MICHIGAN, December 20 – It seems as though the big guns are gaining popularity among teens. In a recent survey held by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the University of Michigan.

The survey showed that the decline of smoking, which progressed quickly every year, has come to a stop. Probable causes for this is the decrease of government and state funds for prevention of smoking and a big increase, record breaking even, among cigarette manufacturers. Still the 23% of high school seniors smoking is considerably less than the 40% rate of 1976. In comparison with last year there was almost no difference among teenagers.

Strangely enough, and very alerting, the use of prescription painkillers increased rapidly. Painkillers like Oxycontin and Vicodin are popular among teenagers and given the addictive nature of these drugs that’s an extremely worrying development.

Illegal drugs, with marijuana as frontrunner, have been declining also, with just a very modest decline in the upper grades. All in all about every form of drug use either decline or leveled out except for prescription painkillers.

WASHINGTON, December 19 – President Bush never faced as much criticism as nowadays, and he seems to acknowledge this in such a way he feels obligated to respond to the criticism.

His speech was mostly aimed towards the war in Iraq. He shared understanding for the feelings of his citizens but he urged them to have faith in his policy and back him on this point. Personally I felt my stomach twist as he once again added that it would be reckless and cowardly to withdraw now and that he would not stand for it, in my opinion that is odd coming from a man who weaseled his way out of military service during the Vietnam war.

Bush also felt compelled to respond to the recent report by the New York Times about his “creative” spying program which bypasses any legal process. Of course he was sad that this program was leaked and actually blamed the NY Times and their sources for doing so as it disrupts their tactics and provides intelligence to terrorists. He also added that they’re not stopping the program because these times require fast thinking an fast acting, as always Bush is in a constant state of war.

He resented the remark that this might equate to abuse of powers because in his description this would mean a dictatorial use of powers, and we all know George W. Bush is not a dictator right? (cough, cough)

BAGHDAD, December 18 – For the first time since the elections violence surged through Iraq as the heavy security measures for the elections were lifted.

The elections proceeded very clean, with little to no real incidents of violence. This is mostly due to the heavy security measures that were taken to make sure the voters were secure on this historic day.

This Sunday was the first real renewed occurrence of heavy attacks which ripped through the capital. At least 17 people were killed during these elaborate attacks. In the oil-rich city of Kirkuk two family members of a high ranking political party were eliminated. In Baghdad another member of a Shiite political party was eliminated in a similar fashion, probably both statements from the insurgents not to buy in to the democracy talks.

Also in Baghdad the first attack on a mosque since a while took place, a Shiite mosque was targeted and one woman was killed and another 15 people were injured. Elsewhere in the capital on policeman was wounded by a suicide bomber in a van and 11 of his colleagues were injured during a shootout in the west side of Baghdad.

WASHINGTON, December 17 – President Bush is more and more getting himself in trouble. On Friday the Senate rejected the renewal of the Patriot Act which was established after 9/11 to prevent renewed terrorist attacks.

The rejection coincided with the New York Times report about Bush’s order to illegally spy on thousands of alleged terrorists. Today Bush addressed this issue by confirming the existence of this order and defending it. In Bush’s mind he had to do everything to protect the citizens of the United States but many begin to wonder if he didn’t overreact.

Many senators actually stated that they think Bush is more acting like a king, with total autonomy rather than as a president who has some sort of responsibility. This is one of the biggest factors for rejecting the renewal of the Patriot Act. Bush earlier urged the Senate to approve the renewal because according to him it is vital for the safety of the U.S., apparently many people think otherwise and the mere thought that Bush is acting outside of his authority to gather intelligence is frightening to say the least.

WASHINGTON, December 16 – Once again President Bush finds himself in troubled waters. Senator Specter announced today that the Judiciary Committee will look into the reports which indicate that Bush has given instructions to spy on U.S. citizens and foreign individuals in the U.S. without any legal grounds.

The New York Times published the existence of this report not long ago after having spoken to a dozen government officials who all confirmed the facts. The presidential order is alleged to have granted the National Security Agency to monitor phone and e-mail messages of certain individuals. These individuals were all suspected to be involved with terrorist activity but the order to spy on them was given without any legal grounds or justification.

Possibly thousands were monitored this way, some with success but nonetheless all without any judicial approval. Normally the NSA needs court orders to allow eavesdropping on any individual.

Condoleezza Rice reacted in a NBC show today declining comment to the actual report but saying that President Bush would never order anyone to do something that is illegal. This is of course expected from someone on the Bush administration, most are known for their lack of knowledge and sense for the truth.

The Judiciary Committee will begin investigating the claims in 2006, the item has a very high priority on their list but there is no clarity on when exactly they will get around to it.

BAGHDAD, December 15 – Strangely and unexpectedly enough there were little reports of violence in Iraq today. On one of the most important days in the entire history of this Arab country it seemed like insurgents took a day off to vote also.

Apart from a few reports of mortar shells in Baghdad and Mosul no mentionable attacks occurred. Indications lead to believe that about seven Iraqi’s were injured during these attacks but none of the in life threatening situations as we know of.

The citizens of Iraq enjoyed this day, many wandered pleasantly over street celebrating this day of democracy. The talk of the way was simply the realization of dreams which slowly moves forward as the people are allowed to choose their representation for the coming four years. For most Iraqi’s this is a novelty and they are actually enjoying every step of it.

Critics believed that this would be a day of blood-shed but nothing seems further from the truth than that. One minus on this day is the sure win for the Shiite Muslim United Iraqi Alliance, thanks to mere demographics they are absolutely certain of barring any two-third majority in the National Assembly. The Kurds and Sunnis will undoubtedly be in minority, how this will reflect to the democratic process is yet to be seen.