Certainly instability born of the disconnect between the Afghan government and its people to which President Obama alluded in his news conference several days ago is at play in a suicide attack on the Ministry of Justice in Kabul. But there's another factor as well. The Taliban and their allies obviously also are welcoming the new administration in Washington, testing the … [Read more...] about “Welcoming” the New Administration
Specter’s Magic Bullet
It has been confirmed that there are several conservative PACs who are threatening to find primary challengers to the Republican Senators who dare to vote for the stimulus package that is being pushed by President Barack Obama. Two of the three G.O.P. traitors, Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins (both from Maine), do not face an election in 2010. However, that does leave Arlen … [Read more...] about Specter’s Magic Bullet
It’s Time to Nationalize the Banks
In what I think was President Obama's first substantive error (not including the easily fixed nominee battles), his Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner offered an outline of a financial plan that skirts around the main problem facing the financial system. Geithner's plan is based on three parts: 1) Give $50 billion to homeowners struggling with foreclosure. Details on this will … [Read more...] about It’s Time to Nationalize the Banks
Tone Deaf Congress to give Stimulus Money to ACORN?
It's not quite as bad as the title might imply, but the more we look at the pending stimulus package, the more we see how much Congress needs to slow down and examine this more carefully. One provision tucked away in the bill could result in certain "housing groups and nonprofits" will be able to apply for funding from the package. The Albuquerque Journal has the details. … [Read more...] about Tone Deaf Congress to give Stimulus Money to ACORN?
Note To Dems: Pull Back, Regroup, Counter-Attack
It's a basic military strategy. When you can't hold a given line you withdraw, regroup, strengthen your own forces while your enemy over-extends himself, then counter-attack and win the field. That's what has to be done now with the stimulus bill. The measure now in a conference between the House and Senate isn't big enough to really pull our fast-falling economy out of its … [Read more...] about Note To Dems: Pull Back, Regroup, Counter-Attack
Chavez Seeks End To Democracy In Venezuela
Over the eight years of the Bush administration, many on the far left warned that he was going to bring an end to democracy in the United States, that he was going to end elections, ban dissent, and so on. Such complaints have been raised against most recent adminstrations and in every case they were wholly unfounded. But in Venezuela it looks like things are heading just … [Read more...] about Chavez Seeks End To Democracy In Venezuela
The 2nd Amendment and the Revenge of the Incorporation Doctrine
With a hat tip to Reason.com we find out from the CrimeProf Blog that there's an ill wind blowing for Second Amendment enthusiasts from the Second Circuit Court. It comes in the form of Maloney v. Cuomo and brings the Incorporation Doctrine roaring back on the scene. The Second Amendment guarantee of the right to bear arms does not apply to override state firearms bans, the … [Read more...] about The 2nd Amendment and the Revenge of the Incorporation Doctrine
Deficit Spending
Adam Zyglis, The Buffalo News This cartoon is copyrighted and licensed to appear on TMV. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. … [Read more...] about Deficit Spending
No Female Senators or Representatives from Congress are on Stimulus Bill Conference Committee
You have got to be kidding me: Senate Democratic leadership has announced who will be serving on the conference committee to iron out differences in the House and Senate versions of the stimulus bill. Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont. Appropriations Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii Finance Committee Ranking … [Read more...] about No Female Senators or Representatives from Congress are on Stimulus Bill Conference Committee
Get Away from Those Spinning Doors (Guest Voice)
Is President Barack Obama learning a painful lesson? Is he getting crushed by the Washington insider doors? In this Guest Voice post, Michael Winship, senior writer for PBS's Bill Moyers' Journal, looks at the issue -- and pitfalls. Guest Voice posts do not necessarily reflect the opinion of TMV or its writers. Get Away from Those Spinning Doors by Michael Winship Not … [Read more...] about Get Away from Those Spinning Doors (Guest Voice)
Don’t Ask Don’t Tell: We Are Watching and Waiting, Mr. President
When he ran for President, one of the promises Candidate Obama made was that he would lift the current policy of "Don't Ask Don't Tell" in favor of allowing gays to serve openly in the US Military. While there were issues where I disagreed with Mr. Obama, this was not one of them. I have long felt that this 'wink and a nod' policy was idiotic and somewhat insulting to both … [Read more...] about Don’t Ask Don’t Tell: We Are Watching and Waiting, Mr. President
Partisan Love
David Fitzsimmons, The Arizona Star This cartoon is copyrighted and licensed to appear on TMV. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. … [Read more...] about Partisan Love
Utah Governor Backs Civil Unions
In a move that has surprised some, angered a few and won praise from many (including yours truly), Utah Governor Jon Huntsman has announced his support for same sex civil unions. Huntsman is both a conservative Republican and a Mormon but he has come out in support of a measure in the legislature (which has no chance of passage) to provide for civil unions in Utah. The popular … [Read more...] about Utah Governor Backs Civil Unions
Confessions Of A Blogger…
A fictional character Wilkins Micawber, from Charles Dickens' famous novel David Copperfield, was immortalized for saying his favourite words "something may turn up". Finally, this fictional character ended up in a debtor's prison. Although this may not the fate of the bloggers, but they do dream on...hoping that "something may turn up" one day. Daniel Lyons has an … [Read more...] about Confessions Of A Blogger…
The Real Work of Bipartisanship
"Bipartisan" has become the word of the day in political life. Actually, I don't think its hold has ever left us. There is something among Americans that we want to see people put aside partisan differences and work together. Presidential candidates love to talk about how they will come to Washington and create a new environment where people will work together and things … [Read more...] about The Real Work of Bipartisanship
Multinational Defense Contracts, Multinational Economic Issues
I have recently been posting on the upcoming Obama administration's decision on how many (if any) additional Lockheed Martin F-22 fighter aircraft to purchase. The decision will be based on a multitude of factors and considerations. In previous, and probably in ongoing and future deliberations, another fifth generation fighter aircraft being developed by Lockheed … [Read more...] about Multinational Defense Contracts, Multinational Economic Issues
Symbols Valued Over Substance (Guest Voice)
Wells Fargo canceled an expensive shindig for its executives, said shindig a PR no-no now that the bank is receiving TARP funds. In this Guest Voice post, cross-posted from his blog, James Hertsch of In the Alternative, argues that the "savings" are mostly just PR and that over-the-top criticism is unjustified. Guest Voice posts do not necessarily reflect the opinion of TMV or … [Read more...] about Symbols Valued Over Substance (Guest Voice)
China ‘Will Not Tolerate’ U.S. Exchange Rate Threats: The China Daily, People’s Republic of China
Is a trade war about to brake out between the United States and the People's Republic of China? U.S. talk of Chinese currency manipulation has raised hackles in Beijing, and they have responded. This article from China's strictly-controlled China Daily might be summarized this way: "You [the U.S.] had better not start a trade war - but if you do, America will be hurt more than … [Read more...] about China ‘Will Not Tolerate’ U.S. Exchange Rate Threats: The China Daily, People’s Republic of China
In Case You’re Wondering…
I'm not related. I'm not a porn-again Christian. [This gem has been crossposted at my personal blog.] … [Read more...] about In Case You’re Wondering…
Israeli Election Update
Most of the votes have been counted (it's the middle of the night in Israel). Out of the 33 political parties participating, 5 major and 7 minor parties have elected one or more MKs (Members of the incoming Knesset): Haaretz: With 88 percent of the votes counted, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni's Kadima Party is in first place with 29 of the Knesset's 120 seats, with … [Read more...] about Israeli Election Update