Newsmakers Roasting on an Open Fire: Your Gift Ideas for 2009's Naughty and Nice

Arianna Huffington, 12.25.2009

Earlier this week, I asked for your ideas on what gifts we should give to some of our favorite -- and not so favorite -- public figures. You dusted of...

Why is My Party So Spineless?

Andy Ostroy, 12.17.2009

New York City-based political analyst

When will Democrats learn who they're battling? When will the party finally wise up and fight to the death for what it believes in?

"Times/CBS News Poll" Confirms Viscusi's Prediction From Huffington Post

Stephen Viscusi, 12.15.2009

America's Workplace Guru

By Stephen Viscusi Today's just released "NY Times /CBS" poll confirms what I have been preaching in this very column for months! American individ...

Talking the Talk: An Exercise in Irony From West Point to Oslo

Eugene Jarecki, 12.10.2009

Award-winning dramatic and documentary filmmaker

If Barack Obama were truly seeking to apply Eisenhower's wisdom, he would need to examine whether his Afghan plan is not the very kind of "spectacular and costly action" against which Eisenhower once warned.

The Rehabilitation of Eliot Spitzer

Marcia G. Yerman, 12.03.2009

New York based writer focusing on women's issues and the arts; Co-Founder of cultureID

As Chris Matthews repeatedly called him "governor," I wondered what the exact protocol was for retaining your title even after you have resigned in disgrace.

Wall Street and the US Government: Where's Jimmy Stewart When We Need Him?

Steven G. Brant, 10.20.2009

Developer of sustainable local, national, and international development strategies

With all the interest in the damage Wall Street has done, activity that's the opposite should draw some attention. But coverage of the corporate social responsibility movement is not yet an idea whose time has come.

Step Up to Mike's Challenge

Linda Milazzo, 10.20.2009

Writer/Educator/Activist

Despite all we've learned from Sicko, Fahrenheit 9/11 and Roger and Me, we continue to take abuse. Our pal Mike is now asking us to act.

Reaction to President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize is Another "Teaching Moment"

Joseph A. Palermo, 10.12.2009

Author/Associate Professor of History

Are we incapable of recognizing the simple fact that it is much better for America to have a president who is admired and respected in the world than one who is despised and feared?

Democrat Calls Republicans "Knuckle Dragging Neanderthals." Is Berlusconi One Too? You Bet!

Ronald B. Robinson, 12.01.2009

Political and Media Analyst

Being progressives and promoting a positive agenda of Socio-Spiritual Liberation and Joyful Justice doesn't mean being wimpy.

Talk Radio Inciting Violence? What Happened to Listener Discernment?

Michael D. Brown, 11.21.2009

Former Under Secretary, Homeland Security

We should never refrain from expressing our opinions with emotions and passions for fear that the nut case will hear it wrong and act out violently.

Rep. Wilson's Insincere Apology - Hardball

Landon Ross, 11.14.2009

Los Angeles based writer, artist, and progressive thinker.

Why do Republicans, within the media, excel in getting away with far more egregious acts than Democrats ever would? It is one of their most impressive talents as a party.

My Problem With MSNBC

Stephen C. Rose, 11.10.2009

Founder of prize-winning magazine 'Renewal'

A while back I thought the network had real potential. Now I think it is on its way down.

Politics and Pressure

Daniel Menaker, 10.18.2009

Writer and editor

At least Ridge on the "Rachel Maddow Show" and "Hardball" had the decency to squirm, and thus give himself away. The way that he said that he didn't mean what he said showed me that he did.

Even Camelot Needed Health Care

Michael Winship, 09.28.2009

Senior writer at Bill Moyers Journal on PBS

Despite their grossest and most callow foibles and failings, among the three younger Kennedy brothers there was a deep, moral -- and literal -- concern for the nation's health.

It Was Never Fair and Balanced -- Now It's Not Even News

Larry Gellman, 09.24.2009

What we now see on cable TV is nothing resembling news. The entertainers who pose as newsmen now routinely spew lies, distortions, and biased opinions or provide a platforms of legitimacy to the sociopaths who do.

Firing Squads and Death Panels

B. Jeffrey Madoff, 09.24.2009

Founder of Madoff Productions

My grandmother was one of the first people a pacemaker was used on. A lot of very sincere people believe that if Obama's health care reform bill passes, old people will essentially be facing death panels and denied care.

Remembering an Amazing Marine, Candidate, and Man

Jon Soltz, 09.18.2009

Co-Founder of VoteVets.org, served as a Captain in Operation Iraqi Freedom

This week brought tragic news that among the painful and heartbreaking losses of those Killed in Action was Bill Cahir, a Marine Sergeant, killed in Afghanistan.

The Problem With Cable News

Alexander Dresner, 09.18.2009

Cable news networks would be well served by dedicating more attention to finding and cultivating on-air talent that reflects their diverse viewer base, like Rachel Maddow.

A Week Away Without Chris Matthews

Marcia G. Yerman, 09.15.2009

New York based writer focusing on women's issues and the arts; Co-Founder of cultureID

I spent a week away without Chris Matthews. When I came back, everything was the same. Except me.

Does The NRA Approve Taking Guns To Town Halls?

Paul Helmke, 09.13.2009

President, Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence

What does the National Rifle Association think about carrying loaded guns to "town hall" meetings, including presidential events? Do they think this would make us all safer?

Chris Matthews' Race Problem

Mark Joseph, 09.12.2009

Mark Joseph is a producer, author, talk show host and editor of Bullypulpit.com

Every night, Chris Matthews raises race as the reason President Obama is encountering so much opposition. But he's wrong. And though he may not intend it, he's the one who is injecting race into these debates.