As usual, even in the most dire circumstances Arianna manages to make us smile with her colorful depictions (cheap cologne on a disco Lothario! I love it!).
The bottom line is that no one has the answers and as the President has alluded (and Robert Reich has come right out and said) we are going to have to do a lot of experimenting.
The great irony in all of this is that the folks who make us most uncomfortable are those who act as if they have the answers, both Republican's and Democrats, because the American people know we're in a fix with no simple answers. If tax cuts were the answer, surely the billions in tax cuts over the past 8 years would have produced a roaring economy. Fortunately for us, the person who gives us the most comfort in all of this is the person is our President, who has been the most flexible in his approach.
Like many folks, my first reaction to the vote in the House was, "to hell with the Republicans, take all the tax cuts out and lets have a Democratic bill." However, more and more I have a sense that a United front between Democrats and Republicans will have a psychological impact that is critical to tamping down the fear that is paralyzing the economy.
About Davos
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Judd Gregg: Commerce Secretary?
As a Democratic State Senator during the time that Judd Gregg was Governor of NH and after he had won his Senate seat, I butted heads with Judd Gregg on more than one occasion, so it will surprise some folks that I think he would be a first rate choice for the job.
Judd Gregg is a loyal Republican, but he is also a man who would not hesitate to put country ahead of party in the current crisis.
Gregg has shined during the grueling ordeal of confronting the economic meltdown. I'd be proud to stand up for him, were he to say "yes" and the country would be well served.
About President Obama
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
Obama: Wall Street Bonuses "Shameful" (VIDEO)
Time for a Hall of Shame.
The Obama administration should publish a list of the top executives who perpetrated this fraud on the American people. They should be shamed in their communities and throughout the nation.
At a time when many folks are worrying about their next meal, these scoundrels have stolen the food from the mouths of their children.
About Financial Crisis
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
Achieving a Unified Front
Bi-Partisanism Involves Style as Much as Substance.
"Old habits die hard."
These are the words of President Obama when asked to comment on the fact that not a single Republican voted for the 2009 Stimulus Bill in the House.
Strictly from a pragmatic - outcomes oriented - point of view. If the Stimulus bill had been written by a bi-partisan group of Representatives, based on the core principles of the parties and their electoral success, the bill would probably have looked much like it does right now. So why the lopsided vote?
Republican leaders point the finger of blame at Speaker Nancy Pelosi. They say that they were shut out of the process. At the same time, at the urging of President Obama, the size of the tax cut component reflects their principle ideological position on the stimulus.
Without question, the bill also contained some provisions bound to be questioned for their stimulative effect. Democrats from their perspective pointed out that the bill has two key purposes to stimulate job growth and to reinvigorate the underlying economy through strategic investments meant more to enhance America's competitiveness in the long run.
Both sides continue to act as if they hold the magic key to unlocking a new era of American competitiveness. When in truth, no one knows what will really work in this environment. It may be that only the President - who ultimately bears responsibility for the success or failure of the policy - has the courage to move beyond politics right now.
"Wash Day on the Upper Peninsula"
Purchase as cards or a print.
"Old habits die hard."
These are the words of President Obama when asked to comment on the fact that not a single Republican voted for the 2009 Stimulus Bill in the House.
Strictly from a pragmatic - outcomes oriented - point of view. If the Stimulus bill had been written by a bi-partisan group of Representatives, based on the core principles of the parties and their electoral success, the bill would probably have looked much like it does right now. So why the lopsided vote?
Republican leaders point the finger of blame at Speaker Nancy Pelosi. They say that they were shut out of the process. At the same time, at the urging of President Obama, the size of the tax cut component reflects their principle ideological position on the stimulus.
Without question, the bill also contained some provisions bound to be questioned for their stimulative effect. Democrats from their perspective pointed out that the bill has two key purposes to stimulate job growth and to reinvigorate the underlying economy through strategic investments meant more to enhance America's competitiveness in the long run.
Both sides continue to act as if they hold the magic key to unlocking a new era of American competitiveness. When in truth, no one knows what will really work in this environment. It may be that only the President - who ultimately bears responsibility for the success or failure of the policy - has the courage to move beyond politics right now.
"Wash Day on the Upper Peninsula"
Purchase as cards or a print.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
A Hole Worth Digging?
Lets face it, party leaders on both sides have a lot to learn about being bi-partisan. Nancy Pelosi isn't in line for winning the Post-Partisan medal of honor either. But Republicans, having gone from an ocean liner to a dinghy in the last two elections are now proceeding to drill holes in the bottom to prove that they are still relevant.
President Obama, with the best of intentions, may in fact be "loving the Republicans to death". The more he reaches out to them, the more desperately their leadership searches for reasons not to cooperate - while bending over backward to make us believe that they want to. At the same time, Obama's approval numbers among Republican voters are on a steep upward trajectory, further isolating the national party leadership from their last remaining vestige of a constituency.
The American people are a lot smarter than most politicians give them credit for.
The President knows that no one has all the answers. His goal, clearly, is to get Republicans and Democrats to create a united front, standing together as Americans against the challenges ahead. If a partisan vote is the ultimate outcome of this stimulus, it won't be because the President didn't lead. It will be because at our darkest hour, the Republican party leadership chose partisan sniping over healing the nation. The outcome will be years of wandering in the wilderness for their party. Pray it doesn't also mean years in the economic wilderness for our country.
About Obama's First 100 Days
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
Learning to Be Bi-Partisan
Lets face it, everyone is going to have to learn a lot more about being bi-partisan. Nancy Pelosi isn't in line for winning the Post-Partisan medal of honor either. But the Republicans, having gone from an ocean liner to a dinghy in the last two elections are now proceeding to drill holes in the bottom to prove that they are still relevant.
Meanwhile, President Obama, with the best of intentions may in fact be "loving the Republicans to death". The more he reaches out to them, the more desperately their leadership searches for reasons not to cooperate - while bending over backward to make us believe that they want to. At the same time, Obama's approval numbers among Republican voters are on a steep upward trajectory, further isolating the national party leadership from their last remaining vestige of a constituency.
The American people are a lot smarter than most politicians give them credit for. They know, for example, that (as Robert Reich put it a few weeks ago) if anyone tells you that they know the way out of this mess, they are lying to you. They know we are going to have to conduct a series of bold experiments, not because we want to, but because the alternative is just too frightening to contemplate. They are relieved that President Obama is at the helm but they do not expect miracles, they simply expect action.
The President knows that no one has all the answers. His goal, clearly, is to get Republicans and Democrats to create a united front, standing together as Americans against the challenges ahead. If a partisan vote is the ultimate outcome of this stimulus package. It won't be because the President didn't lead. It will be because at our darkest hour, the Republican party leadership chose partisan sniping over healing the nation. The outcome will be years of wandering in the wilderness for their party. Let's pray it doesn't also mean years in the economic wilderness for our country.
Meanwhile, President Obama, with the best of intentions may in fact be "loving the Republicans to death". The more he reaches out to them, the more desperately their leadership searches for reasons not to cooperate - while bending over backward to make us believe that they want to. At the same time, Obama's approval numbers among Republican voters are on a steep upward trajectory, further isolating the national party leadership from their last remaining vestige of a constituency.
The American people are a lot smarter than most politicians give them credit for. They know, for example, that (as Robert Reich put it a few weeks ago) if anyone tells you that they know the way out of this mess, they are lying to you. They know we are going to have to conduct a series of bold experiments, not because we want to, but because the alternative is just too frightening to contemplate. They are relieved that President Obama is at the helm but they do not expect miracles, they simply expect action.
The President knows that no one has all the answers. His goal, clearly, is to get Republicans and Democrats to create a united front, standing together as Americans against the challenges ahead. If a partisan vote is the ultimate outcome of this stimulus package. It won't be because the President didn't lead. It will be because at our darkest hour, the Republican party leadership chose partisan sniping over healing the nation. The outcome will be years of wandering in the wilderness for their party. Let's pray it doesn't also mean years in the economic wilderness for our country.
Following the Stimulus Package
A simple guide for following the progress and provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, also commonly known as the Stimulus Package and Stimulus Plan.
If you've been cruising the web trying to find information on the specifics of the Stimulus Package, you've likely been cursing all those pundits who talk and talk and talk but never take the time to tell you how to follow the progress of the plan.
Here's a few tips to help:
1. Recovery.gov
Put this website at the top of your favorites for later. Right now you won't find anything there except an introduction, but in an unprecedented effort to keep government accountable as we try and find our way out of this mess, the Obama administration has set up this website where all Americans will be able to go and keep up with the progress of the effort after the stimulus package passes.
2. LIS.gov
Right now the Library of Congress, legislative services site will take you directly to HR1 The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as it is currently written in the House of Representatives and S1 The Senate Version. The Senate version is a bit harder to find but by following the menu links to the Senate and the "Active Legislation" link on the Senate page you will get to S1. Links to both the House and Senate versions are included as live links below.
By the way - for teachers, professors and others looking to use the crisis as a teachable moment, the Library of Congress also has a special section called Resources for Teachers. Its a general resource so you won't find specific teaching aids related to the Stimulus package but you will find information that will help to make the process much more understandable.
HR1 House Version
S1 Senate Version
For those unfamiliar with how a bill becomes a law, the two bodies will pass their respective versions and then a committee of conference (sometimes known as a compromise committee) will be appointed to craft the final version that both bodies must endorse before the final bill goes to the President for his signature.
"Moonrise Over Loveland"
Order this image as a card or print.
If you've been cruising the web trying to find information on the specifics of the Stimulus Package, you've likely been cursing all those pundits who talk and talk and talk but never take the time to tell you how to follow the progress of the plan.
Here's a few tips to help:
1. Recovery.gov
Put this website at the top of your favorites for later. Right now you won't find anything there except an introduction, but in an unprecedented effort to keep government accountable as we try and find our way out of this mess, the Obama administration has set up this website where all Americans will be able to go and keep up with the progress of the effort after the stimulus package passes.
2. LIS.gov
Right now the Library of Congress, legislative services site will take you directly to HR1 The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as it is currently written in the House of Representatives and S1 The Senate Version. The Senate version is a bit harder to find but by following the menu links to the Senate and the "Active Legislation" link on the Senate page you will get to S1. Links to both the House and Senate versions are included as live links below.
By the way - for teachers, professors and others looking to use the crisis as a teachable moment, the Library of Congress also has a special section called Resources for Teachers. Its a general resource so you won't find specific teaching aids related to the Stimulus package but you will find information that will help to make the process much more understandable.
HR1 House Version
S1 Senate Version
For those unfamiliar with how a bill becomes a law, the two bodies will pass their respective versions and then a committee of conference (sometimes known as a compromise committee) will be appointed to craft the final version that both bodies must endorse before the final bill goes to the President for his signature.
"Moonrise Over Loveland"
Order this image as a card or print.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Should Stimulus Package Include a Buy-In Provision for Republicans?
Should Democrats Be ready with an Alternative if Republicans Stonewall on Stimulus Package?
It's becoming increasingly clear that President Obama - and all of us, frankly - need to have a clearer definition of what it is to be bi-partisan. Further, it may be necessary for the President to share those parameters with the rest of the country and to explain why it is important and why, in its absense a partisan approach may be necessary.
Bi-partisanship suggests, and demands, that each political party be willing to step outside of the construct that has been created by institutions and history; to accept that there will be times when each of us is outside of our comfort zone and that being there is an imperative imposed upon us by history and by the willingness of the other side to commit to the same guiding principles.
Bi-partisanship calls for compromise, cooperation, sacrifice and - dare I say it: shared pain.
Defining it may be a case of how it feels, ultimately. But we are getting a pretty good look at what it isn't from some of the Republican leadership in the House right now.
Against the advice of almost every major economist, the Republican leadership in the House is insisting that a substantial portion of the Stimulus Package be dedicated to tax cuts. Further, they suggest that other portions of the package be scaled back, particularly those that spend funds to create and preserve jobs and to enhance and speed up infrastructure spending.
So far, it appears that President Obama is walking a tightrope between the parties by including some tax cuts and tax credits in his package. Democrats feel that it's too much and Republicans feel that it's too little, which probably makes it about right from a political perspective. However, Republicans are asking for more and threatening to withhold their support.
Worse still, it is beginning to appear that the Republican leadership may think that they can have their cake and eat it too, or more accurately, that they can lard up the bill with tax cuts for their friends and then vote against it because they disagree with its other provisions. More and more, there are rumblings that the approach they are inclined toward is to take advantage of President Obama's call for bi-partisanship by forcing the President to include massive tax cuts and with no commitment of support from their side. Thus positioning themselves to get what they want while accepting no responsibility for the outcome. Worse still, positioning themselves to snipe from the sidelines at every bump in the road ahead.
Successfully creating a united front between Democrats and Republicans, standing together as Americans, makes a compromise plan worth the risk. However, if the Republican leadership insists on playing politics, perhaps the President and congressional leaders of good will should be ready with an alternative that invests more heavily in real job creation, energy independence and long term capital investment. In other words, if they Republicans are going to snipe from the sidelines anyway, it may be that supporters of the bill should do what we are most confident will work and give the Republican leadership something to snipe about.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
"Watching the Sunset from Mount Monroe"
Order this image: Cards, Prints, Canvas
It's becoming increasingly clear that President Obama - and all of us, frankly - need to have a clearer definition of what it is to be bi-partisan. Further, it may be necessary for the President to share those parameters with the rest of the country and to explain why it is important and why, in its absense a partisan approach may be necessary.
Bi-partisanship suggests, and demands, that each political party be willing to step outside of the construct that has been created by institutions and history; to accept that there will be times when each of us is outside of our comfort zone and that being there is an imperative imposed upon us by history and by the willingness of the other side to commit to the same guiding principles.
Bi-partisanship calls for compromise, cooperation, sacrifice and - dare I say it: shared pain.
Defining it may be a case of how it feels, ultimately. But we are getting a pretty good look at what it isn't from some of the Republican leadership in the House right now.
Against the advice of almost every major economist, the Republican leadership in the House is insisting that a substantial portion of the Stimulus Package be dedicated to tax cuts. Further, they suggest that other portions of the package be scaled back, particularly those that spend funds to create and preserve jobs and to enhance and speed up infrastructure spending.
So far, it appears that President Obama is walking a tightrope between the parties by including some tax cuts and tax credits in his package. Democrats feel that it's too much and Republicans feel that it's too little, which probably makes it about right from a political perspective. However, Republicans are asking for more and threatening to withhold their support.
Worse still, it is beginning to appear that the Republican leadership may think that they can have their cake and eat it too, or more accurately, that they can lard up the bill with tax cuts for their friends and then vote against it because they disagree with its other provisions. More and more, there are rumblings that the approach they are inclined toward is to take advantage of President Obama's call for bi-partisanship by forcing the President to include massive tax cuts and with no commitment of support from their side. Thus positioning themselves to get what they want while accepting no responsibility for the outcome. Worse still, positioning themselves to snipe from the sidelines at every bump in the road ahead.
Successfully creating a united front between Democrats and Republicans, standing together as Americans, makes a compromise plan worth the risk. However, if the Republican leadership insists on playing politics, perhaps the President and congressional leaders of good will should be ready with an alternative that invests more heavily in real job creation, energy independence and long term capital investment. In other words, if they Republicans are going to snipe from the sidelines anyway, it may be that supporters of the bill should do what we are most confident will work and give the Republican leadership something to snipe about.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
"Watching the Sunset from Mount Monroe"
Order this image: Cards, Prints, Canvas
Monday, January 19, 2009
As Good As it Gets - Redux
One of the all time greatest lines in film is from the film "As Good as it Gets" starring Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt.
Nicholson and Hunt are at a restaurant. In the midst of an uncomfortable conversation, Hunt asks him to say something nice. Nicholson looks at Helen Hunt and says. "you make me want to be a better man."
It is the kind of moment where men and women alike sit back in stunned silence and rapt attention. In the simplicity of those words lay a powerful nexus of emotion, hope and ambition.
Political pundits and historians can and will write volumes about the last few months.
There will be the tales of Barack Obama's "shadow presidency", calming a fearful nation in the face of an economic crisis that the sitting-President just did not have the intellect or emotional energy to confront.
There will be the economic tomes about why the stimulus package was too much, too little or just right.
There will be the historians who tell the story behind the story of each and every appointment and news conference.
But the most powerful story of all will likely not be told by authors, historians or pundits. It will be written by the American people themselves over the next few years because as we have watched Barack and Michelle Obama and Joe and Jill Biden these past months: working at a soup kitchen, working out with the recruits at the gym in Hawaii, arranging a special dinner honoring John McCain, or describing and exemplifying the public service imperatives of honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, we have, in our hearts and minds come to a common conclusion similar to that of Jack Nicholson.
I may be wrong, but I don't think so. But to be safe, I'll just say it for myself. Mr. President, I hope you will understand how much it means to me to say this . . . Mr. President, you make me want to be a better man.
"We Will Never Forget"
50% of proceeds from sales of cards and prints of this image are donated to the Fallen Heroes Foundation (all NET proceeds). Order here.
Nicholson and Hunt are at a restaurant. In the midst of an uncomfortable conversation, Hunt asks him to say something nice. Nicholson looks at Helen Hunt and says. "you make me want to be a better man."
It is the kind of moment where men and women alike sit back in stunned silence and rapt attention. In the simplicity of those words lay a powerful nexus of emotion, hope and ambition.
Political pundits and historians can and will write volumes about the last few months.
There will be the tales of Barack Obama's "shadow presidency", calming a fearful nation in the face of an economic crisis that the sitting-President just did not have the intellect or emotional energy to confront.
There will be the economic tomes about why the stimulus package was too much, too little or just right.
There will be the historians who tell the story behind the story of each and every appointment and news conference.
But the most powerful story of all will likely not be told by authors, historians or pundits. It will be written by the American people themselves over the next few years because as we have watched Barack and Michelle Obama and Joe and Jill Biden these past months: working at a soup kitchen, working out with the recruits at the gym in Hawaii, arranging a special dinner honoring John McCain, or describing and exemplifying the public service imperatives of honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, we have, in our hearts and minds come to a common conclusion similar to that of Jack Nicholson.
I may be wrong, but I don't think so. But to be safe, I'll just say it for myself. Mr. President, I hope you will understand how much it means to me to say this . . . Mr. President, you make me want to be a better man.
"We Will Never Forget"
50% of proceeds from sales of cards and prints of this image are donated to the Fallen Heroes Foundation (all NET proceeds). Order here.
The Real Message of Obama's Innauguaration
The timing of the inauguration of America's 44th president couldn't be better for marking the historic accession to power of America's first black president, coming as it does on the heels of the anniversary of MLK's I have a Dream speech, but the Obama message that we are all one people is the real message of the day and must not get crowded out.
Too much depends upon all Americans being vested in our success for the inauguration to become bogged down in what - while historic and wonderful - is nonetheless parochial, when viewed in the light of what lies ahead of us.
Barack's message: "We are one people" must rise above all the parochial interests of the day and capture our imaginations and fire our actions.
Robert Kennedy said it well: "All of us <> share one precious possession, and that is the name American. It is not easy to know what that means. But, in part, to be an American means to have been an outcast and a stranger, to have come from the exiles' country, and to know that he who denies the outcast and the stranger still amongst us, he also denies America."
"Fawn in a Green Wood"
Order this image as a card or print here.
Too much depends upon all Americans being vested in our success for the inauguration to become bogged down in what - while historic and wonderful - is nonetheless parochial, when viewed in the light of what lies ahead of us.
Barack's message: "We are one people" must rise above all the parochial interests of the day and capture our imaginations and fire our actions.
Robert Kennedy said it well: "All of us <> share one precious possession, and that is the name American. It is not easy to know what that means. But, in part, to be an American means to have been an outcast and a stranger, to have come from the exiles' country, and to know that he who denies the outcast and the stranger still amongst us, he also denies America."
"Fawn in a Green Wood"
Order this image as a card or print here.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Truth and Reconciliation in the US
Should Congress consider a Truth and Reconciliation panel to address the abuses of the Bush Era?
The buzz is growing over whether the incoming administration and the Democratic congress should investigate and prosecute members of the Bush administration for the abuses of power, violations of the Geneva Conventions and other related violations during the course of the Bush tenure.
President Elect Obama, understandably does not want this to be a distraction from what he considers the more immediate and urgent economic issues faced by the nation. Further, there is a large group of Democratic party leaders and opinion makers who see this as a losing proposition.
On the other hand, a powerful case is presented by many constitutional scholars that the abuses of the last 8 years are so flagrant and serious that not taking action would be tantamount to condoning the behavior, sentencing us to relive the outrage the next time that a similarly inclined politician assumes power. The most compelling spokesman for this position is GW Scholar and professor Jonathan Turley. Turley takes a hardline but is highly credible on the issue (he supported the impeachment of Clinton for perjury, but opposed ousting him from the Presidency).
A less onerous approach to addressing the issues might be to have our own version of a Truth and Reconcilliation commission. For those unfamiliar with the term or its associated process, generally a Truth and Reconcilliation process calls forward those who have violated the tenants over which the panel has jurisdiction. The requirment of full immunity from prosecution is that the individual acknowledge their transgression and ask for the forgiveness of the nation.
Its unlikely that hard-liners like Turley would accept the quasi-judicial approach of a truth and reconcilliation panel, but many of his concerns would at least be addressed by such a panel and those who - like myself - would like to see some accountability but without the bloodletting associated with prosecution of these individuals. It would be a way to send a clear message to future administrations that these behaviors are not without consequences entirely.
The economic meltdown deserves the full attention of President Obama, but there's no reason that the House or Senate can't strike a blow for the constitution by calling some of those who committed the most egregious violations to task for their sins.
At the very least, lets acknowledge that under the best of circumstances there should have been some accountability while Bush and Cheney were in office. In the words of one Republican friend of mine, " call them war criminals and move on".
"Smith Covered Bridge"
Order this image on cards, or as a print, here.
The buzz is growing over whether the incoming administration and the Democratic congress should investigate and prosecute members of the Bush administration for the abuses of power, violations of the Geneva Conventions and other related violations during the course of the Bush tenure.
President Elect Obama, understandably does not want this to be a distraction from what he considers the more immediate and urgent economic issues faced by the nation. Further, there is a large group of Democratic party leaders and opinion makers who see this as a losing proposition.
On the other hand, a powerful case is presented by many constitutional scholars that the abuses of the last 8 years are so flagrant and serious that not taking action would be tantamount to condoning the behavior, sentencing us to relive the outrage the next time that a similarly inclined politician assumes power. The most compelling spokesman for this position is GW Scholar and professor Jonathan Turley. Turley takes a hardline but is highly credible on the issue (he supported the impeachment of Clinton for perjury, but opposed ousting him from the Presidency).
A less onerous approach to addressing the issues might be to have our own version of a Truth and Reconcilliation commission. For those unfamiliar with the term or its associated process, generally a Truth and Reconcilliation process calls forward those who have violated the tenants over which the panel has jurisdiction. The requirment of full immunity from prosecution is that the individual acknowledge their transgression and ask for the forgiveness of the nation.
Its unlikely that hard-liners like Turley would accept the quasi-judicial approach of a truth and reconcilliation panel, but many of his concerns would at least be addressed by such a panel and those who - like myself - would like to see some accountability but without the bloodletting associated with prosecution of these individuals. It would be a way to send a clear message to future administrations that these behaviors are not without consequences entirely.
The economic meltdown deserves the full attention of President Obama, but there's no reason that the House or Senate can't strike a blow for the constitution by calling some of those who committed the most egregious violations to task for their sins.
At the very least, lets acknowledge that under the best of circumstances there should have been some accountability while Bush and Cheney were in office. In the words of one Republican friend of mine, " call them war criminals and move on".
"Smith Covered Bridge"
Order this image on cards, or as a print, here.
The Garden in My Mind
2009 Calendar of unique images from Wayne King
Each image suitable for framing at months end! Only $28.50
Click here to order the calendar.
Each image suitable for framing at months end! Only $28.50
Click here to order the calendar.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Where Both Sides are Wrong
Hamas and Israel both Guilty of Wrongdoing
If you've been wondering why you can't seem to figure out where to come down on the battle raging between Israel and Hamas, you aren't alone. Further there's a simple reason you can't figure it out. It's like that old tune . . . "there ain't no good guy, there ain't no bad guy". Each side is to blame in roughly equal measure, and each is the victim as well.
In a brief but compelling piece (Playing into the hands of Hamas) this week in "Haaretz" (Israel's Oldest Daily Newspaper) Bernard Avishai and Sam Bahourmake make the case that, at the risk of seeming to make light of a terrible tragedy, a tie goes to Hamas and Israel is playing into Hamas' hands with their brutal incursion into Gaza.
This piece is must reading for anyone confused by the situation because it is the perspective of two people very close to the issue and representing both sides.
Until we take action to strengthen the hand of moderate forces in the middle east, the radicals in both Israel and Gaza will drive policy by inciting their respective sides and creating deeper and deeper animosities.
Resources:
Bernard Avishai's Blog
Sam Bahour's blog
"Mr. Lincoln's Legacy"
Order this image on cards, prints, posters or canvas, here.
If you've been wondering why you can't seem to figure out where to come down on the battle raging between Israel and Hamas, you aren't alone. Further there's a simple reason you can't figure it out. It's like that old tune . . . "there ain't no good guy, there ain't no bad guy". Each side is to blame in roughly equal measure, and each is the victim as well.
In a brief but compelling piece (Playing into the hands of Hamas) this week in "Haaretz" (Israel's Oldest Daily Newspaper) Bernard Avishai and Sam Bahourmake make the case that, at the risk of seeming to make light of a terrible tragedy, a tie goes to Hamas and Israel is playing into Hamas' hands with their brutal incursion into Gaza.
This piece is must reading for anyone confused by the situation because it is the perspective of two people very close to the issue and representing both sides.
Until we take action to strengthen the hand of moderate forces in the middle east, the radicals in both Israel and Gaza will drive policy by inciting their respective sides and creating deeper and deeper animosities.
Resources:
Bernard Avishai's Blog
Sam Bahour's blog
"Mr. Lincoln's Legacy"
Order this image on cards, prints, posters or canvas, here.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
A Place to Stand
"Give me a place to stand," said Archimedes, "and I will move the world.”
President Obama must move the world. It is our task to give him a place to stand.
President Obama must move the world. It is our task to give him a place to stand.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Ghana Proves Its Readiness to Claim the Mantle: Economic Gateway to Africa
The torch has been passed to a new generation of leadership in the West African nation of Ghana and all signs point to a very bright future for this nation. At a time when so much attention has been, understandably, focused on the historic transition taking place in the United States, we would do well to take a moment to herald the small country that has a very big story to tell - and the potential to lead an African renaissance in the coming years.
Just 50 years from its independence in 1958, Ghana has proven to be the "wise elder" of Africa in its fierce commitment to democracy, liberty and economic opportunity.
While the day and Ghana's near-term future are in the hands of Professor John Evans Atta Mills, it should be said that defeated candidate Nana Akufo Addo deserves the praise and thanks of Ghana and the world for his leadership and example in defeat. History will remember that while other nations in Africa took the dark road in this historic year, Nana Akufo Addo, in yielding peacefully to the will of the people, has played a role no less important to the future of the country than that of the winner, Prof Mills. Future generations of Ghanaians will praise his name for this act alone.
And now Ghana has proven itself ready to lead Africa on all of the major fronts in the never ending struggle for the welfare of humanity: as a bulwark against terrorism on the continent; as an economic powerhouse with the legal infrastructure to truly open Africa to world trade and to secure the economic future of its own citizens; as a shining example of the power of ballots over bullets.
Just 50 years from its independence in 1958, Ghana has proven to be the "wise elder" of Africa in its fierce commitment to democracy, liberty and economic opportunity.
While the day and Ghana's near-term future are in the hands of Professor John Evans Atta Mills, it should be said that defeated candidate Nana Akufo Addo deserves the praise and thanks of Ghana and the world for his leadership and example in defeat. History will remember that while other nations in Africa took the dark road in this historic year, Nana Akufo Addo, in yielding peacefully to the will of the people, has played a role no less important to the future of the country than that of the winner, Prof Mills. Future generations of Ghanaians will praise his name for this act alone.
And now Ghana has proven itself ready to lead Africa on all of the major fronts in the never ending struggle for the welfare of humanity: as a bulwark against terrorism on the continent; as an economic powerhouse with the legal infrastructure to truly open Africa to world trade and to secure the economic future of its own citizens; as a shining example of the power of ballots over bullets.
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