Perhaps folks who are having trouble understanding how record-breaking snowstorms on the East Coast could be happening if global climate change is real, would find this piece at The New Republic, written by Bradford Plumer, helpful. Brad quotes meteorologist Jeff Masters (emphasis in original): … [Read more...] about More Climate Change 101
A Dose of Reality
CBS correspondent Mark Knoller informs us that "Obama says bipartisanship, but what he wants is GOP surrender." I kid you not. Here is part of it: … [Read more...] about A Dose of Reality
Holzer on Lincoln’s Cooper Union Speech
This much is certain: Had Abraham Lincoln failed at his do-or-die debut in New York, he would never have won his party’s presidential nomination three months later, not to mention election to the White House that November. Such was the impact of a triumph in the nation’s media capital. Had he stumbled, none of the challenges that roiled his presidency would ever have tested his … [Read more...] about Holzer on Lincoln’s Cooper Union Speech
The ‘False Alarmism’ Over Iranian Nukes: La Jornada, Mexico
Is there a case to be made that Iran has every right to enrich uranium and even pursue a nuclear weapon if it so wishes? There are many people, particularly in developing countries, who see the "big five" nuclear powers as hypocrites that refuse to consider the strategic imperatives of Iranian geopolitics. This editorial from yesterday's edition of Mexico's La Jornada says … [Read more...] about The ‘False Alarmism’ Over Iranian Nukes: La Jornada, Mexico
Obama and Iran
Eric Allie, Caglecartoons.com' This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to appear on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about Obama and Iran
Time to Revolt Against The Revolution (Guest Voice)
Time to Revolt Against the Revolution Making Sense, by Michael Reagan This Thursday, February 11, mark the 31st anniversary of the Iranian Islamic Revolution. Iranian leaders, including the state’s religious leader Ayatollah Khamenei, have decided to “festively” commemorate this anniversary by vowing to deliver a powerful punch to the West. Just over 30 years ago, with … [Read more...] about Time to Revolt Against The Revolution (Guest Voice)
Obama Looking for GOP Ideas
Daryl Cagle, MSNBC.com This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to appear on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about Obama Looking for GOP Ideas
Cyber Crime is Not Some 15-year-old Kid Experimenting With Viruses
It is well-funded and pursued by mature individuals and groups of professionals with deep financial and technical resources, often with local government (or other countries’) toleration if not support. It is already responsible for billions of dollars a year in losses, and it is growing and becoming more capable. We have largely ignored it, and building our military … [Read more...] about Cyber Crime is Not Some 15-year-old Kid Experimenting With Viruses
Obama vs. GOP Government-in-Exile
Before a new blizzard brought Washington to a standstill, Barack Obama made another effort to dig out of the Republican snow job and verbal high winds that have disabled his efforts to govern. After a two-hour meeting to clear the path for legislation, the President told White House reporters, "I won't hesitate to embrace a good idea from my friends in the minority party, … [Read more...] about Obama vs. GOP Government-in-Exile
Blizzard Batters Parts of US
Here's a snippet of conversation heard outside as I checked my bags at the Fort Lauderdale airport and got ready for my flight back to San Diego. "Hey...I heard the planes aren't coming out of New Yo.rk." "They did that last night." "I heard planes to Washington aren't getting out, either..." The blizzard battering America's Northeast is big news here -- and it has thrown … [Read more...] about Blizzard Batters Parts of US
North American Realities for the 21st Century
Whether you’re a young, old or middle-aged man or woman, of any skin color, inexperienced or experienced, and possessing many or few degrees, you’re unlikely to be hired initially, or ever again, by any large private company as a full-time employee. Get over it and figure out how you’ll make a living by your wits, determination, charm and overall doggedness. We have to … [Read more...] about North American Realities for the 21st Century
Justice By Accident, Unconscionably Delayed
A Reuters photographer was freed today, by the U.S. military, after 17 months of imprisonment, in Iraq, without charge, and without being allowed to see the evidence against him because it was "classified." … [Read more...] about Justice By Accident, Unconscionably Delayed
John Edwards Engaged?
That's what the tabloid that broke the story of Edwards' cheating on his cancer patient wife Elizabeth (it has also been right on its later reports) reports now. And so we have it: we are seeing a politician who truly has no shame. … [Read more...] about John Edwards Engaged?
Hand Written Speech
John Darkow, Columbia Daily Tribune, Missouri This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about Hand Written Speech
Cheney’s Terrorists
Guest post by Gen. Donald Edwards (Ret.) General Edwards served in the U.S. Army for 37 years, including two tours with eight campaigns in Vietnam. He served as a congressional staffer from 1997-99. He is a resident of Maine and Ashburn, Virginia. This piece first appeared at Progressive Fix, a project of the Progressive Policy Institute. ********** Just last week, … [Read more...] about Cheney’s Terrorists
Google To Get Into Internet Access Biz
Does anyone see a pattern emerging here: Google on Wednesday introduced a plan to offer ultra-high-speed Internet access to consumers in a test intended to showcase the potential new uses of broadband networks once such speeds become commonplace. [...] Google said that over the next six weeks, it would solicit proposals from communities interested in the service, and then … [Read more...] about Google To Get Into Internet Access Biz
Ronald Reagan, Conservatism, and the Decline of the American Empire
I received an e-mail the other day from an old college friend asking me why the right has canonized Ronald Reagan. I thought about it, thought about it some more, and came up with a reply, written fairly hastily, that I reprint here. It is not meant to be a comprehensive explanation of Reagan's lofty status among conservatives and in recent U.S. history. I welcome your … [Read more...] about Ronald Reagan, Conservatism, and the Decline of the American Empire
Too Much Democracy, Ctd.
Here's a timely counter-punch, from David Harsanyi, to the Kurt Andersen article we spotlighted yesterday. Harsanyi's conclusion ... Those who contend that the ruling party isn't instilled with enough control are worried about politics, not process. And actually, regardless of which ephemeral majority happens to win the day, we should be looking for more checks on … [Read more...] about Too Much Democracy, Ctd.
Condescending Liberals, Conservatives Too
I thought Gerard Alexander's OpEd in Sunday's WaPo on Why Liberals Are So Condescending would easily generate a pile of intelligent parsing and effective responses. Instead, most of the reaction I read was along the lines of "I know you are, but what am I?" Not a thing I found is worth quoting. Maybe everyone was busy making Palin crib note jokes. I was entirely unpersuaded … [Read more...] about Condescending Liberals, Conservatives Too
We Used to Call This “Weather”
I don't remember, to be honest, whether global warming one-liners were flying around when it snowed here in the Houston area on December 4th. We were all too busy staring flabbergasted out the windows to pay much attention. I'm sure, though, that the wits were regaling everyone with their brilliance. "Hey! How 'bout that global warming eh? Hawhawhawhaw!" **nudge … [Read more...] about We Used to Call This “Weather”