Turn a Harsh Light Onto the Banks

Eugene Robinson / Truthdig Feb 24, 2009 It's reaching the point where desperate measures -- brutal honesty and complete transparency -- may be the only way to bring the economy out of its kamikaze dive. If so, this won't be pretty. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

There Was No GOP ‘Victory’

Joe Conason / Truthdig Feb 19, 2009 Republicans congratulate themselves for remaining unified in defeat and whine about Obama's refusal to capitulate -- but in fact it is they who have failed in the initial episode of a confrontation that will certainly continue for four years. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Downward Automobility

E.J. Dionne Jr. / Truthdig Feb 19, 2009 It makes sense to prop up ailing carmakers. Allowing GM and Chrysler to go bankrupt could be a triggering event that might make a very bad economy much worse. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

America’s Confused Cause in Central Asia

William Pfaff / Truthdig Feb 18, 2009 Exactly what do we think we are doing in Afghanistan and Pakistan? Are we there to liberalize their forms of religious observance, or conduct a war over theology, or establish permanent NATO bases there, or are we searching for Osama bin Laden? It seems that we are doing all of these things at the same time. But why? Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Bad News From America’s Top Spy

Chris Hedges / Truthdig Feb 16, 2009 It turns out that Wall Street, rather than Islamic jihad, has produced our most dangerous terrorists. Just ask the new director of national intelligence, who warned that the deepening economic crisis could trigger a return to the "violent extremism" of the 1920s and 1930s. Dig deeper ( 6 Min. Read )

Where’s the Top Gun?

Marie Cocco / Truthdig Feb 12, 2009 Well, that didn't work out. In pushing for a new financial industry bailout, Treasury Secretary Geithner came across like a banker trying to do a politician's job. Obama owes us some hands-on involvement. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Stronger, Please, Mr. President

Joe Conason / Truthdig Feb 12, 2009 Having allowed his Republican opponents to dominate the economic debate, Obama used his first news conference to rebut them -- coolly and civilly, yet without leaving any doubt that he can strike back harder if necessary. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

A Team of Zombies

David Sirota / Truthdig Feb 6, 2009 Only weeks ago, the political world was buzzing about a "team of rivals," but instead President Obama has populated his administration with Bush yes-men and Wall Street kleptocrats whose discredited theologies cannot be killed. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

In Washington, Public Policy and Private Wealth Are Hopelessly Tangled

William Pfaff / Truthdig Feb 6, 2009 Barack Obama in Washington reminds one of Diogenes in Athens, with his lantern in search of an honest man. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Obama Takes Responsibility for Nominee Mess

Staff / Truthdig Feb 4, 2009 President Obama blitzed the networks Tuesday to say "I screwed up." Three of Obama's high-profile nominees had failed to pay all the taxes they owed. Two were forced to withdraw from consideration earlier Tuesday. The president said he wanted to "send a message that there aren't two sets of rules—you know, one for prominent people and one for ordinary folks who have to pay their taxes." Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Obama Keeps Renditions In the Toolbox

Staff / Truthdig Feb 2, 2009 President Obama may be trying to shut down Guantanamo and CIA black sites, but he's decided to make renditions a part of his regime. In case you've repressed it along with other Bush-era nightmares, extraordinary rendition is what the U.S. calls kidnapping someone and sending him to a nasty place to be tortured. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Stimulus Brings on a Family Feud

E.J. Dionne Jr. / Truthdig Jan 29, 2009 President Obama's visit with House and Senate Republicans this week was useful for setting a new tone and a refreshing break from the Bush administration's habit of consulting almost no one. But it was a sideshow to the main battle over how to improve the economy, which is among Democrats. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )