NY Times columnists

I listen to the NY Times pretty much everyday via audible.com. I really enjoy listening to the columns by Thomas Friedman and David Brooks because I share their outlook on most issues. The more liberal columnists Paul Krugman and Bob Herbert occasionally have good things to say, but today their columns were downright disappointing. They show how some in the Democratic party still don't get it when it comes to what the American people want. Krugman's column "Don't make nice" advocates that the Democrats engage in vicious partisanship if they win one or both houses of congress this fall. Huh? People want more partisanship?! I guess I didn't get that memo. The other column by Herbert, "The Obama Bandwagon", encourages Barack Obama not to run for president. I don't quite understand where the Democratic party is coming from sometimes. As a moderate, Obama is the only Democratic candidate I would consider supporting in a race against John McCain, and I suspect this is true for many others as well. Obama and McCain are appealing because they inspire Hope for those who long for a more collaborative, moderate, functioning democracy. If Democrats want to lose again, go ahead and nominate Hillary Clinton. Sure, she's been taking more moderate positions, but her personality won't fly. I heard a professor at my school who has talked to her and strongly supports her describe her as "intimidating". This is coming from a woman who I can't imagine being intimidated by anyone. That's my 2 cents worth anyway. I could be completely wrong as I am young and idealistic. However my feeling is that the majority of Americans want "uniters", not "dividers" to be their elected officials. I can only pray that this is true.

Blog archive

Blog archive


In the future I'm going to try to publish my blog simultaneously at myspace, facebook, and blogger.com, but in the meantime here are some previous posts:

Nobel Peace Prize/Microfinance
3:34pm Today | Edit Note | Delete
I was pulling for Bono to win the prize, but I was surprised and quite impressed with the actual winner: Muhammad Yunus. Mr. Yunus started the Grameen bank in Bangladesh, one of the first microfinance projects. Microfinance lifts people out of poverty not by massive transfers of foreign aid to corruption-prone governments, but by directly empowering individuals with small loans. If you want to get personally involved in microfinance, go to Kiva.org and make a loan to an entrepreneuer in a developing country. Your principal will be repaid, which you can then withdraw or loan again, but you won't get any interest. If you want to make microfinance loans, but also make a profit, check out Prosper.com. I've made loans through both sites and have had a good experience so far. I'd also love to hear your opinions on what a "fair" interest rate is and where you would draw the line between charity, mutual benefit, and exploitation.
No comments | Add a comment

Fried Coke
12:48am Tuesday, Oct 10 | Edit Note | Delete
I went to the Texas State Fair this evening. As some of you may know, the State of Texas employs food scientists with advanced degrees in "Cooking Things in Boiling Oil". These scientists work hard to come up with a new fried food to introduce each year at the state fair. Past offerings have included Fried Twinkies, Fried Oreos, Fried PB&J, Fried Snickers, etc. This year all the buzz is about "Fried Coke". Fried Coke?! That doesn't even make sense! So I decided I had to try it. Basically, Fried Coke= donut holes in a cup with pecans, covered in Coke syrup and topped with whipped cream and a cherry. Its okay I guess, but not quite what I expected. I guess I was picturing some kind of coke-syrup derivative with Jello-like consistency, battered and fried. Nice try Fryologists, but I hope you come up with something better next year!
1 comment

Good Magazine
1:01am Friday, Sep 29 | Edit Note | Delete
I found a new favorite magazine over the weeked: Good magazine. It joins the ranks of previous favorite magazines Dwell and Wired. Good magazine is focused on making a positive impact on the world around you. Also, when you subscribe you can donate the $20 subscription fee to the charity of your choice. So you get to do some good and get a cool, free magazine at the same time! Check it out: www.goodmagazine.com