Diálogo Plural

The following is a newspiece from Spanish daily El Pais where a young Danish activist narrates the disproportionate treatment with which police handles protesters in Copenhagen (in Spanish). "El trato de la Policía fue inhumano, yo pensaba que esto no ocurría en Dinamarca" · ELPAÍS.com - http://www.elpais.com/articulo/sociedad/trato/Policia/fue/inhumano/pensaba/ocurria/Dinamarca/elpepusoc/20091213elpepusoc_2/Tes?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitt er Tell me what you think... Sent from my iPhone

EEUU no tiene datos fiables sobre Bin Laden ElMundo.es en tu iPhone - iPod Touch a través del App Store A window into the huge dislocation that makes the war on terrorism difficult (in Spanish).  Tell me what you think... Sent from my iPhone

Thomas Friedman ¿a neo-realist? Op-Ed Columnist - Not Good Enough - NYTimes.com

In this New York Times article (see below) we see emotionally compelling stories of women soldiers/veterans coping with the stress of war during and after the end of their tours. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/01/us/01trauma.html The US military, facing the realities of personnel rotation (and the unsound policy opening a second front in the war on terror), have had no choice but to place women in combat, bypassing sexist regulations compelling them to do just the opposite.So, our female warriors have achieved, at least relatively, equality in all aspects of life in the military. That includes PTSD or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. The article narrates the ordeal these brave soldiers have had to endure. Mainly coping with civilian life after a tour in Iraq of Afghanistan. Because of the traditional gender roles still culturally imposed in US society their strategies for dealing (or not) with PTSD are somewhat different. To add insult to injury, they are being denied the disability cla...

In this NPR story (see the link below) Secretary of state Hillary Clinton calls the Stafe of Israel's lukewarm reduction of settlement building in the West Bank 'unprecedented'. Wow! Unprecedented; imagine that! So how come it feels no different in terms of tangible outcomes. Palestinians and Israelis are not conversing and the settlements are getting built notwithstanding the reduction. How unproductive is that? Speaking of unproductive: how about if the Palestinian leadership gets into some serious talks with Israelis and call their bluffs and bad-faith attitude, at least that way they can tell them to their face that what they're doing (building settlements while "negotiating") is wrong. If the political process is the continuation of belligerence by other means they can denounce the systematic displacement of Palestinians and try to get world public opinion on their side. And how about the US administration showing some leadership on this matter. How abo...

On the evening of October 13 (Black Tuesday) governor Luis Fortuño signed into law a nefarious piece of legislation, which eliminated compulsory membership fees for Puerto Rico's Bar Association. See coverage from El Nuevo Día , Caribbean Business , and El Vocero . It is a punitive measure directed at this institution for expressing solidarity towards laid-off government workers on September 25, 2009 (Black Friday). It is also a long-awaited measure by New Progressive Party lawyers, activists, legislators, and fanatics intolerant of dissent, and who have always considered the PRBA a constant irritant, a thorn on their side. As jubilant as some members of the governor's cabinet, legislators, supporters, and fanatics might feel, remember this: as functional or deficient a democratic society might be, it cannot be complete without civil society institutions and dissent. The weakening of the Puerto Rican Bar Association achieved just that. The PRBA might still exist, true, but it...

Sinking this Island-Nation further into hopelessness http://www.elnuevodia.com/aderogarhoycolegiacioncompulsoriadeabogados-625875.html Sent from my iPhone

A fitting obituary for one of Latin America's greatest voices (see the link below). May your beautiful voice fill the halls of heaven. Our loss is God's gain, for now He has you for Himself. May He be moved by your compelling lyrics. We will remember... Argentine Folk Singer Mercedes Sosa Dies http://www.npr.org/templates/text/s.php?sId=113479453&m=1 Sent from my iPhone

In these times of uncertainty it sometimes seems hard to be kind. We are full of resentment towards the lack of sensibility in which the Puerto Rican government handled - still is - the fiscal crisis which such abandon to the human side of the equation. We don't even know how to react, especially when job terminations hit so close to home and the possibility of economic deprivation and mental distress are real and very tangible. We cringe at the likeliness of social distress and violence in an island that does not need any more damaging to its collective psyche. When things like the dismissal of over 16,000 government workers take place politics seem so trivial. We trust our politicians will do their best in terms of policy, only to be disappointed time and time again. And while it may seem to late to do something about it, it should at least give us pause to think about the consequences of voting for the sake of voting without giving a moment's thought about their proposal...

You know, I still have hope for this administration. I am aware of the difficulties of governing a republic so shattered by obvious cultural cleavages and bad-faith politics. What doesn't make sense is how this presidential administration is helping a vociferous and lunatic opposition, and a more legitimate but intransigent conservative one, by self-inflicting some of its injuries. This comedy of errors needs to be at an end. Meddling in states' affairs is at best an anti federalist attitude, very unbecoming of a US government, and at worst a dangerous politcal move that could backfire with dire electoral consequences. Read the article below and tell me what you think... http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-09-23/rahms-precedent-for-meddling/ Sent from my iPhone

Imagine a conversation on health-care reform that doesn't involve bad-faith politics or right-wing conspiracy theories, but a civilized dialogue about the options. Visualize a forum where the President can be criticized essentially for not having made the moral case for health-care reform right from the beginning and taking the discursive bait on this administration's enemies regarding the extension of health-care benefits to immigrants, who contribute substantially to the US economy. Imagine that such a conversation is possible and then take a look at the link below. Harvard Kennedy School - Former Secretary of Treasury ‘Dismayed’, ‘Distressed’ Over Media and President’s Health Care Conversation

This column from the LA Times by Michael Hiltzik (see his Twitter profile ) admonishes readers about thinking and analyzing all of the hogwash concerning health care reform that is being sold as truth in some media outlets. Three interesting things about the article: historical reference, this isn't the first time that ground-breaking public policy aimed at saving the Republic from certain ruin is attempted to be put down by bad-faith politics (another reason why political science without history has no roots, my students should take note); conservative junk-logic, half-truths without evidence captivates the attention of media and the public, who should know better, to quote Hiltzik, "Into the vacuum of information poured supposition masquerading as fact (certainly a familiar phenomenon today)"; and, third, debating 'incompetence' meaning how Democrats are still looking for a way to effectively countering conservative opposition to health care reform instead of...

Reading the Huffington Post this Sunday (Aug 23) morning I stumbled upon this New York Times editorial (see the link below) that makes a moral case for health care reform. This is something that the White House should have done from the beginning months ago.  Instead, the administration chose to apply political pressure in a very imprudent manner by rushing health care reform through Congress and imposing a very short deadline. It also fell prey to "centrist" democratic senators (centrist...right, they are conservatives in democratic disguise, only interested in their own self-preservation), and very un-republican conservative leadership obsessed with opposing everything the Obama administration proposes not on political, or even ideological, grounds but on pathological enmity to this particular administration and hatred of all things government. It makes them very unreasonable and definitely uncivil. This in itself is not surprising, what is really appaling is the delay on t...

This feature from Time Magazine shows photos of the late Senator Edward Kennedy throughout his life. A most extraordinary hommage to a man who ushered civil rights legislation through Congress and worked tirelesy, even in the worst of his condition, to extend health care to all Americans. Passing a Health Care Reform Act would be a fitting tribute indeed. http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1918750,00.html Sent from my iPhone

This extended article from Associated Press (see below) lists all the legislative achievements and political life of this man whose career expanded nearly five decades in the United States Senate and became the head of on Irish-American political clan that deeply influenced American politcs. It also mentions the tragedies endured by this family. Thank you Senator Kennedy. May you rest in peace. Mass. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy dies at age 77 http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_16026/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=aysplNAU Sent from my iPhone

Controversy abounds. Swedish daily Aftonbladet denounces the selling of vital organs from Palestinians by Israeli soldiers, reports Italy's La Reppublica. Swedish and Israeli goverments are furious at the most prestigious newspaper. If there is truth in the allegations it is a most serious violation of Palestinian Human Rights and worse (I'm thinking here about old traditions of handling Muslim bodies). If Aftonbladet is wrong I fear for the consequences in terms of prestige for press outlets, not only in Israel but worldwide. See below and tell me what you think. http://www.repubblica.it/2009/08/sezioni/esteri/israele-svezia/israele-svezia/israele-svezia.html?rss Sent from my iPhone

Of course they are. Should we have let them collapse? Debatable. The leftist in me says ‘let them burn!’ , to which my common-sensical guy says ‘and then what?’ and argues ‘if they collapse, we fall along with them and society at large suffers’ . Now, the social democrat in me says ‘the regulatory state is still relevant’ and chides the market- is -the-panacea way of thinking along with the conservative right for damaging the essential elements – however imperfect – of the social contract. This guy, the social democrat, is also very dissapointed at how some center-left movements in Western Europe, the French Socialist Party (out of ideas), the British new Labour Party (out of steam), and the Spanish Socialist Worker’s Party (out of everything else), are losing ground and in clear retreat when this political juncture should be a time for the center-left to reorganize, get in touch with their grassroots and the electorate and offer policy proposals of their own. The political sci...

Something extraordinary is still happening in Iran. Trials of opposition leaders designed to intimidate critics of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad hardline regime are not having the intended effect. Voices are raised from every corner of the system telling that the trial and all the charade that feeds it is wrong and that further repression will end up imploding Iran.  In a previous post I talked about how the present woes have at least part of their origin in past events. Some wouldn't like to be reminded but secularism (laïcité) was destroyed the day the United States and te United Kingdom decided to oust Dr. Mossadegh's left-wing government. Also, the oil junkies that we are and the political obsession with the region probably intensified at the time (1950s).  Nevertheless, it still amazes me how, after three decades of religious rigidity people who lived through, and were born after the 1979 Islamic revolution are ready to have the regime loosening up that rigidity - through democrati...

Read this feature from USA Today on the decline of the American Male. I don't know whether this is a concern for government as the article suggest. Instead, while it is a concern for people who hold traditional and/or conservative points of view, to me it is just a reflection of the increasing diversity that American liberals have embraced for a long time. Change is happening slowly and gradually. Nevertheless we should celebrate that the workforce and the workplace is diverse (I don't see any problem with the following phrase from the article more American women will have jobs than men ). And while it is true that particular sector of the population have different needs American males need to be conscious of their situation. Should they embrace this new diversity? yes; Should they be self-conscious of their particular needs? definitely. In any case, read the rest of the article, it is quite interesting, and tell me what you think...

This article by French daily Le Monde tells of how cultural, sporting and general spectator events are on the decrease thanks to the A-flu (H1N1). Insurers just don't want to take the risk. Tell me what you think...

With all the news that are coming out of Afghanistan these days especially in Helmand Province ... ...it's hard to notice that in some places of the country there are better tidings. I found this reportage from The New York Times titled 'In Poverty and Strife, Women Test Limits', in it journalist Carlotta Gall narrates the conditions in which women of Bamiyan gained considerable ground thanks to a tolerant shiite culture and situation of relative peace before, during and after the Taliban regime. Read the article, it is very interesting and watch the related video below. Find more videos like this on www.truveo.com. I know this is small comfort especially for the recent loss in British and US soldier's lives. But as the narrator and the newspiece says Bamiyan can provide a working model for inter-ethnic, interfaith and gender relations in this war-ravaged country. Tell me what you think...

Neo-nazis in Mongolia??? Oh my God!!! Human beings can still surprise you in the weirdest (and worst) ways. Click on the link below and tell me what you think... The Neo-Nazis of Mongolia: Swastikas Against China

This article by Jeffrey Toobin from The New Yorker is an after the fact reflection on the almost uneventful confirmation hearings of Judge Sonia Sotomayor. See the link below and tell me what you think. http://www.newyorker.com/talk/comment/2009/07/27/090727taco_talk_toobin?printable=true -- Post From My iPhone

In a major health concern such as the one brought forth by the H1N1 flu virus one can never be too misinformed or uninformed. I'd like to direct you to the link below, it takes you to a CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) page with considerable amount of information on the virus and the measures people can take to avoid contagion. It riles me that this virus has altered substantially our social protocols and interactions. But as much as it bothers me to keep my distance from people I care about I'd rather have them alive and healthy. Eventually, when this flu crisis is over, I can embrace them again. Tell me what you think. http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/qa.htm# Sent from my iPhone

I saw this extraordinary article from Herbert Brooks of the New York Times. Titled 'The End of Philosophy brooks makes an argument about how social and cognitive scientists as well as philosophers underestimate the driving power of human emotions. Tell me what you think...

I recently posted on my Facebook profile a brief comment on this Wall Street Journal editorial heavily criticizing resigning governor Sarah Palin . The severeness of this newspaper's piece centered on Palin's wisdom for such a move and whether it helps her chances at challeging President Barack Obama in 2012 (conservatives seem to be up in arms already for this event still three and a half years away, which tells you a lot about how much they care for America's well being). The editorial also centers on Palin's competence and capacity to handle tremendous amounts of political and media pressure. Something which, judging by her resignation, is evident. I want to direct your attention towards this other opinion piece in NPR from Women in Media and News' (also, check out WIMN's blog ) Jennifer L. Posner titled 'Hot And Bothering: Media Treatment Of Sarah Palin'. In it Posner criticizes the highly sexist remarks directed at Palin from various...

To the Christian Science Monitor Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation is already a given. After all the sniping, the condescention, the defense, often emphatically, of her judicial point of view by Senators Leahy and Feinstein, the unhelpful remarks by Senator Schumer (read my comments and the article by The Nation's Richard Just, on the negative spin given to the term 'Empathy'), and the ease of tensions thanks to Senator Franken the American republic and it's people are on track to welcome a Justice of Hispanic descent to its highest court. Tell me what you think... http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2009/07/17/sotomayor-on-track-to-easy-supreme-court-confirmation/ Sent from my iPhone, re-edited with BlogPress

It seems Microsoft has competition and Google's got their work cut out for them. I bid them good luck and hope that they know what they're doing. Taking on Microsoft is never easy and for the challenging company failure has dire outcomes. I'd really hate to see Google permanently damaged because of this. All the best. See below and tell me what you think... http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/08/technology/companies/08operate.html?_r=3&WT.mc_id=fb_nyt351&WT.mc_ev=click Sent from my iPhone

This piece from Congressional daily The Hill narrates the funny exchange between Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor and recently-sworn Senator Al Franken. Click on the following link: http://bit.ly/m1anM The Perry Mason pun did, if nothing else, ease the tensions of the room. The charged atmosphere provoked by yesterday's condescending questions by several conservative senators whose aim was to distort, ridicule and provoke Sotomayor into disqualification. Tell me what you think. Sent from my iPhone

In this excelently written article (below) from The New Republic magazine Richard Just laments the whole tirade of GOP and Democrat senators on the term empathy. In their obnoxious and condescending remarks towards Sonia Sotomayor, the fine senators from the 'republican' party (the quoting and small letter are deliberate, these men DO NOT, represent the Republic that is the United States) vilified empathy utter uselessness; a word and disposition that judges should stay away from. Richard Just argues precisely that the precedent set in these hearings against such an useful attitude will prevent judges from applying the law in a wide-range and inclusive perspective. How else, Just says, can a justice's opinions be sound, if he/she doesn't put him/herself in the position of groups not like his/her own? Some democrats didn't help either, they are so hung up, for example Charles Schummer of New York, on not being branded leftist or extremely liberal, that in assuming ...

This editorial from CQ Politics nails effectively republican Senator's patronizing attitudes towards Judge Sotomayor. In the end, this may seem like a good idea trying to ridicule or provoke the nominee, at least for the extreme-conservative lunatic fringe, but these pyrrhic victories makes the GOP out of touch with reality and - definitely - the political mainstream. Tell me what you think. http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/07/smiling-gopers-ought-to-be-fro.html Sent from TwitterFon Sent from my iPhone

This interview below features PBS' Jim Lehrer and two law professors talking about the highlights of Judge Sonia Sotomayor's Supreme Court Hearing.  Both academics agree that the July 14th hearing was civil. Perhaps they didn't see the exchange between the judge and the 'gentleman' Senator from Alabama which was anything but civil.  You be the judge...wow that sounded like a pun.  Tell me what you think.  http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/law/july-dec09/sotoanalysis_07-14.html Sent from TwitterFon Sent from my iPhone

In the link below you'll find some of the petty remarks made by republican senators in order to provoke an angry and disqualifying response from judge Sonia Sotomayor. In their attempt to reveal an evil, temperamental, and biased judge, the 'Senators' from Alabama and South Carolina revealed something far more uglier and disturbing: their true selves. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/15/us/politics/15judge.html?_r=1 Sent from my iPhone

I saw this feature recently on the New York Times Magazine . It narrates the efforts of Rabbi Capers Funnye, an African-American Jew, to open his congregation the Beth Shalom B’nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation in Chicago towards, and reach out to, mainstream Judaism. It is indeed a story to read. Tell me what you think...

See this article from congressional newspaper The Hill and see proof that people can - still - surprise you, even in politics. Tell me what you think. http://mobile.thehill.com/leading-the-news/dems-won-unexpected-gop-support-for-climate-bill-2009-07-04.html Sent from TwitterFon Sent from my iPhone

This article by UK daily The Guardian reviewing the work of Scottish-American historian Linda McDonald-Lewis touches upon that very subject. The argument goes along the lines of tracing American ideals of liberty and democracy not on ancient Greek philosophy, nor the Magna Carta , and deeper and more ancient than the Scottish Enlightenment , but on the Declaration of Arbroath in the Fourteenth Century (1320). See also this link from the portal Gateway to Scotland and versions of the Declaration in the original Latin and English . http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/jul/05/declaration-independence-arbroath-wordsmiths More on the Scottish Enlightenment Scottish Philosophy - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy entry Northern Lights: How modern life emerged from eighteen-century Edinburgh - Article from The New Yorker Sent from my iPhone, re-edited on Blogger

This Michael Jackson obituary from The New Yorker (see the link below) is the most balanced I've read since his passing. The thing is that, no matter how much you liked or loved Michael Jackson, you couldn't help being taken aback by his eccentricities or saddened by his legal troubles, especially the sexual abuse charges. In the end, a lot of us were put off by this and decided to move on always wondering: how did it come to this? This is a weird kind of sad. I mourn, not the man that just died, but the charismatic kid who did vocals for the Jackson Five, the sad kid exploited by his father, the scrawny-looking young star who compelled us to move and dance to contagious rythm. And finally, I will mourn the man who became legend when in 1983 he released an extraordinary album, and the world of pop would never be the same. That's the Michael Jackson I will mourn... Michael Jackson, 1958-2009: Goings On: Online Only: The New Yorker http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/goi...

As the financial crisis looms large over all our aspects of our economic and social life a lot of things, which we find indispensable are suddenly discarded without regard for its need and whether or not it improves our quality of life. In this article by UK daily The Guardian (find the link below), we find that British Petroleum is backing away from its billion-dollar project to find, develop and make viable all sorts of alternative fuels. The arrogant boast from this company was that its acronym, BP, now meant "Beyond Petroleum".  Wow! Imagine that.  I find that, when push come to shove, we find the true nature and attitude of persons and entities.  The allegations of BP's Chief Executive is a mixture of practical issues and sexist claims that the woman in charge of alternative fuel research needed to be with her children.  All valid, but hypocritical at best. The coded message behind the move is twofold: increasing frustration with reduced budget allocations to ma...

Iran's recent exercise of "democracy" has been smeared by allegations of fraud and the State's ambiguous attitude, at one time uncertain steps towards limited recount, at the other, brutal repression (see complete coverage by the BBC ). Riled Iranians disillusioned with the results of what they expected to be a qualitative leap towards something better are out in force in Tehran's streets It is stimulating to see people young and old, like the brave young woman in the above photo defying convention (especially religious ones) questioning with simple gestures and a print-out where is her vote. In a time where hopelessness is as contagious as the swine flu and cynicism substitutes doubt and dissidence, one can't help but be inspired. In my view, she is the quintessential citoyenne ; how ironic then that the most sublime gestures, the ones that speak loudly liberté, egalité, fraternité come from the most unlikely of places (for the blog post related to the ph...

When it comes to their reporter's blogging or social networking, some media outlets thread carefully. Check it out and let me know what you think.

A dear friend of mine, MT, complained about the shortage of investigative journalism in today's mass media. Being the fine journalist that she is, and will be (she will also make an exceptional lawyer), I had to agree with her, and living in Puerto Rico, where good journalism is hard to find, especially in television, one has to adopt a resigned attitude towards the limited offer or stop watching news all-together. It is in these precise moments that I'm grateful for cable, the Internet, BBC, at one time short-wave radio, Sirius-XM, and iPod/iTunes. This way at least I don't have to settle for mediocre. It is then gratifying to stumble upon this news article by The New York Times announcing that Associated Press (AP) will post pieces of investigative journalism from four exceptional sources: The Center for Public Integrity , the Investigative Reporting Workshop at American University School of Communication , ProPublica , and the Center for Investigative Reporting . ...

This news piece by the New York Times. It reports on UN Resolution 1874 condemning the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (aka North Korea) for their recent nuclear test and constant defiance to the procurement of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, a political goal of the United Nations. Various things, The resolution is different because it has the approval of two of North Korea's closest allies and/or partners, People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation. Nevertheless, the resolution has soft engagement rules for North-Korea-bound ships that refuse to be boarded, it does not authorize the use of force, and China made sure that its selling of small-arms to Pyongyang remained undisturbed. This emphasizes the point (in Spanish) I've been trying to convey to my students in my International Organizations course since the start of 2008. IO's are more effective when its actions are backed with multilateral support from its member states plus the a...

I wanted to share this news piece from the The New York Times about a remarkable woman who performs her duties as marriage and sexual counselor in Dubai. She just published a book on sexual advice for couples, all from a Muslim perspective. Notice how her difficulties in publishing this volume are similar to our own. The puritanism, the hipocrisy, the unwillingness of discussing crucial matters of sexual health, and also for that matter the willingness of those who promote, taboos to let people (couples, especially) to experience intimacy purely on traditional misconceptions and guesswork. Apart from describing the similarities in the reluctance to discuss sexuality, which in and of itself is a subject for debating the issue, and for comparing sociological data, the article is interesting because it challenges common misconceptions about the Arabs and the Arab world. You know, the usual ones about their culture and religion, as if those two aspects conditions a mold that fits the ...

Before one gets desperate and starts popping sleep pills for a sleeping disorder and/or insomnia read this article published today in the New York Times. It might help you save money too. Sleep well From The New York Times: PATIENT MONEY: Cost-Effective Ways to Fight Insomnia By LESLEY ALDERMAN Sleep problems afflict millions of people, but there are measures people can take. And a new mattress isn't necessarily one of them.... http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/06/health/06patient.html Get The New York Times on your iPhone for free by visiting http://nytimes.com/iphoneinstaller Blogged from my iPhone

Check out this opinion piece in Judge Sonia Sotomayorm from The Los Angeles Times. Tell me what you think, Sonia Sotomayor is a good choice for the Supreme Court - Los Angeles Times Posted using ShareThis

I thought you would be interested in the following story on WSJ.com. As India's Congress Party is set to continue in government with a relatively more stable majority there are still major challenges to be met, especially in a country that is still haunted by huge inequalities and surrounded by unstable neighbors.  Indian voters opted for continuity, stability, and possibly a civic culture in  which tolerance and improved social relations and better inter-faith understanding is a reachable possibility. Voters rejected the polarizing rethoric of BJP nationalists opting for firm stance towards India's adversaries but leaving open political space for dialogue. They also opted for continuing economic stability and sound policies.  The Ghandis have much credit for this positive electoral outcome. But there is much to be said for the political resilience of Manmoham Singh, Prime Minister and Economist.  Don't forget to click on the link below for the whole news.       India's...

And we wonder why Palestinians are bitter and resentful. We pay lip service to their revindications, promise them money and all sorts of aid and then do nothing. This applies to the West (the United States and the European Union), Israel and the Arab World alike. Check out this news piece from Spanish Daily El País For Shame! Las ayudas prometidas a Gaza quedan en cero · ELPAÍS.com

Our esteemed governor Luis Fortuño said on Friday, May 1st in one of Puerto Rico's daily newspapers that everyone of us should alter our lifestyles to reality. This in anticipation of massive layoffs planned by the Commonwealth government as part of a plan of drastic spending cuts. I wonder if he reflects on his public declarations and how they affect the collective psyche of Puerto Ricans. He and his peers in the cabinet are imposing a massive fiscal overhaul when government investment is what is needed most. But lets assume that, in his infinite conservative wisdom, he and the hand-picked economists (that told him what he wanted to hear), and the members of the island's business community (whom he consulted, disregarding other important sectors like cooperatives and small and mid-size entrepreneurs) are right and the government is in no position to increase spending, what happened to politics being the art of the possible? When I say possible I don't mean get money where...

Check this newspiece from the New York Times on how our Mexican friends are being humiliated and stigmatized because of porcine flu. Sometimes, it takes a panic to bring out the true nature of others. The Mexican government is not amused, and with reason. Tell me what you think. Mexico Objects to Quarantines Over Swine Flu in China - NYTimes.com : "Even as Fears of Flu Ebb, Mexicans Feel Stigma"

One of the ugly sides of this new pandemic that beseech us. Check this article by French daily Le Monde on how Egyptian authorities are dealing with the pork farms on their country and how their measures are affecting one particular community: Chrisitian Copts. The measures are extreme, perhaps, but not unjustified. It is a health measure that would have gone a whole lot better if the Egyptian government would have opened a dialogue with the Copts. As it is unfolding right now, it has all the elements of ethnic and religious strife. Tell me what you think Grippe porcine : affrontements entre policiers et éleveurs de porcs au Caire LEMONDE.FR avec AFP 03.05.09 09:09 L'Egypte a annoncé son intention d'éradiquer le cheptel porcin du pays, une mesure jugée inutile par l'OMS. Accédez à l'intégralité de cet article sur Le Monde.fr : http://www.lemonde.fr/planete/article/2009/05/03/grippe-porcine-affrontements-entre-policiers-et-eleveurs-de-porcs-au-caire_1188263_3244.html B...

A most interesting article by university professor Mark C. Taylor questioning the premises upon which academic freedom, and the tenure that is protected by it, is mounted. My friends in academia will find it most interesting. Tell me what you think. From The New York Times: OP-ED CONTRIBUTOR: End the University as We Know It By MARK C. TAYLOR If higher education is to thrive, colleges and universities, like Wall Street and Detroit, must be rigorously regulated and completely restructured.... http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/27/opinion/27taylor.html Blogged from my iPhone

I've been brooding about this news piece by UK daily The Guardian , which reports on a Policy Paper by the US National Intelligence Council (NIC) that forebears bad news in future geopolitics. The United States, it says, will not be able to call the shots in an increasing multi-polar and unstable world. It will also prove most difficult for this nation to forge 'coalitions of the willing' in an environment where emerging nations like Brazil, India, and China will rise to higher political and economic status in spite of the United States. Disturbing indeed. However, there was a similar report similar report in the midst of G.W. Bush's election victory in 2004 where the world was, well, different. Quoting The Guardian 'it matched the mood of the times' Forgive me for saying so, these reports have a way of waking the skeptic in me. What's changed in the course of four years? Are these reports a reflection of the intelligence community's attitudes ...

[If you're seeing this in Facebook see the original entry at my blog and watch the videos] Former Vice-President Dick Cheney is quite vocal on his criticism of foreign policy moves made by the Obama Administration. Never mind the imprudent (Former VP AL Gore has done so in the past) and indiscreet character of his remarks; how does he manage to climb on this moral high horse, undermine Obama's presidency, and keep a straight face all at the same time? I might be mistaken but, didn't he and the Bush administration had six years of correcting this gross tactical misjudgment that is the war on terrorism? Weren't they the ones who put American citizens in danger in the first place by diluting the effort fighting a war on terrorism in two simultaneous fronts with just a professional armed force? Don't forget, the effort in Afghanistan was a legitimate move, retribution for the Attacks in New York. Iraq had no justification and the evidence of links with islamic terro...

Greg Bruno from the Council on Foreign Relations has written an excellent appraisal of the cost of US withdrawal from Iraq(perhaps excellent is a poor choice of words, what I meant to say is that the article is very thorough and has a considerable number of embedded references) Here's the reference (in case you're seeing this on face book) http://www.cfr.org/publication/18681/costly_exit_from_iraq.html

And once again it is Earth Day. I hope this is an opportunity for all of us reflect on what we have done (good or bad) for, or to, this planet At least Earth Day has served its purpose to raise awareness that the environment is crucial to the human condition and not just something to pay lip service to. -- Post From My iPhone

It is nice to know that underneath the formal exterior President Obama has time to feel human. Here's a picture of him with his Portuguese Water Dog. Tender indeed. Image extracted from The Shopping Blog