Bush then and now, the “threat of Iraq” and the “failing economy”

Jon Stewart's team does a great job of editing George W. Bush speeches from five years ago and from recent days.   It does seem to be the same speech. Consider this earlier post, and the opening lines from the BBC's terrific documentary: “The Power of Nightmares: The Shadows In The…

Continue ReadingBush then and now, the “threat of Iraq” and the “failing economy”

A caveat about voices in one’s head

I'm in the process of reading Robert Burton's excellent new book:  On Being Certain (2008). Burton offers a quote at the beginning of Chapter 3, the chapter being entitled "Conviction isn't a choice."  Here's the quote: It is no great accomplishment to hear a voice in your head.  The accomplishment…

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Al Gore calls for civil disobedience to prevent new coal plants

Al Gore said it starkly: it's time for civil disobedience to prevent the construction of new dirty coal plants. If you’re a young person, looking at the future of this planet and looking at what is being done right now and not done, I believe we’ve reached the stage where…

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Do we really need a “bailout?” If so, let’s actually PAY for the “bailout.”

Some really good stuff at DailyKos.   Here are some much under-appreciated proposals to actually pay for the bailout.  Better yet, these include some proposals to make the people benefiting from the bailout pay for it. Really, does it make any sense to call this a "bailout" when we are accomplishing…

Continue ReadingDo we really need a “bailout?” If so, let’s actually PAY for the “bailout.”