| May 16, 2011 | Economy / BusinessThe Kabuki tradition in Congress over raising the federal government’s debt ceiling is in full flower. It’s a more reliable Washington ritual than the Cherry Blossom Festival. Here’s how it goes: The president, whoever he is, says: “It’s...
| | Rights / DemocracyThey came, they saw, they were conquered. That sums up the fate of many tea-partying freshmen in the House of Representatives. As soon as they arrived, the corporate lobbying corps came to visit, saw what these supposed rebels were made of, and quickly conquered them...
| | Peace / SecurityWar is lovely, Let’s attack; Only costs Could hold us back. It used to be that war was a really big deal. Conflicts such as Vietnam could tear the country apart. Times have changed, with decisions on war quickly becoming back-page stuff. Our wars were scarcely...
| May 9, 2011 | Peace / SecurityI don’t like to exult in the death of people, not even people I don’t like. I think it’s bad form. I’m making an exception in the case of Osama bin Laden, however. From the point of view of a comfortable middle-class American (which I certainly...
| | Environment / HealthThe nuclear power boys are weaseling again, this time in Vermont. Entergy Corporation, an electric utility giant based in New Orleans, owns the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant, which is nearing the end of its 40-year license to operate. No problem, here’s a...
