I've been reading reactions to Obama's cabinet picks with amusement. On one hand you have conservative commentators that seem genuinely surprised that he is not dismantling the whole military and on the other hand you have liberal commentators upset that he hasn't instituted an instant reversal of all our policies. I don't get either camp as he never claimed he would do either … [Read more...] about If Obama Is A Good Leader, He Will Fool Us All
Like Super Mario, But More Hopeful
Oh, come on. You knew it was coming. Super Obama World Click it. Go ahead. You know you want to play. … [Read more...] about Like Super Mario, But More Hopeful
“Paul Volcker Is Back And He Warns Of Tough Times Ahead”
So reads the LA Times headline. His views echo my posts of late: "It is the United States as a whole that became addicted to spending and consuming beyond its capacity to produce," Volcker lectured the Economic Club of New York in April. "It all seemed so comfortable." Bringing consumption back in line with income would not only crimp individuals and families, but … [Read more...] about “Paul Volcker Is Back And He Warns Of Tough Times Ahead”
Good!
The Supreme Court will not hear the complaints of those claiming that President-elect Barack Obama isn't a "natural born" US citizen, as the Constitution requires our president to be. Obama was born in Hawaii in 1961, two years after the state was admitted into the Union. Marc Ambinder wrote about this several days ago. The entire "case" against Obama's status as a "natural … [Read more...] about Good!
Clinton’s Replacement Will Be Busy… Campaigning
During our previous examination of New York Governor David Paterson's options for replacing Hillary Clinton in the Senate, it became evident that there was a good deal of confusion as to how long the appointment would last and when the candidate would stand for election. This question arises again now that Caroline Kennedy is being seriously considered for the position. Owing … [Read more...] about Clinton’s Replacement Will Be Busy… Campaigning
Mumbai Terrorism: Who Did It?
India and the US intelligence have known the existence of militant/terrorist camps in Pakistan for two decades but have mysteriously hesitated in squashing them. But post-Mumbai terrorist attacks the US administration has finally woken up to the gravity of the situation... And Pakistan had no option but to act. (Hope it is not an eyewash). A recent report says that Pakistan … [Read more...] about Mumbai Terrorism: Who Did It?
Pakistan Raids Mumbai Terrorist Training Camp: Mastermind Arrested?
Pakistan has raided a terrorist training camp on its territory and one reports says it arrested Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, the purported mastermind behind the bloody Mumbai attacks in India. The Moderate Voice's India-based co-blogger, veteran journalist Swaraaj Chahaun, believes the timing of this may not be happenstance. In an email he writes: "To me it seems that the US … [Read more...] about Pakistan Raids Mumbai Terrorist Training Camp: Mastermind Arrested?
Senator Jeb Bush Now Increasingly Likely In Florida’s Future
Let's get this right: Carolyne Kennedy for Senate in New York...Jeb Bush for Senate in Florida... Isn't it summer when re-run season is supposed to begin? But by almost all accounts now, if former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush decides to run for Senate as he is giving every indication that he will, it could wind up being his. What are his obstacles and advantages? Here's a … [Read more...] about Senator Jeb Bush Now Increasingly Likely In Florida’s Future
Venerable Miami Herald For Sale: McClatchy Conglomerate Says ‘We Do Not Comment on Market Rumors’
Another conglomerate who bought up newspapers. Prestige in owning Pulitzer Prize winning writers who work for your papers, will be a thing of the past soon. The Rocky Mountain News had four Pulitzers in the last few years. No prophylactic against anything, sadly. We all know what it means, I think, when a company says 'we don't comment on that.' Especially a news … [Read more...] about Venerable Miami Herald For Sale: McClatchy Conglomerate Says ‘We Do Not Comment on Market Rumors’
Venerable Chicago Tribune to Go Chapter 11 This Week: Newspapers That Supported Obama, Going on Life Support, or DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) Orders?
(If you like, see on page 2 of this story, old tale called, "The King Who Demanded Too Much Tribute without Having Earned It By His Good Works" "Election 2008, RIP, The Death of Newspapers" That was the headline I wrote in Aug 2008, and the text for that TMV article is in the CODA below. (I never finished that article because a loved one of our family was suddenly diagnosed … [Read more...] about Venerable Chicago Tribune to Go Chapter 11 This Week: Newspapers That Supported Obama, Going on Life Support, or DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) Orders?
Cartoon: Christmas on the Cheap
In hard economic times, what could be better? Get all of the spirit at a fraction of the cost. Act now! This offer is for a limited time only. (Click the cartoon for a full size image.) For more, visit Small World Cartoons. … [Read more...] about Cartoon: Christmas on the Cheap
Jon Stewart: Give the Auto Industry Money; Paul Krugman: US Auto Industry Doomed
Jon Stewart says it needs to be done. Our Guest Voice, journalism professor and author Walter Brasch, says it needs to be done. CBS says the Dems and the White House have agreed on a deal. And the Sunday morning bobble-heads all seemed to agree that it will be done. But Nobel economics prize winner Paul Krugman says, bailout or no, the U.S. auto industry will probably … [Read more...] about Jon Stewart: Give the Auto Industry Money; Paul Krugman: US Auto Industry Doomed
Tribune Company Going Bankrupt ?
Reports are that Tribune Company could be on the verge of bankruptcy with more than thirteen billion dollars in debt. Tribune is one of the biggest media companies in the country with ownership of the LA Times, Chicago Tribune, New York Newsday, Orlando Sentinel among others. They also own the Chicago Cubs and may be selling them (to Mark Cuban?) to make some quick … [Read more...] about Tribune Company Going Bankrupt ?
A Combat Veteran’s Reading List
Via Jules Crittenden: Larry Gwin, former US Army captain, Silver Star, Purple Heart, XO of Alpha Co., 2/7 Cav, 1st Cav Division, veteran of the Ia Drang battles of 1965 and author of “Baptism: A Vietnam Memoir,” spent many years trying to understand war and find some context for his own horrific combat experience by exploring war literature. It is useful exercise, because … [Read more...] about A Combat Veteran’s Reading List
Hit Me, Congress, One More Time: Bailing Out the Auto Industry (Guest Voice)
To bailout the big three automakers or not to bailout the big three automakers? In this Guest Voice post journalism professor and author Walter Brasch says, as distasteful as it seems, it needs to be done. Hit me, Congress, One More Time: Bailing Out the Auto Industry by Walter Brasch Congress should bend over, dig into the public coffers once again, and … [Read more...] about Hit Me, Congress, One More Time: Bailing Out the Auto Industry (Guest Voice)
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Speak Out on Obama’s Shinseki Pick
There have been a couple of less than glowing comments on President-elect Obama's pick of General Shinseki to lead V.A.---generally from the "usual suspects"---but otherwise the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive and supportive. One of the most substantial endorsements I have come across thus far comes from none other than IAVA, "Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of … [Read more...] about Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Speak Out on Obama’s Shinseki Pick
Ted Turner’s Prescription for a New National Energy Council
Ted Turner's back in the news as he promotes his new autobiography (with Bill Burke), Call Me Ted. On the heels of the election he was one of a number of luminaries asked by The Washington Post to offer up suggestions on what Obama's top priority should be. Said Ted: A Category 5 hurricane has hit the world's financial system, but a bigger storm is approaching. Climate change … [Read more...] about Ted Turner’s Prescription for a New National Energy Council
GM Broke Here, Flush Abroad
What happens if General Motors files bankruptcy for its U.S. operations while its plants in foreign countries turn a nice profit? The answer is ... no one knows. Ken Bensinger of the Los Angeles Times explains GM's foreign connections and how its failure in the United States would create a downturn ripple effect globally. Among the noteworthy activities of GM abroad: In … [Read more...] about GM Broke Here, Flush Abroad
Shinseki to Veterans: “[We will serve] you as well as you have served us.”
In a previous post, I expressed my pleasure at the nomination of General Eric Shinseki to be our next V.A. Secretary. I just read at ThinkProgress the full transcripts of Obama's announcement of his selection and of Shinseki's acceptance. You can also view the YouTube video. I will just post Obama's concluding remarks and the General's gracious and sincere words of … [Read more...] about Shinseki to Veterans: “[We will serve] you as well as you have served us.”
Rolling Stones Economics
My last post was pretty dramatic, to say the least. I want to briefly discuss an aspect that is not considered by economists nearly at all and really highlights the difficulty in avoiding massive pain. This video says it all and it's only a bit over a minute so it is easily digestible: Yes it's time that's not considered and isn't on our side. My day job is to use … [Read more...] about Rolling Stones Economics