Tell Me Why I'm Wrong

Here's a link to Pat Lang's blog Sic Semper Tyrannis conclusion that we should walk away and let the idiots in the Middle East fend for themselves and fight it out. Those 'idiots' are the so-called leaders of the two sides, and should not be confused with the human beings who are the targets of the propaganda from both sides.

Tell me why I should not support that position.

Leanderthal

Same Old Parent/Child Game: Look, Oil All Gone

How long does one have to live, or at least pay attention, before one gets it that figures don't lie, but liars do figure?

Here's a report by a scientist that half of the oil still exists in the gulf. This conclusion flies in the face of the government's conclusion that the oil is gone.

If the government worries at all that this guy's information might gain traction it's likely that we will be fed, by that government, dissembling which might take the form: Yes we know that is true, but it's no longer a hazard and that's why we said it's gone.

Wouldn't it be loverly if everyone stopped to ask a simple question: Who benefits from
the information one reads or hears?

Though I'm inclined to belief the scientist here, it's fair to ask that question of a scientist too.
He's not the Messiah. He has a life also, and it might just be that his life and world could benefit from his gaining the ascendancy in the competition for funding. After all it seems that "follow the money" is the essential mantra of those who maintain a healthy cynicism about the motives of those who spread their information of choice, a euphemism for subjective opinion.(Of course all opinion is, by definition, subjective.)

Leanderthal

Appalling

Here's Douthat's take on the Vatican. To dismiss criticism of the Vatican as" fashionable opinion" is appalling.

He doesn't know the difference between a pillar and an anachronism.

Leanderthal

Obama Should Speak "Krugman"

Here's Paul Krugman's straight talk about the obscene behavior of the rich. Obama should make this speech to the country. Call it like he sees it, that is if he sees it this way. He won't make this speech because it would be political suicide; but he should, and thereby take his place in the pantheon of the great leaders. So far he's been just another politician.

Leanderthal

Terrifying

James Carroll's final column in his six part series on the Israel/Palestinian struggle is literally terrifying.

That's why it needs to be read and shared.

Leanderthal

Down The Rabbit Hole

It's a really strange world when one finds truth in what a really bad person says.

Try this from Ahmadinejad for example. Of course it's just propaganda
and spin to make him seem like a reasonable man.

Still, it's a strange world.

Leanderthal

Education, Liberals and Elites

Here's an interesting piece about the right wing fear of, and consequent attack on, liberal education and educators.

The author of this piece has an interesting blog.

Leanderthal

What Is It They Say About History?

Oh Yeah. Those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it. (There seems to be a variety of versions of this George Santayana "quote", but they all convey the same warning.)

Paul Krugman rubs it in here.

Leanderthal

Getting In The Heads of Netanyahu, Abbas and Obama

Here's an interesting piece about what Netanyahu, Abbas and Obama might have been thinking
as they started yet another round of so-called peace negotiations.

The author seems to have it right, or so this perplexed goy thinks.

Leanderthal

Unemployment Insurance: Good or Bad?

Robert Reich, here, argues for the benefits of Unemployment Insurance and calls out a Harvard professor who says it's the cause of long term unemployment.

Care to weigh in on this one?

Leanderthal

Tom Toles: The Worth of Both Pictures and Words

Here's Tom Toles latest cartoon. Don't miss his written comments just below the cartoon. He starts with a Yogiism: "Predicting is hard, especially the future."

I often get my mental health break by checking out Toleisms.

Leanderthal

Hosni Mubarak on PeaceTalks

Here's the Egyptian President's appeal to all sides for successful negotiations.

To me it is well written and seems sincere. I suspect that there are folks who will cite behaviors on his part to make this ring hollow, and who will accuse him of hypocrisy. I hope not.

As always the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and actions speak louder than words.

Leanderthal

The Mind and the Grid

Here's a Robert Wright short essay, once again humorous and accurate; this one on how being connected to the grid can get into your head.

Leanderthal