Free Republic

PARIS (AFP) - Outgoing Prime Minister Tony Blair suggested Tuesday that French Socialists needed to move away from traditional ideology to gain election success after their third successive presidential defeat. In an interview broadcast simultaneously on satellite news channel France 24 and France 2 television, Blair was asked why he seemed more popular with the right-wing on the other side of the Channel than left wingers. Blair, who reformed the Labour Party from an unelectable left-wing party to a business-friendly, progressive outfit, said left-right divisions still had their place, but stressed that modern politics was also about "right and wrong"....

Internet hunting idea has wildlife officials up in armsHOUSTON, Texas (Reuters) -- Hunters soon may be able to sit at their computers and blast away at animals on a Texas ranch via the Internet, a prospect that has state wildlife officials up in arms.The Web site already offers target practice with a .22 caliber rifle and could soon let hunters shoot at deer, antelope and wild pigs, site creator John Underwood said on Tuesday.Texas officials are not quite sure what to make of Underwood's Web site, but may tweak existing laws to make sure Internet hunting does not get out...