Fritz Haeg: The Obamas’ vegetable patch is a symbol of what is wrong with our lawns | Comment is free | guardian.co.uk

This is so great! From many points; for sure environment, economy, energy one could go on as to the great effect of what the Obama's are doing. It gives us all such a positive feeling compared to chain-sawing brush. I also applaud the others suggestions of what to with all that lawn. I hope others take on the same idea. Just save the playing fields, particularly the grounds for polo. Let us grow things we can use to live. And preserve all those tiny critters who help out like bees and ladybugs. MB PS thanks Ed Pearl for sending
Posted by Michael Butler, Sunday, March 29, 2009

AlterNet: Why the Global Economy Is a Ponzi Scheme and We Are All Bernie Madoffs

An unusual style of writing. Go with it and you will see that he is making a point. That is, all of us are responsible for the plunder of our planet. Nature is our home. And as the article quotes, "Nature doesn't do bailouts". MB
Posted by Michael Butler, Monday, March 23, 2009

AlterNet: Does America Face the Risk of a Fascist Backlash?

This article was published recently on MB Civic. As it is so important I present it again. It is a dour epistle which delves into much history showing comparisons to situations now faced by us in America. I know that all of us cannot conceive of such things happening in this country. Do not doubt that such a turn of events is possible. Many countries, many empires have continued merrily on such a path to their eventual ruin. MB
Posted by Michael Butler, Friday, March 20, 2009

“Consumerism” is Dead

Here are tough, realistic words which I pray you consider. A new lifestyle is emerging. Not too soon before past , and current, excesses destroy the planet. Growth of all types husband cancers which will destroy the structures they consist of. MB
Posted by Michael Butler, Monday, March 16, 2009

$5 Billion in Lobbying for 12 Corrupt Deals Caused the Multi-Trillion Dollar Financial Meltdown | AlterNet

This is what I have been awaiting-a concise description of the financial/lobby/political actions which brought us to this dilemma. Save this article. It will be good to show your grandchildren what was the outcome of letting the foxes into the chicken coop. Maybe it will help to prevent capitalism from imploding. MB
Posted by Michael Butler, Monday, March 9, 2009

Too Big Not to Fail

Quite a read. Written with a lucid easy description of our banking scene. As Grandfather used to proclaim, "Those damn (Eastern) bankers". MB
Posted by Michael Butler, Saturday, March 7, 2009

Capitalism’s Self-Inflicted Apocalypse

Capitalism’s Self-Inflicted Apocalypse is some strong medicine for political philosophers. One might not agree with its overall premise. It is difficult not to concur with many of its statements of facts. We are emerging from the claim that non-regulation, i.e. the freedom of markets, will raise all boats. The Reagan philosophy has been carried to an extreme position by the excesses of the Bush administration. The result has been to lower all boats, in fact sink many of them. The only solution to our current dilemma is to create a philosophy which all sides of these issues will work towards a common ground. Currently the Republicans have not seen fit to put forth strong alternatives to Democratic positions. They push for failure of any programs not their own. Yet we are not to hear clear positive ideas from their spokesmen and pundits. MB
Posted by Michael Butler, Friday, March 6, 2009

The Consortiumnews.com | The American Media Misdiagnosis

Remember the iceberg at the 'Titanic'. This is just the tip. Recall the damage it did. Well, now we are facing something much more serious. Our access to the truth has been and continues to be compromised-by the very sources we have trusted for so long. Recall how thankful we were for such facts being delivered by our revered journalists. There is no hope for this country without a free press. We cannot tolerate a press which is controlled by a small number of large media corporation who are dependent on the good will of the administration in power. So many politicians are owned by the corporate lobbyists who have their own interests in mind. Can you image where we would be without the internet and the blogosphere. MB
Posted by Michael Butler, Monday, March 2, 2009