ANTI OBAMA FORCES GAIN POWERFUL NEW ALLY

Right wing anti-Obama groups were heartened by the entry of a new ally, in their campaign of vituperative rhetoric against Barack Obama, when North Korea called Obama a "monkey".  Pending is a decision, by those groups, as to whether to now elevate President Kim Jong-Un to a model President who, along with Vladamir Putin, should be emulated by U.S. Presidents instead of Obama.

"SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST"

Considering the care in which Darwin couched his language, I seriously doubt that he ever coined the expression "survival of the fittest". however I could be easily be persuaded that he might have said "survival of the luckiest".

UNHAPPY HOLIDAYS

Frequently there are complaints, voiced particularly by right wing commentators, that the use of the phrase "Happy Holidays" somehow abases the term "Merry Christmas", and is part of a war against the holiday that bears that name.  I am sympathetic to their complaint, for which reason, I am suggesting that we go back to the expression we used, in my childhood, that never elicited any complaints, whatsoever, and that is "Seasons Greetings".

MUCH MALIGNED BIG PHARMA

Although the pharmaceutical industry takes a lot of criticism these days, their response in times of crises is under appreciated.  As soon as lawyers begin to advertise for participants in a class action suit, for damages resulting from side effects from a particular medication,  they are on the air waves with advertisements for a similar product to treat the same disease.  This rapid response is a testimony to their diligence, and forethought, that does not often glean the praise and admiration, that Big Pharma deserves.

BLOOD ON HIS HANDS?

I have just read an article that assures me that Barack Obama has blood on his hands for things that he did not say.  So late in life I learn that I may be guilty, for all the things that I did not do.  Had I but known that all those vices I eschewed, would someday come back to haunt me.  Just thinking about the lost opportunities brings tears to an old man's eyes.

CUBAN TALKS TOOK 18 MONTHS?

That it took 18 months of secret talks, between the U.S. and Cuba, to arrive at a prisoner exchange and renewal of diplomatic relations, strains credulity beyond belief.  More likely plans have been drawn up for an orderly detente and change in the existing system. Obama does not want a repetition of the Mariel boat lift with thousands coming into Florida or rioting in the streets of Havana. He needs a strong Cuban Central Government to effect gradual changes.  In this he will be opposed by interests, that believe that Governments only exist to further their property rights, and will push for the prompt return of their property,  regardless of the effect on  Cuba and/or the U.S.  Whatever transpires, it should make for most interesting times.

FEUDAL TIMES WERE SURPRISINGLY MODERN

Historian are now able to confirm that feudal times, indeed, were surprisingly modern.  Serfs worked under rules not unlike our "Right to Work" laws.  Nobles lived in what we would call :Gated Communities".  All in all, modern day Americans could fit right in to a feudal society without too much difficulty.