It is wishful thinking for Americans of any political hue to expect that Barack Obama or John McCain will be able to fight terrorism quite differently from George Bush, whether in Afghanistan, Iraq or elsewhere. His shoot-from-the-hip policies have created long term cages that make it almost impossible for the US to change course regardless of hope-filled audacity. The fact … [Read more...] about On terrorism, exiting Iraq, Obama and McCain
How The Dems Lose
Mike Lane, Cagle Cartoons … [Read more...] about How The Dems Lose
Pickens puts money on the (renewable) energy table
Now this is truly interesting. From CNN: Billionaire oilman T. Boone Pickens is putting his clout behind renewable energy sources like wind power. The legendary entrepreneur and philanthropist on Tuesday unveiled a new energy plan he says will decrease the United States' dependency on foreign oil by more than one-third and help shift American energy production toward … [Read more...] about Pickens puts money on the (renewable) energy table
New McCain Ad: A Swing and a Miss
I was just taking a look at the new John McCain campaign ad and a review of it by Ed Morrissey over at Hot Air. The ad is called, simply enough, "Love." Before I prejudice your opinion, click on the play button below and see what you think. This ad is drawing a clear contrast between two different types of "love" in the sixties. Ed chooses to describe it as a contrast … [Read more...] about New McCain Ad: A Swing and a Miss
The “Take That” Vote
When I read certain arguments from so-called conservatives -- like this one (exposed at The Daily Dish) or this one (skewered at Think Progress) -- I'm tempted to vote for Obama just to distance myself from the idiocy of these voices. I have similar (though not identical) thoughts whenever a so-called liberal misrepresents McCain's "100 years" comment ... or accuses him of … [Read more...] about The “Take That” Vote
Are Moderates And The Political Center Myths?
Some say "yes." … [Read more...] about Are Moderates And The Political Center Myths?
The Continuing Chronicle of Katrina’s Tragic Aftermath
Sometimes you don't know whether to cry or scream. There are many forms of corruption and waste in the government's fulfillment of its functions, and most just make me furious. But the story of Katrina's aftermath is one long chronicle of incompetence piled upon a degree of bureaucratic cluelessness that just boggles the mind. The waste here is of money and goods designed … [Read more...] about The Continuing Chronicle of Katrina’s Tragic Aftermath
Around The Campaign 2008 Sphere July 8, 2008
The economy has now become a campaign issue almost as big as the two presumptive Presidential candidates' flip flops. Here are some links to websites of varying viewpoints. Links do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Moderate Voice or its writers. SO WHO WOULD OBAMA NOMINATE TO THE SUPREME COURT? Orin Kerr has a list... YESTERDAY WAS THE DAY OF DUELING MCCAIN … [Read more...] about Around The Campaign 2008 Sphere July 8, 2008
Civil Rights Roundup: 07/08/08
Daily Roundup of Civil Rights and Related News A new study confirms that having gay members in the military doesn't damage unit cohesion, or have any negative effects whatsoever. Elie Wiesel testifies in case of assailant. He feared he was being kidnapped -- the perpetrator has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. A Turkish Studies Institute has been roiled by … [Read more...] about Civil Rights Roundup: 07/08/08
Ballet World Premiere Review: Mark Morris’s ‘Romeo & Juliet, Motifs of Shakespeare’
As oft danced as Serge Prokofiev's Romeo & Juliet has been over the last 70 years, the great Soviet composer's original score and all of the original accompanying dances have never been performed. Yes, never, and therein lies a tale. That changed over Independence Day weekend with the world premiere of Romeo & Juliet: On Motifs of Shakespeare at Bard SummerScape danced by … [Read more...] about Ballet World Premiere Review: Mark Morris’s ‘Romeo & Juliet, Motifs of Shakespeare’
Are We Really This Simple-Minded?
Unfortunately, the answer is probably, "Yes." H/t Alan Stewart Carl. … [Read more...] about Are We Really This Simple-Minded?
Some Advice For Consumers Of Campaign 2008 Political News
It has been an exciting, breathtaking, political season crammed with surprises and drama -- and a seemingly infinite supply and variety of political reporting in both the "old" and "new" media. News consumers can become overwhelmed -- and Dick Meyer has some sage advice. Meyer previously worked on CBS web operations and did a popular centrist "Against The Grain" column. Now … [Read more...] about Some Advice For Consumers Of Campaign 2008 Political News
Middle Man
John Darkow, Columbia Daily Tribune, Missouri … [Read more...] about Middle Man
Benjamin Barber on Islam, religion, and democracy
From a paper by Benjamin R. Barber, the Kekst Professor of Civil Society at the University of Maryland and a Distinguished Senior Fellow at Demos in New York City, presented at the Istanbul Seminars organized by Reset Dialogues on Civilizations in Istanbul last month: There is a powerful rhetoric around today that claims Islam – not just fundamentalist or Wahhabist or Salafist … [Read more...] about Benjamin Barber on Islam, religion, and democracy
Baker, Christopher, and War
In today's New York Times, the co-chairs of the National War Powers Commission, both former secretaries of state -- James Baker (under Bush the Elder) and Warren Christopher (during Bill Clinton's first term) -- outline their recommendations for restoring balance to the war-making process. I applaud their intent, though I question some of the particulars. Perhaps I read it … [Read more...] about Baker, Christopher, and War
When the Bloom is off Obama’s Rose
Vacation offers a chance for reflection and introspection, (perhaps too much?) and mine has been no exception. While catching up on the news around the political sphere, I have found a heavy dose of my typical old cynicism sneaking up on me. A major portion of this has come about regarding the shifting tides of the Obama campaign. While I still swear no fealty to either … [Read more...] about When the Bloom is off Obama’s Rose
This Just In!
THIS JUST IN from investigative reporter Andy Borowitz: Liberal Bloggers Accuse Obama of Trying to Win Election Nominee Called Traitor to Democrats' Losing Tradition The liberal blogosphere was aflame today with new accusations that Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill) is trying to win the 2008 presidential election. Suspicions about Sen. Obama's true motives have been building … [Read more...] about This Just In!
Fashionable Political Footwear
Nate Beeler, The Washington Examiner … [Read more...] about Fashionable Political Footwear
Hillary: A Heroine for Women, Taken Down By Male-Dominated Media
Was Hillary badly treated by America's male dominated media elite? That debate is not only an American one. In fact, it's apparently a debate that has been sanctioned by China's Communist Party. According to this article from China's state-controlled People's Daily, Hillary is a modern feminist hero defeated by both the age-old bias against 'the second sex' and 'radical … [Read more...] about Hillary: A Heroine for Women, Taken Down By Male-Dominated Media
Alberto Gonzales’ Impudent Advice
After his disgraceful tenure as U.S. Attorney General and his humiliating resignation, I did not expect to hear from Alberto Gonzales for at least the number of years John McCain says we will be in Iraq. But, lo-and-behold, on July 2, Alberto Gonzales published an opinion piece in the Los Angeles Times. That alone is surprising. But what is even more remarkable is the … [Read more...] about Alberto Gonzales’ Impudent Advice