Metzcher.com » News

Political Apathy is the Real Problem

Dennis Metzcher — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:20:52 +0000

I saw a woman at a town hall today arguing against health care reform. She said that she’s never been interested in politics before now. She then went on to misrepresent the Democratic healthcare proposal, either because she is a liar or was just completely ignorant. I’m betting it was the latter, because she seemed [...]

Obama’s Remarks at NH Healthcare Town Hall

Dennis Metzcher — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:00:24 +0000

President Obama was in Portsmouth, NH this afternoon to talk about his proposed healthcare plan (full video). I was happy to see him take an offensive position and defend his proposal. I was also happy to hear that the so-called “fight” with protesters for which he was “bracing” (if you believe the cable news talking [...]

Author Michael Crichton Dies at 66

Dennis Metzcher — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:51:35 +0000

This is sad news. I love Crichton's books. Jurassic Park was magical for me when I read it in high school, and it remains the only book I have ever read twice because I wanted to relive the experience. His other books always included the right amount of science and wonder, coupled with a great story that hooked me from start to finish, and I loved that I always learned something as I read his work. He made science fun and accessible to millions of readers and tackled subjects ahead of their time, bringing them to the forefront for scientists working in various fields. Every teenager should read his books. At the very least, it might get just a few more people interested in careers in science.

I'm going to buy every book he's ever written (that I haven't already read) and make it a point to read them all over the next year.
He was 66, a medical doctor and author, and died after a private battle with cancer.

Zimbabwe Opposition Leader Pulls Out of Runoff Amid Violence Against His Supporters

Dennis Metzcher — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 18:00:13 +0000

It is another sad day for liberty, justice, and democracy, as Zimbabwe opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, pulls out of the runoff election against that nation's leader, President Robert Mugabe. Citing the escalating violence and the possibility that those who vote for him will be murdered by government officials, Tsvangirai announced his decision at a news conference on Sunday.

Bob Barr Changes His Mind on Patriot Act

Dennis Metzcher — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:46:30 +0000

Former Republican and current Libertarian candidate for President of the United States, Bob Barr, has changed his mind on the infringement of personal liberty. A former supporter of the USA PATRIOT ACT, he now finds himself against the bill, stating, "In the past I was willing...to accept a greater degree of government involvement in infringing liberty because we did have a fairly large reservoir of liberty we still had available to us. That's no longer the case."

Since When Are the Views of Pundits More Important Than a Presidential Nominee’s Speech?

Dennis Metzcher — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 01:49:16 +0000

This evening I was watching former Vice President Al Gore endorse Barack Obama in a speech in Michigan. I was watching MSNBC, and Dan Abrams' show was covering the event. Gore gave his speech, which was carried on MSNBC without interruption. He then introduced Obama, and Abrams, along with his guest, began to talk their own points of view. MSNBC was kind enough to leave the the video of Obama's speech running while they talked over him, reducing the candidate's volume to almost nothing.

NBC’s Tim Russert Dies of Heart Attack at 58

Dennis Metzcher — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 06:15:49 +0000

Tim Russert, NBC Newsâ€™ Washington bureau chief and the moderator of â€œMeet the Press,â€ died Friday after suffering a heart attack at the bureau. He was 58.