Archive
The Lineup: Week of May 9-15, 2011
This week’s OtherWords editorial package features a Jim Hightower column about a company that’s trying to override Vermont’s decision to shutter a nuclear reactor and an op-ed by Peter Weiss on why torture doesn’t “work.”
Free Private Manning
In April, the Army transferred Private Bradley Manning from solitary confinement at Quantico, Virginia to the federal prison at Leavenworth, Kansas. At Quantico, according to a Human Rights Watch report, the military had shackled Manning, stripped him naked, and isolated him. The government attributed this cruel treatment to their fears that Manning might commit suicide.
Torture: Immoral, Illegal, Counterproductive, and Un-American
Osama bin Laden’s death has laid to rest the mystery of his whereabouts. His body lies under the ocean. But now his death raises another increasingly popular question. Was he tracked down thanks to tips elicited through the torture of captured al-Qaeda operatives? The answer should be clear: no, torture doesn’t “work.”
The Game is Changing in Iran
Last year, a powerful computer virus called “Stuxnet” targeted Iran’s nuclear program. By the time it was discovered, the virus had succeeded in setting back the country’s nuclear progress. Now, Iran claims to have identified a new threat. The virus, which Iran is calling “Stars,” may or may not be authentic. But no matter the outcome, Iran’s announcement could be good for the United States.
Making a Statement with Our Tractors
Madison, Wisconsin is truly an amazing scene of beauty — as well as unprecedented political mobilization. Among the throngs of demonstrators, you’ll find Democrats, Republicans, independents, progressives, libertarians, and socialists walking together, discussing real solutions while sowing the seeds of solidarity.
Making an Exception for Osama bin Laden
Osama bin Laden was a rich kid, a billionaire’s son, who forsook the easy life to dedicate himself and his fortune to returning the Islamic world to its former glory. His worldview called for accomplishing this by crushing Israel, driving Western “Crusaders” from Muslim soil, and resurrecting an Islamic caliphate that harkened back to the Middle Ages.
Entergy Goes Nuclear over Vermont’s Decision
The nuclear power boys are weaseling again, this time in Vermont.
The Abortion War Cranks Up
America recorded 1.2 million abortions in 2008. While this sounds like a lot, the availability of birth control and sex education has greatly reduced the U.S. abortion rate over the years. So has the invention of new post-sex “Plan B” drugs.
Special Lineup: Osama Bin Laden’s Demise
The repercussions of Osama bin Laden’s death aren’t going to disappear overnight, but we felt that it made sense to weigh in on the news sooner rather than later.
A Generation Exhales with Bin Laden’s Death
The enthusiastic flag-waving. The gaudy red, white, and blue jumpsuits, the booming chants of “USA, USA, USA.” The huge crowd of jubilant young people gathered outside the White House, celebrating Osama bin Laden’s death. Is it right to celebrate the death of an individual, even one as abhorrent as bin Laden?
