Papal pride goeth

Christopher Hitchens isn't mincing his words when it comes to the recent priest-rape cover-up.

Netanyahu is tone-deaf

Netanyahu's latest speech to AIPAC reminds me how poorly Israel does politics. To have Netanyahu stand on American soil in front of cameras and strive to make a jackass of our president is really too much:

Badly played, and in poor taste

Perhaps the money we normally send to Israel can be put to better use?

Quick hit

In France, where abortion is covered by universal health insurance, there are 20% fewer abortions per capita than in the US.

Keynes quotation

This notion that the morally insane would be naturally attracted to power, and thereby to the role of corporate CEOs, has really gotten a hold of my imagination. When I read quotes like the following, I am left feeling as if I've missed the obvious for so long that I am embarrassed by my naivete.

"Capitalism is the astounding belief that the most wickedest of men will do the most wickedest of things for the greatest good of everyone."

— John Maynard Keynes -

Apparently, those with a proclivity towards horrible grammar make excellent economists.

Lehman Bros Accounting Tricks

Here is a fantastic video that simplifies the mess on Wall Street so that even I can grasp it:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

HCR

When it comes to answering the question, "Should Health Care Reform pass?", I think it is a good idea to refer to a medical dictum: "First, Do no harm".

If this bill does not go far enough to provide health insurance to all Americans, that is not the same thing as making matters worse. Since doing nothing is what will be harmful to people, then I say hold your nose and pass the bill.

From a political perspective this is an easy decision. Democrats are widely perceived as noodle-armed weaklings that are intelligent but indecisive. To do nothing is to further that perception. To pass the bill, especially over GOP objections, combats the perception on two fronts.

From Funny or Die

Here is a video which reunites past comic presidential impersonators for a message directed at Barak Obama:

Funny or Die's Presidential Reunion from Will Ferrell

A crown of thorns

As I watch a single-payer healthcare-for-all die, and climate crisis legislation die, and legislation to police morally insane CEOs die, I become confirmed in my view that America is a one-party system.

The rot seems insurmountable.