A Small Slice of Life During Our National Disaster
      It's only a half-inch high by three-quarters of an inch wide. A red-white-and-blue rhinestone pin of the American flag, set against a 1-1/2 inch gold-plated staff. A small little trinket that sparkles when hit by light. Not worth much if it were to be sold at a yard sale. [ more ]

Crocodile Tears on a Cash Register Patriotism
      The news release spoke boldly. "In view of the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon,"the release stated, "this is the time for Corporate America and all government agencies to enhance the safety and security of the nation's high profile buildings."Not exactly a revelation. It didn't take another sentence to underline the company's intent. "Windows and doors are normally the weakest static construction elements in a building,"continued the release, "and are therefore the first to fail during violent activities and brute forces of nature. . . .Your property needs protection. [ more ]

Gifts for the Holidays
      Spurred by President Bush and America's corporations which tell us it's patriotic to buy during this recession, and that we must return to our daily activities, 270 million Americans are dribbling into stores to buy whatever the advertising agencies say we need to express our Christmas cheer. If we buy enough and go into even more debt we will be happier people and will have defeated terrorism. [ more ]

Marshbaum's Fine Line
      Surrounded by maps and monitors, Marshbaum was directing the search for Osama bin Laden.
      As the only journalist allowed into the super-secret War Room, located 250 yards north of the intersection of routes 45 and 518, just inside Coal Breaker Mountain in Molly Twp., it was my responsibility to observe and report every factoid to the public. I might win a Pulitzer if I did my job well. If not, I would get several offers to be a TV news anchor. [ more ]

Twin Towers Fund: Duplication of Services
      Almost two months after the Sept. 11 national tragedy, and sandwiched between two Congressional investigative hearings about how charities are distributing donations to victims and their families, New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani announced that the city-sponsored Twin Towers Fund will finally begin to release funds. The Twin Towers Fund had accumulated $85 million since Sept. 11. [ more ]