One of my favorite shows is Yes Minister, a wonderful play on government with great doubletalk scenes. Here are some Christmas greetings for you. In case you wondered, here is the text. "I wonder if I might crave your momentary indulgence in order to discharge a by no means disagreeable obligation which has, over the years, become more or less established practice … [Read more...] about Yes Minister Christmas
Do Voters Owe Obama an Apology?
As he assesses his performance in 2009, Barack Obama could claim he has been the victim of a bait-and-switch by Americans who voted him into office a year ago. Elected on a platform of Change, he was immediately asked to become the first responder to an economy falling apart. He is not copping that plea, but the case should be made over the yowling from the do-nothing Right. … [Read more...] about Do Voters Owe Obama an Apology?
Jimmy Carter Apologizes to Jews
Jimmy Carter has not exactly been a favorite of many Jewish people, partially because some have charged that he didn't exactly sympathetic to some of their concerns, particularly on the issue of the Middle East. So now he has issued an apology to clear the air: Former President Jimmy Carter apologized for any words or deeds that may have upset the Jewish community in an … [Read more...] about Jimmy Carter Apologizes to Jews
A Partial Truce in the Religious Wars (Guest Voice)
WASHINGTON -- It is 2009's quiet story -- quiet because it's about what didn't happen, which can be as important as what did. In this highly partisan year, we did not see a sharpening of the battles over religion and culture. Yes, we continued to fight over gay marriage, and arguments about abortion were a feature of the health care debate. But what's more … [Read more...] about A Partial Truce in the Religious Wars (Guest Voice)
Mr. Benjamin Goes to Washington
And when he does, he never, ever comes back. Before I head out on my Christmas break to visit relatives partake in the usual holiday celebrations, there is one last Christmas present to bring to all of you. We found out earlier this month that President Obama was planning on taking some of the TARP funds which are either left over from the initial allotment or flowing back … [Read more...] about Mr. Benjamin Goes to Washington
The Words “Social Networking” Will Soon Be Anachronistic
At Forbes, Michael Noer predicts social networking will become fragmented and traffic will drop at ''one-size-fits-all'' Facebook. He cites gdgt.com, the "social gadget platform" from the guys behind Engadget and Gizmodo as an example of what comes next. His bold prediction? The very words "social networking" and "social media" will become wildly anachronistic within a very … [Read more...] about The Words “Social Networking” Will Soon Be Anachronistic
Health Care Reform: Now the Real Fun Begins
Vice President Joe Biden led the Senate this morning while his colleagues voted from their seats in favor of Senate Bill 3590 (aka "Senate Health Care Bill" aka "The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act"). The vote was 60-39 along party lines, as expected. Republican Jim Bunning of Kentucky, who is retiring at the end of the 111th session of Congress, failed to … [Read more...] about Health Care Reform: Now the Real Fun Begins
Senate Passes Landmark Health Care Reform Via Narrow Partisan Margin (News and Blog Roundup) UPDATED
The Senate has passed its landmark health care reform bill along party lines -- 60 Democrats for it and 39 Republicans against it -- in a historic vote that means the House and Senate will now move to the pesky, some say politically explosive, task of trying to reconcile the two bills. But the net result: a win for Democrats and President Barack Obama in terms of getting a … [Read more...] about Senate Passes Landmark Health Care Reform Via Narrow Partisan Margin (News and Blog Roundup) UPDATED
Father and Son Reunited In Brazil (UPDATED)
As reported yesterday, on Tuesday, Brazil Supreme Court Chief Justice Gilmar Mendes ruled that Sean Goldman must be returned to his father and delivered to him by the boy’s Brazilian relatives. Yesterday, a Brazilian regional court judge ordered that Sean Goldman must be handed over to his biological father, David Goldman, today at the U.S. Consulate in Rio de Janeiro at 9 … [Read more...] about Father and Son Reunited In Brazil (UPDATED)
The Fruitcake Chronicles: A Visit with Santa (Part 6 of 6 installments)
Portions of the police report read as follows: “Mr. Forester gave many fruitcake related reasons for accosting the Village Mall Santa. It appears Mr. Forester attempted to give Santa three garbage bags full of wrapped presents. Mr. Forester stated that the presents had been mistakenly given to his family because of a ‘rather crazy mix-up.’” “When Santa rejected the gifts, … [Read more...] about The Fruitcake Chronicles: A Visit with Santa (Part 6 of 6 installments)
Hundred-Snow Winter
There are hundreds of kinds of snow... these are but a few... ...walking over a bridge, over a river, maybe near Chicago's Water Tower; snow quiet, unshoveled, but wind so sharp-cold it feels like it will crack the bones in your face... and the slush with mud puddles ankle-deep, and your boots arent sealed well at the soles... and up near timberline in the … [Read more...] about Hundred-Snow Winter
A Little Christmas History
In part three of my series of Christmas posts I thought I'd tackle a bit of the history surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. While I personally believe him to be my Savior I will be taking more of an academic slant in this post, examining the historic Jesus. Specifically I will be offering some thoughts on the origins of the Christmas Star (per astronomy) and thus offering … [Read more...] about A Little Christmas History
Only with America’s Help Can ‘Northern Civilization’ Be Saved: Gazeta of Russia
For those wondering whether U.S.-Russian relations really have been "reset", this article from Russia's Gazeta newspaper should provide food for thought. We must permit our minds to let go of our memories, tormented as we are by past grievances, and understand that only with the United States can the European Union and Russia save northern civilization. These are the … [Read more...] about Only with America’s Help Can ‘Northern Civilization’ Be Saved: Gazeta of Russia
Mary’s Boy Child
A little holiday music (trust me I'll be posting several <G>) … [Read more...] about Mary’s Boy Child
You Better Watch Out
Someone's coming to town -- and I don't mean Rahm Emanuel. It's that guy in the red suit. Here's a classic Christmas song sung in a zippy way by a classy singer: … [Read more...] about You Better Watch Out
Women Are Not Under The (Health Care Reform) Bus – They’ve Organized to Drive It
The Senate's vote on health care reform will now be at 7:00 am tomorrow morning. (See more here.) But the conference committee process that will begin after Congress takes a winter break will be contentious. A lot of attention, as many readers of The Moderate Voice know, has focused on how women fare under the House and Senate versions. One outgrowth of that attention is … [Read more...] about Women Are Not Under The (Health Care Reform) Bus – They’ve Organized to Drive It
Grand Obstructionist Party
John Darkow, Columbia Daily Tribune, Missouri This cartoon is copyrighted and licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about Grand Obstructionist Party
Are Vegetarians And Vegans Biased Against Plants?
This might sound like a bit of a needling post, but that is not the intention at all. I see it more as provoking a sense of wonder. Dr. E recently put up a Guest Voice article by Elijah Sweete, entitled "Interview With A Vegan" in which Marybeth Wosko argued passionately about how killing animals for food was inherently immoral. While I agreed with some of her practical … [Read more...] about Are Vegetarians And Vegans Biased Against Plants?
Glory Be to God in the Highest…
and on earth peace, good will toward all. ... Or maybe not. Here is Mike Potemra, at The Corner: … [Read more...] about Glory Be to God in the Highest…
Stop Whining, My Friends
I've had it with my liberal or progressive or whatever we call ourselves whiners who feel double-crossed that President Obama reneged on a campaign promise they insist included a public option in the health reform legislation. My recollection is exactly the same as reported in today's "First Read" posting by reporters for MSNBC which I will reprint in total after I offer my … [Read more...] about Stop Whining, My Friends