Category Archives: Politics
Where’s the Transparency? – L.A. Confidential
By Jim Smith When City Controller Candidate Cary Brazeman expressed shock that the city of Los Angeles was corrupt, I was reminded of the scene in the film, Casablanca, when Inspector Renault discovers gambling at Rick’s as he is handed … Continue reading
The Coverup continues – Book Review: Watergate – A Novel
By Jim Smith We live in a world shaped by history. It is hard to escape our personal history – parents, aunts, uncles – and others who want to shape us in their molde. One means of escape that has … Continue reading
Filed under Book Review, History, International, Jim Smith, Politics
Can we all just get along?
By Jim Smith Rodney King, who uttered that famous question – “can we all get along?” – after being brutalized by police on video, would be proud of the unity displayed by many Venetians who have come together to save … Continue reading
Filed under Jim Smith, Politics, Post Office, Venice Cityhood
Martin Luther King, Jr. – The Unknown Anti-War Activist
On April 4, 1967, Martin Luther King Jr. spoke from the pulpit of the Riverside Church in New York City and called for an end to the Vietnam War. Exactly one year later, King was assassinated in Memphis. King’s speech … Continue reading
Filed under Civil Rights, Human Rights/Constitution, Politics
Where’s the Movement? – Two Views on the Occupy Movement
By Bill Mitchell I see no real anti-war movement in the US. Only more wars of aggression, now invading with intent to occupy all of Africa in the name on human rights protection. President Barack Obama has been getting away … Continue reading
Filed under Human Rights/Constitution, Occupy, Politics
City May Be Growing Tired of Neighborhood Council Experiment
By Jim Smith Could this be the beginning of the end of “grassroots” democracy. First, the city threatened to cut off the money it doles out to its 95 certified neighborhood councils. During the last two years annual funding has … Continue reading
Filed under Neighborhood Council/Town Council, Politics
Bioweapons Are US
By Janet C. Phelan The Center for Disease Control has declined to confirm or deny allegations that the United States government is stockpiling biological and/or chemical weapons at Sierra Army Depot, a military base in Northern California. According to a … Continue reading
Filed under Iraq/Military, Politics
Reapportionment Makes Pols Play Musical Chairs: Good Bye Janice, Hello Henry
By Jim Smith One month and three days after she won our Congressional seat, Janice Hahn announced she was bailing out. The reason was simple. Hahn’s base in the San Pedro area had been cut out of the 36th district … Continue reading
Venetians Hear From Our Next Member of Congress (And Lots of Pretenders)
By Jim Smith It’s not often that voters anywhere in the country get to choose a new Congressional Representative. In most cases, the incumbent does everything possible to stay in office. There are no term limits. But thanks to Jane … Continue reading
