WASHINGTON -- We have embarked on yet another presidential campaign in which religion will play an important role without any agreement over what the ground rules for that engagement should be. If you think we're talking past each other on jobs and budgets, consider the religious divide. One side says "separation of church and state" while the other speaks of … [Read more...] about The Politics of Heavenly and Unheavenly
A Two-Star General Speaks Frankly about ‘Our Ally,’ Hamid Karzai
About three weeks ago, Reuters quoted Afghan President Hamid Karzai saying: "God forbid, if ever there is a war between Pakistan and America, Afghanistan will side with Pakistan," Karzai also said: "Afghanistan will never forget the welcome, the hospitality, the respect, and the brotherhood showed by the Pakistani people towards the Afghan people…Pakistan will never … [Read more...] about A Two-Star General Speaks Frankly about ‘Our Ally,’ Hamid Karzai
Privatization of Liquor Sales : Washington Ballot Initiative 1183
On Tuesday, voters in Washington state again have the chance to weigh in on the future of the state's liquor monopoly (at both the retail and wholesale levels). Just last year, voters turned down competing initiatives: I-1100 and I-1105. This year, the measure is I-1183. I think the government should not be in the business of selling liquor or controlling its wholesale … [Read more...] about Privatization of Liquor Sales : Washington Ballot Initiative 1183
Iraq: more blasts and few US gains
With the remaining 33,000 US troops in Iraq preparing to leave, bomb blasts and a gasoline blaze in a market on this Muslim festival Sunday killed another 10 innocent persons and injured many others. The troop withdrawal was always known to be fraught with menace but things seems to be going from bad to worse. Bombings and killings occur daily as Sunni insurgents probably … [Read more...] about Iraq: more blasts and few US gains
Fireworks Fail
There's got to be a political metaphor to be made here: A technical hitch saw Oban’s community fireworks all released at the same time at Mossfield Stadium tonight, November 4 2011. The display,which usually lasts around half an hour, barely lasted a minute as a spectacular number of fireworks went off simultaneously. Chime in TMVers! Via. … [Read more...] about Fireworks Fail
Peak Oil Realities
Kurt Cobb reminds us that world oil production has been flat for six years. And yes he has graphs and numbers to back it up. Even with the sorry shape of the world economy the price of oil remains stuck in the mid $90 bbl range. Any economic expansion will drive it even higher. For those who think this could all be fixed with more domestic drilling Cobb has some data for you … [Read more...] about Peak Oil Realities
Wifely Wisdom of Michelle Obama
A year from today, Americans vote for a president again. Three years after the last ballot, even ardent Democrats and entranced Independents no longer have stars in their eyes. With no time for a honeymoon back then, how can voters be enthusiastic about renewing their vows with Barack Obama? For some, “consider the alternative” may be answer enough, but in fairness to the … [Read more...] about Wifely Wisdom of Michelle Obama
Some Disturbing Truths about Rick Perry’s Texas (Guest Voice)
Some Disturbing Truths about Rick Perry's Texas Local reports reveal how the governor turned a blind eye to civil rights violations and a crumbling infrastructure by Michael Winship I’m at sea this week -- literally, for once -- and learning helpful nautical stuff. For example, the old, three-mile limit for territorial waters was established in 1702 as the maximum distance … [Read more...] about Some Disturbing Truths about Rick Perry’s Texas (Guest Voice)
Dear Mr. Cain: Sorry, But It Doesn’t Work That Way
Dear Mr. Cain: I note that yesterday when you had your fascinating Lincoln-Douglas style debate with Newt Gingrich, you were pressed by the media on lingering questions about the sexual harassment allegations. You seemed to think that as a public figure you can declare a story over when there are in aspects you still need to clear up (you can tell by the questions that you … [Read more...] about Dear Mr. Cain: Sorry, But It Doesn’t Work That Way
Mormons or Morons?
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. … [Read more...] about Mormons or Morons?
Upcoming elections in Egypt – Muslim Brotherhood Buying votes
The Egyptian revolution is in gridlock. As elections loom ahead, the ruling military council is concerned that the Muslim Brotherhood will easily win more parliament seats than the secular candidates threatening the secular nature of Egypt. This weekend Islamic holiday, which centers on sacrifice and feeding the poor, offered the Muslim Brotherhood a golden opportunity. … [Read more...] about Upcoming elections in Egypt – Muslim Brotherhood Buying votes
Pakistan Indictments in Assassination of Benazir Bhutto
Pakistan has indicted 7 men in the killing of former Pakistani PM Benazir Bhutto: This was the assassination: … [Read more...] about Pakistan Indictments in Assassination of Benazir Bhutto
Herman Cain Sausage Scare
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. … [Read more...] about Herman Cain Sausage Scare
Homeless Veterans
Sometimes so much can be said with so few words. How about with 29 words: “Homeless veteran” should be a cultural oxymoron. The mere thought of it is profane. What kind of civil society leaves its defenders on winter streets, even for one night? * Just 29 little words. What a powerful, poignant message. Think about it this Veterans Day. * A November … [Read more...] about Homeless Veterans
How Do You Spell “Relief?” It’s Jesse Ventura’s Political Career Never Went Further
How do you spell relief? This way: It's J-e-s-s-e V-e-n-t-u-a-'-s p-o-l-i-t-c-a-l c-a-r-e-e-r n-e-v-e-r w-e-n-t a-n-y f-u-r-t-h-e-r. Here's why: Former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura has pledged he will move to Mexico after a St. Paul judge threw out his lawsuit against the TSA. The Daily News reports Ventura's suit alleged "that airport scans and … [Read more...] about How Do You Spell “Relief?” It’s Jesse Ventura’s Political Career Never Went Further
Sophocles Knew How The Story Went
Two weeks ago, I applauded as European leaders finally forced their mega banks to take a haircut. But events this week have illustrated how fragile their plan is. The union is too multifaceted to deal with the extraordinary mess the so called best and brightest have managed to create. As Tom Walkom points out in The Toronto Star, what began as a noble experiment fell … [Read more...] about Sophocles Knew How The Story Went
CBS’s Andy Rooney Dies at 92
Andy Rooney, a former war correspondent, CBS's longtime icon, a favorite of viewers, and a role model to those who aspired to broadcast and/or print commentary -- someone who could write his copy as well as read it and communicate to viewers -- is dead at 92. He had just retired last month: (CBS News) Andy Rooney, the "60 Minutes" commentator known to generations for his … [Read more...] about CBS’s Andy Rooney Dies at 92
Late Night Comedians Love Herman Cain
Here's a cross section of Herman Cain jokes done on TV by late night comedians (culled from various posts on the web): "Two women have accused Herman Cain of sexually suggestive behavior in the '90s. He said no. He was just explaining to them his 69-9-9 plan." –Jay Leno "Herman Cain is having to respond to charges he once sexually harassed women. One German woman kept … [Read more...] about Late Night Comedians Love Herman Cain
Take the Money and Run for Office (Guest Voice)
Take the Money and Run (for Office) b y Robert A. Levine Take the Money and Run was the title of a 1969 Woody Allen comedy. But currently, the joke is on America’s citizens as politicians take all the money they can get from lobbyists and special interests when they run for office. Then, once elected, these officeholders do the bidding of those who have provided campaign … [Read more...] about Take the Money and Run for Office (Guest Voice)
Top Ten Cloves: Possible New Fees Banks Will Start Charging
Top Ten Cloves: Possible New Fees Banks Will Start Charging News Item: The Jeopardy Fee; You didn't phrase your transaction request in the form of a question 2. Groucho Marx Fee - Don't know the Secret Word, it will cost you a $100 fee (Image courtesy of Will Oremus: Fee-Market Capitalism - Bank of America learns it has to be more subtle about screwing its … [Read more...] about Top Ten Cloves: Possible New Fees Banks Will Start Charging