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Archives for: April 2009
Arlen Specter's Timing Is Everything
By Carole on Apr 28, 2009
The media's reaction to Senator Arlen Specter's switch to the Democratic party reminds me of the birthday boy who knows about the surprise party in advance. While many TV pundits act as if Specter's defection was the political shock of the century, anyone who's paid any attention to his voting record knows
Is Castro Really That Bad?
By Carole on Apr 23, 2009
Several years ago I had lunch with some business associates including a Cuban man who had come to the US when he was a child. At some point in the light hearted lunch conversation he mentioned something about when he lived in Cuba and someone else asked how old he had been when his family moved. He answered he had been 12 and the conversational topic turned to why is his family had moved and therefore, Castro. That sparked someone else to ask a question that still rings in my ears. He said, and I quote, "Was Castro really that bad?"
Volunteerism For Profit
By Carole on Apr 21, 2009
A recent article I read discusses a $5.7 billion national service bill President Obama is about to sign. The bill is supposed to provide tuition money for students who volunteer in their communities and that has me wondering if the definition of volunteerism has changed completely.
When Is A Handshake Not Just A Handshake?
By Carole on Apr 17, 2009
Regarding the recent public thawing of relations between the US and Cuba/Venezuela, I'm surprised at how many people seem to think this is either harmless posturing or a good sign for future diplomatic efforts. What many fail to realize is that while we live in a relatively free country and understand the insignificance of a handshake or small talk with an enemy, countries like Venezuela (and Iran and North Korea, etc.) are not free societies. Their people only get the news that is pre-packaged and presented to them by the state.
