I’ve written on several previous occasions about the quagmire in which the US risks becoming bogged down in Afghanistan. Invaders and occupiers have tried to pacify the region for well over two millennia, and none have succeeded. I was therefore interested to read the approach taken by Prof. Sean McFate to rebuild the Liberian army,… Continue reading Building an Afghan army – one man’s approach
Tag: Dilemma
The revolving door of justice
As a prison chaplain, I got used to many recently-released inmates ending up back behind bars within a short time. The staff used to moan and bitch about it constantly. Many times we had to release somebody whom we knew – knew, beyond a shadow of doubt – would re-offend within days or weeks. What’s… Continue reading The revolving door of justice
Haiti’s earthquake damage and its environment
There’s a very interesting article on the Haitian disaster at Global View. The author makes the point that the country’s ecological and economic woes are inextricably linked to the devastation caused by the recent earthquake. Here’s an excerpt. Most people wouldn’t consider an earthquake to be an environmental issue. But while the tremors that shattered… Continue reading Haiti’s earthquake damage and its environment
The electronic life?
A new study from the Kaiser Family Foundation finds that modern teenagers – at least, those in the USA – are spending almost all their time electronically connected in one way or another. The New York Times reports: The average young American now spends practically every waking minute — except for the time in school… Continue reading The electronic life?
The first Haiti relief offer that makes sense to me
I note from the BBC that the president of Senegal has offered land to refugees from Haiti. President Abdoulaye Wade said Haitians were sons and daughters of Africa since Haiti was founded by slaves, including some thought to be from Senegal. “The president is offering voluntary repatriation to any Haitian that wants to return to… Continue reading The first Haiti relief offer that makes sense to me
What’s the straight skinny on eggs and cholesterol?
I like eggs. I could eat a couple of dozen a week, given free rein. However, I’ve always restrained myself because many people – including doctors – insist that eggs in quantity are bad for you, boosting the production of the ‘bad sort’ of cholesterol. After my heart attack in October, I was put on… Continue reading What’s the straight skinny on eggs and cholesterol?
When taxes mean dying later – or earlier
I’m bemused by a report in the Wall Street Journal. Nothing’s certain except death and taxes — but a temporary lapse in the estate tax is causing a few wealthy Americans to try to bend those rules. Starting Jan. 1, the estate tax — which can erase nearly half of a wealthy person’s estate —… Continue reading When taxes mean dying later – or earlier
‘Dinowars’ make fossil hunting a less than peaceful pastime
The Daily Mail reports that fossil-hunting is becoming big business, and causing a lot of damage to areas where such things may be found. We pick our way along Monmouth Beach, an untidy strand just to the west of Lyme Regis on the Dorset-Devon border. Every few minutes, boulders the size of my head tumble… Continue reading ‘Dinowars’ make fossil hunting a less than peaceful pastime
Looks like some veterinary surgeons aren’t to be trusted
The Daily Mail has published an exposé of the shabby tricks of some English veterinary surgeons. Anyone care to bet the same tricks aren’t practiced here in the USA? Having had a comprehensive school education, I went into [veterinary surgery] because I was fascinated by biology and genuinely wanted to help animals. And although my… Continue reading Looks like some veterinary surgeons aren’t to be trusted
A tragedy indeed . . . but what would you have done?
I’m saddened to read of a father who shot dead his own son after the boy confessed to sexually molesting his three-year-old sister. Jamar Pinkney allegedly beat up 15-year-old Jamar Jr then marched him to wasteland, where he forced him to strip and kneel. The teenager’s mother, Lazette Cherry, told how he begged, ‘No, Daddy!… Continue reading A tragedy indeed . . . but what would you have done?