incompetence

5 Stories

Execution Delayed for Inmate Who Gouged Out His Eyes

Lawyers will make case Andre Thomas is not competent to be put to death

(Newser) - Andre Thomas' execution had been scheduled for April 5; on Tuesday, a Texas judge pulled that date to give the 39-year-old's legal team time to prepare its case: They have until July 5 to file their argument that he is "not competent for execution." His case is...

UN Wanted Affordable Housing, Got a Pop Song Instead

In some corners of the UN, bad ideas have too much room to grow

(Newser) - Officials at a UN agency squandered millions of dollars through a demonstrably poor series of decisions, according to a recent New York Times investigation. It was born of good intentions: to build affordable housing in needy areas around the world, along with renewable energy projects. The project gained legs in...

The Chinese Are Much Freer Than We Think
The Chinese Are Much Freer
Than We Think
OPINION
Jan 3, 2011 12:29 PM CST

The Chinese Are Much Freer Than We Think

Government 'incompetence' means greater freedoms, writes Ian Mills

(Newser) - Westerners worry that China is a “politically repressive, secretive new superpower," but in fact, it’s hardly as restrictive as many believe—thanks, in large part, to government “corruption and incompetence.” Before we engage with “the China threat,” we need to understand how the...

Zimbabwe Central Bank Stole Cash to Stay Solvent

Governor admits pilfering private accounts to keep ministries running

(Newser) - Zimbabwe's central bank governor admits he took money from bank accounts of private businesses and foreign aid groups without permission to keep the country's cash-strapped ministries running. Gideon Gono said today he loaned money from the private hard-currency accounts to the government. He says the accounts will be reimbursed when...

Army Battles Officer Shortage
Army Battles Officer Shortage
Mar 14, 2007 9:15 AM CDT

Army Battles Officer Shortage

Early promotions are used to fill gaps, in violation of regulations

(Newser) - The War in Iraq has left the Army so short of good officer material that the Pentagon is doling out promotions to unqualified soldiers, according to the Boston Globe. In 2006, the Army promoted thousands of soldiers ahead of schedule and against regulations to fill the void left by exhausted...

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