What's a warmonger to do? The Iraqi government is feeling its oats because of a semblance of stability on the military front, there is a chance that provincial elections in the fall might bring some calm to the fractious political front, and a security agreement that gives Washington the ranch and Baghdad sloppy seconds will be DOA unless it is rewritten to respect Iraqi … [Read more...] about On Iraq Troop Withdrawals, The Emperor & His Wannabe Heir Have No Clothes
Sabato’s Crystal Ball: Trifecta
Three new articles from Sabato's Crystal Ball: Alan I. Abramowitz: Is Time on John McCain's Side? The Nomination Gap and the 2008 Presidential Election Larry J. Sabato: TIME TO CHANGE THE UNIT RULE - And avoid a potential electoral calamity Larry J. Sabato: THE MAP - The Crystal Ball's First Look at November's Electoral College … [Read more...] about Sabato’s Crystal Ball: Trifecta
Telecom Impunity
RJ Matson, Roll Call … [Read more...] about Telecom Impunity
A North Korean Speaks On the Protests Against American Beef Imports
Once again, from the Daily North Korea of South Korea, an interview with someone who is said to actually live in the Hermit Kingdom. According to the newspaper, which is staffed in part by North Korean defectors, this member of the 'North Korean Elite class,' says he is fully aware of the mass protests in South Korea over U.S. beef, and in his words: "I can speak not only … [Read more...] about A North Korean Speaks On the Protests Against American Beef Imports
Tim Johnston: Australia’s Most Wanted Man
New Jesse Jackson Controversy: Jackson Steps In It Again
There was once a movie titled "Destry Rides Again." If you made a movie about the latest controversy involving a shoot-from-the-lip Jesse Jackson making what he thought was an off-mike, crude verbal blast about Democratic party presumptive Presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama's comments to some in the black community you might title it: "Jesse Jackson Steps In It … [Read more...] about New Jesse Jackson Controversy: Jackson Steps In It Again
FROM THE NEZAVISIMAYA GAZETA: Time for Kremlin to ‘Reveal its Asymmetrical Answer’ to U.S. Missile Shield
Now that Russian diplomats appear to have lost their bid to prevent the stationing of America's anti-missile shield in Europe, what should the Kremlin do next? This editorial from Russia's Nezavisimaya Gazeta expresses Russian dissillusionment: "Washington's initial readiness to discuss American missile defense plans with Moscow was perceived around the world as a sign … [Read more...] about FROM THE NEZAVISIMAYA GAZETA: Time for Kremlin to ‘Reveal its Asymmetrical Answer’ to U.S. Missile Shield
Obama’s Magical Mystery Flight
His travel companions are leading to speculation about who he might have in mind to run as his Vice Presidential candidate.... … [Read more...] about Obama’s Magical Mystery Flight
Advice for Obama: Mess With Latin America Less Than George W. Bush Has
Has the United States under George W. Bush given TOO MUCH aid to Latin America, thus delaying efforts to get the region to stand on its own? Alvaro Vargas Llosa writes for Spain's Diario Exterior: "Obama is right to say that Latin Americans are primarily responsible for their own tribulations, but wrong to believe that an increase in foreign aid will improve the economy … [Read more...] about Advice for Obama: Mess With Latin America Less Than George W. Bush Has
Civil Rights Roundup: 07/09/08
Your daily dose of civil rights and related news (abbreviated and late due to work, alas) CNN has now picked up the story of the racist Mexican cartoon character I posted on in yesterday's roundup. An atheist solider is suing the military, alleging discrimination. A Louisiana judge has overturned the conviction of Albert Woodfox, an ex-Black Panther and one of the … [Read more...] about Civil Rights Roundup: 07/09/08
Obama Flip Flops
Nate Beeler, The Washington Examiner … [Read more...] about Obama Flip Flops
Ping Pong Rehabilitation
During the 1980s, the Saudi government encouraged Islamic militants to fight against the Soviets in the Afghan War. They even subsidized their flights. Their efforts, in part, came back to haunt them when several former mujahideen built a small but powerful movement that would soon threaten the existence of the monarchy. (I'm talking about al-Qaeda, of course.) The Saudis have … [Read more...] about Ping Pong Rehabilitation
Energy Policy: Compare and Contrast Part 2
In a previous column, several readers took me to task over my assertion that Senator McCain seemed to have put forward a more sensible, comprehensive set of proposals for both U.S. energy policy and the economy. (These days the two are linked to the point of being inseparable.) Today I would like to take a more comprehensive look at the stated positions, voting records and … [Read more...] about Energy Policy: Compare and Contrast Part 2
Foreign language(s) and the global economy genie
I'm watching the arguments unfurl around Barack Obama's comments on foreign language study, and I'm amazed. (Memeorandum has several lead articles with commentary. Here and here should get you started.) People are fixating on various aspects of the statement, and totally missing the point. Foreign language study by Americans has nothing to do with illegal immigration. … [Read more...] about Foreign language(s) and the global economy genie
Prisoner of War
Adam Zyglis, The Buffalo News … [Read more...] about Prisoner of War
Maiming Medicare
Having failed to privatize Social Security, the Bush Administration is trying to wreck Medicare on its way out the door, but MDs are mad as hell, and they're taking it out on Congressional Republicans. The focus this week is on trying to undo a 10.6 percent cut in payment to care providers for millions of older Americans. Before the Fourth of July recess, the House passed a … [Read more...] about Maiming Medicare
Maliki Calls for a Timetable
The media is abuzz with reports that Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki wants a timetable for a withdrawal of U.S. troops from his country--some even say that Iraq wants U.S. troops out, period. Well, I would not pay much attention to what Iraq’s Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki says, or what the Iraqi people want. After all, we are the liberators, the “installers” of democracy … [Read more...] about Maliki Calls for a Timetable
Obama proposes Bankruptcy law changes
While bilingualism is grabbing some of the headlines, the topic of yesterday's speech [CNN video] was bankruptcy. It was Obama's first visit to Georgia since securing the nomination (and on the same day of some small buzz over a Zogby poll showing Obama beating McCain in the state 44 to 38 percent -- with Barr taking the 6 percent difference). Elizabeth Warren explains that … [Read more...] about Obama proposes Bankruptcy law changes
A Song About Conservative Reservations About John McCain
The screamingly funny The Capitol Steps' song parody about conservative reservations about presumptive GOP Presidential nominee John McCain is HERE. You can buy their CDs of great song parodies HERE. … [Read more...] about A Song About Conservative Reservations About John McCain
Iran Reportedly Test Fires 9 Missiles And Oil Prices Quickly Rise
The war of words between Iran, Israel and the United States has now reportedly now inched beyond words with news that Tehran sent its foes a pointed show-of-force message by test-firing 9 missiles -- which reports say are long-range enough to reach Israel or U.S. bases. It throws a new monkey wrench into already-heated negotiations and rhetoric over Iran's nuclear program - … [Read more...] about Iran Reportedly Test Fires 9 Missiles And Oil Prices Quickly Rise