Welcome back to the Adirondack Howler. I have made my pick for Video of the Week. It is an interview with Les Leopold, author of the book Looting of America, that was aired on RT America and found on You Tube. Leopold believes that Wall Street should pay for the country's economic mistakes.
The video clip is found at the Vidoe of the Week section of this blog, located at the bottom of the page.
I will give my Three Cheers and Three Boos in next week's post. Unlike my weekly cheers and boos, I will be giving my Three Cheers and Three Boos of the Year.
That is all for now. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 327th day since the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court which opened the spigots of corporate cash and poisoned the well of our democracy.
I wish everyone a safe and peaceful holiday.
Until next time, good night and good luck.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Christmas 2010
Hello everyone in the land of progressives. This is the Adirondack Howler for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2010. All the shopping is completed and the cards are written and mailed out to friends and relatives but this Holiday season always seems to feel depressing. I have two articles from today's Commondreams.org that illustrate, in my view, the perceptions of Christmas 2010.
The first article deals with the annual War on Christmas brought to you by the people of the Right. In the piece, John Fugelsang tells us the recitation of Happy Holidays by businesses is good for their bottom lines. The story can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/12/24-3 .
The second article deals with how people are being frugal and more personal with their Christmas gifts. Acoording to the story, these moves have the potential to restore meaning to the Christmas holiday. The piece by Annie Lowery of Slate is found at http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2010/12/24-4 .
I am sure that my readers have listened to or read "Twas the Night Before Christmas". In today's Commondreams.org, Donna Smith reinterprets this holiday fable to reflect the times that the majority of our citizens are handling at the present time. Her rendition can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/12/24 .
Before I started posting today, I was checking the track of Santa on the Norad Santa website (noradsanta.org) and disccovered that he was in Kazakhstan as of 1PM. Now as I blog with you, he is over the Indian Ocean island of the Seychelles. I wish I had a direct line to Santa's sleigh to tell him to drop a load of coal over the Fox News studios. I cite three pieces from Newshounds.us to give the man in red an idea that Fox News is not exactly nice.
Article One : http://www.newshounds.us/2010/12/24/fox_friends_shows_some_christmas_love_to_persecuted_christians.php
P.S -- Please mention that people of the Muslim faith have been persecuted quite severely since September 11, 2001.
Article Two: http://www.newshounds.us/2010/12/24/fox_friends_war_on_christmas_adds_to_antiislamic_hate_speech_.php
Article Three: http://www.newshounds.us/2010/12/24/van_susteren_helps_palin_play_a_haiti_expert_on_tv.php
P.P.S.-- Do not get coal from mines owned by Massey Energy.
I will return shortly with my pick for Video of the Week.
The first article deals with the annual War on Christmas brought to you by the people of the Right. In the piece, John Fugelsang tells us the recitation of Happy Holidays by businesses is good for their bottom lines. The story can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/12/24-3 .
The second article deals with how people are being frugal and more personal with their Christmas gifts. Acoording to the story, these moves have the potential to restore meaning to the Christmas holiday. The piece by Annie Lowery of Slate is found at http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2010/12/24-4 .
I am sure that my readers have listened to or read "Twas the Night Before Christmas". In today's Commondreams.org, Donna Smith reinterprets this holiday fable to reflect the times that the majority of our citizens are handling at the present time. Her rendition can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/12/24 .
Before I started posting today, I was checking the track of Santa on the Norad Santa website (noradsanta.org) and disccovered that he was in Kazakhstan as of 1PM. Now as I blog with you, he is over the Indian Ocean island of the Seychelles. I wish I had a direct line to Santa's sleigh to tell him to drop a load of coal over the Fox News studios. I cite three pieces from Newshounds.us to give the man in red an idea that Fox News is not exactly nice.
Article One : http://www.newshounds.us/2010/12/24/fox_friends_shows_some_christmas_love_to_persecuted_christians.php
P.S -- Please mention that people of the Muslim faith have been persecuted quite severely since September 11, 2001.
Article Two: http://www.newshounds.us/2010/12/24/fox_friends_war_on_christmas_adds_to_antiislamic_hate_speech_.php
Article Three: http://www.newshounds.us/2010/12/24/van_susteren_helps_palin_play_a_haiti_expert_on_tv.php
P.P.S.-- Do not get coal from mines owned by Massey Energy.
I will return shortly with my pick for Video of the Week.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Three Cheers and Three Boos of the Week
Here I am once again with my Three Cheers and Three Boos of the week.
Three Cheers of the Week
1) To Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont for his filibuster efforts on the legislation to extend all of President Bush's tax cut. You have a great service for this country, Senator Sanders.
2) To Adam Parsons for his essay in today's Coomondreams.org that debunked the seven myhts that have developed over the years. I hope people will read this piece and gain inspiration to help the people who live in these parts of the world provide a foundation for a dignified and sustainable life.
3) To Joe Bageant for his insightful article on the role of cultural ignorance in the deterioration of our democracy. His piece appeared in this weekend's Alternet.org and can be found here .
Three Boos of the Week
1) To President Obama for continuing the bashing of WikiLeaks editor-in-chief Julian Assange whose only crime was to reveal the irresponsible secrecy of our government and its affairs.
2) To the people of Westboro Baptist Church for plans to protest at the funeral of Elizabeth Edwards. I believe that no matter how we think of the deceased, we must repect our foes at the end.
3) To former President Bill Clinton for supporting President Obama in his efforts to extend President Bush's tax cut. I believe that after two terms of capitulating to the Right, Mr. Clinton should have known not to repeat these type of mistakes.
That is all I have for this week. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 325th day after the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court which opened the spigots of corporate cash and poisoned the well of our democracy.
Good night and good luck.
Three Cheers of the Week
1) To Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont for his filibuster efforts on the legislation to extend all of President Bush's tax cut. You have a great service for this country, Senator Sanders.
2) To Adam Parsons for his essay in today's Coomondreams.org that debunked the seven myhts that have developed over the years. I hope people will read this piece and gain inspiration to help the people who live in these parts of the world provide a foundation for a dignified and sustainable life.
3) To Joe Bageant for his insightful article on the role of cultural ignorance in the deterioration of our democracy. His piece appeared in this weekend's Alternet.org and can be found here .
Three Boos of the Week
1) To President Obama for continuing the bashing of WikiLeaks editor-in-chief Julian Assange whose only crime was to reveal the irresponsible secrecy of our government and its affairs.
2) To the people of Westboro Baptist Church for plans to protest at the funeral of Elizabeth Edwards. I believe that no matter how we think of the deceased, we must repect our foes at the end.
3) To former President Bill Clinton for supporting President Obama in his efforts to extend President Bush's tax cut. I believe that after two terms of capitulating to the Right, Mr. Clinton should have known not to repeat these type of mistakes.
That is all I have for this week. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 325th day after the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court which opened the spigots of corporate cash and poisoned the well of our democracy.
Good night and good luck.
Special Segment -- You and the 2012 Elections -- 12/12/10
Welcome back to the Adirondack Howler. Today, my Special Segment deals with the 2012 elections. As candidates like Christine O'Donnell and Sharon Angle fade until at least the next Presidential election and former Alaska governor Sarah Palin mulling a run to move from Wasilla to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, it is worth noting an article by Linda Milazzo in today's Commondreams.org about how this week's death of Elizabeth Edwards is loss of a compassionate voice of the people. Her article can be found at
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/12/12-4 .
The Adirondack Howler would like to extend its condolences to her family. She will be missed.
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/12/12-4 .
The Adirondack Howler would like to extend its condolences to her family. She will be missed.
What's On My Mind -- 12/12/10
Greetings everyone from the land of the progressives. This is the Adirondack Howler for Sunday, December 12th, 2010. With only 13 days until that special holiday, I started my Holiday shopping over the weekend by going to some local stores near where I live. The day was made a lot nicer with all the friendly people that are behind the counter of each business. This is better than a big box store or a mall any day.
Now for news that is more important.
1) The Climate Summit in Cancun ended this past week with very little progress on creating a process to begin reversing the emission of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide). The lack of progress can be attributed to the intrasigence of the world's most powerful countries, including the United States. In today's Commondremas.org, Shefali Sharma of Think Forward gives us a summary of the talks over the past week and a half. The article can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/12/12-2 . With the exception of Bolivia, there is a dearth of leadership on this issue of importance to the future of this planer. Therefore, this situation can only reverse itself by activism of the world's citizens.
2) Today, I was reading an article by Adam Parsons about the world's slums. Until today, I knew very little about the nature of slums, especially in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Like all other issues, I have little trust in our mainstream media. He debunks seven myths that have developed over the last few decades. Parsons' article is in today's Commondreams.org at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/12/12-1.
3) I am still very upset over the arrest of WikiLeaks editor-in-chief, Juilan Assange, in England and his detention in a London jail in a section for solitary confinement. I am more upset when a piece in today's Commondreams.org indicated that President Obama lashed out at Assange for his actions. He should be thanking WikiLeaks for its efforts. The article can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2010/12/12-2 .
A postscript to this story is a short story in Politics Daily that reports that former Presidential candidate Ralph Nader believes Obama will have a primary challenge in 2012. I want to say that if the candidate has progressive values, I will welcome this battle for the soul of the Democratic Party.
I will return shortly with Special Segment.
Now for news that is more important.
1) The Climate Summit in Cancun ended this past week with very little progress on creating a process to begin reversing the emission of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide). The lack of progress can be attributed to the intrasigence of the world's most powerful countries, including the United States. In today's Commondremas.org, Shefali Sharma of Think Forward gives us a summary of the talks over the past week and a half. The article can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/12/12-2 . With the exception of Bolivia, there is a dearth of leadership on this issue of importance to the future of this planer. Therefore, this situation can only reverse itself by activism of the world's citizens.
2) Today, I was reading an article by Adam Parsons about the world's slums. Until today, I knew very little about the nature of slums, especially in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Like all other issues, I have little trust in our mainstream media. He debunks seven myths that have developed over the last few decades. Parsons' article is in today's Commondreams.org at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/12/12-1.
3) I am still very upset over the arrest of WikiLeaks editor-in-chief, Juilan Assange, in England and his detention in a London jail in a section for solitary confinement. I am more upset when a piece in today's Commondreams.org indicated that President Obama lashed out at Assange for his actions. He should be thanking WikiLeaks for its efforts. The article can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2010/12/12-2 .
A postscript to this story is a short story in Politics Daily that reports that former Presidential candidate Ralph Nader believes Obama will have a primary challenge in 2012. I want to say that if the candidate has progressive values, I will welcome this battle for the soul of the Democratic Party.
I will return shortly with Special Segment.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
What's On My Mind -- 12/7/10
Hello everyone from the land of the progressives. This is the Adirondack Howler for Tuesday, December 7th, 2010.
1) I am saddened to hear about the arrest of WikiLeaks' editor-in-chief Julian Assange. I believe that he has done more for this country than the mainstream media (aka -- Fawning Controlled Media). Today' Commondreams.org has a piece by Assange on how he was inspired to develop WikiLeaks. The article can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/12/07-1 .
To Mr. Assange: I want you to keep fighting to bring out the truth.
P.S. -- I have also read that about 500 WikiLeaks mirror sites are now set up. Keep up the good work!
2) I am pleased to hear the statement of outrage by Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont over the agreement to extend President Bush's 2001 and 2003 tax cuts between President Obama and the Republican leaders in Congress. His piece can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2010/12/07-12 . The words "moral outrage" are appropriate for this situation.
3) The United States District Court for the District of Columbia dismissed a suit challenging the policy of the Obama administration in regards to targeted assassinations. The case was dismissed on procedural grounds but according to U.S. District Judge John Bates the case presents "stark and perplexing" questions. Also, the merits of the case present fundamental questions of the separation of powers involving the proper role of our courts in our constitutional structure. The article is in today's Commondreams.org and can be found at
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2010/12/07-8 .
That is all for today. I will return next time with more features from the world of the progressives. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 320th day after the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court which opened the spigots of corporate cash and poisoned the well of our democracy.
Good night and good luck.
1) I am saddened to hear about the arrest of WikiLeaks' editor-in-chief Julian Assange. I believe that he has done more for this country than the mainstream media (aka -- Fawning Controlled Media). Today' Commondreams.org has a piece by Assange on how he was inspired to develop WikiLeaks. The article can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/12/07-1 .
To Mr. Assange: I want you to keep fighting to bring out the truth.
P.S. -- I have also read that about 500 WikiLeaks mirror sites are now set up. Keep up the good work!
2) I am pleased to hear the statement of outrage by Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont over the agreement to extend President Bush's 2001 and 2003 tax cuts between President Obama and the Republican leaders in Congress. His piece can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2010/12/07-12 . The words "moral outrage" are appropriate for this situation.
3) The United States District Court for the District of Columbia dismissed a suit challenging the policy of the Obama administration in regards to targeted assassinations. The case was dismissed on procedural grounds but according to U.S. District Judge John Bates the case presents "stark and perplexing" questions. Also, the merits of the case present fundamental questions of the separation of powers involving the proper role of our courts in our constitutional structure. The article is in today's Commondreams.org and can be found at
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2010/12/07-8 .
That is all for today. I will return next time with more features from the world of the progressives. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 320th day after the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court which opened the spigots of corporate cash and poisoned the well of our democracy.
Good night and good luck.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Video of the Week -- 11/28/10
My video of the week is an interview Laura Flanders of GRITtv with Katrina VandenHeuvel, the editor and publisher of the Nation magazine, on the battle for progressives between now and two years from now.
The video is at the bottom of this blog in the Vidoe of the Week section.
That is all for now. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 311th day after the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court which opened the spigots of corporate cash and poisoned the well of our democracy.
Good night and good luck.
The video is at the bottom of this blog in the Vidoe of the Week section.
That is all for now. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 311th day after the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court which opened the spigots of corporate cash and poisoned the well of our democracy.
Good night and good luck.
What's On My Mind -- 11/28/10
Greetings from the land of progressives. This is the Adirondack Howler for Sunday, November 28th, 2010. I hope that everyone had a happy, safe, and sustainable Thanksgiving and also did not get involved with the crowds associated with Black Friday.
What's On My Mind
1) This past week a crisis developed on the Korean Peninsula when North Koreans shelled the island of Yeonpyeong, killing two South Korean marines and two construction workers. Subsequently, a naval battle group led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington arrived in the Yellow Sea. I pray that a major war that involves Northeast Asia can be avoided at all costs. In Saturday's Commondreams.org, Matthew Rothschild offers his perspective of the current situation. His piece can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/27-4 .
Another take is found in three articles on the World Socialist Website:
i) The first essay is located at http://www.wsws.org/articles/2010/nov2010/kore-n23.shtml .
ii) The second essay is located at http://www.wsws.org/articles/2010/nov2010/kore-n24.shtml .
iii) The third essay is located at http://www.wsws.org/articles/2010/nov2010/pers-n27.shtml .
2) I am happy to say that the WikiLeaks organization has done it again. This time it has released 250,000 classified cables from U.S. embassies, some of them as recent as this past February. In today's Commondreams.org, David Leigh of the Guardian (United Kingdom) gives an overview of what is about to be revealed. Leigh's piece can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2010/11/28-3 .
3) This week, a young man of Somali descent was arrested for attempting to set off a car bomb at a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Portland, Oregon. According to Glenn Greenwald at Salon.com, this arrest is an actual setup by the F.B.I. itself. For detail, see Greenwald's article at http://www.salon.com/news/opinion/glenn_greenwald/2010/11/28/fbi/index.html .
Three Cheers of the Week
1) To WikiLeaks for the release of 250,000 classified cables from US embassies, demonstrating that this nation has no respect for the rest of the world. Once again, the mainstream media failed to live up to the responsibilities of a true Fourth Estate.
2) To Glenn Greenwald for bringing a sobering perspective to the arrest of a Somali-born man for an attempt to bomb a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Portland, Oregon. We as a general public need to take a deep breath and work to eliminate all the causes of terrorism throughout the world.
3) To Denise Civiletti for reminding us all of the ugliness of consumerism 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Her article can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/26-5 .
Three Boos of the Week
1) To Sarah Palin for her rant on Facebook on Thanksgiving day. On a hoilday like this, the world would be a better place on that day if Mrs. Palin refrained from making any comments until the next day, given her whining on posts in the past.
2) To the Republicans and any Democrat who is planning to oppose the extension of unemployment benefit to people who are struggling to find work, especially when there are six people for every job opening.
3) To the Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council for calling for an apology to the Southern Poverty Law Center as part of the process of covering the tracks of anti-gay hate groups. The article can be found at http://blogs.alternet.org/speakeasy/2010/11/27/the-family-research-council-should-be-apologizing-to-the-gay-community/ with links to additional articles at the end of the piece.
I will return shortly with the Video of the Week.
What's On My Mind
1) This past week a crisis developed on the Korean Peninsula when North Koreans shelled the island of Yeonpyeong, killing two South Korean marines and two construction workers. Subsequently, a naval battle group led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington arrived in the Yellow Sea. I pray that a major war that involves Northeast Asia can be avoided at all costs. In Saturday's Commondreams.org, Matthew Rothschild offers his perspective of the current situation. His piece can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/27-4 .
Another take is found in three articles on the World Socialist Website:
i) The first essay is located at http://www.wsws.org/articles/2010/nov2010/kore-n23.shtml .
ii) The second essay is located at http://www.wsws.org/articles/2010/nov2010/kore-n24.shtml .
iii) The third essay is located at http://www.wsws.org/articles/2010/nov2010/pers-n27.shtml .
2) I am happy to say that the WikiLeaks organization has done it again. This time it has released 250,000 classified cables from U.S. embassies, some of them as recent as this past February. In today's Commondreams.org, David Leigh of the Guardian (United Kingdom) gives an overview of what is about to be revealed. Leigh's piece can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2010/11/28-3 .
3) This week, a young man of Somali descent was arrested for attempting to set off a car bomb at a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Portland, Oregon. According to Glenn Greenwald at Salon.com, this arrest is an actual setup by the F.B.I. itself. For detail, see Greenwald's article at http://www.salon.com/news/opinion/glenn_greenwald/2010/11/28/fbi/index.html .
Three Cheers of the Week
1) To WikiLeaks for the release of 250,000 classified cables from US embassies, demonstrating that this nation has no respect for the rest of the world. Once again, the mainstream media failed to live up to the responsibilities of a true Fourth Estate.
2) To Glenn Greenwald for bringing a sobering perspective to the arrest of a Somali-born man for an attempt to bomb a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Portland, Oregon. We as a general public need to take a deep breath and work to eliminate all the causes of terrorism throughout the world.
3) To Denise Civiletti for reminding us all of the ugliness of consumerism 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Her article can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/26-5 .
Three Boos of the Week
1) To Sarah Palin for her rant on Facebook on Thanksgiving day. On a hoilday like this, the world would be a better place on that day if Mrs. Palin refrained from making any comments until the next day, given her whining on posts in the past.
2) To the Republicans and any Democrat who is planning to oppose the extension of unemployment benefit to people who are struggling to find work, especially when there are six people for every job opening.
3) To the Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council for calling for an apology to the Southern Poverty Law Center as part of the process of covering the tracks of anti-gay hate groups. The article can be found at http://blogs.alternet.org/speakeasy/2010/11/27/the-family-research-council-should-be-apologizing-to-the-gay-community/ with links to additional articles at the end of the piece.
I will return shortly with the Video of the Week.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Special Message
Hello everyone in the land of the progressives. This is the Adirondack Howler wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I ask that you do the planet a favor and break from the traditional Thanksgiving dinner of turkey with a non-meat substitute. If this is not possible, I ask that any meat be range-fed and locally produced. I also would ask that the food that complements the main meal be locally produced as well. Following these steps will save our precious natural resources. (This is part of what I call the stewardship of our planet.)
That is all for now. I will return this weekend. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off.
Good night and good luck.
That is all for now. I will return this weekend. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off.
Good night and good luck.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Video of the Week -- 11/21/10
Welcome back to the Adirondack Howler. I have chosen my Video of the Week.
It is a video clip of an interview with one of our country's top intellectuals, Noam Chomsky. The conversation conducted with the senior editor of The Real News Network, Paul Jay, deals with the status of our nation after the elections earlier this month. The talk is 29 minutes long and can be found in the Video of the Week section of the blog.
That is all I have for today. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 304th day after the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court which opened the spigots of corporate cash and poisoned the well of our democracy.
Good night and good luck.
It is a video clip of an interview with one of our country's top intellectuals, Noam Chomsky. The conversation conducted with the senior editor of The Real News Network, Paul Jay, deals with the status of our nation after the elections earlier this month. The talk is 29 minutes long and can be found in the Video of the Week section of the blog.
That is all I have for today. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 304th day after the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court which opened the spigots of corporate cash and poisoned the well of our democracy.
Good night and good luck.
What's On My Mind -- 11/21/10
Greetins from the land of the progressives. This is the Adirondack Howler for Sunday, November 21,2010, the Sunday before the Thanksgiving holiday. I have personal comments about the holiday but I will save it for a special post on Tuesday.
What's On My Mind
1) In today's Alternet.org, Steve Benen talks about a feature about Sarah Palin in an extensive article in the New York Times by writer Robert Draper. According to Benen, the piece had two memorable portions. The first is that Palin has no desire to work with the Democrats. (I think one can guess how she feels about progressives.) The second is a testy exchange with Draper when she defends her efforts in reading books. After reading the piece, I'm less impressed with Mrs. Palin. My President needs an intellectual curiosity without need to defend oneself. Benen's article can be found at http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/347891/guess_what_books_sarah_palin_is_pretending_to_read/#paragraph3 .
2) Saturday's Commondreams.org featured an article by Ralph Nader about the Transporatation Security Adminstration (TSA) and its implementation of full body scanners at airports. According to the article, there are questions about the safety and the effectiveness of the new machines and potential privacy violations. Nader also states that the Electronic Privacy Information Center has filed a lawsuit against the TSA's parent agency, the Department of Homeland Security. In my opinion, these new machines create a disincentive for my to ride in an airplane. A message to Washington: I agree with Mr. Nader on the need for improved intelligence. The piece can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/20-1 .
3) Saturday's Commondreams.org also featured an article by Steven Hill about how economic experts have been wrong on Japan for many years and now on Germany. According to Hill, the basic problem is not Japan and Germany but the structure of our own economy, especially when 70% of it is driven by consumer spending. This bit about consumer spending should give us pause as our nation approaches the Christmas season. Hill's article is located at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/20-0 .
Special Segment -- You and the Economy
Today's Special Segment deals with the display of a split in some of the rich when the talk centers on the long term future of our economy. First, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont has an essay in Saturday's Commondreams.org that tells us that billionaires are going to go beyond their current greed. In my view, this article offers us a primer after an election corrupted by corporate money. Sanders's piece can be found at
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/20-5 . The second article, written by John Nichols and presented in today's Commondreams.org, talks about a letter that was sent recently to President Obama by the group Patriotic Millionaires For Fiscal Strength that indicates that the Bush tax cuts should be allowed to expire. The story can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/21 .
Three Cheers of the Week
1) To Michelle Chen for her article in today's Commondreams.org about the continuing negative consequences of Arizona's SB 1070. To me, ignorance and misunderstanding exacts a high price tag. The story can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/21-2 .
2) To Danny Schecter for his article in Commondreams.org this past Friday about how the shop til we drop concept during the upcoming holiday season serves only as a temporary elixir for our economic troubles. His piece is found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/19-2 .
3) To pro wrestler Mick Foley for going to Capitol Hill to help push for Federal legislation that deals with rape kits. I hope more men in his position will help him as well. His story was documented this past Friday at Talking Points Memo and can be found here .
Three Boos of the Week
1) To the Department of Homeland Security for living in a bubble when the discussion focuses on the new body scanning devices at airports. I believe when travellers use airlines, they should fell both comfortable and secure.
2) To Sarah Palin for her testy conversation about her reading habits to Robert Draper of the New York Times Magazine. I want to say to Mrs. Palin that you brought your problems on yourself.
3) To Rupert Murdoch and Roger Ailes for the continuing support of Glenn Beck despite all of his troubles. This is another affirmation that Fox News is in their own little world. The details are found in an article in Alternet.org by Sarah Pavlus of Media Matters for America. You can read it here .
I will return shortly with my choice for Video of the Week.
What's On My Mind
1) In today's Alternet.org, Steve Benen talks about a feature about Sarah Palin in an extensive article in the New York Times by writer Robert Draper. According to Benen, the piece had two memorable portions. The first is that Palin has no desire to work with the Democrats. (I think one can guess how she feels about progressives.) The second is a testy exchange with Draper when she defends her efforts in reading books. After reading the piece, I'm less impressed with Mrs. Palin. My President needs an intellectual curiosity without need to defend oneself. Benen's article can be found at http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/347891/guess_what_books_sarah_palin_is_pretending_to_read/#paragraph3 .
2) Saturday's Commondreams.org featured an article by Ralph Nader about the Transporatation Security Adminstration (TSA) and its implementation of full body scanners at airports. According to the article, there are questions about the safety and the effectiveness of the new machines and potential privacy violations. Nader also states that the Electronic Privacy Information Center has filed a lawsuit against the TSA's parent agency, the Department of Homeland Security. In my opinion, these new machines create a disincentive for my to ride in an airplane. A message to Washington: I agree with Mr. Nader on the need for improved intelligence. The piece can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/20-1 .
3) Saturday's Commondreams.org also featured an article by Steven Hill about how economic experts have been wrong on Japan for many years and now on Germany. According to Hill, the basic problem is not Japan and Germany but the structure of our own economy, especially when 70% of it is driven by consumer spending. This bit about consumer spending should give us pause as our nation approaches the Christmas season. Hill's article is located at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/20-0 .
Special Segment -- You and the Economy
Today's Special Segment deals with the display of a split in some of the rich when the talk centers on the long term future of our economy. First, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont has an essay in Saturday's Commondreams.org that tells us that billionaires are going to go beyond their current greed. In my view, this article offers us a primer after an election corrupted by corporate money. Sanders's piece can be found at
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/20-5 . The second article, written by John Nichols and presented in today's Commondreams.org, talks about a letter that was sent recently to President Obama by the group Patriotic Millionaires For Fiscal Strength that indicates that the Bush tax cuts should be allowed to expire. The story can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/21 .
Three Cheers of the Week
1) To Michelle Chen for her article in today's Commondreams.org about the continuing negative consequences of Arizona's SB 1070. To me, ignorance and misunderstanding exacts a high price tag. The story can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/21-2 .
2) To Danny Schecter for his article in Commondreams.org this past Friday about how the shop til we drop concept during the upcoming holiday season serves only as a temporary elixir for our economic troubles. His piece is found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/19-2 .
3) To pro wrestler Mick Foley for going to Capitol Hill to help push for Federal legislation that deals with rape kits. I hope more men in his position will help him as well. His story was documented this past Friday at Talking Points Memo and can be found here .
Three Boos of the Week
1) To the Department of Homeland Security for living in a bubble when the discussion focuses on the new body scanning devices at airports. I believe when travellers use airlines, they should fell both comfortable and secure.
2) To Sarah Palin for her testy conversation about her reading habits to Robert Draper of the New York Times Magazine. I want to say to Mrs. Palin that you brought your problems on yourself.
3) To Rupert Murdoch and Roger Ailes for the continuing support of Glenn Beck despite all of his troubles. This is another affirmation that Fox News is in their own little world. The details are found in an article in Alternet.org by Sarah Pavlus of Media Matters for America. You can read it here .
I will return shortly with my choice for Video of the Week.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Video of the Week -- 11/14/10
I have returned with the Video of the Week. This is a PSA video from the NoH8 campaign in California. It features many celebrities such as Denise Richards, Tom Bergeron, and Dr. Drew Pinsky. Also featured is Cindy McCain, the wife of the Arizona Senator. She appears at about the 53 second mark.
That is all I have for this week. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 297th day after the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court which opened the spigots of corporate cash and poisoned the well of our democracy.
Good night and good luck.
That is all I have for this week. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 297th day after the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court which opened the spigots of corporate cash and poisoned the well of our democracy.
Good night and good luck.
What' On My Mind -- 11/14/2010
Hello everyone from the land of the progressives. This is the Adirondack Howler for Sunday, November 14th, 2010. I have recovered from my election day hangover and now I am ready to return to the serious business of participating in our frayed democracy.
What's On My Mind
1) In Tuesday's Commondreams.org article, Alexander Main tells us about the Republicans who are poised to take over the House Foreign Affairs Committee and its Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. According to the piece, the Congressmembers slated to head their respective committees, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Connie Mack of Florida, will not be a positive development in the relationship with the countries of Latin America. Th story can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/09-8 .
2) This week, the co-chairmen of President Obama's Deficit Reduction Commission, Alan Simpson and Erskine Bowles, released a draft document about the recommendations to reduce the deficit and by the preliminary information, the proposals skew toward more rewards for the rich. Some highlights can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/10-10 .
According to today's Commondreams.org, Robert Freeman tells us that the Deficit Commission represents the final assault of a mostly undeclared war on the nation's middle class. Freeman's essay is found at
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/14-1 .
3) In Friday's Commondreams.org, Ted Rall has a small essay that serves as a retort to the draft recommendations of the Deficit Commission when he gives his ideas for a balanced budget. I suggest a reading of the article at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/12-3 and think about your own situation.
Special Segment
Today I am introducing a new part of my blog and I am calling it Special Segment after the 1980's NBC Nightly News featured story. Special Segment will appear occasionally to deal with specific topics that are ongoing beyond the regular What's On My Mind sections. There will be two Special Segment features for the inaugural run. One will be titled "You and the 2012 Elections" and the other will be called "You and the Economy".
Today, I will open both parts of the new feature.
1) You and the 2012 Elections -- In Friday's Commondreams.org, Marc Morfort illustrates how people who voted for Barack Obama and then switched their vote two years later did not vote for their best interest. His piece is located at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/12-4 .
Complenting this is a feature in Saturday's Alternet.org by Sarah Setzer. According to the story, a combination of right wing lies, public ignorance, and a Left that has a fear of rudeness have contributed to the present sad state of affairs. Setzer's essay is found at http://www.alternet.org/story/148826/16_of_the_dumbest_things_americans_believe_--_and_the_right-wing_lies_behind_them/ .
To help turn the tide, John Atcheson gives a five-step program to insure success in the 2012 Elections. His feature is found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/14 .
2) You and the Economy -- An important part of the ecomomy is the role of financial system in creating opportunities for real people in real communities. Fran Korten of Yes! Magazine through Friday's Commondreams.org gives 7 ways to transform our current banking system to serve real people who live in real communities. This can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/12-0 .
Three Cheers of the Week
1) To officials of the Food and Drug Adminstration for having the courage to put graphic warning labels on packages of cigarettes. The appearance of the labels, in my view, do not come a moment too soon.
2) To Cindy McCain for appearing in a PSA for the NoH8 campaign in California that deal with the bullying of gays and the government policy that encourages it. She appears about 53 seconds into the video. I believe that bullying is not welcome under ANY circumstance.
3) To Nina Power for her story in Thursday's Commondreams.org about the protests of students, teachers, and university staff of education cuts in Great Britain. I wish the United States could have similar protests on a daily basis about our state of education thanks to the whims of the very rich. Power's article is located at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/11-4 .
Three Boos of the Week
1) To the co-chairmen of President Obama's Deficit Reduction Commission for releasing a draft document of recommendations to rectify the deficit problem on the backs of the middle class. The rich need to pay their fair share of taxes.
2) To former President George W. Bush for the release of his book this past week. He continues to reaffirm himself as a war criminal.
3) To President Obama for being willing to capitulate to Republicans who want to extend the tax cuts enacted under President George W. Bush. As I said before, the rich need to pay their fair share of their taxes
I will return shortly with the Video of the Week.
What's On My Mind
1) In Tuesday's Commondreams.org article, Alexander Main tells us about the Republicans who are poised to take over the House Foreign Affairs Committee and its Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. According to the piece, the Congressmembers slated to head their respective committees, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Connie Mack of Florida, will not be a positive development in the relationship with the countries of Latin America. Th story can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/09-8 .
2) This week, the co-chairmen of President Obama's Deficit Reduction Commission, Alan Simpson and Erskine Bowles, released a draft document about the recommendations to reduce the deficit and by the preliminary information, the proposals skew toward more rewards for the rich. Some highlights can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/10-10 .
According to today's Commondreams.org, Robert Freeman tells us that the Deficit Commission represents the final assault of a mostly undeclared war on the nation's middle class. Freeman's essay is found at
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/14-1 .
3) In Friday's Commondreams.org, Ted Rall has a small essay that serves as a retort to the draft recommendations of the Deficit Commission when he gives his ideas for a balanced budget. I suggest a reading of the article at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/12-3 and think about your own situation.
Special Segment
Today I am introducing a new part of my blog and I am calling it Special Segment after the 1980's NBC Nightly News featured story. Special Segment will appear occasionally to deal with specific topics that are ongoing beyond the regular What's On My Mind sections. There will be two Special Segment features for the inaugural run. One will be titled "You and the 2012 Elections" and the other will be called "You and the Economy".
Today, I will open both parts of the new feature.
1) You and the 2012 Elections -- In Friday's Commondreams.org, Marc Morfort illustrates how people who voted for Barack Obama and then switched their vote two years later did not vote for their best interest. His piece is located at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/12-4 .
Complenting this is a feature in Saturday's Alternet.org by Sarah Setzer. According to the story, a combination of right wing lies, public ignorance, and a Left that has a fear of rudeness have contributed to the present sad state of affairs. Setzer's essay is found at http://www.alternet.org/story/148826/16_of_the_dumbest_things_americans_believe_--_and_the_right-wing_lies_behind_them/ .
To help turn the tide, John Atcheson gives a five-step program to insure success in the 2012 Elections. His feature is found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/14 .
2) You and the Economy -- An important part of the ecomomy is the role of financial system in creating opportunities for real people in real communities. Fran Korten of Yes! Magazine through Friday's Commondreams.org gives 7 ways to transform our current banking system to serve real people who live in real communities. This can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/12-0 .
Three Cheers of the Week
1) To officials of the Food and Drug Adminstration for having the courage to put graphic warning labels on packages of cigarettes. The appearance of the labels, in my view, do not come a moment too soon.
2) To Cindy McCain for appearing in a PSA for the NoH8 campaign in California that deal with the bullying of gays and the government policy that encourages it. She appears about 53 seconds into the video. I believe that bullying is not welcome under ANY circumstance.
3) To Nina Power for her story in Thursday's Commondreams.org about the protests of students, teachers, and university staff of education cuts in Great Britain. I wish the United States could have similar protests on a daily basis about our state of education thanks to the whims of the very rich. Power's article is located at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/11/11-4 .
Three Boos of the Week
1) To the co-chairmen of President Obama's Deficit Reduction Commission for releasing a draft document of recommendations to rectify the deficit problem on the backs of the middle class. The rich need to pay their fair share of taxes.
2) To former President George W. Bush for the release of his book this past week. He continues to reaffirm himself as a war criminal.
3) To President Obama for being willing to capitulate to Republicans who want to extend the tax cuts enacted under President George W. Bush. As I said before, the rich need to pay their fair share of their taxes
I will return shortly with the Video of the Week.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Election Day 2010
Greetings everyone in the world of progressives. This is the Adirondack Howler for Thursday, November 11th, 2010. I'm sorry for the long delay in posting my thoughts. I had a major hangover from the elections, especially when the GOP laid claim to the House of Represenatives.
I have feelings of sadness that this country has returned to the people that offer a lot of short-sighted policies and ideas and disgust for the public who decided to cast their ballots for these people. My special angst is reserved for the millionaies and billionaires who donated all kinds of cash to our election campaigns this year -- no thanks to the Citizens United decision in the U.S. Supreme Court.
What is a progressive like me to do? I believe in continuing to bring stories to the light of day through my blog and when appropriate add my personal thoughts. I want to make time in my busy schedule to become more politically active in the progressive movement. I want to do this soon.
That is what is on my mind for the past week. My three cheers goes to anyone who voted for progressives. These people show me that our troubles and solutions are a long-term process. My three boos goes to anyone who voted either for the GOP or the Tea Party. Those people need to look in the mirror and search inside and outside for their better angels.
That is all I have time for now. I will return with a new post this weekend. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 294th day after the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court which opened the spigots of corporate cash and poisoned the well of our democracy.
Good night and good luck.
I have feelings of sadness that this country has returned to the people that offer a lot of short-sighted policies and ideas and disgust for the public who decided to cast their ballots for these people. My special angst is reserved for the millionaies and billionaires who donated all kinds of cash to our election campaigns this year -- no thanks to the Citizens United decision in the U.S. Supreme Court.
What is a progressive like me to do? I believe in continuing to bring stories to the light of day through my blog and when appropriate add my personal thoughts. I want to make time in my busy schedule to become more politically active in the progressive movement. I want to do this soon.
That is what is on my mind for the past week. My three cheers goes to anyone who voted for progressives. These people show me that our troubles and solutions are a long-term process. My three boos goes to anyone who voted either for the GOP or the Tea Party. Those people need to look in the mirror and search inside and outside for their better angels.
That is all I have time for now. I will return with a new post this weekend. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 294th day after the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court which opened the spigots of corporate cash and poisoned the well of our democracy.
Good night and good luck.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Video of the Week -- 10/31/10
Greetings once again. This is the Adirondack Howler with the video of the week.
My video of the week is provided by The Young Turks with Cenk Uygur. People have the idea of having wanted posters for abortion providers. According to the CBS News report on the clip, the posters have incited violence.
Until next time, this is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 283rd day after the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court which opened the spigots of corporate cash and poisoned the well of our democracy.
My video of the week is provided by The Young Turks with Cenk Uygur. People have the idea of having wanted posters for abortion providers. According to the CBS News report on the clip, the posters have incited violence.
Until next time, this is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 283rd day after the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court which opened the spigots of corporate cash and poisoned the well of our democracy.
Election Day Is Upon All Of Us
Hello from the world of progressives. This is the Adirondack Howler for Sunday, October 31st, 2010. There are only two days before Election Day. I want to say to all my fellow citizens that if you are eligible to vote, please do so. I do not care that people should ask why they should vote -- voting is a sacred responsibility in a democracy.
The polls in New York State are open from 6AM to 9PM.
What's On My Mind
1) In Friday's CommonDreams.org, John Nichols has a piece about the Tea Party's interpretation of the Constitution. Unfortunately, it is not the interpretation according to Thomas Jefferson. He gives examples from Christine O'Donnell, the GOP candidate for the U.S. Senate in Delaware, and Ron Johnson, the GOP candidate for the U.S. Senate from Wisconsin. The article can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/29-0 .
2) Justine Sharrock has an article on Alternet.org on Saturday about how Tea Party candidates can be funded from armed right wing militias. She cites examples of Joe Miller, the GOP candidate for U.S. Senate from Alaska, and Rand Paul, the GOP candidate for the U.S. Senate in Kentucky. The story can be located at http://www.alternet.org/teaparty/148674/how_tea_party_candidates_like_joe_miller_and_rand_paul_benefit_from_armed%2C_right-wing_militia_groups/ .
3) Speaking of Mr. Miller and Mr. Paul, they were both involved in violent incidents this past week. In Mr. Miller's case, a reporter asking questions was briefly detained by his security detail. In the case of Mr. Paul, one of his supporters assaulted a young woman who is a supporter of Mr. Paul's opponent, the Democratic nominee Jack Conway. ThinkProgress.org gives several more examples of right wing violence in this country. You can read this at http://pr.thinkprogress.org/2010/10/pr20101028 .
After all of the above, if there is anyone who votes for the GOP on Tuesday, I must ask the following questions: Where is your empathy? and Where is your compassion and sensitivity?
Three Cheers of the Week
1) To MSNBC's Keith Olbermann for his Special Comment segement on his show this past Tuesday, outlining what the Tea Party candidates support if they are elected. This video is found under the Special Election Video section of the blog.
2) To the staff at Think Progress for their piece in their Progress Report about recent violent incidents by the right wing. Go to thinkprogress.org to read the piece. I believe that these incidents should scare any responsible, rational thinking citizen.
3) To Anna White for her article in CommonDreams.org this past Monday about shifting the priorities of our economy to locally based ones is a good idea. For those who are thinking about getting away from our Wal-Mart based econony,go to http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/25-1 .
Three Boos of the Week
1) To Carl Paladino, the GOP candidate for Governor of New York, for storming off stage during an interview after questions about his comments about Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. He has called her Senator Chuck Schumer's little girl. Mr. Paladino may not have definitively answered the question but I believe the comment is sexist. When will he live in the 21st century and not the 13th century? Another example of irresponsible behavior from Mr. Paladino. In my opinion, anyone who casts a ballot for him continues to enable him and his reprehensible conduct.
2) To Sarah Palin for accusing reporters at a CBS affiliate in Alaska of conspiring against Joe Miller, the GOP candidate for the U.S. Senate in Alaska and then suggesting CBS stands for "Corrupt Bastards Club". I think Club does not begin with the letter 's'. Sarah Palin, like Paladino, is unfit for any political office, especially when she acts in a vindictive manner.
3) To a McDonald's restaurant in Ohio for sending a letter to their employees in their paychecks about who to vote for in Tuesday's elections. Could you please allow your employees to think for themselves instead of imposing your sugestions on them?
That is all I have to say for now. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off and reminding you to please vote on Tuesday.
Good night and good luck.
The polls in New York State are open from 6AM to 9PM.
What's On My Mind
1) In Friday's CommonDreams.org, John Nichols has a piece about the Tea Party's interpretation of the Constitution. Unfortunately, it is not the interpretation according to Thomas Jefferson. He gives examples from Christine O'Donnell, the GOP candidate for the U.S. Senate in Delaware, and Ron Johnson, the GOP candidate for the U.S. Senate from Wisconsin. The article can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/29-0 .
2) Justine Sharrock has an article on Alternet.org on Saturday about how Tea Party candidates can be funded from armed right wing militias. She cites examples of Joe Miller, the GOP candidate for U.S. Senate from Alaska, and Rand Paul, the GOP candidate for the U.S. Senate in Kentucky. The story can be located at http://www.alternet.org/teaparty/148674/how_tea_party_candidates_like_joe_miller_and_rand_paul_benefit_from_armed%2C_right-wing_militia_groups/ .
3) Speaking of Mr. Miller and Mr. Paul, they were both involved in violent incidents this past week. In Mr. Miller's case, a reporter asking questions was briefly detained by his security detail. In the case of Mr. Paul, one of his supporters assaulted a young woman who is a supporter of Mr. Paul's opponent, the Democratic nominee Jack Conway. ThinkProgress.org gives several more examples of right wing violence in this country. You can read this at http://pr.thinkprogress.org/2010/10/pr20101028 .
After all of the above, if there is anyone who votes for the GOP on Tuesday, I must ask the following questions: Where is your empathy? and Where is your compassion and sensitivity?
Three Cheers of the Week
1) To MSNBC's Keith Olbermann for his Special Comment segement on his show this past Tuesday, outlining what the Tea Party candidates support if they are elected. This video is found under the Special Election Video section of the blog.
2) To the staff at Think Progress for their piece in their Progress Report about recent violent incidents by the right wing. Go to thinkprogress.org to read the piece. I believe that these incidents should scare any responsible, rational thinking citizen.
3) To Anna White for her article in CommonDreams.org this past Monday about shifting the priorities of our economy to locally based ones is a good idea. For those who are thinking about getting away from our Wal-Mart based econony,go to http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/25-1 .
Three Boos of the Week
1) To Carl Paladino, the GOP candidate for Governor of New York, for storming off stage during an interview after questions about his comments about Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. He has called her Senator Chuck Schumer's little girl. Mr. Paladino may not have definitively answered the question but I believe the comment is sexist. When will he live in the 21st century and not the 13th century? Another example of irresponsible behavior from Mr. Paladino. In my opinion, anyone who casts a ballot for him continues to enable him and his reprehensible conduct.
2) To Sarah Palin for accusing reporters at a CBS affiliate in Alaska of conspiring against Joe Miller, the GOP candidate for the U.S. Senate in Alaska and then suggesting CBS stands for "Corrupt Bastards Club". I think Club does not begin with the letter 's'. Sarah Palin, like Paladino, is unfit for any political office, especially when she acts in a vindictive manner.
3) To a McDonald's restaurant in Ohio for sending a letter to their employees in their paychecks about who to vote for in Tuesday's elections. Could you please allow your employees to think for themselves instead of imposing your sugestions on them?
That is all I have to say for now. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off and reminding you to please vote on Tuesday.
Good night and good luck.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Before You Vote
Hello from the land of the progressives. This is the Adirondack Howler for Thursday, October 28th, 2010, just 5 days before Election Day.
I hope that everyone who is eligible will go to the polls to cast their ballots on Tuesday. Before doing so, I found a Special Comment segment from yesterday's Countdown with Keith Olbermann. I suggest that you watch this clip before voting. It might change the direction of this nation. The video is found at the bottom of my blog with the title, "Special Election Video".
I will be back during the weekend with more stories from the progressive world. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 280th day after the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court, which opened the spigots of corporate cash and poisoned the well of our democracy.
I hope that everyone who is eligible will go to the polls to cast their ballots on Tuesday. Before doing so, I found a Special Comment segment from yesterday's Countdown with Keith Olbermann. I suggest that you watch this clip before voting. It might change the direction of this nation. The video is found at the bottom of my blog with the title, "Special Election Video".
I will be back during the weekend with more stories from the progressive world. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 280th day after the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court, which opened the spigots of corporate cash and poisoned the well of our democracy.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Video of the Week
Special bulletin from the Adirondack Howler:
I have posted my video of the week from the Young Turks. This clip deals with Proposition 62 in the state of Colorado that would outlaw all abortions. I ask that you view the clip and see for yourself if this could happen in every state in this nation. Thank you.
Once again, until next time, this is the Adirondack Howler signing off.
I have posted my video of the week from the Young Turks. This clip deals with Proposition 62 in the state of Colorado that would outlaw all abortions. I ask that you view the clip and see for yourself if this could happen in every state in this nation. Thank you.
Once again, until next time, this is the Adirondack Howler signing off.
Three Cheers and Three Boos -- 10/24/10
Greetings and welcome to the land of the progressives. This is the Adirondack Howler for Tuesday, October 26th, 2010.
Three Cheers of the Week
1) To Julian Assange and his WikiLeaks staff for releasing to international media outlets an estimated 400,000 documents related to the war in Iraq. This is a level of courage resembling the deeds of Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers 39 years earlier.
2) To the group Voices for Creative Nonviolence for their trip to Bamiyan Province in Afghanistan to provide at least a realistic glimpse of life in this war torn country. I want to see more people perform this kind of service to our world.
3) To Congressmember Peter DeFazio of Oregon for proposing impeachment of Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts for leading the charge in the Citizens United case, opening the spigots of corporate cash to influence elections.
Three Boos of the Week
1) To Charles and David Koch for using millions to buy elections, thanks to Citizens United, to insure that working people do no get their fair share of the economic pie.
2) To Fox News Channel for its inexcusable defense of Juan Williams who was fired from NPR for his inappropriate comments about Muslims in general.
3) To Joe Miller, the GOP nominee for the U.S. Senate in Alaska, for allowing a journalist to be detained and arrested. I ask you, Mr. Miller, what are you afraid of?
That is all I have time for today. I will return again next time with more news from the progressive world. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 278th day of the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court which opened the spigots of corporate cash and poisoned the well of our democracy.
Three Cheers of the Week
1) To Julian Assange and his WikiLeaks staff for releasing to international media outlets an estimated 400,000 documents related to the war in Iraq. This is a level of courage resembling the deeds of Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers 39 years earlier.
2) To the group Voices for Creative Nonviolence for their trip to Bamiyan Province in Afghanistan to provide at least a realistic glimpse of life in this war torn country. I want to see more people perform this kind of service to our world.
3) To Congressmember Peter DeFazio of Oregon for proposing impeachment of Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts for leading the charge in the Citizens United case, opening the spigots of corporate cash to influence elections.
Three Boos of the Week
1) To Charles and David Koch for using millions to buy elections, thanks to Citizens United, to insure that working people do no get their fair share of the economic pie.
2) To Fox News Channel for its inexcusable defense of Juan Williams who was fired from NPR for his inappropriate comments about Muslims in general.
3) To Joe Miller, the GOP nominee for the U.S. Senate in Alaska, for allowing a journalist to be detained and arrested. I ask you, Mr. Miller, what are you afraid of?
That is all I have time for today. I will return again next time with more news from the progressive world. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 278th day of the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court which opened the spigots of corporate cash and poisoned the well of our democracy.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Weekly What's On My Mind
Hello from the land of progressives. This is the Adirondack Howler for Monday, October 25th, 2010, eight days from casting the ballots that determines the direction of this nation.
What's On My Mind
1) People from the organization, Voices For Creative Nonviolence, are travelling in Bamiyan Province in Afghanistan. With the help of a group of young people, the Afghan Youth Peace Volunteers, they get to know some of the people of this war-torn country. CommonDreams.org gives us a daily diary of their story.
Day 1 : http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/20-0 .
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/21-10
Day 2 : http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/23-0 .
Day 3: http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/24-9
Day 4 : http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/25-4
2) The WikiLeaks people have done it once again. As I mentioned in my post last weekend, they intended to release about 400,000 documents about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Well, they did release about 400,000 documents to certain media oraganizations around the world over the weekend and it was only about the war in Iraq. (I apologize for the error in information unlike certain members in the fawning controlled media who still have not confessed about the error of their ways.) However, WikiLeaks, especially its founder, Julian Assange, is being smeared by many members of the mainstream media. Glenn Greenwald has the details in Sunday's CommonDream.org. The story can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/24-10 .
3) Chris Edelson, an assistant professor in the School of Public Affairs at American University in Washington, D.C., gives his take on the views of the Constitution as given by the right wing. (Hint: The right needs to read every word of this most precious document.)
His short essay is found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/24-5 .
The Three Cheers and Three Boos of the week are a challenge for me to decide for this past week. I should be able to give them to my readers next time.
Follow Up: I am going to download the report on the Tea Party by the NAACP within the next 24 hours. I will begin to review soon after and post my comment in a new section of my blog with a title to be determined.
That is all I have time for now. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 277th day after the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court which opened the spigots of corporate cash and poisoned the well of our democracy.
What's On My Mind
1) People from the organization, Voices For Creative Nonviolence, are travelling in Bamiyan Province in Afghanistan. With the help of a group of young people, the Afghan Youth Peace Volunteers, they get to know some of the people of this war-torn country. CommonDreams.org gives us a daily diary of their story.
Day 1 : http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/20-0 .
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/21-10
Day 2 : http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/23-0 .
Day 3: http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/24-9
Day 4 : http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/25-4
2) The WikiLeaks people have done it once again. As I mentioned in my post last weekend, they intended to release about 400,000 documents about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Well, they did release about 400,000 documents to certain media oraganizations around the world over the weekend and it was only about the war in Iraq. (I apologize for the error in information unlike certain members in the fawning controlled media who still have not confessed about the error of their ways.) However, WikiLeaks, especially its founder, Julian Assange, is being smeared by many members of the mainstream media. Glenn Greenwald has the details in Sunday's CommonDream.org. The story can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/24-10 .
3) Chris Edelson, an assistant professor in the School of Public Affairs at American University in Washington, D.C., gives his take on the views of the Constitution as given by the right wing. (Hint: The right needs to read every word of this most precious document.)
His short essay is found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/24-5 .
The Three Cheers and Three Boos of the week are a challenge for me to decide for this past week. I should be able to give them to my readers next time.
Follow Up: I am going to download the report on the Tea Party by the NAACP within the next 24 hours. I will begin to review soon after and post my comment in a new section of my blog with a title to be determined.
That is all I have time for now. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 277th day after the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court which opened the spigots of corporate cash and poisoned the well of our democracy.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Halloween Is Coming
Greetings from the land of progressives. This is the Adirondack Howler with a short brief.
Halloween is just two days from today. Parents will be accompanying their children in costume, going around to their neighbors and uttering the famous words "Trick or Treat". I have a message for adults: Before your children fill their bags full of Halloween candy, especially chocolate, I ask that you read this piece from Andrew Korfhage in today's CommonDreams.org. The story can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/22-1 .
I hope that everyone will have a safe and responsible Halloween.
This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 274th day after the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court which opened the spigots of corporate cash and poisoned the well of democracy.
Halloween is just two days from today. Parents will be accompanying their children in costume, going around to their neighbors and uttering the famous words "Trick or Treat". I have a message for adults: Before your children fill their bags full of Halloween candy, especially chocolate, I ask that you read this piece from Andrew Korfhage in today's CommonDreams.org. The story can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/22-1 .
I hope that everyone will have a safe and responsible Halloween.
This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 274th day after the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court which opened the spigots of corporate cash and poisoned the well of democracy.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
New Report About Tea Party
Good evening from the land of progressives. This is the Adirondack Howler for Wednesday, October 20th, 2010. There are only 13 days until Election Day. (I wish that our government makes Election Day either a Sunday or a national holiday.)
Today I was reading an article in Commondreams.org about a new report from the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) about the Tea Party. I am going to download the report and study it over the next few days. After that, I will give my personal take on the report. This will be in addition to my usual weekly segments. (I will need to find a new name for this part of my blog.)
Also, you can follow the Adirondack Howler on either Facebook or Twitter. The Howler has pages for each of the social sites.
That is all for now. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 271st day of the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court, which open the spigots of coroporate cash and poisoning the well of our democracy.
Today I was reading an article in Commondreams.org about a new report from the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) about the Tea Party. I am going to download the report and study it over the next few days. After that, I will give my personal take on the report. This will be in addition to my usual weekly segments. (I will need to find a new name for this part of my blog.)
Also, you can follow the Adirondack Howler on either Facebook or Twitter. The Howler has pages for each of the social sites.
That is all for now. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 271st day of the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court, which open the spigots of coroporate cash and poisoning the well of our democracy.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Hello from the land of progressives. This is the Adirondack Howler for Sunday, October 17th, 2010. As of today, there are only 16 days until Election Day.
What's On My Mind
1) Before I get to what is bothering me about the elections, I want to comment on a local problem that is part of national implications. Recently, I have noticed the bridge on Route 9N that spans Lake Luzerne and Hadley has now become a one lane bridge due to needed repairs. This reminded me of an article in today's Commondreams.org by Rupert Cornwell about how this nation needs to spend $2.2 trillion to upgrade our highways, rail system, airports, and seaports. However, according to the piece, budget deficits and the right wing will prevent this from coming to fruition. I ask the people of these two towns to realize that this small highway is part of this multi-trillion dollar investment that can help both of their local economies. The article can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/17-2 .
2) I know that many people are thinking of either voting for a third party or staying home this Election Day in order to teach the Democrats a lesson. (I am not going to be one of them. I will be voting early in the morning.) I would like to suggest that people read an essay by Robert Parry which can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/15-7 . He gives four examples from 1968, 1980, 1994, and 2000 as to why not voting for Democrats backfired to the detriment of our nation. For all who have a desire to barricade our country against right wing troglodytes and Tea Partiers, please take time to read Parry's story.
3) With the day of voting approaching, I read an article in Talking Points Memo about speakers at recent seminars of the Republican National Lawyers Association. This read as a Who's Who of voter fraud fear mongering. After reading this piece, I was reminded to put this in the back of my brain before anyone casts a ballot. The story can be found here.
Three Cheers of the Week
1) To Isabel MacDonald for her cover story in The Nation about Lou Dobbs. The article showed another example of a prominent right wing hypocrite.
2) To Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar, co-hosts of ABC-TV's The View for walking off the set during the group's interview with Bill O'Reilly. I hope other members of the media extend the same message especially after Mr. O'Reilly's past incendiary remarks.
3) To the people who operate WikiLeaks for continuing to show mettle in getting ready to reveal more documents in relation to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Three Boos of the Week
1) To Ken Buck, the GOP candidate for governor of Colorado, for the comparison of being gay to alcoholism during a debate on NBC's Meet The Press. I ask Mr. Buck to treat everyone with respect even if you don't like them.
2) To Glenn Beck for his demonizing of the Tides Foundation, an oraganization dedicated to economic justice. Mr. Beck, why don't you donate some of your book royalties to the Tides?
3) To Rupert Murdoch, chairman of News Corp., for his donations to the Chamber of Commerce and the Republican Governors Association. Mr. Murdoch, if you have any spare change, why don't you donate to organizations such as the Progressive Democrats of America and the People For The American Way.
That is all I have to say for now. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 268th day after the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court, opening up the spigots of corporate cash and poisoning the well of our democracy.
What's On My Mind
1) Before I get to what is bothering me about the elections, I want to comment on a local problem that is part of national implications. Recently, I have noticed the bridge on Route 9N that spans Lake Luzerne and Hadley has now become a one lane bridge due to needed repairs. This reminded me of an article in today's Commondreams.org by Rupert Cornwell about how this nation needs to spend $2.2 trillion to upgrade our highways, rail system, airports, and seaports. However, according to the piece, budget deficits and the right wing will prevent this from coming to fruition. I ask the people of these two towns to realize that this small highway is part of this multi-trillion dollar investment that can help both of their local economies. The article can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/17-2 .
2) I know that many people are thinking of either voting for a third party or staying home this Election Day in order to teach the Democrats a lesson. (I am not going to be one of them. I will be voting early in the morning.) I would like to suggest that people read an essay by Robert Parry which can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/15-7 . He gives four examples from 1968, 1980, 1994, and 2000 as to why not voting for Democrats backfired to the detriment of our nation. For all who have a desire to barricade our country against right wing troglodytes and Tea Partiers, please take time to read Parry's story.
3) With the day of voting approaching, I read an article in Talking Points Memo about speakers at recent seminars of the Republican National Lawyers Association. This read as a Who's Who of voter fraud fear mongering. After reading this piece, I was reminded to put this in the back of my brain before anyone casts a ballot. The story can be found here.
Three Cheers of the Week
1) To Isabel MacDonald for her cover story in The Nation about Lou Dobbs. The article showed another example of a prominent right wing hypocrite.
2) To Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar, co-hosts of ABC-TV's The View for walking off the set during the group's interview with Bill O'Reilly. I hope other members of the media extend the same message especially after Mr. O'Reilly's past incendiary remarks.
3) To the people who operate WikiLeaks for continuing to show mettle in getting ready to reveal more documents in relation to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Three Boos of the Week
1) To Ken Buck, the GOP candidate for governor of Colorado, for the comparison of being gay to alcoholism during a debate on NBC's Meet The Press. I ask Mr. Buck to treat everyone with respect even if you don't like them.
2) To Glenn Beck for his demonizing of the Tides Foundation, an oraganization dedicated to economic justice. Mr. Beck, why don't you donate some of your book royalties to the Tides?
3) To Rupert Murdoch, chairman of News Corp., for his donations to the Chamber of Commerce and the Republican Governors Association. Mr. Murdoch, if you have any spare change, why don't you donate to organizations such as the Progressive Democrats of America and the People For The American Way.
That is all I have to say for now. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 268th day after the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court, opening up the spigots of corporate cash and poisoning the well of our democracy.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Hello everyone from the land of the progressives. This is the Adirondack Howler for Monday, October 11th, 2010, or Columbus Day 2010.
What's On My Mind
1) With only 22 days left until Election Day, all of the mainstream media indicators lead the GOP to gain control of at least one of the legislative chambers of the Federal government (House or Senate). I want my readers who have friends that are registered Republicans to read a piece in today's OpenLeft.com about male GOP Congressional candidates in various districts across this nation who possess a strong dislike for women. (The words 'strong dislike', in my view, are a polite way of stating their behavior.) You can find the article at http://www.openleft.com/diary/20463/conservative-year-of-the-woman-has-dark-shadow-side-of-mysogyny-topped-with-attempted-rapist .
I am confident that at least one person will be persuaded not to vote for the GOP after reading about them.
2) With only 22 days left until Election Day, I am praying to the heavens that the people of this nation are paying attention to the message of nearly 8,000 work project in over 180 countries on 10-10-10 that we need a way of providing energy and emphasizing conservation as we make efforts to slow global warming and its grave consequences. I ask that you go to http://www.350.org/ for a primer on our planet's problems.
3) In today's CommonDreams.org, Andrew Kennis talks about the pending release by WikiLeaks of several leaks about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan including one of some 15,000 documents. In this article, the human right community hopes that these new revealings will lead to more accountability than the 75,000 documents that Wikileaks revealed earlier this year. The piece can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/11-0 .
Three Cheers of the Week
1) To Susan Reverby for breaking the story on the deliberate injection of syphilis into the Guatemalan people for medical experiments. Her intervier with Amy Goodman on Democracy Now can be found here .
2) To David Michael Green for his article in CommonDreams.org on the contradictions of the Tea Party. His article can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/10-2 .
3) To Robert Freeman on his essay in Sunday's CommonDreams.org about the how and why teachers of our public schools became bums and the motives behind this. For anyone who has children in a public school, I recommend this piece as a starting point in a dialogue about how to improve our public schools.
The article can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/10-1 .
Three Boos of the Week
1) To Carl Paladino, the GOP candidate for governor of New York for his remarks about gays. If there is going to be a more tolerant society, he needs to be more conscious of the people around. To Mr. Paladino, the era of Leave It To Beaver is long gone.
2) To the fire department in Tennessee for letting Gene Cranick's house burn down because Mr. Cranick would not pay $75.00 for his fire protection. To me, this kind of behavior can be described in only one word -- inhumane.
3) To Meg Whitman, the GOP candidate for governor of California, for previously employing an "illegal" immigrant in her home even though she has anti-immigrant views.
That is all I have to say for now. Until next time, this is the Adirondack Howler signing off.
What's On My Mind
1) With only 22 days left until Election Day, all of the mainstream media indicators lead the GOP to gain control of at least one of the legislative chambers of the Federal government (House or Senate). I want my readers who have friends that are registered Republicans to read a piece in today's OpenLeft.com about male GOP Congressional candidates in various districts across this nation who possess a strong dislike for women. (The words 'strong dislike', in my view, are a polite way of stating their behavior.) You can find the article at http://www.openleft.com/diary/20463/conservative-year-of-the-woman-has-dark-shadow-side-of-mysogyny-topped-with-attempted-rapist .
I am confident that at least one person will be persuaded not to vote for the GOP after reading about them.
2) With only 22 days left until Election Day, I am praying to the heavens that the people of this nation are paying attention to the message of nearly 8,000 work project in over 180 countries on 10-10-10 that we need a way of providing energy and emphasizing conservation as we make efforts to slow global warming and its grave consequences. I ask that you go to http://www.350.org/ for a primer on our planet's problems.
3) In today's CommonDreams.org, Andrew Kennis talks about the pending release by WikiLeaks of several leaks about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan including one of some 15,000 documents. In this article, the human right community hopes that these new revealings will lead to more accountability than the 75,000 documents that Wikileaks revealed earlier this year. The piece can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/11-0 .
Three Cheers of the Week
1) To Susan Reverby for breaking the story on the deliberate injection of syphilis into the Guatemalan people for medical experiments. Her intervier with Amy Goodman on Democracy Now can be found here .
2) To David Michael Green for his article in CommonDreams.org on the contradictions of the Tea Party. His article can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/10-2 .
3) To Robert Freeman on his essay in Sunday's CommonDreams.org about the how and why teachers of our public schools became bums and the motives behind this. For anyone who has children in a public school, I recommend this piece as a starting point in a dialogue about how to improve our public schools.
The article can be found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/10/10-1 .
Three Boos of the Week
1) To Carl Paladino, the GOP candidate for governor of New York for his remarks about gays. If there is going to be a more tolerant society, he needs to be more conscious of the people around. To Mr. Paladino, the era of Leave It To Beaver is long gone.
2) To the fire department in Tennessee for letting Gene Cranick's house burn down because Mr. Cranick would not pay $75.00 for his fire protection. To me, this kind of behavior can be described in only one word -- inhumane.
3) To Meg Whitman, the GOP candidate for governor of California, for previously employing an "illegal" immigrant in her home even though she has anti-immigrant views.
That is all I have to say for now. Until next time, this is the Adirondack Howler signing off.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Greetings from the land of the progressives. This is the Adirondack Howler for Wednesday, October 6th, 2010.
There are 27 days remaining until Election Day 2010. Today I am happy to have a new look blog. I sincerely apologize for my absence over the last couple of weeks. Due to difficulties with technology, I have been unable to post.
This evening, I bring back the video of the week with a segment from MSNBC's The Dylan Ratigan Show. In this clip, Cenk Uygur, the host of the Internet series The Young Turks, calls out Tea Pary candidates for their acceptance of government handouts while railing against government programs.
Later in the week, I will resume my regular posts on my blog.
That is all I need to say for now. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 258th day after the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Citizens United which opened waterfalls of money from the nation's corporations, attempting to buy off our nation's democracy.
There are 27 days remaining until Election Day 2010. Today I am happy to have a new look blog. I sincerely apologize for my absence over the last couple of weeks. Due to difficulties with technology, I have been unable to post.
This evening, I bring back the video of the week with a segment from MSNBC's The Dylan Ratigan Show. In this clip, Cenk Uygur, the host of the Internet series The Young Turks, calls out Tea Pary candidates for their acceptance of government handouts while railing against government programs.
Later in the week, I will resume my regular posts on my blog.
That is all I need to say for now. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 258th day after the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Citizens United which opened waterfalls of money from the nation's corporations, attempting to buy off our nation's democracy.
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