While it's true that some Iraqi journalists took umbrage at the behavior of their colleague, who recently threw his shoes at the president of the United States [Shoe Attack a Throwback to the Era of Saddam Hussein], it's clear that most Iraqis - including reporters - thought his act of defiance was quite a grand gesture. The pride of fellow Iraqi reporter Talat Shannaa, … [Read more...] about The Journalist Who Lifted Iraq’s New Years Spirits: Iraqi News Agency
Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges
As the Bush Presidency winds down, the debate raging among folks is if the President or his underlings should face prosecution for using torture. During the Christmas holiday, Mort Kondracke stated that for the sake of national unity, President-elect Obama should pass on prosecuting or investigating the Bush Administration for "war crimes" done in the name of the war on … [Read more...] about Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges
Deptartment of Obvious Predictions
Nostradamus, James Carville is not, 2009 will be a year in which the Republican Party will be confronted with a near catastrophic ideological rift. There is no obvious Republican leader on the horizon, and the party is caught between its Southern/talk-radio base and the rest of the country on whether they should oppose or cooperate with Obama's administration. The … [Read more...] about Deptartment of Obvious Predictions
In Defense of Friendships Formed With People We Meet Online
Friday in The Guardian Anna Pickard authored a stirring defense of making friends online: The friends I've made online – from blogging in particular, be they other bloggers or commenters on this or my own site – are the best friends I now have. And yet, when I say this to people, many times they'll look at me like I'm a social failure; and when surveys like this are reported, … [Read more...] about In Defense of Friendships Formed With People We Meet Online
Richardson’s Commerce Sec’y Withdrawal: Obama’s Stubbed Political Toe
The news that New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson was withdrawing his name from consideration as Obama administration Commerce Secretary represents a painful political toe-stubbing by President Elect and his team, which had earned a reputation for almost superhuman precision during the primary and election campaigns. Imagery matters in politics, and no matter who is blamed for … [Read more...] about Richardson’s Commerce Sec’y Withdrawal: Obama’s Stubbed Political Toe
Obama Book “Yes We Can” Sells Out 1st 55,000 Printing (Guest Voice)
What is the depth of the good-will generally facing President Elect Barack Obama? One sign is the fact that he will be taking office with some of the strongest polling numbers a President Elect has had since Ronald Reagan. Another: a new book of comprehensive, behind-the-scenes photos of Obama, Power House Book's "Yes We Can" sold out its first 55,000 copy printing before … [Read more...] about Obama Book “Yes We Can” Sells Out 1st 55,000 Printing (Guest Voice)
Barack In Limbo (Guest Voice)
President Elect Barack Obama often notes that until he's sworn in there is only "one President at a time." But, in this Guest Voice Post, conservative talk show host Michael Reagan wonders whether that's the reality or an excuse. Guest Voice posts do not necessarily reflect the opinion of TMV or its writers. Barack in Limbo by Michael Reagan As he stands on the … [Read more...] about Barack In Limbo (Guest Voice)
The Money Hole
Reading the recent post by Robert made me think of this: In The Know: Should The Government Stop Dumping Money Into A Giant Hole? Fun fact: it's based off something Keynes actually wrote. This goes back to my previous post about what happens when you start treating models as reality itself. … [Read more...] about The Money Hole
When Models Are Confused As Reality, We Are Blind
My day job is to help analyze and model biological systems. My intellectual passion is to eventually use computers to help create knowledge that would be impossible to even comprehend otherwise. I'm pretty much as strong of a proponent of using mathematical and computer modeling to make real world decisions as you can find. But I try my hardest to remember that models are … [Read more...] about When Models Are Confused As Reality, We Are Blind
Burris Won’t Rule Out Court To Keep Blagojevich-Appointed Senate Seat
You've heard of the week that was? This week will be the week that's it. Under one scenario, it could be a week that ends with a political furor being battled out in court. Or will it? It's the week when one of the most embarrassing and prickly political dramas facing Congressional Democrats will come to a head when the replacement candidate to serve out the remaining time … [Read more...] about Burris Won’t Rule Out Court To Keep Blagojevich-Appointed Senate Seat
Bill Richardson: Out Before He’s In
Bill Richardson has withdrawn his nomination as President-Elect Obama's Secretary of Commerce due to an ongoing investigation of his business dealings. … [Read more...] about Bill Richardson: Out Before He’s In
Gaza Crisis & Barack Obama’s Silence
Gaza crisis has been described as a recurring Middle Eastern nightmare. I can understand why US president-elect has decided to keep quiet. He has inherited a tragedy/madness whose history dates back to almost 100 years of political skulduggery of the powerful Western nations in that part of the world dividing the Jews and Arabs who once lived there peacefully. But Obama … [Read more...] about Gaza Crisis & Barack Obama’s Silence
Guess Who The First President Bush Would Like To See Be President One Day?
Here's a hint: he's his son. Another hint: his name begins with a "J." But -- as always -- the first President George Bush is supremely realistic: he knows the Bush political brand name isn't very popular with customers these days. … [Read more...] about Guess Who The First President Bush Would Like To See Be President One Day?
Credit Card Fairness For All
Last year the House of Representatives passed a bill of rights for credit cardholders that didn't make it through the Senate. It may fare better in 2009. Personally, though, I'm against such a measure. Credit cardholders shouldn't have special rights vis-a-vis card issuing banks. That's not fair. The really fair approach is simply to give cardholders the same rights as … [Read more...] about Credit Card Fairness For All
Israel, America and the Forever War
If you’ve come here for a lucid explanation of why Israel must be supported and defended at all costs, you would do well to stop reading now. If you’re seeking a lengthy, breathless diatribe on how “we are all Palestinians now” then stop reading immediately. Should you, however, be in the mood for some dark, sisyphian introspection on Israel’s expanded ground war into the Gaza … [Read more...] about Israel, America and the Forever War
Don’t Forget The OTHER Constitutional Amendment (Guest Voice)
The furor over Illinois Gov. Ron "Senate Seat For Sale" Scandal Blogojevich thumbing his nose at the political establishment and incoming President has led some to suggest that it's time for a new consittutional amendment. In this Guest Voice post, founder of the Equal Rights Allliance, suggests that a certain other amendment should not be forgo tten. Don't Forget The … [Read more...] about Don’t Forget The OTHER Constitutional Amendment (Guest Voice)
Middle East Ongoing
Aislin, The Montreal Gazette … [Read more...] about Middle East Ongoing
The Cuban “Revolution” Turns 50
Is it showing its age? … [Read more...] about The Cuban “Revolution” Turns 50
Ann: It’s Time For Someone To Tell You
Honestly. Truly. Sincerely. Get a life (read the link in entirety if you dare). … [Read more...] about Ann: It’s Time For Someone To Tell You
Throwing Money at the Economy
With the worst financial hangover in recent history, Americans start a new year, still trying to figure out what hit them and being urged to swallow hair-of-the-dog pick-me-up remedies to steady their nerves. In the aftermath of a buying binge in real estate and on Wall Street, the ironic answers to getting straight are more personal spending and much, much more government … [Read more...] about Throwing Money at the Economy