AltWeeklies Wire
America Needs to Do a Better Job Selling Itselfnew
When America's stock is tumbling, all it does is change its bureaucrats or tweak its hopelessly unpopular policies. George W. Bush is the perfect man to head a total restructuring of the America brand during his last days in office.
Philadelphia City Paper |
David Faris |
07-29-2008 |
Commentary
Round Two: Obama Needs to Conquer Philly All Over Againnew

Obama supporters were pretty excited for the primary. Can they get revved up for the general election too?
Philadelphia City Paper |
Emily Schultheis |
07-29-2008 |
Politics
Pittsburgh City Council is Like 'Big Brother 9'new
There was a time, about a year ago, when voters could hope that Pittsburgh City Council would be a different place. But with shifting alliances, hidden agendas and bad behavior, the council has become a reality show that is, unfortunately, all too real.
Pittsburgh City Paper |
Charlie Deitch |
07-28-2008 |
Politics
Obama's Afghan Shufflenew

Pushing "right war" is Dem's counterpunch to "success" of Bush's troop surge.
NOW Magazine |
Gwynne Dyer |
07-28-2008 |
Commentary
Election '08: Stupid McCampaign Tricksnew
With Obamapalooza in full swing, John McCain shouts into the media void.
L.A. Weekly |
Marc Cooper |
07-25-2008 |
Commentary
Does Vermont Have What it Takes to Go it Alone?new

It's an ideal time for renewed talk about self-sufficiency in Vermont -- about building the network of food and energy and culture that would make us far less vulnerable to the kind of shocks headed our way. But that is not what's happening, and the movement for a more independent Vermont is stuck in neutral, though with signs it might be about ready to kick into at least low gear.
Seven Days |
Bill McKibben |
07-25-2008 |
Politics
McCain's Economic Brainnew
The economy is fine, pronounced the economic doctor; people have just fallen into a mental recession.
Jackson Free Press |
Jim Hightower |
07-24-2008 |
Commentary
Rising Independent Voters are Really the Decidersnew

As California secretary of state Debra Bowen has tracked the increasing trend of declining to state party affiliation, presidential contenders Barack Obama and John McCain are probably paying attention, too.
Sacramento News & Review |
Greg Lucas |
07-24-2008 |
Politics
Orlando City Council Watchnew
Those hoping for a hot-summer ethical showdown in reference to the recent Daisy Lynum redneck scandal -- something about racist ropes that doesn't bear repeating -- would be sorely disappointed at this dull installment of Your City at Work.
Orlando Weekly |
Billy Manes |
07-24-2008 |
Commentary
Tags: Orlando, Daisy Lynum
Who is Omar al-Bashir?new

He's the president of Sudan -- and he is a wanted man. On July 14, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court charged al-Bashir with 10 counts of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. The charges mark the first time the International Criminal Court has charged a sitting head of state with a crime, and the first time the court has charged anyone with genocide.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
Andisheh Nouraee |
07-23-2008 |
Commentary
Why It's Easy for Jesse Jackson's Critics to Mock Himnew

Literally, in a matter of months, he's gone from the It guy in black America to a supporting player.
Baltimore City Paper |
Vincent Williams |
07-22-2008 |
Commentary
What Political Reporters Wantnew
In the end, what the media wants is A Story. How they get it is determined by little things that most often don't really matter. Which is why the AP last week ran a story on how its joint poll with Yahoo! News shows that among pet owners John McCain beats Barack Obama 42 percent to 37 percent. Which doesn't mean squat.
Baltimore City Paper |
Brian Morton |
07-22-2008 |
Commentary
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist Gets a Hero's Medal for Bailing Out Big Sugarnew
Crist's plan to buy U.S. Sugar for $1.75 billion has been described by Florida newspapers as "bold," "ambitious," and "grand." Now it's time to throw "stupid" and "irresponsible" into the mix.
New Times Broward-Palm Beach |
Bob Norman |
07-22-2008 |
Commentary
The Drive to Oust Detroit's Mayor Picks Up Speednew
The recall campaign has a total of 180 days to gather nearly 57,000 valid signatures to get the measure on the ballot. But, to qualify for the November election, those names have to be submitted by Aug. 1.
Metro Times |
Curt Guyette |
07-22-2008 |
Politics
Two Top Republicans Block Universal Health Care Study in Connecticutnew
We've been calling Republican leaders John McKinney and Lawrence Cafero all week to ask why they're blocking a universal health care campaign by holding up a puny amount of money that a study group needs to conduct a health care survey. To no avail.
New Haven Advocate |
Andy Bromage |
07-22-2008 |
Politics