE

In other oceanic news, the debris field left over from the Japanese Tsunami is pictured below:

New Obama Vs. Romney Ad: The 2012 Battle Begins

Racism in the Technology Industry

Created by: OnlineITDegree.net

Mitt Romney's Mansion Has Its Own Lobbyist

If you can believe it, one of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's many mansions has its very own lobbyist. That's right, a lobbyist for his house! In fact, the house will soon be undergoing renovation, well actually, it's being torn down! It seems that the 3,000 square foot home was not adequate for the Romney's and the family has chosen to add amenities such as a four car garage that comes complete with an elevator for the cars so they can be transported from one level to another.  Seriously? For a guy who is already having trouble connecting with average Americans, is this really the time to be embarking on such frivolous home renovations?  

But for now check out some of the other reporting on this story...

Reid Epstein of Politico: Romney's Four Car Fantasy Home

Matt Potter of the San Diego Reader: Mitt Romney Lobbies for La Jolla Permit

Alex Seitz Wald of Think Progress: Mitt Romney's Beachfront Home Has Its Own Lobbyist

Secret Emails Leaked from Syrian Officials

We've all seen the tragic atrocities that are being committed on a daily basis in Syria and one is left to wonder, is there an end in sight? The truth is, that's a nearly impossible question to answer.

The United States and its military forces are currently stretched to the limit, making American military action very unlikely. And the United Nations is so bogged down with bureaucracy, that a joint effort on the part of member countries is very difficult to achieve.

A series of secret emails to the Assad regime have now been leaked and the communications seem to shed some light on what is going on behind the scenes of the Syrian government.  In fact, the emails bear out the fact that Assad has been taking advice from Iran...

READ MORE HERE

Russ Baker Investigates: Jeb Bush for President?

The Jeb Scenario: Can You Say “President Bush” again?

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

 Russ Baker spent more than five long years investigating the power and influence of the Bush family in American society. I came an article he'd recently written on the site WhoWhatWhy. Some of his findings are not only captivating, but could potentially make you view the Bush family in a whole new light. So many people say that Americans would never elect another Bush, but it might be more probable than you think. The bits and pieces of information gathered by Baker aren't necessarily new news, but the way he has organized them helps put it all together in a way that makes really sense. This is a must read... 

READ MORE HERE 

Can the Arts Survive Without Banks?

Check out this unique perspective on banks and the impact they have on the arts community at large. At a time when arts funding has been slashed and many arts institutions are struggling to survive, it's refreshing to see commentary like this that makes an honest attempt at starting a dialog between artists and the public at large as to the future of corporate giving. A must read article if the arts are important to you...

Carey Perloff: Can The Arts Survive Without Banks?

Abundance: The Future Is Better Than You Think

In a world where humanity is constantly stretching its resources, perhaps creating abundance is one of the biggest challenges we are facing as a global society. A new book entitled, Abundance: The Future is Better Than You Think, addresses that very topic. This well thought out new read was written by Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler as a reminder of why we may have more to look forward to than we might think. In fact the book brings together so many innovators from a variety of fields to solve major problems facing the world today. The main categories of focus are on matters of water supply, food supply, energy, healthcare, education, and freedom.

CLICK TO GET YOUR COPY TODAY!

As described on Amazon:

We will soon be able to meet and exceed the basic needs of every man, woman and child on the planet. Abundance for all is within our grasp. This bold, contrarian view, backed up by exhaustive research, introduces our near-term future, where exponentially growing technologies and three other powerful forces are conspiring to better the lives of billions. An antidote to pessimism by tech entrepreneur turned philanthropist, Peter H. Diamandis and award-winning science writer Steven Kotler. 

Since the dawn of humanity, a privileged few have lived in stark contrast to the hardscrabble majority. Conventional wisdom says this gap cannot be closed. But it is closing—fast. The authors document how four forces—exponential technologies, the DIY innovator, the Technophilanthropist, and the Rising Billion—are conspiring to solve our biggest problems. Abundance establishes hard targets for change and lays out a strategic roadmap for governments, industry and entrepreneurs, giving us plenty of reason for optimism.   

 What others are saying about Abundance: The Future Is Better Than You Think?

“At a moment when our world faces multiple crises and is awash in pessimism, Abundance redirects the conversation, spotlighting scientific innovators working to improve people's lives around the world. The result is more than a portrait of brilliant minds - it's a reminder of the infinite possibilities for doing good when we tap into our own empathy and wisdom." 

--Arianna Huffington, CEO, Huffington Post

"This engaging book is a needed corrective, a whirlwind tour of the latest developments in health care, agriculture, energy, and other fields ...The authors make a compelling case for optimism over dread as we face the exhilarating unknown." 

--Publisher's Weekly

Russian Scientists Revive Ancient Plant Found in Permafrost

In further proof that Mother Nature never ceases to amaze, Russian scientists have been able to revive a 32,000 year old Arctic plant. In a new report by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the scientists explain how they were able to regrow the ancient Campion plant. In fact, this is officially the oldest plant ever grown from ancient tissue. The Russian research team was headed by Svetlana Yashina and David Gilichinsky of the Russian Academy of Sciences research center.

The fruit from which the tissue was taken was found preserved 124 feet /38 meters deep in the Siberian permafrost. Believe it or not, roughly 20 percent of the Earth's surface is covered in permafrost which provides scientists with a Disneyland of potential new discoveries in coming decades as research teams focus more on permafrost and what other preserved natural treasures it might contain.

Read More Here...

Proposition 8 Ruled Unconstitutional by Federal Appeals Court

 In a major victory for gay marriage supporters, the 9th District Court of Appeals ruled that California's Proposition 8 is unconstitutional. However, the court stopped short of ruling that other states or the US government were required to recognize same-sex marriages. In their ruling the three judge panel stated that Proposition 8 clearly violated the 14th Amendment’s equal-protection clause. 

This is clearly a win for equal human rights in that state, and for the “human dignity of gays and lesbians in California,” said U.S. Circuit Court Judge Stephen Reinhardt. But those who oppose the bill are taking a different tone which may bring the issue closer to the forefront in the upcoming Presidential and Congressional elections of 2012, especially if the Supreme Court decides to hear the case in the coming year. In fact, look for "judicial activism" to be a keyword in many of these arguments.

Opponents of gay marriage who have long backed Proposition 8 have vowed to take their fight to United States Supreme Court. Many have argued that the ideologically split Supreme Court may in fact be more likely to rule in favor of upholding the previous courts decisions. But even if they don't rule in favor of gay marriage supporters, the facts haven't changed. With more than 70% of Americans under 35 supporting the legalization of gay marriage, it's not a matter of if it happens, but when it happens.

Read more about this story:

Why the US Supreme Court may decide not to take this case...

The outpouring of political reaction to the decision...

Read the post-ruling reactions that were posted on Twitter...

Mining Companies Attempt to Move Further Into Bryce Canyon

At least three Federal agencies are rallying against a proposed strip mine near Utah's Bryce Canyon National Park. Among those agencies is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service who have now stated their opposition to the lease of 3,500 acres of public range land in the area. The leased land would be used for mining by private companies. Mining is already under way about a few miles from the border of Bryce Canyon National Park, located in a part of Utah that is widely known for its high plateaus, clean air, abundant wildlife, and sparking night skies.

READ MORE HERE

New Study Reveals Top 5 Terrorist Hot Spots in US

A new study took a look at about 40 years of terrorist attacks in the United States, and the findings were grim. Nearly all of the incidents or attacks took place in the vicinity of one of the following "hot spots": New York, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. The data was compiled by the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism. Both Chicago and Seattle were also mentioned.

"Mainly, terror attacks have been a problem in the bigger cities, but rural areas are not exempt," said Gary LaFree, Director of the consortium who completed the study. "The main attacks driving Maricopa into recent hot spot status are the actions of radical environmental groups, especially the Coalition to Save the Preserves. So, despite the clustering of attacks in certain regions, it is also clear that hot spots are dispersed throughout the country and include places as geographically diverse as counties in Arizona, Massachusetts, Nebraska and Texas."

Check out the report here.

Jodi Kantor's New Book 'The Obamas' is Making Waves

AP Photo

The book that everyone is talking about, The Obamas.

Written by Jodi Kantor, a noted New York Times correspondent, The Obamas tells the story of the Obama family and their long and winding journey to the White House. But, the book is drawing a great deal of controversy.

Kantor's depiction of First Lady Michelle Obama is front and center in the debate over whether or not the book is an accurate portrayal of the first family. The book focuses mainly on situations in which both President Obama and the First Lady were both involved, providing readers with an interesting look behind the scenes of the Obama White House.

So, what kind of reviews are others giving the new book?

Click to get your copy!

"Washington correspondent for the New York Times, as well as its Arts & Leisure editor, Kantor would seem to have both the knowledge and the sensibility to portray the President and the First Lady as they try to lead a normal life and raise their kids in a house that can't quite feel like home. Kantor's cover story on the Obamas' marriage for the New York Times Magazine was a big hit. So, not a political treatise but no powder-puff job either."

~ The Library Journal 

"A meticulous reporter, Ms. Kantor is attuned to the nuance of small gestures, the import of unspoken truths. She knows that every strong marriage, including the one now in the White House, has its complexities and its disappointments. Ms. Kantor also—and this is a key—has a high regard for women, which is why hers is the first book about the Obama presidency to give Michelle Obama her due. In the process we learn a great deal about the talented and introverted loner who married her, and how his wife has influenced him as a president."
~The New York Times

 'The Obamas' is no doubt a must-read book that you don't want to miss out on this winter. Click on the book cover above and get your copy today.

Federal Prosecutors Finally Going After BP for 2010 Oil Spill

Many have begun to wonder if those responsible for the BP Gulf Oil Spill in 2010 would ever face any sort of justice for their grave and careless handling of the largest environmental disaster in US history. Now finally it looks as if the Federal government is ready to move forward in its prosecution of the case.

The charges will be officially revealed next year and are thought to be based primarily on whether or not corporate representatives made false claims in regards to the safety of drilling in the deep waters in the Gulf of Mexico.

US Coast Guard/Getty Images

The charges, as seemingly small as they are, carry a penalty of up to 5 years in prison in addition to fines. BP is not commenting on the charges.

The infamous Deepwater Horizon spill claimed the lives of 11 people and allowed more than 200 million gallons of oil to be leaked into the Gulf of Mexico.

Although the oil industry has spent millions of public relations campaigns that state otherwise, the economic impact of the oil spill is still unknown, with many saying that the effects could be felt for many years to come, especially in the tourism and fishing industries. 

While BP continues to be one of the wealthiest companies in the energy industry, the spill has cost BP $41 billion and has severely damaged the company's once decent reputation.

The thing is, if a similar disaster were to happen in the future, not much would have changed. In fact, no laws have been enacted that would make disasters such as these less likely, and furthermore no action has been taken that would discourage other energy corporations from mounting similarly risky drilling initiatives. Shouldn't that have been priority number one?

Top 10 Political Videos of 2011 (Full Videos)

Google has released a list of the top 10 political videos of 2011. Perhaps what makes this list so interesting is that it gives us a rather clear snapshot of what Americans found politically interesting in the past year. Regardless of your political affiliation, you're likely to have seen many of the videos on this list, but in case you haven't, we've listed each video in order of its ranking. Enjoy!

1. Zach Wahls Speaks About Family (16,110,634 views)

2. President Obama at the 2011 White House Correspondents' Dinner (9,169,881 views)

3. Strong/ Rick Perry Ad (7,050,457 views)

4. President Obama on Death of Osama bin Laden (6,244,505 views)

5. Brother, Can You Spare A Trillion (5,000,345 views)

6. Seth Meyers remarks at the 2011 White House Correspondents' Dinner (2,578,937 views)

7. Rick Perry - Proven Leadership (2,128,244 views)

8. Jon Stewart Goes Head-to-Head Bill O'Reilly

Part - 1 (1,898,467 views)

 

9. Now is the time for action! (1,734,173 views)

10. President Barack Obama's First Ad of 2012 (1,677,054 views)

 

There you have it folks, the videos that you watched the most in 2011. 

 

The Common Progressive would like to wish everyone a safe and joyous holiday season, and we look forward to an exciting year in 2012!

Newt Gingrich Tells Gay Voter to 'Vote for Obama'

Republican primary candidate Newt Gingrich reportedly told a gay man, and long time Iowa resident,  that he should cast his vote for President Obama. That's right, in a state where LGBT issues have been front and center in recent years- Newt doesn't want the gay vote.

Scott Arnold (Jason Clayworth/The Register)

“I asked him if he’s elected, how does he plan to engage gay Americans. How are we to support him? And he told me to support Obama,” commented Scott Arnold, who serves as an adjunct professor of writing at William Penn University.”

Arnold, who has previously voted Democratic in past elections, knew full well that Gingrich has a reputation of being far right on same-sex issues, but wanted to engage the candidate in a genuine conversation about how Gingrich would serve the gay voters of Iowa. Unfortunately, Gingrich didn't even have to decency to respond with an intelligent answer.

“When you ask somebody a question and you expect them to support all Americans and have everyone’s general interest,” Arnold said. “It’s a little bit frustrating and disheartening when you’re told to support the other side. That he doesn’t’ need your support.”

Gingrich is the absolute last person who should be making judgment calls on other people's lifestyles. After all, Gingrich has been married three times. Two of those marriages ended due to Gingrich's infidelity. Furthermore, Gingrich represents moral hypocrisy in one of its highest forms by leading the witch hunt against former President Clinton during the Monica Lewinsky scandal--all the while sleeping around on his own wife!


Gingrich even has a half sister who is a lesbian, and a wife whose clown makeup and perfectly coiffed hair make her look like a drag queen at times, yet still Gingrich has never warmed up to the issue.  Gingrich continues to be a staunch supporter of a federal constitutional amendment that would ban marriage rights for same-sex couples.

“It doesn’t inspire hope at all,” Arnold said of Gingrich’s statements. “And if that’s what he’s trying to do and that’s what he’s trying to say, that this is a collective effort if he’s elected president, yet he tells me to support the other side?”