NPR has been more committed to coverage and updates on the after effects of Katrina more than any other MSM outlet than I am aware of. I will not forget when just after the storm Chris Matthews said “Katrina has ripped off the scab of racism and poverty in this nation”. The problem being is that on MSNBC’s Hardball and other programs the scab came off for about a month.

If only they would do consistent programs on this critical issue there would be more constructive change in the critical areas of racism and poverty.

Come on Matthews rip the racism and poverty scab off for more than a month.

Christy Hardin Smith @ 7

peanutbutter at 3 — Well, there is an element of “chin up” that does have to occur. Personal responsibility is a big part of it for these kids, and it has to be, honestly. But most of them learn it all too early — as in at the tender age of 4, in one case that I worked in private practice, where a wee child was caring for his younger sibling(s) at that age. When people talk about these kids picking themselves up, they have no real idea how far up they have to look in some cases — it is a completely alien world to a lot of folks who have no experience working with at risk kids.

There is a big element of doing the work yourself. But there is also a substantial benefit to all of us having a stake in how these kids do — we learn compassion and the true meaning of sacrifice, for one thing, let alone feeling more invested in the whole of who we are and ought to be as a nation rather than dividing ourselves continuously between “us” and “them.”

OldCoastie, keep us posted.

Eg – we’ve been very, very lucky down here – lots of acres burned, but great “structure protection” going on… with a little air support and with the winds dying down, we may be in pretty good shape pretty soon…

Professor Foland @ 21

selise (sorry folks, from last thread)–

yes, the US produces twice the oil of Iran. It’s just that we consume so much that we still have to import.

Actually, it brings up a point that often gets lost. If ME oil supplies came to a dead halt, the US would lose about 50% of its oil. So somehow our economy would have to readjust by 50%. But Japan and Europe would find they have to adjust by numbers closer to 80-90%. In many ways they are more vulnerable to oil shocks than the US is.

WOW.

Thanks you so much. I had no idea.

And an attack on Iran, if it inflames the Shiite populations in the Gulf monarchies to the South would threaten that supply. Surprisingly, 70% of the population in Bahrain, and about half the population of Kuwait, are Shi’a. The other Gulf states and Saudi Arabia have smaller, but still significant, percentages of permanent Shiite residents…usually treated as second-class citizens.

The monarchies realize that there is a substantial danger of civil uprisings against their regimes if the US attacks Iran. The US military would be at great difficulties keeping the oil production and shipping lanes open in such a self-inflicted crisis.

nonplussed @ 19

Boehner just moved to Censure Pete Stark…

For what? Insulting the President isn’t one of the dishonorable acts noted in Jefferson’s Rules. The President isn’t a “fellow member” of the House. Seems that the “censure” is an effort to “insult” the House, and Boehner should be censured.

I’d like to see that.
is smarmy the right word?

Boehner just moved to Censure Pete Stark…

For what? Insulting the President isn’t one of the dishonorable acts noted in Jefferson’s Rules. The President isn’t a “fellow member” of the House. Seems that the “censure” is an effort to “insult” the House, and Boehner should be censured.