The Ed Show

Have you seen the Ed Show on MSNBC? I just stumbled across it and am surprised that the MSM has not paid much, if any attention to it, while Glenn Beck, Hannity, etc..on Faux News get lot of press.

The host is Ed Shultz who is clearly a Progressive TV personality, in the mode of the Becks, Hannitys and O'Reilys on the Right Wing Side.

Finally, we have a guy on our side who says it like it is.

Leanderthal

American Exceptionalism: What Is It?

Here's a fine piece by Karen Tumulty of the Washington Post on how the GOPHERS are twisting what Obama has said about 'American Exceptionalism' to raise questions about his values and belief in America as the leader of the world.

In my mind the phrase 'American Exceptionalism" at its best refers to the principles enshrined in the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, those things that set America apart in the world; like "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness".

At its worst it is used as an arrogant statement of hubris by some Americans, currently embodied by the GOPHER party, which brings to mind the old phrase, "The Ugly American", which captured the arrogance of some Americans as they were experienced by citizens of other countries which arrogant Americans visited.

Today it is used almost exclusively by GOPHER pretenders to the presidency. Tumulty cites examples of things said by Palin, Romney, Gingrich, to name a few of the right wing, hypocrites who are committed to making Obama a one term president. Anything goes, Obama and his administration are all fair game for these hateful hunters. They are truly today's Ugly Americans, right here, in America.

Leanderthal

That's What I'm Sayin'!

Here's Pat Lang's opinion on the main reason for war. Lots of money to be made.

Also I recommend Frank Rich's piece in today's Sunday NY Times. "Still The Best Congress Money Can Buy".

Read it here.

My constant voice crying in the wilderness is making me hoarse.

Leanderthal

Roger Cohen on "The "Department of Fear"

Here is Roger Cohen's trenchant warning that American freedom and even the soul of the nation is threatened by the imposition of false security measures. Sadly, perhaps even tragically, he is likely to be ignored as just another voice crying in the wilderness. But one can hope that his use of the term "The Department of Fear" might get the attention of some Americans who haven't yet caught on to the scam.

People who can't see the forest for the trees are succumbing to, even cheering on, the impositions they are experiencing. They don't see that the long road to the erosion of liberty begins with the first incremental steps falsely labeled "Security".

As usual, "follow the money" is the best clue to what is really going on. That's made abundantly clear by Cohen's exposure of Michael Chertoff's personal greed. The former Secretary of Homeland Security is capitalizing on the insider influence gained from his role as a so-called public servant. He has become just another lobbyist-peddler, selling his snake oil elixir, "Right here in River City". That's Washington on the Potomac.

And greed shall reign forever and ever. Hallelujah!

Leanderthal

Protecting AIPAC, the Criminal Behavior of the Israel Lobby.

Here is a piece by Pat Lang at Sic Semper Tyrannis on the corruption of our government at the hands of AIPAC, the strongest Israel lobby in this country. He cites AIPAC's stranglehold on the Main Stream Media which prevents the truth about Israel's espionage and their bribing of elected and non-elected government officials coming to light.

Leanderthal

Another True Voice Crying in the Wilderness

Here is a sober warning from Chris Hedges on creeping American fascism.

Sadly, history has it that his voice will only be heard in the wilderness that is human beings' denial.

Leanderthal

Truly a Voice Crying in the Wilderness

Chalmers Johnson, who passed away this week, was a frequent contributor to TomDispatch.com, an Internet voice against American imperialism.

Here is a trenchant piece about his warnings to Americans about the consequences of the militarism which has characterized our country since WW II. In it there are several references to James Madison's timeless teachings.

Chalmers Johnson was truly a voice crying in the wilderness.

Once again, I recommend visiting TomDispatch.com to read what a number of insightful writers are offering on the subject of American Imperialism and the likely tragic consequences for American democracy.

Leanderthal

And He Thinks of Himself as a Patriot!!

Today's news keeps telling us stuff which is so outrageous on the part of our elected officials that it makes me ill.

Here's a post on Sic Semper Tyrannis of a statement by M.J. Rosenberg, an American citizen and a Jew who works hard in opposition to right wing, Likud supporters who are occupiers of Palestinian land, as we are of Afghanistan land.

He calls out Eric Cantor for essentially committing treason by telling Netanyahu that he and the Republicans will side with them versus Obama.

Sickening.

Leanderthal

Today's Must Read, If You Care About Our Troops

Please be sure to read this opinion pieced by a well respected journalist, Richard Reeves.

It shines a very bright light on the absence of attention to the wars in Iraq and particularly Afghanistan. The author makes a startling statement that our troops are fight for each other, not the sick visions of Obama or Bush.

The elephant in the war room is "Occupation of a foreign country". Churchill said something like, "We shall fight them in the streets". That's what citizens of occupied countries do, always have, always will.

Why is that so hard to understand? Reeves points to what Americans did in 1776 under the threat of the British occupation.

The Neocon war mongers are actually war criminals, guilty of shedding the blood of our young volunteer military women and men. Why do they do it? Follow the money made by the military/industrial/Pentagon complex.

OBSCENE!!!

Leanderthal

"Hedge Fund Republic"?

Update Below.

Here's a well written opinion column on the threat to our republic by the vast accumulation of wealth in the hands of the very few, and at the expense of the many.

We need a third party led by a serious, well respected person who cares about the soul of America.

Until that happens we will be held hostage by, not the kings, but the king makers. Our votes will continue to be cast for the lesser of two evils, even if we could figure out which one that is.

In today's America both major parties are in the pockets of the super rich who have no interest in the safety net needs of those who have tried to make it on their own, but who have lost their jobs, run afoul of the bankers, hit by unexpected serious health costs, to name a few.

These people need unemployment insurance, single payer health insurance and protection from unscrupulous financiers. It reminds me of the old cartoon of a helpless person tied to the railroad tracks, screaming, "But I can't pay the rent".

Tain't no longer funny McGee.

Here's another fine entry to the discussion.

Leanderthal

Leanderthal

Such a Deal ! II

More justification for outrage over how the USA is being manipulated by the Israeli Likud.

Here's a new post on the topic at Sic Semper Tyrannis.

Leanderthal

Such a Deal !

Here's Pat Lang's latest evaluation of American/Israeli relations, in light of the recent announcement that we will give Israel millions of dollars worth of military hardware in exchange for their agreement to try to get their government to agree to a lousy 90 day moratorium on West Bank settlement building.

I could not agree with him more.

The way Israel is manipulating the USA is disgusting.

Leanderthal

Extortion, Thy Name is Israel

Here's a piece which should be troubling to everyone hoping for a decent end to the Palestinian/Israeli problem.

I just can't understand why this country is giving in to the extortion racket which Netanyahu plays.

The only thing I find positive is that the military aid is contingent on a peace deal.

In 90 days? I don't think so.

Pat Lang at SicSemperTyrannis has it right. Obama should tell Netanyahu and Abbas that we out of this and you're own your own. If you ever get serious, you have my number.

Please tell me why that position is wrong.

Leanderthal

American Heads in the Sand

Here's another great TomDispatch.com piece on hiding the horrors of war from the public.

Leanderthal