Welcome back to the Adirondack Howler. I will now give my Three Cheers and Three Boos of the week.
Three Cheers of the Week
1) To MSNBC's Keith Olberman for his Special Comment about the tragedy that resulted in the head injury to Congressmember Gabreille Giffords of Arizona. This nine-minute sobering soliloquy should be viewed by everyone and is found at the bottom of this blog.
2) To Congressmember Raul Grijalva for stating that Sarah Palin need to reflect on her own behavior. I hope that Mrs. Palin will keep her mouth shut when the situation warrants.
3) To Randall Amster for his continuing coverage of Arizona with the Giffords shooting. I believe that the Grand Canyon State is the new battleground in the recognition for Civil Rights for everyone in the 21st century following Montgomery, Little Rock, Greensboro, Selma, and Memphis.
Three Boos of the Week
1) To Fox News for cutting away from a vigil for Congressmember Gabrielle Gifford to prevent viewers from hearing criticisms leveled at Sarah Palin for her incendiary conduct. John Amato of Crooks and Liars has the video here .
2) To Arizona Senator Jon Kyl for calling the candid remarks of Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik inappropriate. I must ask myself if it is appropriate for Mr. Kyl to continue serving in the U.S Senate. The story about Kyl is found here .
3) To Sarah Palin for creating the situation that led to the shooting of Congressmember Gabrielle Giffords with the crosshairs on her Congressional District on her SarahPAC.com website. Adding to the irresponsibilty, she removed the crosshair map from her site. This act can lead me to believe that there is one word lacking in her vocabulary -- accountability.
That is all for now. I will continue to post stories from the Giffords shooting at least for the next week.
This is the Adirondack Howler signing off one day after the shooting of Congressmember Gabrielle Gifford. It is also the 354th day after the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court which opened the spigots of corporate cash and poisoned the well of our democracy.
Until next time - Good night and good luck.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Video of the Week -- 1/9/11
My choice for Video of the Week is the Special Comment given by MSNBC's Keith Olberman on his countdown show last night about how we as a nation must change our political rhetoric in order to prevent another tragedy involving a legislator. The video is found at the bottom of this blog.
I will return with Three Cheers and Three Boos of the Week.
I will return with Three Cheers and Three Boos of the Week.
What's On My Mind -- 1/9/11
Greetings from the land of the progressives. This is the Adirondack Howler for Sunday, January 9th, 2011. This week I was planning to talk about the antics of the upcoming 112th Congress which opened this past Wednesday. It has taken a backseat to a tragedy that happened in a parking lot of a Safeway supermarket on Saturday. Six people died in a shooting and nineteen were injured. One of the injured was Congressmember Gabrielle Giffords of the 8th Congressional District who was shot in the head. She survived after hours of surgery and was able to communicate. However, her recovery is expected to be long and arduous. After hearing this, I was thinking and then asking myself why someone would resort to violence to solve the problems that beset this nation, especially the economic troubles facing the weakening middle class.
I want to say that I have no respect for anyone on the right but I do not resort to violence because I regard these people as human beings. I wish there was a way to massage and alleviate the pain and suffering and building bridges to people who may not agree with them on the issues of the world.
This weekend I started to come to terms with this tragedy by reading various articles. Three of them were carved indelibly in my mind. The first from today's Commondreams.org deals with the tragedy in terms of a contiuance of a dark era for the Grand Canyon State that started with the issue with immigration and Arizona's SB1070 anti-immigration legislation. The piece by Randall Amster is found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/01/09-1 .
The second story by Karen Dolan talks about how the violence killed an innocent bystander, a nine year old by the name of Christina Taylor Green who was born on September 11, 2001. She had dreams of going into the world of politics when she becomes an adult. A neighbor brought her to the event at the supermarket but Miss Green will never return home thanks to the killer, 22-year old Jared Lee Loughner. Dolan's article is found in today's Commondreams.org at the following location : http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/01/09-0 .
The third article is how Sarah Palin needs to feel some responsibility for this tragedy by setting up violent imagery on her SarahPAC.com website. This consisted of crosshairs on a map of the United States. Each crosshair is a Congressional District "targeted" for some kind of defeat. Giffords' district was one of 20 Congressional Districts that were on that map. According to the piece, fellow Congressmember Raul Grijalva says Palin needs to look at her own behavior. The story appears in today's Commondreams.org by The Nation's John Nichols and is found at http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2011/01/09-0 .
I will return shortly with my choice for Video of the Week.
I want to say that I have no respect for anyone on the right but I do not resort to violence because I regard these people as human beings. I wish there was a way to massage and alleviate the pain and suffering and building bridges to people who may not agree with them on the issues of the world.
This weekend I started to come to terms with this tragedy by reading various articles. Three of them were carved indelibly in my mind. The first from today's Commondreams.org deals with the tragedy in terms of a contiuance of a dark era for the Grand Canyon State that started with the issue with immigration and Arizona's SB1070 anti-immigration legislation. The piece by Randall Amster is found at http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/01/09-1 .
The second story by Karen Dolan talks about how the violence killed an innocent bystander, a nine year old by the name of Christina Taylor Green who was born on September 11, 2001. She had dreams of going into the world of politics when she becomes an adult. A neighbor brought her to the event at the supermarket but Miss Green will never return home thanks to the killer, 22-year old Jared Lee Loughner. Dolan's article is found in today's Commondreams.org at the following location : http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/01/09-0 .
The third article is how Sarah Palin needs to feel some responsibility for this tragedy by setting up violent imagery on her SarahPAC.com website. This consisted of crosshairs on a map of the United States. Each crosshair is a Congressional District "targeted" for some kind of defeat. Giffords' district was one of 20 Congressional Districts that were on that map. According to the piece, fellow Congressmember Raul Grijalva says Palin needs to look at her own behavior. The story appears in today's Commondreams.org by The Nation's John Nichols and is found at http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2011/01/09-0 .
I will return shortly with my choice for Video of the Week.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Three Cheers and Three Boos of 2010
Three Cheers for 2010
1) To Julian Assange and the staff at WikiLeaks for revealing many of the troubling aspects of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the conduct of our diplomatic corps. I would like the mainstream media and our legislators to change their ways after the leaks of these documents.
2) To Media Matters of America for their constant vigilance of the right-wing propaganda that passes itself as the Fox News Channel. In this day and age, we need an antidote for Rupert Murdoch and his minions day in and day out.
3) To Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont for his consistent profile in courage in serving the people of this nation. His finest hour this year was the eight hour filibuster against the extension of the Bush tax cuts this past month.
Three Boos of 2010
1) To the Fox News Channel for its constant misformation to the general public. Friday's article in Alternet.org provides evidence of Fox's misdeeds. The story can be found at http://www.alternet.org/media/149381/off_the_rails%3A_the_year_in_fox_news_misinformation/ .
2) To the Supreme Court for the Citizens United decision that opened the spigots of corporate cash and poisoned the well of our democracy.
3) To Carl Paladino, the GOP candidate for Governor of New York for his incitement to violence during this year's campaign, especially in his speech about the Legislature and his confrontation with New York Post columinst Fred Dicker.
That is all for now. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 346th day after the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court which opened the spigots of corporate cash, poisoning the well of our democracy.
Good night and good luck.
1) To Julian Assange and the staff at WikiLeaks for revealing many of the troubling aspects of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the conduct of our diplomatic corps. I would like the mainstream media and our legislators to change their ways after the leaks of these documents.
2) To Media Matters of America for their constant vigilance of the right-wing propaganda that passes itself as the Fox News Channel. In this day and age, we need an antidote for Rupert Murdoch and his minions day in and day out.
3) To Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont for his consistent profile in courage in serving the people of this nation. His finest hour this year was the eight hour filibuster against the extension of the Bush tax cuts this past month.
Three Boos of 2010
1) To the Fox News Channel for its constant misformation to the general public. Friday's article in Alternet.org provides evidence of Fox's misdeeds. The story can be found at http://www.alternet.org/media/149381/off_the_rails%3A_the_year_in_fox_news_misinformation/ .
2) To the Supreme Court for the Citizens United decision that opened the spigots of corporate cash and poisoned the well of our democracy.
3) To Carl Paladino, the GOP candidate for Governor of New York for his incitement to violence during this year's campaign, especially in his speech about the Legislature and his confrontation with New York Post columinst Fred Dicker.
That is all for now. This is the Adirondack Howler signing off on the 346th day after the Citizens United decision in the Supreme Court which opened the spigots of corporate cash, poisoning the well of our democracy.
Good night and good luck.
Video of the Week -- 1/2/11
Before I give my Three Cheers and Three Boos for 2010, I want to give you the Video of the Week. This is a clip from the Real News Network. The interview with Jeanette Wicks-Lim, a assistant research professor at the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst talks about the idea of combining a increase in the minimum wage with modifications in the earned income tax credit policy to produce a living wage for this country. The talk is conducted with The Real News' Senior Editor Paul Jay.
The clip is found at the bottom of this blog.
The clip is found at the bottom of this blog.
Top 10 Stories for 2010
Greetings from the land of the progressives. This is the Adirondack Howler for Sunday, January 2nd, 2011.
I hope that everyone had a joyous and safe holiday but before I close 2010 I would like to give you my top 10 stories of 2010. So much has happened over the past year that this task is a challenge. I am up to the challenge and I will start with #10.
#10 -- Mountaintop Removal in the region of Appalachia -- one of the most dangerous and environmentally harmful ways to meet our energy needs
#9 -- Drone wars in Pakistan/war in Afghanistan -- these wars are a waste of money and people -- I hear the ghosts of the fall of Saigon
#8 -- The battle over Health Care -- even though major legislation passed in this Congress, the battle over universal health care (Medicare for All) is far from over
#7 -- BP Oil Disaster in the Gulf of Mexico -- if anyone thinks drilling for petroleum is a good idea after the April 20th catastrophe, could these people give me a good explanation?
#6 -- The siege of the people of the Gaza Strip -- after more than two years of punishment by a certain state who is led by a man named Netanyahu, when will the world say enough is enough?
#5 -- The Economy -- actual unemployment about 20%, 3 million families losing their homes, megaprofits for the financial sector -- What is wrong with this picure?
#4 -- Climate Change -- major firestorm in Russia, floods in Pakistan, the past decade the warmest in millions of years, little progress made at the Climate Summit in Cancun -- Will people wake up to face this problem before the planet suffers immeasurable damage?
#3 -- The 2010 Elections -- voting for people who will take us on a one-way ticket to misery
#2 -- Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission -- the Supreme Court decision that opened the spigots of corporate cash and poisoned the well of our democracy.
#1 -- Julian Assange and the staff at WikiLeaks -- for doing the service that mainstream journalism declined to provide, especially the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and the behavior of our diplomats abroad
These are my top 10 stories for 2010. I will return shortly with my Three Cheers and Three Boos of 2010.
I hope that everyone had a joyous and safe holiday but before I close 2010 I would like to give you my top 10 stories of 2010. So much has happened over the past year that this task is a challenge. I am up to the challenge and I will start with #10.
#10 -- Mountaintop Removal in the region of Appalachia -- one of the most dangerous and environmentally harmful ways to meet our energy needs
#9 -- Drone wars in Pakistan/war in Afghanistan -- these wars are a waste of money and people -- I hear the ghosts of the fall of Saigon
#8 -- The battle over Health Care -- even though major legislation passed in this Congress, the battle over universal health care (Medicare for All) is far from over
#7 -- BP Oil Disaster in the Gulf of Mexico -- if anyone thinks drilling for petroleum is a good idea after the April 20th catastrophe, could these people give me a good explanation?
#6 -- The siege of the people of the Gaza Strip -- after more than two years of punishment by a certain state who is led by a man named Netanyahu, when will the world say enough is enough?
#5 -- The Economy -- actual unemployment about 20%, 3 million families losing their homes, megaprofits for the financial sector -- What is wrong with this picure?
#4 -- Climate Change -- major firestorm in Russia, floods in Pakistan, the past decade the warmest in millions of years, little progress made at the Climate Summit in Cancun -- Will people wake up to face this problem before the planet suffers immeasurable damage?
#3 -- The 2010 Elections -- voting for people who will take us on a one-way ticket to misery
#2 -- Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission -- the Supreme Court decision that opened the spigots of corporate cash and poisoned the well of our democracy.
#1 -- Julian Assange and the staff at WikiLeaks -- for doing the service that mainstream journalism declined to provide, especially the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and the behavior of our diplomats abroad
These are my top 10 stories for 2010. I will return shortly with my Three Cheers and Three Boos of 2010.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Video of the Week -- Christmas 2010
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.
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.
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.
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