How much different would things have been in terms of the tone of American politics if in 2000 President George Bush had held a dinner honoring his defeated Democratic opponent for the Presidency, Al Gore? And how would the past four years have gone if he had held a dinner honoring John Kerry? We'll never know that -- but the idea will be tested now after a remarkable … [Read more...] about Obama Hails McCain In Bipartisan Appeal
Presidential Inaugural Speeches: Gerald R. Ford’s Remarks on Taking the Oath of Office as President
On August 9, 1974 Richard Nixon resigned the office of the Presidency due to fall out over the Watergate scandal, and Gerald Ford was sworn in. He didn't make what really was an inaugural address. But he was eloquent. Once Ford pardoned Nixon, he lost a significant amount of support. And history has generally been kind to him. But note, again, how he was arguing here for … [Read more...] about Presidential Inaugural Speeches: Gerald R. Ford’s Remarks on Taking the Oath of Office as President
Giving Bush Credit
George Bush's top 5 foreign policy successes, via RealClearWorld HERE. … [Read more...] about Giving Bush Credit
Around The Sphere
Our linkfest taking you to sites of varying viewpoints. Links do not necessarily reflect the views of TMV or its writers. George Bush Disappoints Some Allies (and perhaps the Media) by not pardoning Scooter Libby. Why Wasn't The Gay Bishop On HBO's inaugural concert at the Lincoln Memorial? Was the problem HBO? Some flatly call it censorship. But The Atlantic's Marc … [Read more...] about Around The Sphere
Israel’s Difficulties in Claiming Victory in Gaza
Most of world outside the US, especially on the Arab street, will see the Gaza ceasefire as a gain for Hamas whatever the spin put on it by Israel and its supporters. Billions of Chinese, Indians and Africans will likely agree with the Arab street. In today’s globalized world, this would be a sorry result for Israel’s existential struggles. Few people outside the West … [Read more...] about Israel’s Difficulties in Claiming Victory in Gaza
Rick Warren: The Perfect Inaugural Prayer, Bar None
In respect, Rev. Warren, here is one of the most perfect prayers I know... I hope you will use it for the inauguration of our new President, Obama. Really the inauguration prayer needs no other words than these... for this prayer I believe is in some way already written, in millions of languages, into the souls of human beings who made it to earth. It is a prayer … [Read more...] about Rick Warren: The Perfect Inaugural Prayer, Bar None
Inauguration
Cam Cardow, The Ottawa Citizen … [Read more...] about Inauguration
A Very Non-PC Take On MLK
As Elyas said, MLK's dream was far broader than its popular representation. In fact, he had lost much of his popularity for being against Vietnam and focusing on anti-poverty issues, but viewed those as integral to civil rights. Most interesting to me, he spoke out against ""socialism for the rich and rugged free market capitalism for the poor," a theme that obviously dominates … [Read more...] about A Very Non-PC Take On MLK
The Pollution Tax
Al Gore proposed that we institute a carbon tax on the carbon emitted by any company. This is a good idea so long as it applies to every company that sells anything in the US. I also believe that, while carbon is important to Mr. Gore, the US should be concerned with global pollution and the tax should be based on pollution. The US imposes expensive regulations on its … [Read more...] about The Pollution Tax
Bush Pardons Border Agent
In a move that has won bipartisan approval, President Bush has pardoned two US Border Patrol agents who were convicted of shooting a suspected drug dealer in 2005. The men were sentenced to long prison terms but are now expected to be released within 2 months after serving more than two years. No word yet on how the hard core anti-Bush crowd will manage to oppose this move. … [Read more...] about Bush Pardons Border Agent
Chris Rock: Making Fun Of Obama Is A Challenge
When Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th President of the United States tomorrow, a group of working Americans will face a new challenge: comedians. While conservative cartoonists are having a field day with the theme that Obama thinks he's Godlike (see cartoon above), comedians are finding that (so far at least) making fun of Obama isn't as easy as making fun of George … [Read more...] about Chris Rock: Making Fun Of Obama Is A Challenge
Presidential Inaugural Speeches: Richard Nixon’s First Inaugural Address
Here is Richard Nixon's first inaugural address from January 20, 1969 -- forty yars ago tomorrow. Nixon inherited a deeply divided nation, and his speech reflects that. So Nixon took the divided nation and made it....more divided. Until he resigned due to the events and ordeal involving the Watergate scandal. And then there was unity, as most Americans, who didn't even … [Read more...] about Presidential Inaugural Speeches: Richard Nixon’s First Inaugural Address
Has King’s Dream Been Fulfilled?
It's a question worth pondering the day before the first African American is sworn in as President of the United States. Two-thirds of African Americans believe the answer is yes, according to a new CNN poll. That's double the numbers in a similar poll last March. White Americans aren't quite as optimistic: Only 46% say the country has fulfilled King's vision. It is tough to … [Read more...] about Has King’s Dream Been Fulfilled?
An Omen? Al Qaeda Terrorist Camp Hit By Plague
Could it be that a certain higher power has joined the war against terror? According to the British newspaper The Sun, some 40 Al Qaeda terrorists have died after a plague hit the terrorist camps: At least 40 al-Qaeda fanatics died horribly after being struck down with the disease that devastated Europe in the Middle Ages. The killer bug, also known as the plague, swept … [Read more...] about An Omen? Al Qaeda Terrorist Camp Hit By Plague
Schedule Of Events For Barack Obama’s Inauguration
The AP has run a full schedule of events for Barack Obama's inauguration as 44th President of the United States. The full schedule includes today, tomorrow and Wed. Here's the schedule for tomorrow: Gates to the Inaugural Ceremony open at 8 a.m. EST. The inaugural festivities are scheduled to start at 10 a.m. on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. They will include: _ … [Read more...] about Schedule Of Events For Barack Obama’s Inauguration
Quote Of The Day: Barack Obama On Changing The Political Tone
Our political Quote of the Day comes from President Elect Barack Obama who said this in a Washington Post interview on the subject about changing the tone of 21st century American politics: What I hope to model is a way of interacting with people who aren't like you and don't agree with you that changes the temper of our politics. And then part of that changes how we think … [Read more...] about Quote Of The Day: Barack Obama On Changing The Political Tone
Bush’s Farewell
Dario Castillejos, Dario La Crisis … [Read more...] about Bush’s Farewell
More Join the Military—An Unintended Consequence?
Remember how we were having trouble attracting enough young people to join our armed forces so that we could send enough troops to feed the war in Iraq? Remember how, as casualties increased in Iraq, our armed services had to lower standards and start accepting recruits who were high school dropouts, who scored low on qualifications tests, who had medical problems and … [Read more...] about More Join the Military—An Unintended Consequence?
Relationship Shocker! What Women Want
With apologies to the ladies, this story is primarily for the men. So, guys, if you're in a relationship and your girlfriend indicates that she isn't really all that satisfied with the, um... "physical aspect" of your union, the reason may be just what you already suspected. You don't have a big enough... wallet. Money can't buy you love - but it can lead to better sex, … [Read more...] about Relationship Shocker! What Women Want
Martin Luther King’s Gift to Obama
He has been gone now for more years than he lived but, on the birthday we celebrate today, Martin Luther King Jr. would have been only 80 years old. Michelle and Barack Obama are doing community service in his honor and urging all Americans to do the same. In more ways than one, the inauguration of an African-American president tomorrow is part of his legacy. Martin … [Read more...] about Martin Luther King’s Gift to Obama