Articles written by Rick Fontes - Page 5

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About me - Rick Fontes

A photographer by trade, specializing in child portraiture. A curmudgeon by inclination and, I suppose, a frustrated philosopher of sorts.

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Society & Lifestyle > Immigration Issues The US controversy of immigration: 36 of 60
The DREAM is dead. At least for the time being. The senate, by a vote of 52-44 declined to pass the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act which would have given legal status to all illegal immigrant high school graduates who came to the USA before the age of 16 and who join the military or complete two years... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Party Politics & Ideology US voters: Seeking a messianic presidency?: 3 of 5
Many centuries ago the Persian poet, Omar Khayyam, penned these words: Alike for those who for today prepare, And those that after a tomorrow stare, A Muezzin from the Tower of Darkness cries, "Fools! your reward is neither Here nor There." As we enter the final phase of this current Presidential election cycle, the choices ... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Political Issues The 2008 presidential vote: America's chance to prove its committment to the American way: 3 of 5
My niece Tracey would be the best person to elect to the office of President in 2008. She is bright, articulate and well read. For more than a decade her occupation has taken her to every corner of the globe. Representing a multi-national corporation, she has met with business leaders in just about any country you might ment... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Terrorism 9/11 and the towers: 22 of 36
Concerning the twin towers and 911 only one of two possible realities exists. Either the towers were destroyed through terrorist action alone or they were brought down as part of an insidious government plot. Thousands of writers have written millions of words supporting one side or the other of this controversy and very few... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Political & Economic Theory Would the United States be better off as the Divided States?: 7 of 11
My heart says "yes-yes" but there's "no-no" in my brain. Historically speaking it is too late to divide the United States. That ship has sailed. Given the realities of globalization, If the nation were divided it would become necessary to enter into mutual trade agreements and defense alliances that would create an informal ... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Party Politics & Ideology Advice to Illinois Governor Blagojevich: 2 of 3
Rod. May I call you "Rod?" You've been such a constant presence in all the media outlets lately that it seems you are a close friend. Anyway, Rod, don't blow this opportunity to make a difference and to insure your place in history. Shakespeare, writing in his play Julius Caesar, said "There is a tide in the affairs of men w... More..
Politics, News & Issues > War in Iraq Why US strategies in Iraq are failing: 25 of 37
The United States and Iraq are at war. In the USA, much energy has been devoted to devising strategies for victory in that war. The insurmountable problem is that, while The USA and Iraq are engaged in war with each other, it is not the same war. Our current commander-in-chief, the person we look to for clarity of vision, de... More..
Politics, News & Issues > International Politics (Other) Does big business unduly influence government?: 15 of 21
If only it were that simple. If we could identify one group of players, designate them "Big Business," set up an opposing side called "Government" and let them work out a dynamic, we would have a basis for judging what is or isn't "undue influence." Unfortunately it isn't that simple. The constraints of semantics leads this ... More..
Politics, News & Issues > US Leaders (Other) Reflections: Where are the real leaders in U.S. politics?: 5 of 7
What qualifies any person to be a political leader? To be a lawyer you must attend school, successfully complete specific courses and then pass your state's bar exam. A similar, rigorous regimen of study and examination is required should you desire to practice medicine. Realtors, cosmetologists, pest control technicians, ov... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Government & Policies Commentary: Doing away with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS): 11 of 15
Taxes are necessary in organized society however the IRS is not. Whenever a group of people band together for mutual support they require and expect a certain level of leadership and services to be provided by entities that do not themselves produce a product or generate income directly from their labors. These entities are ... More..