March, 2019 archive
Beyond Beneath Right and Wrong
0
Bruce Lowry considers Donald Trump’s recent remarks about the death of Otto Warmbier and earlier remarks about the murder of Washington Post journalist and Saudi Arab expatriot Jamal Khashoggi.
He reaches a chilling and quite unsurprising conclusion.
I do not wish to summarize or excerpt his article. Just follow the link to read it.
The Diet of Worms 0
In related news, my local rag has a long Washington Post article about how sea-level rise and result salt infusion in groundwater is rendering some coastal farmlands infertile.
War and Mongers of War 0
Leon Anderson points out that the United States has pursued a de facto policy of almost perpetual war, all undeclared and some secret and covert, for decades.
If you include President Carter’s failed attempt to rescue the American hostages in Iran, every President since Eisenhower–who left office warning us of the “military-industrial comples”–has sent American soldiers into harm’s way, often for made-up reasons. Anderson explores the cost of America’s continual wars. A snippet:
In terms of financial cost, the numbers are staggering. Afghanistan alone has cost a trillion dollars. Just think what we might have accomplished at home if that money had been spent on education, job training, medical research, infrastructure improvements, water purification and sanitation. You can add to this list. It’s all important, but taking a backseat to our military funding.
Data Breaches of Trust 0
Representative Katie Porter (D-CA) toasts Equifax’s CEO.
Clear and President Danger 0
Shaun Mullen argues that the time to act is now, before the damage is irreversible.
Methinks his arguments deserve a hearing.
“An Armed Society Is a Polite Society” 0
Bowled over with the politeness.
The suspect was quickly identified as 23-year-old Spencer Andrew Webler-Norman of Canton. According to the SCSO, Webler-Norman had a valid concealed handgun license and was attempting to adjust his holstered weapon when it discharged.
We’re told the suspect and the victim were acquainted with each other and at the bowling alley together.
AOC ABC 0
If you recall, a couple of days ago I wondered why the right-wing is so worked up about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, noting that she’s a freshman Congressperson with no clout.
Steven M. offers a theory.
Looking Over the Obvious 0
Field deftly explores the implications and dangers of the racism and bigotry that are at the core of Donald’s appeal.
Just read it.
War for the Sake of War? 0
In the Des Moines Register, a career military officer approaches retirement and wonders whether his was a misspent career. An excerpt:
What Puts the “Neo” in “Liberalism”? 0
David attempts to define “Neoliberalism.”
In my opinion, he does okay, not great, but I think it’s worth a listen, because neoliberalism has had what I consider a pernicious influence on the polity for the last 40 years.
Misfix 0
(Grammatical error fixt.)
Lawyer and author Susan Estrich takes umbrage at Michael Cohen’s describing himself as a “fixer.” A snippet:
(snip)
Not only did Cohen not fix anything; his understanding that a “fixer” is the same as an errand boy for his client is an insult to my profession.
Chris-Crossed 0
Chris Christie demonstrates that it is indeed possible to espouse two opposing views at almost the same time.
A Joint Venture 0
Headlines I never would have predicted, episode one.
Martha Stewart enters the legal marijuana business with help from Snoop Dogg