Truthdig’s One Year Anniversary
Posted on Nov 28, 2006
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Truthdig contributors, clockwise from top: Sam Harris, Kevin Tillman (with brother Pat at left), Molly Ivins, Gore Vidal and Robert Scheer.
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Truthdig turned one year old last Wednesday, and we couldn’t have done it without you. So thanks! In honor of the occasion, we’re taking a look back on 12 of the most popular stories of the last 12 months.
1. After Pat’s Birthday by Kevin Tillman
Kevin Tillman joined the Army with his brother Pat in 2002, and they served together in Iraq and Afghanistan. Pat was killed in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004. Kevin, who was discharged in 2005, wrote this powerful, must-read document that made headlines across the country.
2. An Atheist Manifesto
by Sam Harris
At a time when fundamentalist religion has an unparalleled influence in the highest government levels in the United States, and religion-based terror dominates the world stage, Sam Harris argues that progressive tolerance of faith-based unreason is as great a menace as religion itself.
3. President Jonah (redux) by Gore Vidal
While contemplating the ill-starred presidency of G.W. Bush, I looked about for some sort of divine analogy. As usual, when in need of enlightenment, I fell upon the Holy Bible, authorized King James version of 1611; turning by chance to the Book of Jonah, I read that Jonah, who, like Bush, chats with God, had suffered a falling out with the Almighty and thus became a jinx dogged by luck so bad that a cruise liner, thanks to his presence aboard, was about to sink in a storm at sea.
4. “The Forgotten Wounded of Iraq” by Ron Kovic
The author of “Born on the Fourth of July” presents a personal account of his wounding in war and a plea for peace, and expresses his concerns for a new generation of veterans returning from Iraq.
5. Sam Harris: The Truthdig Interview by Blair Golson
In the discussion, Harris spoke publicly for the first time about a foundation he is creating to promote secular values worldwide; about his new book, “Letter to a Christian Nation”; about how he navigates dinner parties without coming off as the Antichrist; and about the “Salman Rushdie effect” that accompanies his newfound celebrity as an atheist.
6. Now Powell Tells Us by Robert Scheer
The president played the scoundrel—even the best of his minions went along with the lies—and when a former ambassador dared to tell the truth, the White House initiated what Special Prosecutor Patrick J. Fitzgerald calls “a plan to discredit, punish or seek revenge against Mr. Wilson.” That is the important story line.
7. Habeas Corpus, R.I.P. (1215 - 2006) by Molly Ivins
With a smug stroke of his pen, President Bush is set to wipe out a safeguard against illegal imprisonment that has endured as a cornerstone of legal justice since the Magna Carta.
8. Bush Talks Nonsense With Brian Williams
Watch with amazement as our commander in chief mangles the English language, and speaks nonsensically about the war in Iraq, America’s standing in the world, his relationship with his father, and Albert Camus.
9. “Inventing Sin: Religion and Homosexuality” by Larry Gross
No matter their own scandals, religious institutions through history have a consistent scapegoat: homosexuals. Larry Gross, director of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and a pioneer in the field of gay and lesbian studies, digs into why churches condemn gays to damnation.
10. The Great Immigration Debate: Getting Beyond Denial
by Marc Cooper
On March 16 the U.S. Senate, working mostly under the radar, inched closer to what some observers call a turning point in long-delayed comprehensive immigration reform.
11. Bush’s Nuclear Apocalypse by Chris Hedges
The former Middle East bureau chief for the New York Times and author of the bestseller “War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning” reports on Bush’s plan for Iran, and how a callous war, conceived by zealots, will lead to a disaster of biblical proportions.
12. Stewart to President: ‘I Give Up. You’re F---ing Insane’
After Tony Snow announced the results of Bush’s recent physical, “The Daily Show” host seized the opportunity to mock the president’s weight gain. Snow declared that the president was “fit for duty” although he’d gained five pounds, prompting Stewart to remark, “Mr. President, I know things are tough right now, but you can’t eat your way to happy.” But when Bush ... began talking about eating crabs with the 1972 Miami Dolphins, Stewart decided that the president had, finally, gone off the deep end.
Editor’s Pick: Chicago Agonistes: The Plight of the L.A. Times by Steve Wasserman
Why continue to read newspapers? After all, newspapers are losing circulation at precipitous rates, giving rise to fears that they may not survive long enough to write their own obituaries. Cutbacks, buyouts and layoffs are widespread, affecting many of America’s most prestigious newspapers, including The New York Times, The Boston Globe, the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Chicago Tribune, the San Francisco Chronicle and the Los Angeles Times, where it was recently announced that the paper faced an 8% reduction in its editorial staff. Morale plummets, anxiety mounts.
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By jeff gershoff, December 11, 2006 at 8:36 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
It’s a strange thing to actually say, but I’ve come to the conclusion that George Bush is the worst president in the history of the United States. Additionally, if the final war has actually begun as a result of his incredibly inept adventurism, then I guess we can safely call him the anit-Christ, as well.
Report thisBy Loki, December 11, 2006 at 12:17 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
‘Dan’ plays Medal of Honor professionally on PS2...and he voted for GWB...twice....
Report thisBy Bukko in Australia, December 9, 2006 at 6:00 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
So what do you do, Dan?
Report thisBy Dan, December 9, 2006 at 10:46 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
Since when is publishing nothing but anti-war propaganda being truthful? Admit it, you’re using the word ‘truth’ just to try to give YOUR stance against the war some credibility. YOU and the majority of commentors, are the ones who “don’t get it”. And Kevin Tillman should be ashamed and just for dishonoring Pat’s life and service to his country by writing that crap. He’s as clueless as the rest of you.
It’s people who think and act as I do who provide the freedom for people like you to speak and act the way you do!
Report thisBy Bukko in Australia, December 5, 2006 at 8:20 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
How are you going, Cat? Amazing that anyone in Oz, aside from expat seppos like me, would follow TruthDig. But as you say, America’s disasters become Australia’s (and the rest of the world’s.) But everything happens to Oz six months after it hits everywhere else, so I hope Down Under will have some time to react. Easier to duck a punch when you can see it coming!
Report thisBy Cat in Oz, December 4, 2006 at 6:02 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
Happy Birthday Truthdig. I heard about you on Juan Cole’s blog many months ago and “favourited” you straight away. You are one of my four definite views each day and I have been spreading the word of you ever since.
Report thisBukko wished you another 10 years but I hope by the end of Jan 2009 your workload is considerably lightened.
XX
p.s. I am Australian, not American but your disaster becomes my disaster!
By mickeyjay31, December 3, 2006 at 12:24 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
Since finding Truthdig four months ago, I feel my life, and the hope of this country, has been improved greatly. You know you are doing something right when those consertive pinheads start taking shots at you. Little do they realize Truthdig is not the target, it’s the answer. Keep up the good work--our future depends on it!
Report thisBy BIG FAN, December 2, 2006 at 8:59 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
GREAT JOB, you guys are doing really good stuff. Scheer for president, Kaufman for secretary of state, Scheer Junior for head of defense, Spector for head of foreign policies
Report thisBy TruthPlease, December 2, 2006 at 5:40 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
Happy Birthday!!
Report thisI have been ‘on board’ from the beginning - somehow finding my way to a website, where I was invited to check out a new website being started up in a couple of weeks - TruthDig. How lucky I was. I, too, had made arrangements to ditch the LA Times, when I heard of their poor choice in terminating Robert Scheer - what collossal stupidity on their part!!!! But what a boon for us! Keep on keepin’ on, we need you more than ever now. Peace
By i noticed., December 2, 2006 at 12:08 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
When good people risk their careers to speak out, that is worth supporting.
Report thisIt is people like you guys that i love and remember.
By GW=MCHammered, December 2, 2006 at 10:06 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
So what does TruthDig wanna be when it grows up? My wish is that you grow to own several news networks that fail us today.
“Man has no nobler function than to defend the truth.”
~Ruth McKenney
“The pure and simple truth is rarely pure and never simple.”
~Oscar Wilde
“When illusion becomes sacred, truth is rejected as profane.”
~Feurbach
“If you would be a real seeker after truth, it is necessary that at least once in your life you doubt, as far as possible, all things.”
Report this~Descartes
By Dr. Knowitall, PhD, PhD, December 2, 2006 at 4:36 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
Congratulations, TD. Regarding John’s comment, It doesn’t much matter where on the spectrum between left and right truth lies, but one thing TD is doing is furthering dialogue, and, as Plato taught us, that’s good and right and will ultimately lead us to the truth. I would encourage all opinions to get involved in the dialogue; the outcome could only be good, provided everyone listens. BTW I have had similar problems with the word in the box and assumed it to be some computer glitch.
Report thisBy Jeanne, December 1, 2006 at 7:35 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
And many more....
Poor old Newt and his Moral Agenda warriors. They didn’t count on the internet. They didn’t count on the blogs and the sites like this. His bull just doesn’t have the interest it once did.
Poor old George and his hapless administration. Their lies are going nowhere because they are being picked apart by real newsmen.
If I didn’t have the blogsphere where would I have been. I would have had no voice in in my own country. My opinions stopped being published. They were too rational...I mean liberal. Some people complained that there was no protests. Well there were. Everyday, every minute, there was someone demanding that the truth be heard. Information circled the globe. Lies became magnified. People who were honest and good and cared about there service to country whispered the truth becasue they knew if they did, you, and then we would spread it.
Happy Birthday and many many more.
Report thisBy Abdifatah Suleiman Musse, December 1, 2006 at 4:01 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
too late but I made it. Happy birthday (new cycle) . This worth it is time. Thank you
peace and security
Report thisBy Montie Shields USAF RET., December 1, 2006 at 12:11 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
To begin HAPPY BIRTHDAY. http://www.truthdig.com is
Report thisbar-none the greatest source of information
I have ever found. My step-Son gave me his
old Computer. Later I upgraded. I still have
not learned to drive this sucker completely,
but when I learned of your web-site I have
really been informed. I still wish Mr. Scheer
would republish: Playing Footsie with the
Taliban.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
By smcgee43, November 30, 2006 at 9:38 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
Happy B-Day Truth-Dig. What a great site. Please keep up the good work!
Report thisI love it
By Making a Wish upon a Birthday, November 30, 2006 at 5:18 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
TO:
Sam Harris, Kevin Tillman (with brother Pat at left), Molly Ivins, Gore Vidal and Robert Scheer.
Thank You very much! Here is a < hug > from our family, for all of your “truthout” dedication. As a parent of a soldier, I’m frustrated by the NEVER ENDING lies of our government.
Happy Birthday “Truthdig”
Sincerely
Concerned Mother
I hope my wish comes true, as all family members of past soldier’s need true closure!
Report thisBy yours truly, November 29, 2006 at 7:11 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
If it’s true that we’re either at or very close to the actual tipping point, how fortunate it is to have truthdig.com; ready, willing and able. It’s as if the Internet has been put here (but how?) so that we might change the world. Perfect timing too.
Report thisBy Bukko in Australia, November 29, 2006 at 5:38 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
Congratulations! I didn’t know it was just one year old. Seems proficient and mature enough to be much older. I was turned on to you by Sam Seder’s mention on Air America Radio. Even though I’m downn here as a political refugee now, I still follow the U.S. news closely. Aside from the WaPo and NYT online, plus Air America, Truthdig is one of the main places I turn to for the news and video clips I can’t get elsewhere. I hope you make it to 10!
Report thisBy Evergreen, November 29, 2006 at 4:19 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
Thank you Truthdig. Great publication/website. Glad I found it.
and for those who speak of balance...balance has nothing to do with truth. Balance is only about opinion. Truth is an arrow: Sometimes visible now, sometimes not till much later.
Report thisBy acmejack, November 29, 2006 at 4:09 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
Happy Birthday Truthdig, may you enjoy many more! Please keep the hits coming.
Report thisBy Christopher, November 29, 2006 at 3:32 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
Happy Birthday and keep up the good work.
I think, and I believe, the reality-based community have the forces of tyranny at last on the run. The midterms are proof of this.
Report thisBy eugene scalzo, November 29, 2006 at 3:03 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
i am pleased to have access to your contributors and the refreshing opinions of well informed and well thought out research. it would please if in the future your service could bring a closer view of the environmental drama that will be complicating our lives for years to come. get kolbert or a.g. little, et al. again thanks
Report thisBy Roger Drowne EC, November 29, 2006 at 2:52 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
Well Done, Keep It Up
& Thank U All
You Work As Citizens of Earth
( As they say in Vermont )
It’s a - PISSA - web Site
Report thisBy Elyse Knight, November 29, 2006 at 2:50 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
Happy Birthday and Congratulations to Zuade, Bob, and Everyone at Truthdig.
Very Best Wishes for Continued Success!
Truth never yet fell dead in the
Report thisstreets, it has such affinity with the soul
of man, the seed however broadcast will
catch somewhere and produce its hundredfold.
-Theodore Parker-
1810-1860
By Dede Ginter, APR, November 29, 2006 at 2:07 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
Dear Robert, Happy Birthday. You and your team are doing a fantastic job. I look forward to your e-mail every Wednesay when you bring the best US writers into my home. I’m partial to your columns and I cancelled my LA Times subscription when they fired you! I do watch for Sam Harris, Molly Ivens, Gore Vidal - and Joshua Scheer (could this be your son?). Best regards to Narda. You are missed in Orange County. Continued good luck and good health. Dede Ginter, Fullerton, CA.
Report thisBy felicity, November 29, 2006 at 1:54 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
Mr. Scheer, I felt literally like throwing in the towel when the Times fired you. Well, I fired the Times. And here you are running one of the best sites in this great soon-to-be blog-clogged universe.
I don’t have to throw in the towel afterall.
Report thisBy zenseeker, November 29, 2006 at 1:49 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
Happy Birthday to you Robert, and to all the great truth writers on your staff. Imagine six months ago, we we’re on the precipice of fascism, and today, we are on the precipice of change. It can still go either way, but I like my chances much better today. And thank to you, and to all the great truth seekers out there, all across America, in their unrelenting pursuit to shed light on the ‘truth’ and proving once again, that there is a real beauty in truths; and once you catch a glimpse of it, you somehow sense there is this mysterious power that resonates whenever you seek and speak the truth. Whatever that power is, we might never find out, but I do know this: today, the truth is no longer a weakness!
Report thisTake care all, and keep up the good fight.
By John, November 29, 2006 at 1:46 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
The truth is always somewhere in the middle when you talk about conservatives and liberals. You guys for example hate the Fox Network and laugh at their “fair and balanced” label but I ask you, do you think Truth Dig is MORE fair and balanced than Fox? Can you name another member of the news media that is more “fair and balanced” than Fox? When I watch Fox I see speakers presenting both sides of view. I don’t see that on CBS,NBC, CNN,ABC or TruthDig. In fact I have posted here some views people didn’t like and my posts for censured. How? When you make a post you have to type in the box and then type in the “submit the word you see below” to get the posted posted. For several weeks I would get the error message “you did not type the work exactly as it appeared. Well “very93” is “very93” and yet I wasn’t allowed to post. You won’t convince me that someone at TruthDig was purposefully blocking me. I sent several emails and got no answer.
Report thisSO I look for the truth but as I said it falls somewhere in the middle most of the time, not to the right or the left.
By Andrew Basmajian, November 29, 2006 at 1:33 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
Outstanding Achievement. Love your site. My vote is for Chris Hedges’ piece on the wall we are paying for in Israel - an unbelieveably mind-boggling activity. Thank you. Andrew Basmajian.
Report thisBy Norma Pezzini, November 29, 2006 at 12:13 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
Happy Birthday TruthDig!
Report thisBy Sue, November 29, 2006 at 10:19 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
Happy Birthday!
I’m glad I found your site, great reading and very interesting posts.
Keep up the good work!
Report thisBy mite, November 29, 2006 at 9:55 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
Mr. Scheer and Truthdig Staff:
Happy Birthday! I look forward to your story’s and the open communications your organization allow to the citizens of this republic.
Un-like the Gestopo Media you allow us to explore issues not brought before us because of their propaganda machine.
I still would like to see an investigation, articles, and movement to expose the real treason enacted upon us by these rulers. Namely the Federal Reserve and IRS defrauds against the citizens of this Republic.
I would suggest we start with clarification of a; Democracy and Republic. Read Democracy OR Republic Which Is It?, by Benedict D. LaRosa, available on http://www.devvy.com
IRS, and their Income Tax Fraud- LIes feed to us along with the Federal Reserve, and Article I Sec; 8. http://www.originalintent.org and http://www.givemeliberty.org http://www.devvy.com
These monarch’s keep us busy trying to survive in their democracy they gave birth too, when this country was founded as a Republic- there is a BIG difference folks.
Report thisBy Rodolfo Vassaux, November 29, 2006 at 9:35 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
Happy Birthday Truthdig!
Your work is like a ray of bright light in the darkness.
Thank you,
Rodolfo Vassaux
Report thisBy Ion C. Laskaris, November 29, 2006 at 9:19 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
Let me add my congratulations too. This site is easily in the top 10 in its quality of subjects selected,and writers to handle the content. What really makes you #1 with me is the perambulating discourse that lets your readers join in, no matter what their persuasion left,right, or sideways. The latest comment placed at the top of the DIG dialogue on each subject is a great time saver as well. Truly a mountain haven for the Freethinkers of the world! Good luck for the years ahead.
Ion C. Laskaris, Burlington,Vt.+ iclrevusa.com
Report thisBy jeff gershoff, November 29, 2006 at 7:54 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
Zuade, congratulations to you and Bob on a year of brave, thought provoking journalism. As I, and many others, fade further and further from the “daily newspaper”, I find myself more and more drawn to Truthdig, Huffington Post, etc. for the connection with other thinking adults that can seem so absent in our (US) culture. Thanks for a job well done. Jeff
Report thisBy Jim, November 29, 2006 at 6:10 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
Happy Birthday Truth Dig !
Here’s To Many More Years Of Telling
The Real Truth !
Cheers !
Report thisBy Quy Tran, November 29, 2006 at 6:00 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
Mr.Scheer,
Keep looking up and proud yourself for what you have done for this beautiful country.
We’re always backing you up.
Report this