Israel plans attack on Gaza  —  ISRAEL's new defence minister Ehud Barak is planning an attack on Gaza within weeks to crush the Hamas militants who have seized power there.  —  According to senior Israeli military sources, the plan calls for 20,000 troops to destroy much of Hamas's military capability in days.

POINTING THE WAY FOR PROSECUTORS  —  Under fire, not in retreat  —  Gonzales' plan for attorney reviews would further politicize process  —  Atty Gen. Alberto Gonzales so far has survived a political crisis over the firing of nine U.S. attorneys, a rare potential vote of no-confidence …

Prosecutor in Duke Case Disbarred by Ethics Panel  —  A state ethics panel on Saturday disbarred Michael B. Nifong, the Durham district attorney who pursued a false accusation of sexual assault against three Duke University lacrosse players, shortly after Mr. Nifong said through his lawyer that he thought disbarment was appropriate.

Beware of government as the last action hero  —  The other day, six Anglican archbishops called for the church to bless the unions of same-sex couples.  The Anglican Church of Canada is about to have a big vote on the issue, and depending which way they swing it will either deepen the schism within …

The War Inside  —  Troops Are Returning From the Battlefield With Psychological Wounds, But the Mental-Health System That Serves Them Makes Healing Difficult  —  Army Spec.  Jeans Cruz helped capture Saddam Hussein.  When he came home to the Bronx, important people called him a war hero and promised to help him start a new life.

Bush's blank check  —  War critics are rightly disappointed over the inability of congressional Democrats to mount an effective challenge to President Bush's Iraq adventure.  What began as a frontal assault on the war, with tough talk about deadlines and timetables, has settled into something …

Jefferson Memorial's Signs of Sinking Raise Fresh Alarms  —  Up on the surface, the signs of the trouble at the Jefferson Memorial are small:  —  A few blacktop patches over uneven seams in some concrete.  A cordoned-off section where the sea wall has slipped below the front plaza.

Take Back America 2007  —  Welcome to the online headquarters for Take Back America 2007, the premier progressive event of the year.  Starting Monday through June 20, thousands of progressive activists, thinkers, bloggers, and leaders will convene in Washington, DC to begin transforming …

Sen. Webb on Military Sons and Fathers  —  · On this Friday before Father's Day, we take a few minutes to talk about the tradition of military service in families — about fathers and sons going to war.  One person who knows about that is Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA).

BBC report finds bias within corporation  —  The BBC has failed to promote proper debate on major political issues because of the inherent liberal culture of its staff, a report commissioned by the corporation has concluded.  —  The report claims that coverage of single-issue political causes …

To preserve tax relief  —  In his budget message to Congress in January 1963, President Kennedy wrote, "Lower rates of taxation will stimulate economic activity and so raise the levels of personal and corporate income as to yield within a few years an increased — not a reduced — flow of revenues to the federal government."

Around The 'Sphere June 17, 2007  —  Our famous linkfest offering readers intriguing links from sites of varying viewpoints.  Linked posts do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Moderate Voice or its writers.  —  It's Father's Day and people call their fathers (mine passed away three weeks ago today).

Bush says he'll use his veto pen on excessive spending bills  —  President Bush warned Congress on Saturday that he will use his veto power to stop runaway government spending.  —  ''The American people do not want to return to the days of tax-and-spend policies,'' Bush said in his radio address.

Iran: Putin pulls plans on radar station  —  TEHRAN, Iran - Iran said Sunday it had received indications from Russia's president that he would not follow through with an offer to allow the U.S. to use a radar station in neighboring Azerbaijan for missile defense against Tehran.