If you're like me, you've heard and read enough from the pundits and politicians about the stimulus bills. Look, when a country is where we are economically, no solution is going to be one that everyone can support because we know we don't all agree on solutions and we know we don't know what will happen - no matter who tells you otherwise. Today, starting at 12noon, you … [Read more...] about Pundits, Politicians? Pfft! What Do You Think About the Stimulus?
Contribute To TMV’s “Bailout” (Fundraising Drive)
This is the time of year for The Moderate Voice's annual fund raising drive, and it's needed now more than ever. But we're not seeking millions -- just trying to raise $870. Details and info on how you can contribute are HERE. (This message will appear at the top of this site often between now and when the fundraiser ends February 23. So far we have not reached 1/2 of our … [Read more...] about Contribute To TMV’s “Bailout” (Fundraising Drive)
Congressional Fossils
Monte Wolverton, Cagle Cartoons This cartoon is copyrighted and licensed to appear on TMV. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. … [Read more...] about Congressional Fossils
Gallup: Public supports Obama, Democrats over GOP on stimulus by wide margin
I have to admit that I read the Washington Post piece on GOP anti-stimulus strategy with a bit of glee. Replete with photo of an arrogant Rush Limbaugh the article cited various and sundry Republican officials who believe in their heart of hearts that opposing the stimulus is the key to their return from the wilderness. What really struck me was a quote from Rep. Paul Ryan … [Read more...] about Gallup: Public supports Obama, Democrats over GOP on stimulus by wide margin
Is Obama Still Running for Election?
With the stimulus package battle seeming to draw toward a close, President Obama is packing his bags and heading out for a town hall meeting in Indiana. The timing may seem spot on, but the venue raises some questions. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs says Obama wants to go where the nation's economic problems are "acute" as part of his "his effort to convince Congress to … [Read more...] about Is Obama Still Running for Election?
Turkey In The Fire (Guest Voice)
Is Turkey heading closer to an Islamist agenda? In this Guest Voice post, Barry Rubin. the director of the Global Research in International Affairs (GLORIA) Center and editor of the Middle East Review of International Affairs (MERIA) Journal. -- who spent 35 years working on Turkish history and politics and says he was the first Israeli exchange professor to teach there -- … [Read more...] about Turkey In The Fire (Guest Voice)
Georgia Legislators Team With Christian Right to End Queer Studies
And they're using the state's $2.2-billion budget shortfall to justify it. So says AP: State Rep. Charlice Byrd of Woodstock took the House well on Friday to announce a "grass-roots" effort to oust professors with expertise in subjects like male prostitution, oral sex and "queer theory." "This is not considered higher education," she said. "If legislators are going to dole … [Read more...] about Georgia Legislators Team With Christian Right to End Queer Studies
Newsweek: Why We Don’t Hate The Rich
An interesting article in Newsweek discussed why there will not be a revolution against the rich. It may disappoint some on the left blogs but we don't hate the rich in this country. … [Read more...] about Newsweek: Why We Don’t Hate The Rich
Goodbye To All That: The Slow-Motion Death Of The Great American Newspaper
By SHAUN MULLEN GUEST VOICE Over Kiko's House, my own blog, this is the 6,000th post since its inception. That the subject is the slow and agonizing death of the great American newspaper is no accident. I planned it that way. But nobody could have planned the decline and fall of what has been an essential part of our daily bread for so long: The newspaper that the … [Read more...] about Goodbye To All That: The Slow-Motion Death Of The Great American Newspaper
New Comet To Grace The Skies
Just for those of you in an area without clouds, a new comet is expected to grace the skies over the coming weeks. While it won't be visible to the naked eye in suburban or urban areas, it will be seen in less crowded areas. It also can be seen in with binoculars or a small telescope. So check it out. … [Read more...] about New Comet To Grace The Skies
Easy Economic Stimulus Package: Move The Decimal Point (Guest Voice)
American political leaders are looking for a way for American to start digging its way out of the increasingly grimmer financial crisis. In this Guest Voice post, TMV reader Marc Pascal, an Arizona-based economic psychologist, offers an intriguing idea: move the decimal point. Guest Voice posts do not necessarily reflect the opinion of TMV or its writers. Easy Economic … [Read more...] about Easy Economic Stimulus Package: Move The Decimal Point (Guest Voice)
Praying for Safety, Mercy, and Medical Aid: Killer Wildfires Said to Be Purposely Set In Dry Windy Australia
from Guardian UK by Ellen Connolly in Sydney ...flames four storeys high raced across the land like a speeding train, wiping out towns within an hour. The pretty alpine town of Marysville was flattened, street by street, every public building - the post office, police station, guest houses - no more. Many tried to escape the acrid smoke in their cars but some did not … [Read more...] about Praying for Safety, Mercy, and Medical Aid: Killer Wildfires Said to Be Purposely Set In Dry Windy Australia
Over 100 Dead In Australian Wildfires
Fires continue to rage in Australia with over 100 dead already and the danger of more deaths in the coming days. What makes things even worse is that the fires are suspected of being caused by arson Suspicions that the worst wildfires ever to strike Australia were deliberately set led police to declare crime scenes Monday in towns incinerated by blazes, while investigators … [Read more...] about Over 100 Dead In Australian Wildfires
Obama’s Brain Twister: Selecting a Muslim Venue – Financial Times Deutschland
It's a question that obsesses the Muslim world from Southeast Asia to the Persian Gulf: Where will President Obama deliver his much anticipated speech to a 'Muslim capital'? Benjamin Dierks of Germany's Financial Times Deutschland penned this op-ed on the subject, and concludes that the obvious choice is probably the right one. Dierks writes in part: "No sooner had … [Read more...] about Obama’s Brain Twister: Selecting a Muslim Venue – Financial Times Deutschland
Has The Internet Made America “Ruder And Cruder”?
Right Wing News' John Hawkins, writing on Pajamas Media's website, notes something that many of us who've followed politics and discussion have noted -- and he hits the nail squarely on the head: 1. The internet has opened more opportunities for greater political discussion. 2. The Internet has made people ruder than ever and made American political discourse uglier -- a … [Read more...] about Has The Internet Made America “Ruder And Cruder”?
Rescue Fantasies
The emotional power of 60 Minutes tonight went deeper than a disaster story with a happy ending--the safe ditching of Flight 1549 in the Hudson River with 155 passengers and crew. In a time of fear and anxiety, it affirmed a powerful collective belief that, against all odds, human beings can save themselves and others from disaster. The retelling of that story was ironically … [Read more...] about Rescue Fantasies
Choosing the Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau Director
With the Lilly Ledbetter Act now law, and the first piece of congressional legislation signed by President Barack Obama at that, it's time to consider who will lead the U.S. Department of Labor's Women's Bureau in its fulfillment of its mission: Mission Statement To improve the status of wage-earning women, improve their working conditions, increase their efficiency, and … [Read more...] about Choosing the Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau Director
Why Renewable Energy Isn’t Just A Matter Of Will
I think that moving off of a petroleum based economy is the biggest challenge in the next 50 years and will determine whether we stagnate or are prosperous. Unfortunately, I think the issue has become politicized to such an extent that many people believe we have the technology now and it's just a matter of willpower (and money). This is actually not the case. The New … [Read more...] about Why Renewable Energy Isn’t Just A Matter Of Will
Obama Goes to Court
After he saves the economy, the new President will face a really tough decision: With March Madness almost here, where will he shoot hoops and with whom? Barack Obama, the nation's first basketball-playing chief executive, lives in a White House with a tennis court and bowling alley, but he will have to leave the grounds to get a game--either at Fort Myers off Arlington … [Read more...] about Obama Goes to Court
Faces Of The Fallen—A Reverent Tribute
I don't know how long the Washington Post has been assembling and publishing this. But, I just came across it today. It is a compelling, reverent and stirring compilation---honor gallery is a better term---of photos of and information about all our brave heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq (Operation "Iraqi Freedom") and in Afghanistan (Operation "Enduring … [Read more...] about Faces Of The Fallen—A Reverent Tribute