In modern times, the main problem with "work" is that so many people have sunk into a life of alienated labor: the gap between "what people do" and "what people need" has become unbridgeable.

Human beings are no longer in touch with Mother Nature or even with human nature. It should not be surprising if they feel that the locus of power is no longer within them.

All human beings need to refrain from "working" for a living. "Work," as it is generally known, is a complete denial of the liberal education that people struggle for in their youth.

The modern corporation has no room for liberal thinking; on the contrary, to work for a living means either to be a slave, stuck in an entry-level position forever, or to climb the corporate ladder and be a sycophant, a hypocrite, and a robot, losing all touch with one's soul, constantly trying to please a boss.   more »

Hugo Chavez wasn't the first brave person to say that George W. Bush is a devil, nor, I pray, will he be the last.

The Venezuelan president was stating simple truth when he described Bush as a leader whose geopolitical aims always translate to imperial war profiteering, and whose twisted character make him an ideal pick for leader of a world war conspiracy.

Chavez wasn't altogether theological in his accusation, he was also psychological. He called Bush a sick man, an alcoholic with mental problems.

For this bit of truth Chavez has been widely reviled by the US media -- and widely applauded worldwide. Just ask any recovering alcoholic, whether he was right, though, and you'll hear that it is always the demons inside that drive a man to pick up the demon of drink.

In short, Chavez adduces two arguments: the theological one is that Bush is demented because he is a devil; while the psychological one is that Bush is a devil because he is demented. Bush is a devil in either case.   more »

For a country which takes excessive pride in flags, uniforms, and marching bands and spends more than the rest of the planet combined on its military, the record of America's forces since World War II is depressing.

In dozens of quickie invasions against weak opponents, Americans indeed have prevailed, but when faced with tough and determined enemies, they have remarkably often been defeated or stalemated.

The failure of America's military could be explained by the notion that failure is only what happens when you seek the wrong success.

A poorly-governed people, as Americans certainly are, keeps being sent to wars in which they have no vital interest or commitment. Whatever the reason, the record is unmistakable.   more »

The liberal position is hardly distinguishable from the Bush administration's position on Darfur, and the Clinton administration's position on Kosovo.

In both cases the cry of genocide and "humanitarian" intervention is used to cover the USG's imperial machinations to reduce a state (respectively Sudan and Serbia) that was unreliable from the US/Israeli POV.

For Clinton, "NATO must act" -- and the situation of Kosovo got worse, but Serbia was brought to heel.

For Bush, "the United Nations must act" (with NATO providing logistics and "other support") -- and the wretched situation in Darfur will probably get worse, but Sudan, an oil-producing state (much of its production goes to China) will be put under increasing pressure.

Of major media, only the BBC has said at all clearly that Khartoum's resistance to "peacekeepers" was based on "well-founded fears of the designs of Western governments on Sudan." Meanwhile self-styled US peace groups and the Israeli lobby urge "Out of Iraq and into Darfur!"   more »

Look at the difference between how Hugo Chavez governs at home and shares with others abroad based on the principles of social equity and justice compared to the way George Bush does it.

He and his hard-right Republican allies believe it’s right to take from the poor and plunder other nations abroad to benefit the rich and powerful at home.

To do it he’s been waging illegal wars of aggression almost since he took office and just declared a permanent "long war" clash of civilizations against 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide to subjugate and exploit them for the corporate interests he represents.

Hugo Chavez will stand for re-election on December 3 this year. His approval rating is so high (compared to Bush’s low one), no opposition candidate can defeat him in a free, fair and open election although the Bush administration is planning an unknown array of dirty tricks trying to do it.   more »