Updated (underlined)/Corrected (strikeout): It's been years since I worked in agricultural policy, but as I read "In battle over deficit, farm aid on the block" by Hal Bernton of the Seattle Times, I shook my head. Over and over. I read repeated quotes data and assertions from an advocacy group, the Environmental Working Group, characterized as "a nonprofit advocacy … [Read more...] about Farm Program Article Misses Mark By A Mile
Bachmann Flunks Canadian History, Too (Guest Voice)
Bachmann Flunks Canadian History, Too by Michael Winship Travel, they say, improves the mind, a notion once rightly castigated in song by the late, great Noel Coward. It's "an irritating platitude," he wrote, "which frankly, entre nous, is far from ever true." And yet there is some truth to it, although sailing on a celebratory birthday cruise up the Canadian Maritimes … [Read more...] about Bachmann Flunks Canadian History, Too (Guest Voice)
The Angry Taxpayer at the National Park
A tale for summer travelers and debt limit fulminators. Sometimes, things are not necessarily as they appear, and anger is often misdirected by misconception. Monument Valley Monument Valley National Park Once upon a time, my wife and I ventured in our Western travels to see Monument Valley, that place made legendary by a gazillion John Ford/John Wayne westerns as "THE … [Read more...] about The Angry Taxpayer at the National Park
My Pledge Is Bigger Than Your Pledge
There's a pledge war going on among Republican presidential candidates. The winner, with Tea Party backing, may well end up that party's standard bearer in 2012. This war doesn't involve verbal pledges, but the written and signed variety. No Republican, it seems, will any longer accept one of those "read my lips" pledges as binding enough. So then. What are Republican … [Read more...] about My Pledge Is Bigger Than Your Pledge
Boehner on a Bucking Bronco
As the “Grand Bargain” unravels, both the President and the Speaker are taking heat from their true believers, but there is both irony and justice in John Boehner’s plight. A year and a half ago, he chose to wild-ride the Tea Party bronco all the way to November 2012 without getting the creature under control. Now, after stirring up all that dust about the debt limit, … [Read more...] about Boehner on a Bucking Bronco
Is This the End of Rico — I Mean Rupert Murdoch? (UPDATED)
Is Australian-born international media and political baron Rupert Murdoch's power now on the wane or at least stemmed? Does the growing fallout from the News of the World phone hacking scandal that caused Murdoch to close the paper and rush to London a sign that those who've been uneasy about his huge influence and growing ownership of media properties throughout the world are … [Read more...] about Is This the End of Rico — I Mean Rupert Murdoch? (UPDATED)
Debt Ceiling Negotiations Breakdown: Will There Be An Agreement and If So Will It Matter Much? (UPDATED)
Once again American politics has shown that it is (seemingly) hopelessly broken -- mired in the demand of ideologically-firm partisans and prone to stalemate since the filthiest word in the English language to some is now "compromise." And so the "Grand Bargain" dies. Will an agreement now emerge? Or will the U.S. slip into default? And if an agreement emerges will it simply … [Read more...] about Debt Ceiling Negotiations Breakdown: Will There Be An Agreement and If So Will It Matter Much? (UPDATED)
World’s First Film, First Film With Sound and First Comedy film
If you love film history, this is a FEAST. Be sure you watch it to the very end, because one piece of film is also shown beautifully remastered. … [Read more...] about World’s First Film, First Film With Sound and First Comedy film
Pakistan Gets Consequences: U.S. Deferring Millions in Aid
Just as many (including yours truly) have predicted, Pakistan is now facing consequences for a host of events that have seriously called into question whether it is truly the kind of ally deserving the big bucks that it has traditionally received: The Obama administration is suspending and, in some cases, canceling hundreds of millions of dollars of aid to the Pakistani … [Read more...] about Pakistan Gets Consequences: U.S. Deferring Millions in Aid
Boehner Bolts “Big” Debt Deal
On the eve of talks with with President Obama, Speaker John Boehner is pulling out of negotiations for a large-scale deficit reduction plan. His statement: “I believe the best approach may be to focus on producing a smaller measure, based on the cuts identified in the Biden-led negotiations, that still meets our call for spending reforms and cuts greater than the amount of any … [Read more...] about Boehner Bolts “Big” Debt Deal
Letter from North Korean to A.Q. Khan Resembles CIA Iraq War Forgery (The Frontier Post, Pakistan)
Could it be that after years of protecting Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, also known as the father of Pakistan's nuclear weapons program, Islamabad may be preparing to prosecute him for providing nuclear technology to rogue states? According to this editorial from Pakistan's Frontier Post, a letter allegedly passed on by Dr. Khan to a British researcher may be a CIA forgery. If … [Read more...] about Letter from North Korean to A.Q. Khan Resembles CIA Iraq War Forgery (The Frontier Post, Pakistan)
Truth In Architecture (Cartoon)
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. … [Read more...] about Truth In Architecture (Cartoon)
Remembering Betty Ford (VIDEOS)
A lot of often touching video tributes to former First Lady Better Ford are pouring in upon news of her death. She was someone admired in life -- and in death. Here's a cross section: --Larry King and historian Doug Brinkley remember the life and legacy of Betty Ford. --Larry King interviews the Fords: --Euronews report: --CBS: The Life of Betty Ford --Historian … [Read more...] about Remembering Betty Ford (VIDEOS)
Former BP CEO Tony Hayward’s Memory Loss
Quick! Send former BP CEO Tony Hayward some Ginkgo Biloba. He can't remember the names of those who died on Deepwater Horizon. That's surprising: they kept him from getting his life back for a while. Hey, it's all a matter of circumstance. He probably would have remembered their names if they had attended the yacht races. … [Read more...] about Former BP CEO Tony Hayward’s Memory Loss
Quote of the Day: The Nation South Sudan is Born
Our Quote of the Day is actually an entire post by The Daily Beast's John Avlon who notes the birth of a nation: South Sudan: A new nation was born today, as the Republic of South Sudan officially became the 193rd country on earth. But the joyous celebration in the new capital city of Juba should not cause observers to think that the struggle for sovereignty is finally … [Read more...] about Quote of the Day: The Nation South Sudan is Born
A Message for Flotilla and Pro-Gaza Activists
What is a refugee camp? GO HERE. … [Read more...] about A Message for Flotilla and Pro-Gaza Activists
Canada: Student Debt and Myopic Public Policy
Gary Mason began his column in Thursday's Globe and Mail by reminiscing about the good old days: Once upon a time, getting money to attend university in Canada was easy. There were non-repayable grants available from the government, and there were lots of good paying summer jobs. But times have changed. The governments which nurtured the baby boomers now insists that the … [Read more...] about Canada: Student Debt and Myopic Public Policy
Is the U.S. Close to Defeating Al Qaeda? Panetta Says Yes
Has the moment arrived? Is the United States close to defeating Al Qaeda two months after the death of its leader and symbol Osama bin Laden? Saying that Al Qaeda's end is near is the kind of rhetoric officials have studiously tried to avoid. And many who are pros in intelligence, anti-terrorism and the military weigh their words carefully. But the words of the Obama … [Read more...] about Is the U.S. Close to Defeating Al Qaeda? Panetta Says Yes
Republican Deals With Obama Are Killing Us (Guest Voice)
Republican Deals with Obama are Killing Us by Floyd and Mary Beth Brown Writing a syndicated column in 2011 is night and day different from when we started writing for publication in the 1990's. The overriding change is the volume and immediacy of feedback. In the 1990's we would receive the occasional letter applauding or challenging our thesis, facts and motives. Today we … [Read more...] about Republican Deals With Obama Are Killing Us (Guest Voice)
News of The World (Cartoon)
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. … [Read more...] about News of The World (Cartoon)