Acclaimed Author, Former Judge, Award-Winning Journalist
and Television Broadcaster
MY MISSION is to alter the very framework of the nation's political dialogue. Read more
Our notion of victory in the global war on terror is an elusive, misguided concept leading to strategies that exacerbate the very conflicts we’re engaged in.
Utilizing a giant blimp for “secret surveillance” appears to be more challenging than originally expected. Doesn’t this giant missile blimp look more like Dr. Evil’s floating fortress than a military spyship? At the very least, it certainly appears to be another “black hole” for taxpayer dollars.
From Wired’s Danger Room:
John Adams believed that citizens would eventually hand over government to a powerful elite, choosing political suicide over the difficult task of managing our nation.
This recent column from Chris Hedges explains a hard truth about the state of today’s consumer-driven culture: as we consume, we are consumed.
From Truthdig:
Rep. Paul Ryan’s rejected budget ignored military spending cuts from last summer’s deal to raise the nation’s debt ceiling. Last week, Wired took a closer look at the House Armed Services Committee’s new plan for defense, which included over $300 million more than the Pentagon had requested in funding for drones, Hellfire missiles, and naval hardware.
Take a look at some of the more questionable items in this plan, then let me know what you think of preserving defense spending at the cost of federal programs designed to help Americans in need.
From Wired:
Regardless of whether you think climate change is part of some long natural cycle or essentially man-made, the problem is very real, and it’s young people who should be most concerned with current environmental policies.
It’s inspiring to see teens in California bringing their claims to court against the EPA and numerous federal administrators. Make sure to read this great story from The Atlantic.
From The Atlantic:
While defending their “reconciliation budget” in the House last Thursday, GOP leaders said the Obama Administration is spending us into the Stone Age. But it seems like Rep. Paul Ryan’s plan is essentially to ditch last year’s budget agreement, gut domestic spending for citizens, and protect a nearly unlimited budget for defense spending.
Hmm… Maybe they didn’t realize that the U.S. defense budget is already larger than the next 14 countries put together. Take a look at this latest round of congressional insanity and let me know what you think.
From The Huffington Post:
Crowdfunded warfare!? Hate to think what would happen if this really was the next trend in digital activism…
Check out this Wired featurette about the NYU college students who created Kickstriker.com, a grim example of slacktivism gone awry. What do you think–funny joke or a sobering glimpse of the not-too-distant future?
From Wired’s Danger Room:
As “too big to fail” became an excuse for ditching rules that only mere mortals must observe, the American people should have recognized that their idealistic view of capitalism and business was being crushed by those who claimed allegiance to conservative principles.
Now, Sandy Weill, “shatterer of Glass-Steagall,” is denying responsibility for the financial crisis? Give me a break!
From The Huffington Post:
Reverend Jesse Lee Peterson says, “One of the greatest mistakes America made was to allow women the opportunity to vote.” Of course, Sean Hannity gives his misogynistic rants a regular platform (and he’s a member of his foundation’s board).
From The Raw Story:
In case you missed it, I had a great conversation with Thom Hartmann on Monday about Wall Street, Adam Smith, and Patriot Acts. Watch Thom and I try to figure out how to remove corporate influence from our political process and work towards economic reform.
Made a lovely discovery this morning when I received a Twitter follow from Newsericks.com: ["(as in News Limericks), a tongue-in-cheek rhyming account of the daily news (admittedly with a liberal bias)." http://bit.ly/AatcEe]
Of course, I clicked on the link–what fun! So, in response, I must add one of my poetic commentaries, albeit an old one, that I delivered in 2006 on my Court TV segment, The Crier Wire.
A slightly irate viewer had emailed her objection to my Valentine’s Day message to President Bush wherein I complained about the veil of secrecy covering issues like Iraq, Katrina and domestic spying. I suggested that “communication, honesty and the ability to admit when you’re wrong” is key to any successful relationship–including one between a President and the public.
Irene gave me an earful–but did so in rhyme. How could I let that pass? Here is our exchange (February 16, 2006).
From Irene:
Ahhh Miss Crier, seems you’ve sunk one notch Your show was for me the one show to watch Have I missed something? The President on trial? Absolutely not, so why all the guile? Don’t get me wrong, it’s your show, feel free to speak But isn’t Court TV about the trial of the week? A show about trials from the mild to the celebrity A show about truth, about justice, and about ultimate finality Instead you sent a sour valentine to our Commander in Chief One even I wouldn’t receive if it came wrapped in gold leaf You’ve tainted the day, one meant for love and for giving Into your platform of blasting, and lashings and personal misgivings Perhaps the last ten minutes of your show would be better spent On the missing or the lost instead of your left bent But not to worry Miss Crier, your show will still fit me just fine Except I’ll be watching from 2:00 to 2:49, pacific standard time. Happy Valentine’s Day, IreneMy response:
Ah, Irene, I’m glad that you wrote Apparently my views have struck quite a note Why cover the president during this hour? Because scrutiny extends to those with such power To follow our laws, or break them at will Whether in the White House or on Capitol Hill I think that a show that puts justice on trial Should question the big guys just once in a while When leaders are secretive with deeds they would mask It’s time for reporters to take them to task Democrats, Republicans, V.P.s fair game About pay-offs and spying and Valerie Plame I’m sorry to anger, I mean no offense But I’d rather protect Democracy, hence I’ll continue to mouth off, to probe and to pry To question the ‘how’, the ‘when’ and the ‘why’ I don’t see myself on the left or the right So, this independent will just say–good night!On ocassion, I’ve stumbled across a judicial opinion delivered in rhyme. It’s amazing how even the harshest critique becomes more palatable in this form. Instead of another debate, maybe we should encourage a poetry smack-down between the remaining Republican contenders? Or a rhyme-off between Pelosi and Boehner or Reid and McConnell? Oh, come on, you know you’d watch!
Many thanks to Newsericks–I’ll be back for more!
"Ideology is the science of idiots."
- President John Adams
© 2011 Catherine Crier
