I'm just an average person who turns the air conditioning on when its hot and the furnace on when its cold. When it comes to global warming, I figure the pollutants we emit into the air probably contributes to the trend in some degree. That's an unshakable belief just as evolution makes more sense than the creationist theory. Now, what empirical knowledge I have on … [Read more...] about A Global Warming View From Main Street
Bayh-Bayh, Evan
Pete and Patrick have already posted on Evan Bayh's retirement from the Senate. Yet the responsibility falls on me to employ one of the most obvious and predictable puns of the season: Bayh-Bayh, Evan. Furthermore, I predict that this pun will become painfully common over the next 24 to 48 hours. I may be the first to use it here because of my awful sense of humor, but I … [Read more...] about Bayh-Bayh, Evan
The Ponzifying of America
Presidents Weekend brings reminders of how history's most productive economy of goods and services was brought to its knees by glorified paper pushers, crafty clerks who make nothing but money. On CNN, Obama adviser Paul Volcker complains, "We've got to produce something that somebody else wants to buy." According to the former Fed chairman, "we spent 20 years inducing … [Read more...] about The Ponzifying of America
Respect from Nicaragua: Rest in Peace, Charlie Wilson – La Prensa of Nicaragua
Former Congressman Charlie Wilson, who died last week at the age of 76, is known mostly for his activities in support of the Taliban, who afterwards managed to evict the Soviets from Afghanistan. The author of this article from Nicaragua's La Prensa, apparently a former member of Daniel Ortega's Sandinista National Liberation Front who eventually switched sides and joined … [Read more...] about Respect from Nicaragua: Rest in Peace, Charlie Wilson – La Prensa of Nicaragua
Bayh Retirement Presents Ballot Issues
One interesting side aspect of the retirement of Senator Bayh is how his spot will be filled on the ballot. Under Indiana law a candidate seeking a spot on the ballot has to get 4,500 signatures (500 from each of the states nine congressional districts) before the filing deadline, which is this Friday. If nobody does that then the partycentral committee has until June … [Read more...] about Bayh Retirement Presents Ballot Issues
VIDEO: On Senator Evan Bayh’s Annoucement that He Won’t Seek Re-election
Here's a video news report about Sen. Evan Bayh's surprise announcement - terrible news for Democrats -- that he will not seek re-election. In coming days pundits and reporters will be trying to find if his real reason was being fed up with gridlock causing mega-partisanship in Congress or if there was an ulterior motive. But perhaps, in the end, it will wind up that he truly … [Read more...] about VIDEO: On Senator Evan Bayh’s Annoucement that He Won’t Seek Re-election
What Kind of Conservative is Tim Pawlenty?
Tim Pawlenty is a mainstream conservative governor in a traditionally liberal state. When I use the term "mainstream," I mean simply that he is in the mainstream of Minnesota conservatism - decidedly less conservative than the heart of Republicanism in the south, but conservative enough for most of the rest of the GOP. This alone gives him a decent shot as an alternative to … [Read more...] about What Kind of Conservative is Tim Pawlenty?
US Pairs Skating Team
RJ Matson, Roll Call This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about US Pairs Skating Team
Dick Cheney Doesn’t Mince Words
He was a "big supporter of waterboarding." A big deal or not? … [Read more...] about Dick Cheney Doesn’t Mince Words
Sen. Bayh Retiring
As retirement announcements go, this one is significant ... Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh will not seek re-election this year, a decision that hands Republicans a prime pickup opportunity in the middle of the country. Bayh was known as one of the most conservative Democratic senators, and one who was not shy about challenging the President. In terms of what this means for … [Read more...] about Sen. Bayh Retiring
China, Iran and the Biggie Smalls Doctrine
Is Washington banking on China’s economic interests in Iran? Read RealClearWorld's Kevin Sullivan. … [Read more...] about China, Iran and the Biggie Smalls Doctrine
Calling Dr. Clinton (Guest Voice)
WASHINGTON -- When word went out that Bill Clinton had been rushed to the hospital, the prospect that he was in danger made me wish that President Obama had spent more time learning lessons that only Clinton can teach. Yes, Clinton put his presidency at risk over a sex scandal, and his infuriating moments around the 2008 South Carolina primary disheartened even his most … [Read more...] about Calling Dr. Clinton (Guest Voice)
Explaining Tiger Woods’ ‘Lust for White Women’: The Daily Sun, Nigeria
Could it be that subconsciously, Tiger Woods prefers Caucasian sexual partners as a way of getting back at his former colonial masters? Furthermore, have today's African leaders enjoyed the spectacle of his downfall for exactly the same reason? That is the argument put forth in the pages of Nigeria's Daily Sun by Dr. Henry A. Onwubiko, one of that country's leading social … [Read more...] about Explaining Tiger Woods’ ‘Lust for White Women’: The Daily Sun, Nigeria
An Inability to See “The Other” As Human
Glenn Greenwald linked to this post by Digby in one of the updates to his post about right-wing hypocrisy in regard to the treatment of American missionaries arrested in Haiti, but I did not actually read it until just now. … [Read more...] about An Inability to See “The Other” As Human
Why the Winter Olympics Makes Me Feel Especially Patriotic
I consider myself to be a deeply patriotic person. I cherish and revere the traditions and ideals of this land, which opened its doors to my ancestors escaping pogroms in the Russian Empire a century ago. The people and places in America are some of the warmest and most beautiful in the world. But like most people I suppose, there are certain moments when my patriotism runs … [Read more...] about Why the Winter Olympics Makes Me Feel Especially Patriotic
Book Review: Too Big To Fail
For most of us one of the big questions about the economic chaos of 2008 is how in the world did it all happen ? Although to a degree it is still something of a mystery to even the best experts there is a fascinating book that tries to explain the story in relatively understandable language. The title of the book is Too Big To Fail by Andrew Sorkin. The book follows … [Read more...] about Book Review: Too Big To Fail
Where the Right’s Enthusiasm for Legal Black Holes Breaks Down
The recent arrest of 10 American missionaries who went to Haiti on a supposed "rescue mission" and left that country with 33 Haitian children without the knowledge or authorization of Haitian authorities has exposed an ugly double standard among those on the right who have been the most contemptuous of human rights advocates and the work they do. … [Read more...] about Where the Right’s Enthusiasm for Legal Black Holes Breaks Down
Everybody Misses Bush
As politicos and political observers, we have a problem. It has been bubbling down the surface for some time now and we have just been ignoring it – yes, we miss George W Bush. There has always been a historical perception that a US President needs more than experience (military, executive or political) or intellect – there is a historical narrative that states that a US … [Read more...] about Everybody Misses Bush
Four for Valentine’s Day
On Reading Aloud
Reading aloud is such a pleasure. I read entire books aloud. … [Read more...] about On Reading Aloud