Author Archives: Thorne Dreyer

Central Texas Roads : Not Enough Money or (Soon) Water

This graphic from the Austin American-Statesman presents an optimistic funding projection.Road Planners face huge budget shortfalls, try to ignore looming water shortages By Roger Baker / The Rag Blog / September 20, 2009 Consider the emerging factors affecting most transportation … Continue reading

Posted in Rag Bloggers | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

Climate Change Legislation : Too Hot to Handle?

Congress and climate change: enough to blow your stack.Obama, Congress and climate change legislation Most environmental groups and leaders supported the House effort… but were quite critical of the Obama Administration’s many concessions to greenhouse gas-producing industries that are responsible … Continue reading

Posted in Rag Bloggers | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Conspiracy Nation : Barack Obama and the Right-Wing Demagogues

Illustration by Gino Barzizza / The Indypendent.Conspiracy Nation: Right-wing demagogues reach out to a supposedly beleagured white middle class, telling them they are being squeezed by parasitic traitors from above and below. By Chip Berlet / September 18, 2009 Even … Continue reading

Posted in RagBlog | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Charles Dean Hood : Fairness Irrelevant in Texas?

Charles Dean Hood: No new trial. Photo by Brian Birzer.Prosecutor and judge were having affair…New trial denied to death row defendant By Ted McLaughlin / The Rag Blog / September 18, 2009 Yesterday, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals denied … Continue reading

Posted in Rag Bloggers | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

Health Care Reform, Racism and Memories of Nuremberg

Jimmy Carter says racism is at core of Obama opposition. Photo by David Mercado /Reuters. One would hope, now that President Carter has cleared the air, that Obama will set aside his effort to please those who cannot be pleased, … Continue reading

Posted in Rag Bloggers | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Trifagura : Corporate Outlaw Dumps Toxic Waste on Ivory Coast

The Probo Koala ship, chartered by Trafigura, docked at the port of Tallinn. Photo from AFP.Takes human toll in West African nation…Commodities trader dumps banned substance By Ted McLaughlin / The Rag Blog / September 17, 2009 This story shows … Continue reading

Posted in Rag Bloggers | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Honduran Resistance : Strong, Nonviolent and Persistent

Supporters of Honduras’ ousted president Manuel Zelaya walk during a rally at Suyapa neighborhood in Tegucigalpa, September 9, 2009. Photo by Edgard Garrido / Reuters.How do we respond?Honduran resistance remains strong If it succeeds, especially if it continues its use … Continue reading

Posted in Rag Bloggers | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Righteous Mob : Like Talking to Children

Photo from registeredmedia.com.KKK to Tea Parties:Communicating with the ignorant and angry By Larry Ray / The Rag Blog / September 15, 2009 If angry outbursts and placard waving protesters against health care reform seem heated today, the idea of planned … Continue reading

Posted in Rag Bloggers | Tagged , , , , , | 18 Comments

Culture Wars and Witch Hunts : Anne Braden, Van Jones and Yosi Sargent

Rosa Parks Interviewed by Anne Braden. Photo from Wisconsin Historical Images.The many fronts of the culture wars The Van Jones resignation has particular meaning for people like me with life experience in the coalfields, where the exploitation of land and … Continue reading

Posted in Rag Bloggers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Robert Jensen : Teaching Journalism with a Mission

Can journalism schools be relevant in a world on the brink? By Robert Jensen / The Rag Blog / September 15, 2009 Journalism schools have much in common with the mainstream news media they traditionally serve. As the business model … Continue reading

Posted in Rag Bloggers | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Siegelman Case : Holder Carries Water for Bushies

Former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman, left, and former HealthSouth CEO Richard Scrushy. Image from AP.Eric Holder’s DOJ supports the prosecution:No new trial for former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman Many progressives have joined in complaining about a thoroughly politicized DOJ. Yet … Continue reading

Posted in Rag Bloggers | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Campaign Finance : Will the Supremes Dance on Democracy’s Corpse?

Straight jacket? “Money Shirt” by Rob Lee / Flickr / Concurring Opinions.The Supreme Court:Set to rule on campaign finance The Court may be poised to shred a century of judicial and legislative attempts to preserve even a semblance of restraint … Continue reading

Posted in Rag Bloggers | Tagged , , | 5 Comments