It was with great sadness that I read about the death of Senator Paul Simon. Though always a fan of his thoughtful politics and respectful demeanor, I particularly have fond memories of the time I met him in person one chance evening. I was on a Northwestern University dorm-sponsored scavenger hunt back in the early… Continue reading Reflecting upon a wonderful man — the late Paul Simon
Category: politics
I have faith in my country again
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been reading about U.S. presidential candidate Howard Dean, watching videos of his appearances, learning about his experience and beliefs… and having faith in my country again. While this may sound cliched and I’m sure I’m not the first to say this, Dean is the first politician I can remember… Continue reading I have faith in my country again
The benefits (?) of e-voting
Nowadays, I see with increasing frequency stories about e-voting — voting for regional or national elections via the Internet. The worries about fraud are stated clearly, emphatically, and meaningfully. But where are the corresponding benefits? Quicker tabulation? Perhaps. And I guess that’s considered important with today’s MTV’d-attention-span folks. Cost savings? After all the anti-hacking, equipment… Continue reading The benefits (?) of e-voting
Senator Hatch favors "booby traps" of all sorts
It’s been noted pretty widely that U.S. Senator Orin Hatch recently suggested that copyright holders should have the right to implement booby traps to literally destroy the computers of those who illegally download MP3s. Now it appears as though Senator Hatch has endorsed “booby traps” of a different sort. Up until a day or two… Continue reading Senator Hatch favors "booby traps" of all sorts
I am a Bad American, too
I am a Bad AmericanBy Adam Lasnik — http://www.bladam.com/A response to the reactionary essay cited at http://www.snopes.com/language/document/carlin.htm I look forward to the day when the Peace Corp offers pay and benefits equal to the military. I have a problem with our government arresting people and detaining them without charges for months on end. Isn’t that… Continue reading I am a Bad American, too
Finally, a tax break that makes sense!
When I read that the U.S. government was offering tax credits for people buying SUVs, I was incensed but not surprised. Imagine my contrasting pleasure, then, when I just read today that a congressman has proposed giving a tax break to those who cycle to work. After all, cycling is not free… there are costs… Continue reading Finally, a tax break that makes sense!
Dixie Chicks AND Charleton Heston?!
So a South Carolina House Presentative thinks the Dixie Chicks owe a free concert to military folks. No matter, of course, that Natalie Maines didn’t utter a single word of disrespect towards any military person at all. We KNOW she secretly hates all of them, right? Well, I have a matching idea for a free… Continue reading Dixie Chicks AND Charleton Heston?!
Okay, now I’m not speechless, just depressed
Though unemployed, I have a good family, fine friends, decent health, admirable smarts, four degrees, and a roof over my head. But I’ve been so depressed the last couple of days that I’ve barely gotten anything done. Instead of dancing and job searching, I’ve been sleeping, reading news and commentary online, and thinking about moving… Continue reading Okay, now I’m not speechless, just depressed
Hey Baby, how about a Freedom Kiss?
In yet another mature and useful move, our charming CongressMorons have decided to rename various “French” foods in their mess hall to the delightfully-patriotic “Freedom Fries” and “Freedom Toast.” I’m just now imagining the ultimate irony: Ashcroft standing on a table and shouting, “Let them eat Freedom Cake!” Ugh.
Saying "I Love You" isn’t everything
The [AmeriCorps] volunteers are “doing a lot to work to mentor and clean parks and take care of the elderly,” Bush said in a Dec. 10 talk to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington. “Listen, part of making sure America is a compassionate place means acts as simple as walking into a shut-in’s home… Continue reading Saying "I Love You" isn’t everything