Articles written by Martin W. Schwartz

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About me - Martin W. Schwartz

I am a retired federal law enforcement officer (special agent), a former prosecutor and a freelance writer and editor.

My expertise is in law, science, history and political science, by virtue of education and experience.

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Politics, News & Issues > Terrorism Has America has gone too far with anti-terrorism?: 4 of 71
Its not that we have gone too far, but rather that we have gone in the wrong direction.We have allowed the fear of terrorism to restrict our personal freedoms, by implementing a variety of laws, procedures and restrictions that have done very little to keep us safe and a great deal to surrender our cherished American freedoms... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Political Issues Commentary: When journalism becomes fiction: 3 of 40
Journalism becomes fiction only when the reporter or his/her employer - be it an electronic media outlet, newspaper or magazine - interjects their own agenda or opinions into what should be an objective news story. This changes the nature of the story from a fact-piece into an editorial. And editorials belong only on an edito... More..
Entertainment > TV Genres & Trends Best police dramas on television: 1 of 11
Without a doubt, Stirling Silliphant's "Naked City", adapted from his 1949 movie of the same name, remains the single best police drama to ever appear on television. It became the first television series to be filmed on the streets of New York City, with the full cooperation and assistance of the N.Y.P.D. The show b... More..
Entertainment > Musicians & Bands Are aging rock superstars like Paul McCartney and the Rolling Stones timeless or too old to perform on stage anymore?: 16 of 150
For as long as anyone is willing to see their concerts, purchase their songs and otherwise patronize their public activities, the age of these performers is an irrelevancy.Music changes with time. But the tastes of most people do not, when it comes to the musical genre of their choice. A lot of this has to do with memories. P... More..
Health & Fitness > Nutrition & Health Issues Healthy eating: An individual choice or government responsibility?: 7 of 61
How anyone with any semblance of rational thought can believe that the government must take control of our eating habits, escapes my understanding as well as any concept of rationality.Government is far too entrenched in the wrong parts of our lives. Instead of providing us with proper safety and security from criminals and t... More..
Politics, News & Issues > People in the News Controversial radio host Don Imus: Should he be fired for his remarks?: 14 of 110
ABSOLUTELY NOT. Don Imus has made his living making fun of everyone and everything. He has picked on the Irish, the Jews, Catholics, etc., without any group uproar, but the moment he makes a comment about Blacks, the world is on fire. In this country we still have the First Amendment, which gives people the right to say what ... More..
Politics, News & Issues > War in Iraq The democrats efforts to create a time machine and 'do over' the 2002 Iraq War Resolution: 3 of 19
THIS WILL NOT WORK. A congressional resolution authorizing military action has the force and effect of law. An change that revokes this law retroactive effect, would constitute an "Ex Post Facto" law, which is specifically prohibited by the U.S. Constitution, Article I section 9.Since such a law would effectively "punish" the... More..
Sciences > Disease & Illness Cancer: Understanding why scientists have yet to discover a cure: 4 of 24
Science has not discovered a "cure" for cancer, because it is not a single disease! Cancer is rather a pantheon of illnesses, that may be caused by heredity, environment, exposure to carcinogens, specific pathogens, or a combination of one or more of these factors. There are also cancers that develop for reasons not yet know ... More..
Health & Fitness > First Aid First aid for black widow bites: 2 of 12
The Black Widow Spider can deliver a lethal bite to humans. Accordingly, it must be treated immediately to minimize the potential for a serious or fatal reaction to the envenomation. First, find the offending spider and save it in a plastic bag, jar or other closed container. If possible add rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol... More..
Personal Finance > Investing (Other) Investing in China in light of the 2008 Olympics: 1 of 6
Although the Summer Olympics in 2008 will bring some money into China, it will not be a measurable amount in relation to the size of the Chinese Economy, the fastest growing one in the world.Investing in China directly can be risky as the government could decide to expropriate foreign assets (this already happened twice in Ch... More..