I first saw this story on Politico, but when Rubin on Tax took it up I knew it was serious: According to pleadings filed in a civil action, Z Street is a nonprofit organization which educates the public about Zionism, and about the State of Israel and its battle with terror. As a nonprofit educational …
Now He Tells Us: Al Gore Admits Corn Ethanol Not Such a Good Idea
It took long enough: Former U.S. vice-president Al Gore said support for corn-based ethanol in the United States was "not a good policy", weeks before tax credits are up for renewal. U.S. blending tax breaks for ethanol make it profitable for refiners to use the fuel even when it is more expensive than gasoline. The …
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There are Good Reasons Why the Obama Administration Doesn't Prosecute People for Torture
David Cole at the New York Review of Books (along with many other on the left) would like to see some prosecutions: In the face of overwhelming evidence that numerous US detainees were tortured during the Bush years, President Barack Obama has famously said he wants to “look forward, not back.” He prohibited the use …
Roundabouts, the Next Redneck Personal Challenge
The Old Grey Lady catches up with a new reality in the U.S.: Traffic is going in circles. Armed with mounting data showing that roundabouts are safer, cheaper to maintain and friendlier to the environment, transportation experts around the country are persuading communities to replace traditional intersections with them. Appearances notwithstanding, roundabouts, such as the …
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TSA Strip Searches: The Old "B&O" Is Looking Better Than Ever
The recent fracas over the strip searches (that's what they amount to, no matter how they're done) the TSA has instituted for the flying public in the U.S. reminded me of something I posted a long time ago. My family business celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1952 with a celebration in Chicago. One of my …
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Does Hillary Clinton Care if the Christians in Iraq are Wiped Out?
It sure doesn't look like it: Now that a new government has finally formed, it is time for Maliki to switch his focus from trying to remain prime minister to fulfilling his duty as head of state to protect the most vulnerable among his population. But let’s be honest—without enormous pressure from his backers in …
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TSA Gearing Up for Trade Union Election
As if the flap over full body scans--physical and otherwise--wasn't enough, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) is about to have elections for union representation: The Federal Labor Relations Authority on Friday accepted a petition from the American Federation of Government Employees and the National Treasury Employees Union to hold an election to determine which group …
Is Democracy Really Dying After All?
To some, it looks that way: Winston Churchill may have been right about democracy’s being the worst form of government except for all the others, but he probably wouldn’t have guessed that the bar would fall so low. In his sweeping review of contemporary moral and political life, Kenneth Minogue contends that, as currently practised, …
Snowy Beauty, DOT Style
This, from (I think) south-western Virginia: Taken this day in 1987.
Wake Up, South Florida Boomers: We Are the People We Made Fun Of
That is, we are becoming elderly drivers: Remember "The Little Old Lady from Pasadena"? Baby boomers who first danced to that 1964 pop hit about a granny burning up the road in her hot rod will begin turning 65 in January. Experts say keeping those drivers safe and mobile is a challenge with profound implications.... …
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Positive Infinity 