War In Our Time

In July a BBC reporter in Afghanistan was killed during a battle between NATO forces and Taliban insurgents. NATO, of course, claimed that he was killed by the Taliban. Now an official inquiry has confirmed his family's belief that Ahmed Omed Khpalpan was shot by a NATO soldier. Eleven times.Naturally, the Professional Left has been spreading this news around. Here's the response from a

War In Our Time

In July a BBC reporter in Afghanistan was killed during a battle between NATO forces and Taliban insurgents. NATO, of course, claimed that he was killed by the Taliban. Now an official inquiry has confirmed his family's belief that Ahmed Omed Khpalpan was shot by a NATO soldier. Eleven times.Naturally, the Professional Left has been spreading this news around. Here's the response from a

He's One of Them

I'm still swamped with other things I have do, so I thought I'd pass this along:Thanks to this very funny review by Band of Thebes --Give or take, it's about two pretty dancers in 140 A.D. (the stars of Step Up and Billy Elliot) both of whom are into leather (thus the title) and fight about who's going to be whose slave. In the first half, the buffer, more built 30 year-old muscle stud Marcus

He's One of Them

I'm still swamped with other things I have do, so I thought I'd pass this along:Thanks to this very funny review by Band of Thebes --Give or take, it's about two pretty dancers in 140 A.D. (the stars of Step Up and Billy Elliot) both of whom are into leather (thus the title) and fight about who's going to be whose slave. In the first half, the buffer, more built 30 year-old muscle stud Marcus

Who's On First?

You know, I have trouble nowadays keeping up with the revolving-door series of supreme US commanders in Afghanistan, but apparently it is presently General David Petraeus who's directing the killing of women and children and goats over there to keep America safe.Jonathan Schwarz at A Tiny Revolution passed along this charming story today, though. In a closed-door session, Petraeus suggested to

Who's On First?

You know, I have trouble nowadays keeping up with the revolving-door series of supreme US commanders in Afghanistan, but apparently it is presently General David Petraeus who's directing the killing of women and children and goats over there to keep America safe.Jonathan Schwarz at A Tiny Revolution passed along this charming story today, though. In a closed-door session, Petraeus suggested to

The Destruction Was Mutual

An excellent article at Counterpunch by William Blum. Here's what he has to say about the US and Afghanistan:In their need to defend the US occupation of Afghanistan, many Americans have cited the severe oppression of women in that desperate land and would have you believe that the United States is the last great hope of those poor ladies. However, in the 1980s the United States played an

The Destruction Was Mutual

An excellent article at Counterpunch by William Blum. Here's what he has to say about the US and Afghanistan:In their need to defend the US occupation of Afghanistan, many Americans have cited the severe oppression of women in that desperate land and would have you believe that the United States is the last great hope of those poor ladies. However, in the 1980s the United States played an

When Corruption Is Outlawed, Only Outlaws Will Be Corrupt

(image)We hear a lot about how corrupt Hamid Karzai's government is, and I imagine much of it is true: Karzai is, after all, our creature, our man in Kabul. Almost by definition, a leader installed by invaders is going to be corrupt. If the US had thought Karzai would have too much of a mind of his own, we'd have looked for someone else. It's also useful that such a person should be at least

When Corruption Is Outlawed, Only Outlaws Will Be Corrupt

(image)We hear a lot about how corrupt Hamid Karzai's government is, and I imagine much of it is true: Karzai is, after all, our creature, our man in Kabul. Almost by definition, a leader installed by invaders is going to be corrupt. If the US had thought Karzai would have too much of a mind of his own, we'd have looked for someone else. It's also useful that such a person should be at least

Compare, Contrast, Liquefy

This status was posted by one of my Facebook friends from high school:A Soldier is missing their family while caring for yours. In the minute it takes you to read this, Soldiers all over the world are saving lives. It's Military appreciation week....Repost if you are a Military, love a Military member, hold memories of a Fallen Hero or appreciate the MilitaryOr rather, re-posted, since it's

Compare, Contrast, Liquefy

This status was posted by one of my Facebook friends from high school:A Soldier is missing their family while caring for yours. In the minute it takes you to read this, Soldiers all over the world are saving lives. It's Military appreciation week....Repost if you are a Military, love a Military member, hold memories of a Fallen Hero or appreciate the MilitaryOr rather, re-posted, since it's