Sep 30, 2008 Portland Edition Vol. 4 No. 18 Events   There are 22 upcoming events listed in our Portland calendar. Click here for calendar. News House Says NO In a stunning rebuke to lame duck President in his waning days in the job, and in a clear affront to the leadership of both parties, Republicans and Democrats voted in large numbers to bring down the compromise bill voting to give 700 billion dollars to bail out Wall Street after the recent meltdown.Shortly thereafter, the stock market nosedived to its all-time record fall, with the DOW dropping 777 points. House says OK The House or Representatives voted to authorize the US-India Nuclear Deal. It still has to get past the Senate, where Majority Leader Harry Reid says he will try his best to get it through. Modi-fied Report? The Nanavati Commission has tabled a report exonerating Gujarat CM Narendra Modi for the Godhra riots. Several Indian groups have cried foul, saying this is politically motivated. Chartoon™ Our own Vijay Char weighs in with his caricature of the 700 Billion Deal. More... In Quotes "This is too much money, in too short of time, going to too few people, while too many questions remain unanswered." --Rep. Dennis Kucinich The Trickle Up The problems facing America's lower classes have finally trickled up to the top layer. As Congress thrashes the fine points of applying lipstick on the bailing out of Wall Street, here's Niranjan Ramakrishnan with an assessment of what really is driving the economy down. More... Blindsided, or Blindfolded Government officials seem dumbstruck by the current fiasco on Wall Street. Here, Chennai-based chartered accountant MR Venkatesh explains not only how this situation has come about but why no one in Washington should be feigning shock... More... When Politics Intrudes... From the blowing of covert investigations to the casual bombing of markets and civilians, Simon Jenkins explains how the American gung ho attitude and its politically driven meddling have been counter-productive to any efforts against the "war on terror". More... Up, Down, Round and Round, Down the Drain The American economy has seen its ups and downs, but the recent troubles shocking Wall Street seem to have a different rumble than any heard in recent years. Former Assistant Secretary to the Treasury Paul Craig Roberts explains how this quake may throw a cog in the works... More... Freddie, Fannie, Daddy, Nanny Alfred Doolittle of fiction claimed that morality and honor were only for those who can afford them. He has been proven false. But our path to perdition has been paved as much by the individual taking shelter behind the shield of technicality, no less than the politician or the tycoon. In the post-modern world, honor is a forgotten notion, say Niranjan Ramakrishnan. More... Visions from the Surgical Ward For some, the choice for President is crystal clear. For others, the shades of delusion blind them to the very real flaws inherent on the Republican ticket. Gidu Sriram, still reeling from the effects of anesthesia, attempts to remove the obstacles in the Republican vision. Here he explains why Barack Obama is the clearer choice. More... The Barber of Uncivil - Paul Schaefer, RIP A whole era seems to have disappeared with the death of Paul Schaefer, whose barbershop "harkened back to a time when main street meant a community." Long time patron Niranjan Ramakrishnan remembers an outwardly gruff curmudgeon who carried a heart of gold. More... Sarah Email Chori Ho Gaya! News reports say that a hacker recently delved into Sarah Palin's Yahoo account. For most of us, such an invasion of private email would hardly be cause for merriment, nor should it be. But a minor smile may be permitted. That is, unless, you're Melvin Durai and the emails are those of a Vice Presidential wannabe, in which case a small smile is permitted. Take a moment to enjoy Melvin’s version of Palin’s inbox as he makes light of the serious offense in his inimitable way. More... Movies     There are 2 movies playing in Portland. Details... Liptan Di Chah Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin was doing the rounds in New York last week, rubbing shoulders with leaders of other countries, who were in the city to attend the annual session of the UN General Assembly. Except that some of them took the expression, 'rubbing shoulders' beyond its metaphorical sense. President Asif Zardari of Pakistan seemed overly animated to meet Ms. Palin. "You look even more gorgeous than you your pictures", he gushed. Later in the conversation he suggested that if the press wanted a photograph, they could embrace! If any offense was taken, Ms. Palin did not reveal it, maintained a diplomatic composure. But her senior partner, Sen. John McCain, evened the score by referring to Zardari as Gaddari during the first presidential debate with Sen. Barack Obama. "The clear winner was boredom", one journalist wrote, summing up that debate. No points were scored. John McCain appeared angry but unfocused. Barack Obama appeared too aloof and untroubled by all the shenanigans that had taken place in the country. Onward to the next debate, this one between Gov. Sarah Palin and Sen. Joe Biden. About us |Submit articles |Advertise | Contact us |Subscribe FREE |Privacy Policy |Archives Copyright© indogram - the global Indian village in your neighborhood™