As I headed for the auto parts store this morning I had some radio time to kill before “Car Talk.” I decided to tune C-Span. Ironically, C-Span was airing Wednesday’s House of Representatives debate on NPR funding. I listened to a few minutes of what has become the usual political demagoguery surrounding this and most any issue. It is a well worn argument by now. There is a … [Read more...] about Moderates are the Problem
The Times of Our Lives
Those who have spent a lifetime (75 years in my case) with the New York Times, from days of smudged fingers on, are moved to realize that "All the News That's Fit to Print" is passing another milestone. As the Times imposes subscription fees for more-than-casual readers, it's like the change in a long affair--with time out for 15 years of open digital co-habitation--after … [Read more...] about The Times of Our Lives
G7’s Yen Intervention a Step Toward Decisive Cooperation: Akita Sakigake Shimpo, Japan
Days ago, the countries of the G-7 stepped in to rescue the yen from its counter-intuitive appreciation since the great earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis struck. According to this editorial from Japan's Akita Sakigake Shimpo, such prompt action from American, British, Canadian and European central banks was a very positive sign not only for Japan, but for the entire global … [Read more...] about G7’s Yen Intervention a Step Toward Decisive Cooperation: Akita Sakigake Shimpo, Japan
“…If the government shuts down, it will do so because of a split within the GOP’s ranks”
"...If the government shuts down, it will do so because of a split within the GOP's ranks" by Prairie Weather Double trouble ahead for Republicans on the "continuing resolution." As one might expect, the tea partiers are clamoring for confrontation, while Speaker John Boehner and GOP leaders continue pressing ahead toward the campaign goal to cut $100 … [Read more...] about “…If the government shuts down, it will do so because of a split within the GOP’s ranks”
American Musical Theater Voice: The Great American Counterpoint Song
(This is the first in a series of video embeds showcasing America's musical theater). One of my favorite (and increasingly rare) musical numbers is the "counterpoint" song. For younger TMV readers, watch these examples of a classic song, "You're Just in Love" by Irving Berlin. The first singer sings one melody. Then the second sings a seemingly totally different one. And … [Read more...] about American Musical Theater Voice: The Great American Counterpoint Song
The Libya Disaster
Josh Marshall has a first-rate analysis of why Obama's decision to intervene in Libya, particularly now, is such a bad idea. Here's what I think is the money quote: … [Read more...] about The Libya Disaster
Teacher’s Honest Answer to Dinner Guest Who Asks, “What do you make?”
Here's an incredibly powerful statement of conviction about what goes on, still, in most classrooms and what educating is all about. I'd love to have him compose a similarly-toned response for me and other local electeds when we're getting abused for reminding people about the finite nature of resources and the short and long-term consequences of making decisions for a … [Read more...] about Teacher’s Honest Answer to Dinner Guest Who Asks, “What do you make?”
Women War Hawks Win
The Pentagon says 114 Tomahawk cruise missiles have been launched from U.S. and British ships in the Mediterranean, hitting more than 20 Libyan targets along the Mediterranean coastline. Navy Vice Adm. William E. Gortney, director of the Pentagon's Joint Staff, told reporters the Tomahawk cruise missiles were fired from one British submarine and a number of American destroyers … [Read more...] about Women War Hawks Win
Looking for Work? If You Don’t Have a Job, Don’t Apply for a Job
Just what 15 million unemployed Americans need: another stumbling block placed in their path: … [Read more...] about Looking for Work? If You Don’t Have a Job, Don’t Apply for a Job
Obama’s Libya Decision Draws Fire From Both Sides
Ono argument you haven't heard (so far) is that President Barack Obama made the decision to take U.S. military action against Libya for domestic political reasons. And for good reasons: the decision has raised howls from all over the political spectrum -- and from the Arab League. On the left. The Hill notes that filmmaker Michael Moore has ridiculed Obama on Twitter using … [Read more...] about Obama’s Libya Decision Draws Fire From Both Sides
“To the Shores of Tripoli”
As our planes and missiles bomb Libya, we are back 200 years to the first foreign military action in American history, commemorated in the Marines' Hymn, intervention in a dispute over the throne between Arab brothers. What we are doing in Tripoli now is, of course, sanctified by the U.N. and in concert with other powers, but it is a clear return to U.S. policy as "policeman … [Read more...] about “To the Shores of Tripoli”
Good People
South Carolinians rallying for a moral budget in their state. … [Read more...] about Good People
Defunding Programs That Create Jobs
I came across this article on ABC's local San Francisco affiliate via the Internet Archive, which is appealing for donations to continue this program: … [Read more...] about Defunding Programs That Create Jobs
Japan’s Nuclear Disaster: The 9-11 of Global Energy Policy (Die Welt, Germany)
How dramatically will Japan's nuclear catastrophe affect the rest of the world? According to this editorial from Germany's Die Welt, to address the ever-growing dangers and fears of nuclear power will require at least as much time, dedication and money as the developed world has spent on securing itself from terrorism since September 11, 2001. The Die Welt editorial says in … [Read more...] about Japan’s Nuclear Disaster: The 9-11 of Global Energy Policy (Die Welt, Germany)
Dramatic Rescue Video of Moments When Water Hit Japan
A truly dramatic video of the initial moments of the tragedy and the courage of some of the victims who tried to rescue some who were in peril: … [Read more...] about Dramatic Rescue Video of Moments When Water Hit Japan
Japan’s Faustian Bargain
Japan of all countries should have understood the dangers of nuclear energy. It was the only country to be on the receiving end of Nuclear Weapons, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and had 23 crewmen of the fishing boat Daigo Fukury? Maru.contaminated when the first hydrogen bomb was tested by the United States at Bikini Atoll. In spite of all this Japan had 54 reactors which supplied … [Read more...] about Japan’s Faustian Bargain
Libya No Fly Zone
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about Libya No Fly Zone
Coalition Forces Launch “Operation Odyssey Dawn” Against Libya (UPDATED)
UPDATE, March 27 The New York Times reports this morning on the Libyan rebels “first major victory since American and European airstrikes began a week ago.” The rebels’ advance was the first sign that the allied attacks, directed not only against Colonel Qaddafi’s aircraft and defenses but also against his ground troops, were changing the dynamics of the battle for … [Read more...] about Coalition Forces Launch “Operation Odyssey Dawn” Against Libya (UPDATED)
Sarah Palin Says She Would Have Been Better at the Top of the 2008 GOP Ticket (UPDATED)
So much for loyalty and Sarah Palin: Republicans would have been more successful in the 2008 presidential elections if she was at the top of the ticket, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin suggested Saturday. Speaking at the India Today Conclave in New Delhi, Palin was asked why the GOP ticket did not defeat then-Sen. Barack Obama (D). Palin said that Obama ran a strong … [Read more...] about Sarah Palin Says She Would Have Been Better at the Top of the 2008 GOP Ticket (UPDATED)
Reviewing The Deal The Public Got With Big Banks
On Friday the big banks that received government bailout money (and are still receiving huge amounts indirectly through the Fed's low interest rate policies) were granted the right to pay out $22 billion of their profits to investors in the form of dividends and stock buybacks. The main beneficiaries will be hedge funds that have gambled big on big bank stock. Top managers of … [Read more...] about Reviewing The Deal The Public Got With Big Banks