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Archive: July 2008
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Table of Contents
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Published: July 2008
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America's Hidden History
 Who Invented The Telephone?
by Ron Stouffer At a time when corporations had just won corporate “personhood” in the 1886 US Supreme Court case, Santa Clara v. Southern Pacific Railroad Corporation, I suppose Daniel Drawbaugh had little chance of beating the corporate-backed Bell in court.
Art & Culture
Hasta Cosas Cambian: Until Things Change
by Kevin McCloskey The Committee to Protect Journalists ranks Mexico among the most dangerous countries for reporters in Latin America. Even the truck drivers delivering the Oaxacan newspapers have been gunned down.
Book Reviews
Cultural Criticism
THE ROAD TO PROGRESS
by Jack Lindeman e.e. cummings once wrote that “progress is a comfortable disease,” a contention I would not dare argue with.
Field Guide to Bicyclists
by Jason Haber A cadre of homeless men hangs out among the marble facades and steam grates near the mall with their bikes. Bicycles have become a trademark of the homeless who develop a network of resources around town.
Dear George (1937-2008)
by James Patrick A few words about George Carlin
Energy Issues
Bush-doo (Voodoo) Economics of Energy Deregulation
by Jack Straw Bush-doo (Voodoo) Economics of Energy Deregulation
Health Care: News & Notes
Hear Bill Mackey on Single-Payer
by CommonSense2 Editor
2 Comments Bill Mackey has stuck his neck out for working families on the pre-eminent moral issue of our times…
Health Care Action Alert: A Call to Action
by Ron Stouffer and Rosie Skomitz Vigilance is called for if Medicare is to survive efforts to hasten its demise through privatization.
Humor
The M’s Have It!
by Pat Brown Miscellaneous Committe News Flash:
After lengthy debate at a recent meeting held at TC’s Pub, the Kutztown Area Democratic Club’s Miscellaneous Committee reached a consensus agreement on a new dress code. The Miscellaneous Committee, a linchpin of the club’s organization, was created to direct and administer the all important club miscellany. Member and fashion guru Dennis […]
Literary Criticism
There’s Something Rotten In Denmark 2
by Jack Lindeman The very meaning of life seems to nauseate him when he muses on the reality of the anatomical ultimates. Even imperious Caesar is probably plugging up “a hole to keep the wind away.”
The Future Ain’t What It Used To Be Part II
by Chuck Brown
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If we haven’t moved from here, if we haven’t found a new way of living, all of the things we’ve done, all of our achievements, will be nothing. |
Poetry
A Sniper Speaks
by Brad Hatfield Brad Hatfield’s powerful look into the soul of a soldier.
On Friendly Fire
by Steven M. Sloan No matter who pulls the trigger, the victim is still dead.
DULCE ET DECORUM EST
by Jack Lindeman Jack Lindeman is back with one of his strongest offerings.
UNLIKELY TOURIST
by Jack Lindeman Our favorite poet assesses the democratic legacy of his Philadelphia hometown.
A Flagpole in Missouri
by Jack Romig A new poem from CS2’s poetry editor.
For Sgt. Bruce Horner (Killed in Iraq)
by Laurence Overmire Remembering one of ours lost in Iraq.
Politics: Local
Kutztown Dems Party To End Of Bush Era
by CommonSense2 Editor Kutztown Dems Party To End Of Bush Era
Politics: National
Is Barack Obama Patriotic?
by Walter Brasch Barack Obama is now as patriotic as the electorate wants him to be. During most of the primaries, he didn’t wear a flag pin on his lapel. He didn’t think wearing pins makes one patriotic, or not wearing one makes someone unpatriotic. But, the right-wing lambasted him for that. Now he wears a flag pin.
The Rocket’s Red Glare May Be Chinese
by Walter Brasch “Not that war,” said Marshbaum. “This is bigger. China invaded our homeland. We’re under attack. And thanks to a 5-4 decision by the Supremes, me and Ole Betsy will defend my home from the Commie invaders.”
Surprise…Surprise!
by Bob Johns “2 TRILLION BARRELS OF OIL?”
The Corporate Takeover and NAFTA “Superhighways”
by Ron Stouffer
2 Comments Educated citizens are one way of defeating ignorance and passivity.
Politics: State
Pennsylvania Politics: Resolved to Continue Bigotry
by Walter Brasch But that wasn’t what angered Rep. Daryl Metcalf, a five term Republican from north of Pittsburgh. “The Muslims do not recognize Jesus Christ as God,” he declared indignantly, and said he would vote against the resolution.
Squabbling Over the Pigeon Bill
by Walter Brasch Nevertheless, even with “expert” shooters on the line, only about one-fifth of the pigeons are killed outright, according to Heidi Prescott, senior vice-president of the Humane Society of the United States. About a tenth of the birds usually escape. But about two-thirds are wounded.
Can Bill Mackey Topple a Giant? Part II
by Chuck Brown and that sounds good, but when you (Dave Argall) are in there 24 years you get pretty slick. What he did was, there were 12 amendments to actually make the ACRE farm bill a good bill. Dave voted against every one of those. amendments.
Dennis Baylor vs. The Commonwealth of PA.
by Chuck Brown One man takes on the PA election system!
Travel
Addendum To “Of Cockraoches and Lizards”
by Jack Lindeman They are my fellow sufferers even though they often inadvertently make me suffer when I am sitting outside on a hot summer day.
Mid-Month Supplemental
Keeping you up to date with late breaking news and issues along with previews and other items of interest. This Issue & Site News
Everything CS2 site related: article info, site developments, coming attractions. CommonSense2-July 2008 Issue # 11So don't be fooled by our cover. We think this issue has as many quality articles as always and perhaps more. We'll let you be the judge. So let's get on with it! Editorials
Opinions, rants, confessions and predictions appear in this monthly commentary. Quotes To PonderQuotes to ponder on a rainy afternoon. An Open Letter To Governor Ed Rendell
5 CommentsI can think of no one who brings more political capital, retail political ability and intelligence to the table. To Your Health
Ron Stouffer and Rosie Skomitz have been waging battles in the health care wars for 15 years. Check back every month for views, opinions and information vital to you and To Your Health Health Care YES! Health Insurance Companies NO!
1 CommentDenials of treatment, rejection of large claims, and insuring only the healthy will continue to be profit-making practices. Though immoral and reprehensible, these practices are necessary components of profit-first marketplace economics. This is not a system that Americans, in good conscience, can continue to support. The Keystone Scorecard
Sylvia Baylor chronicles the absurdities of Harrisburg and our State Legislature. Occasionally The Keystone Scorecard will feature guest authors. Liberty Gets a Wedgie
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One aspect of the agreement on judicial nominees reportedly involves the alternate energy investment plan, sources said. The governor has suggested that the closer to $850 million over three years the energy investment plan is, the more input he is willing to take from the Senate GOP on the judicial appointments... |
The Road Less Traveled
I’ve known Kathleen Welch for 35 years. I’ve learned to respect and admire her resilience and her refusal to buckle under to conventional wisdom. As you get to know her through these columns I’m sure you’ll feel the same. Rethinking Chicken Little
1 CommentSometimes I need so much downtime. It is truly essential, and yet, given the precious leisure that I crave in an otherwise busy life, I often don't know what to do with it when it comes. The Dark Visions of Sheldon Kaplan
Sheldon Kaplan explores and brings a world into focus that is unseen to most of us THEN & NOWThis isn't an Ayn Rand and Frank Lloyd Wright world, this is a greed driven got to spend more than I make and everything is an investment world. Like Oscar Wilde once said, "They know the price of everything and the value of nothing". That Woman!!
Dorothy Reilly - You may love her, you may hate her, but you’ll never be confused about where That Woman!! stands. Who Tim Holden Blames My guess is that if we do, in fact, get a progressive in the White House, the Blue Dogs will continue to cause problems.
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July 2008 - Back Issue