Here is a citizen’s guide to debunking a half-dozen absurdities and myths you'll hear about inequality. 1) CLAIM: “The poor are doing just fine!” Example: Robert Rector: In 2005, the typical household defined as poor by the government had a car and air conditioning. For entertainment, the household had two color televisions, cable or satellite TV, a DVD player, and a … [Read more...] about A Citizen’s Guide to Debating About Inequality
Second Political Acts: Elliot Spitzer to Run for New York City Comptroller
New York City politics becomes more titillating every day. There's an old joke about two Jewish women. One says to the other: "Did you hear about Glory Cohen? She's having an affair." The other then says, "Who's catering?" And so it goes with the one-time career damaging political sex scandal. Add the name of disgraced and resigned New York Gov.Elliot Spitzer to the list of … [Read more...] about Second Political Acts: Elliot Spitzer to Run for New York City Comptroller
A Cheney in the Senate
Aw puh-LEEZ, Wyoming! Ms. Cheney, 46, is showing up everywhere in the state, from chicken dinners to cattle growers’ meetings, sometimes with her parents in tow. She has made it clear that she wants to run for the Senate seat now held by Michael B. Enzi, a soft-spoken Republican and onetime fly-fishing partner of her father. But Ms. Cheney’s move threatens to start a … [Read more...] about A Cheney in the Senate
Egypt Islamists urge uprising after protest ‘massacre’
Egypt Islamists urge uprising after protest 'massacre' (via AFP) Egyptian Islamists called for an uprising after saying dozens of its supporters were "massacred" Monday while demonstrating against last week's military coup, dashing the army's hopes of broad support for an interim civilian administration. The Muslim… … [Read more...] about Egypt Islamists urge uprising after protest ‘massacre’
Which Egypt Do Obama, McCain Want to Save?
The post-revolt revolt in the land of the Pharoahs is presenting a problem for American response that would elude the wisdom of the Sphinx. Confusion abounds. Now John McCain is denouncing the overthrow of the Muslim Brotherhood’s Mohammed Morsi, calling it a “coup” and urging the President to suspend all aid to the country. When our leading hawk rails at Egypt’s military … [Read more...] about Which Egypt Do Obama, McCain Want to Save?
Egyptians throng streets in support of army-backed revolt
Egyptians throng streets in support of army-backed revolt (via AFP) Opponents of Egypt's first freely elected leader packed streets across the country in their hundreds of thousands on Sunday to show the world his ouster was not a military coup but the reflection of the people's will. Staged two days after Islamist… … [Read more...] about Egyptians throng streets in support of army-backed revolt
Bush Defends Obama on NSA: Avoids Partisan Politics
It's clear now that former President George W. Bush is now the Anti-Dick Cheney. Ever since Barack Obama was elected President Cheney has seemed to be auditioning for the role of Rush Limbaugh host fill in. Or else he has seemed to be pitching a new movie: "Super Partisan." Not GWB. Just look the these excerpts from his interview with ABC (courtesy of Mediaite). On NSA … [Read more...] about Bush Defends Obama on NSA: Avoids Partisan Politics
(Video) 1955 Disneyland Opening Day [Complete ABC Broadcast]
We take it for granted, but when Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955 it was a big deal, indeed. Here's the complete ABC TV broadcast marking the opening of the theme park -- famous guest stars of the time and all (and yes, he does appear). Note Futureland: 1986, where "a trip to the moon is a daily affair." AND: Disney History has released this video of some color film … [Read more...] about (Video) 1955 Disneyland Opening Day [Complete ABC Broadcast]
How Would Our Forefathers Judge the NSA LEAKER? (Guest Voice)
How Would Our Forefathers Judge the NSA LEAKER? By Dale Schlundt With the recent events of the National Security Agency’s leaks, our government is doing all in its power to obtain custody of Edward Snowden. It is without a doubt that I argue this is no longer only a controversy over this one individual. Not be overlooked is the effort our government is putting forth to … [Read more...] about How Would Our Forefathers Judge the NSA LEAKER? (Guest Voice)
Kathleen Sebelius’s Father-in-Law Was Kansas Congressman Who Lost To Dole
Historic Quote: "He couldn't sell beer on a troop ship." Ohio Senator William Saxbe, a Republican who served with Bob Dole in the Senate, on his antagonistic demeanor. It was Saxbe who gave dole the name "Hatchet Man." Oh, to be a fly on the wall during Sebelius-Gilligan family gatherings. In an earlier piece, I detailed how Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen … [Read more...] about Kathleen Sebelius’s Father-in-Law Was Kansas Congressman Who Lost To Dole
Morsi’s ouster in Egypt sends chill through political Islam (Guest Voice)
Morsi's ouster in Egypt sends chill through political Islam (via GlobalPost) The popular uprising and military power that brought Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood to its knees is worrying political Islamist movements across the region. Stephen Starr ISTANBUL, Turkey â?? The toppling of an elected Muslim Brotherhood president in… … [Read more...] about Morsi’s ouster in Egypt sends chill through political Islam (Guest Voice)
Sunday’s Must Read: FISA Expands NSA Powers In Deep Secret
There's irony here that future generations may enjoy but which makes learning about this almost too much to bear. A government program established by Congress post-Watergate "as a check against wiretapping abuses by the government" is being used to expand the government's ability to spy on its citizens. The program, of course, is FISA - the Foreign Intelligence Service Act - … [Read more...] about Sunday’s Must Read: FISA Expands NSA Powers In Deep Secret
Obama Reviews Situation in Egypt
According to the American Forces Press Service (AFPS), President Obama is staying in touch with the situation in Egypt by conferring with his National Security Council, the president's principal forum for considering national security and foreign policy matters. Here is the text of the White House release: President Obama convened a secure conference call with the … [Read more...] about Obama Reviews Situation in Egypt
Asiana jet crash lands at San Francisco airport (AFP detailed report)
Asiana jet crash lands at San Francisco airport (via AFP) An Asiana Airlines Boeing 777 jet with more than 300 people on board clipped a seawall short of the runway at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday, snapping off its tail and bursting into flames. Media reports said at least two people who… … [Read more...] about Asiana jet crash lands at San Francisco airport (AFP detailed report)
Do Asylum Invitations from Venezuela and Nicaragua Matter If Edward Snowden Stuck in Moscow Airport?
Venezuela, Nicaragua and Bolivia are reportedly prepared to grant fugitive NSA leaker Edward Snowden asylum, but can he ever get there? ABC News: "The accused NSA leaker has been stuck in the transit area of Moscow's Sheremedevo International Airport for nearly two weeks, with no way to enter Russia, no valid U.S. passport to travel on because the United States revoked it, … [Read more...] about Do Asylum Invitations from Venezuela and Nicaragua Matter If Edward Snowden Stuck in Moscow Airport?
(Video) How English sounds to non-English speakers
How does English sound to non-English speakers? First, let's back track: I worked at learning three languages during my life. The first, was as a schoolkid at Davis Street School in New Haven, CT in the late 1950s. But failed miserably at fourth grade French. The second, was trying to learn Spanish in high school and college. I did OK but mostly retained parts of dialogues … [Read more...] about (Video) How English sounds to non-English speakers
All About Edward Snowden (Updates)
Update: The Wall Street Journal this evening provides additional insight and reaction to Venezuelan president Maduro’s offer to give asylum to Edward Snowden: In public comments, Venezuela's Mr. Maduro has spoken of Mr. Snowden as a valiant rebel who deserves to be "protected by humanity" and has praised the former security analyst for unmasking U.S. espionage efforts … [Read more...] about All About Edward Snowden (Updates)
Jumbo Jet Crash At San Francisco Airport
A 777 jumbo jet has crashed at San Francisco International Airport. The jet was reportedly inbound from South Korea and latest reports indicate two fatalities. The new media world was seen in this incident with passengers tweeting photos from the scene. Based on the TV coverage it appears the tail of the plane struck an embankment at the beginning of the runway. … [Read more...] about Jumbo Jet Crash At San Francisco Airport
How Trustworthy Are Our ‘Secrets Keepers’?
Some believe that we have too much secrecy -- “too many secrets.” Perhaps. Some believe that too many individuals or organizations have the authority to classify material. Perhaps. Some believe that too many people have security clearances -- as of 2012, more than 4.9 million government workers. Perhaps. Some believe that we cannot or should not always trust those -- … [Read more...] about How Trustworthy Are Our ‘Secrets Keepers’?
The NeoConfederate/Libertarian Connection
'The Treasonous Shame of Forbes Magazine' (June 28) has morphed into a more recognizable form. You might recall that Forbes published a "lost cause" economic screed by a fellow who claimed that the Civil War was actually all about tariffs and that this "freeing the slaves" nonsense was just scotch-taped to the evil usurpation by implication by Lincoln. OK. The article … [Read more...] about The NeoConfederate/Libertarian Connection