The Nation has a review of Liberty and the News by Walter Lippmann. It (the book!) was written in 1920, but it sounds like it has a lot to say for today.
“There can be no higher law in journalism than to tell the truth and shame the devil.”
Comment period on DHS HIV travel restrictions
The GayCityNews has information on how to register a comment on proposed regulations concerning the entry of people who are HIV-positive into the United States (comments close December 6):
Individuals who wish to protest the harsh new DHS regs on HIV-positive travel may submit comments online . . . — but to do so you must include the docket number of the proposed regs, USCBP-2007–0084.
Select the pull-down for Department of Homeland Security-All, and at the bottom, select Docket ID and paste in the number. You can read the proposed regulation as well as previous comments (which include such sentiments as “i oppose giving any visas for aliens with hiv. none should be given. the law as it stands keeping them out is a good, sound, healthful one. there is no reason to change it.” and “I OPPOSE ANY CONSIDERATION OF CASE BY CASE BASIS. KEEP ALL WITH HIV OUT OF THIS COUNTRY.” Such are our fellow citizens.)
(Hat tip to Andrew Sullivan for keeping this before us.)
Neighborly pressure on Burma
Al Jazeera reports Indonesia presses for Myanmar talks:
Indonesia’s president is calling on Myanmar’s ruling military to speed up the process of democratisation and hold talks with Aung San Suu Kyi.
Al Jazeera also have a report that Aung San Suu Kyi has met with members of the political party she leads.
Al Jazeera reports on meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi
Article with photos: Al Jazeera English — News — Gambari Meets Aung San Suu Kyi
The United Nations special envoy has met Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s detained opposition leader, in the city of Yangon, a government official has said.
And this is our ally?
The Guardian reports ‘Desperate’ Musharraf declares martial law
Pakistan’s president Pervez Musharraf imposed emergency rule last night, plunging the nuclear power into crisis and triggering condemnation from leaders around the world.
Burmese monks begin fresh protests
Today’s headlines: Burmese monks begin fresh protests | Special reports | Guardian Unlimited
More than 100 Buddhist monks marched and chanted in Burma today in the first public demonstration since the military junta crushed last month’s anti-government protests, several monks said.
Thank you President Bush
As much as I despise almost everything he has done while in office, credit where credit is due: President Bush Attends Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony Honoring the Dalai Lama
I congratulate His Holiness on this recognition. I’m so honored to be here with you, sir. Laura and I join all Americans in offering the people of Tibet our fervent prayer that they may find days of prosperity and peace.
While Bush’s speech shares some of the inconsistencies of his presidency, it is worth noting that while several U.S. presidents have met with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, George Bush is the first to appear in public with him.
Environmental wake-up call
A photographer tries to make unimaginable numbers visible: chris jordan photography.
Burma still needs our attention
The Guardian online has an article above the fold today. After the riots, Burma returns to an unspoken terror
Carrying shotguns and assault rifles, teenagers in military and police uniforms cluster at street corners until curfew, then retreat to fenced-off government buildings as darkness settles.
I repudiate Ann Coulter
She has no business speaking for Christians. She is a disgrace. I can only pray that she is redeemed through God’s grace and mercy.
I also, by the way, believe Christians everywhere need to speak up and repudiate her recent statements.