Get a Pike

Today, the NYTimes published a scathing article about the life and times of Cindy McCain. The sole flattering aspect of the article, a photo. I believe that the fourth estate seeks pikes for their political enemies. Historically, those who challenged the king would be displayed as an example at the Tower of London. Thankfully, we [...]

On Fairy Tales and Role Models

As Sarah Palin’s nomination continues to foment in the media, many people comment both on the internet and in media about her qualifications, record, and personality. What strikes me about the commentary is not the content but what commentary is publicized by the media and whose opinions go unpublished.
Matt Damon’s very public comments calling Palin’s [...]

Sorting the Facts from the Rumors

As a result of overexposure to media hype and hourly news updates, I’ve decided to avoid the rhetoric and bravado until October 3. Hopefully by that date, the information will be thoroughly sifted and ACTUALLY fact checked.
Right now the media are thrashing about like drowning animals looking for life preserver. I am glad to let [...]

Progress?

As the 2008 Election campaign trudges on, the headlines from both parties highlight the sensational allegations and responses of each party. Shouldn’t the public be asking what plan each candidate has for the country? Shouldn’t each side issue position papers about the issues facing the country?
No, instead of the candidates driving the discussion, the media [...]

Choice Considered

Oprah, Hillary, and Sarah do not plow new ground. Each makes a choice based on standards and principles NOT based on how their choices will affect women as gender.
In the last 30 years, the visibility of women in U.S. popular and political culture has risen dramatically. As a grammar school student, I distinctly remember the [...]

Challenges of an Instant World

As oil prices rise and a bank fails, people line up for days to purchase the new Apple brand Iphone which has technical glitches that may inhibit the immediate use of the phone. Senator Barack Obama earlier this summer criticized a proposal by Senator John McCain to suspend the gas tax for the summer. In [...]

Inertia

As an observer of people and systems, I spend quite a bit of time railing against the inanity of government: local, state and federal. This weekend I found some perspective on the issue. Perhaps I am late to this realization but Newton and his law of motion “A body in motion tends to stay in [...]

Take Action! (if you mean it)

Both Senator John McCain and Senator Barack Obama criticized the U.S. Supreme Court decision this week which overturned Lousiana’s statute permitting the imposition of the death penalty in cases of child rape. Each man right now has the status and capacity to take action and change the Supreme Court’s ruling. How? you may ask: Constitutional Amendment. [...]

Who owns Christianity?

Headlines today attack Senator Barack Obama’s interpretation of the Christian Bible. Really? Seriously? Is this an issue?
Apparently, James Dobson, a conservative Christian with millions of books published, challenged Obama’s interpretation as “dragging Biblical understanding through the gutter.” Mr. Dobson fails to appreciate the differences among the differing versions of Christianity. Honestly, has Dobson challenged the [...]

Beware the Media Tags

Contrary to the assertions of the media, the presidential race is not “down to two.” Bob Barr, Libertarian candidate for president, should not be ignored. Barr has name recognition from ten years back, leading the charge against President Clinton. 
More important than Barr himself is the existence of a libertarian party which offers a true alternative [...]