Stem cell veto to DOJ to Bush smartassing....

From American Progress:

President Bush will issue the third veto of his presidency today, killing a bill "that would have eased restraints on federally funded embryonic stem cell research -- work that supporters say holds promise for fighting disease."

"The Justice Department has opted out of at least 10 whistle-blower lawsuits alleging fraud and corruption in government reconstruction and security contracts in Iraq, and has spent years investigating additional fraud cases but has yet to try to recover any money."

"At least 40 percent of State Department diplomats who have served in danger zones suffer some symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder," an American Foreign Service Association official told Congress yesterday. "The State Department has provided limited help for diplomats under duress," including dispatching just two psychiatrists to Iraq.

"Six detainees were transferred this week out of the U.S. military detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, including one detainee who was returned to Tunisian authorities over the objections of his attorneys amid fears that he will be tortured by a government known for human rights violations."

Canon Electronics, Nike, and Unilever "topped a list rating climate-friendly companies" released yesterday, while Jones Apparel Group, CBS, Burger King, Darden Restaurants, Wendy's International and Amazon.com tied for last. Also, Google announced yesterday that it will be carbon neutral by 2008.

The ACLU "sued the U.S. government on Tuesday seeking to end what it said was a policy of drugging some immigrants facing deportation proceedings." The suit alleges that two immigrants were forcibly injected with "powerful psychotropic drugs" in violation of the law.

And finally: At yesterday's annual congressional picnic, "President Bush and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi were arm in arm," "Karl Rove worked the crowd," and "White House Press Secretary Tony Snow played the flute." "I thank Tony Snow and his bunch of mediocre musicians...uh, great musicians," said Bush, who enjoyed "the chance to zing his press secretary."

Wrap...