I keep revisiting events in Iran in 1979, as a reminder of what can happen in those other countries in upheaval today in the Muslim world (which is not necessarily what will happen, of course). Here are some selected quotes … Continue reading →
The New York Times (yes, the New York Times) has an excellent article about the appeal of Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey. He’s not only sensible, savvy, and sharp, but he’s a pretty good stand-up comic, too.
Continue reading →David Solway is a Canadian poet who used to be a man of the “soft” left. He was happy there. But, as with many, 9/11 began for him a period of learning, reading, thinking, and ultimately revising his political opinions. … Continue reading →
But why? The most benign interpretation is that he’s learned that anything he does is criticized as well as ineffectual, and so he’s keeping his mouth shut. The in-between interpretation is that he has no idea what would be best … Continue reading →
…what the fog of war looks like, it looks like this.
Continue reading →Thune’s not running. At this rate, Palin may be the only man left standing.
Continue reading →Poet bot: Hello boss, It’s like full moon in the dark night. much appreciated effort.
Continue reading →As events in Libya began to spiral out of control, it was Qaddafi’s son Saif who went on the air to give a rambling speech that talked of impending civil war and dark conspiratorial forces at work. I noted yesterday … Continue reading →
US naval ships who were shadowing the Somali pirates who had captured two American couples were negotiating with two of the kidnappers, who had come aboard one of the Navy vessels, when the pirates unexpectedly launched a grenade at the … Continue reading →
As a consequence of the domino effect that’s currently sweeping the Arab world, Libya’s Qaddafi is facing the challenge of his 41-year dictatorship’s life. There are tyrants, and then there are tyrants. Qaddafi is no Mubarak; he’s more brutal and … Continue reading →
The spotlight in Wisconsin has been mostly on the demonstrators and the governor, Republican Scott Walker, who has been trying to get the state’s fiscal house in order by seeking more of a contribution from the state’s public service workers, … Continue reading →
I observed a while back that: One very large difference between Egypt and Iran is that Iran had a ready-made charismatic figure in Khomeini, who was ruthless in his drive to power. Egypt seems to lack a similar figure””so far. … Continue reading →