"We're too scared to have real trials in our country" is a level of cowardice unmatched in the world.

Nov 14, 2009 - http://www.salon.com/news/opinion/glenn_greenwald/2009/11/14/terrorism/index.html Understanding and Combatting Terrorism, USMC Major S.M. Grass, 1989: 'Terrorism is a psychological weapon and is directed to create a general climate of fear. As one definition cogently notes, "terror is a natural phenomenon, terrorism is the conscious exploitation of it." - 0 Comments

What Made Joe Bitter

Nov 23, 2009 - Once upon a time, Joe Lieberman was interesting—not always correct, in my view, but interesting. He was interesting because he thought for himself. On most issues, most senators line up pretty automatically with their party. - 1 Comment

On the Anniversary of Kennedy's Death, Extremism Lives On

Nov 23, 2009 - What I find interesting about this is both how much has changed AND how much hasn't. The Letter:     Tyler, Texas November 24, 1963 President Lyndon B Johnson The White House Washington D.C.   Dear Mr. President: In this time of mourning and appreciating how very busy you are, I still must write about existing conditions here in East Texas, even if you are too busy to read this, because I feel it is my duty to do so. - 1 Comment

"Home" for the Holidays?

Nov 21, 2009 - Most of my life I've often wondered why Thanksgiving seemed to be for many families a trigger word for family dysfuction.  Why individuals couldn't just let that disagreement with another family member go for one bloody day and enjoy some good food and conversation with more pleasant family members.  I have to keep reminding my self that I'm pragmatic by nature and that is apparently unusual. I found an article with some helpful tips.   Holidays are meant to be happy, joyous and life-affirming times. - 15 Comments

U.S. Fears Iraq Won't Keep Up Rebuilt Projects

Nov 21, 2009 - BAGHDAD — In its largest reconstruction effort since the Marshall Plan, the United States government has spent $53 billion for relief and reconstruction in Iraq since the 2003 invasion, building tens of thousands of hospitals, water treatment plants, electricity substations, schools and bridges. But there are growing concerns among American officials that Iraq will not be able to adequately maintain the facilities once the Americans have left, potentially wasting hundreds of millions of dollars and jeopardizing Iraq’s ability to provide basic services to its people. The projects run the gamut — from a cutting-edge, $270 million water treatment plant in Nasiriya that works at a fraction of its intended capacity because it is too sophisticated for Iraqi workers to operate, to a farmers’ market that farmers cannot decide how to share, to a large American hospital closed immediately after it was handed over to Iraq because the government was unable to supply it with equipment, a medical staff or electricity. - 11 Comments