May 14, 2008
Missing in the News
What with the Democratic campaign wall to wall, and disasters in Myanmar and China, some things are getting very little coverage. Here are some news items that I have found interesting. Regarding the massive earthquake in China, there are concerns...
May 13, 2008
How to Grow Tragedies
As we have watched the government of Myanmar block aid to victims of cyclone Nargis, anger and frustration have been present in every report. It is only to be expected that a government would try to aid the victims of...
April 29, 2008
Three Examples - One Story
I have been heart sick, and I can't quite shake it. Perhaps it is one of my "global depressions," and perhaps things are as insane as they seem. I want to share three events with you that all seem to...
April 22, 2008
Another Earth Day
Another Earth Day rolls around and the planet is heading towards environmental catastrophe. Seems like one day a year is not enough to counter 364 days a year of destruction. Earth ... that ungrateful snob .. just doesn't recognize the...
April 19, 2008
Bush: "Find Me Someone Who Has Something to do with Houses"
President Bush has put forward his candidate to head the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The slot came open with the resignation of Alphonso Jackson who left under allegations of cronyism in awarding New Orleans contracts....
April 7, 2008
On the Lighter Side
And in the category of political satire we have ... Blimp TV. NEW BUSH COINS (Change For The Better). Dean Opperman writer and producer....
April 1, 2008
Heads Up on North Korea
I have no idea there is virtual silence both the U.S. corporate or people's media, but something seems to be going on with North (and South) Korea. Back at the beginning of September (2007) the U.S. agreed to take North...
March 13, 2008
How Does Tomorrow Dream?
As the global struggle for power and resources continues, and as we mark the fifth anniversary of the United States' war of choice, this message from John Trudell rings true in one's heart. Thanks to Kelly for finding and sharing...
March 11, 2008
It Is Time to Take a Stand
I have remained officially neutral since Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are the last two standing in the Democratic Presidential campaign. (Sorry Mike Gravel. I respect you but you are not a serious candidate, but I appreciate your taking the...
March 2, 2008
Coming to Your Neighborhood?
Thanks to Bill for sending this piece along. Watch it, then read on. Or at YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D99NHb6B03s...
February 27, 2008
Keeping an Eye on Turkey
I would recommend keeping an eye on what Turkey is doing. As I have discussed elsewhere (here and here), the conflict between the Iraqi Kurds and Turkey places the United States in a precarious position....
February 26, 2008
A Promising Life Cut Short
Austin Miller was a 15 year old writer and artist cut down by a Tri-Met bus in Beaverton, Oregon. Austin was a member of our family. He was very aware and involved in bike safety issues. That did not save...
February 2, 2008
Three Left Standing
With the resignation of Edwards from the Democratic presidential race, we still have three candidates left standing Clinton, Gravel, and Obama. Oh, you didn't know that there was still a third candidate? Most of the country never knew that there...
January 27, 2008
America is a Democracy?
By: Richard Backus of Uncensored Opinions Joel Hirschhorn, in recent articles on OpEdNews has encouraged the American public to petition for a constitutional convention under Article V of the constitution in order to rectify the ever-increasing creation of laws harming...
November 18, 2007
Pakistan Struggles Instructive and Frightening
Pakistan remains in a state of emergency. The emergency declared by Musharraf on November 3, 2007 in response to terrorism - purportedly. However it seems more like a full out effort to retain power....
September 13, 2007
September 11 - the world changed
On September 11, 2001 a series of horrendous events happened. Planes brought down two buildings of the World trade Center complex in New York City; the Pentagon was hit; and another crashed in a Pennsylvania field. It was a shock...
September 10, 2007
Interview with Benjamin Orbach
On August 20, 2007, I wrote a review of Live from Jordan: Letters Home from My Journey Through the Middle East by Benjamin Orbach. Mr. Orbach graciously agreed to a follow-up interview. I believe it provides some good insights....
August 9, 2007
China Barks Back
China ranks number two (behind Japan) as the largest holder of U.S. Treasury bonds. So when China threatens to sell off its holdings, it should be big news. Instead, we get the esteemed Senator Graham stating: "would advise our Chinese...
August 5, 2007
Historical Dèjá Vu
Iran and Nicaragua in barter deal. Yes, the above article is written in 2007. Yes, Daniel Ortega is the president of Nicaragua. Yes, this is the same Ortega who was the head of the Sandinistas. So, it is not too...
June 8, 2007
Iraq - Teetering on the Edge
Iraq is teetering on the edge, but this one is not into civil war. Iraq could find itself at war with Turkey. It is stunning to imagine that a nation in name only; with (reportedly) fewer than 10,000 soldiers "combat...
June 3, 2007
Your input requested
I am testing a new site design in my ongoing efforts to improve your experience at Uncommon Thought Journal. The primary advantage of the new design is that it should load in about 1/2 the time as the current page....
The JFK Plot?
Unless you have ardently avoided the news this weekend, you know that an alleged plot to blow up the jet fuel pipelines at JFK Airport was broken up this weekend. The story, and the likely scale of the threat, get...
May 25, 2007
Toxic Love
Hexxus (Tim Curry) sings Toxic Love Or available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PLQ1XfaTuU>/a> Thanks to Ed for sending this along....
May 1, 2007
Now We Have a New Czar
The food contamination issues, and the lack of oversight by the FDA has now been solved. The FDA has named a Food Safety Czar. Now we can all breathe a sigh of relief and go back to sleep. David Acheson,...
April 27, 2007
Adhamiya - Gated Community or Prison?
(Image Source: Middle East Online) The U.S. military briefly halted construction of a wall around the Adhamiya neighborhood in Baghdad after Prime Minister Maliki protested it. However, Maliki has apparently "reconsidered," and construction has resumed....
March 24, 2007
Keep an eye on Pakistan
Things are not going well in Pakistan. Musharraf has lost any popularity he might once have had with his collaboration with the US. While Musharraf was pretty public in stating the US strong armed him into supporting the invasion of...
March 21, 2007
Reza Aslan
Reza Aslan is an Iranian American Muslim with a Masters in Theology from Harvard, and is currently a Research Associate at the University of Southern California's Center on Public Diplomacy. He is the author of two books. He has a...
February 10, 2007
Just Fed Up
I don't know about you, but I have been feeling fed up with ... The scope of my "fed-upness" is so broad that I have trouble throwing it into a broad category. For that reason, I have had problems settling...
February 1, 2007
Giving Women Power Over Aids Exhibit
An exhibit addressing AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa which features information and images from the award winning Seattle Times feature is coming to the Portland/Vancouver area. Here is a link to the flier - announcement (pdf). I have also included the...
Good Bye Molly
For decades I have been moved to tears, to rage, and to belly laughs by Molly Ivins. Her biting insight mixed with that special backhanded humor was top drawer political analysis. I am still in shock that this national treasure...
January 22, 2007
Roe vs Wade at 34
This is the 34th anniversary of the Roe v Wade decision which made abortion legal in the United States.I offer a personal reflection....
January 16, 2007
Mark Seibel - Kudos to a Watchdog
I strongly encourage you to read an article by Mark Seibel published by McClatchey Newspapers titled " Administration Leaving out Important Details on Iraq." (Here is the McClatchey link) Thank you Mr. Seibel for writing, and McClatchey for publishing, the...
January 11, 2007
Bush's Stunning Speech
I must say that I was stunned by Bush's speech regarding committing more U.S. troops to Iraq. It was not that I expected a change of course. It was clear that was not going to happen. What was stunning was...
January 8, 2007
Paranoia?
OK call me paranoid, and I'll keep this brief. It seems suspicious to me that New York and New Jersey getting inundated with an powerful stink of unknown origin or composition is beyond odd. Further it has sent at least...
December 16, 2006
Defending 'Our Way of Life'
After the horrendous events of September 11, 2001, George Bush claimed that the "terrorists" attacked us because of "our way of life." In justifying the Gulf War I, George W. Bush also claimed we were defending "our way of life."...
December 10, 2006
Iraq, The Study Group, and Bush's 'Stay the Course'
The Iraq Study Group released its report on December 6, 2006. It has generated tremendous commentary and response. Much has been made of the 79 recommendations made in the report. However, one must wonder if they have generated so much...
December 2, 2006
Fed's 'Soft Landing' Not Inspiring Confidence
While the Federal Reserve continues to predict a "soft landing" for the economic "slow down," others are not buying it....
November 30, 2006
Ahmadinejad's Letter to the People of the United States
This is a copy of the letter from Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of Iran to the people of the United States. Thanks to Final Call for providing a copy. In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful O, Almighty God,...
November 19, 2006
Thoughts and Musings
I keep stumbling across things that stand out for me and I wanted to pass them on. First, information for Veterans. The military is using a hemophilia drug used to treat rare forms of leukemia on the troops. The drug...
November 10, 2006
And Gas Prices Start To Rise
Isn't it just a coincidence that gas prices started jumping up all the sudden? On Tuesday, my regular gas station had unleaded for $2.22 a gallon. By Thursday morning it had jumped to $2.38 a gallon. That is a sixteen...
Veterans: Harsh Reality and the Surreal
I recommend an article from today's NY Times by C.J. Chivers - Marines Get the News From an Iraqi Host: Rumsfeld's Out. 'Who's Rumsfeld?'. Political struggling and maneuverings at home have changed the political landscape. Hopefully in a manner that...
November 5, 2006
Skidboot - A Heartwarming Tale
This is a story that made me smile and made me cry. Enjoy the story of Skidboot. Video runs about 9 minutes. A heart-warming segment from Texas Country Reporter, with Bob Phillips....
October 4, 2006
The Foley Debacle
I truly do not care that Mark Foley is an alcoholic and was abused as a child, it does not excuse his abuse of his position. Nor does his being "gay" have anything to do with his behavior. There is...
September 13, 2006
Inconvenient Heroes - The Survivors of 9/11/01
Having just passed the fifth anniversary of September 11, 2001, and having watched at least four programs on the ongoing health issues of first responders, and those near the World Trade Center, I wonder about living versus dead heroes....
September 11, 2006
September 11 - An Infamous Day
Five years ago this morning I was watching the morning news when they jumped to the burning WTC tower 1. Within minutes, I watched another plane crash into tower 2. There seemed no doubt that this was deliberate. Like the...
September 10, 2006
The Haunting Past Is the Daunting Present
The "Iran Problem" is on the table with the US pushing the UN Security Council for sanctions, and Russia blocking sanctions. I get a haunting feeling of deja vu, or perhaps the past is never the past....
September 6, 2006
The Meaning Of Things
I recently re-read Sherri S. Tepper's book The Visitor (2002). While I recommend Tepper as an exceptional author, and think this is a great book, I am not writing a book review, but addressing an idea that comes up in...
September 4, 2006
Israel Taking A More Militant Posture?
While both Israel and Hizbullah claimed victory in the recent 33 day war, for Israel it was a loss. Superior military strength and weaponry did not shock an awe Hizbullah into laying down their arms. Even the use of banned...
August 29, 2006
Mariali Retiring
Mariali is retiring and moving on to other projects. I want to thank the artists who have shared insightful and thought provoking art with us over the last several years. It has been my honor to host Mariali's Corner at...
August 4, 2006
How To Make A Pony Disappear - The Middle East
August 1, 2006
Israel and U.S. May Have Bitten Off More Than They Can Chew
Israel is continuing its bombing in spite of saying they were calling a 48 hour cease fire after the destruction in Qana. The cabinet has voted to extend the ground invasion, and the Bush administration continues to "give them time"...
July 30, 2006
NORAD Out, Star Wars In
The Pentagon has announced its decision to mothball NORAD after spending $700 million since 2001 to upgrade its warning systems. The staff will be moved to Peterson Airforce Base. The reason given for the closure: "a missile attack from China...
June 29, 2006
Israel And Palestine: Where Is The International Community?
Israel is kidnapping members of the Palestinian government, and holding them (purportedly) to be exchanged for an Israeli soldier who was captured/kidnapped in Gaza....
June 26, 2006
The Somalia Conundrum
Somalia (BBC Country Profile) is a nation dealing with drought, famine, and political instability. It has not has a formal government since 1991. It has a transitional government which is backed by the United Nations, but not by the United...
June 21, 2006
Possible Korean Missile Test
I live on the west coast of the United States, so George Bush's ongoing failure to talk with North Korea is a bit personal. It is more personal as it is reported that NK is preparing to test a missile...
June 9, 2006
Abu Musab al-Zarqawi - Dead?
I woke up about 2:30 last night and turned on the TV. What greets me but news that Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Further, it was still the only topic at 5:30am, and was still going strong on this evening's cable channel....
May 30, 2006
Time to Crow - A little
This morning I was interviewed by Mike Newcomb from KPHX - the Air America station in Phoenix. He had read A Slow Motion Coup at Project for the OLD American Century where I am a columnist. The interview is available...
May 29, 2006
How To Honor U.S. Veterans?
Today is Memorial Day. As it has approached, my personal dilemma has haunted me as it does every year - how to honor those who have died serving the country. The root of this problem is that I do not...
May 11, 2006
Debt and Taxes
It seems like even the most conservative would be getting nervous about the shenanigans of the GOP at this point. Perhaps they are if the article from the Washington Post is correct. On Tuesday May 9th we got the news...
April 12, 2006
Call Me Romantic But Let's Not Bomb The Moon
The word is out NASA to Crash Probe Into Moon in Search of Water. The plan is to launch a reconnaissance vehicle and "probe" in 2008 and "crash" the probe at over 5.600 mph into the moon. It is anticipated...
April 9, 2006
Iran? Why Now?
Seymour Hersh has a new article on the the plans to attack Iran. While I am not surprised by what Hersh reveals (and others echo - Wa. Post, Independent, Al Jazeera, AFP) in his article, the timing is more than...
April 6, 2006
Iraq?
I don't know about you, but I am getting very confused about what the Bush strategy is in Iraq at this point. While the "pre" civil war seems to be continuing, the U.S. is trying to mould the "democracy" by...
February 19, 2006
Katrina Is Not History
As the investigation into the failed response to Hurricane Katrina drags on, we see what has become a pattern of graft, cronyism, incompetence. FEMA's almost billion dollar purchase of mobile and modular homes largely sit decaying in a filed in...
February 15, 2006
The Cheney Incident
Everywhere you look Cheney's shooting of "friend" Harry Whittington while on a quail "hunt" in Texas. I am not going to make more jokes, or even rehash the "chronology" of events. Others are doing that ad nauseum. While so many...
February 8, 2006
Freedom of Expression Or Incitement to Violence?
Update at end of article I have been thinking a lot about the cartoon from Denmark that has apparently set off escalating violence. The argument largely seems to be between freedom of expression and sacrilege. I am leaning heavily towards...
January 31, 2006
Alito Hastily Sworn In To Watch Bush Lie To Us Again
I must say that the swearing in of Alito and the hasty removal of O'Connor brought tears to my eye. Legislative log jams aside, the placement of Roberts and Alito on the court essentially completes a neo-con coup of the...
We Must Not Be Mainpulated By Fear
This article is by Leonard Pitts, Jr. and was originally published in the Miami Herald In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the...
January 24, 2006
Two Wolves
Cherokee Wisdom - Two Wolves Author Unknown -- sent to me by Bill One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside...
January 17, 2006
They Call It Corruption
With the investigations of Abramoff and DeLay, and the network of others involved, the words "corruption" and "scandal" are on the headlines. After the "corruption" and "scandal" in the corporate sector over the last four years, the words might be...
November 11, 2005
Thoughts On Veterans Day
Today is Veterans Day. It is a day of recognition of those who have served in war time in the U.S. military. Many of those lost their lives, and many more live on with the damages from their service. I...
October 20, 2005
Sick At Heart
I must say that I am just sick at heart over the ongoing news out of New Orleans. What in the world has been going on down there?...
October 11, 2005
Musings on Disaster Response
It seems like it has been a bad year for disasters. Apparently I am not the only one struck by the issue as John Vidal at the Guardian asks "Are we having more natural disasters?" I don't know if we...
September 30, 2005
Racism is a Regional Problem?
In a nodding acknowledgement to the existence of racism in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, President Bush portrayed it as a regional issue. Well he might need to identify another "region" as a racist zone on with William Bennett making...
September 28, 2005
Sad But Possibly True - Armed Dolphins on the Loose
The headline reads "Armed and dangerous - Flipper the firing dolphin let loose by Katrina. The reported loss of the dolphins who were reportedly kept in ponds near Lake Ponchartrain, are reported to be missing. One might think the report...
September 22, 2005
Of Hurricanes, Petroleum, and Us
I had a bad feeling about Katrina which surpassed even my glum prognostications. I have an even worse feeling about Rita. This goes beyond concerns that gas may go above $5 a gallon. Yesterday's Rigzone proclaimed Hurricane Rita Takes Aim...
September 19, 2005
Military as First Responder?
I don't know about you, but the thought of the U.S. military as the first responder raises some serious concerns. In looking at the lack of federal response to Hurricane Katrina - particularly as it was highlighted in New Orleans...
September 16, 2005
Back to 9/11
Anyone who has read Uncommon Thought for a while knows that I think the Bush administration was at least complicit in the events of September 11, 2001. That has labeled me as a "conspiracy theorist" in some quarters, but the...
September 14, 2005
"I Take Responsibility"
Why should the three words "I take Responsibility" make the news? Because in 5 years of failures, screw ups, and lies it is the first time Bush has even come close to acknowledging accountability. While it was a conditioned accounting...
September 10, 2005
Disaster Relief In The First Person
I would like to direct folks attention to an article by Larry Bradshaw and Lorie Beth Slonsky published at Socialist Worker Online - The real heroes and sheroes of New Orleans. This is a stunning article in a couple of...
September 9, 2005
Land of the Absurd - Politics of Katrina Response
I'll forewarn you that this is a rant. I am angry and sad and tired. A week and a half after the Katrina, FEMA is still screwing up. True, there is more response than before, but the feds just aren't...
September 3, 2005
Katrina and An Oil-Based Global Economy
President Bush is releasing crude oil to refineries from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Now, the International Energy Agency (a 26 nation member group which includes the U.S.) has decided to release oil from their reserves to the United States (Wa....
September 2, 2005
Disaster From Bad To Worse
I keeping hoping for the tide to turn. It is not. The domino effect continues. The lack of effective response continues. The death toll rises. Now there is a chemical plant burning in New Orleans. As expected, no one can...
August 20, 2005
Why Aren't 350 Bombs Exploding Simultaneously Big News?
On Wednesday August 17,2005, 350 bombs exploded simultaneously across Bangladesh. The U.S. corporate media did a sound bite and the story disappeared. Even most of the international media have given the story short shrift. I am baffled as one would...
August 13, 2005
Original Child Bomb
I watched Original Child Bomb the other day. It was one of the hardest hitting and heartbreaking documentaries I have ever seen. It is airing on the Sundance Channel Weds August 24th at 12pm. The documentary brings home in very...
July 31, 2005
What's This About A Tenth Planet?
Why is there so much hoopla about discovering a 10th planet? And why are they saying it's " the first new planet to be found in our solar system since Pluto?" What happened to Sedna which was discovered last year?...
July 20, 2005
One War - Two Counts - Who Counts
In any war the ones who pay the largest price are civilians. The U.S. military has repeatedly claimed that it is not keeping track of civilian deaths in Iraq (which I believe is in violation of international law). Recently, two...
July 12, 2005
News Confused - News Clarified
With all the various issues flying, it is hard to keep track of who's on first. Let's just look at some of the news in brief. Is anyone really surprised that Karl Rove is a source of the leaking the...
July 4, 2005
It's "Independence" Day
I am not an Independence Day fan. In fact, I hate the day (and those surrounding it) for the constant sound of explosions that jar my nerves and send my dogs into a panic. I never have understood why "blowing...
July 1, 2005
The Press And Source Confidentiality
I must say that I have gone back and forth on how I feel about the court's decision to put journalists Matthew Cooper and Judith Miller in jail for refusing to name the person (or people) inside the Bush Whitehouse...
June 16, 2005
Democrats Hold Meeting On Downing Street Minutes
On Thursday (June 16th), there was a meeting on the Downing Street Minutes. It was supposed to be a hearing, but the Republican Congress would not allow it, or even allow a meeting room for it. So the Democrats held...
June 15, 2005
Why Would We Repeal Presidential Term Limits?
Why would we want to repeal the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution? The 22nd Amendment sets the term limits for the office of President of the United States. Five Congressman have sponsored HJ 24 to repeal the 22nd Amendment to...
June 12, 2005
Oregonian Response to Poor Coverage of Downing Street Memo
Some of you, including myself, may have contacted the Oregonian about the poor coverage of the Downing Street Memo. The Public Editor for the Oregonian, Michael Arrieta-Walden, has an excellent piece in the Sunday Oregonian (page F1) Readers pillory press...
June 10, 2005
The New Genetic Explanation For Behavior
I have been alarmed for quite some time about using genetics to explain human behavior. It is a frightening (in my opinion) new direction for genetic science and (future) manipulation. Geneticists, backed by big pharma I'm sure, are off on...
June 2, 2005
Mark Felt - Why Is This A Controversy?
I am having a real hard time with the vitriol and controversy that has greeted the revelation that W. Mark Felt is the source of information that blew open Watergate. I have got the sound bites of various folks -...
May 14, 2005
Desecrating the Qu'ran - Last Straw or Cultural Divide?
Anti-American riots are spreading across the world in response to allegations that a Qur'an was flushed down the toilet as an interrogation technique. The report that started the latest storm of protest and growing violence was a brief piece in...
May 6, 2005
The Peculiar State
BY: JOHN CHUCKMAN A lawyer gave a brief opinion piece on Canada's public radio, the CBC, in which he flatly said that criticism of Israel is a form of anti-Semitism. I guess we should be grateful that people in Canada...
April 30, 2005
News and Comment
There are so many things going on that I can't focus on one this morning. I figured I'd pass on what has jumped out at me. Starting with the oldest first, Jeffrey Lean writes on GM industry puts human gene...
April 29, 2005
Fall Out Or The Way Forward - Vietnam War 30 Years On
Saturday marks the 30 year anniversary of the ending of the Vietnam War. In Vietnam, it is called the American War. While the war may have ended, it has left its mark on both bodies and nations. Some wounds do...
March 24, 2005
Life and Death and Who Is Important
There are two striking cases with dramatically different responses from the U.S. government. On one hand we have the case of Terri Schiavo, on the other the deaths in Red Lake Minnesota. In one case, there is political gain assumed...
March 20, 2005
Global Anti-War Protests: What Happened to the People?
I attended the March 19th march in Portland, Oregon and the numbers were significantly down from earlier marches. Was it the weather? Was it spring break? I don't think so. I made an effort to scan global headlines and reports....
March 16, 2005
How Things Change
All credit for this "discovery" goes to Project for The Old American Century. As you know, the Cantwell Amendment was defeated today (3/16/05) meaning that drilling in ANWR is part of the Senate Budget Resolution. However, almost exactly two years...
March 9, 2005
A Crisis of Trust
What is trust to you? What is it based on? For me, there are different levels of trust. Everyday trust that the folks around you will follow normal rules of behavior. Trust that when someone tells me something that it...
March 3, 2005
Rule of Law or Rule of the Bully?
It looks like Canada may become a refuge for US troops refusing to fight in Iraq. That is not a final decision because the test case involving five deserters has had the strongest argument underpinning asylum ruled out by the...
February 28, 2005
Playing at War: the Implications of Video Wargaming
An increasing amount of the U.S. weapons systems of the future are remotely operated. For recruiting, training, and increasingly, actual warfare, the video game is becoming a standard. There are many levels on which this direction should be alarming. I...
February 27, 2005
This Week from Mariali
This week's caricature commentary from Mariali cannot be adequately displayed in the sidebar, so I am placing it here where you can actually see it. The abduction of Europe, February 27, 2005 Click picture for larger view....
February 9, 2005
Stray Thoughts
I have had some stray thoughts floating around my brain so I figure why not throw them out here and let folks kick them around. Stray 1: Given the knowledge that the Shi'ites were likely to turn out in larger...
February 4, 2005
Fight Them There - Not at Home
" Our men and women in uniform are fighting terrorists in Iraq, so we do not have to face them here at home." (2005 State of the Union Address) I swear I am sick of hearing this comment and others...
January 31, 2005
Israel, Palestine and Land
I must admit to a rising level of confusion about what is going on between Israel and Palestine. On one hand you have cease fires followed by attacks followed by cease fires. On the other, you have Israel returning land...
January 29, 2005
Iraq and Hope
People in Iraq will very soon start to vote. There has been tremendous criticism of this election. There are all kinds of problems. There is violence, which is likely to escalate. Polling places are secret as are those who are...
January 28, 2005
On the Lookout for Good Economic News?
I've been on the lookout for good news about the U.S. economy ... but I can't find any. It goes from grim to grimmer. The US dollar continues to slide, which fuels increasing concerns about international banking shifting away from...
January 25, 2005
Tsunamic Calamity -- Media and Individual Disconnectivity
By: Mathew Maavak It was a resplendent afternoon in Goa on Dec 26. Tourists were tripping towards the famed Calangute-Baga beach when fellow vacationer Ashwin Sivakumar stumbled upon the news of a tsunami disaster at a net cafe. Goa, on...
January 21, 2005
Death By a Thousand Cuts
I have refrained from ranting for a while, but I think the time has come. I am fighting a losing battle against what I call my "global depression." That is where I look at the world and feel powerless in...
This is Choice
A photographer for the BBC captured the following picture of the Bush inauguration, and it is too apt to pass by. (The photo is posted with Bush plays variations on freedom theme - 1/21/05)...
January 20, 2005
Who's the Biggest Threat?
Who is the biggest threat? Well, it depends on who you ask. If you ask the world, it is Bush and the U.S.. If you listen to the Bush Administration, it is a bit more confusing. During Condoleeza Rice's appearance...
January 17, 2005
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Today is the
