Category: take action

politics, social justice and ways you can make a difference in the world around you.

conservativism in 2007

Moby makes some great interesting points on his blog about the current state of the GOP and conservatives in 2007.
As I mentioned earlier, it seems like the “top runners” for the GOP nomination want to argue about who’s more conservative than the other. For some reason it brings to mind, “The first shall be last and the last shall be first.”
But either way, Moby asks, “What does it mean to be a conservative in 2007?” He gave his list and I want to share my thoughts (surprise surprise Rick Reynolds ;-))
I don’t know if my thoughts make me a conservative or not – I’d consider myself more of a moderate – but see what you think and share your thoughts.
Continue reading conservativism in 2007

What are reporters saying about Iraq

After serving as a journalist in Iraq on 21 different trips, what do you think you would have to say and report?
Tom Bullock reports:

My last view of Baghdad will be of the city by air. I will leave frustrated at that death of that golden era of pizza parlors and barber shops; frustrated with Iraqi’s I’ve talked to who proudly say “we are all brothers,” then take up arms against each other; frustrated with American military and civilian officials who stand up and say everything in Iraq is working, then when they leave write books about how everything in Iraq has failed and its not their fault.
And I’m pained by the number of people I’ve personally known who’ve been killed here: journalists, Iraqis and American soldiers.

This is a must listen. Take a few minutes and listen to what Bullock reports.

First Baby Boomer applies for Social Secuirty

Kathy Casey Kirschling was the first Baby Boomer to apply for Social Security benefits. She was born Jan. 1, 1946.
There’s only 80 million other Baby Boomers coming behind her.
NPR’s “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me” said the Social Security Admin said, “There’s no reason to panic,” however they did recommend that other Baby Boomers learn to acquire a taste for cat food.

Read more from the Social Security Office

Colbert on ‘Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me’

Recently announced presidential candidate, and host of The Colbert Report, Steven Colbert, appeared on NPR’s “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me” this weekend.
His segment of the show starts at 17:56 into the show.
Colbert is running as a Republican and Democrat in South Carolina only.
As always, good stuff.
Colbert says he was “genetically engineered for The Daily Show” and he owned his own suit so he was well fitted for the job.

Post debate reaction

The GOP held another value voter debate last night. From the NPR report this morning, it sounded like Romney, McCain, Giuliani and Thompson simply fought each other over who was the most conservative among them. There were several mentions about Ronald Reagan’s 11th Commandment, “Thou shalt not talk poorly about another Republican.” And along with those mentions was the fact that Gov. Mike Huckabee chose not to get involved in the petty bickering.
NPR also made reference to the fact that Huckabee is now becoming a real contender for the top GOP spot, citing his 2nd place in the Iowa straw poll as well as 2nd place in a Florida straw poll over the weekend.
As soon as the audio is up online I’ll post a link to the story. Listen to the full story from NPR.
Here’s more reaction about the debate:
Continue reading Post debate reaction