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The Moderate Voice

An Internet hub with domestic and international news, analysis, original reporting, and popular features from the left, center, indies, centrists, moderates, and right


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Health Care Reform

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I had previously opened up a discussion on this important topic but had not revisited it in a while and since it is likely to be a major issue in the coming months I thought it was worth addressing again. I presume it goes without saying that we all agree that there is a problem, that our current health care system is incredibly messed up and that unless we make some major … [Read more...] about Health Care Reform

Titanic Tales: Now The Flask & An Archive

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The world-wide interest in Titanic tragedy (of 1912) was fueled by the 1997 film on the sinking of this Olympic-class passenger liner. Interestingly, tales relating to The Titanic keep surfacing with surprising regularity. Here is the latest one attributed to the survivor Ms Barbara West (photo left)... The latest story emerged after the death of Barbara, one of the last … [Read more...] about Titanic Tales: Now The Flask & An Archive

After Midnight Blogger: The Nothing Left to Say Edition

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THE CSENDES EMBER We were climbing up past Maroon Bells It was getting to be a straight up climb. Needing breath, we stopped talking... Ran out of words even more than running out of breath. Something about being in the Csendes ember of Nature Makes small talk stupider than usual... Csendes ember, amongst my Magyar tribal people means, Man of Silence, the name for … [Read more...] about After Midnight Blogger: The Nothing Left to Say Edition

LET’S ELIMINATE CASH

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An attorney completed a last will & testament for a kindly old lady. She paid him with a crisp new $100 bill. After she left, the lawyer noticed there was another $100 bill stuck to the first. The counselor was in an ethical quandary – should he tell his partner? Undoubtedly that cash might never be reported to the IRS as income for tax purposes either. Paying for and … [Read more...] about LET’S ELIMINATE CASH

Governor Douglas To Veto Gay Marriage Bill: Wrong But Brave

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Vermont Governor Jim Douglas (R) has indicated that he will veto the gay marriage bill that is expected to come to his desk sometime this or next week. While I strongly disagree with his decision I have to admire the fact that he has the courage of his convictions. As Douglas himself has said, the odds are very strong that the bill will become law anyway. It passed the … [Read more...] about Governor Douglas To Veto Gay Marriage Bill: Wrong But Brave

Mexico Needs ‘Deeds, Not Words’ From Obama White House: El Universal, Mexico

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Hillary Says: 'Although this isn't a FAILED state, I hope that their security system doesn't fail.' According to this editorial from Mexico's El Universal, after the disappointment Mexicans felt with the Bush Administration and the Democratically-controlled Congress, Mexicans are gun-shy about believing Obama's warm words. The El Universal editorial says in … [Read more...] about Mexico Needs ‘Deeds, Not Words’ From Obama White House: El Universal, Mexico

The Greatest of These is Charity (or Not)

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When it comes to economics and money matters, I understand it...to a point. My partner is the better person when it comes to money. But I will give it a go when it comes to the following issue. I work for a non-profit, actually one and a half: I work part time as a pastor at a church and full time as a webmaster for a the administrative body of a mainline Protestant … [Read more...] about The Greatest of These is Charity (or Not)

The Other Side of AIG

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Megan McArdle has a great post about the whole AIG bonus debacle. What we are starting to learn is that things are not what they seem. According to the popular rhetoric, the people getting these bonuses are the same ones that got us into this mess. But the reality is less clear. McArdle links to this letter op-ed letter from one person who received these bonuses. Before … [Read more...] about The Other Side of AIG

One Reason Why The News Media Gets A Bad Image

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Why does the news media get a bad image among many Americans? Just as politicians slip up and appear bloated with self-importance, just as Hollywood stars can appear to be blow-fish, puffing up with huge opinions of themselves, just as bloggers (with the exception of me) often think they and their websites are more significant than they are...there are times when the … [Read more...] about One Reason Why The News Media Gets A Bad Image

To Make Up With Iran, U.S. Must Fess Up to 1953 Coup: Frankfurter Rundschau of Germany

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Commentators around the world are debating the wisdom of President Obama's video message to Iranians last weekend. According to this pair of op-eds from Germany's Frankfurter Rundschau, if the United States wants to resume normal relations with Tehran, it's going to have to do a few things that it has hitherto been unwilling to do: officially admit to and apologize for the 1953 … [Read more...] about To Make Up With Iran, U.S. Must Fess Up to 1953 Coup: Frankfurter Rundschau of Germany

Wall Street Squeals, Obama Kneels

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Every once in awhile you think that maybe, just maybe, this Congress and this President actually have some political courage. But it's a fast dissipating illusion. Beltway courage is like bottle courage. Blows hard, talks loud and tough, then passes out before actually following up. Take this latest business with A.I.G. bonuses and fat cat Wall Street bonuses generally. … [Read more...] about Wall Street Squeals, Obama Kneels

One Small Step Towards Universal Health Care

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Contrary as I am, several years ago I began answering health coverage insurance ads received on the Internet and postal mail. They promised a blissful, worry-free life in what is laughingly referred to as my "golden years" for a "very small premium or no premium at all." Right. In each case, the happy talk from the insurance company sales people switched from euphoria … [Read more...] about One Small Step Towards Universal Health Care

AIG Executive Resigns Over Bonus Issue

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I'm sure a lot of AIG executives have done that, but this one wrote an op-ed about it in the New York Times: DEAR Mr. Liddy, It is with deep regret that I submit my notice of resignation from A.I.G. Financial Products. I hope you take the time to read this entire letter. Before describing the details of my decision, I want to offer some context: I am proud of everything … [Read more...] about AIG Executive Resigns Over Bonus Issue

AIG Official Quits Besieged Company — Via New York Times Op-Ed

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There used to be an old saying that Hollywood studio bigwigs told script writers who let a message get in the way of entertainment: "If you have a message to send, send it Western Union." Now, in the 21st century, you could revise it: "If you have a message to send, send it in an Op-Ed piece in The New York Times." Jake DeSantis, an executive vice president of the American … [Read more...] about AIG Official Quits Besieged Company — Via New York Times Op-Ed

PLAYING THE DOZENS – Pundit Edition!

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YO' MOMMA SO STUPID, SHE NEEDS A TELEPROMPTER TO TAKE A SHOWER! I remember back on my childhood days, I had ridiculous skills when it came to "playing the dozens". For those not in the know, here is a good definition of "playing the dozens" (via Wikipedia): The dozens is an element of the African American oral tradition in which two competitors, usually males, go head … [Read more...] about PLAYING THE DOZENS – Pundit Edition!