the big story (late edition)

Obama to reinstate Abu Ghraib MP unit to return to Iraq

The 372nd, the MP unit convicted of abusing Abu Ghraib prisoners, returns to action with the shadow of torture following it

HAGERSTOWN, Md. — The Army Reserve unit tarnished by the Abu Ghraib detainee-abuse scandal has been mobilized to return to Iraq in its first deployment since photographs of naked, humiliated prisoners surfaced more than six years ago, the Army said Friday.

The 372nd Military Police Company of Cresaptown will leave April 29 for one to three months of training at Fort Bliss, Texas, followed by a planned deployment to Iraq, said Sgt. Darius Kirkwood, a spokesman for the 200th Military Police Command at Fort Meade. Few members of the unit remain from when the detainee photographs were taken, due to normal turnover, he said.

Kirkwood said the group's final destination could change, depending on the military's needs.

The 130 to 170 MPs could be assigned to guard or transport prisoners, provide security for an installation or convoy, or perform general police functions, Kirkwood said.

Read more...

earlier:

Recovery?!? There's No Recovery! The U.S. Is Completely Screwed!

In Howard's view, nothing has changed. The US is still careening down the road toward fiscal instability, over-indebtedness, ballooning budget deficits and interest payments, and declining living standards

Retail analyst Howard Davidowitz of Davidowitz & Co. has always been one of our viewers' favorite guests. Howard's flamboyant bearishness won hearts and minds all through the financial crisis, and we--and you--never get tired of hearing from him.

But Howard has been bearish for a year now--all through one of the most amazing bull runs in history. Against all odds, the U.S. economy appears to be gathering steam by the day, charging out of the worst recession since the Great Depression and heading toward a strong recovery.

So what does Howard think about that? Has he changed his tune? Was he completely wrong?

NO WAY!!!

Read more...

*15 Mind-Blowing Facts About Wealth And Inequality In America