Rolling Stone reports a recent rise in protest songs

The subtitle of "Protest Songs Rise Again," from the recent edition of Rolling Stone (May 3-17, 2007 issue): "Everyone from Ozzy to Maroon 5 weighs in on the worst president ever." According to this article, rock has now entered "its most politically charged phase since the late Sixties."  Tom Morellos's new solo…

Continue ReadingRolling Stone reports a recent rise in protest songs

The Iraq invasion has cost more than one trillion dollars. How much is one trillion?

Mathematician John Paulos has been working hard to help us imagine the amount of money spent to invade and occupy Iraq.  Many experts suggest that it has cost $700 billion in direct costs and probably twice that much if you include the indirect costs.  Others estimate the cost at $2…

Continue ReadingThe Iraq invasion has cost more than one trillion dollars. How much is one trillion?

Bush announces the newest (and worst yet) reason for having our troops in Iraq

Look how low the bar has now gotten.   This is from the President's May 2, 2007 address to the Associated General Contractors of America: ..."But slowly but surely, the truth will be known. Either we'll succeed, or we won't succeed. And the definition of success as I described is sectarian…

Continue ReadingBush announces the newest (and worst yet) reason for having our troops in Iraq

Time for a new national motto for the United States

I'm really tired of hearing the sorts of things most patriotic Americans utter to express what they believe to be the national character of the United States.  Consider some of the most common expressions: "The Land of the Free and Home of the Brave."  Or consider "The Greatest Country in…

Continue ReadingTime for a new national motto for the United States