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Category Archives: RagBlog
Understanding the Politics of the Vocal Discontents
Remember Scout and Jem Finch? They who burn books …. will also, in the end, burn people.” — Heinrich Heine Fear, Ignorance and the Summer of Our DiscontentBy John Atcheson / October 4, 2009 Fear To those of us in … Continue reading
Posted in RagBlog
Tagged Corporate Power, Electoral politics, Political Action, Tea Baggers
11 Comments
Cause of Death : Forensic Science Gone Bad
“The Judgment of Cambyses” (right panel) by Gerard David, 1498.A post mortem:The justice system and the medical examiner There has been a spate of occurrences that is beginning to cast some doubt on the judgment of at least some medical … Continue reading
Posted in RagBlog
Tagged Criminal Justice, Forensic Medicine, Rick Perry, Texas, Texas Legislature
1 Comment
Capitalist Health Care : We Live the Result
This is some considerable evidence that the common folk really don’t have much to say about the kind of health care we are going to get. Until we get this kind of activity and big money out of Congress, there … Continue reading
Surprising Facts About Who’s Watching What
Fighting Delusion: Attention to Political NewsBy Joel Hirschhorn / October 2, 2009 You may be surprised, as I was, that a recent poll found that more Americans than ever are paying attention to national political news. But this does not … Continue reading
Glenn W. Smith : Has Rick Perry Committed a Federal Crime?
Rick Perry fires investigators in Willingham case;Is he guilty of obstruction of justice? Gov. Rick Perry, like Pilate before him, washed his hands of any responsibility for the execution of a man experts say was innocent. And now Perry has … Continue reading
Top Ten Lies About Iran and Its ‘Nuclear Program’
Looks like Vancouver or maybe the Seattle area, but this is actually Tehran. Looks the same as your home town, doesn’t it?Top Things You Think You Know About Iran That Are Not TrueBy Juan Cole / October 1, 2009 Thursday … Continue reading
U.S. Schools : Segregation Worse Today Than in the 1950’s
“The Problem We All Live With” by Norman Rockwell. Photo courtesy of the Detroit Institute of Arts.U.S. schools are more segregated today than in the 1950s In California and Texas segregation is spreading into large sections of suburbia as well. … Continue reading
Posted in RagBlog
Tagged American Society, Civil Rights Movement, Education, Public Schools, Segregation
3 Comments
American Jazz Musicians Struggle in Retirement
More than 100 musicians and supporters of “Jazz for Justice Artists!” turned out for a rally that began at the Judson Memorial Church in Greenwich Village. Photo: Kirsten Luce/New York TimesAfter years filled with jazz, struggling in retirementBy Emily S. … Continue reading
Gore Vidal: Pessimistic About Prospects for the U.S.
Gore Vidal in his colonial home in the Hollywood Hills. He is one of America’s most significant writers and social critic. Photo: Source.Gore Vidal: ‘We’ll have a dictatorship soon in the U.S.’By Tim Teeman / September 30, 2009 The grand … Continue reading
Dems Who Voted Against Public Option : $19 Million in Healthcare Bucks
CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGEMax Baucus Health Care Lobbyist Complex Democrats who voted against public optionGot $19 million from healthcare firms …compared to the profits the insurance industry will make if a public option is defeated… They got a great deal … Continue reading
Posted in RagBlog
Tagged Blue Dog Democrats, Democratic Party, Health Care Reform, Public Option, U.S. Senate
2 Comments
Austin Transit Threatening to Hike Fares Again
February 7, 1940, marked a dramatic change for Austin commuters. At 1:40 p.m. 500 Austinites boarded the electric streetcars at 6th and Congress for one final ride. The ceremonial ride also launched the Austin Transit Company’s brand new fleet of … Continue reading
Prisoners of Conscience : U.S. Military Isolates War Resisters
Incarcerated anti-war GI and musician (above) Travis Bishop. Below, he is shown before his court martial at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas on Aug. 14, 2009. Photo by Alice Embree / The Rag Blog.Army prisoners isolated,Denied right to legal counsel … Continue reading
Posted in RagBlog
Tagged Afghanistan, Anti-War GIs, Criminal Justice, Fort Hood, U.S. Military, War Resisters
8 Comments
