Al Jazeera Advances to the Fore

Gravitating away from traditional news sources, Americans are turning toward Al Jazeera in any way they can access the organization for the best live coverage of events in Tahrir Square. Today's Washington Post, for instance, was hopelessly out of date by the time I purchased my copy in late morning.

Unlike many, I still support print journalism with my purchases. The week's events, however, underscore the value of Internet news as this medium was the only one allowing access to the best coverage for most Americans.


http://www.neontommy.com/news/2011/02/al-jazeeras-egypt-coverage-provides-their-cnn-moment

The Continuing Collapse of Corporate Capitalism

Author Chris Hedges is currently on C-SPAN 2 talking about his new book entitled "Death of the Liberal Class." This is a fascinating and passionate appearance criticizing not so much "penny capitalism" where farmers bring their goods to market, or regional capitalism which involves single individuals owning a factory or a local hardware store -- but corporate capitalism. He warns that credit is no longer available to most people the way it was, and food is hard to find in many inner cities because, costing so much, it is not even sold there.

This is a wonderful appearance. The link to his book is provided below. You may also see his book by clicking on the post title above.


http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/179-2473153-9176236?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Death+of+the+Liberal+Class&x=0&y=0

Taking Stock

The last couple of days have been a time for reflection and taking stock of the true state of the nation. For quite some time the true state of the nation has not been something the President could convey in public. And by "quite some time" I mean something like a lifetime. It seems that Franklin Roosevelt was able to both describe the nation's woes and yet offer true hope. This is why he was loved and why many homes displayed a photograph of the President. But before and since Mr. Roosevelt, truth-telling of the deep kind has been hard to find emanating from Washington, D.C..

So one is left with what one can glean from press sources and friends plus the ubiquitous television which has replaced the Greek oracle in both function and fondness.

Let us hope for and work for a better foundation for true hope. For hope must be part of that greater Truth we all yearn for, but less frequently believe to be real. Again -- let us hope for and work for a better foundation for true hope.

Speech Ends, Governing Must Begin

The nation will be watching to see whether this government can get the economy back on track. President Obama spoke early in the speech about the recession which occurred two years ago as if it is no longer a part of our reality today.

The "out-of-tuneness" continued with CBS News coverage which failed to comment in any meaningful way about the pain of job insecurity and low wages felt by the average American worker.

Why?

Continuing to blog the 2011 State of the Union Speech --

Why does it feel so good to see the whimsical yet dignified smile of Senator Al Franken?

Something Welcomed

In the midst of the mandatory laudations of our war-making machine, a welcome hand extended to American Muslims.

Listen Carefully to the Language on Social Security.

The President speaks of preserving the benefits of current retirees. This is, of course, fine, but what of future retirees? Are they to suffer?

A Change of Faces

Does anyone else miss the sight of Nancy Pelosi, the first female Speaker of the House sitting in her customary spot on the dais?

Domestic Freeze Proposed

I am sorry to report that the President has foolishly and rigidly proposed a freeze on domestic spending for five years. Certainly this is better than cutting all programs! But this proposal will soon be seen to be unworkable.

An Appropriate Defense of New Health Care Regulations

Mr. Obama refuses to go back to the days before 2010 when it was harder to get and keep good health care.

Good Defense of Regulations

Safe food, clean water, financial reform: these are justified and necessary says President Obama.

Inadequate Reference to Education

The President almost reduces national education policy to two principles: 1) reward "good" teachers; and 2) stop tolerating "bad" teachers. This simplistic approach, so common in recent years, should offend the sensibilities of any carefully-thinking American.

President Hits Popular Themes

The President mentions our need to innovate, to educate, and to invest.

Opening Language Is Appropriate, Lofty, and Up-Lifting

In speaking about the tragedy of Tucson, the President remembers Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. He states this event has set the stage for a re-examination of the nature of the public discourse.

Capitalism Front and Center

President Obama states the obvious: the so-called Free Enterprise System is our dominating economic system. Yet he acknowledges the pain of individuals who have suffered mightily because of its injustice.