WASHINGTON -- The administration has set expectations for President Obama's trip to Israel so low you'd think he was making another visit to Ohio. Yet this is a very consequential journey because it comes at a moment when hopes for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are fading away. In setting foot on Israeli soil for the first time since he became … [Read more...] about Can Obama Save the Two-State Solution?
Rape in Steubenville and Delhi: Where is the Difference? (Guest Voice)
Rape in Steubenville and Delhi: Where is the difference? (via GlobalPost) Analysis: When it comes to sex crimes, the United States has little room to preach to other countries. Jean MacKenzie BUZZARDS BAY, Mass. — The bad news just keeps coming: the gang rape of a medical student in India resulting in her death; the rape and murder of a 9-year-old girl in Pakistan; a … [Read more...] about Rape in Steubenville and Delhi: Where is the Difference? (Guest Voice)
One Reader Writes
Ezra Klein writes a mea culpa. To be fair, at least, unlike most others, he has the intellectual honesty to admit that he was wrong. This is a rare quality nowadays, and ought not be dismissed. Mistakes, Excuses and Painful Lessons From the Iraq War Ezra Klein / Bloomberg I supported the Iraq War, and I'm sorry. — I have my excuses, of course. I was a college … [Read more...] about One Reader Writes
Republican Rebranding (Cartoon)
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized use on any site without licensing from Cagle Cartoons is strictly prohibited. … [Read more...] about Republican Rebranding (Cartoon)
Michelle Bachmann Gets Caught In ANOTHER Major Political Mistatement
For one brief (and to her) shining moment in campaign 2012, it seemed like Rep. Michelle Bachmann was a real (Republican political) contender. And then it was over. The reason: her penchant for making broad, attack-mode statements that when actually vetted prove out to be to accuracy what Donald Trump's speeches are to thoughtful political discussion. In a word: bilge. And … [Read more...] about Michelle Bachmann Gets Caught In ANOTHER Major Political Mistatement
Exec Dir of Colo Prisons Murdered Last Night
A truly visionary man, Tom Clements, is dead. Tom was known for many things, including his anti death penalty/anti solitary confinement stances. No one knows yet who murdered him at his own front door. A gunman shot and killed Tom Clements, the executive director of the Colorado Department of Corrections, at his home in Monument, Colorado last night. Police said the … [Read more...] about Exec Dir of Colo Prisons Murdered Last Night
Book Review – Climate Myths
We are seeing the impact of global climate change almost daily. There is of course the drought in the Midwest of the United States as well as part of the Russia, two the the largest grain producing regions in the World. The East Coast of the United States was hit by Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012 and then a nor'easter in February of 2013 resulting in millions of dollars … [Read more...] about Book Review – Climate Myths
In The Beginning
In the beginning God created the heavens and the Earth. And the Earth was without form, and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And Satan said, “It doesn’t get any better than this.” And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit,” and God saw … [Read more...] about In The Beginning
Obama Vows ‘Eternal’ Defense of Israel
Obama in Israel on first trip as US president (via AFP) Barack Obama landed in Israel on Wednesday for the first time as US president, on a mission to ease past tensions with his hosts but facing scepticism about his plans to thwart Iran's nuclear threat. Air Force One landed at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv to kick off a three-day trip on which Obama… … [Read more...] about Obama Vows ‘Eternal’ Defense of Israel
Dying Iraq War Veteran’s Letter to Bush and Cheney
Much has been written, is being written and will be written on this tenth anniversary of the beginning of an unnecessary war that left more than 4,000 of our troops dead, a war that physically and mentally injured tens of thousands more of our troops and killed more than 100,000 Iraqis. The Huffington Post has an entire section dedicated to this somber … [Read more...] about Dying Iraq War Veteran’s Letter to Bush and Cheney
Like Atlas In An Ayn Rand Novel, Stock Markets Shrug
What's going on in the world these days that one might think would affect stock markets? Let's see. Italy's recent election shows a fast growing opposition to German-foisted austerity measures within the EU, and suggests that this Union might very soon have to choose between overt and flagrant bank rule and democracy. And world stock markets shrug. The sequester fiasco in … [Read more...] about Like Atlas In An Ayn Rand Novel, Stock Markets Shrug
What We’ve Learned So Far in 2013 Politics
What We've Learned So Far in 2013 Politics Independent's Eye by Joe Gandelman Let's see: So far we've witnessed hyper-partisanship, President Barack Obama's poll numbers plunge eight points, less than three in 10 saying they view Republicans favorably, Republicans showing barely disguised contempt towards Obama, Democratic liberals worrying Obama will "cave," former Vice … [Read more...] about What We’ve Learned So Far in 2013 Politics
New York Cigarette Ban: Can it Succeed Where Soda Ban Failed?
New York cigarette ban: Can it succeed where soda ban failed? (+video) (via The Christian Science Monitor) Copyright ImageClick to View Cigarette packs are displayed at a convenience store in New York Monday. A new antismoking proposal would make New York the first city in the nation to keep tobacco products out of sight in retail stores. (Mark Lennihan/AP) His soda ban … [Read more...] about New York Cigarette Ban: Can it Succeed Where Soda Ban Failed?
Charlie Crist Destroys Rick Scott in New Florida Poll
Should we call him Charlie Crist (Political) Superstar? A new Florida poll shows former Gov. Charlie Crist utterly decimating Florida Gov. Rick Scott in a race for the Governor. It'd be Back to the Future for Crist -- a once highly popular Florida Republican demonized and ostracized by many Republicans because he dared to praise President Barack Obama. He was considered the … [Read more...] about Charlie Crist Destroys Rick Scott in New Florida Poll
S. Korean TV Networks, Banks Under Suspect Cyber Attack
S. Korean TV networks, banks under suspect cyber attack (via AFP) The South Korean military raised its cyber attack warning level Wednesday after computer networks crashed at major TV broadcasters and banks, with initial suspicions focused on North Korea. The Korea Internet Security Agency, a state watchdog, said computer networks at three TV broadcasters -- KBS,… … [Read more...] about S. Korean TV Networks, Banks Under Suspect Cyber Attack
Health: What’s Your Plan? Fitness: What’s Your Plan?
Being Prepared: Your Health and Fitness by Dr. Kevin Purcell I took the picture above during a 110 mile bike ride through the Native east county Anzo Borrego desert of San Diego. I am about half way through the ride and turned right from S2 onto route 78 back over the mountains to the Pacific Ocean near La Jolla, CA. You don’t go out into 100+ degree deserts on a bike … [Read more...] about Health: What’s Your Plan? Fitness: What’s Your Plan?
Now We Know What Isn’t Enough
As expected, there will be no ban on assault weapons in the Senate gun bill. And it doesn't appear that the limit on magazine size will be in there, either. As I've said before, we love our kids, but we worship our guns. And now we know that the slaughter of 20 first-grade children and 6 teachers isn't enough to bump the needle when it comes to gun control in the United … [Read more...] about Now We Know What Isn’t Enough
Remembering the Bataan Death March (Updated)
A U.S. flag is raised at the opening ceremony of the Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., March 17. More than 5,800 people from across the world participated in the 26.2-mile memorial march to honor the 76,000 prisoners of war who were forced to endure marching nearly 80 miles under brutal conditions during World War II. (U.S. Air Force Photo by … [Read more...] about Remembering the Bataan Death March (Updated)
Legal Pot In Oregon?
You may have heard many reasons for the repeal of the 18th amendment, the prohibition of alcohol. The real reason was that the Federal and local governments needed the tax revenue. Governments are once again experiencing income shortfalls. Washington and Colorado approved measures to legalize, regulate and tax marijuana in 2012. Oregon voters turned it down but the state … [Read more...] about Legal Pot In Oregon?
Is America’s RVS Skewed?
The RVS (relative value scale) is employed by the health care industry to provide a rational basis for setting appropriate fees forphysicians (though this remains a matter of contention). If as an xercise, RVS standards were applied to American society, would compensation for other professions and crucial occupations appear reasonable? The 'resource based relative value … [Read more...] about Is America’s RVS Skewed?