|
|
by Nat Hentoff, Aspen Daily News Columnist Wednesday, October 8, 2008 During the widely seen and analyzed premier presidential debate, Barack Obama was grossly mistaken when, toward the end, he said: “I give Senator McCain great credit on the torture issue, for having identified that as something that undermines our long-term security — because of those things, we, I think, are going to have a lot of work to do in the next administration to restore that sense that America is that shining beacon on a hill.” Our torture has shamed us.
In fact, although McCain in the past has spoken eloquently against torture during interrogations of terrorism suspects, his actual votes in Congress tell a different, shameful story. Full Story »
by Nat Hentoff, Aspen Daily News Columnist Wednesday, October 1, 2008 The cold fact that Barack Obama voted four separate times in the Illinois state Legislature to deny care to a baby born alive after a botched abortion makes him the most repugnant candidate I will have ever voted for. I am pro-life; but whenever I’m asked my religion, I always answer: “the Constitution” (as my writing for some 60 years has shown). I admire much about John McCain, and especially Sarah Palin, but neither is up to the enormous challenge, as world terrorism continues, of restoring the Constitution — our Excalibur sword for generations ahead.
Neither is Obama. During the early stages of his campaign, there were wispy indications he had learned something while teaching constitutional law at the University of Chicago. But over time, and on his well-worn teleprompter, his principles have proved watery. As former Bush speech writer Michael Gerson wrote in the Aug. 18 Washington Post: “Obama is one of those rare political figures who seems to grow smaller the closer we approach him.” Full Story »
by Nat Hentoff, Aspen Daily News Columnist Wednesday, September 24, 2008 For years, I have reported on many cases of college and university administrators infected with “political correctness,” punishing students and faculty members for allegedly prejudicial and otherwise “offensive” remarks — as if there were a constitutional right not to be offended. I have now found the most outrageous case of all.
At Brandeis University in Massachusetts, professor Donald Hindley — on the faculty for 48 years — teaches a course on Latin American politics. Last fall, he described how Mexican migrants to the United States used to be discriminatorily called “wetbacks.” An anonymous student complained to the administration accusing Hindley of using prejudicial language — the first complaint against him in 48 years. Full Story »
by Nat Hentoff, Aspen Daily News Columnist Wednesday, September 17, 2008 Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey is a pro-lifer and a loyal Democrat. He assures us that Barack Obama — his caring, charismatic leader — will find “common ground” on abortion in the fiercely fought closing weeks of the presidential campaign. But both parties’ platforms and their troops on the ground will need Obama to be a magician to create that calming ceasefire.
Anita Dunn, senior adviser to the Obama campaign, tells the New York Sun (Aug. 29): “Senator McCain has a more radical anti-choice position than even George W. Bush, and we’re going to make sure that voters across the country understand that.” Full Story »
by Nat Hentoff, Aspen Daily News Columnist Wednesday, September 10, 2008 In June, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals declared constitutional an amendment to South Dakota’s “Women’s Right to Know Law” that now requires a woman wanting an abortion to be told that “the abortion will terminate the life of a whole, separate, unique, living human being.” Pro-lifers will surely try hard to get other states to recognize that the fetus is one of us. Planned Parenthood will surely appeal the decision.
This federal Circuit Court decision would have delighted the late Robert Casey, governor of Pennsylvania from 1987 to 1994. I was privileged to know Casey. He was the very model of a public official devoted to protecting all human life before and after birth. He instituted school-based full-day child-care programs for infants and preschoolers, including for poor kids. Full Story »
|
|
Horoscopes
- Aries
Fatigue or a need for a change of pace defines plans. Remember that you are not a train that can go endlessly, so stop treating yourself that way. Meet a friend at a flea market, or opt for a different type of happening. Your energy might return! Tonight: Try some exotic cuisine.
This Week: Opportunities appear out of the blue. Don't hesitate too much.
- Taurus
What you think could be fun and relaxing, someone else feels is a drag. Watch how this person rolls his or her eyes at the suggestion. Isn't partnership about finding a middle ground or sometimes doing what the other wants? Tonight: Plans rapidly change.
This Week: Read between the lines. An offer is for real.
- Gemini
Others have different ideas. You have some choices to make. You do not have to go along with the program, but you might be depressed being alone. Make sure you will be content with your personal choices. Tonight: Dinner with friends.
This Week: A partner, once more, changes his or her tune. Initiate talks.
- Cancer
- Leo
 Your fiery personality could wear out even you by the end of the day. Imagine what it could be doing to others. If pressure is overwhelming, go off and do your thing. A walk or bike ride helps you relax. Tonight: So what if tomorrow is Monday?
This Week: Maintain an even pace. Evaluate an offer that might be too good to resist. (So don't)
- Virgo
 Basics count. Think positively about a change. Sometimes you are resistant because you are tired. Do not head the negative party; rather, take a walk and consider an option more openly. It just might work! Tonight: Cozy at home.
This Week: Your creativity surges. Good news and opportunities come forward.
- Libra
Speak your mind with full knowledge that others will react and have different responses. In the mix, an even better plan arises. Hang out with a dear pal or buddy. He or she loves being with you. Tonight: A discussion can happen over dinner.
This Week: Opportunity strikes on the home front. It might be too good to be true.
- Scorpio
Expenses need taming, but you might ask how. Just saying the word "no" obviously might not be working. Create a realistic budget. Discuss how to add to your income rather than take away from spending. Tonight: Fun does not always have a high price tag.
This Week: Check out a new purchase that will make you smile more often. Yes, it could cost!
- Sagittarius
- Capricorn
Much romps through your mind, distracting you from being here and now with a loved one or friend. Perhaps you could schedule some down time or a walk in the country. Revise your energy and refresh your mind. Tonight: Do only what you want.
This Week: You feel lucky. You also emanate energy and magnetism. Go for what you want.
- Aquarius
Friends clamor for your company. The problem lies in that a loved one or family member could be overly sensitive if you do not focus on him or her alone. Know that you can do a juggling act. Understanding evolves with a key friend. Tonight: Do what you want, not what others want.
This Week: A friendship could change. Don't worry so much.
- Pisces
|
