Al Gore: A Generational Challenge to Repower America
“Today I challenge our nation to commit to producing 100 percent of our electricity from renewable energy and truly clean carbon-free sources within 10 years”
While such lofty goals are endlessly debatable, Gore deserves credit for continuing to keep the topic of discussion constantly in the public domain.
France Denies Citizenship to 32-year old Muslim Woman
France’s highest administrative court upheld a decision to deny citizenship to Ms. Silmi, 32, on the ground that her “radical” practice of Islam was incompatible with French values like equality of the sexes.
“She has adopted a radical practice of her religion, incompatible with essential values of the French community, particularly the principle of equality of the sexes,” the ruling said. (Click on link to see article)
While freedom of religion is a valid argument against this ruling, this case does raise broader questions about “values of a country” and its implications on what defines “eligibility” for citizenship of a country. Given that there are similar issues in the Netherlands and not to mention constant talk of “Islamic terrorism” among the right in the US, perhaps a discussion at the global level on what constitutes acceptable religious practice (beyond it being a personal choice) might help.
Magazine cover may help Obama with Latino voters
The caricature is not really about race, but patriotism. The subtext is that the Obamas are a couple of flag pins short of being real, full-blooded, God-fearing Americans…..In the throes of the immigration debate, it is U.S.-born Latinos who are often hit with the accusation that they are “Americans in name only.” Mexican-Americans, in particular, are routinely accused of having divided loyalties and having left their hearts south of the border.
While the New Yorker cover has created quite a controversy, the author brings an interesting take on the issue.
Pakora Korner 
