In place of a regular pet photo day with dogs and cats, we're going to do somewhat more exotic pets today. Here are two from Americablog.
How America Can Rise Again (James Fallows) from the Atlantic
"After a year of economic calamity that many fear has sent us into irreversible decline, the author finds reassurance in the peculiarly American cycle of crisis and renewal, and in the continuing strength of the forces that have made the country great: our university system, our receptiveness to immigration, our culture of innovation. "
As most of you know, I have been highly skeptical of the "sky is falling" alarmism one finds concerning the US's relative place in the world -- but Fallows is basically on the same page here with points that address the core issues in a fairly comprehensive, long-form article.
When an issue separates the majority from the truth ... (David Rothkopf) from Foreign Policy Magazine
"There are plenty of issues in the news right now where it is absolutely clear the public and the truth are on different sides of the argument. Take just these five:"
I think the author is off-base on some of these issues -- but the larger point certainly is true.
The Least Free Places on Earth: 2010 from Foreign Policy Magazine
"A look at 20 places with nothing to celebrate this weekend. The following images are from the bottom 20 countries and territories from Freedom House's Freedom in the World report, with text prepared by the staff of Freedom House."
It's Not Even Coded Bigotry Anymore (Joan Walsh) from Salon
"The GOP hits Elena Kagan for admiring Thurgood Marshall and hailing from "Manhattan's Upper West Side""
Officials Offer Glimmer of Hope in Containing Gulf Oil Spill from the Miami Herald
"The first hint of a nearing end to the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico was voiced Friday by the Coast Guard admiral in charge there. By July 15, a new, better cap might replace the present leaky cap on the broken well -- temdporarily containing all of the oil, said Adm. Thad Allen."
Kagan v. Marshall: The GOP’s Comparison Backfired (Dahlia Lithwick) from Newsweek
"When Senate Republicans decided to turn the first day of Solicitor General Elena Kagan’s confirmation hearing into a referendum on her mentor, Justice Thurgood Marshall, they made two mistakes."
Surprise, surprise: Tea Partyers are Republicans (E.J. Dionne) from the Washington Post
"Last April, I argued that “both major parties stand to lose if they accept the laughable notion that this media-created protest movement is the voice of true populism. Democrats will spend their time chasing votes they will never win. Republicans will turn their party into an angry and narrow redoubt with no hope of building a durable majority.” I see no reason to change my mind on that."
GOP 'Keystone Kops' Candidates May Save Dem Majorities (J.P. Green) from the Democratic Strategist
"Despite the historical precedent of the party that holds the white house losing seats in their first midterm elections, Dems have a crop of exceptionally-solid candidates in high profile contests. In this context, a series of Dem campaign ads depicting the more clownish GOP statements, followed by a "Sober policies and serious leaders are needed for tough times" message might get some traction."
Three Reasons Why Dems in Better Shape Than in '94 (J.P. Green) from the Democratic Strategist
"Rhodes Cook, senior columnist at Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball, has some encouraging observations for Democratic candidates' mid term prospects. Cook sees 2010 Dems in much better shape relative to the 1994 disaster. First, it's about exposure, says Cook:"
See Cooke's original report HERE.
Conservatives Call for Steele's Resignation Over Afghanistan Comments from the Atlantic
"The obvious factual mistake aside--the war began in 2001 under Bush--conservatives are furious that their party hard would condemn one of the few policies on which they agree with Obama."
WV-Sen: Manchin Pressed to Appoint Self from Politico
"The “Draft Joe” movement has begun. Top West Virginia labor and business leaders are calling on Gov. Joe Manchin– who local Democrats say is highly interested in running for Senate—to reverse course and appoint himself to the seat held by the late Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.)."
HISTORY NUGGET!!
Twelve Unexpected History Trips from the New York Times
"From retro Palm Springs to Newport mansions, history is everywhere you look. Below are 12 ways to experience our geeky, gaudy, mystical, majestic, tough and tragic roots."
CIVIL WAR NUGGET!!
Lincoln Snatches Nomination (Harold Holzer) from American Heritage Magazine
"Bare-knuckles politicking and a brilliant campaign strategy enabled the dark horse to win ."
An appropriate Independence Day topic.
MOVIE NUGGET (I)!!
Friday List: Movies That Make Me Proud to be an American from the Washington Post
"You could always stay home and watch a film that just might make you genuinely proud to be an American. Need some options? That's exactly what this list provides."
MOVIE NUGGET (II)!!
Filmmaker Damien Dematra on Obama's Young Life in Indonesia from Time Magazine
"Two books, plus a movie that he wrote and co-directed (which debuted June 30), are about Barack Obama's childhood in Indonesia. Obama Anak Menteng, or Obama the Menteng Kid, may be a fictionalized account, but it's grounded in Dematra's real reporting. The film explores just one year, 1970, of Obama's past that the filmmaker says played an important role in forming the 44th President's character."
MOVIE NUGGET (III)!!
Cast in Asia's Image from Newsweek
"Five years ago, Hong Kong film director and producer Peter Chan got an intriguing call from Warner Brothers: would he be interested in remaking The Bridges of Madison County with Chow Yun-Fat reprising Clint Eastwood’s role and Chinese actress Gong Li stepping in for Meryl Streep?"
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