Bradley Burston writes for the Haaretz: It may be nothing more than human nature, that takes a blessing and processes it into a curse. Or maybe it's technology. Take the talkback feature. We had great hopes for it. We believed that it would offer readers a chance to respond to the news and the columns published in this newspaper and on this Website, that they would feel … [Read more...] about Comments and TalkBack
Guest Again
The guest worker program in the immigration bill is guaranteed not to work. Guest worker programs never work. It's in the bill because actually letting these people become legal immigrants, then citizens, is politically unpalatable to Republicans. So, once again, political expediency gives us a policy guaranteed to fail. Whatever, I can deal with that--but in ten years time I … [Read more...] about Guest Again
A Victory for Whom?
For more on the new Democratic war-funding bill, the one without a timeline for withdrawal, the one that I addressed here (and Shaun Mullen here), see The Washington Post. Here's how that distinguished (deservedly or not) publication puts it on the front page of today's edition: "Democrats gave up their demand for troop-withdrawal deadlines in an Iraq war spending package … [Read more...] about A Victory for Whom?
McCain Don’t Likey Romney
It seems that John McCain has decided to attack Mitt Romney relentlessly: The contrast could hardly be more striking. Senator John McCain and Mitt Romney have been mixing it up on the trail with increasing intensity ever since their feisty exchange at the last Republican debate. This week their arguments over immigration prompted Mr. McCain to suggest acidly that Mr. … [Read more...] about McCain Don’t Likey Romney
Al Gore Catch-22
In today’s New York Times, Maureen Dowd says “leading Republicans and Bush insiders think a Gore-Obama ticket would be unbeatable.†But there is a catch. If the former Vice-President had been the way he is today-—outspoken, self-confident, at times a bit confrontational--he might have won the 2000 election by an indisputable margin. But today’s Al Gore isn’t … [Read more...] about Al Gore Catch-22
Declassified Intelligence Says Bin Laden Wanted Iraq As Base
Here's a new report that coupled with President George Bush's intent to use it in a speech is likely to spark debate -- but it's a tidbit that likely won't transform the debate or sentiments over the war in Iraq: President Bush on Tuesday declassified intelligence showing in 2005 Osama bin Laden planned to use Iraq as a base from which to launch attacks in the United … [Read more...] about Declassified Intelligence Says Bin Laden Wanted Iraq As Base
Gonzo and Wolfie Terms for Exit
Daryl Cagle, MSNBC.com … [Read more...] about Gonzo and Wolfie Terms for Exit
Iraq War Funding: The Democrats Capitulate
I have put considerable energy over the last few hours into trying to rationalize the decision of congressional Democrats to call a truce in the Iraq war funding battle as something other than rank capitulation. Smart politics, perhaps. The recognition that the compromise with the White House – which shifts the focus from a troop withdrawal deadline to imposing new … [Read more...] about Iraq War Funding: The Democrats Capitulate
(Updated)Triangle of Death Search: Day 11
Abducted soldiers: Fouty, Anzack and Jimenez Iraqi police have found the body of a man wearing what appear to be U.S. military trousers and boots who has a tattoo on his left arm floating in the Euphrates River. An Iraqi official said it was one of three American soldiers abducted following an Al Qaeda-led ambush on May 12. The man had been shot in the head and torso, … [Read more...] about (Updated)Triangle of Death Search: Day 11
Fred Phelps and His ‘God Hates You’ Church
Where does the money come from to fund Pastor Fred Phelps' church congregation air travel and hotel stays all over the country? The Phelps' church is composed of about 35 family members whose sole activity besides maintaining a website www.godhatesfags.com appears to be protesting the funerals of gay people, military and most recently Jerry Falwell's funeral as well. This, … [Read more...] about Fred Phelps and His ‘God Hates You’ Church
When The Press Reveals An Apparent Covert Plan
Does it help....or make things worse? See our earlier post HERE. … [Read more...] about When The Press Reveals An Apparent Covert Plan
Al Gore’s New Book (Will He Run?)
Al Gore is interviewed by Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America. His comments unfiltered by any blogger's opinion 4 U: Note his strong criticism of the kind of language the media uses. Al Gore's new book: … [Read more...] about Al Gore’s New Book (Will He Run?)
Iraq And Vietnam: Geometry Of Getting Out
Is politics all calculation -- or does "chance" play a role? Veteran journalist and editor Robert Stein has a special perspective... … [Read more...] about Iraq And Vietnam: Geometry Of Getting Out
Jimmy Carter Versus George Bush Inspires The Cartoonists
But perhaps not the way he wishes... Who's The Worst by Cagle Cartoon's Brian Fairrington Habitat For Jimmy by The Detroit News' Larry Wright: UPDATE: But that isn't the unanimous view of Carter and his comments. For a differing perspective, READ THIS. … [Read more...] about Jimmy Carter Versus George Bush Inspires The Cartoonists
Viagra: A Treatment For Jet Lag?
If you've gone on a long flight, Viagra could help you stick it out -- by combating jet lag and helping you get through the day, that is. Viagra, the blue pill of happiness made so popular via commercials showing former GOP Presidential candidate Bob Dole may now have an unexpected benefit besides the hours of pleasure it gives so many in their bedrooms: it may combat jet … [Read more...] about Viagra: A Treatment For Jet Lag?
Great Moments in Journalism, Part 245
Note to the San Francisco Chronicle: If you're going to cite the leader of a well-known hate group as a scientific source, you probably should mention his affiliation to said organization in the article. … [Read more...] about Great Moments in Journalism, Part 245
Musical Medley
Nothing important, just the track listing for the mix CD I created for Carleton's music swap. Music snobs who wish to pick apart my atrocious taste are welcome. … [Read more...] about Musical Medley
Not Good
I'm not sure of the intended target (Fred Phelps? Soulforce?) but this report from ABC News is NOT a good sign: ABCNews: Bomb Plot Thwarted at Falwell's FuneralStudent Arrested With Homemade Bombs, Three Other Suspects Sought Captain Ed comments: "Stupidity knows no bounds. People who want to use violence for political purposes are terrorists." … [Read more...] about Not Good
The Iranian timeline in Iraq
(Note: Pete Abel graciously included this post, originally written for The Reaction, in today's Center of Attention. I have decided to post it here as well, however, if only for the sake of convenience. The first half of the post concerns the new Democratic bill on Iraq, sans timeline for withdrawal. The second half -- click on "Read the rest..." -- concerns claims by a U.S. … [Read more...] about The Iranian timeline in Iraq
On Liberalism and Religion; or, Newt’s Delusional Nonsense
On Saturday, Newt Gingrich gave the commencement address to the 2007 graduating class of Liberty University. Having already cozied up to James Dobson, and establishing himself as the would-be candidate of the religious right for '08, he used his address both to praise the university's recently-deceased bigot-founder, Jerry Falwell, and to rail against what he called a "growing … [Read more...] about On Liberalism and Religion; or, Newt’s Delusional Nonsense