Author's posts
Oct 05 2007
I Got Nuttin’
Or rather there are a whole bunch of little Somethings that add up to Nuttin.
Oct 03 2007
Tommy Douglas
One of the great strengths of this social experiment we call ‘blogging’ is how one writer’s words can inspire others to look at problems in a new light. Even casual throw away comments can cause a light bulb to flash somewhere and start a chain reaction leading to…well, to anywhere one might imagine.
There has been a lot of brainstorming about what to ‘do next’ around here, and it’s all very inspirational stuff. The other day, Meteor Blades stopped by in Buhdy’s manifesto diary with a link to a 40-year old article discussing many of the issues we are struggling with today.
Light bulb. People have been through this before. Duh – how obvious. Still, sometimes the obvious escapes us. Other groups, other communities, other countries have struggled with very similar issues we face today. How do you break through and effect real change? Where do we find our inspiration? How will we be nurtured on this journey? Perhaps history can help us a little.
Oct 02 2007
Cheney’s Plan to Bomb Iran
Oh for crap’s sakes. I assume since it’s a day old, most everyone has seen this article in the New Yorker by Seymour Hersh but I’m just seeing it today.
Note: All emphasis below mine. All curse words (mine also) removed before publishing
It begins:
In a series of public statements in recent months, President Bush and members of his Administration have redefined the war in Iraq, to an increasing degree, as a strategic battle between the United States and Iran. “Shia extremists, backed by Iran, are training Iraqis to carry out attacks on our forces and the Iraqi people,” Bush told the national convention of the American Legion in August. “The attacks on our bases and our troops by Iranian-supplied munitions have increased. . . . The Iranian regime must halt these actions. And, until it does, I will take actions necessary to protect our troops.” He then concluded, to applause, “I have authorized our military commanders in Iraq to confront Tehran’s murderous activities.”
I am too discouraged for words.
Oct 01 2007
Agendas
This is a meta-diary. Fair warning.
Agendas. Everyone has at least one. Merriam-Webster gives us the following definition:
Main Entry: agen•da
Pronunciation: &-‘jen-d&
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin, neuter plural of agendum, gerundive of agere
1 : a list or outline of things to be considered or done (agendas of faculty meetings)
2 : an underlying often ideological plan or program (a political agenda)
Let’s discuss our agenda(s), shall we?
Sep 28 2007
These Boots are Made For Walking
Magnifico said:
These boots are made for walking (4.00 / 2)
Marching right over the Bill of Rights.
Someone clever could do a mash-up with Nancy Sinatra’s song and Condi Rice’s fascist fashions.
Well, I searched around for somebody clever, but I couldn’t find anyone. I decided to give it a go myself…
Sep 27 2007
Jim Webb Gets It (Updated)
With bucketloads of respect to those who think yesterday’s vote in favor of the Lieberman-Kyl amendment on Iran was foolish politics at worst and meaningless at best, I can’t help but stick with my original reaction. This thing stinks to high heaven. (more)
Sep 25 2007
Don’t Panic. Stop and Think.
‘Let’s Stop and Think. Who do we ask when we don’t know where to go? The Map. That’s right.’ – Ancient and Wise Philosopher Dora the Explorer.
So I’ve been reading a fair bit of gloom and doom economic analysis on the web lately. As your Friendly Neighborhood Economic Centrist Blogger (patent pending and Armando, I used it first) who thinks our economic system is so far off ‘center’ it ain’t even funny, I thought I would add my own opinions to the mix. (more)
Sep 21 2007
Negative Marketing Works
Companies know it. Your town gossip knows it. Politicians have known it forever. Today’s GOP especially has become amazingly adept at it. Negative marketing works.
It may not work on everyone, but it is effective and the tactic is now an essential tool to any winning political campaign. Many of us despise it, but in reality a main reason we hate it is because deep down we know it works.
You know who else knows it works? Our good friend here at Docudharma, pinche tejano.
Sep 20 2007
No, The World Is ROUND, You Idiot
One of my big time pet peeves is how we as a society have completely bought into the idea that ‘Globalization is Inevitable and Good’. You see it everywhere, even on the so-called economic left. Most pundits, economic advisors, and hell even many of our trusted left-leaning fiscal bloggers all treat the issue as an unquestioned net plus for society.
Hogwash.
Sep 20 2007
…and Gosh Darn, People Like You
I was going to write something tonight on economic policy, and how a logical, moderate approach to the issue would put you to the left of today’s Democratic Party, but then I read Buhdy’s front page essay.
So instead, I’ll riff on some thoughts on what I see good about this blog. Folks sometimes focus on what they think they’re doing wrong, and ignore the things they actually are doing right.
Sep 18 2007
Impeach First, Then Defund
OK, enough fun and games. Time to get serious. And there isn’t any topic more serious than the Iraq War.
As the Big A may or may not recall, he was starting to convince me regarding the defunding argument prior to his departure from DailyKos. I want to thank him for his efforts, as they really helped me clarify all my thoughts on the matter.