Ralph Nader Was Right About Barack Obama

Ralph Nader Was Right About Barack Obama

March 02, 2010 | 12 Comments

The illegal wars and occupations, the largest transference of wealth upward in American history and the egregious assault on civil liberties, all begun under George W. Bush, raise only a flicker of tepid protest from liberals when propagated by the Democrats. Liberals, unlike the right wing, are emotionally disabled. They appear not to feel. The tea-party protesters, the myopic supporters of Sarah Palin, the veterans signing up for Oath Keepers and the myriad of armed patriot groups have swept into their ranks legions of disenfranchised workers, angry libertarians, John Birchers and many who, until now, were never politically active. They articulate a legitimate rage. Yet liberals continue to speak in the bloodless language of issues and policies, and leave emotion and anger to the protofascists. Take a look at the 3,000-word suicide note left by Joe Stack, who flew his Piper Cherokee last month into an IRS office in Austin, Texas, murdering an IRS worker and injuring dozens. He was not alone in his rage.

Posted in Opinion, Politics

Sit-Lie Dog and Pony Show

Sit-Lie Dog and Pony Show

March 02, 2010 | 10 Comments

For me, the most powerful moment in over four hours of testimony was one that probably passed almost unnoticed for most people. Representatives from the police and the district attorney’s office had just finished over 100 minutes of testimony during which time they got all the time they wanted to tell the supervisors how they all thought this would be the greatest thing since sliced bread. SFPD Chief George Gascón was a no-show, but Assistant Chief Kevin Cashman was ready with a slick PowerPoint presentation (more on that later), followed by a parade of captains in full regalia whose sole purpose seemed to be to show solidarity across the SFPD, as if this was ever in doubt.

Posted in Opinion, Politics

Minding Muni

February 28, 2010 | 8 Comments

Muni drivers have incredibly hard jobs. They sit in the same position for hours and take all kinds of abuse from the public. They deserve to be paid well. At the same time, they are not completely blameless. Perhaps the work rules do need to be tightened up, but the general public should be clear: getting changing operator work rules will bring back some money to the agency – but $15 million is not enough.

Posted in Opinion

Widespread Corporate Pillage

February 24, 2010 | No Comments

  By Joel S. Hirschhorn February 24, 2010 Business ethics has become an oxymoron. Wall Street bonuses were up 17 percent to over $20 billion in 2009, the year taxpayers bailed out the financial sector…

Posted in Opinion, Politics

Stay Tuned: Let Me Speak to Your Manager, Please

Stay Tuned: Let Me Speak to Your Manager, Please

February 23, 2010 | 3 Comments

Rather than demand substantive improvements of themselves, they prefer to aim Muni rider anger toward average Muni workers, creating the false impression operator salaries and attitude have caused the MTA’s massive budget deficit. Don’t be fooled by their superheated rhetoric and lack of leadership.

Posted in News, Opinion, Politics

Court Jester Reflects on Joe Lynn Memorial

Court Jester Reflects on Joe Lynn Memorial

February 22, 2010 | 2 Comments

We were headed to a memorial for the man whose very name epitomized integrity in the snake pit of double-crossing con artists, thieves and liars who dominate the SF political scene. Some of my best friends, that lot.

Tiger Woods’ Mea Culpa

February 20, 2010 | 6 Comments

Tiger Woods By Ralph E. Stone February 20, 2010 I am not a golfer. I have never watched a golf tournament live, or on television. Yet, Tiger Woods became a worldwide phenomenon that transcended any…

Posted in Human Interest, Opinion