I have to say that both John McCain and Barack Obama are full of it when it comes to high gas prices. Both men have to know that there isn't much the government can do to drive gas prices down quickly, but because Americans want their gas cheap and fast, both are trying to pander as fast as they can with some very silly plans. Drill Now? Okay, we should see that oil … [Read more...] about Gas and Circuses
John McCain’s Character
During last week's McCain ad blitz, he portrayed Barack Obama as a puffed-up dandy who preens like a mindless celebrity for the camera, but who offers little time for the brave men and women in uniform. It was a week of character attacks. The attacks may have nudged the polls a bit. More importantly, they defined the narrative of the week: John McCain is making this election … [Read more...] about John McCain’s Character
PLEDGE – Pledge Language is English Declaration and Government Endorsement – Act of 2008
Georgia Republican Congressman Paul Broun will win reelection in November. In April he introduced a bill to prohibit the sale of pornography on military bases. He followed that up in May with a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. Then last month he fought off his primary challenger by questioning his religious convictions. (His opponent was an active Christian … [Read more...] about PLEDGE – Pledge Language is English Declaration and Government Endorsement – Act of 2008
UPDATE: On Prejudice and Waste in our Military
On Prejudice and Waste in our Military--Update Just finished watching “Countdown with Keith Obermann.” Keith brought up the Christian Science Monitor report on the $150,000 bonuses for Arabic linguists, and in his inimitable way blasted the Pentagon for firing the gay Arabic translators because of their sexual orientation. If Keith is correct--and I have no doubt that he … [Read more...] about UPDATE: On Prejudice and Waste in our Military
McCain’s Complaint
Pat Bagley, Salt Lake Tribune … [Read more...] about McCain’s Complaint
On Prejudice and Waste by the Pentagon
This from the August 5, Christian Science Monitor, in an article titled “U.S. Army hopes to keep native Arabic speakers” The Army may begin paying a retention bonus of as much as $150,000 to Arabic speaking soldiers in reflection of how critical it has become for the US military to retain native language and cultural know-how in its ranks. Only one other job in the Army, … [Read more...] about On Prejudice and Waste by the Pentagon
From France’s Le Figaro: ‘The Good Points of George W. Bush’
There are some people in this world who think President Bush has been a great president - even in France. One such person is French historian Alexandre Adler - also known as France's foremost neocon. In this article, Adler makes a very convincing case for President Bush's legacy and his 'unparalleled service to Europe.' In regard to Iraq, Adler writes in part: "At a time … [Read more...] about From France’s Le Figaro: ‘The Good Points of George W. Bush’
“The best way to know you have a mind is to change it”
On the topic of "flip-flops", I'm with T-Steel! The other day I posted that noted copyright attorney William Patry has ended his blog. This is more of what he had to say: My late mother, aleha ha-shalom, told me repeatedly that I had a religious obligation to learn every day, and I have honored her memory by doing exactly that. Learning also involves changing how you think … [Read more...] about “The best way to know you have a mind is to change it”
A Preview of McCain’s Acceptance Speech
(Inspired by a Turner Classic Movie showing of "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.") Minneapolis, Sept 4, 2008--In a Capraesque moment for the 21st century, John Sidney McCain III told a stunned Republican Convention tonight: "I accept your nomination for president of the United States but, in all good conscience, must reject the tactics that are being used to win that office … [Read more...] about A Preview of McCain’s Acceptance Speech
New Poll Shows Obama Losing Young, Independent, Women Support
Yet another poll has come out that spells t-r-o-u-b-l-e for Democratic party presumptive nominee Sen. Barack Obama -- a poll that shows him losing the support of some critical Democratic party-pillar groups such as young women and independent voters: Barack Obama has lost ground among some of his strongest bases of support, including young people, women, Democrats and … [Read more...] about New Poll Shows Obama Losing Young, Independent, Women Support
A Page Out of Cheney’s Playbook?
As each day of "Energy Watch 2008" ticks by here at TMV I find myself more and more puzzled by the tactics being employed by Senator Obama's campaign. Today, it seems, he's showing up in the Buckeye State to talk about energy. (Well done!) Unfortunately, the message being put forth leaves me scratching my head. “McCain has taken a page out of the Cheney playbook.” “Under … [Read more...] about A Page Out of Cheney’s Playbook?
Will Texas defy World Court?
UPDATE: Yes. He was executed just before 10 p.m.: “I’m sorry my actions caused you pain,” he said to the witnesses present. “I hope this brings you the closure that you seek. Never harbor hate.” ***** Reuters says they're about to: Texas is set to defy the World Court and anger Mexico on Tuesday by executing a Mexican national who was not informed of his right to consular … [Read more...] about Will Texas defy World Court?
Mainstream News Media Ailing As There’s More News But LESS
The popularity of online news sites and weblogs (such as this one) is part of an Internet news explosion. But it’s also symptomatic of a truth, NPR’s Dick Meyer points out: there now “more news, but less news” because a lot of what passes for news now consists of people talking about the news. Meyer, the former CBS staffer who has a new book coming out today, takes a look at … [Read more...] about Mainstream News Media Ailing As There’s More News But LESS
The Mojave experiment: is Windows Vista as bad as we think it is?
Farhad Manjoo, now at Slate, reports on Microsoft's "strange Mojave experiment": In mid-July, representatives of Microsoft traveled to San Francisco in search of people who hated Windows Vista. The company recruited 140 Mac and PC users who thought Microsoft's latest operating system was slow, that it crashed constantly, that it was incompatible with various devices, and that … [Read more...] about The Mojave experiment: is Windows Vista as bad as we think it is?
Civil Rights Roundup: 08/05/08
Your daily dose of civil rights and related news The WaPo opines against the appalling state of DC's child services department. The Feds are pursuing a case against a unrecognized Indian tribe which falsely told immigrants that by purchasing tribal membership, they would become American citizens. The 5th Circuit is preparing to hear whether Texas' moment-of-silence law … [Read more...] about Civil Rights Roundup: 08/05/08
“When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do, sir?”
John Maynard Keynes, the influential British economist whose ideas are known as Keynesian Economics, sums up how I feel about the overused American political term "flip-flop": When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do, sir? Well sir, I change my mind as well. But I don't count. I'm a regular guy dealing with an ever-changing situation at work were I have … [Read more...] about “When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do, sir?”
George Orwell on the Futility of Empire
I would like to take a moment to suggest you pick up a copy of a very old book, A Collection of Essays by George Orwell. Much of the work comes from his early years, including reflections on his childhood in England and his time serving the country in India. One of the more soul crushing but essential essays from the latter period is, "Shooting an Elephant." In it, Orwell … [Read more...] about George Orwell on the Futility of Empire
Obama & The Summer Of Our Discontent
For Barack Obama supporters, this is the summer of our discontent. While John McCain flails, Obama does a victory lap around Europe and comes home to a tanking economy and two unpopular wars, but his lead in most polls is miniscule, he is behind in one and has lost ground in a few key states. What's going on? After cogitating hard on this seeming paradox while spending much … [Read more...] about Obama & The Summer Of Our Discontent
In the Category of ‘Very Cool’
The Obama camp uses a relatively new (well: new to me, at least) social-networking technology called "Scribd," to share policy proposals. H/t Justin Gardner. Barack Obama's New Energy Plan For America - Upload a Document to Scribd Read this document on Scribd: Barack Obama's New Energy Plan For America … [Read more...] about In the Category of ‘Very Cool’
An Introduction to East Tennessee’s Great Music
OK, folks. I'm getting tired of politics for now. I'm thinking of laying low on politics until the DNC - checking in on the local paper to see if anything earth-shattering is happening. For now, I'm going to introduce all of you folks to what I think is the greatest music on the face of the earth. And the home of that music, which some call "roots" music and others call … [Read more...] about An Introduction to East Tennessee’s Great Music