Hello there, Dr. E. here. Our commenters at TMV occasionally leave long and interesting comments that read like a good opinion piece in and of themselves. This is one by commenter Leonidas that offers a thoughtful viewpoint. Most of the news media seems to be losing their minds over Wikileaks without actually reading these essays by Leonidas An interesting read on [the … [Read more...] about Most of the news media seems to be losing their minds over Wikileaks without actually reading these essays
The Philosophical Motivation Behind WikiLeaks
In my last post I argued that an analysis of WikiLeaks shows it is operating on anarchist principles and methods. These views were elucidated in the comments, including the point that Assange had worked on some key technical components behind the crypto-anarchist movement. As someone that has been exposed to these ideas, I readily understood the context in which Assange … [Read more...] about The Philosophical Motivation Behind WikiLeaks
The Battle is on Between the Republican Party’s “Blue Bloods” and “Hot Bloods”
The biggest political spectacular is the emerging battle for the political soul of the Republican Party which really is a battle for the political soul of the United States itself. In one corner: the Republican “Blue Bloods” (as defined by Sarah Palin), consisting of the Republican establishment and the still-powerful Bush family. In the other: the Hot Bloods (as defined by … [Read more...] about The Battle is on Between the Republican Party’s “Blue Bloods” and “Hot Bloods”
America Overwhelmingly Supports the Repeal of DADT
70% of troops. 75% of Americans. What will Republicans do? President Obama on the DADT survey: With our nation at war and so many Americans serving on the front lines, our troops and their families deserve the certainty that can only come when an act of Congress ends this discriminatory policy once and for all. The House of Representatives has already passed the necessary … [Read more...] about America Overwhelmingly Supports the Repeal of DADT
Remembering Leslie Nielsen
Remembering the great B movie, early TV actor and late career comedy actor star Leslie Nielsen -- in words and videos. … [Read more...] about Remembering Leslie Nielsen
History and Geography Lessons From Steve King
Easy answers to puzzling questions, via Steve King (R-Iowa): … [Read more...] about History and Geography Lessons From Steve King
Beijing’s Evolving Stance on the North Korea Crisis: Global Times, China
Revelations from WikiLeaks that China is running out of patience with North Korea thickens the plot on the Korean Peninsula, and makes recent editorial comment from China's state-controlled press even more interesting. Beginning over the Thanksgiving weekend, we've posted five editorials from the state-run Global Times which reflect a dual strategy on the part of the … [Read more...] about Beijing’s Evolving Stance on the North Korea Crisis: Global Times, China
Scarborough, Bloomberg, Lieberman To Launch “No Labels” on Behalf of Civility
I heard about this group, No Labels, a week or so ago. Did some digging, wasn't too sure about it, just been listening, have a friend who'll be there in NYC for the launch. And now, Howard Fineman is up with a lengthy piece about it, just this afternoon. You can read it here. Do we think Scarborough unloaded on Sarah Palin today so that he could do it before the launch of … [Read more...] about Scarborough, Bloomberg, Lieberman To Launch “No Labels” on Behalf of Civility
2012, Baby! (Moving beyond political rhetoric to a, pardon the phrase, “reality we can believe in”)Guest Voice
2012, Baby! (Moving beyond political rhetoric to a, pardon the phrase, "reality we can believe in") by Alex Hammer The world of politics is dead. Long live politics. The 2010 election represented a tipping point in American politics. No, not a second wave of a Republican revolution, but he emergence of "we the people" as a potent political force in modern times. … [Read more...] about 2012, Baby! (Moving beyond political rhetoric to a, pardon the phrase, “reality we can believe in”)Guest Voice
WikiLeaks: On Balance, Transparency Trumps Secrecy
But what struck us, and reassured us, about the latest trove of classified documents released by WikiLeaks was the absence of any real skullduggery. After years of revelations about the Bush administration’s abuses — including the use of torture and kidnappings — much of the Obama administration’s diplomatic wheeling and dealing is appropriate and, at times, downright skillful. … [Read more...] about WikiLeaks: On Balance, Transparency Trumps Secrecy
Driver Rage Is Outrageous
A school crossing guard is attacked by a motorist and his passenger while 20 children and adults watched in disbelief. Two suspects later were arrested. For the life of me, I cannot think of a penalty that would fit the crime short of the Draconian 30 lashes. Suggestions? … [Read more...] about Driver Rage Is Outrageous
All I Want For Christmas Is Civil Liberties Undies
OK, Santa, let me make it easy for you this year. Have the elves replicate it, or just buy it and pop it in your sleigh. For the civil libertarian who has everything [else], here’s news to warm the overactive constitutional cockles of your heart. Some enterprising upstart with a copy of the tattered old document in his/her closet is marketing underwear with the Fourth … [Read more...] about All I Want For Christmas Is Civil Liberties Undies
The Greatest Exposure By Wikileaks Is In The Reactions
There are digital reams of pages about how we should feel about WikiLeaks but nearly no one is talking about the actual content inside the US; which is the pattern for the prior leaks but is getting worse. I'm beginning to wonder how many Americans actually read the articles written about the leaked contents (I try to), let alone the primary documents (I have not nor would … [Read more...] about The Greatest Exposure By Wikileaks Is In The Reactions
The GOP’s Palin Problem Isn’t Going Away
While many of you may roll your eyes at the prospect of reading another article about Sarah Palin - pro or con - the issues she raises as a personality in the Republican party simply can't be ignored, or saved for discussion when she announces her candidacy for the presidency sometime next spring. Make no mistake. Palin is already running for the office, testing her message … [Read more...] about The GOP’s Palin Problem Isn’t Going Away
WikiLeaks
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about WikiLeaks
Obama “Slurpee Summit” With Congressional Leaders Today: Will GOP Outmaneuver Obama Again?
Thanksgiving is over and now many Americans turn to figuring out what to get for Christmas presents. Will President Barack Obama give the Republicans one today? Today is the day of what the media calls "Slurpee Summit" because as CNN notes during mid-terms "Obama described Democrats working to 'dig the car out of the ditch' while Republicans sit back sipping on a Slurpee." … [Read more...] about Obama “Slurpee Summit” With Congressional Leaders Today: Will GOP Outmaneuver Obama Again?
[updated] Joe Scarborough: Stop Being Afraid of Sarah Palin
Glad he's making the same point I did over the last few days. From Politico: If Republicans want to embrace Palin as a cultural icon whose anti-intellectualism fulfills a base political need, then have at it. I suppose it’s cheaper than therapy. But if the party of Ronald Reagan, Paul Ryan and Marco Rubio wants to return to the White House anytime soon, it’s time that … [Read more...] about [updated] Joe Scarborough: Stop Being Afraid of Sarah Palin
Way To Go, Gov. Christie!
The feds are demanding that New Jersey return to them the $271 million that was spent on the aborted rail tunnel between New Jersey and Manhattan before Christie pulled the plug on the project. … [Read more...] about Way To Go, Gov. Christie!
WikiLeaks’ Release: An Invaluable Exposure of American Hypocrisy – The Nation, Pakistan
The number of U.S. diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks is so large, so fascinating and so cutting, that it's hard to know when the global reaction will end. Equally difficult is to figure out where to begin when discussing that reaction. But Pakistan seems as good a place to begin as any. Thus far, Pakistan has been stung by two items contained in the leaked U.S. … [Read more...] about WikiLeaks’ Release: An Invaluable Exposure of American Hypocrisy – The Nation, Pakistan
Please Don’t Love Her Just Because She’s Stupid
That really does seem to be Sarah Palin's main appeal, as in this tweet, where she asks why the U.S. government can't stop Wikileaks' "treasonous acts" the way she "recently won in court to stop my book "America by Heart" from being leaked[.]" … [Read more...] about Please Don’t Love Her Just Because She’s Stupid