Archive
Libya’s Lessons
Libya is commonly counted as a success story among the ongoing Arab uprisings. NATO bombing, the story goes, saved thousands of lives and allowed Libyans to overthrow the absurd and murderous Muammar Gaddafi. The intervention proves that the West has aligned its interests in the Arab world with its values — and may even be a measure of redemption for the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the deeper colonial past.
Iraq Takes It Personally
Iraq is a gift that keeps on giving. We kicked out their murderous dictator for them, helped them institute democracy, poured hundreds of millions into their recovery, and tried our best to interrupt their civil war. Then we left — or at least our combat troops did.
Treating Sick Rich Folks
In these trying times of health care austerity, it reaffirms one’s faith in humanity to learn that many hospitals are now going the extra mile to provide top quality care for all.
Dr. Strangedrone
Raw Trade Deals
After years of debate and delay, Congress finally passed those free-trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama. There go 159,000 more jobs that we’re likely to lose to Seoul after the Korean deal goes into effect on March 15, according to the Economic Policy Institute. And 55,000 to Bogotá, after the Colombian pact becomes operative too.
Corporations Commit Atrocities, My Friend
The Supreme Court heard arguments in a crucial case yesterday that could have major ramifications for corporate accountability.
Polls and Local Resolutions Underscore Support for Military Spending Cuts
In Washington, senators and Pentagon officials are saying the sky will fall if we cut one more cent from the military budget. But a very different message is building in the heartland.
The Lineup: Week of Feb. 27-March 4, 2012
Scott Williams explains why Congress should preserve funding that makes it safer to ride bicycles.
Running Against Islam
Every political season has its hot-button issues. There’s race, abortion, lunar colonies. But the hottest hot-button issue these days, judging from comments by Republican presidential hopefuls as well as what happened during the 2010 mid-term elections, is Islam.
Soaking the Customer
Ruby Williams, a 78-year-old Aqua Pennsylvania customer, got stuck with a $40,000 water bill because of a serious leak in the pipes under her home in Bristol Township, Pennsylvania. After her situation garnered national media attention, the private company agreed to reduce her bill to a few hundred dollars.
