What is it about Libyan despot Mouamar Qaddafi that Western leaders find so irresistible? There's no mystery about that, nor the unmistakable hypocrisy it represents. Expressing bile over Western tolerance for the man known in Libya as 'the Guide,' this editorial from France's Le Monde sums it up this way: "His record is damning. The dashing officer who modeled himself … [Read more...] about West Has No Shame When it Comes to Despotic Qaddafi: Le Monde, France
Patrick Swayze Dies
Not exactly surprising news given his grim diagnosis, but actor Patrick Swayze has died after a two year long battle with cancer at the age of 57. Deepest sympathies to his friends and family. … [Read more...] about Patrick Swayze Dies
Western Amnesia: It Was USSR that ‘Saved Humanity’: Izvestia, Russia
Victory Day in Russia, 1945 Continuing with our coverage of the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II, this article from Izvestia reflects the outrage Russians feel about being called allies of Hitler, as responsible as Germany for the last 'War to End All Wars.' For Izvestia, Vyacheslav Nikonov writes in part: "What a remarkable thing: the more time passes … [Read more...] about Western Amnesia: It Was USSR that ‘Saved Humanity’: Izvestia, Russia
Jody Powell Dead of a Heart Attack at 65
Jake Tapper: This afternoon at his house on the Eastern Shore in Maryland, Powell had an apparent heart attack, a family friend said. The former press secretary for President Jimmy Carter was the CEO of the PR firm Powell Tate. He was 65. … [Read more...] about Jody Powell Dead of a Heart Attack at 65
Bin Laden Loses Hate Market Share
This past weekend reflects the state of anti-Obama invective as literally countless American patriots in Washington rage against the President while the dean of terrorists delivers a mild harangue against him as "powerless." In both cases, there are fact-check problems. The bin Laden message comes in a ten-minute audiotape with an undated photograph while the Tea Party … [Read more...] about Bin Laden Loses Hate Market Share
“Dignified Transfer” Ceremonies for Our Fallen Heroes
I am and have been in favor of publicly honoring our fallen heroes when they touch American soil for the last time at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. My personal motto is “Nothing to hide here. Everything to Honor.” A lot of controversy and apprehension had surrounded this issue. Finally, on February 26, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announced a policy consistent with … [Read more...] about “Dignified Transfer” Ceremonies for Our Fallen Heroes
Conservative Talk Radio Hits A New Low
I mean really -- read this. I've run out of words to use that mean "vile.....reprehensible." I'm about to leave today on a long trip that will require me to drive long distances throughout the West. I just installed satellite radio and will use it on this trip. Can you guess why? … [Read more...] about Conservative Talk Radio Hits A New Low
The Difference Between Passion and Paranoia (Guest Voice)
The Difference Between Passion and Paranoia by Rick Moran I have been taken to task in the past for railing against those whose rants against President Obama have crossed the line of reason and entered the dangerous world of paranoia. I include in this category the Birthers, of course, as well as those who believe Obama wishes to set up some kind of dictatorship, and … [Read more...] about The Difference Between Passion and Paranoia (Guest Voice)
Fears Grow Among Some GOPers That Republicans Getting Too Extreme
A zilllion blog posts on centrist, liberal and progressive Republican websites have addressed part of this but now the Los Angeles Times brings it all together: there are growing fears that the Republican conservative resurgence is being matched by a drift to the extremes. It's not a small issue -- IF a party's goal is to not just consolidate its base but to expand its … [Read more...] about Fears Grow Among Some GOPers That Republicans Getting Too Extreme
Obama Coaxes Republicans
Daryl Cagle, MSNBC.com This cartoon is copyrighted and licensed to run on TMV. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. … [Read more...] about Obama Coaxes Republicans
Joe Wilson and Our Character (Guest Voice)
WASHINGTON -- If you saw a woman struck by a car, would you call an ambulance right away? Or would you first ask for her papers to make sure she was not an illegal immigrant? If someone living down the street from you were suffering from the H1N1 flu, wouldn't you want him to get immediate medical help? Would you rather see him in pain and perhaps spread the disease to … [Read more...] about Joe Wilson and Our Character (Guest Voice)
Like We Needed bin Laden to Explain This
I don't know how much time would have to go by before this became obvious, but following the anniversary of 9/11 it's not only a good time to remember the fallen and our losses of that day, but to continue to try to understand why it was that we were attacked. It's hard to defeat your enemy unless you know them and have a grip on what motivates them. While it draws not only … [Read more...] about Like We Needed bin Laden to Explain This
The Next Big Tax Issue—Parking Tickets
When I tell friends that the next major tax debate should focus on parking tickets, the response is almost always the same. They tell me about how they were recently screwed by an overly aggressive ticket-slinger, then relate tales of similar abuse experienced by other people they know. Sure, they finally acknowledge, parking metering and ticketing is a stealth tax. A curb … [Read more...] about The Next Big Tax Issue—Parking Tickets
Tribute To Michael Jackson At The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards
Jeralyn on last night's MTV Music Video Awards: The MTV-VH1 Music Video Awards were tonight. They sure have changed. Madonna, looking relaxed, calm and very pretty, opened the show with a quiet and actually quite moving speech in tribute to Michael Jackson [link]. After noting they were born the same year, she mentioned she lost her mother when she was a young girl. But she … [Read more...] about Tribute To Michael Jackson At The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards
The Landmine in Obama’s Health Care Plan
Following the last round of speeches, we have found out one thing... President Obama has claimed the Max Baucus compromise health care bill as his own. So you can call it the Baucus Plan or the Obama Plan or the compromise, or whatever you like. But this is, at least for now, Obama's plan. While we still don't have a full copy of what the Finance Committee is cooking, some of … [Read more...] about The Landmine in Obama’s Health Care Plan
Biopic on Charles Darwin Is Shunned By U.S. Distributors
I don't know what to say about this. Obviously, it's extraordinary, disturbing, deeply depressing, that the one country in the world that for so long was known for innovation and technological brilliance -- a nation that was founded on Enlightenment principles of reason and open intellectual inquiry -- is now sliding back into a primeval muck of ignorance, superstition, and … [Read more...] about Biopic on Charles Darwin Is Shunned By U.S. Distributors
Osama bin Laden Releases ‘address to Americans’
No transcript yet: "The video shows a still of bin Laden while the audio statement plays. There is no video footage of bin Laden or of anything else, aside from the graphics surrounding his still. There is no media footage or footage from other groups," IntelCenter said. The group described the release as "an address to the American public" and said bin Laden typically … [Read more...] about Osama bin Laden Releases ‘address to Americans’
RIP Norman Borlaug
His name may not have been as well known as some others but Borlaug, who died this past Saturday at the age of 95, was quite probably one of the most important figures of the 20th century. He was called the father of the Green Revolution, a sweeping transformation of agriculture that occurred during the middle part of the century. Perhaps his most famous achievement was the … [Read more...] about RIP Norman Borlaug
The Public Option Is Alive and Well
Pres. Obama gave a rousing, campaign-style speech in Philadelphia today in which he spoke up strongly for the public option. … [Read more...] about The Public Option Is Alive and Well
White America?
Tyrone notwithstanding, like Stephen Colbert, I don't see race. … [Read more...] about White America?