friendly dictator syndrome
Washington must make it clear to Pakistan’s dictator, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, that a blood bath against protesters would be intolerable.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Alternative Tax Showdown (NYT)
test suggested
The House and Senate are poised to vote on a vitally important tax bill that will test whether Democrats have courage and convictions.
The House and Senate are poised to vote on a vitally important tax bill that will test whether Democrats have courage and convictions.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
The Not-Google Phone (NYT)
Lucent Inferno resurrected
too late for Lucent
Google’s plan to develop a new open software standard for mobile phones could result in a more richly and fully integrated universe of mobile devices.
too late for Lucent
Google’s plan to develop a new open software standard for mobile phones could result in a more richly and fully integrated universe of mobile devices.
A Second Chance for Ex-Offenders (NYT)
must live within a half mile of chemical plants
Congress can help reduce recidivism by passing the Second Chance Act, which would aid former prisoners to find a place in society.
Congress can help reduce recidivism by passing the Second Chance Act, which would aid former prisoners to find a place in society.
Pass the Peruvian F.T.A. (NYT)
fought by domestic anchovy producers
Congressional Democrats should vote for the Peruvian deal, which would give American businesses greater access to Peru’s markets.
Congressional Democrats should vote for the Peruvian deal, which would give American businesses greater access to Peru’s markets.
Chemical Industry 1, Public Safety 0 (NYT)
higher prices urged
Congress needs to pass a strong new chemical plant law — one that puts more weight on the safety of the public and less on industry’s bottom line.
Congress needs to pass a strong new chemical plant law — one that puts more weight on the safety of the public and less on industry’s bottom line.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
A Pointless Slap at Transit Workers (NYT)
when a strongly worded letter would do
The city should try to help usher in more peaceful labor-management relations with the transit workers union.
The city should try to help usher in more peaceful labor-management relations with the transit workers union.
Yazoo Pumps: They’re Back! (NYT)
probably a good idea, whatever it is
The Yazoo Pumps may well be the most daft in a long line of environmentally destructive schemes undertaken by the Army Corps of Engineers at Congress’s request.
The Yazoo Pumps may well be the most daft in a long line of environmentally destructive schemes undertaken by the Army Corps of Engineers at Congress’s request.
Watered-Down Mortgage Reform (NYT)
more needs to be done. forget that it's contradictory!
A proposed amendment to the Mortgage Reform and Antipredatory Lending Act of 2007 will make the weakest part of the bill even weaker.
A proposed amendment to the Mortgage Reform and Antipredatory Lending Act of 2007 will make the weakest part of the bill even weaker.
The Pakistan Mess (NYT)
everything being Bush failure noted
Gen. Pervez Musharraf has pushed nuclear-armed Pakistan further along a perilous course and underscored the failure of President Bush’s policy toward a key ally in the war on terrorism.
Gen. Pervez Musharraf has pushed nuclear-armed Pakistan further along a perilous course and underscored the failure of President Bush’s policy toward a key ally in the war on terrorism.
Monday, November 05, 2007
A Roosevelt for Roosevelt Island (NYT)
a better place would be Penn Station
There’s a magic to the project to build a memorial to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on Roosevelt Island.
There’s a magic to the project to build a memorial to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on Roosevelt Island.
Legal Loopholes in Iraq (NYT)
Unless american justice itself depends on basic order
But that's the point, isn't it.
Anything to cripple Iraq is highest priority.
The Bush administration should withdraw private armies from Iraq, and Congress must act swiftly to ensure that American justice applies to all those who remain.
But that's the point, isn't it.
Anything to cripple Iraq is highest priority.
The Bush administration should withdraw private armies from Iraq, and Congress must act swiftly to ensure that American justice applies to all those who remain.
In Defense of Voting Rights (NYT)
voter fraud supported
The Justice Department’s voting rights section has been taken over by ideologues most interested in denying the ballot to minorities, poor people and other groups likely to vote Democratic.
The Justice Department’s voting rights section has been taken over by ideologues most interested in denying the ballot to minorities, poor people and other groups likely to vote Democratic.
Putting an End to Abusive Lending (NYT)
lender protection act needed
When members of the House Financial Services committee meet to put the finishing touches on a bill to curb abusive mortgage lending, they need focus only on how to make a good bill better.
When members of the House Financial Services committee meet to put the finishing touches on a bill to curb abusive mortgage lending, they need focus only on how to make a good bill better.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Childhood for Dummies (NYT)
book reviews for the inept
The books “The Daring Book for Girls” and “The Dangerous Book for Boys” are so clearly not about daredeviltry. They are about ineptitude.
The books “The Daring Book for Girls” and “The Dangerous Book for Boys” are so clearly not about daredeviltry. They are about ineptitude.
Selling America (NYT)
God, flag, country and rugged individualism proposed
The best hope of defusing anti-Americanism and restoring our country’s international standing lies in a commitment to the values that make it great.
The best hope of defusing anti-Americanism and restoring our country’s international standing lies in a commitment to the values that make it great.
Republican Tricks on Children’s Health (NYT)
uninsured unborn overlooked
The Senate’s Republican leaders clearly would prefer to have no bill enacted than do anything meaningful to help millions of uninsured children.
The Senate’s Republican leaders clearly would prefer to have no bill enacted than do anything meaningful to help millions of uninsured children.
Playing Games With Toy Safety (NYT)
no more .22's for boys
Given the Bush administration’s record in appointing consumer safety commissioners, another vacancy might mean that even less would get done.
Given the Bush administration’s record in appointing consumer safety commissioners, another vacancy might mean that even less would get done.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
My Favorite Menace (NYT)
mockers denigrated
by Gail Collins
What do you think of when you hear “defining issues of our time?” Global warming? Did it ever occur to you there are Americans who’d say: “Law of the Sea Treaty?”
by Gail Collins
What do you think of when you hear “defining issues of our time?” Global warming? Did it ever occur to you there are Americans who’d say: “Law of the Sea Treaty?”
Worsening the Odds (NYT)
gap in M1 money supply noted
by Bob Herbert
Lonnie Lynam died at age 45. The cause of death was cancer, aided and abetted by an absurd, unnecessary and utterly unconscionable absence of health insurance.
by Bob Herbert
Lonnie Lynam died at age 45. The cause of death was cancer, aided and abetted by an absurd, unnecessary and utterly unconscionable absence of health insurance.
Farm Belt Follies (NYT)
convenience store aid
With debate on the farm bill to begin next week, the Senate has one last chance to produce a farm program of which the country can be proud.
With debate on the farm bill to begin next week, the Senate has one last chance to produce a farm program of which the country can be proud.
Children and Cold Medicines (NYT)
third world opportunity
It is emphatically clear that medicines used in children need to be tested in children, since a child’s response to a drug often differs from that of an adult.
It is emphatically clear that medicines used in children need to be tested in children, since a child’s response to a drug often differs from that of an adult.
End to a Shabby Prosecution (NYT)
lesson noted
We fear that there is little hope that President Bush will learn any lesson from a shockingly mishandled prosecution that finally terminated this week.
We fear that there is little hope that President Bush will learn any lesson from a shockingly mishandled prosecution that finally terminated this week.
That Promised Peace Conference (NYT)
al qaeda defeated
The Bush administration cannot just stage a Mideast peace conference and hope that something will materialize in a region drowning in despair.
The Bush administration cannot just stage a Mideast peace conference and hope that something will materialize in a region drowning in despair.
Federal Reserve says super SIV requiress less capital (Reuters)
japanese banking emulated
"The credit conversion factor that would apply to the notional amount of the M-LEC liquidity facility would be 10 percent," wrote Norah Barger, the associate director of the Fed's Division of Banking Supervision and Regulation.
"The credit conversion factor that would apply to the notional amount of the M-LEC liquidity facility would be 10 percent," wrote Norah Barger, the associate director of the Fed's Division of Banking Supervision and Regulation.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Marijuana and College Aid (NYT)
command and control attractions conflict
Federal college aid was never intended to be used as a weapon of enforcement. Any attempt to employ it that way can produce unintended results.
Federal college aid was never intended to be used as a weapon of enforcement. Any attempt to employ it that way can produce unintended results.
A Station Worthy of New York (NYT)
public spending to match delusion urged
A new Pennsylvania Station should be a grand public space, as magnificent, in its way, as the glorious old Grand Central Terminal.
A new Pennsylvania Station should be a grand public space, as magnificent, in its way, as the glorious old Grand Central Terminal.
Starting Over in Texas (NYT)
kill all the republicans
The only real way to remedy allegations of brutality and neglect is to raze the state’s deeply flawed juvenile justice system and build a new one.
The only real way to remedy allegations of brutality and neglect is to raze the state’s deeply flawed juvenile justice system and build a new one.
Africa’s Chance (NYT)
not the NYT's century
Nobody knows whether Africa south of the Sahara might be on the cusp of starting up the ladder of development, but it has its best chance in decades.
Nobody knows whether Africa south of the Sahara might be on the cusp of starting up the ladder of development, but it has its best chance in decades.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Pilot of Plane That Dropped A-Bomb Dies (AP)
Good for him, alone in a modern world full of wimps.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Paul Tibbets, who etched his mother's name — Enola Gay — into history on the nose of the B-29 bomber he flew to drop the atomic bomb over Hiroshima, died Thursday after six decades of steadfastly defending the mission. He was 92.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Paul Tibbets, who etched his mother's name — Enola Gay — into history on the nose of the B-29 bomber he flew to drop the atomic bomb over Hiroshima, died Thursday after six decades of steadfastly defending the mission. He was 92.
A Little Hope for Amtrak (NYT)
increased sugar subsidy proposed
In the costly world of mass transportation, adequately funding Amtrak - the nation’s only passenger railroad - is an easy bargain.
In the costly world of mass transportation, adequately funding Amtrak - the nation’s only passenger railroad - is an easy bargain.
America’s Lagging Health Care System (NYT)
insured parts are broken, as economics predicts
A new survey of patients in seven industrialized nations underscores just how badly sick Americans fare compared with patients in other nations.
A new survey of patients in seven industrialized nations underscores just how badly sick Americans fare compared with patients in other nations.
Playing Sudan’s Game (NYT)
editors not fooled
Sudan merely wants more time to let the janjaweed militias it backs in Darfur finish off what remains of the region’s non-Arab population.
Sudan merely wants more time to let the janjaweed militias it backs in Darfur finish off what remains of the region’s non-Arab population.
Torture and the Attorneys General (NYT)
leftism as litmus test
Senators with a conscience that can be shocked should insist that President Bush meets a higher standard than the current nomination.
Senators with a conscience that can be shocked should insist that President Bush meets a higher standard than the current nomination.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
If I.T. Merged With E.T. (NYT)
burning water at the NYT
by THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
A breakthrough in an energy technology revolution could drive the I.T. revolution into every corner of the world to create jobs.
by THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
A breakthrough in an energy technology revolution could drive the I.T. revolution into every corner of the world to create jobs.
Belated Frost (NYT)
rural life imagined as extremely dull
By VERLYN KLINKENBORG
I think the first frost has finally come. Two mornings in a row the pasture has turned white, and the thick stands of goldenrod have turned silver.
By VERLYN KLINKENBORG
I think the first frost has finally come. Two mornings in a row the pasture has turned white, and the thick stands of goldenrod have turned silver.
Twenty-Five Years and Counting (NYT)
international bureaucracy of thugs and criminals favored
There are many reasons to ratify the Law of the Sea, not least the fact that it would allow the U.S. to play a role on a range of global ocean issues.
There are many reasons to ratify the Law of the Sea, not least the fact that it would allow the U.S. to play a role on a range of global ocean issues.
Help Wanted (NYT)
need discovered
Congress needs to add more visa slots and approve resettlement benefits to Iraqis and Afghans who have served America at great risk.
Congress needs to add more visa slots and approve resettlement benefits to Iraqis and Afghans who have served America at great risk.
Exile on Wall Street (NYT)
hallucinated generalization supports lefty
A new chief executive who bears no responsibility for a firm’s previous losses is likely to be more nimble in confronting mistakes of the past.
A new chief executive who bears no responsibility for a firm’s previous losses is likely to be more nimble in confronting mistakes of the past.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
No Emergency Room (NYT)
squeegee guys wanted
by Bob Herbert
Homeless advocates in New York are facing off against the Bloomberg administration in a fight that threatens to bring back the protracted court battles of a couple of decades ago.
by Bob Herbert
Homeless advocates in New York are facing off against the Bloomberg administration in a fight that threatens to bring back the protracted court battles of a couple of decades ago.
Honey, They Shrunk the Congress (NYT)
subpoena the supreme court
By ADAM COHEN
The Bush administration has usurped a frightening number of Congress’s powers. The question is whether members of Congress of both parties will do anything about it.
By ADAM COHEN
The Bush administration has usurped a frightening number of Congress’s powers. The question is whether members of Congress of both parties will do anything about it.
Holding Up History (NYT)
billing records forgotten
There is ample support in the House and Senate for repealing President Bush’s 2001 executive order unilaterally repealing the presumption of public access to presidential papers.
There is ample support in the House and Senate for repealing President Bush’s 2001 executive order unilaterally repealing the presumption of public access to presidential papers.
Sugar’s Sweetheart Deal (NYT)
corrupt payoffs to wrong people
Rather than taking the opportunity to untangle the sugar program in this year’s farm bill, Congress has decided to bolster the old system.
Rather than taking the opportunity to untangle the sugar program in this year’s farm bill, Congress has decided to bolster the old system.
Governor Spitzer Retreats (NYT)
no non-voting class b stock funding New York State government.
Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s pivot from his difficult stand on driver’s licenses is a disappointment.
Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s pivot from his difficult stand on driver’s licenses is a disappointment.
Monday, October 29, 2007
The Information Highway Patrol (NYT)
let many terrorists bloom if it will help democrats
The Department of Homeland Security should respond fully to Congressional inquiries about its plan to monitor communications in the name of protecting the information infrastructure from terrorists.
The Department of Homeland Security should respond fully to Congressional inquiries about its plan to monitor communications in the name of protecting the information infrastructure from terrorists.
Counting Americans (NYT)
trifling uncovered
For the founding fathers, the census was not to be trifled with. We wish we could say the same for the Bush administration and Congress.
For the founding fathers, the census was not to be trifled with. We wish we could say the same for the Bush administration and Congress.
F.T.C. Goes AWOL (NYT)
one-newspaper town
The abuse of market power to protect a monopoly hurts consumers and hinders innovation.
The abuse of market power to protect a monopoly hurts consumers and hinders innovation.
Trash Talking World War III (NYT)
nappy headed ho'
Four years after his pointless invasion of Iraq, President Bush still confuses bullying with grand strategy.
Four years after his pointless invasion of Iraq, President Bush still confuses bullying with grand strategy.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Did We Do That? (NYT)
so-bad-that-evidence-doesn't-matter approach to science
THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
We may have introduced enough CO2 emissions into Mother Nature’s operating system that we cannot determine anymore where she stopped and we started.
THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
We may have introduced enough CO2 emissions into Mother Nature’s operating system that we cannot determine anymore where she stopped and we started.
Rudy, the Values Slayer (NYT)
cross dressing skit remembered
by Frank Rich
When Rudy Giuliani’s candidacy started to show legs, pundits and family values activists assumed that voters knew only his 9/11 video reel and not his personal history.
by Frank Rich
When Rudy Giuliani’s candidacy started to show legs, pundits and family values activists assumed that voters knew only his 9/11 video reel and not his personal history.
What Part of ‘Illegal’ Don’t You Understand? (NYT)
press 1 for spanish
By LAWRENCE DOWNES
America has a big problem with illegal immigration, but a big part of it stems from the word “illegal.” As a code word for racial and ethnic hatred, it is detestable.
By LAWRENCE DOWNES
America has a big problem with illegal immigration, but a big part of it stems from the word “illegal.” As a code word for racial and ethnic hatred, it is detestable.
Microsoft’s Slice of Facebook (NYT)
interest group petri dish
Just how valuable is commercial access to a rapidly expanding community of people whose favorite hobby seems to be identifying themselves and their desires?
Just how valuable is commercial access to a rapidly expanding community of people whose favorite hobby seems to be identifying themselves and their desires?
The Right Model for Juvenile Justice (NYT)
death penalty endorsed
The state of Missouri, which has a nationally recognized model of how to deal effectively with troubled children, shows a way out of the juvenile justice crisis.
The state of Missouri, which has a nationally recognized model of how to deal effectively with troubled children, shows a way out of the juvenile justice crisis.
Moving Ahead on Mortgages (NYT)
arguments cut through
The Treasury Department’s leadership is needed to cut through the arguments that have impeded efforts to address the housing bust.
The Treasury Department’s leadership is needed to cut through the arguments that have impeded efforts to address the housing bust.
Poland, Untwinned (NYT)
mysterious editorial lede.
the command economy must be in the body of it.
All Americans should be pleased that Poland has voted to embrace Europe, modern capitalism and its own best political traditions.
the command economy must be in the body of it.
All Americans should be pleased that Poland has voted to embrace Europe, modern capitalism and its own best political traditions.
Bringing Calories Out of Hiding (NYT)
fair not to expect, as well
It is perfectly fair to expect chain restaurants to know and share information about what they serve, especially for the sake of good health.
It is perfectly fair to expect chain restaurants to know and share information about what they serve, especially for the sake of good health.
Listen to the States (NYT)
some states run by women
The states can take some satisfaction from the fact that President Bush now concedes, at least rhetorically, that global warming is a problem.
The states can take some satisfaction from the fact that President Bush now concedes, at least rhetorically, that global warming is a problem.
That Old Time Religion (NYT)
cross burnings
President Bush and his cadre may be stuck in the past. But Congress doesn’t have to be. It should restrain the president’s missile defense spending.
President Bush and his cadre may be stuck in the past. But Congress doesn’t have to be. It should restrain the president’s missile defense spending.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Dollar Sinks to New Low (AP)
news for AP : if an investor sells, another investor buys.
The data exacerbated concern about the health of the U.S. economy and has caused investors to sell their dollars in a climate of market nervousness ahead of next week's U.S. Federal Reserve Bank meeting on interest rates.
The data exacerbated concern about the health of the U.S. economy and has caused investors to sell their dollars in a climate of market nervousness ahead of next week's U.S. Federal Reserve Bank meeting on interest rates.
Putin Takes on the Election Observers (NYT)
ploys deprecated
What Vladimir Putin’s K.G.B.-heavy government and its allies clearly do not want is anyone paying too much attention to their antidemocratic ploys.
What Vladimir Putin’s K.G.B.-heavy government and its allies clearly do not want is anyone paying too much attention to their antidemocratic ploys.
Denying Children (NYT)
confusion of process and result in service of power
The health of millions of children who lack insurance cannot be held hostage to the president’s visceral distaste for government and its essential role to protect the weak.
The health of millions of children who lack insurance cannot be held hostage to the president’s visceral distaste for government and its essential role to protect the weak.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Two Pigs (NYT)
like democrats and blacks
By VERLYN KLINKENBORG
The questions people ask make it sound as though I should be morally outraged at myself, as if it’s impossible to scratch the pigs behind the ears and still intend to kill them.
By VERLYN KLINKENBORG
The questions people ask make it sound as though I should be morally outraged at myself, as if it’s impossible to scratch the pigs behind the ears and still intend to kill them.
Rational Sentencing (NYT)
voters childlike
Voters deserve a thorough airing on the issue of the Rockefeller laws and options for reforming the most draconian drug laws the country has yet seen.
Voters deserve a thorough airing on the issue of the Rockefeller laws and options for reforming the most draconian drug laws the country has yet seen.
NASA’s Hidden Air Safety Survey (NYT)
Bush coverup discovered
Michael Griffin should ensure that his agency analyzes its survey and then releases the analysis and all the data so that other experts can look at it as well.
Michael Griffin should ensure that his agency analyzes its survey and then releases the analysis and all the data so that other experts can look at it as well.
Another $200 Billion (NYT)
not clear on concept of war
Despite a pretense of fiscal prudence, President Bush keeps throwing money at his war, regardless of the cost in blood, treasure or children’s health care.
Despite a pretense of fiscal prudence, President Bush keeps throwing money at his war, regardless of the cost in blood, treasure or children’s health care.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Madness as Method (NYT)
hawks on warpath
by Maureen Dowd
The hawks are pounding the drums on Iran as they once did on Iraq,
by Maureen Dowd
The hawks are pounding the drums on Iran as they once did on Iraq,
The Fires This Time (NYT)
housing starts are up
While the fire cycle in Southern California is natural — an inevitable and necessary part of local wildland ecology — its economic impact is not.
While the fire cycle in Southern California is natural — an inevitable and necessary part of local wildland ecology — its economic impact is not.
A Chance to Dream (NYT)
immigration sleeper act
The Senate has a chance today to pluck a small gem from the ashes of the immigration debate by voting for the passage of the Dream Act.
The Senate has a chance today to pluck a small gem from the ashes of the immigration debate by voting for the passage of the Dream Act.
To Be a Journalist in Iraq (NYT)
the women's page
Sahar Issa had a powerful message that we wanted to share with our readers about Iraqi women who risk their lives covering the news.
Sahar Issa had a powerful message that we wanted to share with our readers about Iraqi women who risk their lives covering the news.
Tilting the Scales of Justice (NYT)
justice department truthers
The American people have a right to know what happened at the Justice Department. Any wrongful prosecutions should be rectified.
The American people have a right to know what happened at the Justice Department. Any wrongful prosecutions should be rectified.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Nobel Winner Issues Apology for Comments About Blacks (NYT)
the offended gene
By CORNELIA DEAN
James D. Watson, who shared the 1962 Nobel prize for deciphering the double-helix of DNA, apologized “unreservedly” yesterday for comments reported this week suggesting that black people, over all, are not as intelligent as whites.
By CORNELIA DEAN
James D. Watson, who shared the 1962 Nobel prize for deciphering the double-helix of DNA, apologized “unreservedly” yesterday for comments reported this week suggesting that black people, over all, are not as intelligent as whites.
Rewarding Good Teaching (NYT)
stick not tried
New York City’s new incentives strategies represent a good first step toward the goal of attracting teachers to the most challenging schools.
New York City’s new incentives strategies represent a good first step toward the goal of attracting teachers to the most challenging schools.
Gains Against Cancer (NYT)
early detection gets you paying longer
The turnaround in the drop of cancer death rates appears to be mainly a triumph in prevention and early detection rather than dazzling medical cures.
The turnaround in the drop of cancer death rates appears to be mainly a triumph in prevention and early detection rather than dazzling medical cures.
Last Chance for Farm Reform (NYT)
serious thought urged
President Bush, who has generally been on the right side of the farm issue, should think seriously about vetoing a deeply disappointing farm bill.
President Bush, who has generally been on the right side of the farm issue, should think seriously about vetoing a deeply disappointing farm bill.
With Democrats Like These ... (NYT)
pelosi characterized
Democratic leaders were cowed, once again, by propaganda from the White House and failed, once again, to modernize the law on electronic spying.
Democratic leaders were cowed, once again, by propaganda from the White House and failed, once again, to modernize the law on electronic spying.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Catching Up to a Sad Parade (NYT)
love of process
President Bush must back up his call for swift action by quickly filling the vacancy of secretary of veterans affairs.
President Bush must back up his call for swift action by quickly filling the vacancy of secretary of veterans affairs.
Honoring the Dalai Lama (NYT)
llama power
We would like to think that the spiritual leader’s dedication to tolerance might rub off on the people he meets in Washington.
We would like to think that the spiritual leader’s dedication to tolerance might rub off on the people he meets in Washington.
The Attorney General Nominee (NYT)
editor troubled
There were some troubling statements and gaps in Michael Mukasey’s testimony at his confirmation hearing.
There were some troubling statements and gaps in Michael Mukasey’s testimony at his confirmation hearing.
Putting Poor Children Second (NYT)
women's right to vote noticed
House members should vote to override President Bush’s veto on the State Children’s Health Insurance Program.
House members should vote to override President Bush’s veto on the State Children’s Health Insurance Program.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
On Bonuses and Leaving Iraq (NYT)
desperate reminder found
Big cash bonuses are another desperate reminder of how little planning was done for the Iraq war, and how much damage it has done to America’s forces.
Big cash bonuses are another desperate reminder of how little planning was done for the Iraq war, and how much damage it has done to America’s forces.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Gore Derangement Syndrome (NYT)
syndrome discovered
by Paul Krugman
What is it about Al Gore that drives right-wingers insane? The worst thing about him, from the conservative point of view, is that he keeps being right.
by Paul Krugman
What is it about Al Gore that drives right-wingers insane? The worst thing about him, from the conservative point of view, is that he keeps being right.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
AIM Leader Vernon Bellecourt Dies at 75 (AP)
gone to happy hunting ground
Vernon Bellecourt, who fought against the use of Indian nicknames for sports teams as a longtime leader of the American Indian Movement, has died at age 75.
Vernon Bellecourt, who fought against the use of Indian nicknames for sports teams as a longtime leader of the American Indian Movement, has died at age 75.
Spies, Lies and FISA (NYT)
shred and uphold are the two usual choices in editorials
easier than reading the thing.
We have watched Republican lawmakers help President Bush shred the Constitution in the name of fighting terrorism. It is time for that to stop.
easier than reading the thing.
We have watched Republican lawmakers help President Bush shred the Constitution in the name of fighting terrorism. It is time for that to stop.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
The Trivial Pursuit (NYT)
no controlling legal or scientific authority
by Bob Herbert
Al Gore may be remarkably well-equipped to lead the nation, but it’s George W. who is president.
by Bob Herbert
Al Gore may be remarkably well-equipped to lead the nation, but it’s George W. who is president.
Russian Reservations (NYT)
New authoritarian Russia is a friend to the NYT.
Central control for everybody, an editorial position agreeable to them.
Vladimir Putin could do good for Russia if he told the Iranians that they must halt nuclear enrichment and accept diplomatic payoffs if they do.
Central control for everybody, an editorial position agreeable to them.
Vladimir Putin could do good for Russia if he told the Iranians that they must halt nuclear enrichment and accept diplomatic payoffs if they do.
Homeland Bunkers and Alien Litterbugs (NYT)
Buzzwords protected from rust by galvanization.
Galvanizing the Homeland Security Department with effective leadership should be high on the national agenda for the presidential candidates.
Galvanizing the Homeland Security Department with effective leadership should be high on the national agenda for the presidential candidates.
Campaigning on Pension Gold (NYT)
pools of money attract flies, a general rule.
The sole trustee system of New York’s pension fund is good for the politicians who control it, but it is terrible for the workers whose pensions are at stake.
The sole trustee system of New York’s pension fund is good for the politicians who control it, but it is terrible for the workers whose pensions are at stake.
A Prize for Mr. Gore and Science (NYT)
Actually, science comes from curiosity, not courage.
Courage can in fact give you a jump-the-tuna effect when the media line up one too many times.
Al Gore and the United Nations panel of scientists have shown how much citizens with courage can do to raise awareness about the danger of global warming.
Courage can in fact give you a jump-the-tuna effect when the media line up one too many times.
Al Gore and the United Nations panel of scientists have shown how much citizens with courage can do to raise awareness about the danger of global warming.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Wonkette
I don't understand the slamming of Wonkette these days, on the political right.
I'm as political right as anybody and find it entertaining. Prose in the style of Mencken or early R. Emmett Tyrrell, but on the political left and with scandalous language.
I disagreed with Imus about everything too, but still he was entertaining.
Nobody likes words anymore.
I'm as political right as anybody and find it entertaining. Prose in the style of Mencken or early R. Emmett Tyrrell, but on the political left and with scandalous language.
I disagreed with Imus about everything too, but still he was entertaining.
Nobody likes words anymore.
Decoding Coulter (Wonkette)
perfecting would mean get over the holding a grudge part.
All day long the news channels have been running this clip of Ann Coulter telling Donny Deutsch she wishes Jews would convert to Christianity to "become perfected," which amused me vaguely now that I'm pretty sure what she does qualifies as "performance art," until I saw the nine thousandth pundit come on and decry her "anti-Semitism" and finally felt compelled to point out what is really very obvious to anyone with experience as a self-hating Gentile: Ann Coulter seriously has a massive hard-on for the Jews.
She is so totally pro-Semitic she is dating a Jew, probably the latest in a long string of Jews, at least one of whom, down the line, had a mom who objected to her not on the basis of her batshit brand of batshitism but her supposed "Christianity," and when Ann looked into the whole conversion thing and realized how insanely complicated the Jews make it versus the whole "splash of water" method she thought, "Well for fuck's sake, we managed to eliminate the red tape here, and we're the biggest religion in the world. What's their excuse for making this like Soviet Russia??" Also, so you know: "We know we're all sinners" is basically tantamount to saying, "I, too, have had my share of abortions." Don't worry though, none of the unborn were potential Jews, because you can't be Jewish without a Jewish mother! Which, praise Jesus, Ann Coulter will never be. The "mother" part, especially.
All day long the news channels have been running this clip of Ann Coulter telling Donny Deutsch she wishes Jews would convert to Christianity to "become perfected," which amused me vaguely now that I'm pretty sure what she does qualifies as "performance art," until I saw the nine thousandth pundit come on and decry her "anti-Semitism" and finally felt compelled to point out what is really very obvious to anyone with experience as a self-hating Gentile: Ann Coulter seriously has a massive hard-on for the Jews.
She is so totally pro-Semitic she is dating a Jew, probably the latest in a long string of Jews, at least one of whom, down the line, had a mom who objected to her not on the basis of her batshit brand of batshitism but her supposed "Christianity," and when Ann looked into the whole conversion thing and realized how insanely complicated the Jews make it versus the whole "splash of water" method she thought, "Well for fuck's sake, we managed to eliminate the red tape here, and we're the biggest religion in the world. What's their excuse for making this like Soviet Russia??" Also, so you know: "We know we're all sinners" is basically tantamount to saying, "I, too, have had my share of abortions." Don't worry though, none of the unborn were potential Jews, because you can't be Jewish without a Jewish mother! Which, praise Jesus, Ann Coulter will never be. The "mother" part, especially.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
The United States Attorneys Scandal Comes to Mississippi (NYT)
scandal reimagined
By ADAM COHEN
Many key players in the U.S. attorneys scandal are gone, but Congress has a lot of work to do in uncovering the damage they have done to the justice system.
By ADAM COHEN
Many key players in the U.S. attorneys scandal are gone, but Congress has a lot of work to do in uncovering the damage they have done to the justice system.
Too Timid for Tax Increases (NYT)
no boding in economics at the NYT
It does not bode well that America’s leaders can’t even see their way to raising the obviously too low taxes on private equity partners.
It does not bode well that America’s leaders can’t even see their way to raising the obviously too low taxes on private equity partners.
Supreme Disgrace (NYT)
baffled by separation of powers and wartime, the NYT brings in what it supposes is the big guns
In refusing to consider Khaled el-Masri’s appeal, the Supreme Court has left an innocent person without any remedy for his wrongful imprisonment.
In refusing to consider Khaled el-Masri’s appeal, the Supreme Court has left an innocent person without any remedy for his wrongful imprisonment.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Criminalization of the War
``Criminalization of the war'' misses the point a little.
It's making the legal system responsible for what makes the legal itself system possible.
That doesn't work. The topology is wrong.
The legal system is made possible by a basic access to overwhelming violence.
The legal system only seems to be possible a priori. That's intellectuals arguing about how they're better than those who preceded them.
It's making the legal system responsible for what makes the legal itself system possible.
That doesn't work. The topology is wrong.
The legal system is made possible by a basic access to overwhelming violence.
The legal system only seems to be possible a priori. That's intellectuals arguing about how they're better than those who preceded them.
The Angriest Justice (NYT)
plantation abandoned
The rage that Justice Clarence Thomas harbors raises questions about whether he can sit as an impartial judge in many of the cases the Supreme Court hears.
The rage that Justice Clarence Thomas harbors raises questions about whether he can sit as an impartial judge in many of the cases the Supreme Court hears.
Misleading Spin on Children’s Health (NYT)
mysterious question answered
Like so many things that President Bush has gotten wrong, he’d already made up his mind and had no interest in listening to others’ arguments.
Like so many things that President Bush has gotten wrong, he’d already made up his mind and had no interest in listening to others’ arguments.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
The Administrative Imperative: Always Lower the Stakes (Stanley Fish)
Defensive gender inclusiveness doubled.
Grammatical swerve to not split infinitive.
John Kerryish doubled direct object.
This is known as a ``plonking sentence,'' one used to end a conversation in your favor at parites.
The obligation of a senior administrator is to conduct himself or herself in such a way as always to bring honor and credit to the institution he or she serves.
Grammatical swerve to not split infinitive.
John Kerryish doubled direct object.
This is known as a ``plonking sentence,'' one used to end a conversation in your favor at parites.
The obligation of a senior administrator is to conduct himself or herself in such a way as always to bring honor and credit to the institution he or she serves.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Monday, October 01, 2007
ABC News : Justice Thomas
white racists worse than liberals
For Thomas, the menacing racists who donned white sheets in the segregated South of his childhood are as bad or worse as the northern liberal zealots in suits and ties.
"These people who claim to be progressive … have been far more vicious to me than any southerner," Thomas says, "and it is purely ideological."
For Thomas, the menacing racists who donned white sheets in the segregated South of his childhood are as bad or worse as the northern liberal zealots in suits and ties.
"These people who claim to be progressive … have been far more vicious to me than any southerner," Thomas says, "and it is purely ideological."
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