Yesterday Republican Senators were able to block debate and a full Senate vote on a non-binding resolution expressing disapproval of President Bush’s decision to “surge” American troops into Iraq. For the forty-seven Senators who voted against cloture on the resolution, their votes amounted to an approval of the President’s decision to keep the United StatesContinue reading “On the Senate and the Iraq Troop Surge”
Category Archives: Politics
On a "Miserable Failure" No More
Go ahead. Do it. A Google search on the phrase “Miserable Failure.” Once upon a time, the phrase “Miserable Failure” would have brought up this page, the official White House biography of President George W. Bush. But no more. Google has done away with Googlebombs, the technique of linking to a page by using aContinue reading “On a "Miserable Failure" No More”
On Being Wowed
I’ve been reading Daily Kos for a really long time. I registered for an account to post comments, and I think I may have posted five or six. Today I posted a diary. My first. It’s Keith‘s fault, really. He linked to a YouTube video of Keith Olbermann’s latest Special Comment. I watched the video,Continue reading “On Being Wowed”
On Jefferson's Qur'an
In November’s mid-term election Minnesota elected the first Muslim, Keith Ellison, to the House of Representatives in American history. Tomorrow Ellison, along with the rest of Congress, will be sworn in. There are generally two swearing-in ceremonies–the first is simply an affirmation of the oath of office, the second is often a photo-op for theContinue reading “On Jefferson's Qur'an”
On Grandmothers and Eight Year-Olds
We’ll start with an eight year-old. I’ve never recommended a YouTube video. More than likely I never will again. But if you hate Bill O’Reilly, watch this eight year-old spout sense that would do Keith Olbermann proud. I’ll put it like this. My jaw hit the desk a few times. You go, girl! Now, myContinue reading “On Grandmothers and Eight Year-Olds”
On Some Political Speculation
There’s a rumor that Vice President Dick Cheney may be resigning in the near future. Considering that Cheney is the one person in the government with lower approval ratings than the President, unloading the albatros that is Cheney might give the administration some bouyancy. Oh, who am I kidding? President Bush is his own albatros.Continue reading “On Some Political Speculation”
On Rumsfeld and War Crimes
I just realized. I may hold the odd distinction of writing the only Star Trek story to name-check Donald Rumsfeld. But what might that have to do with anything? Former Defense Secretary Rumsfeld may be facing a new challenge in the weeks and months ahead: war crimes prosecution. Charges will be filed in Germany nextContinue reading “On Rumsfeld and War Crimes”
On Voting and a Recurring Dream
I’ve had a recurring dream the past few days. The first time it happened I woke terrified. It haunted me after I woke in the morning, as much from its subject matter as its vividness. And I’ve been gripped with a terror ever since. In the dream a space shuttle crashes. It’s coming in forContinue reading “On Voting and a Recurring Dream”
On the Election and V For Vendetta
In honor of Guy Fawkes Day and in reflection of the mid-term elections two days hence, I thought I’d offer a few quotes from V For Vendetta. “There is something terribly wrong with the country.” “People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.” Vote on Tuesday, people.
On the Upcoming Elections
The Atlantic posted an article online by Jack Beatty earlier this week entitled “War and the American Voter.” Beatty looks at the historical parallels between this year’s Congressional elections and previous Congressional elections during wartime. Beatty’s conclusion? Things don’t look good for the Grand Old Party: In the five wartime congressional elections since 1860, theContinue reading “On the Upcoming Elections”