He turns 77 tomorrow in a life much longer than those of his brothers Joe, Jack and Bobby, who died young and violently before he had reached the age of 40. In four decades since then, Ted Kennedy has lived in the shadow of legends yet survived to make his own place in history, the last son of a generation "wired to be optimistic," as he tells a reporter today. “That’s … [Read more...] about Ted Kennedy’s Last Hurrah
Sabato’s Crystal Ball — SENATE 2010: A Three-Peat for Democrats or Comeback for the GOP?
Part Two of Three of Larry J. Sabato on SENATE 2010: A Three-Peat for Democrats or Comeback for the GOP? Last week in the Crystal Ball, we looked at the historical background of off-year Senate elections and laid the groundwork for the earliest possible projection of the 36 contests on the ballot in 2010. This week we call the Senate roll among sitting Democrats to see who … [Read more...] about Sabato’s Crystal Ball — SENATE 2010: A Three-Peat for Democrats or Comeback for the GOP?
Thanks For the Memories, Diosa Rubia
Conchita Cintrón. That name evokes fond memories of and nostalgia for my years as a young boy in my native Ecuador, just as another name does: Evita Perón. However, there is one notable difference. I have continued to frequently come across the name of that famous personality, the First Lady of Argentina from 1946 until 1952, the charismatic, idolized, all but … [Read more...] about Thanks For the Memories, Diosa Rubia
Tax Bonus Offset By Rising Fuel Costs
Let's put President Barack Obama's Saturday weekly radio and Internet address in perspective. "Never before in our history has a tax cut taken effect faster or gone to so many hardworking Americans," Obama said. He was referring to passage of one phase of the $787 billion economic stimulus package in which 95% working Americans will take home about an additional $65 per … [Read more...] about Tax Bonus Offset By Rising Fuel Costs
Vista Has Been A Problem Throughout History
Last month TMV launched a "bailout" (fundraiser) to try and raise $900 to cover some needed tech work and contribute to less than half the cost of a laptop, since much of what I write on this site is done via laptop while I travel and my five-year-old Dell was dying. The fundraiser has only raised a small part of what was needed (so it'll resume Monday and be extended for a few … [Read more...] about Vista Has Been A Problem Throughout History
Republican
Bob Englehart, The Hartford Courant This cartoon is copyrighted and licensed to appear on TMV. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. … [Read more...] about Republican
Are Obama’s Speeches Getting Ahead Of His Accomplishments?
The Swamp's Mark Silva raises a valid point for anyone who has insisted on the need for government to have less spin, particularly in light of the experience of the Bush administration: are President Barack Obama's comments now starting to get a bit a head of his actual accomplishments after just one month in office? Isn't it time that the "say it often enough and people … [Read more...] about Are Obama’s Speeches Getting Ahead Of His Accomplishments?
On Our Fallen Heroes, Returning Home: A Word From Ordinary Citizens
As I have mentioned before, I often find that regular people, people like you and I, can look at the issues of our time and come up with more sensible, down-to-earth opinions---and sometimes solutions---than the pundits and the politicians. That's why I like to read the "Letters to the Editor" sections of the various newspapers and periodicals. The issue of lifting the … [Read more...] about On Our Fallen Heroes, Returning Home: A Word From Ordinary Citizens
Where the Money Isn’t (Guest Voice)
Where the Money Isn’t by Michael Reagan Willie Sutton is wrongly believed to have said he robbed banks because “that’s where the money is.” He never said that, and anybody who says it now would also be wrong. A bank’s principal function is twofold -- to be a depository for their customers’ money and to make profits by lending money and charging interest on the … [Read more...] about Where the Money Isn’t (Guest Voice)
Interview with Darrel Vandeveld
Continuing my series of interviews on whatever the "war on terror" will now be called, I am pleased to be able to bring you the first of my interviews with someone able to speak from the perspective of having been called upon to prosecute alleged (and this is they key word missed by so many closed-minded people, unlike today's subject) acts of terror and/or war crimes that may … [Read more...] about Interview with Darrel Vandeveld
Election Law Litigation More Than Double Pre-2000 Levels
Navy Honors Ramadi Heroes
It was just another day of ordinary but dangerous duty at the entrance to a Marine and Iraqi police encampment in Ramadi, Iraq, for Lance Cpl. Jordan Haerter, from Sag Harbor, N.Y., and Cpl. Jonathan T. Yale, from Burkeville, Va., just about a year ago, on April 22, 2008. The two Marines were standing guard at at the entrance to the encampment, when suddenly a truck began … [Read more...] about Navy Honors Ramadi Heroes
S&P: We’re Still Only In The Beginning Stages Of The Credit Crunch
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