It impresses me that the House Democrats achieved their "6 for 06" goals with so much GOP cross over. It is relatively less impressive to achieve something like this with only sheer force. But now that the initial agenda is achieved, the ability to legislate moves to a higher standard, that of withstanding debate, conference committees and vetos. The political talent and … [Read more...] about Power vs Finesse – The Real Test of Congressional Leadership
Clash Coming Up?
Nancy Pelosi has publicly warned U.S. President George W. Bush: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (news, bio, voting record) contended Friday that President Bush is rushing new troops to Iraq and betting that Congress won't cut off funds once they're in battle. The White House called her assertion "poisonous." In an exchange of harsh rhetoric that underscored the intensity of the … [Read more...] about Clash Coming Up?
I Got Them Old Deployment Blues Again, Mama
About the time you're reading this -- if you're reading this on Saturday -- the first several thousand of the troops being sent to Iraq as part of President Bush's "surge" strategy will be deploying from Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. They include about 5,000 Army paratroopers in 4th Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division at Bragg and about 200 … [Read more...] about I Got Them Old Deployment Blues Again, Mama
State of the Union Coming Up
Peggy Noonan wrote an interesting column for the Wall Street Journal: 'My Fellow Americans . . .': Thoughts in advance of the State of the Union. State of the Union speeches run long--they announce an administration's plans and proposals for the coming year, and that takes time--and by nature they have a lot of boring parts. It's not a straight arrow of a speech with a theme … [Read more...] about State of the Union Coming Up
Is There More To Rising Middle East Sectarianism Than Meets The Eye?
Could it be that Sunni Arab leaders are intentionally trying to exploit sectarian differences to set up future action against Iran? Read Foreign Policy Watch. … [Read more...] about Is There More To Rising Middle East Sectarianism Than Meets The Eye?
More On Bill O’Reilly’s Latest Controversy
Keith Olbermann had a lot to say about Bill O'Reilly's latest publicity-sparking controversy (do you notice he is involved in a lot of these?) that has outraged people in both parties -- not to mention some psychiatrists and other experts. … [Read more...] about More On Bill O’Reilly’s Latest Controversy
This Just In!!
THIS JUST IN from investigative reporter Andy Borowitz:Rosie-Trump Feud Moves Doomsday Clock Closer to Midnight Battling Duo Could Hasten Armageddon, Scientists Fear The ongoing feud between Rosie O’Donnell and Donald Trump could have deadly consequences for the world if either obtained nuclear weapons, a group of leading nuclear scientists announced today. The … [Read more...] about This Just In!!
Hugo Chavez Gobbles Up Power
As Cuba's Fidel Castro lies dying and journalists -- and diplomats -- wonder what will come next, one thing is becoming clear: As the 1950s-1960s self-styled "revolutionary" passes from the scene, it seems likely that in journalistic, political and some diplomatic circles he will perceived to have been replaced by Venezuela's Hugo Chavez, who has used his whopping election … [Read more...] about Hugo Chavez Gobbles Up Power
What a day for a daydream…..
Remember this song? What a day for a daydream What a day for a daydreamin' boy And I'm lost in a daydream Dreamin' 'bout my bundle of joy Well, according to a new study reported by Reuters at CNN.com, "Daydreaming is brain's default setting" … [Read more...] about What a day for a daydream…..
My Evening With Randall
Harvard Law Professor and Race Relations expert Randall Kennedy comes to Carleton College. Things...didn't go well. … [Read more...] about My Evening With Randall
Big Business to the Rescue
A Coalition for Firm Limit on Emissions This NYTimes article describes how big business is getting behind the global warming band wagon. Assessing their risks, the Big Companies realize that the consequences of global warming can be threatening to their business while getting ahead of the curve and providing solutions can be a substantial business opportunity. I only wish … [Read more...] about Big Business to the Rescue
Cheney Vetoed Negotiations with Iran?
Link ...An Iranian offer to help the United States stabilize Iraq and end its military support for Hezbollah and Hamas was rejected by Vice President Dick Cheney in 2003, a former top State Department official told the British Broadcasting Corp. The U.S. State Department was open to the offer, which came in an unsigned letter sent shortly after the American invasion of … [Read more...] about Cheney Vetoed Negotiations with Iran?
Center of Attention
Extra attention to a few Centrist blogs. Donald Sensing at Winds of Change: House votes to increase foreign oil dependency, punish American poor. An interesting issue / post to debate? My friend Libby Spencer at The Impolitic links to an interesting article at the Huffington Post in which Bob Burnett describes U.S. President Bush's kind of conservatism: materialistic … [Read more...] about Center of Attention
When Reporters Who Decry Censorship…Censor
One of the things that has made the American press great has been the lack of prior restraint censorship on what's written. The White House Correspondents Association dinner has in recent years reflected this freewheeling nature, by hiring entertainers who pushed the envelope: Radio host Don Imus got just a wee bit too personal for President Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham … [Read more...] about When Reporters Who Decry Censorship…Censor
Hrant Dink Murdered
Sad, sad news for all who strongly support the freedom of speech: Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink has been murdered in Istanbul. Read more here (at my own blog). … [Read more...] about Hrant Dink Murdered
Storms Hit Northern Europe
Yesterday I wrote about the storm that hit the Netherlands that day. Today, AmericaBlog noticed reports: It's pretty calm now but lots of noise last night. Fortunately for those of us in Paris the winds were not that bad, especially compared to the Christmas storm a few years ago (1998?) when Versailles lost thousands of trees and we even had two trees in the yard snap. The … [Read more...] about Storms Hit Northern Europe
Faith, Faith and Religion
A very interesting series at Der Spiegel about religion in Europe, America and, well, the rest of the world. It is - in total 3 parts - a long read, but I highly recommend it. … [Read more...] about Faith, Faith and Religion
The Battle for the Soul of Islam in Britain
An interesting article at CNN: At a recent debate over the battle for Islamic ideals in England, a British-born Muslim stood before the crowd and said Prophet Mohammed's message to nonbelievers is: "I come to slaughter all of you." "We are the Muslims," said Omar Brooks, an extremist also known as Abu Izzadeen. "We drink the blood of the enemy, and we can face them … [Read more...] about The Battle for the Soul of Islam in Britain
China Destroys Satellite through Missile
The New York Times reports: China successfully carried out its first test of an antisatellite weapon last week, signaling its resolve to play a major role in military space activities and bringing expressions of concern from Washington and other capitals, the Bush administration said yesterday. Only two nations — the Soviet Union and the United States — have previously … [Read more...] about China Destroys Satellite through Missile
“Jewish Lobby” Attacked
An American Muslim organization has filed a complaint to the Justice Department complaining about the activities of the ever-present "Jewish lobby." … [Read more...] about “Jewish Lobby” Attacked