By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network
WASHINGTON - Today I had the honor and the privilege of addressing Mike Freedman's George Washington University class on the history of journalism at Washington's Newseum. Against the backdrop of the Newseum's spectacular exhibit on 9/11 - which examines how the news media covered that tragic event - I was asked to talk to the students about my experiences on September 11, 2001, At the time, I was CNNRadio's New York correspondent.
A number of thought provoking questions were tossed my way. But one of them caused me pause.
Mike, professor of media and public affairs and executive director of George Washington's Global Media Institute, asked me whether I thought 9/11 was news - or history.
After considering this question - which had never before been posed to me - I had to answer that it is both.
The actual events of that day are now part of history. But 9/11 is a story that continues to this day.
Aside from the obvious - the increased security at airports, the way cops patrol subways and other potential targets in New York City and elsewhere - there are other factors that make the terrorist attacks of that day newsworthy today.
Like how "the pit" - as many in New York still call the World Trade Center site - still hasn't been redeveloped nearly nine years after the attacks.
How many of the relatives of those who died still have received no remains - and how - if the city has its way - their final resting place will be a garbage dump on Staten Island.
How so many of those who responded on and following September 11 are sick and dying.
How our federal tax dollars are allocated today because of the attacks. So much money going into homeland security and the military. Prosecuting a war in Afghanistan and Pakistan - ostensibly in search of the perpetrators. How that takes away from spending on other programs that - in these hard economic times - are being cut.
So yes, the attacks of September 11, 2001 are part of history. But the news story that began that day remains a story today.
Perhaps in the future - the Newseum will expand the exhibit to look at the history of the extended coverage of 9/11. But not yet. The story - continues.
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Talk to Gary at 5 PM New York time weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
News Talk Online March 30, 2010: Singer/Songwriter Lisa Bianco, School Bullies
New York singer/songwriter Lisa Bianco dazzled the audience today, performing two of her original songs on the Paltalk News Network.
The second segment of the show focused on the tragic story of 15-year-old Phoebe Prince of Massachusetts who committed suicide after being incessantly bullied - and the fact that no one stepped in to intervene when she was being harassed.
Join the chat on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM NY time weekdays at www.joinchatnow.com
The second segment of the show focused on the tragic story of 15-year-old Phoebe Prince of Massachusetts who committed suicide after being incessantly bullied - and the fact that no one stepped in to intervene when she was being harassed.
Join the chat on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM NY time weekdays at www.joinchatnow.com
If James Baker Likes Him, Obama Can't Be A Socialist
By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network
My conservative friends are all bemoaning that President Obama - in their view - is taking this country down the path of socialism. After all - he did push through a health reform bill - didn't he?
But a closer look at the president's record would indicate that he is acting more like a Republican than a Democrat. And now there's renewed proof of that in the form of James Baker's endorsement of Obama's foreign policy.
Let's look at the facts.
Obama campaigned on an anti-Bush platform of promising to bring the troops home from Iraq. But as president he is following the very withdrawal strategy drawn up by his Republican predecessor.
He has decided that the best way to win the objective - whatever that actually means - in Afghanistan - is to add more troops. Where have we seen that strategy before? Oh, I remember now. In Iraq. During then-President George W. Bush's watch.
And domestically - this health care bill - in spite of the partisan breathless pronouncements to the contrary - falls far short of socialistic. There's no single payer option. Something that those who voted for Obama thought they were getting.
In fact, if you really look at the health reform legislation - it takes the form of something the Republicans previously supported. In fact - the requirement that you have to be covered by medical insurance is pretty similar to the health care law in Massachusetts. One that then-Governor Mitt Romney, a Republican takes credit for.
But don't take my word for it. Listen to what James Baker has to say.
You know, the guy who served as Ronald Reagan's chief of staff. As Reagan's treasury secretary. As George H.W. Bush's chief of staff. And as George H.W. Bush's secretary of state. That James Baker - the one with unimpeachable Republican credentials.
At a forum sponsored by the Texas Tribune, Baker had nothing but kind things to say about Obama's foreign policy.
Baker likes the way Obama is handling Iraq. He likes the way he's handling Afghanistan. Why, Baker even likes the way Obama is standing up to Israel!
If Obama is far left-leaning and heading the nation down the path of socialism like some conservatives suggest - it certainly is something that has escaped Baker's attention.
But it's not the right's unfair criticism of Obama that gets me. It's the lack of criticism from the left.
Had John McCain been elected and had the Republican candidate for president initiated the same policies as Obama there would have been a hue and cry from the left - accusing McCain of just being another Bush.
Obama. Change that we can believe in? Hardly.
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You can talk to Gary at 5 PM New York time weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.
Paltalk News Network
My conservative friends are all bemoaning that President Obama - in their view - is taking this country down the path of socialism. After all - he did push through a health reform bill - didn't he?
But a closer look at the president's record would indicate that he is acting more like a Republican than a Democrat. And now there's renewed proof of that in the form of James Baker's endorsement of Obama's foreign policy.
Let's look at the facts.
Obama campaigned on an anti-Bush platform of promising to bring the troops home from Iraq. But as president he is following the very withdrawal strategy drawn up by his Republican predecessor.
He has decided that the best way to win the objective - whatever that actually means - in Afghanistan - is to add more troops. Where have we seen that strategy before? Oh, I remember now. In Iraq. During then-President George W. Bush's watch.
And domestically - this health care bill - in spite of the partisan breathless pronouncements to the contrary - falls far short of socialistic. There's no single payer option. Something that those who voted for Obama thought they were getting.
In fact, if you really look at the health reform legislation - it takes the form of something the Republicans previously supported. In fact - the requirement that you have to be covered by medical insurance is pretty similar to the health care law in Massachusetts. One that then-Governor Mitt Romney, a Republican takes credit for.
But don't take my word for it. Listen to what James Baker has to say.
You know, the guy who served as Ronald Reagan's chief of staff. As Reagan's treasury secretary. As George H.W. Bush's chief of staff. And as George H.W. Bush's secretary of state. That James Baker - the one with unimpeachable Republican credentials.
At a forum sponsored by the Texas Tribune, Baker had nothing but kind things to say about Obama's foreign policy.
Baker likes the way Obama is handling Iraq. He likes the way he's handling Afghanistan. Why, Baker even likes the way Obama is standing up to Israel!
If Obama is far left-leaning and heading the nation down the path of socialism like some conservatives suggest - it certainly is something that has escaped Baker's attention.
But it's not the right's unfair criticism of Obama that gets me. It's the lack of criticism from the left.
Had John McCain been elected and had the Republican candidate for president initiated the same policies as Obama there would have been a hue and cry from the left - accusing McCain of just being another Bush.
Obama. Change that we can believe in? Hardly.
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You can talk to Gary at 5 PM New York time weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.
New York Security Up, Down In Wake Of Moscow Subway Attack
By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network
NEW YORK - Security was beefed up here in New York Monday following the two Moscow subway suicide bombing attacks - with additional cops and national guardsmen patrolling transportation hubs and subways. But even as these precautions were being taken, the New York Daily News learned that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority had yanked weekend security from the Verrazano Bridge and the Queens Midtown Tunnel.
The cops that were stationed at the entrances to the bridge and tunnel have been replaced with high tech surveillance cameras. A great idea if the only thing you're using those bodies for is to help the driver of a car that has broken down or can't find the cash to get through a toll booth. But potentially disastrous if you're looking for suspected terrorists.
The added scrutiny at New York's bridges and tunnels began after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Ever since then, cops look at the drivers of every vehicle approaching the crossings suspiciously. They regularly stop vehicles to question the drivers - and sometimes even conduct searches.
It's not the kind of situation one wants to confront in the United States of America. We believe in the freedom to travel where we want without being harassed by law enforcement.
But it's a prudent step in the wake of September 11. One that most drivers recognize as a necessary convenience.
It's been well documented that the MTA is undergoing financial duress. It just announced proposed elimination of bus and subway lines which will lead to overcrowding and increased commute times for thousands of New Yorkers. And the costs of stationing cops to peruse every vehicle at these crossings is immense. But it is absolutely necessary nevertheless.
It is, of course, possible, that even with police officers stationed at the entrances of the Verrazano, a huge multi-level bridge that links Staten Island with Brooklyn, and the Queens Midtown Tunnel that something untoward could still occur. But their presence makes driving those routes just a little bit safer.
The MTA may be saving money here - but what is saved pales in comparison to the the costs - both financial and in human numbers if - God forbid - this decision opens the door to some kind of a terrorist attack. The cops should be returned to their posts. No later than this weekend.
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Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wallyg/153063892/
Bullied Teen Kills Self
By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network
When my daughter was in high school she was subjected to unrelenting bullying tactics - to her face and over social media sites like Facebook. When her mother called the police, the juvenile officer assigned to the case said she gets complaints like this every day. Every single day.
Fortunately, my daughter has unbelievable self-esteem (anyone who has seen her stand up to me on principle can attest to that). But not all kids do. And in the case of Phoebe Prince, the bullying has brought tragic results.
It's not just that the 15-year-old Massachusetts girl was driven to suicide - allegedly by nine teenagers who have been indicted in her death. It's that there were responsible people - adults as well as her peers - who were aware that she was being bullied. And did nothing about it.
When she was first lady, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton proclaimed that it takes a village to raise a child - and even wrote a book about it. There were those, then, who scoffed at her. But she was right. And it's certain that Phoebe Price's parents aren't scoffing today.
We all have certain responsibilities in life when it comes to others Especially when it comes to children and the elderly. But it seems that dozens of people abrogated their responsibilities with Phoebe. And today - she is dead.
Ever since the September 11, 2001 attacks, you hear this on New York City's subway system. "If you see something, say something." The message is clear. If someone leaves a package behind, or acts suspiciously, report it. But this prudent policy should be expanded to the bullying of our children.
If you see something, say something. Don't put yourself in the position of feeling regret that you didn't get involved after it's too late. Because, once a child takes her life, there's no bringing it back.
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Talk to Gary at 5 PM New York time weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.
Paltalk News Network
When my daughter was in high school she was subjected to unrelenting bullying tactics - to her face and over social media sites like Facebook. When her mother called the police, the juvenile officer assigned to the case said she gets complaints like this every day. Every single day.
Fortunately, my daughter has unbelievable self-esteem (anyone who has seen her stand up to me on principle can attest to that). But not all kids do. And in the case of Phoebe Prince, the bullying has brought tragic results.
It's not just that the 15-year-old Massachusetts girl was driven to suicide - allegedly by nine teenagers who have been indicted in her death. It's that there were responsible people - adults as well as her peers - who were aware that she was being bullied. And did nothing about it.
When she was first lady, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton proclaimed that it takes a village to raise a child - and even wrote a book about it. There were those, then, who scoffed at her. But she was right. And it's certain that Phoebe Price's parents aren't scoffing today.
We all have certain responsibilities in life when it comes to others Especially when it comes to children and the elderly. But it seems that dozens of people abrogated their responsibilities with Phoebe. And today - she is dead.
Ever since the September 11, 2001 attacks, you hear this on New York City's subway system. "If you see something, say something." The message is clear. If someone leaves a package behind, or acts suspiciously, report it. But this prudent policy should be expanded to the bullying of our children.
If you see something, say something. Don't put yourself in the position of feeling regret that you didn't get involved after it's too late. Because, once a child takes her life, there's no bringing it back.
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Talk to Gary at 5 PM New York time weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.
Monday, March 29, 2010
News Talk Online March 29, 2010: The UN's Blood Libel Against Israel
A report by a Libyan NGO, posted on the United Nations Human Rights Council website, claiming the Israelis kidnap and kill Palestinians and then harvest their organs was the topic of today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network. UN Watch Director Hillel Neuer was the guest.
Join the chat on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM NY time weekdays at www.joinchatnow.com
Join the chat on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM NY time weekdays at www.joinchatnow.com
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Who Put Partisanship 1st In Washington?
By GARY BAUMGARTEN
www.Paltalk News Network.com
In the weekly Republican address, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell accuses the Democrats of putting partisanship first and acting against the will of the people by voting for health care reform. But who really put party first and country second?
There were some Democrats who voted no on the legislation. So their votes were based on what they thought was right - their party be damned.
But no Republicans broke ranks. Not a single Republican representative or senator voted for the bill.
How is this possible? Is the bill so atrocious that not a singled Republican favored it? Or is it possible that it was the Republicans - not the Democrats - who put party first?
And how do we come to the conclusion that the Democrats violated the will of the people? When Barack Obama was running for office, did he not promise health reform legislation? Was it not a key component of his campaign's domestic policy? And didn't the public vote him into office?
So hasn't the will of the public been satisfied?
If any segment of the public has the right to claim that the legislation ignores their will its those who favored a single payer program. That's what they thought Obama was promising. And that's what they voted for in November.
Now the Tea Party is scrambling to help the Republicans oust those who voted for the bill. The front page of www.teaparty.org is dedicated to finding people to run against every single member of Congress who voted for the legislation.
If they, and the Republicans, are successful in ousting those Democrats who voted for health reform in November, then McConnell can claim that the bill ignores the people's will. But for those who are - figuratively - riding through the streets of Concord on horseback warning that the end of the Constitution is coming - remember this. That very Constitution that you claim has been "shredded" by the Democratic Party provides a political system that works.
The United States is a republic. Which means we elect people to represent us in Congress. They vote on our behalf. We don't vote on every piece of legislation that's proposed. They do.
If we feel our members of Congress represent us correctly, we re-elect them. If we don't - we fire them. We get the opportunity to re-evaluate these employees every two years - and to replace those who don't represent us at the ballot box.
That's what the Founding Founders had in mind when they created the Constitution.
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Friday, March 26, 2010
March 26, 2010: A Nuclear Treaty With Russia, More Political Violence
President Obama today announced that he will be signing a new nuclear arms treaty with Russia in Prague on April 8.
Speaking about the treaty on today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network was Lawrence J. Korb, senior fellow at the Center for American Progress. He is also a senior adviser to the Center for Defense Information and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University.
We also discussed the continuing violence and threats of violence over the health reform bill, including new threats against members of the GOP, and a road rage incident in Nashville where a man slammed into another man's car because it sported an Obama/Biden bumper sticker.
Join the chat on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM NY time weekdays at www.joinchatnow.com
Speaking about the treaty on today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network was Lawrence J. Korb, senior fellow at the Center for American Progress. He is also a senior adviser to the Center for Defense Information and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University.
We also discussed the continuing violence and threats of violence over the health reform bill, including new threats against members of the GOP, and a road rage incident in Nashville where a man slammed into another man's car because it sported an Obama/Biden bumper sticker.
Join the chat on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM NY time weekdays at www.joinchatnow.com
Threats Of Violence Spreading To GOP
By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network
Threats of violence against members of Congress are not just being directed at Democrats for their support for the health reform bill. Now some Republican members who voted against it are being targeted as well.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere in Washington that led to the threats to begin with - the excessive partisan bickering over the bill - hasn't changed one bit. In fact, partisan accusations of blame for the threats abound.
Democrats are accusing Republicans of fanning the flames with their rhetoric about how the bill is destroying the nation. Republicans are accusing Democrats of making things worse by complaining publicly about the threats.
This dangerous shift in political debate actually began before the health reform bill was introduced. It started - really - when Barack Obama became the Democratic nominee for president of the United States.
Death threats against presidents and presidential candidates aren't new. But they rose to alarming levels when Obama was nominated. Some of it was racially motivated. Some of it because there are those who mistakenly believe Obama is a Muslim.
The Obama campaign chose to not comment on the threats - deciding that to do so would only bring them undue attention and produce even more. Apparently the Democratic leadership struggled with the proper response to the threats that are being tossed toward members of Congress now and came up with a different strategy. They felt it was important for the public to know exactly what was going on.
Perhaps the most distressing partisan comments came from Sarah Palin, who ran for vice president on the Republican ticket and who - today - is in Arizona campaigning for her former running mate - Sen. John McCain - who is seeking re-election. Using terms like "reload" and putting cross-hair targets on a map of congressional districts where Democrats need - in her opinion - to be voted out of office - is protected speech. But not particularly responsible.
In an atmosphere where there are so many people who are terribly distressed by the health reform vote - such rhetoric could be misinterpreted by some unstable individuals as a green light to carry things further.
So far there have been threats, gunshots at property, other acts of vandalism and a suspicious package delivered to a congressman's office. I wonder if things get worse, will those who have been resorting to hyperbole feel any tinge of responsibility? With luck, this won't be a question they will ever have to face.
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Talk to Gary at 5 PM New York time weekdays on the Paltalk News Network. Go to www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.
Paltalk News Network
Threats of violence against members of Congress are not just being directed at Democrats for their support for the health reform bill. Now some Republican members who voted against it are being targeted as well.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere in Washington that led to the threats to begin with - the excessive partisan bickering over the bill - hasn't changed one bit. In fact, partisan accusations of blame for the threats abound.
Democrats are accusing Republicans of fanning the flames with their rhetoric about how the bill is destroying the nation. Republicans are accusing Democrats of making things worse by complaining publicly about the threats.
This dangerous shift in political debate actually began before the health reform bill was introduced. It started - really - when Barack Obama became the Democratic nominee for president of the United States.
Death threats against presidents and presidential candidates aren't new. But they rose to alarming levels when Obama was nominated. Some of it was racially motivated. Some of it because there are those who mistakenly believe Obama is a Muslim.
The Obama campaign chose to not comment on the threats - deciding that to do so would only bring them undue attention and produce even more. Apparently the Democratic leadership struggled with the proper response to the threats that are being tossed toward members of Congress now and came up with a different strategy. They felt it was important for the public to know exactly what was going on.
Perhaps the most distressing partisan comments came from Sarah Palin, who ran for vice president on the Republican ticket and who - today - is in Arizona campaigning for her former running mate - Sen. John McCain - who is seeking re-election. Using terms like "reload" and putting cross-hair targets on a map of congressional districts where Democrats need - in her opinion - to be voted out of office - is protected speech. But not particularly responsible.
In an atmosphere where there are so many people who are terribly distressed by the health reform vote - such rhetoric could be misinterpreted by some unstable individuals as a green light to carry things further.
So far there have been threats, gunshots at property, other acts of vandalism and a suspicious package delivered to a congressman's office. I wonder if things get worse, will those who have been resorting to hyperbole feel any tinge of responsibility? With luck, this won't be a question they will ever have to face.
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Talk to Gary at 5 PM New York time weekdays on the Paltalk News Network. Go to www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
News Talk Online March 25, 2010: Osama Threatens The USA Again
Osama bin Laden is threatening retaliation against Americans if admitted 9/11 mastermind Khaled Sheikh Mohammed is put to death. Should we cower? Or move forward to the prosecution of Khaled Sheikh Mohammed regardless of the potential consequences?
March 25, 2010 Gary Baumgarten Reports From Ground Zero
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Time To Tone Down The Health Reform Rhetoric
Pro-life Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI), who voted for the health reform bill after President Obama agreed to an executive order precluding the use of federal funds to pay for abortions is depicted in this image created by a detractor and posted on the Internet as pro-death. Stupak is one of 10 Democratic members of Congress to receive harassing or death threats in the wake of the bill's passage. There have also been reports of acts of vandalism targeting members of Congress.
I warned during the summer recess town hall meetings that if some of the rhetoric wasn't toned down that things would get out of hand. I wish today that I had been wrong. But something is terribly wrong with our society when those who vote for legislation that some are passionately opposed to are threatened.
There has been repudiation from some Republican members of Congress. This is not to suggest that they are in anyway responsible for these actions. But it's time that they, and some talk show hosts who have been whipping the opposition into a frenzy, speak some reason.
Yes, we value free speech in this nation. But with free speech comes responsibility.
I'm not suggesting that talk show hosts, members of Congress or those who are expressing themselves in opposition to this bill be muzzled. But I am asking that they voluntarily show some responsibility. From their bully pulpits, they have, while not the legal responsibility, but the moral obligation, to tone things down a bit - before somebody gets hurt.
The same goes for the other side. Conservative talk show host Ann Coulter was advised to not give a scheduled speech at the University of Ottawa because the students there to protest her appearance seemed, to security officials, to be a threat.
The Israeli ambassador to the United States was shouted down during a speech at the University of California-Irvine. And 11 protesters were arrested for the disruption.
This is not how the process is supposed to work. Both sides are supposed to get their voices heard. Shouting an invited guest down at a university is bad enough. Threatening members of Congress goes too far.
The FBI and the Capitol Police are both investigating the threats. Hopefully those responsible will be caught - and prosecuted. Before someone gets hurt.
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You can talk to Gary at 5 PM New York time weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network. Just go to www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.
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Wednesday, March 24, 2010
March March 24, 2010; Threats Against Members Of Congress
The FBI is investigating threats made against several Democratic members of Congress who voted for the health reform bill. The degraded state of political rhetoric in the United States was the topic on today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network.
Join the chat on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM NY time weekdays at www.joinchatnow.com
Join the chat on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM NY time weekdays at www.joinchatnow.com
Enough With This Tiger Obsession
By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network
It's indisputable that Tiger Woods is the best pro golfer of our time. Perhaps of all time.
It's also indisputable that he's a human being - with attributes and failings.
Of course, because he's such a phenomenal golfer, it's expected that his professional career would come under scrutiny. And, because he is - therefore - a public figure - his private life would be of interest to the public as well. But there should be limits.
Not only have we, the public, golf fans or not, been treated to blow-by-blow details of the car accident outside Woods' house that lead to the public "outing" of his marital indiscretions, but we've learned about the steamy text messages he's had and we now know what purports to be his deepest sexual fantasies. What a shocker! Deserving - apparently - of screaming headlines. This great golfer has sexual fantasies.
Now, today, we are hearing, not of his fantasies. But of his alleged sexual actions. Courtesy of his porn star friend who feels compelled to exploit Woods by telling all. Apparently there are those in the news media who know no bounds - know not of decency and fair play.
It's not just Woods who suffers from this coverage. So does his estranged wife. And, eventually, so will their beautiful child.
Is this really necessary?
Mainstream news organizations are in decline. They have limited resources because their audiences were shrinking even before the economy. So there's far less in-depth reporting. Less analysis. Far fewer investigative pieces. You know, the kind of reporting that actually makes a difference in our lives. The kind of thing that we've entrusted the news media with: to be our representatives with government. The voice of the people.
Instead, they chase titillating details of Woods' indiscretions. It's easy. And it sells newspapers. Especially if accompany the story with a nice, big, sexy photo of the porn star in question.
It also distracts us from focusing on the important things in life. The economy. Poverty. The number of wars and diseases that are killing people world wide. The spending of our hard-earned and reluctantly contributed tax dollars.
So Tiger Woods broke his marriage vows. Had - apparently - a number of affairs. Shared - apparently - his sexual fantasies which were meant to remain private with a porn actress who decided to exploit him by breaking that trust. And had - apparently - interesting sex with another porn star and her friend. We get it. But he's not the first, nor will he be the last, guy who does one or all of the above in one form or another. Enough is enough. Let's put this story to rest. Let's leave the guy alone. Let's stop quoting all his wife's unnamed "friends" about how this is affecting her. And let's start covering stories that really matter.
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Tuesday, March 23, 2010
News Talk Online March 23, 2010: Health Reform
Today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network focused on the new health reform bill signed into law by President Obama and what's going to change and when those changes will take place.
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Join the chat on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM NY time weekdays at www.joinchatnow.com
Bachmann: I'm Not Filling Out The Census
By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network
A U.S. member of Congress - you know - one of the 435 House members who make the laws - says she not only will violate federal law by refusing to fill out her census form - but she's urging her relatives to follow her lead.
Conservative Republicans seem, increasingly, to be running against the very federal government they've taken an oath to serve. Trying to position themselves as the outsiders to the intrusiveness that they believe Washington represents.
But Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota is taking things a bit far. She's told the Washington Times that she's afraid the information she provides to the Census Bureau will be abused. So she's not filling out the form.
This, of course, sends a horrible message - not only to her constituents - many of whom may now be motivated to follow her lead - but to other Americans who have been so battered with anti-government rhetoric during the health reform debate that they are afraid that they're now going to be hauled away to jail for not having health insurance.
If they're so worried about falling on the wrong side of the law - perhaps their first concern should be the ramifications of not answering the census questionnaire.
It's interesting. On August 18, 2009, Bachmann, speaking on the Fox News Channel, proclaimed that health reform was unconstitutional.
Well, if she's so concerned about upholding the Constitution, then she should read Article 1, Section 2, which mandates that a census be conducted every 10 years. One could argue that she is acting in an unconstitutional manner.
It's not as if the census was a new imposition that takes away our freedoms. The first census was conducted in 1790.
It's also interesting that a member of Congress would refuse to participate in the census. Because congressional districts - you know - like the one she represents - are drawn up based on the census. No census - no congressional districts. No congressional districts - no Congresswoman Bachmann.
As a lawmaker, Bachmann should know that Title 13 of the United States Code protects the confidentiality of information collected by the Census Bureau.
If Bachmann doesn't feel the necessity to follow federal law, she shouldn't be in the business of making it. She should either follow the law and fill out the census form. Or resign.
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Talk to Gary at 5 PM New York time on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network by going to http://www.joinchatnow.com/. There is no charge.
Paltalk News Network
A U.S. member of Congress - you know - one of the 435 House members who make the laws - says she not only will violate federal law by refusing to fill out her census form - but she's urging her relatives to follow her lead.
Conservative Republicans seem, increasingly, to be running against the very federal government they've taken an oath to serve. Trying to position themselves as the outsiders to the intrusiveness that they believe Washington represents.
But Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota is taking things a bit far. She's told the Washington Times that she's afraid the information she provides to the Census Bureau will be abused. So she's not filling out the form.
This, of course, sends a horrible message - not only to her constituents - many of whom may now be motivated to follow her lead - but to other Americans who have been so battered with anti-government rhetoric during the health reform debate that they are afraid that they're now going to be hauled away to jail for not having health insurance.
If they're so worried about falling on the wrong side of the law - perhaps their first concern should be the ramifications of not answering the census questionnaire.
It's interesting. On August 18, 2009, Bachmann, speaking on the Fox News Channel, proclaimed that health reform was unconstitutional.
Well, if she's so concerned about upholding the Constitution, then she should read Article 1, Section 2, which mandates that a census be conducted every 10 years. One could argue that she is acting in an unconstitutional manner.
It's not as if the census was a new imposition that takes away our freedoms. The first census was conducted in 1790.
It's also interesting that a member of Congress would refuse to participate in the census. Because congressional districts - you know - like the one she represents - are drawn up based on the census. No census - no congressional districts. No congressional districts - no Congresswoman Bachmann.
As a lawmaker, Bachmann should know that Title 13 of the United States Code protects the confidentiality of information collected by the Census Bureau.
If Bachmann doesn't feel the necessity to follow federal law, she shouldn't be in the business of making it. She should either follow the law and fill out the census form. Or resign.
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Talk to Gary at 5 PM New York time on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network by going to http://www.joinchatnow.com/. There is no charge.
Monday, March 22, 2010
News Talk Online March 22, 2010: Health Reform
A practicing physician was the first guest on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network to discuss Sunday night's passage in the House of a health reform bill.
Dr. Larry Levitt, senior consultant in neurology emeritus at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA spoke about how the new law will affect the quality of patient care.
Levitt is author of a new book, Uncommon Wisdom, a compilation of true stories from hospitals - part medical mystery - part human spirit.
Second guest was New Hampshire Republican candidate for Congress Jennifer Horn who outlined the legal and political challenges that are already underway to the just-passed bill.
Dr. Larry Levitt, senior consultant in neurology emeritus at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA spoke about how the new law will affect the quality of patient care.
Levitt is author of a new book, Uncommon Wisdom, a compilation of true stories from hospitals - part medical mystery - part human spirit.
Second guest was New Hampshire Republican candidate for Congress Jennifer Horn who outlined the legal and political challenges that are already underway to the just-passed bill.
Health Care Bill Passes, But The 1st Healing Must Be The Nation's
By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network
The House passed President Obama's health reform bill by a slim margin and mainly along party lines. A bill that's designed to ensure that all Americans qualify for health care. But the first healing has to be to a divided country. And that must take place before the new law is fully implemented in four years.
The "debate" over the bill - and I use the term advisedly because the 10 hours of rhetoric in the House was more about talking to constituents than about convincing other members of Congress to vote one way or the other - really underscored the wound that now needs to be mended.
The Republicans - almost to a member - prefaced each reference to the bill with the term "flawed." Clearly, this wasn't coincidental. They orchestrated their message and they stayed on point. Repeatedly.
Each Democrat who was introduced, almost to a member, was praised as having worked hard to get the bill to the floor.
In the end, every Republican voted no - and all but 34 Democrats voted yes. At least we can say that nearly three-dozen Democrats broke with their party leadership and voted their consciences. Not so the Republicans.
But more worrisome than the rhetoric in the House were the words - and actions - outside.
On Saturday, some protesters tossed racial and sexual orientation pejoratives at some Democratic members of Congress as they reported to Capitol Hill. One congressman was spat upon.
Much of the text in the virtual auditorium on the Paltalk News Network reflected during the debate and vote bordered on the inflammatory.
There's been a lot of talk in Washington about reconciliation - as a political tool. But the nation is in need, now, of another kind of reconciliation following this dragged out partisan fight. It would behoove leaders of both parties to reach out across the aisle and begin that process. But with the mid-term elections just around the corner, the chances of that aren't likely.
The Democrats may be celebrating their victory today. But the divisive way this went down means that the Republicans are now loaded for bear and looking for political retribution.
Of course, for the Dems, things probably would have been worse had they lost, because the president, and his party, would have been perceived as politically wounded - allowing for the GOP to move in for the kill.
This is what's so distasteful about this past year of debate over health reform. Instead of doing what's best for the nation, our elected representatives acted in their respective party's best interest. Until they learn to put their constituents first - this is one wound that no kind of health insurance or care can heal.
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The health reform bill will be the topic on today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network. To join in the conversation at 5 PM New York time go to www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.
Paltalk News Network
The House passed President Obama's health reform bill by a slim margin and mainly along party lines. A bill that's designed to ensure that all Americans qualify for health care. But the first healing has to be to a divided country. And that must take place before the new law is fully implemented in four years.
The "debate" over the bill - and I use the term advisedly because the 10 hours of rhetoric in the House was more about talking to constituents than about convincing other members of Congress to vote one way or the other - really underscored the wound that now needs to be mended.
The Republicans - almost to a member - prefaced each reference to the bill with the term "flawed." Clearly, this wasn't coincidental. They orchestrated their message and they stayed on point. Repeatedly.
Each Democrat who was introduced, almost to a member, was praised as having worked hard to get the bill to the floor.
In the end, every Republican voted no - and all but 34 Democrats voted yes. At least we can say that nearly three-dozen Democrats broke with their party leadership and voted their consciences. Not so the Republicans.
But more worrisome than the rhetoric in the House were the words - and actions - outside.
On Saturday, some protesters tossed racial and sexual orientation pejoratives at some Democratic members of Congress as they reported to Capitol Hill. One congressman was spat upon.
Much of the text in the virtual auditorium on the Paltalk News Network reflected during the debate and vote bordered on the inflammatory.
There's been a lot of talk in Washington about reconciliation - as a political tool. But the nation is in need, now, of another kind of reconciliation following this dragged out partisan fight. It would behoove leaders of both parties to reach out across the aisle and begin that process. But with the mid-term elections just around the corner, the chances of that aren't likely.
The Democrats may be celebrating their victory today. But the divisive way this went down means that the Republicans are now loaded for bear and looking for political retribution.
Of course, for the Dems, things probably would have been worse had they lost, because the president, and his party, would have been perceived as politically wounded - allowing for the GOP to move in for the kill.
This is what's so distasteful about this past year of debate over health reform. Instead of doing what's best for the nation, our elected representatives acted in their respective party's best interest. Until they learn to put their constituents first - this is one wound that no kind of health insurance or care can heal.
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The health reform bill will be the topic on today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network. To join in the conversation at 5 PM New York time go to www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Some Tea Party Protesters Are Out Of Control
By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network
It's happened again.
A Tea Party protest produces totally offensive, ugly comments.
The Tea Party is supposed to be an independent movement that's demanding accountability and proper representation of contingencies by members of Congress. But, all-too-often there are incidents of distasteful rhetoric and imagery.
During the town hall debates over the summer, there were instances of protesters calling President Obama a Nazi. Of course, when George W. Bush was president, he too was called by some opponents a Nazi.
Then there were the instances of people exercising their constitutional rights by brandishing firearms at protests outside while President Obama spoke inside the town hall meetings. Yes, they had the right to carry the firearms. But the intimidating message was clear.
Now, during a Tea Party protest on Capitol Hill on the eve of today's health reform vote, the "n" word was tossed at black Congressman John Lewis (D-GA). And gay Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) was called a faggot.
Shouting racial and sexual pejoratives at members of Congress. Good on you Tea Party members. And you really want the rest of the nation to take you seriously!
There is a vocal and seemingly growing general distrust of government in the United States. Some of it is reflective of valid concerns. A lot of it the result of conservative pundit hyperbole. Whether one agrees with this sometimes near hysteria or not - folks have the right to express themselves. They even have the right to shout the "n" word or yell "faggot" at a gay member of Congress. But the right to do so doesn't make it right to do it.
The disintegration of civil discourse in our society isn't healthy. Not for the individuals spewing hatred. Not for their targets. Not for the nation as a whole.
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Live coverage of the health reform vote begins at 1 PM New York time today on the Paltalk News Network. You can talk to Gary at 5 PM weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network. Both at www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.
Paltalk News Network
It's happened again.
A Tea Party protest produces totally offensive, ugly comments.
The Tea Party is supposed to be an independent movement that's demanding accountability and proper representation of contingencies by members of Congress. But, all-too-often there are incidents of distasteful rhetoric and imagery.
During the town hall debates over the summer, there were instances of protesters calling President Obama a Nazi. Of course, when George W. Bush was president, he too was called by some opponents a Nazi.
Then there were the instances of people exercising their constitutional rights by brandishing firearms at protests outside while President Obama spoke inside the town hall meetings. Yes, they had the right to carry the firearms. But the intimidating message was clear.
Now, during a Tea Party protest on Capitol Hill on the eve of today's health reform vote, the "n" word was tossed at black Congressman John Lewis (D-GA). And gay Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) was called a faggot.
Shouting racial and sexual pejoratives at members of Congress. Good on you Tea Party members. And you really want the rest of the nation to take you seriously!
There is a vocal and seemingly growing general distrust of government in the United States. Some of it is reflective of valid concerns. A lot of it the result of conservative pundit hyperbole. Whether one agrees with this sometimes near hysteria or not - folks have the right to express themselves. They even have the right to shout the "n" word or yell "faggot" at a gay member of Congress. But the right to do so doesn't make it right to do it.
The disintegration of civil discourse in our society isn't healthy. Not for the individuals spewing hatred. Not for their targets. Not for the nation as a whole.
--
Live coverage of the health reform vote begins at 1 PM New York time today on the Paltalk News Network. You can talk to Gary at 5 PM weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network. Both at www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Sunday's Vote Shouldn't Be About Partisan Politics
By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network
It's become a partisan battle - this fight over health care reform, And it shouldn't be.
There are those in the Republican Party who are praying that the health reform bill fails on Sunday. Not necessarily because they oppose it. But because failure would weaken President Obama politically. And make it more likely that they can wrestle more seats away from the Democrats during the mid-term elections. And maybe re-take control of the House.
And there are those Democrats who are blindly following their party's leadership and voting for the bill over fears that the Republicans will succeed.
Meanwhile, people who are uninsured - or underinsured - suffer.
How can I say this with any degree of certainty? The current bill, as it stands, is really akin to a Republican proposal. And many Democrats - who favored a singled payer system - are accepting less and will vote for the legislation.
Half a cup - I guess - is better than none.
The president tried to shame the Republicans over this point during a health reform rally at George Mason University yesterday. (We carried the rally in its entirety on the Paltalk News Network - and viewers had opportunity to comment in the chat as the president spoke.)
In doing so, he pointed a finger at the news media. Saying this story is being covered like a sports event. Who wins and who loses politically. While ignoring the fundamental problems over the way we fund health care in the United States today.
Then he did what the conservative pundits consider his second most serious cardinal sin (the first being the use [gasp] of a teleprompter). He gave examples of real people who are suffering for a lack of health care.
I know this is something conservative talk show hosts jump on because of their recent vilification of an 11-year-old boy who has spoken out about the need for health reform because his uninsured mother died from lack of health care. This tells me that partisans will stoop to any level to bring down the other side.
The entire political process has been exposed and magnified during this debate. And what I've seen has made me sick. But it's the kind of sickness that no amount of health insurance or reform can cure.
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Talk to Gary 5 PM weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.
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Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wallyg/3664385777/
News Talk Online March 19, 2010: 9 11 Conspiracy Theories
Today on News Talk Online on The Paltalk News Network we dissected the various 9/11 conspiracy therories.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Muslim Repudiation Of Violence
The argument is made often during News Talk Online shows on the Paltalk News Network that Muslims don't or are "afraid" to speak out against Islamic terrorism. But the fact is, when they do, it's not very widely covered - at least not in the United States.
The Council on American Islamic Relations is - once again - repudiating calls for violence.
CAIR is condemning a new call by Anwar al-Awlaki for Muslims to attack the United States.
In the audio message, the American-born former Virginia resident says he is calling for the attacks because he could not reconcile living in the U.S. and being a Muslim.
"There is no contradiction between being a Muslim and being an American," CAIR says in its statement.
"We repudiate Anwar al-Awlaki's call for attacks on our nation and urge anyone who may be swayed by his extremist views to instead seek out scholars and community leaders who can offer a mainstream perspective on the positive role Muslims are obligated to play in every society."
This is not the first time CAIR has stood up to al-Awlaki. In November, the organiztion his hate-filled statements praising the killings at Fort Hood in Texas.
The Council on American Islamic Relations is - once again - repudiating calls for violence.
CAIR is condemning a new call by Anwar al-Awlaki for Muslims to attack the United States.
In the audio message, the American-born former Virginia resident says he is calling for the attacks because he could not reconcile living in the U.S. and being a Muslim.
"There is no contradiction between being a Muslim and being an American," CAIR says in its statement.
"We repudiate Anwar al-Awlaki's call for attacks on our nation and urge anyone who may be swayed by his extremist views to instead seek out scholars and community leaders who can offer a mainstream perspective on the positive role Muslims are obligated to play in every society."
This is not the first time CAIR has stood up to al-Awlaki. In November, the organiztion his hate-filled statements praising the killings at Fort Hood in Texas.
How To Make Health Reform Work
By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network
There's an old adage. If you're going to do something, do it well.
When it comes to health care reform, Congress isn't doing it well. In fact, the business-as-usual approach to this issue not only amplifies how the compromising, deal making and arm twisting can be injurious to the nation. But it also leaves Americans in a lose-lose situation.
Let me start out by reiterating my position on national health care.
I favor it. I also favor a single-payer system.
I've had it - as has every single one of my fellow Americans who have been victimized by it - with insurance companies who practice medicine without a license.
When I go to a doctor - I expect him or her to be my physician and prescribe treatments that are in my best interest as the patient. I do not expect some insurance bureaucrat who has never met me, examined me, diagnosed me to second-guess my physician and decide what medical treatment is appropriate.
I have no problem with insurance companies demanding that I get a second opinion. But from a physician who actually examines me first.
So it was with great disappointment that I watched Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) abandon his opposition to the health reform plan over its failure to include a single-payer system.
Not only did he abandon it - but the consummate Democratic Party outsider - assuming a very foreign role - has been whipping for the bill ever since.
So now we're left with a bill that does not assure equal medical protection under the law.
There are those who argue - we need to do this now - or it will be generations before health reform comes up again. Take what we can now - amend it later.
Right.
The alternative - of course - is the status quo. Allowing insurance companies to continue second guess and overrule our doctors.
And that's just for those of us who are lucky enough to have good medical insurance.
Opponents to a government plan - by the way - shouldn't be dismissed out-of-hand. Some of their objections are valid and deserve to be addressed.
They point, for example, to the debacle of Medicaid. Many doctors, hospitals, clinics, and now, increasingly, pharmacies, are refusing to take new Medicaid patients because of unreasonably low reimbursement policies. They say that the reimbursement is less than the cost of treatment. And that they spend more time filling out forms than they do examining their patients.
If we are going to expect the government to manage a health program - we have to demand better. But we've not seen better with the systems already in place. So how can we expect better from a new program?
There is, I respectfully suggest, an answer to this. Make Congress use the same medical plan the rest of us do.
Right now, the taxpayers of the United States fund a medical insurance plan for members of Congress that far exceeds anything most of us enjoy. I expect that if members of Congress and their families have to subscribe to the same insurance as the rest of us they'll put together a program that actually works.
Paltalk News Network
There's an old adage. If you're going to do something, do it well.
When it comes to health care reform, Congress isn't doing it well. In fact, the business-as-usual approach to this issue not only amplifies how the compromising, deal making and arm twisting can be injurious to the nation. But it also leaves Americans in a lose-lose situation.
Let me start out by reiterating my position on national health care.
I favor it. I also favor a single-payer system.
I've had it - as has every single one of my fellow Americans who have been victimized by it - with insurance companies who practice medicine without a license.
When I go to a doctor - I expect him or her to be my physician and prescribe treatments that are in my best interest as the patient. I do not expect some insurance bureaucrat who has never met me, examined me, diagnosed me to second-guess my physician and decide what medical treatment is appropriate.
I have no problem with insurance companies demanding that I get a second opinion. But from a physician who actually examines me first.
So it was with great disappointment that I watched Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) abandon his opposition to the health reform plan over its failure to include a single-payer system.
Not only did he abandon it - but the consummate Democratic Party outsider - assuming a very foreign role - has been whipping for the bill ever since.
So now we're left with a bill that does not assure equal medical protection under the law.
There are those who argue - we need to do this now - or it will be generations before health reform comes up again. Take what we can now - amend it later.
Right.
The alternative - of course - is the status quo. Allowing insurance companies to continue second guess and overrule our doctors.
And that's just for those of us who are lucky enough to have good medical insurance.
Opponents to a government plan - by the way - shouldn't be dismissed out-of-hand. Some of their objections are valid and deserve to be addressed.
They point, for example, to the debacle of Medicaid. Many doctors, hospitals, clinics, and now, increasingly, pharmacies, are refusing to take new Medicaid patients because of unreasonably low reimbursement policies. They say that the reimbursement is less than the cost of treatment. And that they spend more time filling out forms than they do examining their patients.
If we are going to expect the government to manage a health program - we have to demand better. But we've not seen better with the systems already in place. So how can we expect better from a new program?
There is, I respectfully suggest, an answer to this. Make Congress use the same medical plan the rest of us do.
Right now, the taxpayers of the United States fund a medical insurance plan for members of Congress that far exceeds anything most of us enjoy. I expect that if members of Congress and their families have to subscribe to the same insurance as the rest of us they'll put together a program that actually works.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
News Talk Online March 18, 2010: Underfunded Medicaid & The Legality Of Drone Attacks
Walgreen's decision to accept no new Medicaid customers in Washington State and the legality of the use of drones to attack targeted individuals in Afghanistan and Pakistan were the topics on today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network.
Was The 9/11 Commission Harnessed?
A document obtained by the ACLU suggest that the 9/11 Commission was told to not probe too deeply into the possible reasons for the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
The commission was told in the memo to not address with any significance the treatment of detainees at the Guantanamo Bay Detention Center. There are no indications that the memo stymied the commission in its attempts to determine what happened on that day.
Still, the surfacing of the memo serves to raise questions about what else the commission was precluded from investigating. There are renewed calls for a reopening of the investigation into the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
The commission was told in the memo to not address with any significance the treatment of detainees at the Guantanamo Bay Detention Center. There are no indications that the memo stymied the commission in its attempts to determine what happened on that day.
Still, the surfacing of the memo serves to raise questions about what else the commission was precluded from investigating. There are renewed calls for a reopening of the investigation into the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
Washington State Walgreens Cutting Out Medicaid
During yesterday's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network we discussed with Dr. Michael Pryce the paltry reimbursement doctors get from various state Medicaid programs.
We learned that in Georgia, a doctor couldn't find a pediatric orthopedic surgeon to treat a young patient who was on Medicaid.
We learned that lots of doctors just can't afford to take Medicaid patients because the reimbursements - which are - Dr. Pryce reported - 60 percent of what Medicare gives - are less than the cost of treatment. Add to that the cost of filling out forms and a single practitioner doctor like Pryce is spending more time and money on bureaucracy than on patient treatment.
Now we are learning that in Washington State, Walgreens will no longer accept Medicaid patients at their pharmacies.
Walgreens complaint is the same. The drug store loses money each time it fills a prescription for a Medicaid patient.
This all comes at a time, of course, when President Obama is trying to get some kind of health reform package passed by Congress.
We do need health reform. Too many of our fellow Americans lack health insurance. Too many are under-treated because they are on Medicare or Medicaid. Too many who do have insurance are denied treatment by their insurance companies. Doctors call this practicing medicine without a license.
But when we hear of this kind of government underfunding of health care and prescriptions, even those of us who favor a national health care plan take pause.
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Talk to Gary 5 PM New York time weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network. Go to www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.
We learned that in Georgia, a doctor couldn't find a pediatric orthopedic surgeon to treat a young patient who was on Medicaid.
We learned that lots of doctors just can't afford to take Medicaid patients because the reimbursements - which are - Dr. Pryce reported - 60 percent of what Medicare gives - are less than the cost of treatment. Add to that the cost of filling out forms and a single practitioner doctor like Pryce is spending more time and money on bureaucracy than on patient treatment.
Now we are learning that in Washington State, Walgreens will no longer accept Medicaid patients at their pharmacies.
Walgreens complaint is the same. The drug store loses money each time it fills a prescription for a Medicaid patient.
This all comes at a time, of course, when President Obama is trying to get some kind of health reform package passed by Congress.
We do need health reform. Too many of our fellow Americans lack health insurance. Too many are under-treated because they are on Medicare or Medicaid. Too many who do have insurance are denied treatment by their insurance companies. Doctors call this practicing medicine without a license.
But when we hear of this kind of government underfunding of health care and prescriptions, even those of us who favor a national health care plan take pause.
--
Talk to Gary 5 PM New York time weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network. Go to www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.
Overuse Of The Anti-Semitism Accusation
By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network
Some people are too quick to use the term anti-Semitism. So quick that - when it actually occurs - people sometimes turn a deaf ear.
Such is the case of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's brother-in-law's accusation that President Obama is an anti-Semite.
To his credit, Netanyahu has distanced himself from his wife's brother's imprudent comments.
Hagi Ben-Artzi apparently believes that Obama's criticism of Israel's decision to build more apartment units in East Jerusalem smacks of anti-Semitism. But if Israel is to be taken seriously as a sovereign nation, it must be prepared to take criticism without dismissing it out-of-hand as anti-Semitism.
There are other phrases - mostly uttered by Israel's opponents - that are also overused. Like genocide. Holocaust. Nazism.
Israelis - and many Americans - are not pleased that Obama remained silent, for example, when Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the president of Iran, talked - once again - about eradicating Israel. But jumped all over this decision to build more apartments in an area of East Jerusalem that's predominantly Jewish already.
It's fair to criticize Obama for this inconstancy. But calling Obama an anti-Semite is about as fair as accusing Israel of being Nazis.
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Talk to Gary 5 PM New York time weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network. Go to www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.
Paltalk News Network
Some people are too quick to use the term anti-Semitism. So quick that - when it actually occurs - people sometimes turn a deaf ear.
Such is the case of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's brother-in-law's accusation that President Obama is an anti-Semite.
To his credit, Netanyahu has distanced himself from his wife's brother's imprudent comments.
Hagi Ben-Artzi apparently believes that Obama's criticism of Israel's decision to build more apartment units in East Jerusalem smacks of anti-Semitism. But if Israel is to be taken seriously as a sovereign nation, it must be prepared to take criticism without dismissing it out-of-hand as anti-Semitism.
There are other phrases - mostly uttered by Israel's opponents - that are also overused. Like genocide. Holocaust. Nazism.
Israelis - and many Americans - are not pleased that Obama remained silent, for example, when Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the president of Iran, talked - once again - about eradicating Israel. But jumped all over this decision to build more apartments in an area of East Jerusalem that's predominantly Jewish already.
It's fair to criticize Obama for this inconstancy. But calling Obama an anti-Semite is about as fair as accusing Israel of being Nazis.
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Talk to Gary 5 PM New York time weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network. Go to www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
News Talk Online March 17, 2010: The Health Reform Bill
Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) and Rep. Dale Kildee (D-MI) today both dropped their opposition to the health reform bill that the White House and the Democratic congressional leadership so desperately want to pass in the next several days.
Joining us to talk about the legislation and the need for real health reform was Dr. Michael Pryce, a practicing physician and an independent candidate for the U.S. Senate in Ohio.
Joining us to talk about the legislation and the need for real health reform was Dr. Michael Pryce, a practicing physician and an independent candidate for the U.S. Senate in Ohio.
New Jersey Transit's Puke Express
Today is one day that I can say I'm not particularly proud to be from Monmouth County, NJ.
To the parents of Monmouth County, I must say, our offspring, today, were an embarrassment to us.
To the management of New Jersey Transit, I say, learn how to run a railroad and anticipate hordes of additional passengers when there's a major event in New York City.
To the New Jersey Transit cop who ordered me to turn off my video camera when the police finally came to our rescue, I say, read the First Amendment before you leave roll call tomorrow.
All-in-all the 9:31 AM from Middletown, NJ to New York Penn Station was far from an enjoyable ride today.
It started with the kids - I'd say most of them in their late teens - coming on board at Middletown. Drinking. Smoking (yes smoking on the train). Pounding on the car's roof. Packed in like sardines. Acting the fool. Excited to be taking the train to New York City to attend the St. Patrick's Day parade.
Not all of them. But enough that - by the time we had gotten to Woodbridge - the conductor had had enough and had called the New Jersey Transit cops to meet the train.
When I saw them running along the platform to our car, I was elated. The car was packed. Kids were sitting on top of one another. The aisles were jammed. People were spilling beer on one another. And some were puking on each other.
And a few were actually smoking on a crowded train.
On the way, the engineer dutifully - in sight of an over packed train that defied common sense and public safety - stopped at each station to take on more passengers.
The worst incident of the ride could have been the view from the train of two girls on the platform at the Aberdeen-Matawan station. Both dropped their drawers in public view, squatted, and peed before getting on the train. I'm sure "ladies" your parents would have been proud of your actions.
By the time we got to - I think it was Elizabeth - I was a bit concerned about things getting out-of-hand. When I saw the cops hustling up the platform toward my car, I was relieved.
A Sgt. Lee ordered some of the kids off the train to relieve the overcrowding. And I made the - apparently in his mind arrestable mistake - of videotaping him - a public figure at work. He ordered me to turn the camera off or he'd arrest me for "obstruction."
Interesting. These kids are tearing up the car and he threatens to arrest me.
As a result of today's "interesting" ride, I have messages to the kids, to the NJ Transit management and to its police department.
To the kids: If you want to be treated as young adults, act like young adults. Your actions today were an embarrassment. To yourselves. To your parents. To your community.
To NJ Transit: When there's a parade or other major event in New York City - get your act together and put enough trains and cars on the line to handle the anticipated influx of passengers.
And to the cops: You have a tough job - one that I support. But you can't tread on another's rights. I have the right to videotape you in a public place doing the public's business. So do that and stop threatening people acting within their rights.
To the parents of Monmouth County, I must say, our offspring, today, were an embarrassment to us.
To the management of New Jersey Transit, I say, learn how to run a railroad and anticipate hordes of additional passengers when there's a major event in New York City.
To the New Jersey Transit cop who ordered me to turn off my video camera when the police finally came to our rescue, I say, read the First Amendment before you leave roll call tomorrow.
All-in-all the 9:31 AM from Middletown, NJ to New York Penn Station was far from an enjoyable ride today.
It started with the kids - I'd say most of them in their late teens - coming on board at Middletown. Drinking. Smoking (yes smoking on the train). Pounding on the car's roof. Packed in like sardines. Acting the fool. Excited to be taking the train to New York City to attend the St. Patrick's Day parade.
Not all of them. But enough that - by the time we had gotten to Woodbridge - the conductor had had enough and had called the New Jersey Transit cops to meet the train.
When I saw them running along the platform to our car, I was elated. The car was packed. Kids were sitting on top of one another. The aisles were jammed. People were spilling beer on one another. And some were puking on each other.
And a few were actually smoking on a crowded train.
On the way, the engineer dutifully - in sight of an over packed train that defied common sense and public safety - stopped at each station to take on more passengers.
The worst incident of the ride could have been the view from the train of two girls on the platform at the Aberdeen-Matawan station. Both dropped their drawers in public view, squatted, and peed before getting on the train. I'm sure "ladies" your parents would have been proud of your actions.
By the time we got to - I think it was Elizabeth - I was a bit concerned about things getting out-of-hand. When I saw the cops hustling up the platform toward my car, I was relieved.
A Sgt. Lee ordered some of the kids off the train to relieve the overcrowding. And I made the - apparently in his mind arrestable mistake - of videotaping him - a public figure at work. He ordered me to turn the camera off or he'd arrest me for "obstruction."
Interesting. These kids are tearing up the car and he threatens to arrest me.
As a result of today's "interesting" ride, I have messages to the kids, to the NJ Transit management and to its police department.
To the kids: If you want to be treated as young adults, act like young adults. Your actions today were an embarrassment. To yourselves. To your parents. To your community.
To NJ Transit: When there's a parade or other major event in New York City - get your act together and put enough trains and cars on the line to handle the anticipated influx of passengers.
And to the cops: You have a tough job - one that I support. But you can't tread on another's rights. I have the right to videotape you in a public place doing the public's business. So do that and stop threatening people acting within their rights.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
News Talk Online March 16, 2010: Over Medication Of Mental Patients, A Jew Renounces His Right To Return To Israel
Two guests on today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network.
The first, Pamela Glasner, author of the new novel, Finding Emmaus, discussed what she believes is a multi-billion dollar conspiracy between the pharmaceutical industry and the FDA in which millions of Americans are being misdiagnosed with mental illnesses and drugged for no other reason than the enormous income they generate.
Then, journalist and best selling author Antony Lowenstein joined us from Australia to explain that why he, as a Jew, has renounced his right of return to Israel because of his disgust over that nation's policies toward the Palestinians.
The first, Pamela Glasner, author of the new novel, Finding Emmaus, discussed what she believes is a multi-billion dollar conspiracy between the pharmaceutical industry and the FDA in which millions of Americans are being misdiagnosed with mental illnesses and drugged for no other reason than the enormous income they generate.
Then, journalist and best selling author Antony Lowenstein joined us from Australia to explain that why he, as a Jew, has renounced his right of return to Israel because of his disgust over that nation's policies toward the Palestinians.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Some Folks Aren't Completing Census Forms On Principle
Distrust of the government may prompt some people to not fill out their census form - or to leave some items blank.
A friend puts it this way:
"First of all, i am only answering these questions. Number of people living in the household. Race. Adult or minor.
"If they come to the house demanding more information I will tell them to fine me."
My friend objects to the failure, on the form, to ask if each person is a citizen. He believes that if the reason for the census is to determine congressional districts, then it should be based on the number of citizens who live in an area.
He is also refusing to provide his phone number.
"The governemnt cannot and does not compel me to have a phone, my phone is private and unlisted and I pay for that luxury." He says if the government wants his phone number, his entire bill ought to be tax deductible.
"I will also not provide information on other folks who live in my house," he says. "They are adults and have privacy rights."
My friend says he won't allow himself to become "an agent of the governemnt to provide them with information" on others.
"A I see it," he says, "the maximum fine they can levy on me is $100 because if you read the law, you cannot be compelled to answer questions about non-relatives."
I'm not a lawyer so I don't know whether my friend is correct about his assertions. But I do know that he's not alone among people who claim they are reticent to complete their census forms because of their - valid or not - mistrust of the government.
A friend puts it this way:
"First of all, i am only answering these questions. Number of people living in the household. Race. Adult or minor.
"If they come to the house demanding more information I will tell them to fine me."
My friend objects to the failure, on the form, to ask if each person is a citizen. He believes that if the reason for the census is to determine congressional districts, then it should be based on the number of citizens who live in an area.
He is also refusing to provide his phone number.
"The governemnt cannot and does not compel me to have a phone, my phone is private and unlisted and I pay for that luxury." He says if the government wants his phone number, his entire bill ought to be tax deductible.
"I will also not provide information on other folks who live in my house," he says. "They are adults and have privacy rights."
My friend says he won't allow himself to become "an agent of the governemnt to provide them with information" on others.
"A I see it," he says, "the maximum fine they can levy on me is $100 because if you read the law, you cannot be compelled to answer questions about non-relatives."
I'm not a lawyer so I don't know whether my friend is correct about his assertions. But I do know that he's not alone among people who claim they are reticent to complete their census forms because of their - valid or not - mistrust of the government.
News Talk Online March 15, 2010: Status Of Women Around The World, Obama Pitches Health Care & Mexican Hit Squad Attacks Americans
The 54th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women has just been completed at the United Nations.
The commission met to review implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action. While more women may be in power than ever before - internationally - gender inequality creates a serious gap. Hundreds of millions of women and girls in developing nations have fewer employment opportunities and lag behind their male counterparts in human rights and even in medical care.
Joining us on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network to talk about the efforts to close the gender was Judith Van Unen of JERA International. JERA, Justice Equality Rights Access International, works for gender equality in the workplace.
Talk Radio News Service White House correspondent Victoria Jones also reported on President Obama's trip to Strongsville, Ohio to push for passage of a health care bill.
And we discussed the killings in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico of a pregnant American employee of the U.S. consulate, her husband and the husband of a Mexican State Department employee.
The commission met to review implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action. While more women may be in power than ever before - internationally - gender inequality creates a serious gap. Hundreds of millions of women and girls in developing nations have fewer employment opportunities and lag behind their male counterparts in human rights and even in medical care.
Joining us on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network to talk about the efforts to close the gender was Judith Van Unen of JERA International. JERA, Justice Equality Rights Access International, works for gender equality in the workplace.
Talk Radio News Service White House correspondent Victoria Jones also reported on President Obama's trip to Strongsville, Ohio to push for passage of a health care bill.
And we discussed the killings in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico of a pregnant American employee of the U.S. consulate, her husband and the husband of a Mexican State Department employee.
Mexican Hit Squad Attacks Americans
They are emboldened and they operate with relative impunity. And their actions have to be horrifically straining U.S.-Mexican diplomatic relations.
Mexican hit squads have attacked U.S. diplomats in a border town.
Staff of the U.S. consulate in Ciudad Juarez have come under literal fire. A pregnant American employee of the consulate and her husband have been killed. So was the husband of a Mexican employee.
Of course, the United States wants to keep good relations with our "neighbor to the south." But the numbers of Americans who have been slaughtered south of the border is alarming. More than 200 Americans have been killed in Mexico since 2004.
Not to mention the Mexican drug gangs operating here on U.S. soil - killing American citizens here and making neighborhoods in the United States of America uninviting and dangerous.
The number of Border Patrol agents protecting the area north of the Rio Grande is woefully inadequate. They've been compensating for this by installing underground detectors that alert agents in remote and sparse outposts of foot traffic heading north. But while there have been successes in capturing illegals entering the United States - its really a frustrating and largely losing battle - sort of like trying to swim upstream.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says she offers her "deepest sympathies"
to the families and colleagues of the dead and, in a statement, assures us that "the safety and security of our personnel and their families in Mexico and at posts around the world is always our highest priority."
Clinton says the State Department is "working with the government of Mexico to do everything necessary to protect our people and to ensure that the perpetrators of these horrendous acts are brought to justice."
It's times like these when these diplomatic niceties need to be discarded.
The United States should demand, in the strongest terms, that those responsible be brought to justice. And that the corruption in Mexican law enforcement and military that allows these drug gangs free reign be rooted out. "Working with the government of Mexico" doesn't cut it anymore. This continuing drug-related violence - that's affecting not just Mexicans - but increasingly Americans - has to be curtailed.
In the meantime, travel by Americans to Mexico should be curtailed. I say this as a person who was a frequent visitor to Mexico. But no more. Not until this rampant violence is brought under control.
Mexican hit squads have attacked U.S. diplomats in a border town.
Staff of the U.S. consulate in Ciudad Juarez have come under literal fire. A pregnant American employee of the consulate and her husband have been killed. So was the husband of a Mexican employee.
Of course, the United States wants to keep good relations with our "neighbor to the south." But the numbers of Americans who have been slaughtered south of the border is alarming. More than 200 Americans have been killed in Mexico since 2004.
Not to mention the Mexican drug gangs operating here on U.S. soil - killing American citizens here and making neighborhoods in the United States of America uninviting and dangerous.
The number of Border Patrol agents protecting the area north of the Rio Grande is woefully inadequate. They've been compensating for this by installing underground detectors that alert agents in remote and sparse outposts of foot traffic heading north. But while there have been successes in capturing illegals entering the United States - its really a frustrating and largely losing battle - sort of like trying to swim upstream.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says she offers her "deepest sympathies"
to the families and colleagues of the dead and, in a statement, assures us that "the safety and security of our personnel and their families in Mexico and at posts around the world is always our highest priority."
Clinton says the State Department is "working with the government of Mexico to do everything necessary to protect our people and to ensure that the perpetrators of these horrendous acts are brought to justice."
It's times like these when these diplomatic niceties need to be discarded.
The United States should demand, in the strongest terms, that those responsible be brought to justice. And that the corruption in Mexican law enforcement and military that allows these drug gangs free reign be rooted out. "Working with the government of Mexico" doesn't cut it anymore. This continuing drug-related violence - that's affecting not just Mexicans - but increasingly Americans - has to be curtailed.
In the meantime, travel by Americans to Mexico should be curtailed. I say this as a person who was a frequent visitor to Mexico. But no more. Not until this rampant violence is brought under control.
Israel Concerned About Weakening U.S. Ties
Israel is clearly concerned about a widening rift between that nation and the United States over the building of settlement homes in east Jerusalem.
The announcement of the approval to build additional homes came during a trip the Jewish state by Vice President Joe Biden. The vice president felt it had blindsided him, and that's when the war of words over the decision began.
An article in Foreign Policy Magazine, however, claims that the rift was set up before the trip, when the U.S. military - concerned about Arab impressions of the relationship between the United States and Israel, pressured the White House to show the world that it had some control over the Jewish state. If true, this raises concerns about the amount of influence the military has over U.S. government policy.
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Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/keoki/336480615/
Friday, March 12, 2010
News Talk Online March 12, 2010: Obamacare
The White House announced today that President Obama is postponing his scheduled Asian trip to be close to the action as the legislation on health reform heads down the final stretch in Congress. But does Obamacare stand a chance?
That was the question posed during today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network - including a live report from the White House from Talk Radio News Service correspondent Victoria Jones.
That was the question posed during today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network - including a live report from the White House from Talk Radio News Service correspondent Victoria Jones.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
News Talk Online March 11, 2010: The Iraq Elections
Iraqi voters refused to be intimidated despite insurgent attacks designed to keep them away from polling places this past weekend. At least 36 people were killed. Ten million voters showed up at 10,000 polling places to vote for over 6,000 candidates in Iraq’s general election, a 62 percent turnout according to the BBC. For comparison, voter turnout in the U.S. for the 2008 presidential election was 56.8 percent.
Anbar, a mainly Sunni province had a 61 percent voter turnout, significant because there were fears that Sunnis might not show up to vote due to previous feelings of hostility.
Many Sunnis reportedly cast their ballots for former secular (and Shiite) interim Iraqi leader Ayad Allawi's faction. Prime Minister Nouri Maliki’s State of Law Coalition is expected to win most of the seats but it is unlikely that one party will form a government alone.
The final results are not expected until the end of March.
Does this indicate that Iraq is embracing Democracy? And once Iraq establishes a democratic government, will it then pressure the United States to keep troops there longer, or to withdraw more quickly?
Carl Conetta, co-director of the Project on Defense Alternatives and author of Should We Stay or Should We Go? The U.S. Debate on Exiting Iraq answered these and other questions as our guest on today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network.
Anbar, a mainly Sunni province had a 61 percent voter turnout, significant because there were fears that Sunnis might not show up to vote due to previous feelings of hostility.
Many Sunnis reportedly cast their ballots for former secular (and Shiite) interim Iraqi leader Ayad Allawi's faction. Prime Minister Nouri Maliki’s State of Law Coalition is expected to win most of the seats but it is unlikely that one party will form a government alone.
The final results are not expected until the end of March.
Does this indicate that Iraq is embracing Democracy? And once Iraq establishes a democratic government, will it then pressure the United States to keep troops there longer, or to withdraw more quickly?
Carl Conetta, co-director of the Project on Defense Alternatives and author of Should We Stay or Should We Go? The U.S. Debate on Exiting Iraq answered these and other questions as our guest on today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
News Talk Online March 11, 2010: The Changing Way We Get Our News
Eric Williams, an award winning reporter from New York, now based in Australia, and Rafael Martinez Alequin, veteran journalist who edits www.yourfreefpress.blogspot.com discussed the state of journalism inn this troubled economy on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network today.
News organizations were already under criticism for abrogating their responsibilities before the economy declined. Now, with fewer resources, their ability to properly investigate the stories they bring to us is hampered further. The public suffers.
There are attempts on the Internet to fill the void left by a declining mainstream news media. But how does one determine which of these voices represent credibility? Williams and Martinez Alequin offered some answers.
Williams, formerly of Pacifica Radio’s WBAI-FM Evening News in New York City is currently based in Australia from which he covers the Pacific-Asian region for the Paltalk News Network. He previously extensively covered the United Nations.
News organizations were already under criticism for abrogating their responsibilities before the economy declined. Now, with fewer resources, their ability to properly investigate the stories they bring to us is hampered further. The public suffers.
There are attempts on the Internet to fill the void left by a declining mainstream news media. But how does one determine which of these voices represent credibility? Williams and Martinez Alequin offered some answers.
Williams, formerly of Pacifica Radio’s WBAI-FM Evening News in New York City is currently based in Australia from which he covers the Pacific-Asian region for the Paltalk News Network. He previously extensively covered the United Nations.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Overheard On The Train
My friend, Amy Alkon, writes brilliantly and more eloquently than me about this problem in her book, I See Rude People. But another voice spreading the word about loud mouthed people on their cellphones in public places can't hurt and might help her one-woman crusade against rude behavior pick up some steam.
Saturday night, on the New Jersey Transit North Coast line heading out of New York Penn Station, a very pretty young lady got on the train and sat across the aisle from me while shouting at her boyfriend on her Nextel radio. Which means were all treated to both sides of a profanity laden lover's quarrel, which included his references to her as a "bitch" and hers to him as an "asshole."
After about 10 minutes of this heated debate, he stopped answering her.
"Hello? Are you there? Can you hear me?"
Yes, we all can hear you young lady! All of us on the train!
Unable to get a response from her boyfriend, she switched the device to the cellphone mode and proceeded to give his voice mail not one, not two but (count 'em) three pieces of her mind. It all mercifully ended when the conductor announced Elizabeth Broad Street Station as the next - and thankfully - her stop.
The excitement of that call was forgotten. Until this morning. While on the same line heading back to New York City, I sat in front of another attractive young lady, who yakked for about 20 minutes on her cellphone about a person she knew who recently died. "He looked so good the day before he died," she announced to her fellow passengers. We also learned about her brother's repeated indiscretions and grooming faux pas and her troubles on the job.
As soon as that conversation had ended, she rang up another friend to complain about the person she had just gotten off the phone with. "I couldn't get off the phone because he wouldn't stop talking" she declared, though from what I heard, she would have been far more accurate saying "I didn't let him get a word in edgewise."
Then we learned that she was meeting this co-worker she was talking with at New York Penn Station because they were coming in on different trains to attend a work-related conference. We also learned that the only thing she cared about was when they were serving the booze at the event. Oh yes, we also found out that she had to pee. Very very badly. So she'd have to take care of that little issue after they met up at the train station before heading to the conference.
When Amy overhears these kinds of conversations, she usually takes notes and then uses the information she writes down to contact someone involved in the call to let them know that they'd broadcasted personal or confidential business information to all within auditory range (you'd be surprised, Amy writes, about how many people spout off their phone numbers in public while on a cellphone). She also politely but firmly informs them that they were disrupting everyone else's space and peace of mind
I didn't go that far with these calls. But I have to agree with Amy. These instances of total disregard for others seem to be more prevalent lately. Amy's waging a one-woman war against the transgressors. I think I've pretty much reached my breaking point and I'm ready to join her in battle!
Saturday night, on the New Jersey Transit North Coast line heading out of New York Penn Station, a very pretty young lady got on the train and sat across the aisle from me while shouting at her boyfriend on her Nextel radio. Which means were all treated to both sides of a profanity laden lover's quarrel, which included his references to her as a "bitch" and hers to him as an "asshole."
After about 10 minutes of this heated debate, he stopped answering her.
"Hello? Are you there? Can you hear me?"
Yes, we all can hear you young lady! All of us on the train!
Unable to get a response from her boyfriend, she switched the device to the cellphone mode and proceeded to give his voice mail not one, not two but (count 'em) three pieces of her mind. It all mercifully ended when the conductor announced Elizabeth Broad Street Station as the next - and thankfully - her stop.
The excitement of that call was forgotten. Until this morning. While on the same line heading back to New York City, I sat in front of another attractive young lady, who yakked for about 20 minutes on her cellphone about a person she knew who recently died. "He looked so good the day before he died," she announced to her fellow passengers. We also learned about her brother's repeated indiscretions and grooming faux pas and her troubles on the job.
As soon as that conversation had ended, she rang up another friend to complain about the person she had just gotten off the phone with. "I couldn't get off the phone because he wouldn't stop talking" she declared, though from what I heard, she would have been far more accurate saying "I didn't let him get a word in edgewise."
Then we learned that she was meeting this co-worker she was talking with at New York Penn Station because they were coming in on different trains to attend a work-related conference. We also learned that the only thing she cared about was when they were serving the booze at the event. Oh yes, we also found out that she had to pee. Very very badly. So she'd have to take care of that little issue after they met up at the train station before heading to the conference.
When Amy overhears these kinds of conversations, she usually takes notes and then uses the information she writes down to contact someone involved in the call to let them know that they'd broadcasted personal or confidential business information to all within auditory range (you'd be surprised, Amy writes, about how many people spout off their phone numbers in public while on a cellphone). She also politely but firmly informs them that they were disrupting everyone else's space and peace of mind
I didn't go that far with these calls. But I have to agree with Amy. These instances of total disregard for others seem to be more prevalent lately. Amy's waging a one-woman war against the transgressors. I think I've pretty much reached my breaking point and I'm ready to join her in battle!
Polar Bear Plunge For Special Olympics Live On The Paltalk News Network
Some 4,000 people braved the chilly waters of the Atlantic Ocean in Seaside Heights, NJ to raise money for Special Olympics. The Polar Bear Plunge was covered live on the Paltalk News Network.
The goal this year was $1 million.
The goal this year was $1 million.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
3,000+ Days Of The War In Afghanistan Topic On Paltalk
According to the Defense Department, more than 1,000 U.S. soliders have died in Afghanistan - nearly 44-hundred more in Iraq over the past eight years. The number of civilian deaths may never really be known.
The United States has a timetable for withdrawing from Iraq. President Obama wants to begin sending troops home from Afghanistan within the year. But at the same time he's sending more troops in. And after 3,000 plus days in Afghanistan, many people are questioning the objectives of the war.
Joining us on Tuesday March 9 at 5 PM New York time on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network to discuss the future of Afghanistan will be Masha Hamilton.
Hamilton worked as a foreign correspondent for The Associated Press for five years in the Middle East, where she covered the Intifada, the peace process and the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon. Then she spent five years in Moscow, where she was a correspondent for the Los Angeles Times, wrote a newspaper column, “Postcard from Moscow,” and reported for NBC/Mutual Radio. She wrote about Kremlin politics as well as life for average Russians under Gorbachev and Yeltsin during the coup and collapse of the Soviet Union.
Hamilton traveled to Afghanistan in the spring of 2004 to report on the changing situation for women in prison, child brides, war widows and others. In 2006, she traveled in Kenya to research The Camel Bookmobile and interview drought and famine victims in the isolated northeast near the border with Somalia.
To talk to Hamilton at 5 PM New York time Tuesday please go to www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.
To talk to Hamilton at 5 PM New York time Tuesday please go to www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
No Gitmo Trial In New York
No trial here
By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network
It's looking more and more like the trials of alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and four alleged co-conspirators won't be held in New York City.
News reports say that a deal has already been made - but not yet announced - to move the cases back to the military court system.
According to the reports, a panel of White House advisers will make the recommendation.
In return, the administration will press forward with its previously announced but now-delayed plan to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility.
The decision to move the trial to federal court in Manhattan will ill-advised from the start.
First, it was a psychological nightmare. Ordering the trial in a courthouse within easy walking distance of the World Trade Center site.
Secondly, the administration failed to first consult with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his police commissioner, Ray Kelly. Both were blindsided - and faced with the prospect of paying for security that could have resulted in the cuts of other services to New Yorkers. To those who would have been affected - especially nearby business owners who would have been stuck within a ring of security that would have driven customers away - it would have been like being victimized a second time.
Thirdly, (and there was and remains some debate on this point) holding the trials in a civilian criminal court would have been a legal nightmare. The five had been arrested and treated as enemy combatants. A process that has different rules than the federal court system. Their defense lawyers would have had a field day - filing motions to dismiss evidence because it wasn't procured in a manner that would be deemed legal in the criminal justice system.
Finally, there's the issue of the defendants using the trial as a platform to further spew their hate.
In the end, the fact that the Obama administration didn't anticipate the kind of push back it got from the decision to hold the trials in federal court is indicative of a degree of political naivety and arrogance. Hopefully, the president and his team have learned something from the experience.
Friday, March 5, 2010
News Talk Online March 5, 2010: The Cell Phone Phenomenon
It wasn't too long ago that, if we wanted to phone somebody, we had to use a land-line phone from a residence, or workplace, or phone booth. And we just called the apparatus a telephone, not a "landline.
Nowadays, folks can always keep in touch - anytime and anywhere - with the great invention of the cellphone. Ah, the convenience of modern technology. But is the cellphone a blessing or a curse? It's a great invention, but as we explored on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network, when the people who are using them are rude or careless, it's not so great.
Nowadays, folks can always keep in touch - anytime and anywhere - with the great invention of the cellphone. Ah, the convenience of modern technology. But is the cellphone a blessing or a curse? It's a great invention, but as we explored on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network, when the people who are using them are rude or careless, it's not so great.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
News Talk Online March 4, 2010: Security Council Split On Iran
By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network
In the end, it could be the failure of the UN Security Council to reach agreement on Iran that leads to war.
The United States is pushing for passage of a draft resolution that would increase sanctions on Iran - directed primarily at the leadership of the Revolutionary Guard. Over fears that Tehran is developing nuclear weapons.
France is in agreement that something should be done. So is the UK. But China and Russia are arguing for more time for negotiations. More time that gives Iran the opportunity to forge ahead with its nuclear program.
The failure of the permanent five members of the Security Council to be of one mind sends a dangerous message to Iran. That message is: don't worry. No one is going to try to force anything on you.
It's like parents giving mixed messages to their children. It doesn't work.
Here's the real danger in all this.
There are those in the Middle East, and not just Israel, who are very nervous about the prospect of a nuclear armed Iran. If the Security Council members themselves can't agree, and if Israel in particular becomes convinced that Iran is proceeding with making a nuclear weapons, expect a preemptive strike.
Of course, if that happens, the UN will suddenly wake up and condemn Israel. But if that happens, the resolutions of condemnation should really be directed at the Security Council.
Perhaps talking is the best course of action. Perhaps additional sanctions should be imposed. Or maybe a combination of the two. But one thing's clear. If the world wants to get any kind of verifiable compliance out of Iran, the Security Council has to get its act together first.
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Join the conversation on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM New York time weekdays by clicking on www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.
Paltalk News Network
In the end, it could be the failure of the UN Security Council to reach agreement on Iran that leads to war.
The United States is pushing for passage of a draft resolution that would increase sanctions on Iran - directed primarily at the leadership of the Revolutionary Guard. Over fears that Tehran is developing nuclear weapons.
France is in agreement that something should be done. So is the UK. But China and Russia are arguing for more time for negotiations. More time that gives Iran the opportunity to forge ahead with its nuclear program.
The failure of the permanent five members of the Security Council to be of one mind sends a dangerous message to Iran. That message is: don't worry. No one is going to try to force anything on you.
It's like parents giving mixed messages to their children. It doesn't work.
Here's the real danger in all this.
There are those in the Middle East, and not just Israel, who are very nervous about the prospect of a nuclear armed Iran. If the Security Council members themselves can't agree, and if Israel in particular becomes convinced that Iran is proceeding with making a nuclear weapons, expect a preemptive strike.
Of course, if that happens, the UN will suddenly wake up and condemn Israel. But if that happens, the resolutions of condemnation should really be directed at the Security Council.
Perhaps talking is the best course of action. Perhaps additional sanctions should be imposed. Or maybe a combination of the two. But one thing's clear. If the world wants to get any kind of verifiable compliance out of Iran, the Security Council has to get its act together first.
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Join the conversation on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM New York time weekdays by clicking on www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.
News Talk Online March 8, 2010: Jesse Ventura
Former wrestling champion and Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura was the guest on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network today..
Ventura talked about conspiracies that have abounded in U.S. history - from the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, to that of JFK and - he believes - the attacks of September 11, 2001.
Ventura has authored a new book, appropriately entitled American Conspiracies, in which he argues, in documented detail, that government conspiracies have and continue to occur.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
6 More Dissidents Arrested In Iran
By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network
Usually as the Iranian New Year approaches, March 21st, the government makes some gesture toward reconciliation by releasing political prisoners. But this year, Tehran is taking the opposite tack. Arresting those the government deems to be political troublemakers.
The other day an opposition filmmaker, his wife, daughter and his house guests were all arrested and taken to an unknown location or locations. Now comes word that six more government critics are in custody.
While the main focus of the international community has been on Iran's nuclear aspirations, it's important to not forget those who have been, and continue to be, subjected to human rights violations.
There is an overwhelming desire among the Iranian people for freedom. It started with the outpouring of protests following the disputed re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. But that's now morphed into something larger. A general desire for freedom.
From of speech. Freedom to assemble. Freedom of religion.
It is clear that the regime is losing its grip on the people. No longer are people afraid - or if they are they are defiant enough to come protest.
If the regime had the support of the people it would not have to resort to the bullying tactics of shutting off Internet and cellphone service. Smashing computers. Beating people. Arresting them and making them incommunicado. Shooting and even killing them.
The Iranian government may be able to kill individuals. But it can't snuff out the collective desire for freedom.
It was a revolution of another kind - a fundamentalist Islamic revolution - that toppled the Shah of Iran. Those who are old enough to have been involved in that effort must feel the heat of a new revolution. A revolution of freedom.
The government has successfully choked the flow of images from Iran to the outside world. It's all but completely banned foreign journalists from reporting anything of substance. But just because videos shot on the streets of Iran aren't appearing with the same regularity as before on YouTube and on CNN doesn't mean the Green Movement has been suppressed. Those involved are tenacious and single minded. Those in power must remember when they had the same sense of purpose. They know then that they are in trouble. If they are smart, they'll get out of the way of the inevitable change that's heading toward them. Change that - no matter how many Revolutionary Guard and militia goons at their disposal - they cannot stop.
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Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hamed/3636927440/
News Talk Online March 3, 2010: The Debt Diva
New credit card rules, designed to keep the card companies from charging excessive interest raters and from harassing and pressuring customers, are now in effect in the United States. But there are still major loopholes.
Clarky Davis, the Debt Diva, was my guest on today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network with advise on how to avoid the pitfalls and how to get out of debt.
Clarky Davis, the Debt Diva, was my guest on today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network with advise on how to avoid the pitfalls and how to get out of debt.
Bunning Balks
Bunning
U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning (R-KY) has relented - giving up a filibuster that halted funding for an extension of unemployment benefits to Americans. His procedural move had also stopped some Transportation Department funding.
The Senate immediately passed an extension that will get the money - which expired Sunday night at midnight - back into the pipeline.
Bunning, a Hall of Fame Major League Baseball pitcher before he ran for office, did not, however, go quietly into the night. In a statement, the senator blasted the Democrats, who had pushed hard for him to end the filibuster, for first voting down an amendment that he had added to the bill which would have eliminated a tax credit paper companies enjoy. So in the end, he walked away with nothing, and so, the lame duck Bunning (he's not running for re-election) issued a statement blasting the other party.
"Democrats tonight showed their true colors by going back on their word on the agreement I had reached with Majority Leader Reid to have an up-or-down vote on my amendment to fully pay for the unemployment extension and other federal programs. Instead, Senate Democrats used a procedural gimmick so they would not have to vote on my pay-for amendment. What are they so afraid of?
"For too long Congresses controlled by both Republican and Democrat majorities have not done a good enough job of controlling the spending of the taxpayers’ money. My stand over the last couple of days was not against those Kentuckians who are on the unemployment line. I support the underlying legislation and support those who are out of work and need a helping hand. What I do not support is the hypocrisy displayed by Senate Democrats. Just over a month ago Democrats passed pay-go legislation and then turned around and waived it for the next two major pieces of legislation that were considered by the Senate. What was the point of passing pay-go legislation? If Democrats continue to ignore their own rules I will oppose future legislation that is not paid for."
Bunning's unpopular filibuster, which apparently was conducted without the backing of the GOP leadership, forced many Republican senators to distance themselves from him.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
News Talk Online March 2, 2009: NOW Demands NY Gov Resign, Americans Perception Of Israel
My first guest on today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network was Marsha Pappas, president of the New York state chapter of the National Organization for Women.
NOW is demanding that beleaguered New York Gov. David Paterson resign, over reports that he directed state officials to pressure a woman who accused his top aid of domestic violence to back off.
Paterson is already a lame duck. He had planned to run for a full term, has already said that he will not seek the Democratic Party nomination for governor.
Then we focused on a Gallup poll that concludes that Americans hold Israel in pretty high esteem - their fifth most favorite nation in the world - behind Canada, Britain, Germany and Japan.
NOW is demanding that beleaguered New York Gov. David Paterson resign, over reports that he directed state officials to pressure a woman who accused his top aid of domestic violence to back off.
Paterson is already a lame duck. He had planned to run for a full term, has already said that he will not seek the Democratic Party nomination for governor.
Then we focused on a Gallup poll that concludes that Americans hold Israel in pretty high esteem - their fifth most favorite nation in the world - behind Canada, Britain, Germany and Japan.
Anti-Israel Rhetoric Masks Reality
To listen to all the anti-Israeli rhetoric on Paltalk - much of it out of the mouths of citizens of the United States - one would get the impression that Americans were really down on the Jewish state. But a new poll suggests that - while the loudest voices sometimes get the most attention - they represent a warped reality.
The poll finds that Americans list Israel as the fifth most favored nation in the world. That's fifth out of 193 states recognized by the United Nations. Vatican City is tossed into that list for good measure.
Which nations rate higher than Israel, you ask? Canada, Britain, Germany and Japan, according to the Gallup poll.
The poll finds that Americans list Israel as the fifth most favored nation in the world. That's fifth out of 193 states recognized by the United Nations. Vatican City is tossed into that list for good measure.
Which nations rate higher than Israel, you ask? Canada, Britain, Germany and Japan, according to the Gallup poll.
Iranian Filmmaker Arrested
An Iranian filmmaker, who is a member of that nation's opposition, has been arrested according to family members and prosecutors in Iran.
An opposition website quotes the son of arrested filmmaker Jafar Panahi as saying that Panahi's wife, daughter and 15 dinner guests at his house were also arrested and taken to an unknown location.
An opposition website quotes the son of arrested filmmaker Jafar Panahi as saying that Panahi's wife, daughter and 15 dinner guests at his house were also arrested and taken to an unknown location.
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