Two scowling faces fill my head today, the result of taking in Dick Cheney's sudden flurry of media appearances, and Clint Eastwood's new film Gran Torino. At first glance, the real-life vice president and Walt Kowalski, the fictional retired autoworker portrayed by Eastwood, seem to have a lot in common. They are both gruff, prickly, taciturn, sandpaper-voiced men, given to conservative views, short, clipped responses, macho posturing, and a narrow view of right and wrong. And they both always seem on the verge of telling people around them to go f**k themselves. But dig a little deeper and major differences appear, especially when it comes to questions of morality, justice, repentance, the willingness to examine long-held beliefs, and the limitations of violence.
A new rule issued yesterday by the Bush administration, with little more than 30 days left in office, is the ultimate holiday gift to the extreme right.
Journalists lionizing the former FBI official for his contribution in helping to bring down Nixon should not overlook the fact that Felt was one of the architects of the bureau's notorious COINTELPRO campaign.
I'm trying to be open to the "we must talk to those we don't agree with" idea. Still, this is the first event of his presidency, and gay people's feelings seem so easily sacrificed by Obama.
My office is filling up once again with parents complaining about what awful children they have. So many parents feel that their children are rude, lazy, high maintenance, and just not very much fun to be around.
In the best traditions of the Republican Party, Bush better pardon all those members of the administration who could be prosecutorial targets, because if you don't, you're only opening the door for them to come after you.
Solis is the right secretary of labor to take advantage of a great opportunity not only to make America's economy stronger by making it greener, but also to make Americans living in poverty part of a revitalized middle class.
Governor Paterson should resist Bloomberg's arrogant meddling and appoint Andrew Cuomo. He is the best suited, and has the demonstrated record to carry on the legacy of Robert F. Kennedy.
One of them has a law degree from Columbia and has co-written two critically acclaimed books about the Bill of Rights. The other has a journalism degree from college in general and had a memorable conversation with Katie Couric.
I am very disappointed by President-elect Obama's decision to honor Reverend Rick Warren with a prominent role in his inauguration.
Joe, please don't ask me for any more money until you figure out that Rick Warren hasn't been buttering your bread. People like me have been doing that, and we are getting a little ticked off.
If you have not heard of Mary Schapiro, it is because she has not been much of a player, much less a crusader, in the struggle for reform. She is the kind of Democratic appointment that allows Wall Street to breathe a huge sigh of relief.
A TImes editorial today hits one of my pet issues and peeves: how collectively we let down our veterans, every single day.
This choice illustrates the downside of inspirational figures and the accompanying bad habit of investing in Obama your own ideas, values, priorities and views just because he moves you.
Make 2009 your year of getting in touch with your inner, passionate, artist as you replenish your feelings of empty pockets with a dose of cultural currency.
It's possible that I am being too sensitive about gender bias, but is the "experience" question raised more frequently for women than it is for men?
The Obama campaign logo represents a break from the conventional notions of political logos and candidate branding. Many would argue that it is one of the most innovative political logos of all time.
If cleaned up, Ponzi-free, derivative-free capitalism comes out of Madoff scandal, then good may yet come of his madness, and of our system.
For too long, the Pentagon has been exempt from economic scrutiny. We must make it illegal for the military to spend appropriations on spare parts that it cannot justify.
