Conner's Question:

Should the US make a push for nationalism by making English the official language?

Jodha Akbar Movie

http://www.jodha-akbar-movie.com/

Jodhaa-Akbar is a forthcoming film, to be released in 2008. It is being directed and produced by Ashutosh Gowariker, the director of Oscar-nominated Lagaan. It stars Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai in lead roles. Extensive research has gone into the making of this film which begun shooting recently.

The film centers around the romance between the Muslim, Mughal Emperor Akbar, played by Hrithik Roshan and his Hindu wife, Jodhabai, played by Aishwarya Rai. The music will be composed by acclaimed music composer A. R. Rahman.

Which Came First: Slavery or Racism?

Post your opinion below...

The Ghost of Ronald Reagan

During the 2007 presidential campaign, the Republican contenders have repeatedly evoked the name and ghost of Ronald Reagan, attempting to align themselves with his reputation and legacy. Why is Reagan so significant to this race? Why is "the Gipper" still so appealing to American voters? Two simple words: Strength and Hope.

History's verdict is still out on President Reagan. After his passing in 2004, many called for his faced to be added to Mt. Rushmore. He was hugely popular, having defeated both Jimmy Carter (1980) and Walter Mondale (1984) in landslide victories. Yet, his critics are numerous and passionate. Reagan is often accused of his role in the Iran-Contra scandal, his purported Alzheimer's setting in during the latter years of his second term in the White House, his gross expansion of government and spending, and for his wife Nancy's reliance on astrology to guide her husband's policy.

Born in 1976, I grew up with fond memories of President Reagan and little knowledge of politics or history. My concerns were typical to the life of an average, middle class boy during the 1980s: Collecting all the figures from The Empire Strikes Back, winning blue ribbons at the summer swim meets in our neighborhood, and listening to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" until I wore the print off the cassette tape. I felt safe. This probably had more to do with my parents and our neighborhood than President Reagan, but as many kids do, I associated the good times of my youth with the only American President I had known up to that point.

Since my childhood, I have become a student of history and politics. I have gone back and studied the achievements and legacy of many presidents, comparing them to each other and evaluating their merit. President Reagan still ranks in my top 5 out of 43 (technically 42 if you don't count Grover Cleveland twice - elected in 1885-1889 and again in 1893-1897). So, why do I land on the side opposite of Reagan critics? Well, you know, it is true that he expanded the size of government and spending, but I would argue this was done as a calculated strategy to outspend and ultimately collapse the Soviet economy, thus resulting in the end of the First Cold War (the Second Cold War hasn't happened yet, but it will). Ultimately, Reagan's gift was his optimism and patriotism. He was the right guy at the right time, restoring American confidence after the malaise of the Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter era. And he was strong. He built the military and outspent the Soviets, all while on the nuclear brink of MAD (mutually assurred destruction).

By the time Reagan left office in January 1989, I was in 7th grade and just old enough to remember his farewell speech in which he equated America to the "shining city on a hill." He inspired me and made me believe that America's best days were still ahead. When I look at current events today and all seems to be gloom and doom, I revisit President Reagan's words and I feel strong and hopeful.

Better To Be Feared Than Loved?

What is your response to Machiavelli's philosophy?

A Lesson in Freedom: Sparta vs Athens

The stark contrast between ancient Sparta and Athens makes it abundantly clear that cultural

achievement occurs only where men are free?

Read Here:

http://www.thenewamerican.com/node/1972

Our Future: Global Hegemony or New Dark Ages?

Big Brother is Watching?
http://www.newsday.com/news/columnists/ny-oppin135458613nov13,0,2452496.column


Is one, centralized, global government inevitable?
http://www.lewrockwell.com/yates/yates72.html

A New World Religion?
http://www.thenewamerican.com/node/185