So the U.S. Supreme Court decides that individuals can give any amount they want to any candidate they want. Critics decry corruption. But a more benevolent take would have us moving consciously toward an Aristocracy — a rule by the few for the sake of all.
If the rich and … <Read More>
American Hustle opens, with a classic scene of Irving affixing a hairpiece to his bald scalp and then constructing an elaborate comb over. We sense from the opening we are in the presence of someone who makes a great effort carefully to construct a false appearance. We are not who … <Read More>
Where to start? I guess at the beginning, in the Garden of Eden, where the snake, an agent of the Sovereign, convinces Eve to violate the Law and eat the apple in order to appreciate and enjoy a life that the Sovereign had prohibited. So Eve plucked the apple, passed … <Read More>
If you haven’t yet seen American Hustle but you intend to, either before or after the Academy Awards this coming Sunday, do not read this series of posts — yet. They may well ruin this movie for you. On the other hand, if you have seen it once, or think … <Read More>
Should we negotiate a partial deal with Iran now?
Apparently the Obama administration and Iran have come to a meeting of the minds whereby Iran will, for the moment halt further development of nuclear capacity and the U.S. with Europe will for the moment suspend some sanctions. The Israelis and … <Read More>
That’s what the NY Times account quotes Secretary of State John Kerry as assuring the Egyptian leaders about the Obama administration’s decision to suspend the delivery of major weapons systems to this troubled country. No, not a punishment for deposing, and arresting the Islamist president. Not a punishment for putting … <Read More>
Think of how terrible it must be to fear needles and know that you’re scheduled for a shot. To make it worse, the doctor tricked Ronald Phillips by examining the poor fellow to locate a good vein during a checkup. That’s what happened – at least if we believe Phillips … <Read More>
Now that the 2013 World Series has ended, with all its twists and turns, who can forget Game 3’s dramatic conclusion as the St. Louis Cardinals won on that infamous “obstruction call.” Nobody was satisfied that the game should be decided by a runner obviously tagged out at home plate … <Read More>
Lethal injection controversy still plaguing the death penalty. Now it’s whether states can mix their own lethal cocktail when they can’t obtain the drugs from outside sources boycotting. For my earlier reflections, read my op-ed on CNN.
So the U.S. and Russia has struck a deal, and the UN Security Council signed on. Syria will fork over its chemical weapons – probably – for destruction, eventually. The “international community” will destroy them. Problem solved.
But is it?
Assume Assad, the mass-murdering international outlaw with friends in high … <Read More>