If you made a political film now about campaign 2010 one title could be "Retreat of the Democratic Party's Wall Street Donors" -- as news reports emerge revealing a 65 percent drop in Democratic Congressional fundraising operations from two years ago. If it had been 10 percent, or 20 percent it still would be a notable story, but 65 percent could quality as being in … [Read more...] about Democrats Face Wall Street Backlash: Retreat of the Democratic Party’s Wall Street Donors
Again
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Brooks: Exercise Humility on Economic Measures
David Brooks chimes in on the tug-of-war between proponents of additional economic stimuli and those who advocate deficit reduction. Given my post on this subject last week, and the ensuing back-and-forth with readers, I found these lines from Mr. Brooks particularly compelling, clarifying ... and chastening. So you have your doubts, but you are practical. You want to … [Read more...] about Brooks: Exercise Humility on Economic Measures
“The Heartless, the Clueless, and the Confused”
The first two groups are beyond the reach of compassion or reason, but Paul Krugman still holds out hope for the third, on the subject of extending unemployment benefits: … [Read more...] about “The Heartless, the Clueless, and the Confused”
Buddy, Can You Spare a Dime?
From CNBC: … [Read more...] about Buddy, Can You Spare a Dime?
What an Octopus’ Meal Can Tell Us about the World Cup
As one can imagine, those who predict, and place odds and bets on the World Cup semifinals and final winners are extremely busy these days. Serious fans and serious gamblers anxiously seek and mull and use the predictions and odds provided by reputable and not-so-reputable experts, odds makers and bookmakers. Millions--probably billions--will be won and lost by the time … [Read more...] about What an Octopus’ Meal Can Tell Us about the World Cup
Australia: Julia Gillard’s “Sustainable Population” Plan & Indian Students
Among the first few dramatic decisions taken by Australia's first woman prime minister Julia Gillard was to redesignate the 'Minister of Population' as 'Minister of Sustainable Population'. Soon the guessing game began. Does this change in name indicate less tolerance towards illegal boat people arriving in Australia, or generally aims to reduce the number of Asian people … [Read more...] about Australia: Julia Gillard’s “Sustainable Population” Plan & Indian Students
Palestinian Leader Abbas Eulogizes Mastermind of 1972 Munich Olympics Massacre
File this in your Praising Butchery file: Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has eulogized the mastermind of the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre of Israeli athletes -- a statement that will not help advance efforts to defuse not just Middle East tensions but religious tensions in the region. Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has euologized Abu Dauod, … [Read more...] about Palestinian Leader Abbas Eulogizes Mastermind of 1972 Munich Olympics Massacre
Iran’s Passenger Jets Refused Refueling Abroad?
Here’s an interesting report just posted by the BBC. Iran is accusing England, Germany and the UAE of refusing to provide fuel to its passenger aircraft. The allegation comes after the UN Security Council imposed additional sanctions on Iran for its failure to halt its nuclear enrichment program and just days after President Obama signed into law new unilateral … [Read more...] about Iran’s Passenger Jets Refused Refueling Abroad?
Judicial Change to Believe In
WASHINGTON -- Here's when you know something momentous has happened to our struggle over the Supreme Court's role: When Republicans largely give up talking about "judicial activism," when liberals speak of the importance of democracy and deference to elected officials, and when judges are no longer seen as baseball umpires. All these things transpired during Elena … [Read more...] about Judicial Change to Believe In
Canadian Custer (Guest Voice)
Canadian Custer by Owen Gray On the day after the leaders of the G20 nations left Toronto -- and left city workers to clean up after the weekend's mayhem -- John Ibbitson wrote that the summit was "a signal achievement for the Prime Minister, who set those targets and lobbied hard for other nations to embrace them." On the same day, Paul Krugman looked at the targets … [Read more...] about Canadian Custer (Guest Voice)
The ‘Pedros’ in Afghanistan: The Video
For those who have already read “The ‘Pedros’ in Afghanistan…” here is that great NBC documentary by NBC’s Richard Engel: Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy … [Read more...] about The ‘Pedros’ in Afghanistan: The Video
Canada Geese an irritant to Americans
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The ‘Pedros’ in Afghanistan: So Others May Live (UPDATED)
Regardless of what one may think about wars or about the Afghanistan war, there should be nothing but admiration, respect and gratitude for the life-saving, heroic work done by combat medics. I just watched a Richard Engel documentary on the NBC “Today Show” on the incredibly brave and magnificent work being done by the “Pedros” combat paramedics in Afghanistan. The … [Read more...] about The ‘Pedros’ in Afghanistan: So Others May Live (UPDATED)
World Cup 2010: An Identity Crisis for this Hispanic-Dutch-Latino Puppy
For a fleeting moment--as we entered into the World Cup quarter finals--it looked as if a South American combination would rule the day. Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay all made it into the quarter finals, clearly outnumbering a three-team European combination--Germany, Spain and the Netherlands. But then it began to unravel. The headlines say it all: Germany … [Read more...] about World Cup 2010: An Identity Crisis for this Hispanic-Dutch-Latino Puppy
Our Goal in Afghanistan: To Keep Our Troops Safe
Joe Lieberman told Fox News Sunday today that the U.S. counterinsurgency strategy in Afghanistan is all well and good, but not if it demoralizes our troops or puts them at risk: … [Read more...] about Our Goal in Afghanistan: To Keep Our Troops Safe
Staff Sergeant Sal Giunta, a Living Medal of Honor Nominee?
In a previous post I commented on the fact that only six Medals of Honor have been awarded for valor and heroism in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, all posthumously. I mentioned that this was “about to change” and provided some details about the acts of valor by the soldier who, according to reports, is about to be nominated for this high honor. However, at the time, the … [Read more...] about Staff Sergeant Sal Giunta, a Living Medal of Honor Nominee?
Unemployment Benefits and Oil Subsidies
Since we have been discussing, in various threads here at TMV, the extension of unemployment benefits for about two million Americans who have been jobless for six months or longer (my ex-husband is one of these), and since we have, in addition, been discussing, in various threads here at TMV, the absolute outrageous lawlessness of asking British Petroleum to put $20 billion … [Read more...] about Unemployment Benefits and Oil Subsidies
NATO Forces Kill 63 In Afghan Drug Sting
I can't help from wondering if new Afghan NATO commander Gen. David Petraeus plea for unity is letting the country's Interior Ministry take credit for announcing a sting operation that killed 63 insurgents and confiscated 16 tons of opium. All the news accounts of the bloody sting in southern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border indicated only that some locals may have been … [Read more...] about NATO Forces Kill 63 In Afghan Drug Sting
Pro Business VS Pro Market
I have always thought that the grassroots conservative/Tea Party movement was as great a threat to the DC establishment Republicans as it was to the Democrats. It's beginning to look like I might have been right. This from uber wingnut Dan Riehl: Why The GOP Hates The Grassroots And Conservative Movement Herein lies the dirty little secret of why the GOP is … [Read more...] about Pro Business VS Pro Market