For weeks, there have been huge demonstrations in Turkey. I really have no idea what they’re about. I have no idea what they’re trying to accomplish. Maybe I need to read some more about these demonstrations.
I know that the neocons are upset that Obama has not bombed or invaded Syria yet but they’re still hopeful. As I see it, with young Arab men who seem to be desperate to shoot at or fight somebody pouring into Syria, it seems like a really good idea for us to stay out of there. Plus, it seems that weapons from Libya are finding their way into Syria.
Netroots Nation – This started a couple of days ago. This is the biggest progressive powwow, think tank, party in the nation. I went a couple years ago when it was in Austin. It was a rejuvenating experience.
Many of us are not able to camp outdoor cookout today because of heavy rains. The rains are welcome.
These rains are helping the swamp fires in southern Louisiana.
The EU and NATO believe that we are safer 10 years after 9/11. I think they’re probably right.
New survey shows that almost 70% of Americans believe that we’re in a serious to moderate recession. This should be no surprise. With tens of millions of Americans either unemployed or underemployed and the economy stuck in neutral Americans are feeling the squeeze.
The New York Stock Exchange is closed today but stocks opened much lower in Europe.
The Washington Post has published the five myths of 9/11. Take a look. See what you think. #5 is that US civil liberties were decimated after the attacks. I think this point is somewhat questionable. I think there’s no doubt that we’ve given up some freedom, everywhere from more invasive screening at airports to warrantless wiretaps. Have these government powers been abused? Have we, the American citizens, suffered? Only time will tell.
Conservatives decided that the failure of that solar plant that the Obama administration had so publicly supported means that it is time to jump on the anti-solar power bandwagon, again. Some in the conservative media have even pushed the idea that solar power doesn’t work. Moronic. (How conservatives decided to embrace nuclear power but shun solar power?)
I simply don’t understand how anybody can embrace more corporate tax cuts. Corporations, major corporations, are sitting on billions of dollars in profits. Some still believe, though, that if we give these corporations even more money that will somehow make them decide to stop hiring people overseas and begin to hire Americans here at home. The idea is complete nonsense.
Sarah Palinbelieves that the Tea Party is winning. Winning what exactly? The Tea Party is more unpopular than ever.
On Labor Day, let’s take a quick look at Labor. Labor seems to be working harder and getting less. From the BLS report – In August, average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls decreased by 3 cents, or 0.1 percent, to $23.09. Decrease? We need an increase in take home pay. Period. Any decrease has to be seen as a huge setback. We as a labor force, are already behind the 8-ball.
Post Office is running into a money crush. To be honest and nonpartisan for just a second, I have no idea how the post office stays open. I receive most of my bills via e-mail. I pay most of my bills via e-mail/Internet. I can’t be the only one who’s doing this. This must account for a huge decrease in volume in US mail. Has the US Post Office made adjustments with service? Have they streamlined? Are they more efficient in this more competitive environment?
Finally, from the Associated Press – Today in History:
North Korea dynamited the dirty gray cooling tower at its deactivated Yongbyon nuclear facility on Friday, a made-for-TV event intended to show the United States and the world that it is serious about abandoning its nuclear weapons program.
After a loud explosive charge, the 60-foot tower imploded within seconds, melting into a thick white cloud of smoke and dust. The late afternoon demolition was filmed by television news crews invited from the five countries that for years have been pressing Kim Jong Il’s totalitarian state to back away from nuclear confrontation. (more…)
