Is the situation far more grim for the GOP than presumptive GOP Presidential nominee Senator John McCain and the Republican Party think and are they deluding themselves on the mega-grim picture the party faces in 2008? The Chicago Tribune's Steve Chapman writes: Richard Norton Smith, a historian who has run the presidential libraries of Republicans Herbert Hoover, Dwight … [Read more...] about Quote Of The Day: Are McCain And The GOP Sailing Into A Perfect Storm?
Is Iran the big winner of the Iraq war?
Over at Newshoggers, Ron Beasley examines the fact that, prior to the invasion of Iraq, some observers - including Juan Cole - predicted that Iran would be one of the greatest benefactors of the Iraq war. In a previous Newshoggers post, Cernig noted that two consecutive standoffs between Maliki and Sadr have now been resolved only after being brokered by Iran. This, in Cernig's … [Read more...] about Is Iran the big winner of the Iraq war?
The legacy of motherless mothers & their daughters who become mothers
There are books about motherless daughters and motherless mothers. I'm the daughter of a motherless mother, but I only came to glimpse even the tiniest look at what it must be like for my mother, and millions of others, a few years ago. Mother and mothering is a concept that doesn't restrict itself to women with children, or perhaps even women period. But the need to have a … [Read more...] about The legacy of motherless mothers & their daughters who become mothers
Why local elections may become less and less competitive
In Vote Like Thy Neighbor William Galston and Pietro Nivola bring to me some new insight on the reason for the partisan divide. And some realism about the remedies. ...41 percent of the voters in 1984 were located at or near the midpoint of the ideological spectrum, compared with only 28 percent in 2004. Meanwhile, the percentage of voters clustering toward the left and … [Read more...] about Why local elections may become less and less competitive
NY Governor Caves on Political Reform
Governor Paterson’s Forgotten Agenda It is heartbreaking when those who know better and have worked their entire lives for change fade in the clutch. It shows the almost insurmountable power of self interest to veto what everyone knows in their heart is reasonable, fair and necessary. This saga also illustrates why even though I am in sympathy with much of the liberal … [Read more...] about NY Governor Caves on Political Reform
Mother’s Day and The Mistaken Zygote: If You Have a Mama From Mars
The Mistaken Zygote Syndrome by C.P. Estés I tell my patients this story I made up, with both levity and gravity, to try to explain one of the great mysteries of this Earth: why some parents and offspring sometimes look at one another and ask themselves, "Who the heck are you? and what planet did you really come from??" Here's what I have to say on the matter in my … [Read more...] about Mother’s Day and The Mistaken Zygote: If You Have a Mama From Mars
The Fierce Origin of Mother’s Day: A Lost Story
Mother's Day, as we know it today, is a more or less genteel day of hopefully kind words and sweet sentiments depending on whether one's family more resembles the Simpsons, the Partridges or a holy family of schmoos. But long ago, Mother's Day in the US burst forth drenched in blood, and buried in bones and graves. It was anything but genteel. This fiercely special day … [Read more...] about The Fierce Origin of Mother’s Day: A Lost Story
Now Bush Will Have to Cope With Indian Pet Food Demand!
For those who may have missed it, President Bush has enraged much of the nation of India, by appearing to blame its growing middle class for rising food prices. In addition to a series of articles on this subject, WORLDMEETS.US just posted this tongue-in-cheek warning to President Bush, about the growing demand for pet food among new members of India's middle class. Amit … [Read more...] about Now Bush Will Have to Cope With Indian Pet Food Demand!
Clinton’s “White Americans” Comments Still Being Denounced Extensively
Senator Barack Obama got mired in the controversy over his former pastor. Senator Hillary Clinton got bogged down on her comments about dodging dangerous fire in Bosnia. And both of them took political hits that lasted a while and did some damage. Now, Clinton is clearly -- and truly -- bogged down in her comments about white voters liking her more than Obama, even though her … [Read more...] about Clinton’s “White Americans” Comments Still Being Denounced Extensively
Mother’s Day: A Lost Story
The Heart of the Unknown Mother by C.P. Estés Whether children landed on earth, but had to leave too soon, whether they were detoured before they could be born, whether they were wrenched away, or lost for unexplained reasons, whether they were here for just a few moments, or a few days... they all are blessed children. Full children. When people ask, "Are you a … [Read more...] about Mother’s Day: A Lost Story
From Children Everywhere To Mothers Everywhere
A special song from a very special timeless singer: … [Read more...] about From Children Everywhere To Mothers Everywhere
Mother’s Day — Don’t Take Her for Granted (Guest Voice)
Tom Purcell is a humor columnist nationally syndicated exclusively by Cagle Cartoons Mother's Day -- Don't Take Her for Granted By Tom Purcell I used to take her for granted. When my five sisters and I were babies in her womb, she never took so much as an aspirin for a headache. She never put anything in her body but the nutrients we needed to grow, and I took that … [Read more...] about Mother’s Day — Don’t Take Her for Granted (Guest Voice)
Happy Mothers Day
Tab, The Calgary Sun … [Read more...] about Happy Mothers Day
North Koreans May Be Turning Against the Regime and Beijing
Some reports coming out of North Korea indicate that people are beginning to openly question the regime's explanation of why once again, starvation looms. This article from The Daily North Korea, a publication headquartered in Seoul dedicated to reporting on the regime and getting word into the Hermit Kingdom about the outside world, reports: "It appears that North … [Read more...] about North Koreans May Be Turning Against the Regime and Beijing
It’s Pangea Day!
Sara P., YouTube Film: Today is Pangea Day, a global event dedicated to bringing people together through film. With its eclectic mix of movies, live music and passionate speakers, Pangea Day aims to help us see life through the eyes of others. There are live events taking place right now in Cairo, Kigali, London, Los Angeles, Mumbai and Rio de Janeiro. But don't worry if … [Read more...] about It’s Pangea Day!
Picture of Prejudice
The Fox Movie Channel showed "Gentleman's Agreement" last night, a preachy drama about anti-Semitism that won the Academy Award 60 years ago, and it brought into focus the realization that I may live to see a black man inaugurated as President of the United States. What Barack Obama faces from now until November would be unimaginable to the people who made and saw that movie … [Read more...] about Picture of Prejudice
Up Close
Writing at Land and People, Lebanese blogger Rami Zurayk chronicles events in Beirut as they unfold. His accounts are fascinating in their clarity. Friday, May 8th, 8:26AM: I live in Ras Beirut, between Hamra and Manara. We woke up this morning to the sound of machine gun shooting. I looked from the window and there was a few young armed civilians running in all … [Read more...] about Up Close
Hillary Exposes ‘Weak Link’ in Democratic Government
'Retribution, swift vengeance, eternal malice were in her whole aspect, and spite of all mortal men could do - the said solid white buttress of her forehead smite the ship's starboard bow.' (apologies to Moby Dick) It seems that a global consensus against Senator Hillary … [Read more...] about Hillary Exposes ‘Weak Link’ in Democratic Government
The Great Debates of Obama and McCain
Obama Eager to Campaign With McCain. Newt Gingrich, who has advocated this, will stand up and cheer. It makes me shake with anticipation... Obama is receptive to the idea of a debate roadshow with McCain. This would seem to benefit Obama by introducing him to a wider audience and contrasting him with the older and less rhetorically artful McCain. But beyond the contrast … [Read more...] about The Great Debates of Obama and McCain
Some Saturday Reading
Join us for a quick tour of Saturday afternoon reading in case, like me, the weather is keeping you inside the house. As always, these are just a quick taste and I invite you to click through the selection of links for some interesting views offered up by some great writers. The Booman Tribune wonders if Obama is facing even more challenges because the Secret Service is full … [Read more...] about Some Saturday Reading