I have 29 fans: Become a Fan. You'll get emails whenever I post articles on OpEdNews
Margaret Bassett passed away August 21, 2011. She was a treasured member of the Opednews.com editorial team for four years.
Margaret Bassett--OEN editor--is an 89-year old, currently living in senior housing, with a lifelong interest in political philosophy. Bachelors from State University of Iowa (1944) and Masters from Roosevelt University (1975) help to unravel important requirements for modern communication. Early introduction to computer science (1966) trumps them. It's payback time. She's been "entitled" so long she hopes to find some good coming off the keyboard into the lives of those who come after her.
Saturday, July 16, 2011 Social Security - Thanks Frances Perkins (5 comments)
Social Security is an equal opportunity program. Hint: Grannies who tenaciously advocate saving it from obsolescence want to see that others agree. History involving Frances Perkins is a good starting point.
Sunday, July 18, 2010 Don't Worry. Be Wary. Stay Informed. (8 comments)
Who says we're not better off? Better off than in 1992. More organized than in 2008. Less naive than in 2006. And, in the author's view, more informed than in 2004 when the intellectual equivalent of Teeny Boppers' mantra on blogs was "Just wait!
Saturday, July 3, 2010 British Petroleum and Macondo Well (5 comments)
Starting with the familiar, I turned to the online Casper newspaper and found: BP in Wyoming
By DUSTIN BLEIZEFFER - Star-Tribune energy reporter | Posted: Friday, June 11, 2010 2:00 am
Spill Won't Hurt Operations Here, Company Says
I realize BP does not have a large presence in the Energy State. However, the Gulf Gusher might deep six BP. Here's a startling paragraph:
Monday, June 7, 2010 A Not-so-Great Generation Meets what They Wrought (4 comments)
Why the confusion now? A look back to the 60s' cultural revolution in most living rooms, one would find relationships just as tangled then. Age alone was not the determinant. At times it was almost like siblings in opposite paths. So with a new administration and a president born at the end of an 18-year span, what can the future promise?
Friday, May 21, 2010 Voter ID Defines Status, Clout Demands More (3 comments)
Synonyms per the dictionary: influence, authority, prestige, weight, credit mean power exerted over the minds or behavior of others.
Saturday, May 8, 2010 Meeting Half Way Could Make Roadkill (2 comments)
Recently the President gave a speech to a graduating class about civility. Betcha they heard it before. However, no harm in advocacy for good manners, even in politics.
Friday, April 30, 2010 Dancing with One Foot in a Sack
A real street drama sponsored by the AFL-CIO (more than 5000 participants) demonstrated in New York City's financial district. It was largely inspired by the Pete Peterson Commission--often cited as being unfriendly to "little people."
Saturday, April 24, 2010 Been Down so Long Things Look up (5 comments)
I look at the last ten years of young person's lives and wonder how the next ten will go. In 1933, I was 11. Ten years later a humdinger of a war was winding down.
Saturday, April 10, 2010 All the News That's Fit to Cut and Paste (1 comments)
What we call QuickLinks on OpEdNews is so prevalent in most online political sites that it's hard to believe we don't think of it as a source of news "you can't get anywhere else." Where do those QLs come from? As an editor, one of my chief sources comes from other sites' newsletters.
Sunday, March 21, 2010 Rowdies in Washington DC, March 20, 2010 (1 comments)
Talking Points Memo published vicious slurs against John Lewis and Barney Frank during tea party demonstrations. In the meantime, all of us citizens are suspect, especially if our names are associated with forward looking policies.
Saturday, March 6, 2010 If It's Broke, Who'll Fix It?
Everything may not be up to snuff in the Beltway, but the cards were dealt. Whither now? Take to the streets? Choose a party, any party? Fight City Hall? Or maybe just go with the flow.
Saturday, February 27, 2010 Who Works? Who Labors? Who Manages? Who's the Boss? (2 comments)
It would be simplistic to allege than brain is replacing brawn. True the likes of Ford's River Rouge plant is history. But a car is a car. Modular parts require less hard labor and more attention to detail. Toyota admits as much.
Saturday, February 20, 2010 What Part of Life Belongs to Politics? (8 comments)
Funny that I should ask! Here I am, deeply interested in OpEdNews and all the little tentacles that take me to more information. Worse yet, I have been involved since childhood--now with a degree in political science, a subject I vehemently declare to be non-scientific.
Sunday, February 14, 2010 My Old Age Benefit - My Childhood Heroine (4 comments)
As a schoolgirl, I got shivers thinking about what old people would do if they had no place to go when they couldn't work--the Poor Farm, they called it. By the time I was in college we had what is known as Social Security. Others told me OAB funds were deducted from their paychecks at the rate of 1%.
Saturday, January 16, 2010 Economists for the People, Father and Son, the Galbraiths
From the 1950s through the 1970s, John Kenneth Galbraith was one of the most widely read economists in the United States. In these times, Bill Moyers interviews economist James K. Galbraith, a son, about the tragic impact of the recession on ordinary people and steps we must take to avoid future meltdowns.
Saturday, January 2, 2010 Speaking of the Unspeakable (15 comments)
James W. Douglass' book "JFK and the Unspeakable - Why he Died and Why it Matters" is getting the attention of readers and writers, including those on OpEdNews. On first reading I am not able to lay out a review. Herewith is an overview.
Saturday, December 26, 2009 End of the Line on Life's "Womb to Tomb" Journey (6 comments)
With the absurdity of Sarah Palin's crowd discussing "end of life healthcare issues" comes someone who has reason to speak up.
Sunday, October 4, 2009 Whatever Became of Dick Cheney? (13 comments)
Cheney has a higher profile now than he did during much of his two terms as vice president, where his work was often behind the scenes and out of the spotlight. He's granted many interviews in which he's been critical of President Barack Obama and provided a sharp televised rebuttal to his speech on national security issues.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 Public Information is the Yeast to Leaven Citizenship (8 comments)
Schumer, Specter Unveil Revised Reporter Shield Bill That Addresses National Security Concerns, Clearing Way For Passage by Key Senate Panel
Wednesday, August 5, 2009 Town and Country - Adams and Jefferson
Blue Dog Democrats, as a group of 51, are certainly rankling columnists and pundits. In the old question of Blue States versus Red States, there develops chatter of how Blue Dogs are turning Blue States into something resembling bilious chartreuse. Their Republican counterparts, who call themselves a Study Group, get off easier because they are just Republicans. In principle, they have similar guidelines.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 Making It In America (4 comments)
But at least on health care, the administration is leading the charge. We haven't even begun an adult conversation about the fundamental question of America's global economic strategy. What is the economy we will build out of the ashes of the old?
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 Jim Cooper, is Number One Blue Dog (1 comments)
The man has influence, knowledge, and vast experience. Looking at his background allows one to come away with the fact that here is no down home redneck to work with.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009 Who's a Journalist? (12 comments)
I'm not a professional journalist. I wondered what one is. To get a notion I went to their webpage to find out what is required of a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, where I read their ethics code.
Friday, June 12, 2009 Googling Through the Senate (2 comments)
Healthcare reform is going to be a fight to the finish, penciled in for the end of September. In the meantime, we citizens are laying our bodies on the line. For this citizen, it's keeping a very wary eye. On the House for Christmas tree ornaments. On the Senate for what Senators do--act senatorial
Wednesday, June 3, 2009 Tell Me Some Stories, Mr. President (8 comments)
Would it be too much to ask that he sit at that desk he orbits away from, look us in the eye, and lay out some guiding principles? What are the issues the US faces in a global crisis of bad economies and suspicious militaries? It's just that simple. How is it possible to avoid still more war when we are stretched thin from wars started, still not finished?
Friday, May 1, 2009 ABC News' Blotter Updates its 2007 Torture Story (3 comments)
On April 30, 2009, ABC News had more to say about it's September 14, 2007 story concerning waterboarding. Now, they have learned that two former military officers, Bruce Jessen and Jim Mitchell--working as Mitchell Jensen and Associates--were contracted by the CIA to instruct it in how to set up "legal" waterboarding techniques.
Saturday, April 4, 2009 Tripping Down Memory Lane Through Presidential Campaigns (4 comments)
As 20 nations sent representatives to London this week, I itched to be there to observe how men and women were going to look at "the least of these." Through it all, I recognize that on this 41st anniversary of MLK's death we have the same question as he and LBJ tussled over on that fateful day. Guns or butter? Which will prevail?
Saturday, March 7, 2009 Hey, Boomer! Can We Talk Now? (6 comments)
During the days of the Great Cultural Divide, I worked with those young enough to be my children. By way of explanation, much of this piece of history occurred during the infamous Democratic National Convention in Chicago in 1968. Since I worked a few blocks from Mayor Daley's home, part of my memories involves navigating to our near western suburb. And a large part includes hearing the events of the previous night.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 What are You Giving up? (7 comments)
What is this little essay about? And what isn't it? It isn't an appeal for "aid to Cedar Rapids." What this essay is about is "spinning wheels."
Actions Speak Louder than Words.
Saturday, February 7, 2009 Surviving Turbulent Economic & Political Times--Though 50 (1 comments)
War winding down, impeachment chatter, economic changes, generational shifts--what happened to me in the early 70s is something which I see happening to my younger friends these days as they hope to be on the last full time job they'll ever need.
Monday, January 5, 2009 To Mark the Beginning of the Last Year of a Decade in the 2000s (1 comments)
On January 2, I met some Democrats who I hardly know except through local news. Blount County Democrats, who have been blogging since 2004, invited me to join. I want to see whether "they" can turn into "we."
Sunday, December 21, 2008 Democrats and Republicans & Questions on War and Peace (15 comments)
There is currently a discussion going on about details such as more troops to Afghanistan, better help for the veterans returning from Iraq, and Obama's choices for Secretaries of State and Defense. Herein a little global overview added.
Friday, December 19, 2008 I Heart Chicago (2 comments)
Well, not every last bit of rubble and rabble. Just the energy it gives to one who works and cares.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008 Chris Hedges on the State of Higher Education (23 comments)
Personal opinion relating to Education, as seen in politics and as needed in the Real World. I heart Chris Hedges.
Sunday, December 7, 2008 It's Morning - Time to Get to Work, America (8 comments)
A few thoughts concerning how Barack Obama is proceeding with woeful news. Time to wake up and smell the coffee.
Sunday, November 30, 2008 World Revolutions, US History and Mumbai Mayhem (13 comments)
How will Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State perform in the "War on Terror" when George W Bush is gone? As Monday's announcement of her appointment approaches, best that her statements be gauged.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008 Happy Thanksgiving from Maryville, Tennessee (6 comments)
Woke up feeling good, started the coffee and looked at the local headlines. There in big black letters were three pre-holiday stories.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008 The car crazy crowd and the cross they may bear (4 comments)
Personally, what is happening in Washington politics is local with me. Two families where I have long friendship ties are impacted. A parts manufacturer is closing down.
Monday, November 10, 2008 Globalization is Not a Dirty Word (3 comments)
"Wall Street needs it, Obama brings it" is how David Weidner wrote hours after President-elect Obama's acceptance speech.
Monday, November 3, 2008 Me and My Money
Whatever the social scientists want to call it.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008 1988 to Bailout (3 comments)
I'm giving advice from the trenches to those younger than myself, which is a good percentage of the population. There will be ups and downs in money matters. Bean-counter types call it business cycles.
Sunday, September 21, 2008 Bailout! Let's look to Congress. Here's a good member (3 comments)
Perhaps it would be useful to discuss whether those who are worried about the Bailout have anyone in Congress who knows what we need.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008 Freddie and Fannie & Uncle Sam
Report after of one day's trading of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. I hope this will help in discussing what Obama may say about Secretary Paulson's rescue.
Sunday, August 24, 2008 Where Will the Hits Come From? (4 comments)
Dirty work in past campaigns will surface from groups who want to discredit Obama this time around. Here are three.
Friday, August 22, 2008 What Will the Kids Do? (3 comments)
I thought of Youth when I started writing. But it wouldn't hurt all of us to do some homework. What I'm driving at is the Progressive Party and how Henry Wallace is still relevant.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008 Count My Vote (11 comments)
I'm not up on all the rules for effective voting in these 50 United States of America. So I bought a book!
Monday, June 30, 2008 Thank you, Ann Wright and Susan Dixon
The book is called: DISSENT - Voices of Conscience - Government Insiders Speak Out Against the War in Iraq - Forward by Daniel Ellsberg. Published by Koa Books in 2008, 278pp.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008 Let Me Tell You about the Iowa River (13 comments)
It runs through my alma mater, and I feel like I'm down for the count and gurgling googles.
Monday, April 28, 2008 Open Letter to Barack Obama
I thought of the goings-on about Barack Obama's church, his pastor, his national publicity (if it can be termed that), and I decided I just needed to talk him. So I wrote him a letter for everyone to see, including him, I hope.
Monday, April 21, 2008 Remembering the Unthinkable - Years Later
In an effort to neaten my documents, I ran into this lament, stuck in a folder all by itself. I can only guess that it was written shortly after 9/11. All documents before August 16, 2005 have that date, since the browser crashed and we had to copy the hard drive. My best guess is that it was written before the middle of November, 2001, because it was then I had an injury to my hands and couldn't type for a long time.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008 Do Senators Make Good Presidents? (3 comments)
We're about to find out. We are stuck with one Republican and two Democratic Senators, each convinced that he/she could bring the United States into a well-recognized position in the world, while making the homefolks safe and happy.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 Don't you bash that woman to me! (14 comments)
I have a problem. How can an article be fashioned out of an old woman's memories? Well, this old woman is going to try. It's about my sister Hillary.
Friday, February 29, 2008 How are you making out?
I heard that phrase as a kid during the depression. The shocker came when my friend, a Boomer, asked me that. I wonder how much harder she'll have it in the next 25 years.
Sunday, February 10, 2008 I'm OK! You're OK! Arentcha? (2 comments)
I read a new book on the Race Card. And found it worthwhile.
Sunday, February 3, 2008 Barack Obama's First Book (1 comments)
This is not as much a book review as it is a memory trip. The writing is so good. And very honest. Born into the Luo tribe of Kenya with its tradition of polygamy makes for an interesting tale. The Senator became an organizer in Chicago, territory I left five years before he came.
Sunday, January 27, 2008 Open letter to the 3 Democrats for president (2 comments)
To be a Democrat these days requires introspection. I want to help one make it to the Oval Office. In the meantime, they must hammer out the issues which will prevail all the way. Here's some advice. And a promise to do what I can from this keyboard to help.
Sunday, January 27, 2008 John Edwards' on Education
To me, US involvement in education is an important topic. Why aren't we talking about it?
Tuesday, January 22, 2008 Doing It for the Gipper (3 comments)
The Dow heads south. Time to think of Reaganomics. Hold on to your pocketbook!
Saturday, January 19, 2008 How to Love a :"Right" Person (2 comments)
Trying to separate the little "d" and the little "r" is not easy. Forget the capital letters!
Monday, January 14, 2008 4/4/68 and Counting 40 Years (4 comments)
Just a way to think of Martin Luther King on the eve of his birthday.
Sunday, January 13, 2008 Bill Richardson 3-in-1
After Governor bowed out of primaries, will he bow out of national politics.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008 Thank you, America! (2 comments)
Just some musings after Iowa and New Hampshire.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008 With a Name Like Daschle
Discussion of Tom Daschle's experience during George W. Bush's first term. A book takes us back to the beginning of the 21st Century.
Sunday, December 16, 2007 Americans, Democrats & Republicans, Want Change (2 comments)
It seems Democratic leaders are hesitant to act as boldly as those who voted for them desire. Same might be said for Republicans. Maybe "the people" should work both sides of the aisle.
