constitution

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Myanmar Gov't, Rebels on Collision Course

(Newser) - The tense peace between Myanmar’s military rulers and various armed ethnic groups may fracture into war next year when the government implements a controversial new constitution, the New York Times reports. The constitution requires the rebels to disarm, without granting them the de facto autonomy they currently enjoy in...

Chavez Seeks Power Until 2021

Launching new constitutional battle on term limits

(Newser) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is again maneuvering to stay in power for at least another decade, the BBC reports. Chavez plans to seek a constitutional change that will allow him to seek re-election indefinitely, he told a weekend rally. Chavez lost a referendum just a year ago on a series...

Calif. Dems Urge State Court to Dump Gay Marriage Ban

Supporters call move a 'hail mary'

(Newser) - Democratic legislators in California have filed a brief calling on the state Supreme Court to reject a ballot proposition that would ban gay marriage in the state, the Los Angeles Times reports. The measure, Proposition 8, passed by some 500,000 votes. The lawmakers argue that such sweeping change would...

Dowd: Bring in Obama's Cleaning Crew
 Dowd: Bring in 
 Obama's Cleaning Crew 
OPINION
Nov 6, 2008 8:11 AM CST

Dowd: Bring in Obama's Cleaning Crew

Obama can restore the capital's brilliance, writes Times columnist

(Newser) - For Maureen Dowd, the election of Barack Obama means more than just an end to the Bush years; it's a chance for Washington itself to regain its moral standing. Outside the White House on election night—"there was no U-Haul in the driveway"—the New York Times columnist...

Court Boots Thai PM Over Cooking Show

Samak forced to resign as protests continue in Bangkok

(Newser) - Thailand's supreme court has ruled that the prime minister and his government must resign, declaring that his participation in a TV cooking show violated the constitution. The unanimous ruling comes as opponents of Samak Sundaravej continue to occupy Government House in Bangkok, reports the AP. While Samak may seek a...

Cooking Show Could Cost Thai PM His Job

Ruling tomorrow on Samak's TV work could ease unrest

(Newser) - Thailand’s prime minister could be forced from his post tomorrow, the Guardian reports—not by protesters who have taken over government offices, but by a court ruling that hosting a TV cooking show was unconstitutional. Samak Sundaravej, 73, hosted Tasting, Grumbling, for years before being elected, appeared a handful...

Sarkozy 's Reform Bill Passes By a Hair

Move to rewrite French constitution has critics crying 'monocracy!'

(Newser) - French President Nicolas Sarkozy hailed the passing yesterday of a constitutional reform, fulfilling a key campaign pledge. The overhaul of parliamentary and executive powers passed in the assembly and senate by a single vote, capturing 539 votes when it needed 538, the BBC reports. The opposition says the change will...

Citizen Glitch Makes Mac Ineligible to Be Prez: Expert

He's no natural-born American, prof argues

(Newser) - John McCain does not meet the constitutional requirement to be president because he's technically not a natural-born US citizen, a legal professor has concluded. But the expert, who focused on an obscure 1937 law that made McCain a citizen in the months after his birth in the Panama Canal Zone,...

Real Patriots Criticize the Government
 Real Patriots Criticize
 the Government 
Opinion
Jul 4, 2008 6:50 PM CDT

Real Patriots Criticize the Government

American ideals more important than scare of the minute

(Newser) - Patriotism is the word of the day, but what does it mean? For Cynthia Tucker of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, it means fighting for your country’s ideals. "I believe I'm lucky to be an American because our founding document embraces the revolutionary idea that any citizen should be able...

Hand of US Neocons Seen Behind Irish 'No'

Some suggest meddling in referendum that has Europe in disarray

(Newser) - Pro-Europeans are claiming that American neoconservatives helped bankroll an effort to convince Irish voters to reject a key treaty, Der Spiegel reports. "Europe has powerful enemies on the other side of the Atlantic, gifted with considerable financial means," a French minister said after Ireland's thumbs-down roiled the continent....

Punditry for the Playgroup Set
 Punditry for the Playgroup Set 
Jun 16, 2008 4:15 PM CDT

Punditry for the Playgroup Set

Goodnight Bush parody 'brilliant,' though copyright might be an issue

(Newser) - The cover is a dead ringer for the bedtime classic, and the point of Goodnight Bush is equally recognizable. In authors' Erich Origen and Gan Golan’s re-purposing of Goodnight Moon, Dubya snuggles into bed wearing a “Mission Accomplished” flight suit, in the company of “war profiteers giving...

Myanmar Junta Claims Win on Constitution

Anti-government groups enraged by timing of announcement

(Newser) - Burmese voters overwhelmingly approved a constitution legitimizing military rule, the junta announced to widespread skepticism today. The vote held Saturday did not include two cyclone-ravaged areas where aid to victims is still largely being blocked by the government, but state media said those votes couldn't change the outcome. Turnout elsewhere...

Burma Votes Amid Cyclone Chaos

Junta ignores calls to delay vote and focus on helping cyclone victims

(Newser) - Burma plowed ahead with a referendum on its constitution today despite cyclone devastation that has left much of the country in ruins, AFP reports. The junta has postponed the vote for two weeks in the worst-hit areas, including the capital and the Irrawaddy delta, where hundreds of thousands have been...

Good Sex Heats Up Politics in Ecuador

Lawmaker wants women's satisfaction protected by law

(Newser) - Politics are getting steamy in Ecuador these days. Maria Soledad Vela, a member of the nation's ruling party, wants to give Ecuadorian women the right to seek sexual happiness. Her proposal is sparking controversy in the conservative country, where women are traditionally seen as sexual objects or child bearers, the...

Former Ally Now Rivals Chavez
Former Ally Now Rivals Chavez
Dec 24, 2007 6:05 PM CST

Former Ally Now Rivals Chavez

Ex-defense minister pressed Chavez to admit referendum defeat

(Newser) - An ex-ally has become a formidable rival for Hugo Chavez after the president's defeat in a constitutional referendum that would have given him more power and the right to unlimited reelection. The Wall Street Journal explores the career of Raul Baduel, Chavez’ former friend and defense minister, who protected Chavez...

Constitutional Changes Spark New Battles in Pakistan

Opponents vow to undo Musharraf's revisions

(Newser) - Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf just retired his army uniform, but he should prepare for a fight, the AP says, as Nawaz Sharif's opposition group plans to reverse constitutional revisions he made before lifting emergency rule yesterday. Musharraf imposed limits on the press, sealed the retirements of Supreme Court judges, and...

Belarus Merger Could Return Putin to Office

New constitution would give president new lease on power

(Newser) - Vladimir Putin may release a secret weapon this week: a Russian political union with neighboring Belarus that could extend his leadership indefinitely. As the ex-KGB operative’s presidential terms run out, observers look to a merger of nations—including currency, legal system, and armed forces—as an opportunity for a...

Venezuela Calmly Goes to Polls
Venezuela Calmly Goes
to Polls
Dec 2, 2007 3:07 PM CST

Venezuela Calmly Goes to Polls

Chavez seeks to end prez term limits, enact socialist reforms

(Newser) - Polls are orderly today as Venezuelans decide on an amendment that may make Chavez president for life, Reuters reports. Most surveys say voters are split 50/50 on the referendum, which Chavez vows will win by 10 points and usher in “21st century socialism.” Opponents say the changes, which...

Chavez Threatens to Boot US Diplomat Over Vote 'Plot'

US accused of plotting against Chavez

(Newser) - Venezuela threatened to expel a US diplomat for allegedly plotting against President Hugo Chavez' plan to run for re-election indefinitely. It's the latest headline-grabbing move by Chavez before a referendum on changes to the nation's constitution. Chavez has also accused CNN of encouraging an assassination plot against him, and has...

Turkey's Women Fight for Equal Rights—Again

Constitution chucks equality clause for one calling them 'needy'

(Newser) - Turkish women are up in arms after a draft of the country's new constitution deemed them a "vulnerable" group in "need of protection," the BBC reports. Over 80 activist groups have slammed the document, which they say inserted the clause in place of language that would have...

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