Michael Kountouris, Greece … [Read more...] about World Wants a U.S.A. Curtain Call
P.J. O’Rourke Schools … Everybody
I haven't read much of his work lately, but this contribution reminded me why P.J. O'Rourke is one of my favorite writers. Agree with him or not, he remains one of the last, simultaneously entertaining and honest voices among American essayists. Warning: The linked article is from The Weekly Standard; it is not moderate and provides equal-opportunity offense for all … [Read more...] about P.J. O’Rourke Schools … Everybody
The Food Bank Poem
The Food Bank Poem A lot of folks have found new banks With cans on shelves instead of tellers These banks don't handle cash or checks Instead they dole out hunger quellers. When making a withdrawal here With other patrons you take care To never look directly 'cause They get embarrassed when you stare. Recession angst has taking hold Economists don't see no … [Read more...] about The Food Bank Poem
Obama to be Fast Out of the Gate on Bush Reversals?
New presidents promise or hint at many things which they can't personally deliver without the support of Congress, the courts, foreign leaders or the American people in general. In fact, outside of starting (or ending) wars, hosting huge parties or granting the odd pardon here and there, the list of things the Oval Office occupant can do in single handed fashion is fairly … [Read more...] about Obama to be Fast Out of the Gate on Bush Reversals?
The Elections Are Over So Take A Breather From Politics
Watch this classic comedy scene with The Three Stooges: … [Read more...] about The Elections Are Over So Take A Breather From Politics
Selected Sunday Morning World Headlines About the United States
Here are a few Sunday morning headlines about the United States - translated and otherwise - from the world's newspapers: Some tough admissions for France, the 'land of human rights': Le Figaro, France Obama's Lesson to the French France's political parties are retooling after Obama's high-tech victory: Le Monde, France French Parties 'All Draw Inspiration' from … [Read more...] about Selected Sunday Morning World Headlines About the United States
Book Review: Seymour’s ‘Thrumpton Hall: A Memoir Of Life’
THE MANOR AND THE MAN The people who populate Thrumpton Hall: A Memoir of Life in My Father's House are eccentric English folk, but not in that lovable way so familiar to Americans from British television sitcoms. In fact, they are for the most part so pathetically dysfunctional that I initially couldn't bring myself to review this offering by the prolific author Miranda … [Read more...] about Book Review: Seymour’s ‘Thrumpton Hall: A Memoir Of Life’
Obama’s Victory: Sixth Global Press Roundup
Here are more articles from the international news translator and aggregator, Watching America. The Obama-related output of the global press remains as high as in the first 24 hours following his victory but it is collectively becoming a menu of hopes, and even requests, from all those nations and groups that will be affected by America's presidential choice - meaning all … [Read more...] about Obama’s Victory: Sixth Global Press Roundup
Dutch Reactions To America’s Historic Decision
Being half-Dutch and having lived in the Netherlands for several years, I naturally have an interest in what the Dutch people have to say about America, about our way of life---and about our politics. I may be somewhat partial (and dated), but in my opinion Dutch values include pragmatism, stoicism, secularism, a strong tradition of open-mindedness, tolerance and … [Read more...] about Dutch Reactions To America’s Historic Decision
And So the Rebuilding Begins…
I was going to blog about this sooner, but it looks like there is already an effort among Republicans to retool and renovate the GOP. Called "Rebuild the Party," it's a group of young conservatives under the age of 40. In many ways, they have learned from the Obama campaign and are using technology to help in finding ways to modernize the party. Here are a few words from … [Read more...] about And So the Rebuilding Begins…
Campaign 2012: And They’re Off! (Guest Voice)
So FINALLY Campaign 2008 has come to an end. Yet -- less than a week after it has been over -- Campaign 2012 has already seemingly begun. Humorist Will Durst looks at the new race and offers some handicapping. Guest Voice posts do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Moderate Voice or its writers. Campaign 2012: And They’re Off! by Will Durst As the curtain … [Read more...] about Campaign 2012: And They’re Off! (Guest Voice)
Will Obama Opt To Play Hardball In Dealing With Sen. Joe Lieberman?
Will he or won't he? Will independent Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman -- admired by some for his courage and reviled by others who see him as a turncoat -- turn down what seems to be an offer he can't refuse and refuse to caucus with the Democrats and go with the Republicans rather than face consequences for his campaign 2008 behavior? Will he or won't he? Will President … [Read more...] about Will Obama Opt To Play Hardball In Dealing With Sen. Joe Lieberman?
Change Can’t Happen If It Only Comes From Above
This week's election of Barack Obama as President puts the larger issue of change under the microscope. But is change something that a President imposes, or must it come from below as well? NPR's Dick Meyer, in a column titled "You Wanted Change? It's Time To Help," argues that change that turns out to be more than just a buzzword or a marketing concept needs to come from … [Read more...] about Change Can’t Happen If It Only Comes From Above
Cartoon: Election 2008 – The Day After
Elections are such ripe fodder for cartoons. I'm going to miss it. Click the cartoon for a full size image. For more, visit Small World Cartoons. … [Read more...] about Cartoon: Election 2008 – The Day After
The 70th Anniversary of Kristallnacht
Mata H. of BlogHer has a sensitive and poignant entry about the 70th anniversary of Kristallnacht. I urge you to go read it there, but I'm grafting just a couple of things to share and adding a bit more. First, please listen to and watch this short clip: One of the truths I've always known about has been the failure of the United States to intervene in the events as … [Read more...] about The 70th Anniversary of Kristallnacht
Stop Scapegoating Black People for Proposition 8
Yesterday People For the American Way's president, Kathryn Kolbert, put out a statement on Blaming Black Voters for Prop 8 Loss is Wrong and Destructive: The past 72 hours have brought an extraordinary range of emotions - great joy at the election of Barack Obama and defeat of John McCain, and sadness and anger at the passage of anti-gay initiatives in Florida, Arizona, … [Read more...] about Stop Scapegoating Black People for Proposition 8
Harvard Law Professor Fights Back Against RIAA
The Harvard Crimson: A Harvard Law School professor filed a counterclaim last Friday against the Recording Industry Association of America that challenges the constitutionality of the RIAA’s efforts against those caught downloading music from file-sharing services. Charles R. Nesson ’60, the founder of Harvard’s Berkman Center for Internet and Society, is defending Joel … [Read more...] about Harvard Law Professor Fights Back Against RIAA
‘Astonishing Americans:’ The Land of Possibilities – L’Orient Le Jour, Lebanon
Is there anyone left out there wondering of the the rest of this planet sees America in a new light after President-elect Obama's victory? This article by the great Christian Merville of Lebanon's L'Orient Le Jour is particularly eloquent - and ends much more cold-eyed than this paragraph in the beginning might lead one to believe. And demonstrating the incredible change in … [Read more...] about ‘Astonishing Americans:’ The Land of Possibilities – L’Orient Le Jour, Lebanon
Hillary Clinton, Senate Majority Leader?
Obama passed on her as vice president but can still put Hillary Clinton on the team by backing her for Senate Majority Leader. In that role, Harry Reid has been ineffectual in rallying Democrats to curtail Bush's excesses or even effectively articulate an opposition view. Now, with a Senate reshuffling that includes the stepping-down of Robert Byrd and the throwing-out of … [Read more...] about Hillary Clinton, Senate Majority Leader?
Chantix: Smoking Cure Sounds Worse Than the Problem
When I saw this ad this morning I was struck that it seemed there was more warning than ad. (Timing it I get roughly 50 seconds of promo to 40 seconds of spooky warning.) Then the clincher: The big brag for all this risk is that 44% of people quit smoking "at the end of" 12 weeks vs. 18% for the placebo. That risk/reward ratio doesn't sound good to me! I had never heard … [Read more...] about Chantix: Smoking Cure Sounds Worse Than the Problem