JEWISH KING JESUS IS COMING AT THE RAPTURE FOR US IN THE CLOUDS-DON'T MISS IT FOR THE WORLD.THE BIBLE TAKEN LITERALLY- WHEN THE PLAIN SENSE MAKES GOOD SENSE-SEEK NO OTHER SENSE-LEST YOU END UP IN NONSENSE.GET SAVED NOW- CALL ON JESUS TODAY.THE ONLY SAVIOR OF THE WHOLE EARTH - NO OTHER.
1 COR 15:23-JESUS THE FIRST FRUITS-CHRISTIANS RAPTURED TO JESUS-FIRST FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT-23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.ROMANS 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.(THE PRE-TRIB RAPTURE)
DANIEL 7:23-24
23 Thus he said, The fourth beast (EU,REVIVED ROME) shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth,(7TH WORLD EMPIRE) which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.(TRADING BLOCKS-10 WORLD REGIONS/TRADE BLOCS)
24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings(10 NATIONS-10 WORLD DIVISION WORLD GOVERNMENT) that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.(THE EU (EUROPEAN UNION) TAKES OVER IRAQ WHICH HAS SPLIT INTO 3-SUNNI-KURD-SHIA PARTS-AND THE REVIVED ROMAN EMPIRE IS BROUGHT BACK TOGETHER-THE TWO LEGS OF DANIEL WESTERN LEG AND THE ISLAMIC LEG COMBINED AS 1)
LUKE 2:1-3
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
MEPs call for country-by-country reports on multinationals' finances-By EUOBSERVER-nov 25,15
Today, 17:55-MEPs voted on a report Wednesday that recommends introducing mandatory country-by-country reporting by multinational companies of financial data, including profits made, taxes paid and subsidies received. The EP resolution also calls for a common corporate tax base, common definitions for tax terms, and more transparency in tax rulings.
European Commission refuses to uphold rule of law By Israel Butler-euobserver
BRUSSELS, 23. Nov, 09:17-The European Parliament must be realising that the EU Commission has sold it a lemon.Back in July, the parliament asked the commission to activate the rule of law ‘framework’ in relation to Hungary. The commission’s reply, sent to MEPs on 12 November, is bound to taste bitter.The commission created the framework following a request from the EU’s council for a mechanism to protect the Union’s ‘fundamental values’: the rule of law, democracy and human rights.That appeal came after several EU governments had grown frustrated with the Union’s inability to prevent Hungary’s Viktor Orban from undermining constitutional safeguards following his rise to power in 2010.The EU’s only available tool, Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union, had already proved unworkable because it cannot be used without the consent of national governments, which are reluctant to target each other with sanctions. Introducing the framework in March 2014, former commission president Jose Manuel Barroso and justice commissioner Viviane Reding explained that the new procedure would be easier to activate than Article 7.If the commission sees a ‘systemic threat’ to the rule of law, this framework allows it to start talks with a government and to issue it with recommendations.-Spanish request-At least two requests have been made to activate the framework since it was created.In Spain, the NGO Rights International Spain appealed to the commission over reforms by Rajoy’s government that ushered in public spending cuts and an epidemic of mortgage foreclosures, permitted by abusive clauses in loan agreements-In 2012, foreclosures prompted widespread public protests against the government and banks. In response, the government passed further legislation making it almost impossible to demonstrate without being hit with enormous fines.To prevent protesters and consumers from fighting the fines and foreclosures in the courts, Rajoy also introduced court fees and slashed legal aid.The government then took a chunk out of the judiciary’s resources, slowing the justice system, and overhauled Spain’s judicial council, which allowed it to pack the courts with judges of its own choosing.The commission, nonetheless, does not consider this a ‘systemic threat’ to the rule of law and is waiting for the constitutional court, as guardian of the Spanish constitution, to decide on the lawfulness of the legislation.Only if this court fails to strike down the reforms might the commission accept that there is a problem.The commission’s understanding of the word ‘threat’ is nuanced, to say the least. Surely when a government passes legislation designed to stop the courts from protecting citizens against government interference with their liberties, a systemic threat to the rule of law is already present.Furthermore, under national law, Spain’s constitutional court is allowed to take as long as it likes to examine cases – several challenges to the court fees legislation have been pending since 2013.If the only national body capable of upholding citizens’ rights is under no pressure to take action within a reasonable time, the commission can hardly consider the rule of law safe.-The Hungarian case-In July, the European Parliament asked the commission to intervene on Hungary after Orban launched a less than politically correct public consultation portraying migrants as job-stealing, society-wrecking terrorists and floated the notion of bringing back the death penalty.While the rule of law framework is designed to allow the commission to examine the situation as a whole in a given country, the commission’s reply to the parliament focussed on just these two issues, ignoring the cumulative effect of developments over the last five years: the coalition between Orban's Fidesz and the Christian-Democrat KDNP has packed the judicial council and constitutional court with party loyalists and severely curtailed the court’s powers to review new legislation.The media has fallen under government control; civil society organisations critical of the government have been stigmatised as foreign agents and harassed through spurious state investigations; and the latest elections were dubbed unfair by the OSCE.Yet the commission persists in maintaining that there is no ‘systemic threat’ to the rule of law.-Legal rebuff-Why is Frans Timmermans, first vice-president of the commission and responsible for fundamental rights, so reluctant to activate the framework? Perhaps because of the rebuff delivered by the council’s legal service.After the commission adopted the framework, the UK, to the annoyance of other countries and in breach of the protocol that reserves this right to the presidency (held by Greece at the time), asked the council’s legal service to analyse whether the framework was lawful.In a legal opinion of questionable quality, the council’s legal service said that the commission’s framework was not, in fact, lawful. Many member states disagree with the opinion, which has no legal effect.Timmermans maintains that the framework is good to go. He has repeatedly shrugged off calls from the European Parliament for a new monitoring system, insisting instead that the EU should make better use of its existing tools – the framework, for example.If Timmermans is convinced of his own advice, he should lead by example and put the framework to use.Dr. Israel Butler is advocacy consultant to the European Liberties Platform, a network of European human rights watchdog non–governmental organisations (NGOs).
Juncker: Euro does not make sense without Schengen By Eszter Zalan-EUOBSERVER
BRUSSELS, 25. Nov, 14:06-Europe's single currency would come under threat if the Schengen visa-free travel zone fails, EU Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said Wednesday, in his first speech to the European Parliament since the attacks in Paris that killed 130 people.Juncker warned that the euro is pointless if people can't move around freely to use it.“If the spirit of Schengen leaves us ... we’ll lose more than the Schengen agreement. A single currency doesn’t make sense if Schengen fails,” Juncker told the parliamentarians.“Schengen is one of the main pillars of the construction of Europe,” he added.The Schengen system of open borders has come under pressure as EU member states struggle to stop the influx of refugees - a level of displaced not seen since the end of World War II.Schengen has 26 members, though a few are not EU states.It is one of the major achievements of the European Union, allowing for free flow of people and goods.“We have to safeguard the spirit behind the Schengen agreement,” Junkcer said, admitting: “The Schengen system is partly comatose.”“Those who believe in Europe, those who believe in its values and principles, freedoms, must breathe new life into the spirit behind Schengen,” he noted.“A single currency doesn’t make sense if Schengen fails,” he repeated.He again warned against equating terrorists with refugees, saying politicians should not exploit the tragic Paris attacks.“Those who carried out these attacks in Paris, those who incited these attacks, are the same people who are forcing the unlucky of this planet to flee, please dot get things mixed up,” Juncker said.Speaking at the parliament, where legislation on sharing airline passengers’ data has stalled, Junkcer called on MEPs to cover people flying within the EU in the law.He also confirmed the EU commission willi come forward with proposals on an EU-wide border guard and coast guard system in December, and called for more effective cooperation between European intelligence services.
Portugal president asks left-wingers for EU and Nato pledge By Eszter Zalan-euobserver
BRUSSELS, 24. Nov, 10:14-Portugal’s political crisis entered a new phase on Monday (23 November), when president Anibal Cavaco Silva asked for guarantees from leftist parties, especially on next year’s budget, before allowing the formation of a government by Socialists.Silva did not name the Socialist leader Antonio Costa prime minister, but asked him to start work to form a coalition.The conservative president wants guarantees-the leftist factions, which include the anti-euro and anti-Nato Communists, would respect Portugal’s EU and Nato commitments.The move comes amid ongoing political uncertainty, with Portugal still without a government after inconclusive elections on 4 October.The centre-right party of outgoing prime minister Pedro Passos Coelho won most of the votes, but failed to win an outright majority.The president first tasked Coelho with forming a minority government. But it was toppled by leftist parties in parliament just 10 days after coming to power.Cavaco Silva set out six areas where he wants Communist guarantees. He asked them to commit to approving the budget for next year, stick to EU budgetary rules, and respect Portugal’s commitments in Nato.Other issues include the stability of Portugal’s financial system, trade unions, and parliamentary confidence motions.The Communists reacted angrily, however.“There is no reason for the president to demand conditions and guarantees ... This is a new attempt by Cavaco Silva to subvert the constitution and will have a corresponding democratic response by workers and the people,” Jeronimo Sousa, the leader of Communists, was quoted as saying by the Reuters news agency.Sousa said the president is “responsible for the political and institutional consequences for decisions that contribute to worsening the national situation and promoting confrontation between different sovereign organs.”Costa, the Socialist leader, has said his agreements with the far-left are stable and that he is confident about the approval of a 2016 budget.Portuguese media report Costa, on Monday, also sent a letter of reply to the president, but the content of the text is not known.Analysts warn the stalemate could undermine Portugal's economic recovery after the country exited its EU bailout in 2014.It already failed to submit a budget plan to the EU Commission on time.Besides the Communists, Costa also needs the backing of the Left Bloc and Greens in parliament to secure a majority.The left-wing coalition plans to roll back some of austerity measures, as well as the privatisation scheme introduced by Coelho’s government.It wants to lift the minimum wage, end a freeze on state pensions, and remove extraordinary tax levies.
Terror overshadows Greece at Eurogroup meeting By Eric Maurice-euobserver
BRUSSELS, 24. Nov, 09:00-Monday's (23 November) Eurogroup meeting illustrated the shift of the EU's priorities from the Greek financial crisis to refugees and terrorism.After many weeks of negotiations, Greece received €2 billion. But minds were elsewhere.The eurozone finance ministers meeting took place despite Brussels remaining on maximum alert."I'm happy that we could meet today," Eurogroup president Jeroen Dijsselbloem said at the press conference that followed the meeting. "That's a good signal and I would like to express my strong appreciation to the Belgian authorities for keeping us safe today."The European Council building was on Orange alert, one stage higher than the EU Commission building across the road, which is on Yellow alert.Council and commission sources told EUobserver that the risk assessment is made by the Belgian authorities and that the alert level in the institutions refers to security measures taken."Those entering the commission building are mainly commission staff, whereas the council is more open to external visitors," a source said to explain the difference.Just after Belgium extended the alert until Wednesday at least, European Council president Donald Tusk called a EU-Turkey summit for Sunday.Whether the summit will actually take place will depend on whether Belgian authorities can assure security for the 29 head of state and governments plus the EU institution leaders, a source told EUobserver.-'Security comes first'-Terrorism was also discussed by the ministers. France asked that the 2013 directive on money laundering be implemented before 2017, the original deadline."This is too far off," French minister Michel Sapin told reporters. "We need to go faster in every country."Sapin also informed the Eurogroup that in 2016 his country would spend €600 million more than planned on internal security, border controls and justice, and that the EU should take this effort into account.But he assured that this new spending - 0.03 percent of France's GDP - would "not alter France's budget trajectory for 2016-2017".Given the circumstances, Sapin's words met understanding ears."Security comes first," Dijsselbloem said, adding he was sure that France "should manage to fit [this spending] into the budget and not go off the rails".Depending on how the current threat evolves, Belgium may also ask for some budget flexibility.Flexibility was also discussed for countries faced with unexpected costs of addressing the migrant crisis."The commission said again that this will be examined on a case-by-case basis," finance commissioner Pierre Moscovici said at the press conference.The main claimant for the refugee clause is Italy, one of the two EU countries required to set up hotspots to register migrants.Austria's finance minister Hans-Jörg Schelling told Austrian public radio that the commission will allow his country to have the costs it made to mitigate the refugee crisis excluded from the calculation on its deficit target.The commission "will take its time, until spring, to decide whether and how and in what proportions this clause can benefit Italy," Moscovici said.-Speed up on Greece-Terrorism also overshadowed what was once the most dramatic issue discussed by the Eurogroup.The European Stability Mechanism (ESM) decided to unblock a €2-billion tranche of Greece's third bailout plan, after Greece completed the so-called first set of milestones last week.The set of reforms contained in particular measures to facilitate foreclosures of debtors' houses and offset ditched VAT plans.A €10-billion fund will soon be made available to recapitalise the main Greek banks once they complete financing through the private sector.Two banks, the National Bank of Greece and Piraeus, are expected to receive a total of €6 billion in the next two weeks, a EU source said.Greek finance minister Euclid Tsakalotos told his colleagues that his government would complete a second set of milestones by mid-December in order to unblock a remaining €1-billion tranche.This second set will include measures on the governance of the banking system and design of the future privatisation fund.The first review of the bailout programme, originally planned for October, should start early next year and will include the perilous issue of pension reforms."We need to go as fast as possible," Dijsselbloem said."The bad side is that we lost time. The good side is that the procedure with the banks is going better than expected."The Eurogroup also approved the commission's assessment of the draft budget of eurozone countries for 2016.Five countries were declared compliant with EU budget rules, seven broadly compliant and four at risk of non-compliance: Austria, Italy, Lithuania and Spain.
Saskatoon coalition issues climate change wish list-CBC – NOV 25,15-YAHOONEWS
A coalition of groups in Saskatoon concerned about climate change has issued a list of issues it wants Canadian leaders to talk about at the Paris talks next week.Tracey Mitchell, with the Saskatoon branch of Council of Canadians, said it's time to end subsidies for the fossil fuel industry. The coalition wants coal completely phased out, calling it "the dirtiest source of electricity.""I think the Saskatchewan government has to stop trying to find an easy fix or an easy way out," Mitchell said. "Carbon capture has proven disastrous here and we've invested a lot of money into that that could have gone into renewable energy."Mitchell said emissions in the Saskatchewan oil industry have to be reduced as well."Nearly twenty per cent of our emissions in Saskatchewan come from venting and flaring of waste gasses . And that's just a total waste." Mitchell said the province should be offering more incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency and putting a price on carbon.Earlier this week, Premier Brad Wall said Saskatchewan needs to do better in terms of its record on climate change, but he added, "we can't forget the economy.""We cannot forget the jobs that quite literally are at stake in a sector that's undergoing a lot of stress right now due to $40 oil," the premier said.Wall added that any agreements made in Paris need to consider the impact they could have on the economy.On Wednesday, the premier responded to remarks made by environmentalist David Suzuki. Suzuki said in an interview Monday on SiriusXM's "Everything is Political" with Evan Solomon that people in the southern United States argued in the 19th century that to eliminate slavery would destroy their economy. The premier said comments equating the oil industry to slavery might hurt the arguments against the energy sector because they're so ridiculous.
DRUG PUSHERS AND ADDICTS
1 PET 5:8
8 Be sober,(NOT DRUGED UP OR ALCOHOLICED) be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
REVELATION 18:23
23 And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries (DRUGS) were all nations deceived.
REVELATION 9:21
21 Neither repented they of their murders,(KILLING) nor of their sorceries (DRUG ADDICTS AND DRUG PUSHERS), nor of their fornication,(SEX OUTSIDE MARRIAGE OR PROSTITUTION FOR MONEY) nor of their thefts.(STEALING)
Medical marijuana users get OK from Ontario government to vaporize anywhere-By Allison Jones, The Canadian Press | The Canadian Press – NOV 25,15-YAHOONEWS
TORONTO - Medical marijuana users in Ontario are now legally able to use vaporizers just about anywhere in the province.The Liberal government quietly exempted them this week from a law that bans the use of e-cigarettes anywhere regular cigarettes are prohibited. It means medical marijuana users can vaporize in restaurants, at work or on playgrounds.Associate Health Minister Dipika Damerla said under the exemption for medical marijuana users, employers or restaurant owners could still ban them from smoking on the premises."If it's bothering somebody, find another place to go and smoke," she said Wednesday." Somebody who really needs it for medical reasons may need to be able to smoke it or vape it. On the other hand, we are very sensitive to people around them. It really is about balancing those rights."The exemption is about letting people who are very sick or in a lot of pain to take their prescribed medication when they need to, Damerla said.Jonathan Zaid, the founder of Canadians for Fair Access to Medical Marijuana, said the new regulations don't change much since medical marijuana users could already smoke "pretty much" anywhere before the e-cigarette law was passed in May."Public places like parks or sidewalks are for sure allowed now in the regulations," he said."So it doesn't really mean anything new because it has always been allowed. There haven't been regulations pertaining to vaporizers in the past, but what it does mean is the provincial government is taking a step forward and actually recognizing medical marijuana as a legitimate medicine."But Zaid highly doubts the change in regulations will mean medical marijuana users flooding playgrounds and restaurants to vaporize."There's one thing to have a right and there's another thing to abuse it," said Zaid, who uses medical marijuana to treat chronic headaches."Everyone that I know, including myself, who uses medical cannabis is discreet about it. They just want to use it as their medicine to feel better, to live a better quality of life and they don't want to be harassed about it, so that also means they're not typically likely to do it in a very public space."Progressive Conservative Leader Patrick Brown said he didn't want to "make a lot of political hay" over the exemption, but he urged the Liberal government to make sure the new provincial rules are in line with what municipalities have established.NDP Leader Andrea Horwath didn't sound especially shocked by the exemption either.When asked what she would do if someone was smoking marijuana next to her at a restaurant, she laughed and said, "I'll probably eat more."
Protesters say they will try to shut down famous Chicago shopping district on Black Friday-By Don Babwin, The Associated Press | The Canadian Press – NOV 25,15-YAHOONEWS
CHICAGO - Small groups of demonstrators gathered again Wednesday to protest the death of a black teen shot by a white police officer, and they urged supporters to join them in trying to shut down Chicago's famous Michigan Avenue shopping district during the Black Friday shopping bonanza.About two dozen protesters gathered outside Mayor Rahm Emanuel's office a day after authorities released a graphic squad- car video showing the officer firing an entire magazine into 17-year-old Laquan McDonald. Jason Van Dyke was charged Tuesday with first-degree murder.The group held banners showing photos of other black people fatally shot by police in Chicago and elsewhere. Several protesters said they were parents of black men killed by Chicago officers."You cannot kill our children and expect us to be quiet any longer," protester Quovadis Green said. "It is unacceptable."Activist Mark Carter called on people to "rise up" and shut down the Magnificent Mile shopping area on Friday. Protesters also planned to target the Board of Trade and other landmarks in the coming days, he said.Carter and others want the Department of Justice to investigate the Chicago Police Department and its history of covering up bad behaviour.The Urban League of Chicago joined in the call for a federal investigation, alleging a pattern of "discriminatory harassment" against black people.The Rev. Jesse Jackson said other officers involved in McDonald's death should be fired or at least suspended. He also wants a special prosecutor appointed to the case, complaining that Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez took too long to bring a murder charge in the shooting, which happened more than a year ago.President Barack Obama said Wednesday night he was "deeply disturbed" by the video footage. Obama said in a Facebook post that he is asking Americans to "keep those who've suffered tragic loss in our thoughts and prayers" this Thanksgiving "and to be thankful for the overwhelming majority of men and women in uniform who protect our communities with honour."Obama said he is personally grateful to the people of his hometown — Chicago — for keeping protests peaceful.Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton also weighed in, saying McDonald's family and Chicago residents "deserve justice and accountability."Clinton, who made the comments Wednesday in an emailed statement, added that police officers across the country are doing their duty honourably "without resorting to unnecessary force."One of Clinton's rivals, Sen. Bernie Sanders, said in his own statement that all Americans "should be sickened" by the video.For months, Chicago leaders had feared that the release of the video could provoke the kind of turmoil that rocked cities such as Baltimore and Ferguson, Missouri, after young black men were slain by police or died in police custody.Van Dyke was the subject of 18 civilian complaints over 14 years, including allegations that he used racial epithets and excessive force, police and court records show.Complaints against police are not uncommon. But the number filed against Van Dyke was high compared with other officers. At least one person he arrested was later awarded $350,000 in damages in a lawsuit.Van Dyke's lawyer, Daniel Herbert, did not return a message left Wednesday by The Associated Press.Also Wednesday, a Cook County judge dismissed a charge against a protester accused of hitting a police officer in the hours after the video was made public.Judge Peggy Chiampas said the state's attorney's office recommended dropping the charge against 22-year-old Malcolm London and told London he was free to go.London, who was wearing a T-shirt with the phrase "Unapologetically black" on it, walked outside the courthouse to loud cheers. Prosecutors did not explain why they sought to dismiss the charge. London was among five people arrested on charges that included weapons possession and resisting arrest.At least two people were detained amid protests late Wednesday when demonstrators disrupted traffic in the city's financial district. On the South Side, about 100 people marched about a half mile to Chicago police headquarters after a community meeting.Meanwhile, in Minneapolis on Wednesday afternoon, hundreds of people filled a church to pay their respects to a man whose death in an unrelated confrontation with police sparked more than a week of ongoing protests. A picture of a smiling Jamar Clark adorned the program for his funeral.The relevant portion of the Chicago video runs for less than 40 seconds and has no sound.McDonald swings into view on a four-lane street where police vehicles are stopped in the middle of the roadway. As he jogs down an empty lane, he appears to pull up his pants and then slows to a brisk walk, veering away from two officers who are emerging from a vehicle and drawing their guns.Almost immediately, one of the officers appears to fire from close range. McDonald spins around and collapses on the pavement.The car with the camera continues to roll forward until the officers are out of the frame. Then McDonald can be seen lying on the ground, moving occasionally. At least two small puffs of smoke are seen coming off his body as the officer continues firing.In the final moments, an officer kicks something out of McDonald's hands.Police have said the teen had a knife. Alvarez said Tuesday that a 3-inch knife with its blade folded into the handle was recovered from the scene.___Associated Press writers Sara Burnett, Jason Keyser, Sophia Tareen and Michael Tarm contributed to this report.
The Latest: 2 taken into custody as Chicago protesters disrupt traffic in financial district-By The Associated Press | The Canadian Press – NOV 25,15-YAHOONEWS
CHICAGO - The latest on the aftermath of the shooting of a black teenager by a white Chicago police officer (all times local):8:15 p.m.-Chicago police have taken two protesters away in handcuffs during demonstrations over the shooting death of a black teenager by a white police officer.A light rain fell Wednesday night as the crowd continued to march and disrupt traffic through downtown streets. The two protesters were taken into custody as the group marched through the financial district.7:45 p.m.-Leaders of about a dozen community groups say protests they are organizing over the next few days will be about more than the black teen shot to death by a white Chicago police officer.Activist JR Fleming says: "We are angry because this city has declared war on black people."The groups met Wednesday night to discuss a unified response to the killing of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald, who was shot 16 times in 2014. The city released video of the shooting on Tuesday, the same day Officer Jason Van Dyke was charged with murder in the killing.After the meeting, about 100 protesters marched roughly a half mile to Chicago police headquarters. A line of officers walked beside them to ensure they remained on the sidewalk.Demonstrators say in addition to police shootings, they've seen schools and mental health clinics in their communities closed, a lack of jobs and a high rate of unsolved murders.They say a Black Friday protest aimed at shutting down a major downtown shopping area will send a message by hitting Chicago where it hurts — in the pocketbook.7:30 p.m.-President Barack Obama says he is "deeply disturbed" by video footage showing a white Chicago police officer fatally shooting a black teenager.Prosecutors have charged Officer Jason Van Dyke with first-degree murder for the death last year of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald, who was shot 16 times.Obama said on his Facebook page Wednesday that he is asking Americans to "keep those who've suffered tragic loss in our thoughts and prayers" this Thanksgiving, "and to be thankful for the overwhelming majority of men and women in uniform who protect our communities with honour."Obama says he is personally grateful to the people of his hometown — Chicago — for keeping protests peaceful.5:15 p.m.-Dozens of protesters are marching in downtown Chicago, demanding justice for a black teenager fatally shot by a white police officer.The small crowd gathered Wednesday evening with chants of "indict, convict, send that killer cop to jail."The marchers disrupted traffic along the busy State Street shopping corridor. A handful confronted police officers, staring them down and shouting in their faces.Authorities on Tuesday charged Officer Jason Van Dyke with first-degree murder in the 2014 shooting death of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald. City officials released squad-car video of the incident.3 p.m.-Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders says all Americans "should be sickened" by video footage of a white Chicago police officer fatally shooting a black teenager.Sanders said in an emailed statement on Wednesday that there needs to be action beyond echoing the phrase "black lives matter." The U.S. senator from Vermont says there should be action and reform to criminal justice.His comments come a day after the police officer was charged with first-degree murder and Chicago officials released a video of the 2014 shooting.2:50 p.m.-Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton says the family of a black teen fatally shot by a white Chicago police officer and residents in the city "deserve justice and accountability."Clinton made the comments in an emailed statement Wednesday, a day after the officer was charged with first-degree murder and the city released a squad-car video of the 2014 shooting.Clinton says the case is a reminder that larger questions about the safety and respect of citizens need to be addressed.She adds that police officers across the country are doing their duty honourably "without resorting to unnecessary force."2:15 p.m.-Advocacy groups and community leaders are calling for more investigations of the Chicago Police Department and authorities after the release of a video that shows a white police officer shooting a black teen.The video was released Tuesday hours after the officer was charged with first-degree murder.The Urban League of Chicago on Wednesday called for a federal Department of Justice investigation, alleging a pattern of "discriminatory harassment" against black people.The Rev. Jesse Jackson says officers involved should be fired or at least suspended. He also wants a special prosecutor on the case, saying Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez took too long to bring a murder charge in the 2014 shooting.A group of activists is expected to meet Wednesday to call for an independent investigation of police conduct.1:50 p.m.-A Cook County judge has dismissed a charge against a protester accused of hitting a police officer in Chicago.Twenty-two-year-old Malcolm London was among five protesters arrested during demonstrations sparked by a video of a black teenager being fatally shot last year by a white police officer.London was charged with aggravated battery of a police officer. Police said he struck an officer during one protest Tuesday night in downtown Chicago. Judge Peggy Chiampas said during a hearing Wednesday afternoon that the state's attorney's office recommended the charge be dismissed and told London he was free to go.London, who was wearing a T-shirt with the phrase "Unapologetically black" on it, walked outside the courthouse to loud cheers. A crowd gathered outside chanted, "We're going to be all right" and "Set our people free."Prosecutors did not say why their office recommended dropping the charge.1:45 p.m.-A group of activists is calling for people to protest the fatal police shooting of a black teenager and shut down a major retail corridor in downtown Chicago on Black Friday.About two dozen protesters spoke Wednesday outside Mayor Rahm Emanuel's City Hall office.The gathering followed the Tuesday release of a squad-car video showing a white police officer shooting 17-year-old Laquan McDonald 16 times. Officer Jason Van Dyke was charged with first-degree murder.Several protesters said they were parents of black men who also had been shot and killed by Chicago police.The group wants people to shut down Michigan Avenue, known as Chicago's "Magnificent Mile" on Friday. They also want the Department of Justice to investigate.Protester Quovadis Green says: "You cannot kill our children and expect us to be quiet any longer."8:15 a.m.-Chicago police say they arrested five protesters during overnight demonstrations sparked by a video of a 2014 police shooting.The five people were charged with offences including hitting a police officer, weapons possession and resisting arrest.One of those arrested was 38-year-old Dean M. Vanriper of Murrieta, California. Police say he had a stun gun and a knife.A 22-year-old Chicago man, Malcolm London, was arrested and charged with aggravated battery of a police officer. Police say he struck an officer during one protest Tuesday night in downtown Chicago.The officer was treated for injuries that weren't life-threatening and released.London and Vanriper were scheduled to appear in bond court later Wednesday. It was not immediately clear whether either man already had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.Police say protests were largely peaceful and there was no damage to private property.2:30 a.m.-Most protesters in Chicago seemed to honour pleas for restraint in the hours after the release of a dash-cam video showing the shooting death of a black teen by a white police officer.Demonstrators took to the streets Tuesday night, at times numbering in the hundreds. There were a few tense moments, and at least two people were arrested. But the demonstrations dissipated in the early morning hours Wednesday without any reports of damage or injuries.Protest groups are expected to stage more demonstrations in the days ahead, including one at City Hall scheduled for Wednesday and another seeking to block Michigan Avenue during Friday's holiday shopping bonanza.The protests came after the release of the dash-cam video in the death of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald, who was shot 16 times. Jason Van Dyke, a Chicago police officer, was charged with first-degree murder in McDonald's death earlier Tuesday.___This story has been corrected to show that some of those arrested were women. Headlines on an earlier version incorrectly said the 5 people arrested were all men.
DANIEL 7:23-24
23 Thus he said, The fourth beast (EU,REVIVED ROME) shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth,(7TH WORLD EMPIRE) which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.(TRADING BLOCKS-10 WORLD REGIONS/TRADE BLOCS)
24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings(10 NATIONS-10 WORLD DIVISION WORLD GOVERNMENT) that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.(THE EU (EUROPEAN UNION) TAKES OVER IRAQ WHICH HAS SPLIT INTO 3-SUNNI-KURD-SHIA PARTS-AND THE REVIVED ROMAN EMPIRE IS BROUGHT BACK TOGETHER-THE TWO LEGS OF DANIEL WESTERN LEG AND THE ISLAMIC LEG COMBINED AS 1)
LUKE 2:1-3
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
MEPs call for country-by-country reports on multinationals' finances-By EUOBSERVER-nov 25,15
Today, 17:55-MEPs voted on a report Wednesday that recommends introducing mandatory country-by-country reporting by multinational companies of financial data, including profits made, taxes paid and subsidies received. The EP resolution also calls for a common corporate tax base, common definitions for tax terms, and more transparency in tax rulings.
European Commission refuses to uphold rule of law By Israel Butler-euobserver
BRUSSELS, 23. Nov, 09:17-The European Parliament must be realising that the EU Commission has sold it a lemon.Back in July, the parliament asked the commission to activate the rule of law ‘framework’ in relation to Hungary. The commission’s reply, sent to MEPs on 12 November, is bound to taste bitter.The commission created the framework following a request from the EU’s council for a mechanism to protect the Union’s ‘fundamental values’: the rule of law, democracy and human rights.That appeal came after several EU governments had grown frustrated with the Union’s inability to prevent Hungary’s Viktor Orban from undermining constitutional safeguards following his rise to power in 2010.The EU’s only available tool, Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union, had already proved unworkable because it cannot be used without the consent of national governments, which are reluctant to target each other with sanctions. Introducing the framework in March 2014, former commission president Jose Manuel Barroso and justice commissioner Viviane Reding explained that the new procedure would be easier to activate than Article 7.If the commission sees a ‘systemic threat’ to the rule of law, this framework allows it to start talks with a government and to issue it with recommendations.-Spanish request-At least two requests have been made to activate the framework since it was created.In Spain, the NGO Rights International Spain appealed to the commission over reforms by Rajoy’s government that ushered in public spending cuts and an epidemic of mortgage foreclosures, permitted by abusive clauses in loan agreements-In 2012, foreclosures prompted widespread public protests against the government and banks. In response, the government passed further legislation making it almost impossible to demonstrate without being hit with enormous fines.To prevent protesters and consumers from fighting the fines and foreclosures in the courts, Rajoy also introduced court fees and slashed legal aid.The government then took a chunk out of the judiciary’s resources, slowing the justice system, and overhauled Spain’s judicial council, which allowed it to pack the courts with judges of its own choosing.The commission, nonetheless, does not consider this a ‘systemic threat’ to the rule of law and is waiting for the constitutional court, as guardian of the Spanish constitution, to decide on the lawfulness of the legislation.Only if this court fails to strike down the reforms might the commission accept that there is a problem.The commission’s understanding of the word ‘threat’ is nuanced, to say the least. Surely when a government passes legislation designed to stop the courts from protecting citizens against government interference with their liberties, a systemic threat to the rule of law is already present.Furthermore, under national law, Spain’s constitutional court is allowed to take as long as it likes to examine cases – several challenges to the court fees legislation have been pending since 2013.If the only national body capable of upholding citizens’ rights is under no pressure to take action within a reasonable time, the commission can hardly consider the rule of law safe.-The Hungarian case-In July, the European Parliament asked the commission to intervene on Hungary after Orban launched a less than politically correct public consultation portraying migrants as job-stealing, society-wrecking terrorists and floated the notion of bringing back the death penalty.While the rule of law framework is designed to allow the commission to examine the situation as a whole in a given country, the commission’s reply to the parliament focussed on just these two issues, ignoring the cumulative effect of developments over the last five years: the coalition between Orban's Fidesz and the Christian-Democrat KDNP has packed the judicial council and constitutional court with party loyalists and severely curtailed the court’s powers to review new legislation.The media has fallen under government control; civil society organisations critical of the government have been stigmatised as foreign agents and harassed through spurious state investigations; and the latest elections were dubbed unfair by the OSCE.Yet the commission persists in maintaining that there is no ‘systemic threat’ to the rule of law.-Legal rebuff-Why is Frans Timmermans, first vice-president of the commission and responsible for fundamental rights, so reluctant to activate the framework? Perhaps because of the rebuff delivered by the council’s legal service.After the commission adopted the framework, the UK, to the annoyance of other countries and in breach of the protocol that reserves this right to the presidency (held by Greece at the time), asked the council’s legal service to analyse whether the framework was lawful.In a legal opinion of questionable quality, the council’s legal service said that the commission’s framework was not, in fact, lawful. Many member states disagree with the opinion, which has no legal effect.Timmermans maintains that the framework is good to go. He has repeatedly shrugged off calls from the European Parliament for a new monitoring system, insisting instead that the EU should make better use of its existing tools – the framework, for example.If Timmermans is convinced of his own advice, he should lead by example and put the framework to use.Dr. Israel Butler is advocacy consultant to the European Liberties Platform, a network of European human rights watchdog non–governmental organisations (NGOs).
Juncker: Euro does not make sense without Schengen By Eszter Zalan-EUOBSERVER
BRUSSELS, 25. Nov, 14:06-Europe's single currency would come under threat if the Schengen visa-free travel zone fails, EU Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said Wednesday, in his first speech to the European Parliament since the attacks in Paris that killed 130 people.Juncker warned that the euro is pointless if people can't move around freely to use it.“If the spirit of Schengen leaves us ... we’ll lose more than the Schengen agreement. A single currency doesn’t make sense if Schengen fails,” Juncker told the parliamentarians.“Schengen is one of the main pillars of the construction of Europe,” he added.The Schengen system of open borders has come under pressure as EU member states struggle to stop the influx of refugees - a level of displaced not seen since the end of World War II.Schengen has 26 members, though a few are not EU states.It is one of the major achievements of the European Union, allowing for free flow of people and goods.“We have to safeguard the spirit behind the Schengen agreement,” Junkcer said, admitting: “The Schengen system is partly comatose.”“Those who believe in Europe, those who believe in its values and principles, freedoms, must breathe new life into the spirit behind Schengen,” he noted.“A single currency doesn’t make sense if Schengen fails,” he repeated.He again warned against equating terrorists with refugees, saying politicians should not exploit the tragic Paris attacks.“Those who carried out these attacks in Paris, those who incited these attacks, are the same people who are forcing the unlucky of this planet to flee, please dot get things mixed up,” Juncker said.Speaking at the parliament, where legislation on sharing airline passengers’ data has stalled, Junkcer called on MEPs to cover people flying within the EU in the law.He also confirmed the EU commission willi come forward with proposals on an EU-wide border guard and coast guard system in December, and called for more effective cooperation between European intelligence services.
Portugal president asks left-wingers for EU and Nato pledge By Eszter Zalan-euobserver
BRUSSELS, 24. Nov, 10:14-Portugal’s political crisis entered a new phase on Monday (23 November), when president Anibal Cavaco Silva asked for guarantees from leftist parties, especially on next year’s budget, before allowing the formation of a government by Socialists.Silva did not name the Socialist leader Antonio Costa prime minister, but asked him to start work to form a coalition.The conservative president wants guarantees-the leftist factions, which include the anti-euro and anti-Nato Communists, would respect Portugal’s EU and Nato commitments.The move comes amid ongoing political uncertainty, with Portugal still without a government after inconclusive elections on 4 October.The centre-right party of outgoing prime minister Pedro Passos Coelho won most of the votes, but failed to win an outright majority.The president first tasked Coelho with forming a minority government. But it was toppled by leftist parties in parliament just 10 days after coming to power.Cavaco Silva set out six areas where he wants Communist guarantees. He asked them to commit to approving the budget for next year, stick to EU budgetary rules, and respect Portugal’s commitments in Nato.Other issues include the stability of Portugal’s financial system, trade unions, and parliamentary confidence motions.The Communists reacted angrily, however.“There is no reason for the president to demand conditions and guarantees ... This is a new attempt by Cavaco Silva to subvert the constitution and will have a corresponding democratic response by workers and the people,” Jeronimo Sousa, the leader of Communists, was quoted as saying by the Reuters news agency.Sousa said the president is “responsible for the political and institutional consequences for decisions that contribute to worsening the national situation and promoting confrontation between different sovereign organs.”Costa, the Socialist leader, has said his agreements with the far-left are stable and that he is confident about the approval of a 2016 budget.Portuguese media report Costa, on Monday, also sent a letter of reply to the president, but the content of the text is not known.Analysts warn the stalemate could undermine Portugal's economic recovery after the country exited its EU bailout in 2014.It already failed to submit a budget plan to the EU Commission on time.Besides the Communists, Costa also needs the backing of the Left Bloc and Greens in parliament to secure a majority.The left-wing coalition plans to roll back some of austerity measures, as well as the privatisation scheme introduced by Coelho’s government.It wants to lift the minimum wage, end a freeze on state pensions, and remove extraordinary tax levies.
Terror overshadows Greece at Eurogroup meeting By Eric Maurice-euobserver
BRUSSELS, 24. Nov, 09:00-Monday's (23 November) Eurogroup meeting illustrated the shift of the EU's priorities from the Greek financial crisis to refugees and terrorism.After many weeks of negotiations, Greece received €2 billion. But minds were elsewhere.The eurozone finance ministers meeting took place despite Brussels remaining on maximum alert."I'm happy that we could meet today," Eurogroup president Jeroen Dijsselbloem said at the press conference that followed the meeting. "That's a good signal and I would like to express my strong appreciation to the Belgian authorities for keeping us safe today."The European Council building was on Orange alert, one stage higher than the EU Commission building across the road, which is on Yellow alert.Council and commission sources told EUobserver that the risk assessment is made by the Belgian authorities and that the alert level in the institutions refers to security measures taken."Those entering the commission building are mainly commission staff, whereas the council is more open to external visitors," a source said to explain the difference.Just after Belgium extended the alert until Wednesday at least, European Council president Donald Tusk called a EU-Turkey summit for Sunday.Whether the summit will actually take place will depend on whether Belgian authorities can assure security for the 29 head of state and governments plus the EU institution leaders, a source told EUobserver.-'Security comes first'-Terrorism was also discussed by the ministers. France asked that the 2013 directive on money laundering be implemented before 2017, the original deadline."This is too far off," French minister Michel Sapin told reporters. "We need to go faster in every country."Sapin also informed the Eurogroup that in 2016 his country would spend €600 million more than planned on internal security, border controls and justice, and that the EU should take this effort into account.But he assured that this new spending - 0.03 percent of France's GDP - would "not alter France's budget trajectory for 2016-2017".Given the circumstances, Sapin's words met understanding ears."Security comes first," Dijsselbloem said, adding he was sure that France "should manage to fit [this spending] into the budget and not go off the rails".Depending on how the current threat evolves, Belgium may also ask for some budget flexibility.Flexibility was also discussed for countries faced with unexpected costs of addressing the migrant crisis."The commission said again that this will be examined on a case-by-case basis," finance commissioner Pierre Moscovici said at the press conference.The main claimant for the refugee clause is Italy, one of the two EU countries required to set up hotspots to register migrants.Austria's finance minister Hans-Jörg Schelling told Austrian public radio that the commission will allow his country to have the costs it made to mitigate the refugee crisis excluded from the calculation on its deficit target.The commission "will take its time, until spring, to decide whether and how and in what proportions this clause can benefit Italy," Moscovici said.-Speed up on Greece-Terrorism also overshadowed what was once the most dramatic issue discussed by the Eurogroup.The European Stability Mechanism (ESM) decided to unblock a €2-billion tranche of Greece's third bailout plan, after Greece completed the so-called first set of milestones last week.The set of reforms contained in particular measures to facilitate foreclosures of debtors' houses and offset ditched VAT plans.A €10-billion fund will soon be made available to recapitalise the main Greek banks once they complete financing through the private sector.Two banks, the National Bank of Greece and Piraeus, are expected to receive a total of €6 billion in the next two weeks, a EU source said.Greek finance minister Euclid Tsakalotos told his colleagues that his government would complete a second set of milestones by mid-December in order to unblock a remaining €1-billion tranche.This second set will include measures on the governance of the banking system and design of the future privatisation fund.The first review of the bailout programme, originally planned for October, should start early next year and will include the perilous issue of pension reforms."We need to go as fast as possible," Dijsselbloem said."The bad side is that we lost time. The good side is that the procedure with the banks is going better than expected."The Eurogroup also approved the commission's assessment of the draft budget of eurozone countries for 2016.Five countries were declared compliant with EU budget rules, seven broadly compliant and four at risk of non-compliance: Austria, Italy, Lithuania and Spain.
Saskatoon coalition issues climate change wish list-CBC – NOV 25,15-YAHOONEWS
A coalition of groups in Saskatoon concerned about climate change has issued a list of issues it wants Canadian leaders to talk about at the Paris talks next week.Tracey Mitchell, with the Saskatoon branch of Council of Canadians, said it's time to end subsidies for the fossil fuel industry. The coalition wants coal completely phased out, calling it "the dirtiest source of electricity.""I think the Saskatchewan government has to stop trying to find an easy fix or an easy way out," Mitchell said. "Carbon capture has proven disastrous here and we've invested a lot of money into that that could have gone into renewable energy."Mitchell said emissions in the Saskatchewan oil industry have to be reduced as well."Nearly twenty per cent of our emissions in Saskatchewan come from venting and flaring of waste gasses . And that's just a total waste." Mitchell said the province should be offering more incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency and putting a price on carbon.Earlier this week, Premier Brad Wall said Saskatchewan needs to do better in terms of its record on climate change, but he added, "we can't forget the economy.""We cannot forget the jobs that quite literally are at stake in a sector that's undergoing a lot of stress right now due to $40 oil," the premier said.Wall added that any agreements made in Paris need to consider the impact they could have on the economy.On Wednesday, the premier responded to remarks made by environmentalist David Suzuki. Suzuki said in an interview Monday on SiriusXM's "Everything is Political" with Evan Solomon that people in the southern United States argued in the 19th century that to eliminate slavery would destroy their economy. The premier said comments equating the oil industry to slavery might hurt the arguments against the energy sector because they're so ridiculous.
DRUG PUSHERS AND ADDICTS
1 PET 5:8
8 Be sober,(NOT DRUGED UP OR ALCOHOLICED) be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
REVELATION 18:23
23 And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries (DRUGS) were all nations deceived.
REVELATION 9:21
21 Neither repented they of their murders,(KILLING) nor of their sorceries (DRUG ADDICTS AND DRUG PUSHERS), nor of their fornication,(SEX OUTSIDE MARRIAGE OR PROSTITUTION FOR MONEY) nor of their thefts.(STEALING)
Medical marijuana users get OK from Ontario government to vaporize anywhere-By Allison Jones, The Canadian Press | The Canadian Press – NOV 25,15-YAHOONEWS
TORONTO - Medical marijuana users in Ontario are now legally able to use vaporizers just about anywhere in the province.The Liberal government quietly exempted them this week from a law that bans the use of e-cigarettes anywhere regular cigarettes are prohibited. It means medical marijuana users can vaporize in restaurants, at work or on playgrounds.Associate Health Minister Dipika Damerla said under the exemption for medical marijuana users, employers or restaurant owners could still ban them from smoking on the premises."If it's bothering somebody, find another place to go and smoke," she said Wednesday." Somebody who really needs it for medical reasons may need to be able to smoke it or vape it. On the other hand, we are very sensitive to people around them. It really is about balancing those rights."The exemption is about letting people who are very sick or in a lot of pain to take their prescribed medication when they need to, Damerla said.Jonathan Zaid, the founder of Canadians for Fair Access to Medical Marijuana, said the new regulations don't change much since medical marijuana users could already smoke "pretty much" anywhere before the e-cigarette law was passed in May."Public places like parks or sidewalks are for sure allowed now in the regulations," he said."So it doesn't really mean anything new because it has always been allowed. There haven't been regulations pertaining to vaporizers in the past, but what it does mean is the provincial government is taking a step forward and actually recognizing medical marijuana as a legitimate medicine."But Zaid highly doubts the change in regulations will mean medical marijuana users flooding playgrounds and restaurants to vaporize."There's one thing to have a right and there's another thing to abuse it," said Zaid, who uses medical marijuana to treat chronic headaches."Everyone that I know, including myself, who uses medical cannabis is discreet about it. They just want to use it as their medicine to feel better, to live a better quality of life and they don't want to be harassed about it, so that also means they're not typically likely to do it in a very public space."Progressive Conservative Leader Patrick Brown said he didn't want to "make a lot of political hay" over the exemption, but he urged the Liberal government to make sure the new provincial rules are in line with what municipalities have established.NDP Leader Andrea Horwath didn't sound especially shocked by the exemption either.When asked what she would do if someone was smoking marijuana next to her at a restaurant, she laughed and said, "I'll probably eat more."
Protesters say they will try to shut down famous Chicago shopping district on Black Friday-By Don Babwin, The Associated Press | The Canadian Press – NOV 25,15-YAHOONEWS
CHICAGO - Small groups of demonstrators gathered again Wednesday to protest the death of a black teen shot by a white police officer, and they urged supporters to join them in trying to shut down Chicago's famous Michigan Avenue shopping district during the Black Friday shopping bonanza.About two dozen protesters gathered outside Mayor Rahm Emanuel's office a day after authorities released a graphic squad- car video showing the officer firing an entire magazine into 17-year-old Laquan McDonald. Jason Van Dyke was charged Tuesday with first-degree murder.The group held banners showing photos of other black people fatally shot by police in Chicago and elsewhere. Several protesters said they were parents of black men killed by Chicago officers."You cannot kill our children and expect us to be quiet any longer," protester Quovadis Green said. "It is unacceptable."Activist Mark Carter called on people to "rise up" and shut down the Magnificent Mile shopping area on Friday. Protesters also planned to target the Board of Trade and other landmarks in the coming days, he said.Carter and others want the Department of Justice to investigate the Chicago Police Department and its history of covering up bad behaviour.The Urban League of Chicago joined in the call for a federal investigation, alleging a pattern of "discriminatory harassment" against black people.The Rev. Jesse Jackson said other officers involved in McDonald's death should be fired or at least suspended. He also wants a special prosecutor appointed to the case, complaining that Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez took too long to bring a murder charge in the shooting, which happened more than a year ago.President Barack Obama said Wednesday night he was "deeply disturbed" by the video footage. Obama said in a Facebook post that he is asking Americans to "keep those who've suffered tragic loss in our thoughts and prayers" this Thanksgiving "and to be thankful for the overwhelming majority of men and women in uniform who protect our communities with honour."Obama said he is personally grateful to the people of his hometown — Chicago — for keeping protests peaceful.Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton also weighed in, saying McDonald's family and Chicago residents "deserve justice and accountability."Clinton, who made the comments Wednesday in an emailed statement, added that police officers across the country are doing their duty honourably "without resorting to unnecessary force."One of Clinton's rivals, Sen. Bernie Sanders, said in his own statement that all Americans "should be sickened" by the video.For months, Chicago leaders had feared that the release of the video could provoke the kind of turmoil that rocked cities such as Baltimore and Ferguson, Missouri, after young black men were slain by police or died in police custody.Van Dyke was the subject of 18 civilian complaints over 14 years, including allegations that he used racial epithets and excessive force, police and court records show.Complaints against police are not uncommon. But the number filed against Van Dyke was high compared with other officers. At least one person he arrested was later awarded $350,000 in damages in a lawsuit.Van Dyke's lawyer, Daniel Herbert, did not return a message left Wednesday by The Associated Press.Also Wednesday, a Cook County judge dismissed a charge against a protester accused of hitting a police officer in the hours after the video was made public.Judge Peggy Chiampas said the state's attorney's office recommended dropping the charge against 22-year-old Malcolm London and told London he was free to go.London, who was wearing a T-shirt with the phrase "Unapologetically black" on it, walked outside the courthouse to loud cheers. Prosecutors did not explain why they sought to dismiss the charge. London was among five people arrested on charges that included weapons possession and resisting arrest.At least two people were detained amid protests late Wednesday when demonstrators disrupted traffic in the city's financial district. On the South Side, about 100 people marched about a half mile to Chicago police headquarters after a community meeting.Meanwhile, in Minneapolis on Wednesday afternoon, hundreds of people filled a church to pay their respects to a man whose death in an unrelated confrontation with police sparked more than a week of ongoing protests. A picture of a smiling Jamar Clark adorned the program for his funeral.The relevant portion of the Chicago video runs for less than 40 seconds and has no sound.McDonald swings into view on a four-lane street where police vehicles are stopped in the middle of the roadway. As he jogs down an empty lane, he appears to pull up his pants and then slows to a brisk walk, veering away from two officers who are emerging from a vehicle and drawing their guns.Almost immediately, one of the officers appears to fire from close range. McDonald spins around and collapses on the pavement.The car with the camera continues to roll forward until the officers are out of the frame. Then McDonald can be seen lying on the ground, moving occasionally. At least two small puffs of smoke are seen coming off his body as the officer continues firing.In the final moments, an officer kicks something out of McDonald's hands.Police have said the teen had a knife. Alvarez said Tuesday that a 3-inch knife with its blade folded into the handle was recovered from the scene.___Associated Press writers Sara Burnett, Jason Keyser, Sophia Tareen and Michael Tarm contributed to this report.
The Latest: 2 taken into custody as Chicago protesters disrupt traffic in financial district-By The Associated Press | The Canadian Press – NOV 25,15-YAHOONEWS
CHICAGO - The latest on the aftermath of the shooting of a black teenager by a white Chicago police officer (all times local):8:15 p.m.-Chicago police have taken two protesters away in handcuffs during demonstrations over the shooting death of a black teenager by a white police officer.A light rain fell Wednesday night as the crowd continued to march and disrupt traffic through downtown streets. The two protesters were taken into custody as the group marched through the financial district.7:45 p.m.-Leaders of about a dozen community groups say protests they are organizing over the next few days will be about more than the black teen shot to death by a white Chicago police officer.Activist JR Fleming says: "We are angry because this city has declared war on black people."The groups met Wednesday night to discuss a unified response to the killing of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald, who was shot 16 times in 2014. The city released video of the shooting on Tuesday, the same day Officer Jason Van Dyke was charged with murder in the killing.After the meeting, about 100 protesters marched roughly a half mile to Chicago police headquarters. A line of officers walked beside them to ensure they remained on the sidewalk.Demonstrators say in addition to police shootings, they've seen schools and mental health clinics in their communities closed, a lack of jobs and a high rate of unsolved murders.They say a Black Friday protest aimed at shutting down a major downtown shopping area will send a message by hitting Chicago where it hurts — in the pocketbook.7:30 p.m.-President Barack Obama says he is "deeply disturbed" by video footage showing a white Chicago police officer fatally shooting a black teenager.Prosecutors have charged Officer Jason Van Dyke with first-degree murder for the death last year of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald, who was shot 16 times.Obama said on his Facebook page Wednesday that he is asking Americans to "keep those who've suffered tragic loss in our thoughts and prayers" this Thanksgiving, "and to be thankful for the overwhelming majority of men and women in uniform who protect our communities with honour."Obama says he is personally grateful to the people of his hometown — Chicago — for keeping protests peaceful.5:15 p.m.-Dozens of protesters are marching in downtown Chicago, demanding justice for a black teenager fatally shot by a white police officer.The small crowd gathered Wednesday evening with chants of "indict, convict, send that killer cop to jail."The marchers disrupted traffic along the busy State Street shopping corridor. A handful confronted police officers, staring them down and shouting in their faces.Authorities on Tuesday charged Officer Jason Van Dyke with first-degree murder in the 2014 shooting death of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald. City officials released squad-car video of the incident.3 p.m.-Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders says all Americans "should be sickened" by video footage of a white Chicago police officer fatally shooting a black teenager.Sanders said in an emailed statement on Wednesday that there needs to be action beyond echoing the phrase "black lives matter." The U.S. senator from Vermont says there should be action and reform to criminal justice.His comments come a day after the police officer was charged with first-degree murder and Chicago officials released a video of the 2014 shooting.2:50 p.m.-Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton says the family of a black teen fatally shot by a white Chicago police officer and residents in the city "deserve justice and accountability."Clinton made the comments in an emailed statement Wednesday, a day after the officer was charged with first-degree murder and the city released a squad-car video of the 2014 shooting.Clinton says the case is a reminder that larger questions about the safety and respect of citizens need to be addressed.She adds that police officers across the country are doing their duty honourably "without resorting to unnecessary force."2:15 p.m.-Advocacy groups and community leaders are calling for more investigations of the Chicago Police Department and authorities after the release of a video that shows a white police officer shooting a black teen.The video was released Tuesday hours after the officer was charged with first-degree murder.The Urban League of Chicago on Wednesday called for a federal Department of Justice investigation, alleging a pattern of "discriminatory harassment" against black people.The Rev. Jesse Jackson says officers involved should be fired or at least suspended. He also wants a special prosecutor on the case, saying Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez took too long to bring a murder charge in the 2014 shooting.A group of activists is expected to meet Wednesday to call for an independent investigation of police conduct.1:50 p.m.-A Cook County judge has dismissed a charge against a protester accused of hitting a police officer in Chicago.Twenty-two-year-old Malcolm London was among five protesters arrested during demonstrations sparked by a video of a black teenager being fatally shot last year by a white police officer.London was charged with aggravated battery of a police officer. Police said he struck an officer during one protest Tuesday night in downtown Chicago. Judge Peggy Chiampas said during a hearing Wednesday afternoon that the state's attorney's office recommended the charge be dismissed and told London he was free to go.London, who was wearing a T-shirt with the phrase "Unapologetically black" on it, walked outside the courthouse to loud cheers. A crowd gathered outside chanted, "We're going to be all right" and "Set our people free."Prosecutors did not say why their office recommended dropping the charge.1:45 p.m.-A group of activists is calling for people to protest the fatal police shooting of a black teenager and shut down a major retail corridor in downtown Chicago on Black Friday.About two dozen protesters spoke Wednesday outside Mayor Rahm Emanuel's City Hall office.The gathering followed the Tuesday release of a squad-car video showing a white police officer shooting 17-year-old Laquan McDonald 16 times. Officer Jason Van Dyke was charged with first-degree murder.Several protesters said they were parents of black men who also had been shot and killed by Chicago police.The group wants people to shut down Michigan Avenue, known as Chicago's "Magnificent Mile" on Friday. They also want the Department of Justice to investigate.Protester Quovadis Green says: "You cannot kill our children and expect us to be quiet any longer."8:15 a.m.-Chicago police say they arrested five protesters during overnight demonstrations sparked by a video of a 2014 police shooting.The five people were charged with offences including hitting a police officer, weapons possession and resisting arrest.One of those arrested was 38-year-old Dean M. Vanriper of Murrieta, California. Police say he had a stun gun and a knife.A 22-year-old Chicago man, Malcolm London, was arrested and charged with aggravated battery of a police officer. Police say he struck an officer during one protest Tuesday night in downtown Chicago.The officer was treated for injuries that weren't life-threatening and released.London and Vanriper were scheduled to appear in bond court later Wednesday. It was not immediately clear whether either man already had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.Police say protests were largely peaceful and there was no damage to private property.2:30 a.m.-Most protesters in Chicago seemed to honour pleas for restraint in the hours after the release of a dash-cam video showing the shooting death of a black teen by a white police officer.Demonstrators took to the streets Tuesday night, at times numbering in the hundreds. There were a few tense moments, and at least two people were arrested. But the demonstrations dissipated in the early morning hours Wednesday without any reports of damage or injuries.Protest groups are expected to stage more demonstrations in the days ahead, including one at City Hall scheduled for Wednesday and another seeking to block Michigan Avenue during Friday's holiday shopping bonanza.The protests came after the release of the dash-cam video in the death of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald, who was shot 16 times. Jason Van Dyke, a Chicago police officer, was charged with first-degree murder in McDonald's death earlier Tuesday.___This story has been corrected to show that some of those arrested were women. Headlines on an earlier version incorrectly said the 5 people arrested were all men.
