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?
Abe Must End Gamesmanship Over Post-War Constitution (Hokkaido Shimbun, Japan)
Should any of us be alarmed that Japan's new government wants to amend the constitution imposed on it in 1945 under U.S. occupation? As we have been following, neighboring nations that got clobbered by pre-war Japan aren't the only parties concerned. This editorial from Japan's Hokkaido Shimbun joins in the concern, charging that the administration of Shinzo Abe is using the … [Read more...] about Abe Must End Gamesmanship Over Post-War Constitution (Hokkaido Shimbun, Japan)
Is Portman’s Conversion an LBJ-Cronkite Moment for Same-Sex Marriage
Historic Tidbit: William McKinley, our nation's 25th President,took an early interest in women's suffrage, as his wife's family, prominent in Canton, Ohio, were strong backers of women's rights. Before becoming President, he had already received two honorary degrees from women's colleges. When McKinley's fellow Ohioan, Victoria Woodhull, became the first woman to be nominated … [Read more...] about Is Portman’s Conversion an LBJ-Cronkite Moment for Same-Sex Marriage
Department of Oh, Give Me A Break
What further proof do you need that saying no, opposing, obstructing is a political way of life -- the definition of "being" for some shrill partisans. What you are about to read is NOT a piece from the Onion or another tepid effort at satire from The Politico's Roger Simon. But it is from The Politico. And it is a real report: In an unusual move, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) … [Read more...] about Department of Oh, Give Me A Break
Rob Portman’s Selective Empathy Is a Start
Cynics are having a field day with Rob Portman’s sudden conversion to gay marriage based on his son’s sexuality: If only more Republicans could discover close relatives who are poor, Latino or otherwise disadvantaged... Yet selective empathy is better than none and deserves more than a reflexive sneer. Contrast Portman’s response with another. Asked what he would do if a son … [Read more...] about Rob Portman’s Selective Empathy Is a Start
Why I Can’t ‘Come Out of the Closet’ as a Muslim Republican Quite Yet (Guest Voice)
Why I can't 'come out of the closet' as a Muslim Republican quite yet (via The Christian Science Monitor) Copyright ImageClick to View Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal speaks at the 40th annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Md., March 15. Mr. Jindal called on Republicans to 'stop being the stupid party' earlier this year. Op-ed … [Read more...] about Why I Can’t ‘Come Out of the Closet’ as a Muslim Republican Quite Yet (Guest Voice)
Awakening from the American Dream, Part 2
Photo Credit: Jennifer McMillan So, then, to ever man his chance- to every man, regardless of his birth, his shining, golden opportunity- to every man the right to live, to work, to be himself, and to become whatever thing his manhood an his vision can combine to make him- this, seeker, is the promise of America. Thomas Wolfe Yesterday I delved into questions … [Read more...] about Awakening from the American Dream, Part 2
Rand Paul and the New Isolationism (Guest Voice)
Rand Paul and the New Isolationism by Dick Polman The Republican civil war has so many factions, you need a scorecard to sort them out — tea partyers versus the establishment; conservatives versus moderates; gubernatorial wing versus congressional wing; religious rightists versus tolerants — and even the despairing Republican National Committee, in its newly released … [Read more...] about Rand Paul and the New Isolationism (Guest Voice)
Terrorist Victim Daniel Pearl’s Family Hails Pakistani Arrest
Daniel Pearl's family hails Pakistani arrest (via AFP) The family of slain US journalist Daniel Pearl welcomed Monday the arrest in Pakistan of a former leader of a banned militant outfit allegedly involved in his 2002 murder. Qari Abdul Hayee, popularly known as Asadullah and from Karachi's eastern Gulshan-e-Iqbal neighbourhood, was detained in a raid… … [Read more...] about Terrorist Victim Daniel Pearl’s Family Hails Pakistani Arrest