Poor Richard's Anorak

USATODAY.com - Conservatives want Reagan to replace FDR on U.S. dimes

USATODAY.com - Conservatives want Reagan to replace FDR on U.S. dimes

This USA Today article about so-called conservatives pushing to replace Roosevelt on the dime includes a side-bar poll. Visit and vote to keep the image of Franklin D. Roosevelt on the dime.

Dan Wasserman, The Boston Globe

Dan Wasserman, The Boston Globe Pull the menu down to "12/16." 'Nuff said.

Boston Globe's Derrick Jackson Eloquent

Boston.com / News / Boston Globe / Opinion / Op-ed / Against the war, for the soldiers

This is one of the most eloquent statements of the case that we should suppot our troops while never forgetting that this war in Iraq has little or nothing to do with defeating terrorism, in spite of the media blitz that suggests otherwise.

Blair And Bremer Statements Don't Harmonize

The Observer | Politics | Bush's man rejects Blair weapon claim

I don't know what to make of this pair of contradictory statements by Blair and Bremer

Ombudsman Indeed

David Brooks of the New York Times is the new darling of the TV talking head shows and, unfortunately, seems to be in the back pocket of the Republicans. He is on Face The Nation right now, after having been on the Lehrer show Friday evening. He seems to delight in predicting defeat for Howard Dean at the hands of George Bush. This is the person who was going to bring objectivity and balance to the editorial page of the New York Times? Jason Blair damaged more than his own repution and that of his paper with his dishonesty. His debacle has caused the Times to become cautious and afraid if the choice of Brooks is any indicator.

Brooks seems to attribute hatred of Bush to the Democrats, but hasn't mentioned the fact that it is Bush's policies, legislation, and appointments which are taking this country to the hard right. He talks as if this president is a moderate and the Democrats are just pumped up with hatred over personalities. It seems disingenuous to bemoan the polarization of the electorate while the country is being steered so radically by this administration. Paul Krugman lives.

[On edit: I just noiticed that Calpundit is taking note of David Brooks as administration apologist]

Paul Krugman Column: Citizen Conrad’s Friends

Op-Ed Columnist: Citizen Conrad’s Friends

This isn't just a column on the Conrad Black revelations, but a good discussion of cronyism, Richard Perle, and of the general direction in which media concentration is going. Krugman is, as ever, outstanding in his anaysis of this trend.

Why don't we hear more about Trireme? Probably the same reason we don't hear much about Arbusto. If the media were truly liberal these would be household words. As it is, nobody has heard of either one. Some people would say the general public isn't interested in such insignificant stories. Compliant media assure that they will seem insignificant.

The LA Weekly interviews Gore Vidal

LA Weekly: Features: Uncensored Gore

[via Arts And Letters Daily]

A little uncensored Gore Vidal is good to flush out the tubes occasionally. This is a month old, but is still germaine. He is right about almost everything.

He is provocative, but he is informed and has no debts to pay to corporations or fat cats.

I like what he has to say about Ben Franklin! I suppose Ben was middle class enough to afford an anorak. It must have come in handy when he was out in the cold rain with his kite and key.

I have no doubt that Vidal is correct in saying that Jefferson and Adams would have found $hrub lacking in the qualities needed for a leader. I also like the idea that $hrub and The Crisco Kid would have been sent to Bolivia or Paraguay where they belonged.

Pakistani Leader Escapes New Death Plot - EarthLink - International News

Pakistani Leader Escapes New Death Plot - EarthLink - International News

It seems clear that Pakistan is in danger of destabilization. This is ominous for several reasons.

Granny D on America's Longest Night

WorkingForChange-America's longest night

Granny D has learned to rap and is extolling the virtues of shoe leather in campaigns.

WACC - Announcing The P.U.-Litzer Prizes for 2003

WACC - Announcing The P.U.-Litzer Prizes for 2003

This reminds me of a little book I saw years ago entitled The Pullet Surprise, except this has a sharper edge. I'm still shaking my head over Friedman's comment.