‘Yes We Can’ — traders, comics, towns cash in on Obama-mania

4 hours ago

PARIS (AFP) — From publishers in nearly every country in the world to Japanese comedians and African t-shirt sellers, the audacity of hope knows no bounds when it comes to cashing in on Barack Obama’s name.

The wave of optimism after the election of the first black US president caused a newspaper and book-selling boom. Some hopeful traders are asking for up to 300 dollars for a copy of the New York Times announcing the Democratic triumph on November 5.

There are now Obama playing cards, pin badges, plaques, posters and paper dolls. There is an online video game — “Super Obama World” and also the ubiquitous pornography peddler who has put a 10,000 dollar tag on the www.sexwecan.com domain name. Read More…

Posted under Politics

Why America Should Listen to Ahmadinejad

By PAUL CRAIG ROBERTS

The full text of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s speech to the UN General Assembly last week was printed in the Israeli newspaper, Haaretz (9-25-08).

Although our Founding Fathers would have comprehended and endorsed Ahmadinejad’s speech to the United Nations, present-day Americans would find it strange should they happen to hear about it.

Unlike their forbears, Americans today live a material life, not a spiritual one. Americans are far too likely to dismiss Ahmadinejad’s words about obeisance to God and justice as the mumbo-jumbo of an “Islamist extremist.” Read More…

Posted under Economy, Politics

Mortgaging the Nation

The Bitter Fruits of Deregulation

By PAUL CRAIG ROBERTS

Remember the good old days when the economic threat was mere recession? The Federal Reserve would encourage the economy with low interest rates until the economy overheated. Prices would rise, and unions would strike for higher benefits. Then the Fed would put on the brakes by raising interest rates. Money supply growth would fall. Inventories would grow, and layoffs would result. When the economy cooled down, the cycle would start over.

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Posted under Economy, Politics