Archive for December, 2011
Posted on December 24, 2011 by Lou
Need help surviving in a world of moral complexity and injustice? Great story-telling can do that. Don’t worry. This isn’t a meditation on Dostoyevsky or Kafka. Just a little romp about one of my favorite TV shows with a simple and universal “wrong man” theme. Working my way recently through the first season – ’63, [...]
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Posted on December 16, 2011 by Lou
1) Gingrich Sews Up Nomination Former House Speaker Clears the Field as Romney Pulls Out 2) Scott Walker Recalled Wisconsin Voters Remove Unpopular Republican [...]
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Posted on December 14, 2011 by Lou
Three developments transformed American politics in 2011: Madison Militant and dramatic reaction by unions to attacks on state government workers in Wisconsin, Ohio and other states triggers broad and surprising pubic support for “collective bargaining rights.” Occupy Wall Street Economic inequality finally gains traction as an issue thanks to brilliantly-staged and focused protests across the country. [...]
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Posted on December 11, 2011 by Lou
Near the end of Barack Obama’s second term – the president had easily defeated Newt Gingrich in 2011 – a civil war breaks out in the democratic party. Sixty-eight-year-old Hillary Clinton had served the administration brilliantly and was now preparing to win the 2016 democratic nomination in a walk. But instead of a coronation, Hillary [...]
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Posted on December 8, 2011 by Lou
Now and then one of my posts will appear on a site which aggregates blogs. For the most part, though, laborlou.com is a stand-alone. My best explanation is that my writing is too quirky and unpredictable for sites which focus, for example, on politics. Another reason, of course, is that no-one asks (like the kid [...]
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Posted on December 7, 2011 by Lou
It seemed so grim not long ago Republicans ascending But now I sense a changing trend Together with an ending Of conservative maneuvering and other bully tactics Used so well and skillfully with all their great theatrics To undermine reform and change to make a better nation And other small and big ideas to tame [...]
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Posted on December 5, 2011 by Lou
Newt Gingrich talks tough. If nominated, he says he will challenge Barack Obama to seven free-form “Lincoln / Douglas” debates. Republican crowds go wild when he offers “to be fair” and allow the president the use of a teleprompter. Newt’s smug and belligerent approach plays well with the base but will it appeal to the [...]
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Posted on December 2, 2011 by Lou
If you want to see someone with extraordinary political skills, divert your attention for a minute from Newt Gingrich’s takeover of the republican presidential nomination. Look instead halfway around the world to Myanmar, where Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is displaying remarkable diplomatic talent in her meetings with that nation’s leaders and, in particular, its [...]
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Posted on December 1, 2011 by Lou
1) Know when to stop Make your point and shut up 2) Avoid self-indulgence We don’t need to know everything about you 3) Welcome criticism It means somebody’s paying attention 4) Admit when you’re wrong Nobody likes a know-it-all 5) Be honest And don’t try too [...]
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