American Hypocrisy: Cool for Cash, Not for Security

Once again the overripe hoopla on all sides regarding the NSA data mining makes one wonder, why is it ok for Facebook or Google to reap billions from tracking our Internet comings and goings, yet the US government, which as we see of late in The IRS scandal is not exactly operating with "schutzstaffel"(SS) efficiency is berated for at least taking what appear to be prudent steps to gather the potential data which could help to not only track terrorists and enemies domestic and foreign, but could also strive to prevent attacks. 

The Obama administration is not building a totalitarian state. Richard Nixon went much further with much less high tech wherewithal in his efforts to stifle dissent. Barack Obama may not be the ultimate President if such a President has ever existed. From the view point if history they may be viewed as worthy or not worthy for the office. But in the day to day operation if government all they can do us endeavor to protect and to serve and to take the steps that its office provides. While journalists who are not responsible for protecting our citizenry may judge BO badly at the moment it is only history who will judge whether these current actions are prudent it not.That's what he is there for He is criticized as being an ineffective leader until he exerts leadership and then he is criticized as bring dictatorial. Relax, America. We have plenty of real not imaginary enemies out there without creating a domestic "pile on" before knowing if this program could in fact lead to better security. We already give Mark Z. and his strata of technoplutocrats plenty of leeway with our lives, reputations and secrets.

--Anthony Napoli 

Deep in the Heart of Brooklyn

Fighting on the Border

Photo by Danielle Moghadam

On a field trip to Druse villages in the north, witnessing

fighting between Syrian rebels and Syrian government soldiers

on the border of Israel and Syria in the Golan Heights.