USA Out of Political Options? 'Obama a failure, Republicans not an alternative'

Out of Options? 'Obama a failure, Republicans not an alternative' - YouTube

Published on Sep 6, 2012 by RussiaToday

Barack Obama's Democrats have formally nominated him for re-election in November, during the second day of the Party's National Convention in North Carolina. Ex-President Bill Clinton took center stage to praise Obama and hit back at Republican claims that he has the worst economic record of any President in modern history. For more, RT talks to Lawrence Freeman, from Executive Intelligence Review Magazine.

Catherine Austin Fitts: They’re Going to Depopulate or Bankrupt the Rest of Us

Catherine Austin Fitts of the Solari Report Interview | Greg Hunter’s USAWatchdog

By Greg Hunter’s USAWatchdog.com 

Catherine Austin Fitts calls what happened to the U.S since the market meltdown of 2008 a “fiscal coup d’état.”  Fitts should know because she is a former Wall Street insider who has managed investments worth $300 billion.  She is also a government insider.  Catherine Austin Fitts was an Assistant Secretary for HUD in the first Bush Administration more than 20 years ago.  She says our leaders are “. . . doing a number of things that are going to depopulate or bankrupt the rest of us.”  Why are people so ill-informed?  Fitts says it’s because,“Corporate media is lying to you and wasting your time.”  She also says, “Were going through a period of great change, and the pace is going to accelerate.”  And, “Gold will be at the center of a new currency that will emerge.”  Join Greg Hunter as he goes One-on-One with Catherine Austin Fitts ofThe Solari Report.

Obama's Real Change: Killing without trial, spying without warrant

Obama's Change: Killing without trial, spying without warrant - YouTube

Published on Sep 6, 2012 by RussiaToday

Barack Obama has been nominated the US Democratic presidential candidate, as the party's National Convention drums up support for his re-election bid in November. Obama said Americans were 'absolutely better off than four years ago', but the country's growing national debt, unemployment and broken promises have plagued his campaign.

Putin interview: Using Al-Qaeda in Syria is like arming accused terrorists from Guantanamo to fight

Putin: Using Al-Qaeda in Syria like sending Gitmo inmates to fight (EXCLUSIVE) — RT

In an RT global exclusive premiere, President Putin gives his first post-inauguration interview, speaking in depth with RT’s Kevin Owen ahead of the APEC summit in Vladivostok.

Touching upon a range of issues, he discusses topics from the Pussy Riot trial to the Julian Assange case, from the upcoming US elections to the situation in Syria.

RT: What I want to talk about first of all is the ongoing at the moment APEC summit. You'll be going there very shortly – in Vladivostok because it's the first time that Russia has held it, a prestigious event. But it always begs the question – what's actually achieved at these events, events like that, like the G8, G20?

Now, though APEC is primarily an economic vessel, there's a lot of politics involved as well. And of course a lot of the key players including you, including America, a lot of key players disagree on some very key issues. I'm thinking about Syria, I'm thinking about missile defense, I'm thinking about Iran. Is there a danger that the politics may stifle, get in the way of the big economic deals that the very same key players are hoping to sign at this summit or at least talk about signing?

President Putin: That is true. But in fact – and you’ve just said it yourself – APEC was originally conceived as a forum for discussing economic issues. And as this year’s host country, we also intend to focus on economic and socio-economic challenges.

APEC was originally established with the overall objective of liberalizing the global economy. And we intend to make this a key issue on the agenda in Vladivostok.

Read Transcript: Putin: Using Al-Qaeda in Syria like sending Gitmo inmates to fight (EXCLUSIVE) — RT

MORE ON THE STORY

16.08, 17:2214 comments

Russia needs Human Rights Ombudsmen in every region – Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin lauded the independence of his country’s Human Rights Ombudsmen, and suggested making the post obligatory for every region of the Russian Federation.

01.08, 19:4032 comments

NATO should finish job in Afghanistan – Putin

With NATO-led coalition looking to exit the Central Asian hotspot in 2014, President Vladimir Putin said the international forces should stay in Afghanistan until their job is finished.

05.09, 17:0512 comments

Russia the wildcard in Obama-Romney faceoff

As the US presidential campaign heads into the final muddy lap, GOP challenger Mitt Romney is busy painting Barack Obama as a weak and gutless leader who is letting Moscow push Washington around on the global stage.

19.07, 19:328 comments

Putin promotes social unity, political modernization

President Vladimir Putin has voiced full support for recently approved bills intended to modernize Russia’s political system and called upon MPs to join him in uniting society in pursuit of common goals.

23.07, 19:2087 comments

Putin: Non-stop civil war if Assad ousted

Russian President Putin has warned that if the Assad government is overthrown, the ensuing civil war in Syria may see no end.

France providing aid to rebel-held areas of Syria - reports

France providing aid to rebel-held areas of Syria - reports — RT 

France has started providing direct aid and money to rebel-controlled areas of Syria and is even considering supplying anti-aircraft weapons to the opposition, a diplomatic source has said.

The aid began being supplied last Friday, to five local authorities in so called “liberated zones” located in three provinces – Deir al-Zor, Aleppo and Idlib, the source said on condition of anonymity.

Last week, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius promised that such aid was in the pipeline.

"In zones where the regime has lost control, such as Tal Rifaat (40 km north of Aleppo), which has been free five months, local revolutionary councils have been set up to help the population and put in place an administration for these towns so as to avoid chaos like in Iraq when the regime pulls back," the source said as cited by Reuters.

With pressure mounting and a threat of foreign intervention looming, France – Syria’s former colonial ruler – is considering supporting the rebels with artillery.

The diplomatic source said opposition forces had asked for anti-aircraft weapons. "It's a subject that we are working on seriously, but which has serious and complicated implications. We aren't neglecting it."

The source did not specify how aid was provided, or name the cities where the aid went. He did however state that those areas are home to a total of 700,000 people and have been under rebel control for between one and five months.

French officials earlier admitted providing communications and other non-lethal equipment to Syrian opposition.

The United States and Turkey had previously said they were considering implementing no-fly zones for Syria to help rebel forces oust the government of Bashar Assad.

With UN estimates putting the number killed in the conflict at 18,000, the Syrian conflict is already the bloodiest Arab Spring uprising.

On Tuesday, the UN chief accused both the Syrian government and the opposition of large-scale human rights violations, stressing the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the country.

“Government forces and the armed opposition have clearly failed to protect civilians and respect the rules of international humanitarian law," General-Secretary Ban Ki-moon said addressing the UN General Assembly.

"Prisoners on both sides are subject to harsh treatment and, often, torture," he added. "There have been alarming reports of summary executions on both sides."

On Wednesday, Ban slammed the Security Council for failing to reach any solution on Syria, saying that its paralysis over how to end the 18-month conflict was harming the Syrian people and damaging its own credibility.

Powerful Earthquake hits Costa Rica, tsunami warning issued | Reuters

Powerful quake hits Costa Rica, tsunami warning issued | Reuters

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica | Wed Sep 5, 2012 12:07pm EDT

(Reuters) - A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake rocked Costa Rica on Wednesday, rattling buildings and cutting power in some areas of the capital.

Residents of San Jose said phones went down, electricity poles rattled and water flowed out of pools during the quake.

"It was terrible. I was on the third floor, I had never felt anything like it," said Stephanie Gonzalez, a 25-year-old masters student.

The quake's epicenter was in western Costa Rica about 87 miles from San Jose, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said, and it was felt as far away as Managua, the capital of neighboring Nicaragua.

"It was very strong, everyone is getting out because of the tsunami alert," said a worker at the Samara Tree House Inn on Costa Rica's Pacific coast.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a warning for Pacific coastlines of Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama. It had earlier warned of tsunamis for as far away as Mexico and Chile.

It was the biggest earthquake in Costa Rica since a 7.6 quake in 1991 left 47 dead. More recently, 40 died in a 6.1 magnitude quake in January 2009.

(Reporting By Isabella Cota and Liz Diaz; Editing by Vicki Allen)

Risk Increases of Prolonged World Slowdown - Bank of Japan report

BOJ: Risk Increases of Prolonged World Slowdown - Businessweek

The odds of an extended world economic slowdown have increased and the Bank of Japan (8301) needs to remain ready to take decisive action if necessary, board member Ryuzo Miyao said.

“The risk that the global economic slowdown will be prolonged is increasing slightly,” Miyao said in a speech in Shimonoseki, southwestern Japan today. For Japan, excessive strength in the yen may weigh on exports, profits and stock prices, Miyao said.

Australia today reported slower growth in the second quarter, after a U.S. report yesterday showed manufacturing contracted in August in the world’s biggest economy. Japan’s central bank may add to monetary easing by October at the latest and a move this month is possible as exports and output weaken, according to Citigroup Inc.

Businesses around the world have become more cautious as Europe’s debt crisis persists, Miyao said. The pace of a U.S. recovery is slowing, while a rebound in China and other Asian developing nations may be delayed until after the autumn, the official said.

Japan stocks declined a fifth day, headed for the longest losing streak in two months. The Nikkei 225 (NKY) Stock Average was down 0.7 percent to 8,712.15 as of 12:39 p.m. in Tokyo. The yen was at 78.44 per dollar, about 4 percent from its postwar high, underscoring the threat to exporters of a strong currency.

Read More: BOJ: Risk Increases of Prolonged World Slowdown - Businessweek

Casualties of War: Syrians driven from their homes into seeking refugee status in Turkey and other neighboring countries

Syria refugee toll skyrockets: 10,000-strong backlog at Turkish border — RT 

Thousands of Syrians on Turkish border

More than 80,000 of those fleeing Syria have found asylum in Turkish camps. Last week it was reported that the influx of displaced Syrians prompted Turkey to close its borders to those without passports. However, Monday Turkey assured the UNHCR that the borders remain open.

Nevertheless, Syrian refugee camps in Turkey are simply overloaded. Ankara has announced plans to erect four new camps to house 40,000 more refugees, but fears are that over 400,000 spaces may be needed. The border posts already face a backlog of some 8,000 Syrian refugees.

"All the children have diarrhoea and there is very little medicine. Only one doctor for over 5,000 people," Syrian refugee Hassan Leali told Reuters Thursday. Leali and his 13-member family fled violence in Aleppo to get stuck at the border. But there is no thought of going back.

Last week, Turkey put forward a suggestion to create a 20km wide buffer zone in Syria for humanitarian reasons.  The offer received sharp criticism internationally and from Syrian authorities.

“A buffer zone is definitely something Turkey needs to establish to avoid major problems at its border,” political analyst Paolo Raffone explained to RT. “This will be a way to establish a limited no-fly zone on the area necessary to protect refugees. At the same time we will be at the beginning of an intervention which would be masked under this humanitarian emergency.”

Despite the negative international reaction, Ankara is still expected to raise the plan at the UN Security Council.

Read More: Syria refugee toll skyrockets: 10,000-strong backlog at Turkish border — RT 

MORE ON THE STORY

04.09, 19:4419 comments

Quest for peace: Russia continues contacts with Syrian opposition

Moscow said on Tuesday that it is willing to continue contacts with influential figures in the Syrian opposition in an effort to quell violence in the Arab Republic.

Syria unrest

03.09, 19:41128 comments

France warns of 'massive' response if Syria uses chemical weapons

The West will retaliate harshly if the Syrian army deploys chemical weapons, France’s foreign minister said Monday. Damascus vowed not to use its chemical arsenal against its own people, but left the option open in the event of a foreign invasion.

Syria unrest

03.09, 01:2624 comments

Syria’s opposition SNC to reform, expand

The Syrian National Council, an umbrella organization bringing together a diverse group of opponents to the Assad government both inside and outside Syria, has announced that it is to expand and become more representative.

Syria unrest

02.09, 15:209 comments

Twin bombings targeting security service buildings rock central Damascus

Twin blasts have rocked the Abu Rummaneh district in central Damascus. The explosions targeted the offices of the Syrian military's joint chiefs of staff.

Syria unrest

31.08, 02:5653 comments

France and UK ‘not ruling out’ Syrian no-fly zone

Britain and France are "not ruling out" the possibility of enforcing a no-fly zone over Syria. However, UK Foreign Secretary William Hague says such a move would require military intervention, and is unlikely to get past the UN Security Council.

Syria unrest

28.08, 05:5146 comments

Ban Ki-moon urges immediate investigation into 'Daraya massacre' (GRAPHIC VIDEO)

The UN Secretary General has condemned “the appalling and brutal crime” in the town of Daraya, calling for an inquest into the reported killing of more than 300 people over the weekend. Neither side fighting in Syria has claimed responsibility.

Syria unrest

21.08, 15:2018 comments

Syria has no Russian-made chemical weapons

Russia has never supplied chemical weapons to Syria, a senior Russian official in charge of chemical weapons safety stated on Tuesday.

Greeks will be required to work 6 days a week - Greek exit from Euro seems inevitable

'Grexit a must but EU leaders blind to reality' - YouTube

Published on Sep 4, 2012 by RussiaToday

Moody's ratings agency has changed the Eurozone's outlook from stable to negative, warning it faces being downgraded.

That's despite relentless meetings between EU leaders, which have so far failed to deliver any solutions.

And a leaked email suggests that the Troika of international lenders want Greece - one of the most debt-stricken countries, to work six days a week and longer hours to fulfill their financial obligations.

Morten Messerschmidt, Danish MEP and member of the Freedom and Democracy group in the European Parliament, believes Greeks should exit the Eurozone to save themselves.

The human cost of Austerity vs. Prosperity: Depression, suicides rise as Euro debt crisis intensifies

Depression, suicides rise as Euro debt crisis intensifies | The Extinction Protocol: 2012 and beyond

September 4, 2012 – EUROPE - A growing number of global and European health bodies are warning that the introduction and intensification of austerity measures has led to a sharp rise in mental health problems with suicide rates, alcohol abuse and requests for anti-depressants increasing as people struggle with the psychological cost of living through a European-wide recession. “No one should be surprised that factors such as unemployment, debt and relationship breakdowns can cause bouts of mental illness and may push people who are already vulnerable to take their own lives,” Richard Colwill, of the British mental health charity Sane, told CNBC. “There does appear to be a connection between unemployment rates and suicide for example,” he said, referring to a recent study in the British Medical Journal that stated that more than 1,000 people in the U.K. may have killed themselves because of the impacts of the recession. “This research reflects other work showing similar rises in suicides across Europe.” According to Josée Van Remoortel, advisor to the European organization Mental Health Europe (MHE), the financial crisis is affecting “all areas of life,” not just economies, and its impact on mental health is creating a “deep chasm in our society.” “The credit crunch [has] had one unexpected consequence and one that reflects a deep chasm in our society – a sharp rise in mental health problems, largely caused by uncertainty and fear for the future,” he writes in a paper entitled “The Sane Approach.” A recent survey of general practitioners (family doctors) in Britain by the Insight Research Group seems to support Van Remoortel’s view.  The data showed that out of 300 family doctors surveyed, the majority reported that austerity was damaging their patients’ health. Seventy six percent said their patients were unhealthier due to the economic climate and 77 percent said more patients were seeking treatment for anxiety. The doctors surveyed relayed an increase in the incidence of alcohol abuse, anxiety, depression and requests for abortions due to economic reasons, anecdotal evidence borne out by statistics for anti-depressant requests in the U.K., which have risen 28 percent from 34 million prescriptions in 2007 to 43.4 million in 2011. Wolfgang Münchau told the Financial Times in July, the debt crisis in the Eurozone could likely last 20 years. -CNBC

Tit for Tat: Iran plans to deploy warships off US coast — RT

Iran plans to deploy warships off US coast — RT 

Iran says it will counter US presence in its waters by sending ships to the international waters off the US coast, says Iranian Navy chief Admiral Sayyari.

No specifics were mentioned, but during an interview broadcast on state TV, Sayyari said the plans were aimed for “the next few years.”

In the past two years Iran has broadened the range of its navy, sending ships to the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean.

Sayyari did not deny that the proposed measure was a response to the increase in the number of US vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil passageway off the coast of Iran, which Tehran previously threatened to shut off.

“We will not allow anyone to trespass our country’s waters. There is no need for anyone else to establish security in our region,” said Sayyari.

The US Fifth Fleet is currently located in Bahrain, on the southern coast of the Strait of Hormuz.

More than a third of all the seaborne oil in the world passes through the narrow waterway.

Due to US and EU-led sanctions against the Islamic Republic, which the West suspects of covertly developing nuclear weapons, Iran’s export of oil has halved in the past year.

Read More: Iran plans to deploy warships off US coast — RT

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17.08, 15:512 comments

US boost oil imports from Saudi Arabia to make up for Mexican Gulf decline

The US is increasing its dependence on oil imports from Saudi Arabia, as they rose by more than 20% this year. However raising tension in the Gulf region could endanger supplies.

20.07, 20:07103 comments

Hormuz Strait closure bill backed by more than half of Iranian MPs

Just over half of Iran's parliament has backed a draft law to block the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to close the Gulf to oil tankers in retaliation against European sanctions.

Iran tension

16.07, 15:572 comments

UAE and Saudi Arabia open pipelines bypassing Hormuz

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have opened new pipelines bypassing the Strait of Hormuz in order to secure exports following Iran’s renewed threats to close this oil shipping lane.

Iran tension

15.07, 22:4791 comments

Monitoring 'enemy moves': Iran 'vigilant' over US presence in Gulf waters

Iran warns it’s closely monitoring the “enemy’s” moves from the Caribbean Sea to the Persian Gulf. The statement comes after Washington is reported to have dispatched a fourth aircraft carrier and a fleet of underwater drones to Gulf waters.

June Food stamp (Welfare State handout) Recipients Hit All Time High As Three Times As Many Americans Enter Poverty As Find Jobs

June Foodstamp Recipients Hit All Time High As Three Times As Many Americans Enter Poverty As Find Jobs | ZeroHedge

Following a brief period in which it seemed that US foodstamp recipients may have peaked, with those living in poverty maxing out at 46.514 million in December 2011, and then declining modestly for the next few months, June saw a new surge in those Americans living in poverty and thus eligible for foodstamps, with 173,600 new entrants into the system, bringing the total to a new all time high of 46.670 million and once again rising fast. Furthermore, with subsequent emergency events affecting the heartland due to the drought, the administration has made sure even more Americans will be eligible going forward. As a result expect the July and August numbers to promptly surpass 47 million on their way to the psychological resistance level of 50 million.Indicatively, the 173,600 increase in Foodstamps recipients in June was three times greater than Americans finding jobs (64,000, most of which part-time) according to the BLS. Finally, a new record was also breached for American households on foodstamps, which now hit 22.4 million, an increase of 106,298 households. The average benefit per household decline once more, this time to $276.5. Not an all time low, but just above it.

Persons on Foodstamps

Households on foodstamps

Source: SNAP

Super Mario Draghi to present another Save the Euro plan (Plan# 99?) / Eurozone credit rating cut by Moody's

U.S. Morning Call: Super Mario to the rescue with bond plan | Video | Reuters.com

Last week it was all about the Fed this week ECB grabbing headlines let's pick up your morning call for Tuesday. -- dragging dropping more hints on financing had a key Central Bank meeting on Thursday. The ECB chief suggested short term bond buying was with in the bank's mandate in to help out struggling eurozone nations. One such nation that may need funds as soon as possible Spain. CMC markets analyst Michael -- says it's not looking good -- -- He's not more than likely going to have to swallow his pride with respect to a asking for a -- out but I think what he's waiting for the Miami some soul clarity. On -- the end of the terms and conditions of law by NL. My AM you know what what strings are attached to set by now but you know therein lies the problem for him the money given the fact that he's regions. And prepared to be subject to any terms and conditions. Separately Moody's changed its outlook on the AAA rating of the European -- -- negative. Moody's may also downgrade the blockage that decides to cut the ratings on its four biggest budget backers Germany France the UK and Netherlands. -- acting US now stock futures pointing to a slightly lower open after a big rally on Friday. ECB meeting not the only thing on the agenda the short week the Democratic National Convention kicks off day one of festivities later today. Caucus goers may have a reason to cheer when the institute for supply management releases its August manufacturing index. Which is expected to show slight expansion in the sector. July construction spending numbers and August auto sales also due out later today. New York attorney general Eric Schneider an added again investigating the tax practices of the biggest PE firms including Apollo global management. So -- like partners PPG capital KKR and Bain Capital. The probe is an effort to uncover any potential wrongdoing ranging from delay a tax payments -- no payment at all. At issue specifically the taxes paid fees collected from investors and whether or not firms turn those fees into investments to pay lower tax rates. An -- for some stocks to watch Smithfield Foods hogging the headlines of the largest pork producer posted a 25% drop in quarterly profit. Sending shares down over 2.5 percent today. And it's amazing what soup can do or perhaps can't do in this case. Campbell's -- quarterly profit expected to decline from the year ago when it reports results today. 

Why 2013 Will Be A Year Of Crisis: CNN - We Are Being Warned!

Why 2013 Will Be A Year Of Crisis: CNN - We Are Being Warned! Prepare Now! | Survival

For many months and years, contributors to Beforeitsnews and other alternative news websites have been warning readers to prepare for catastrophe. Now, in CNN’s lead story of today, Labor Day 2012, mainstream news is also finally sounding the alarm. 2013 is only 4 months away now; I hope that everyone has been following through. We are nearly out of time.

(CNN) – Prediction: 2013 will be a year of serious global crisis. That crisis is predictable, and in fact has already begun. It will inescapably confront the next president of the United States. Yet this emerging crisis got not a mention at the Republican National Convention in Tampa. We’ll see if the Democrats do better.

The crisis originates in this summer’s extreme weather. Almost 80% of the continental United States experienced drought conditions. Russia and Australia experienced drought as well.

Will 2013 bring us social turmoil in Brazil, strikes in China or revolution in Pakistan? The answer can probably be read in the price indexes of the commodities exchanges — and it is anything but reassuring. 

 Read more @ http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/opinion/frum-food-price-crisis/index.html?hpt=hp_c1

Related Stories

Hurricane Issac: thousands still In the dark across Louisiana and Mississippi

Hurricane Issac: thousands still In the dark across Louisiana and Mississippi | The Extinction Protocol: 2012 and beyond

Posted on September 3, 2012 

September 3, 2012 – NEW ORLEANS – Tens of thousands of customers remained in the dark Monday in Louisiana and Mississippi, days after Isaac inundated the Gulf Coast with a deluge that still has some low-lying areas under water. Most of those were in Louisiana, where utilities reported more than 100,000 people without power as of Monday morning. Thousands also were without power in Mississippi and Arkansas. Thousands of evacuees remained at shelters or bunked with friends or relatives. “My family is split up,” said Angela Serpas, from severely flooded Braithwaite in Plaquemines Parish. Serpas and her daughter were staying with her in-laws while her husband and son were staying in Belle Chasse, a suburban area of the parish. “This is the second time we’ve lost our home. We lost it in Katrina,” she said. Meanwhile, inspectors from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are out trying to get a handle on losses. Residents can apply for grants to get help with home repairs and temporary housing, among other expenses. President Barack Obama was to visit Louisiana on Monday, a day ahead of the Democratic National Convention. He will meet with local officials, tour storm damage, and view response and recovery efforts before addressing reporters at Saint John the Baptist Parish, the White House said. Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney visited the state Friday. Obama’s Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Napolitano, visited Bay St. Louis, Miss., and Slidell, La., on Sunday. “We are part of a team to make sure Hurricane Isaac is put to rest as soon as we can for all those affected,” Napolitano said. “In the meantime, please know all of us are thinking about those in Louisiana who are without their homes or without their businesses.” -HP

Spanish workers, public employees and Landless Peasants Battle Bankers - protests rise along with Austerity!

Spain's Robin Hood Mayor and Landless Peasants Battle Bankers - YouTube 

Published on Sep 3, 2012 by TheRealNews

In Southern Spain, Juan Manuel Sánchez Gordillo, mayor of the small town of Marinaleda, is helping organize a growing protest movement against the austerity measures imposed by the Spanish government. Sánchez Gordillo and the landless peasants that follow him are at the forefront of demonstrations seeking a radical change in the country's economic policies in response to the country's worsening crisis.

Google's Self-driving ‘robot’ cars to be tested on California highways

Self-driving ‘robot’ cars to take on California asphalt — RT 

The California state legislature has passed a bill approving Google’s self-driving cars this week, allowing autonomous vehicles to be operated on state roads – including highways.

The bill, known as SB 1298, allows these “robot” cars to be tested on California’s roads and outlines rules and standards for the driverless vehicles. The bill passed the State Assembly, with a vote of 74-2, and the Senate unanimously.

The bill allows the self-driving cars onto the state's roads for testing purposes only. Drivers must have the option to manually take control of the vehicle.

The new legislation will also require the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to form and adopt new standards for the innovative vehicles by 2015. If signed into law by the governor, California will be the second state to allow the driverless cars on its roads. Nevada set up its own standards in February, and requires that the cars keep red license plates and actual humans sitting in them.

Google has been testing its autonomous cars for years. The corporation has already logged over 300,000 miles without an accident while the car was controlled solely by its computer. Google recently announced that its self-driving cars could be ready for public use in less than 10 years. Ford recently argued consumers can expect to see such cars on the market by 2017.

“It sounds space age, but it’s almost here,” California State Senator Alex Padilla, who authored the bill, said, as quoted by the San Jose Mercury News. 

Read More: Self-driving ‘robot’ cars to take on California asphalt — RT 

Away for the labor day weekend - be back on Sep. 3!