political – Page 25 – 4VF News

A Tale of Two Priests

The leaders of the Roman Catholic Church traditionally couch even the harshest disagreements in decorous, ecclesiastical language. But it didn’t take a decoder ring to figure out what Rome-based Archbishop Raymond Burke meant in a late-September address when he charged Boston Cardinal Sen O’Malley with being under the influence of Satan, “the father of lies.” Burke’s broadside at O’Malley was inspired by the Cardinal’s decision to permit and preside over a funeral Mass for the late Senator Ted Kennedy.

Excerpt: ‘The Audacity to Win’ by David Plouffe

In a new memoir, The Audacity to Win, David Plouffe, who managed Barack Obama’s 2008 race for the White House, provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse inside the campaign. Here’s an excerpt.Agony.

Desperate farmers sell wives to pay debts in rural India

The cattle slowly drag the old-fashioned plow as a bone-thin farmer walks behind, encouraging them to move faster with a series of yelps. Two missiles hit a militant hideout in the village of Damadola, in the border district of Bajaur, a Pakistani military and political officials said.

Girl found in N.Y. claims no memory

Authorities are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a teenage girl who mysteriously turned up in Manhattan two weeks ago, claiming to have no memory of her family, home or even her own name. Two missiles hit a militant hideout in the village of Damadola, in the border district of Bajaur, a Pakistani military and political officials said

Papers: Wife says ‘balloon boy’ was hoax

The wife of a Colorado father at the center of the “balloon boy” saga told authorities that the giant helium balloon was specifically created for a hoax to draw media attention, according to court documents released Friday. Two missiles hit a militant hideout in the village of Damadola, in the border district of Bajaur, a Pakistani military and political officials said.

Man blamed for Travolta mistrial to appear in court

The man who caused a mistrial in John Travolta’s extortion trial is expected to appear before a judge Friday morning. A Bahamian judge wants Picewell Forbes to explain why he publicly announced a not guilty verdict in Travolta’s trial before a jury announced its verdict.

Is Mexico winning its war on drugs?

Mexico’s arrest of drug cartel suspects has become fairly commonplace. On Thursday, it was six suspected members of La Familia, based in Michoacan

Strong earthquake rocks Afghanistan

A strong earthquake rumbled deep beneath mountainous regions northeast of Kabul early Friday, waking residents and sending some into the streets.

Outrage as BBC elevates far-right leader to national stage

Millions of Britons will be watching tonight as the nation’s public broadcaster gives the controversial leader of a far-right party his first appearance on prime time political television. Anti-fascist protesters gathered outside the studios of the British Broadcasting Corporation ahead of a pre-taped appearance on “Question Time” by British National Party leader, Nick Griffin.

Mistrial declared in Travolta extortion case

A mistrial has been declared in the trial of two people accused of attempting to extort millions from actor John Travolta after the death of his 16-year-old son, Jett. Judge Anita Allen thought someone in the jury had had inappropriate communications outside of the jury room, where jurors had been deliberating for eight hours