It almost seems that a death of a soldier hits home in a worse way than a death of a worker. Death is a death is a death, but somehow we hear all the time about those prematurely taking out military personnel, but almost never of those striking men and women who make the stuff and provide services we use.
According to a federal government report, there were 5,071 industrial deaths in 2008 (down from 5,657 the year before).
According to a Congressional Research Service report, there were 1,441 military fatalities in 2008 (down from 1,953 the previous year).
Does this nation value more those who fight, albeit in the name of defending the nation, than those who make things for us to use, thus building the nation? What would you conclude, if anything?
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The audacity of what?
This whole Obamania thing started with the "Audacity of hope" and now we have "The Audacity of Winninig." As Ariana Huffington says it nicely,
"How did the candidate who got into the race because he'd decided that "the core leadership had turned rotten" and that "the people were getting hosed" become the president who has decided that the American people can only have as much change as Olympia Snowe will allow?"
Well, no politicians that I know have the cajones to really put up the fight, to really stand up for what they believe. They all calculate, strategize, and eventually succumb to what seems to be doable, rather than what is desirable. Why would Pres Obama be any different. Those who thought he would be, suffered from delusions. So did I, regretfully for my old age.
"How did the candidate who got into the race because he'd decided that "the core leadership had turned rotten" and that "the people were getting hosed" become the president who has decided that the American people can only have as much change as Olympia Snowe will allow?"
Well, no politicians that I know have the cajones to really put up the fight, to really stand up for what they believe. They all calculate, strategize, and eventually succumb to what seems to be doable, rather than what is desirable. Why would Pres Obama be any different. Those who thought he would be, suffered from delusions. So did I, regretfully for my old age.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Karzai
It's perplexing! This thing where Karzai is declared the winner of the so-called election in Afghanistan.
Some time ago, the UN said that up to one third of the votes cast for Karzai were fraudulent. Then they set up the run-off to appease the brewing unrest. Finally, Karzai's opponent withdrew.
What a smokescreen! I mean, are we supposed to be totally stupid. I certainly do not know all the facts, or even most of the facts, but this whole Karzai thing really smacks of PR game.
And, on top of that, all the major players immediately congratulated Karzai. What a farce! But it is not surprising.
Some time ago, the UN said that up to one third of the votes cast for Karzai were fraudulent. Then they set up the run-off to appease the brewing unrest. Finally, Karzai's opponent withdrew.
What a smokescreen! I mean, are we supposed to be totally stupid. I certainly do not know all the facts, or even most of the facts, but this whole Karzai thing really smacks of PR game.
And, on top of that, all the major players immediately congratulated Karzai. What a farce! But it is not surprising.
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