Archives for September 2010

Belize’s Nationalization of Telemedia: An Act all ACP countries would do well to follow

Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at 5:40 AM

Written by Anthony L. Hall

In August 2009 Belizean Prime Minister Dean Barrow orchestrated the nationalization of Belize Telemedia Limited, the county’s virtually monopolistic telecommunications company, in a manner that would make even Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez blush. In a national address before a Special Sitting of the House of Representatives, PM Barrow justified this act by declaring that: …the… Read more.

UPDATE: Castro Denies Retreat to Capitalism. But the Proof is in the Pudding

Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 5:09 AM

Written by Anthony L. Hall

I was surprised at the number of putatively informed political pundits who not only argued that the analysis I proffered in my Friday commentary (entitled Fidel Castro Admits His ‘Cuban Model’ Has Failed) was flawed, but also expressed incredulity that Castro would ever have uttered the words attributed to him. Coincidentally, they were aided in… Read more.

‘Putin Jokes About Ruling Until He’s 120′

Monday, September 13, 2010 at 5:05 AM

Written by Anthony L. Hall

Putin to rule for life Last week, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi chose an ominous way to bond. During a joint press conference in Moscow, Berlusconi announced funding for research that will extend life expectancy to 120. Putin quipped: So we will be prime ministers [or president in Putin’s case] until at least the age of… Read more.

Zuma doing for South Africa what Mugabe did for Zimbabwe

Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 7:33 AM

Written by Anthony L. Hall

“They should please not choose someone of whom most of us would be ashamed. Our country deserves better. We’re very worried that this leader had relations with a woman who regarded him as a parent and, although he is very likeable, we have to ask ourselves: ‘What is happening in the ANC?’” Thus prayed Nobel… Read more.

Castro Admits His “Cuban Model” Has Failed

Friday, September 10, 2010 at 7:32 AM

Written by Anthony L. Hall

Former Cuban dictator Fidel Castro seems to be recovering from the gastrointestinal problems that nearly killed him a few years ago in a manner that is worthy of Lazarus. Indeed, nothing demonstrated his miraculous triumph over the Grim Reaper quite like his donning army fatigues, instead of track suits, again. Yet, in the United States,… Read more.

Despite My Criticisms and the Polls, I (Still) Support Obama Wholeheartedly!

Thursday, September 9, 2010 at 5:14 AM

Written by Anthony L. Hall

A browse through my commentaries on Obama’s presidency will make it crystal clear that I have never had any compunction about criticizing his policies. Hell, I even criticized his decision to feature Scarlet O’Hara wannabes in his inaugural parade. So why are some of my liberal friends suddenly accusing me of political betrayal? In fact, my… Read more.

Lunatic Pastor Burning Qurans on 9/11?

Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at 5:29 AM

Written by Anthony L. Hall

In recent days, media outlets – from cable news to talk radio – have been doing all they can to make a latter-day Moses out of a plainly self-aggrandizing pastor of a little church (or mini cult) in Florida. Unfortunately, this pastor is not delivering the divinely inspired message of the burning bush. Instead, he’s threatening to… Read more.

Dress Code for Female Tennis Players at the US Open?

Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at 5:08 AM

Written by Anthony L. Hall

Fashion in women’s tennis is becoming almost as important as the game itself. That’s the naked truth. It explains why commentators are commenting nearly as much on their dress as on their play at this year’s US Open. And their commentary insinuates that there should be a dress code for female players. A dress code for… Read more.

Obama Aping Bush on Mideast Peace too

Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at 5:26 AM

Written by Anthony L. Hall

I have taken a lot of ribbing from my progressive friends for documenting how President Obama is governing just like Bush on many foreign policy matters. This includes the way Obama has escalated drone attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan; notwithstanding reports that, for every 1 terrorist killed, these attacks kill 10 innocent civilians. But most… Read more.