McCain rejects Obamacare reform again Arizona Senator John McCain for a second time has likely killed Republican efforts to reform the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). National Review editor Rich Lowrie criticizes “The GOP’s hurry-up-and-give-up cycle on Obamacare,” echoing one of McCain’s rationalizations for his vote. Meanwhile, the Republican bill’s foremost opponent, late night talk show host Jimmy […]

Tough new U.S. sanctions vs. North Korean economy President Trump has just issued an executive order making possible tight sanctions against North Korea trade, finance, exported labor, and shipping — and other countries’ individuals and entities involved in such activities. The full text is here.* Affordable Care Act reform, Jimmy Kimmel, and the N.F.L. Late-night talk […]

Hurricanes Maria and Irma Electric power is out throughout Puerto Rico, in the aftermath of  the worst direct hit the island has suffered in almost a century. In the aftermath, the island is now suffering torrential rains as Maria heads toward the Bahamas as a category three hurricane. Meanwhile Florida, in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, […]

Trump’s U.N. speech President Trump’s speech to the U.N. yesterday (video) has been denounced as bellicose by the New York Times, in contrast to right-of-center media, which hailed it for the unsettling effect it will have on Russia and China  and for its forthright defense of nation states and their cooperative co-existence. Natural disasters   […]

Hurricane Maria The National Hurricane Center warns — all-caps in original — “…POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC HURRICANE MARIA CONTINUES WEST- NORTHWESTWARD TOWARD THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND PUERTO RICO… …PREPARATIONS AGAINST LIFE-THREATENING STORM SURGE AND RAINFALL FLOODING AND DESTRUCTIVE WINDS SHOULD BE RUSHED TO COMPLETION… ” In contrast with hurricane-damaged Texas and Florida, Puerto Rico is bankrupt, limiting […]