Recent Commentaries

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The Cafferty File
Jack Cafferty is CNN’s resident grouch. Five days a week, Cafferty has a segment on CNN’s Situation Room that frequents the three-hour program with questions to viewers; questions that cut-to-the-chase of all things political and cultural. In examining some of the details of President Obama’s stimulus package, Jack asks, “How does getting people to stop smoking stimulate the economy?” Or this, “[Republicans]...
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January 30, 2009
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What About Bob?
I have this friend; let’s call him “Bob.” Or rather, b — that’s how he signs his emails.  A typical message looks like this: i used less words than you b Most of “Bob’s” messages are usually clear and concise. Sometimes a little too concise: whatever happened to this? b Well,  » Read more about: What About Bob?  »...
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January 28, 2009
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And the Winner is…
Nixon had Watergate, Clinton had Lewinsky, Cheney his “Scooter” Libby.  Now, we have Rod Blagojevich who seems determined to turn hubris into a new category at the Academy Awards. For your consideration:  “They’re just hanging me… [They’re] trampling the constitution… The good guy is up against the establishment.” However, when Illinois state senators begin their impeachment trial today based on the governor’s...
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January 26, 2009
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Empirical vs. A Miracle
Philosophy’s Age of Reason began in the 1600’s marked by such notables as Thomas Hobbes, René Descartes, Baruch Spinoza, John Locke, even the astronomer Galileo. However, four-hundred additional years of empirical and physical knowledge seem to have no affect on individuals who cling to the religious notion that God alone has the power to heal the sick. According to a report in...
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January 23, 2009
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January 20, 2009
It’s difficult to express in words the true significance of the event that took place in our nation’s capitol yesterday. All I can do is offer my own impressions. “Our challenges may be new… But those values upon which our success depends – hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism – these things...
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January 20, 2009
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Two Things Americans Can Do
Heavy snow fell the night before the inauguration. On Friday, January 20, 1961, I sat in my seventh grade homeroom class while the teacher rolled in a black and white television and announced that we would all be watching history take place today.  (Me, I always liked a good excuse to watch TV.) What I was unprepared for was how...
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January 19, 2009
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Five Things the President Needs to Remember
On Tuesday, January 20, 2009, Barack Obama becomes the 44th President of the United States. With the possible exception of Franklin Roosevelt, probably the only other person to face such a staggering high level of expectations was Babe Ruth following his purchase by the New York Yankees in 1919 for the equally staggering sum of $200,000.  (Roosevelt only cost $75,000...
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January 16, 2009
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Five Things Congress Can Do to Restore Trust
The Economy, Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Healthcare, Taxes, Energy Independence – all are important actions Americans want to see accomplished by the next Congress and President. But, before they can begin to tackle an unprecedented “to-do list,” Congress needs to start by reforming how government operates. According to the Gallup organization’s annual Governance poll (Sept. 2008), “Just 26% say they are...
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January 14, 2009
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Let’s Be Honest – End of the Year Special – From Fitz to Spitz to Blago, Oh My!
 » Read more about: Let’s Be Honest – End of the Year Special – From Fitz to Spitz to Blago, Oh My!  »...
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January 14, 2009
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The Earl of Great Price
Earl J. Hickey is a low-down, sneaky… well, maybe I better let him tell you. “You know that guy you see going into the convenience store… a sort of shifty-lookin’ fella who buys a pack of smokes, a couple of lotto scratchers and a tall-boy at ten in the morning? Well, that guy is me!” Just when you thought there were...
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January 12, 2009