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
Beyond Capitalism and Communism: Gazeta of Russia
Communism failed and capitalism seems to be on the brink of collapse. So the question arises: Is it possible that human beings can come up with something better? It's a fascinating question - especially considering that it was the subject of this op-ed from the Russian newspaper Gazeta. Here are some excerpts from Boris Tumanov's wide-ranging article, which touches upon … [Read more...] about Beyond Capitalism and Communism: Gazeta of Russia
Afghanistan, The Netherlands…and Viagra.
The day after Christmas, the Washington Post reported on a controversial tactic by the CIA to win the hearts, minds and perhaps other parts of some of the Afghan people. According to the Post: In their efforts to win over notoriously fickle warlords and chieftains, the [CIA] officials say, the agency's operatives have used a variety of personal services. These include … [Read more...] about Afghanistan, The Netherlands…and Viagra.
Holiday Traffic Peaks for YouTube, Facebook
Who ever would have thought that so many of us spend our Christmas Eve on the web? Back in the day we waited until we were back at work or school to go online (CyberMonday was premised on that fact). Those days have long since gone. Hitwise on Facebook: On Christmas Day 2007 Facebook reached a peak in traffic that wasn’t surpassed until July 2008. Traffic reached a new high … [Read more...] about Holiday Traffic Peaks for YouTube, Facebook
No Space for Apostates
I read this article by Jeffrey Goldberg, about the most extreme, fanatical wing of the Israeli settler population. Though published in 2004, I have no doubt many of these people are still alive today and have not moderated their views in the slightest. As I read it, I found myself disturbed, quite a bit more so than I expected, and I tried to put my finger on why that … [Read more...] about No Space for Apostates
Iran Should Return To Its Global Position Again (Guest Voice)
Iran remains a big topic as the U.S. heads into 2009. TMV has run several Guest Voice posts by Iranian freelance writer and blogger Kourosh Ziabari who has long contended that Iran's image in the media is misleading. In this Guest Voice interview, he talks to Harvard University's Professor James Russell for some perspective on Iran. TMV runs Guest Voice posts of various … [Read more...] about Iran Should Return To Its Global Position Again (Guest Voice)
Gaza and Israel: Reflections and Resources
In writing about the conflict, I could be a good lefty and give you my bleeding heart liberal chat about absolute disgust for the death tolls and devastation, for the cultural hardening on both sides that these conflicts incur and how that is the real damage, and why, regardless of the long-term uselessness of an immediate ceasefire with little else achieved, we nonetheless … [Read more...] about Gaza and Israel: Reflections and Resources
Burris: He Are Deluding Himself
Uh, oh...it's never a good sign when a politician talks like this: Roland Burris, being Roland Burris, put it to me this way Friday when we talked: "We are the senator." And we, that is he, the former Illinois attorney general, told me that he will try to avoid making a scene when he comes to the Capitol on Tuesday to claim the seat vacated by President-elect Barack … [Read more...] about Burris: He Are Deluding Himself
IDF Ground Offensive in Gaza Has Begun
It has become necessary for the IDF to temporarily enter Gaza. Keep in mind that the IDF includes Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Druze soldiers, both male and female, working together to protect the citizens of the State of Israel. My hope is that Hamas is destroyed and Gilad Shalit is rescued. Jerusalem Post: Soldiers exchange fire with Hamas gunmen inside Strip For the … [Read more...] about IDF Ground Offensive in Gaza Has Begun
Obama’s Radio YouTube Address: Congress Should Act Swiftly To Pass Stimulus Plan
Should this be considered a preemptive political strike? Two days away from a meeting with Congressional leaders and amid increasing indications that Congressional Republicans are likely to try to put a brake on any initial administration proposal for a stimulus plan, President Elect Barack Obama used his weekly radio/You Tube address to urge Congress to pass a plan that he … [Read more...] about Obama’s Radio YouTube Address: Congress Should Act Swiftly To Pass Stimulus Plan
The Gamble in Gaza — Interview With Aaron David Miller (Guest Voice)
What's going on with Israel, Hamas and the Gaza Strip? In this Guest Voice, columnist Bill Steigerwald interviews Aaron David Miller, a top Middle East adviser to six secretaries of state (Shultz to Powell) and Woodrow Wilson International Center scholar, and gets some answers. The Gamble in Gaza -- Interview With Aaron David Miller by Bill Steigerwald If anyone can … [Read more...] about The Gamble in Gaza — Interview With Aaron David Miller (Guest Voice)
House Rules Changes: Be Careful What You Wish For
We shall file this one under the already crowded, "Careful what you wish for" category. CQ Politics reports that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is pondering some rule changes designed to make it harder for the Republican minority to slow down the Democratic majority's efforts to push through new legislation. An early partisan skirmish is likely in the House next week, when … [Read more...] about House Rules Changes: Be Careful What You Wish For
Zarganar, Hold on, We Know You Are Alive: Comedian of Burma Jailed for 45 Years
Writing today about Kathy Griffin and other comedians in the USA, I thought for the millionth time about dear Zarganar; the great comedic heart of Burma who just two months ago was insanely punished by the bloated multi-millionaire dictator of Burma, Than Shwe... Than Shwe, surely the lost twin brother of Mugabe in Zimbabwe... Than Shwe, the walking talking roasted pig with … [Read more...] about Zarganar, Hold on, We Know You Are Alive: Comedian of Burma Jailed for 45 Years
A Blogger Gets Terrible News
The worst....but the person has a message to all: don't cry for me... … [Read more...] about A Blogger Gets Terrible News