Live Blog from the Anchor Desk 10/08/09
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Tonight, new signs that U.S. Congressman Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., could be headed for trouble. He’s accused of playing fast and loose with his own taxes. We’ll also take a closer look at why many gay Americans are disappointed in President Obama. Has he broken his promises on same-sex marriage, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and more? We’ve also been digging on a story that’s put a spotlight on an obscure subgenre of rap music called “Horrorcore.” It’s violent and steeped in grotesque imagery. But did it lead a young California man to murder four people?
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Anderson Cooper goes beyond the headlines to tell stories from many points of view, so you can make up your own mind about the news. Tune in weeknights at 8 and 10 ET on CNN.
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Chicago public school teachers are assulted regularly and nothing is done to the students. I was not surprised at the video this goes on all the time in CPS schools where the population is 90% black. Teachers have no power in Chicago schools.
Welcome back Erica!
Here in my household, we enjoy AC360 mainly because of Erica & Anderson. The 2 of you are a nice team to watch on TV! Great show tonight as always!
Obama made lots of promises to lots of special interest groups. Gays aren't the first he's reneged on, and won't be the last.
I think the march is a good idea. It does indeed take a lot of patience to change attitudes and beliefs.
Good Evening Everyone!
Don't ask... Don't tell... It is ridiculous that people have to hide and thus suffer!!
Okay – are the same people who are crying that President Obama is trying to do too much, now saying he's not doing enough? I believe the President will work to improve gay right's issues, but we need to give him time. I'm sure if he chose gay rights issues over the economy and health care – he'd be hung out to dry. Give him time - He's been President 9 months (he didn't become president on election night.) – and he has to work with a congress which moves extremely slow.
I support gay rights – and think that contacting congress is the best way to get things moving.
You guys said it. Pres. Obama's report card=D's for Disappointments
Pres Obama is a politician. He will say anything to get what he wants. I don't think that gay rights are a priority for him right now.
Stabbing at my sons school in Richmond Ky. Home econ knife used. Teen in critical condition. Issue is not just inner city (Chicago) but everywhere. How do we protect our children?
Obama did not exactly break his promises, theres other things he needs to worry about first...people are asking for too much from him..wayy to much.
Oh..oh...looks like the president's report card is not looking good.
As usual, gays and lesbians are relegated to the end of the line.
I love your work at Cnn, you all go get the truth and that is awesome. I am watching your program about the youths in Chicago. What these kids need is not more social service programs, they are children lost in a system, many of these kids have a lack of morals, because they are raised in a society that also acts immoral. They are angry. What they need is a change in education and to be shown by positive example, someone needs to step in and change the education they get in schools, they need to learn about respect, love and real true caring for fellow human beings.
Gina in Philadelphia
Don't ask... Don't tell... Nowadays, people should be more open-minded. This is ridiculous!
Hay Anderson I just wanted to recap on the violence in chicago and the don't snitch.
I feel like the don't snitch thing is getting to out of hand. It's one thing when you don't tell mom who ate out the cookie jar but not to speak up about your friend dyeing is ridiculous. Remember that this link of stupidity has been on for years and it's time to stop it and parents can help a great deal. Your local police station also helps too it's called staying anonymous. It's always okay until this reality hits home.
Keeping the President honest does not happen. Reminding a President of his missteps does.
@ Emily –
students may not be going to the police – but they have talked – there was a front page story in the Chicago Tribune on Tuesday – were some of the Fenger students involved in the fight, talked about the incident.
Well it would be good if those in the center on the dems and republicans were in fact sitting down together right now. The fringes have seemed to dominate, so can the center get together? 13 months if a very long time till the midterm election.
Hi Erica! sorry I thought Randi Kaye was in for you.
NASA is not "bombing" the moon. They are intentionally slamming a rocket into a crater on the south pole of the moon, to see if there's water in the dust that's kicked up.
We're ruining Earth. Please, let's not ruin the moon.
@ Erica
Welcome back!!!!! Missed you this week!!!I You are more beautiful!
Welcome back Erica. We missed you and I'm sure Anderson missed your humor.
Great report by Gary, he is really on top of this story! Good move to get the kids to give info anonymously. Gary is right that is common sense thinking, why wasn't it suggested earlier?
The moon's been ask'in for it for years
I hope NASA does not make a mistake and accidentally bomb the entire moon! lols..now that would be sad..!
Horrorcore looks horribly creepy to me...
Why is NASA looking for water on the moon?
Mayor of Chicago reach out, we are all here wanting to help.
Kids should never be in the crossfire!!!
I can't believe that NO one has come forward in D. Albert's beating death.
An Outrage!!!!
Shame on the people of Chicago!
Come on people, Speak UP!!!
"NASA will bomb the moon"....THAT's news!!!
Of course they could report anonymously. Do they really need someone to tell them that?
So sad about that bomb attack.
Rangel's shenanigans is just another example of a hypocritical congressman caught with his pants down. What a shame! Rangel needs to go!
After school programs and more police aren't exactly new ideas and won't make up for lack of parenting, especially by fathers.
I really like Obama and believe he wants to do the right for everyone but his party isn't helping and penalties aren't harsh enough for the wealth. If you followed the same consequence of a common person I bet it would happen less.
Hi Erica,
Welcome back!!!!! Missed you this week!!! I am glad see you on live blog tonight, Hugs! 😉
I saw the poll about the Dem's losing strength. I'm from Canada. I honestly believe if the Dems forced through a health care reform with a significant government insurance plan, they would be voted back in power possibly for years to come. It will be popular with average people. Take the risk and be part of the group that can say 'I made a real difference in peoples lives for the better'. We love our system.
I think Pres. Obama has suddenly realised the enormity of the challenges he faces.Its easier to criticise people in power.His indecision on key issues,( iraq,afghanistan,health care reform) has made some neutrals to move away from the Democrats.
Thank you
The Democrats have majorities in both houses, yet there have been no new regulations imposed on the financial community, there have been no attempts to role back the Bush-era tax cuts for the rich, and a number of Democrats have been doing their best to protect health insurance companies instead of people. We voted for a change and we got more of the same. Why not throw the rascals out?
Emily,
Yup! I am hoping that he must quit his position congress, He never paid his taxes since his past years! I agree, Emily!
I hope that after midterm elections the dems loose their power to shoot down everything the republicans try to do!!! I will do my part to see to it.
Anderson...Mayor Daley is speaking out on what he is going to do to decrease and hopefully eliminate teen violence here in Chicago...You got his attention, alright.
Hi Erica! Glad to see you back.
Hello all. I don't think the Dems in Congress are in any trouble at all. Not any more than usual for both sides.
Hi Erica, how have you been?
One party rule doesn't work. When Clinton had to contend with a Republican Congress we had a balanced budget, welfare reform and a great economy.
To much government always leads to tyranny and abuse of "We the People". Just ask our Founders and read the meaning behind the 10th Amendment.
Some how I don't think that the "I forgot" excuse to do my taxes would work with the government, if I didn't pay my taxes!!!
If we are agreeable to preserve democratic ideals, let due process take its course.
Finally, a conservative who sounds sane. Ms. Wallace is making some really good points. Thanks for having someone on who doesn't yammer on in extremes. And YES! We have spent too much time on the extremes. I agree completely.
Thanks again!