One of the more ironic experiences in modern journalism is to translate criticism of the American media from China's state-controlled version. This article from China's state-run Nan Fang Daily takes a a few digs at America's "free press" by examining the recent controversy surrounding the firing of commentator Juan Williams by publicly-funded National Public Radio and his … [Read more...] about U.S. Shows Us, Free Speech is ‘Easier said than Done’: Nan Fang Daily, People’s Republic of China
House Does Wodehouse
From time to time I like to toss in a non political post and offer some entertainment ideas for the readers of TMV. For most US television viewers, Hugh Laurie is best known as Dr. House on the television series of the same name. But as many of you may know Laurie is actually English and his House character is done with an American accent. Prior to House he had a … [Read more...] about House Does Wodehouse
Birth of Our Catch-22 World
How many people plant an expression in the English language that half a century later becomes shorthand for the state of the world? As Obama's dilemmas on the economy and the Middle East are labeled "Catch-22s," I recall my friend Joseph Heller whose novel of that name has become shorthand for no-win situations of insane proportions. Back then, Joe seemed an unlikely … [Read more...] about Birth of Our Catch-22 World
Israel’s Choices (Guest Voice)
Israel's choices by Prairie Weather Israel has three options, according to Daniel Levy of the New America Foundation, writing today in Haaretz. We have been offered two broad approaches by Israeli establishment voices. One has been to dig in, to convince the West that we are its outpost of stability in a sea of hostility, and to attempt to make our favorite adage of … [Read more...] about Israel’s Choices (Guest Voice)
Mike Huckabee’s Unanswered Question (Guest Voice)
Mike Huckabee's Unanswered Question By Floyd and Mary Beth Brown On a beautifully calm winter day near the Sea of Galilee, Governor Mike Huckabee shared with a group of Americans his concern for the future of Israel. With riots raging across the border in Egypt, the calm took on an ominous character. How could a land so at risk of war be so serene? Israel, a small … [Read more...] about Mike Huckabee’s Unanswered Question (Guest Voice)
Why iPad Magazines Haven’t Saved Publishing
An insightful post from Andrew Losowsky offers up 6 points on why sales of maglets (magazines on tablets - got it?) soured so quickly. Most of his points are undoubtedly true -- charging twice, not enough iPads, the medium is still new. A couple highlight bad business choices -- selling the same content twice, content held outside of the digital conversation. One, … [Read more...] about Why iPad Magazines Haven’t Saved Publishing
Clarence Thomas Hits 5 Year Anniversary of Supreme Court Silence
Here's a first. Does the United States have a Supreme Court Justice who has taken a vow of public silence? It seems that way in the case of Clarence Thomas, who has not spoken out in court for five years, the York Times reports: The anniversary will probably be observed in silence. A week from Tuesday, when the Supreme Court returns from its midwinter break and hears … [Read more...] about Clarence Thomas Hits 5 Year Anniversary of Supreme Court Silence
The War on Women Continues
The Trust Women Political Action Committee reports on its website: … [Read more...] about The War on Women Continues
If Egypt Can Have Democracy, Can Americans?
That's the question that Bob Herbert ponders, in his column today: … [Read more...] about If Egypt Can Have Democracy, Can Americans?
Mubarak Quits
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about Mubarak Quits
Let Congresswoman Giffords Fully Recover, First…
As Democratic Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords continues to undergo rehabilitation in Houston and to improve every day, the assumptions, rumors and predictions about her political future continue to swirl. Such speculation includes “Democrats in Arizona and Washington [are] looking to her as a potential candidate to replace retiring GOP Sen. Jon Kyl.“ According to … [Read more...] about Let Congresswoman Giffords Fully Recover, First…
John Bolton’s Views on Democracy and Egypt
To use his words, they're "not pretty" (emphasis is mine): … [Read more...] about John Bolton’s Views on Democracy and Egypt
Ron Paul Wins Presidential Straw Poll at CPAC
Again: For the second year in a row, Ron Paul won the presidential straw poll at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, earning 30 percent of the vote. The Texas congressman, known for his libertarian views, ran for president in 2008 but was never a serious contender for the GOP nomination. My understanding is that the correlation between "who wins CPAC" and … [Read more...] about Ron Paul Wins Presidential Straw Poll at CPAC
Scientology: One Scary Religion
At over 30 pages in print (26 on the web) and 23,000+ words, Lawrence Wright's massive investigation of The Church of Scientology, The Apostate: Paul Haggis vs. the Church of Scientology, is a long read. And a devastating expose. Haggis, an academy award-winning screenwriter and director who was a member of the Church he now calls a "cult" for 34 years, rose through … [Read more...] about Scientology: One Scary Religion
Mubarack Runs
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about Mubarack Runs
Independent Voters in Major Conference in New York City: A Growing (But Dissed or Taken for Granted) Movement
New York, NY -- It's a low key gathering of concerned citizens young and old, former members of the two political parties who were in office and quickly became disillusioned about the priority placed on partisanship over real reform and solid policy, longtime organizers who've been trying (fruitlessly) for years to establish a strong third party or strong independent party, … [Read more...] about Independent Voters in Major Conference in New York City: A Growing (But Dissed or Taken for Granted) Movement
Is Political Freedom Contagious?
Just as Tunisia ignited Egypt, how far will their example go in the wider Arab world, where many join in celebration of Mubarak's overthrow? Could Iran be next? A parallel comes to mind from half a century ago. Just as social media played a big role in this month's events, TV in its infancy enabled the civil rights movement in the U.S. The young protesters in Cairo, with … [Read more...] about Is Political Freedom Contagious?
Lady Gaga: Born This Way
Nitsuh Abebe got up at five-thirty yesterday morning for the release of the new Lady Gaga anthem, Born This Way. Gaga's first new song in over a year, it shot straight to Number 1 in 21 countries. Bound to have Pride crowds dancing from coast to coast and around the globe come summer, the single does not disappoint: [W]e’d already seen the lyrics to “Born This Way,” and I … [Read more...] about Lady Gaga: Born This Way
It’s Mostly About Food
Unless you are Glenn Beck you probably see the demonstrations in Egypt as a revolt against tyranny. I suggested here a few days ago that it might be more about unemployment and the skyrocketing price of food. I'm not alone in thinking that. The western media may be obsessing with social media but believe me this isn't the thing you are focusing on if you don't have enough … [Read more...] about It’s Mostly About Food
Algeria Next?
Nick Kristof retweets this cellphone video of police pushing back protesters today in Algeria: Thousands of police flooded the Algerian capital of Algiers Saturday. The BBC's Chloe Arnold, "It feels as though every policeman in the country has been drafted in and given riot gear." Reports from AP, CNN, NPR and The Guardian. … [Read more...] about Algeria Next?