http://www.swans.com
January 14, 2008
In this issue:
Note from the Editors: "There is no doubt in my mind when history was
written, the final page will say: Victory was achieved by the United
States of America for the good of the world," Mr. Bush recently asserted
to some of the troops he put in harm's way, apparently unaware that the
history of our Iraq War has yet to be written... Or perhaps he was
confusing that history with the bible, or the Project for the New
American Century. Speaking of which, neoconservative William Kristol
made his New York Times debut. In true fashion, he espoused his Anyone
But Hillary -- except Barack -- view and his fear of a liberal and/or
Democratic president who will surely plunge us into defeat in Iraq;
tentatively praised Mike Huckabee; and warned of the danger of a third-
party spoiler (Michael Bloomberg). The "lesser evil" strategy is
apparently as relevant among the Reactionaries as it is among the
Revolutionaries!
As for the latter, the so-called Revolutionaries have drifted so far
from their roots that they've practically merged with the opposition.
Gilles d'Aymery tells the amusing tale of unlikely -- but not so
surprising --
2008 bedfellows, which Jan Baughman illustrates with her usual sense of
humor. Continuing for a moment with humor, Peter Byrne's dialogue
examines another unlikely duo, Texas Ranger Chuck and Baptist Minister
Huck. And in all seriousness, with candidates attempting to out-change
each other's nuanced differences, Michael Doliner digs into Hillary
Clinton and Barack Obama's respective positions on Iran and energy
sources, specifically biofuels.
Though many are disheartened by the electoral process and any hope for
real change, octogenarian political activist Philip Greenspan gives some
sage advice, and environmental activist Martin Murie reminds us that
caring for the Habitats and The Others is essential for reversing
destructive policies. This brings us back to Iraq, and Mr. Bush's long-
overdue acknowledgement that the troops will remain well beyond his
presidency. Michael Doliner explains why, though what Bush attributes to
success Doliner attributes to Empire, a beast that is perpetuated in the
presence of a fearful and civil-rights-bankrupt populace, as Gerard
Donnelly Smith and Carol Warner Christen explain, respectively.
Finally, in the culture corner, Charles Marowitz rejoices the rebellious
spirit of the Marx Brothers and his wayward interview with hero Groucho;
Guido Monte peregrinates old forgotten ways; and our Martian Blips
contemplate real-life activists vs. Revolutionaries for Democrats, the
new, green military, the "New Direction Congress," unmodulated answered
prayers, and more about life in the boonies.
As always, please form your OWN opinion, and let your friends (and foes)
know about Swans. It's your voice that makes ours grow.
# # # # #
http://www.swans.com/library/art14/ga245.html
The Zoology Of Pwogs And Pwogrevs - Gilles d'Aymery
http://www.swans.com/library/art14/jeb184.html
Spoiler Today, Rebel Tomorrow - Cartoon by Jan Baughman
http://www.swans.com/library/art14/pbyrne59.html
Buy Now And Lighten Up - Peter Byrne
http://www.swans.com/library/art14/mdolin29.html
Clinton And Obama On Iran And Biofuels - Michael Doliner
http://www.swans.com/library/art14/pgreen129.html
The Secret Ingredient Of Activism: Mutual Support - Philip Greenspan
http://www.swans.com/library/art14/murie42.html
One Minute To Midnight - Martin Murie
http://www.swans.com/library/art14/mdolin28.html
End The Empire: A Polemic - Michael Doliner
http://www.swans.com/library/art14/gsmith100.html
The Insurgent Word: Fear - Gerard Donnelly Smith
http://www.swans.com/library/art14/carenc26.html
Lest We Overlook The Obvious - Carol Warner Christen
http://www.swans.com/library/art14/cmarow95.html
Groucho, Chico, & Harpo - Charles Marowitz
http://www.swans.com/library/art14/gmonte35.html
Porte - Poem by Guido Monte
http://www.swans.com/library/art14/desk063.html
Blips #63 - From the Martian Desk - Gilles d'Aymery
# # # # #
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Cordially,
Gilles d'Aymery
--
Swans
"Hungry man, reach for the book: It is a weapon." B. Brecht
