On a scale of 10, I would award President Obama an 8 for opening new off-shore oil and gas exploration off the Atlantic, eastern Gulf and northern Alaska in a speech on energy security today. He missed a Bo Derek 10 because by the time any of this might happen.the president, 48, will be drawing Social Security. As outlined, Obama's plan is the best common-sense approach … [Read more...] about Obama Taps New Off-Shore Oil Fields
What Good is Latin America’s New U.S.-Free ‘Community’?: El Tiempo, Colombia
As readers of the Moderate Voice are aware, for the past few weeks Worldmeets.US has been covering the creation of the Western Hemisphere's newest international organization, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the distinguishing characteristic of which is the intentional exclusion of the United States. This article from Colombia's El Tiempo has some harsh … [Read more...] about What Good is Latin America’s New U.S.-Free ‘Community’?: El Tiempo, Colombia
Curing Universal Unhappiness
From a fertile week for pop psychology comes news that social trust is declining at a time when personal connection is more important than worldly success. As always, David Brooks draws on arcane research to prove that "countries with high social trust have happier people, better health, more efficient government, more economic growth, and less fear of crime." But where … [Read more...] about Curing Universal Unhappiness
But They’re OUR Terrorists
The Right simply cannot bring itself to apply the word "terrorism" to a plot to overthrow the U.S. government when the militants are good 'ol Michigan boys. … [Read more...] about But They’re OUR Terrorists
Obama Calls For Oil and Gas Drilling: Virginia Coast Would Be First
During the battle for health care reform, there were two strands to the narrative: Barack Obama disappointed his party's progressive wing and tried to move over towards the center to center right to attempt to win over Republican votes and the center. And now it appears to be happening once again on the issue of drilling off America's coast. But this time the issue is … [Read more...] about Obama Calls For Oil and Gas Drilling: Virginia Coast Would Be First
Jon Stewart’s Field Day With RNC, Michael Steele and Bondage Club
Comedy Central's Jon Stewart again as expected had a field day with the RNC, Michael Steel and the bondage club mini-scandal. And at the beginning of his bit he also satirizes the media and its news decision choices. GO HERE. … [Read more...] about Jon Stewart’s Field Day With RNC, Michael Steele and Bondage Club
Democrats Responsible For Post-HCR Violence
A plurality of Americans believe the political maneuvers used by Democrats to secure passage of Health Care Reform were a major reason for the violence that followed, and in some cases preceded, passage of the bill. A clear majority, including 58% of Independents, believe Democratic tactics in gaining passage constituted an abuse of power. The Gallup Poll released yesterday … [Read more...] about Democrats Responsible For Post-HCR Violence
CA Proposition 14 — An Historical American Fight: The People vs. The Parties
The firestorm over California Proposition 14 open primary initiative continues. We might expect the major parties to oppose a referendum that gives more power to the people and less to the party bosses. The main opponents of Prop 14 are the Dems and Repubs, however the minor parties have jumped on board. Unfortunately Independent Political Report, the prominent Libertarian … [Read more...] about CA Proposition 14 — An Historical American Fight: The People vs. The Parties
Hipster Moonshine & A Locavore Walmart
In The Atlantic, Wayne Curtis pronounces, Moonshine is back! This time in a hipster guise: [R]efined moonshining hasn’t died—in fact, it’s booming today, taken up by a new generation, mostly in big cities and micropolitan towns. Practitioners make tiny batches not to resell, but mostly to see what sorts of goodness they can concoct. “It’s the same people who drove the … [Read more...] about Hipster Moonshine & A Locavore Walmart
Pope Benedict XVI
Bob Englehart, The Hartford Courant This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to appear on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about Pope Benedict XVI
Poetic Justice for Census Haters
If red states like Texas see their national political influence shrinking over the next decade, they can send their complaint letters to Michele Bachmann and Glenn Beck: … [Read more...] about Poetic Justice for Census Haters
The Historic Roots of Modern Jihadism
Obama-Sarkozy Relations: Pragmatism Trumps Personality – Le Figaro, France
For over a year, rumors and news reports have swirled about stubbornly-chilly relations between the presidents of France and the United States. But with the French presidential couple enjoying a private dinner in the White House with the Obama's, things seem to have changed. According to Le Figaro columnist Pierre Rousselin, the reason can be summed up in a word: … [Read more...] about Obama-Sarkozy Relations: Pragmatism Trumps Personality – Le Figaro, France
McCain Goes to His Room
David Fitzsimmons, The Arizona Star This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to appear on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about McCain Goes to His Room
Changes
Phil Ochs wrote this song, but Gordon Lightfoot did a lovely cover early in his career. I probably don't have to explain why this song feels so appropriate just now: … [Read more...] about Changes
How Long Will Michael Steele Last At the RNC?
If you're a news junkie, it's clear that over the past few months many GOPers wished RNC Chairman Michael Steele would somehow just go away. They had many complaints about him -- from his allegedly big bux spending, to his foot in mouth comments, to the unforgivable sin of daring to criticize Rush Limbaugh (he apologized) -- but one of their biggest complaints is that they feel … [Read more...] about How Long Will Michael Steele Last At the RNC?
If Corporations Are Legal Persons Our Genes Are Probably Patentable
New Scientist asks about yesterday's New York Federal District Court ruling that patents on two genes linked to breast cancer are invalid: Is this the end of gene patenting? The ACLU and its supporters, including the American Society for Human Genetics and the American Medical Association, contend that the patents never should have been awarded because the genes are natural. … [Read more...] about If Corporations Are Legal Persons Our Genes Are Probably Patentable
Church Devils
Matador, El Tiempo, Columbia This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about Church Devils
Comments and Future Changes in the Works
Dear TMV Readers, Self-published comments are now off. We will be adding two features in the near term. 1. Article contact form: There will be a form that allows you to contact the author of the post directly. Not all authors may choose to do so. 2. Better news scrolls: We will be implementing some customized news scrolls to allow TMV to function a bit like a … [Read more...] about Comments and Future Changes in the Works
One Last Thing
I'm not good at goodbyes (I literally have to make a conscious effort to say goodbye to people in order to not offend them) so in case comments and/or commenters don't come back: uh goodbye. OK now with that out of the way I want to take advantage of the temporarily touchy feely environment for my own nefarious purposes. If you don't mind could you leave a comment stating … [Read more...] about One Last Thing