I'll admit that I've said some alarmist stuff about where I think the economic crisis is going, but I'd argue that the alarm is realistic based on the dynamics of the crisis. Some people object and ask why things aren't that bad yet (only about as bad as the 74 and 81 recessions) if it's such a big problem. Well, if you've ever in a canyon in an arid place like Colorado or … [Read more...] about S&P: We’re Still Only In The Beginning Stages Of The Credit Crunch
Is This a Way to Avoid Future Roland Burrises?
Even if Roland Burris did nothing wrong to obtain former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich's interim appointment to the United States Senate, Blagojevich's corruption would have Burris facing his constituents through a cloud of suspicion. Wisconsin's senator, Russ Feingold, has a proposal that might prevent future Roland Burris-style imbroglios. But, a little background is … [Read more...] about Is This a Way to Avoid Future Roland Burrises?
Can We Stop Having Conversations About Race?
Every so often, I have been part of a "discussion" on race. Every time I hear this, I start to shudder, because I know where this is all leading and how it will end. We all get together and there are a few speakers. A black person will talk about how unfair life has been for them and a white person will talk about their white privilege. The African Americans (and other … [Read more...] about Can We Stop Having Conversations About Race?
Big Higher Ed Hikes in India
Government financing of education and research helped this nation thrive and develop agriculture, canals, education, science, pharmaceuticals, railroads, aircraft and computers. It drives me nuts that some of our elected officials blather platitudes about the importance of education even as they seek to dismantle and de-fund the public school system, publicly funded research … [Read more...] about Big Higher Ed Hikes in India
When a Dropping Dow is a Good Thing
Like most Americans, I have money tied up in some form or another in the stock market. And like most Americans, my retirement and kids' college funds have been hit hard. But like an increasing segment of America, I believe that we will only turn the corner on this economic crisis when the government places the largest insolvent banks - Bank of America and Citigroup at least … [Read more...] about When a Dropping Dow is a Good Thing
Google Earth Exposes US Base in Pakistan
Slate describes how Google Earth accidentally confirmed Sen. Feinstein's comments about the US having secret bases in Pakistan from which we launch attacks on Al Qaeda with unmanned aircraft. (Hat tip: Abu Muqawama) Cross-posted at Conventional Folly … [Read more...] about Google Earth Exposes US Base in Pakistan
Israel’s Political Dilemma
You might also call it Netanyahu's choice. And he made it clear as soon as he became the country's PM what he considers the country's gravest threat. … [Read more...] about Israel’s Political Dilemma
Obama Flips on “Free Trade” Campaign Statements
Stopping off in Canada, President Obama took time out of his busy schedule to meet with the Prime Minister and hold a joint press conference. Most of it consisted of the usual Miss Congeniality Contest pablum typical of these meetings, but when it came time for the Q&A, a member of the press dared to ask about NAFTA and America's so called "free trade" agreements with our … [Read more...] about Obama Flips on “Free Trade” Campaign Statements
The First Sign Of The Apocalypse
Forget the economy, that will eventually improve on its own. However things like this really terrify me. … [Read more...] about The First Sign Of The Apocalypse
America Secretly Popular in Asia
There's a front-page story in today's WaPo about Hillary Clinton's listening tour in Asia. Not often reported, but included toward the end of this story, is a bit of data well-known to Asia watchers: The Chicago Council on Global Affairs conducted a survey last year in the four countries Clinton is visiting this week -- China, Japan, South Korea and Indonesia -- and found … [Read more...] about America Secretly Popular in Asia
Sooner or Later: A Day of Reckoning
I can't add much to this from Andrew Sullivan. It is, precisely, how my under-educated mind views the current economic maelstrom and all the "solutions" offered for it. … [Read more...] about Sooner or Later: A Day of Reckoning
A World That Won’t Be Coming Back
For generations of Americans today, retirement will never be the same as that of their parents and grandparents. The President's costly, complicated and inescapably necessary plan to save millions of homes recalls a discussion only a few years ago among recently retired professional people. Most were financing their later years not so much by savings from substantial … [Read more...] about A World That Won’t Be Coming Back
Defining Victory Downward in Afghanistan? Not Yet
Newsweek called Afghanistan Obama's Vietnam. Conservatives made the argument for victory. Barack Obama made a significant decision and chose to send an additional 17,000 troops to Afghanistan. I won't call it a hard decision, but it was certainly the right one, so the President deserves credit for that. Still, the President cautioned the dispatch of additional troops … [Read more...] about Defining Victory Downward in Afghanistan? Not Yet
Why Republicans Don’t Get the Internet
Meghan McCain, daughter of John and blog chronicler of his campaign at McCain Blogette.com, had a post on the Daily Beast yesterday promising to explain it to us. Of the site featuring the video above, RebuildTheParty.com, she says: The website is about as provocative as a blue suit, white shirt, and red tie. At the time that I write this, the video on the homepage features … [Read more...] about Why Republicans Don’t Get the Internet
The Maldonado Effect
Call it "hostage taking" or "blackmail" or whatever you like, but California State Senator Abel Maldonado (great first name, by the way) has given us all much to think and talk and write about: Perhaps most controversial of Maldonado's terms ... was that the Legislature sponsor a ballot measure calling for open primaries. Such a proposition would mean the top two … [Read more...] about The Maldonado Effect
Former President Bill Clinton’s Advice For Barack Obama
Former President Bill Clinton has some advice for President Barack Obama: only, unlike during the campaign, this time it isn't basically "Go Cheney yourself." This time, Clinton, in comments carried widely on the Internet and on news wires, is urging Obama to tone down the doom and gloom and talk more hopeful. Clinton has a point -- but would that really be fitting for … [Read more...] about Former President Bill Clinton’s Advice For Barack Obama
Bibi Netanyahu Anointed; Now What – For Settlements, Iran?
From JTA: Israeli President Shimon Peres invited Benjamin Netanyahu to form the next government. After hearing from Peres Friday, Netanyahu, who leads the Likud Party, immediately invited Tzipi Livni, the leader of the Kadima Party, and Ehud Barak, the leader of the Labor Party, to form a national unity government. Such a government would help Netanyahu hew to a centrist … [Read more...] about Bibi Netanyahu Anointed; Now What – For Settlements, Iran?
Around The Sphere
Our famous linkfest providing you links to interesting posts and stories of varying viewpoints. Links do not necessarily reflect the opinion of TMV or its writers. An Obama Newspaper Story Update Or An Obama Image Protection? You decide... Obama The Ideologue? The Washington Post's Kathleen Parker was one of the group of columnists who had a chat with him on Air Force One … [Read more...] about Around The Sphere
The Crisis of Credit Visualized
Can you explain the existing economic crisis' pivotal crisis of credit simply so anyone can grasp the crisis? The answer is YES and California graduate student Jonathan Jarvis shows us how below: The Crisis of Credit Visualized from Jonathan Jarvis on Vimeo. To see more of Jarvis' thesis work on how to use the media to explain complex issues GO HERE. Corporations, … [Read more...] about The Crisis of Credit Visualized
Burris Tangled Web
Mike Lane, Cagle Cartoons This cartoon is copyrighted and licensed to appear on TMV. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. … [Read more...] about Burris Tangled Web