I recognize that something must be done about the disaster that is the War in Iraq. I appreciate the harsh hand of reality, which is forcing the Democrats to engage on this matter and delay other matters, so they can respond effectively to a Commander in Chief who is expected to call for a widely maligned surge in troops. It is not the reality that bothers me; it is the … [Read more...] about Ripple Effect
Haditha, the state of Iraq, and the mainstream media
Over at The Reaction, Capt. Fogg argues that the Iraq War could have been successful -- that is, there was a chance of success -- if the U.S. hadn't failed to maintain order from the outset. But order was not maintained, the country collapsed, and now it may be the events at Haditha that come to define the war itself. It's a provocative argument, to be sure, but it should … [Read more...] about Haditha, the state of Iraq, and the mainstream media
Be Informed
Juan Cole collected a lot of links to articles / news about Iraq. Instead of publishing those links as well, I encourage you all to simply go over to Informed Comment (and read Juan's - short - thoughts on the developments he links to). … [Read more...] about Be Informed
To Publish or Not to Publish, That is the Question
An interesting post over at the All Spin Zone. Debate question: should newspapers publish these photos or not? … [Read more...] about To Publish or Not to Publish, That is the Question
Time for a Change
Read it here. It seems logical to me that newspapers & magazines will focus less on 'printing' and more on websites. More and more people read websites. Websites can be updated continuously. Websites are more economical. Websites can be accessed whenever one wants to... Websites can easily be made 'interactive' so as to let readers participate, the list of advantages goes … [Read more...] about Time for a Change
Europe’s Gypsy Problem
A somewhat interesting article at the L.A. Times. ON NEW YEAR'S day, the European Union swelled by another 28 million people. The inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria in the European fold is cause for celebration in the streets of Bucharest and the courtyards of Sofia. For two of Europe's poorer countries, inclusion in the EU brings innumerable benefits, not the least roads, … [Read more...] about Europe’s Gypsy Problem
Center of Attention
Some extra attention to a few Centrist blogs: Amba at the AmbivaBlog quotes one of her commenters who wrote: "it is nothing short of magic that with only ink, paper, and able mind we can create something out of nothing; and in our ability to create we glimpse the power of our Gods in ourselves." As Amba points out, the entire comments is truly a "beautiful tribute to the … [Read more...] about Center of Attention
The Khmer Rouge on trial
Cambodia has set up a tribunal to examine the genocidal crimes committed by Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge three decades ago -- and to judge the perpetrators. There has been criticism of the process, but the government claims it is still committed to going ahead. I hope so. And I hope that the tribunal is taken seriously and that some measure of justice emerges from it. In … [Read more...] about The Khmer Rouge on trial
If You’re In Pennsylvania
Iraq: ‘The Abyss of Blood and Darkness’
“The plunge of civilization into this abyss of blood and darkness . . . is a thing that so gives away the whole long age during which we have supposed the world to be, with whatever abatement, gradually bettering, that to have to take it all now for what the treacherous years were all the while really making for and meaning is too tragic for any words.â€? -- HENRY JAMES I … [Read more...] about Iraq: ‘The Abyss of Blood and Darkness’
How the Democrats are supporting the troops
On CBS's Face the Nation yesterday -- from Think Progress (which has the video and transcript) -- Speaker Pelosi argued that President Bush should have to justify any troop increase in Iraq in order to receive any funding for it: [I]f the president wants to add to this mission, he is going to have to justify it. And this is new for him because up until now the Republican … [Read more...] about How the Democrats are supporting the troops
New York City Stinks Of Natural Gas
A mini-emergency is unfolding in New York City, where officials are trying to find out why Manhattan has been suddenly smelling like natural gas. The first inclination was to think: it could be part of some kind of new terrorist attack. But officials have been quick to assure New Yorkers that it is not the case, based on everything known so far and the fact that no one has … [Read more...] about New York City Stinks Of Natural Gas
10 Lessons of the Haditha Massacre
I have dialed way back on blogging about abuses committed by U.S. soldiers on Iraqi civilians after beating that drum pretty hard as details of the Mahmudiya and Haditha massacres leaked out last summer. For one thing, these crimes are being committed by a small handful of otherwise honorable troopers. For another, I don't want my home blog, Kiko's House, to be portrayed as … [Read more...] about 10 Lessons of the Haditha Massacre
Shift In Great Britain Policy Likely After Tony Blair Era
It sounds like Washington will be more isolated than ever when Tony Blair leaves the scene:Gordon Brown vowed yesterday to take on President George W Bush and the Americans over foreign policy as he spelt out plans to break from Tony Blair's approach to the "war on terror". The Chancellor, who is on course to succeed Mr Blair as Prime Minister this summer, made clear he … [Read more...] about Shift In Great Britain Policy Likely After Tony Blair Era
Around The Sphere January 8, 2007
Our famous linkfest offering you links to sites with MANY different viewpoints. Links do not necessarily reflect the opinion of TMV or its cobloggers. A Libertarian Republican In Congress Breaks With The White House Over The Expected Policy To "Surge" (Escalate) U.S. Troops In Iraq. And he has a long history of being independent. Let's Not Forget That There Are Four New … [Read more...] about Around The Sphere January 8, 2007
And Here It Is
...a song that describes the attitude of all of us here at The Moderate Voice: … [Read more...] about And Here It Is
Recommended reading for the week
Cross-posted to Random Fate under the category "Recommended Reading". --- There are some posts that show why sorting through all the dross in the vast majority of weblogs is worth the time: Velociworld - Requiem for the Senator Although knowing the context underlying the tale told helps, it is not necessary. The fact that "the Senator" is the … [Read more...] about Recommended reading for the week
Novak: Colin Powell And Congressional Republicans Oppose Troop Surge
Columnist Robert Novak reports of widespread opposition in top GOP circles to President George Bush's impending announcement of a troop "surge" -- a word used with the same intent as when the words "pre-owned cars" are used instead of "used cars." Former Secretary of State Colin Powell, who has gone public with criticism of President Bush's Iraq policy, is caustic in private … [Read more...] about Novak: Colin Powell And Congressional Republicans Oppose Troop Surge
The Deck of Many Cards
Transphobia, anti-Semitism, and "The Race Card": What liberals can learn from themselves. … [Read more...] about The Deck of Many Cards
Literary Quote of the Day: Booker T. Washington
Today's literary quote of the day is from Booker T. Washington's Up from Slavery (2nd Chapter): From any point of view, I had rather be what I am, a member of the Negro race, than be able to claim membership with the most favoured of any other race. I have always been made sad when I have heard members of any race claiming rights and privileges, or certain badges of … [Read more...] about Literary Quote of the Day: Booker T. Washington