Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Juvenile copy-writing Follies
Of course, what more can be said about the McGreevey-Cipel 'Affair' without getting really juvenile really quickly? Such moments can bring out the repressed middle schooler lurking underneath most of us, at least most men. Even journalists are susceptible, and why not? Which of them doesn't secretly wish to be creating headlines for some trashy Brit tabloid or Murdoch's New York Post (a trashy American tabloid)? Hence we are forced to endure headlines such as this one, taken from a recent edition of the Philadelphia Metro:
Of course, what more can be said about the McGreevey-Cipel 'Affair' without getting really juvenile really quickly? Such moments can bring out the repressed middle schooler lurking underneath most of us, at least most men. Even journalists are susceptible, and why not? Which of them doesn't secretly wish to be creating headlines for some trashy Brit tabloid or Murdoch's New York Post (a trashy American tabloid)? Hence we are forced to endure headlines such as this one, taken from a recent edition of the Philadelphia Metro:
Cipel Feared Gov's Well-Oiled Machine
Nothing to add.
It can't happen here, can it?
On the heels of some horrific attacks by Chechen guerilla terrorists who downed two aircraft and caused a bloodbath at a Russian school, President (for Life?) Vladimir Putin has presented a list of changes to the government which he called "drastic" yet necessary to defeat the spectre of terrorism which seeks to break Russia apart.
He noted that: "Those who inspire, organize and carry out terrorist acts are striving to disintegrate the country," Putin said in televised remarks that state channels rebroadcast repeatedly yesterday. "They strive for the breakup of the state, for the ruin of Russia. I am sure that the unity of the country is the main prerequisite for victory over terror."
Of course the main focus of national unity as proposed by Putin is to consolidate his already tight grip on power. His proposals, which are expected to pass, would allow regional governors to be nominated by him alone and approved by local legislatures instead of direct election. He would also do away with the formula whereby members of Russia's Duma are elected, replacing one which favors his position (surprise!).
Just ask the Germans circa 1929 and they would've told you, "it can't happen here."
Can it?!
On the heels of some horrific attacks by Chechen guerilla terrorists who downed two aircraft and caused a bloodbath at a Russian school, President (for Life?) Vladimir Putin has presented a list of changes to the government which he called "drastic" yet necessary to defeat the spectre of terrorism which seeks to break Russia apart.
He noted that: "Those who inspire, organize and carry out terrorist acts are striving to disintegrate the country," Putin said in televised remarks that state channels rebroadcast repeatedly yesterday. "They strive for the breakup of the state, for the ruin of Russia. I am sure that the unity of the country is the main prerequisite for victory over terror."
Of course the main focus of national unity as proposed by Putin is to consolidate his already tight grip on power. His proposals, which are expected to pass, would allow regional governors to be nominated by him alone and approved by local legislatures instead of direct election. He would also do away with the formula whereby members of Russia's Duma are elected, replacing one which favors his position (surprise!).
Just ask the Germans circa 1929 and they would've told you, "it can't happen here."
Can it?!
