Diplomacy Is Cheaper Than War

Memo to: Sen. John Edwards (D, N.C.) Re: Iran’s "Nuclear Weapons Program" I caught you on a film clip last night, senator, where you were blasting President Bush for diverting resources from the war on terrorism to the war in Iraq. If I’m not mistaken, you also criticized him for allowing Iran and North Korea … Continue reading “Diplomacy Is Cheaper Than War”

Sen. Kerry, Help Is Not on the Way

If the United States is the Earth’s last great imperial power, then the election of its leader is indeed a global event. On this event, in fact, the world has already spoken – in opinion poll terms at least. According to a recent Program on International Policy Attitudes poll [.pdf] of 35 countries on their … Continue reading “Sen. Kerry, Help Is Not on the Way”

Poll Finds a Nation Chastened by War

Three years of the Bush administration’s "war on terrorism" appears to have reduced the appetite of the U.S. public and its leaders for unilateral military engagements, according to a major survey released Tuesday by the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations (CCFR). Indeed, the survey, the latest in a quadrennial series going back to 1974, found … Continue reading “Poll Finds a Nation Chastened by War”

A Neocon By Any Other Name

The neoconservative movement is going underground – in plain sight. Now there’s a unique political tactic. How to hide, while the eyes of the whole world are upon you? It’s easy: simply declare it a hate crime to call things by their right names. The Wall Street Journal editorial page is not usually the place … Continue reading “A Neocon By Any Other Name”

Has Kerry Found His Footing?

After the swift boat attacks of August and the Rathergate debacle – CBS’ botched attempt to paint President Bush as an insolent National Guard officer deserving of court martial – John Kerry seems to have found his footing. Kerry seems a liberated man. He is now pummeling the president on the great issue of this … Continue reading “Has Kerry Found His Footing?”

Fact-Checking Bush’s UN Address

Commentators in the mainstream media seem genuinely perplexed over the polite but notably unenthusiastic reception given to President George W. Bush’s Sept. 21 address before the United Nations General Assembly. Why wasn’t a speech that emphasized such high ideals as democracy, the rule of law, and the threat of terrorism better received? The answer may … Continue reading “Fact-Checking Bush’s UN Address”

The President’s Comedy Routine

President George Bush’s denial of the reality of Iraq is beginning to sound like a stand-up comedy routine. “Mr. President, the insurgency has spread to the whole country.” “We’re making great progress.” “But Mr. President, the attacks against coalition forces have escalated dramatically.” “We’re making great progress.” “But Mr. President, all but two percent of … Continue reading “The President’s Comedy Routine”

Man Arrested for Videotaping Buildings May Stand Trial

Police arrested Kamran Akhtar, a Pakistani national accused of living in the U.S. illegally, on July 20 while videotaping skyscrapers in Charlotte, N.C. Today, Akhtar remains in Mecklenburg County Jail in Charlotte waiting to see if he will be convicted of violating immigration laws and imprisoned or deported. Meanwhile, the case has raised concerns among … Continue reading “Man Arrested for Videotaping Buildings May Stand Trial”

Blowhards, Left and Right

Watching MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough reporting from West Palm Beach, Florida, yelling over the storm, and momentarily drowning out the hurricane winds – until his microphone connection was cut – gives new meaning to the word blowhard. Joe’s a typical right-wing blowhard in the Rush Limbaugh mold: except, unlike the oleaginous Rush, Joe looks the part: … Continue reading “Blowhards, Left and Right”