Friday, July 30th, 2010

Daily Verdict: November 8th, 2008

Gun sales surge after Obama victory
Reuters reports that gun sales have risen dramatically ever since it became obvious Obama would win the election. Many stores also reported marked increases in sales the day after the election as well as fears increase that an Obama-Biden administration will crack down on firearms. Both Obama and Biden are pro-gun control but Obama defended the citizens’ rights to bear arms, although he prefers a permanent ban on assault weapons as well as other measures to keep guns away from children and criminals.

Protests in LA after Prop 8 passed
Thousands of people gathered have gathered in LA to protest a same-sex marriage ban that voters approved on November 4th. Proposition 8, as it is famously known, easily passed into law as it reversed a law recognizing same sex marriages. Questions now remain as to the status of the already married homosexual couples as well as whether this is an equality issue or not.

Indonesia executes Bali bombers
Indonesian authorities have confirmed that the 3 bombers convicted for the Bali nightclub attacks in 2002. 202 people were killed by the attack and the entire tourism industry of the island was ravaged due to the incident which was executed by 3 members belonging to the Jemaah Islamiah, an islamist militant group. Indonesia still Islamic militants a threat even though there have been no significant bombings since 2005.

20 die in nuclear sub accident
An accident aboard a Russian nuclear sub has resulted in the death of 20 crew members and another 21 injured. The reactor was not damaged according to Russian authorities who claim the incident took place as the submarine was performing exercises at sea. No further details have been released but it is suspected a fire may have caused the incident as the 20 deaths were believed to be due to suffocation.

Britain revokes Thaksin’s visa
The UK has revoked the visas of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife, effectively ending their stay in the country. A Thai official confirmed this report. Thaksin has been living in Britain after leaving Thailand and is currently facing a 2 year jai sentence for breaking a conflict of interest law. No word yet on where he might go or even if he is considering returning to Thailand.

Elections in New Zealand
Elections in New Zealand have resulted in a John Key willing the Prime Minister post after his party, the National Party, enjoyed a significant win over the Labor Party. The National Party is known as a center-right party and won 45% of the total vote with Labor winning only 35%. Current Prime Minister Helen Clark, leader of Labor since 1993, quickly resigned after the staunch defeat claiming responsibility for the heavy loss. Classy move.