Columnists

Could Japan and China—the number two and three largest economies in the world—really get into a punch-out over five tiny islands covering less than four square miles? According to the International Crisis Group, maybe: “All the trends are in the wrong direction, and prospects of resolution are diminishing.” -more-

2012’s presidential contest took another weird turn when Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu, appeared on America’s Sunday talk shows to complain the Obama Administration wasn’t doing enough to stop Iran from making an atomic bomb. Netanyahu’s orchestrated appearance was another Republican ploy to corner the US Jewish vote. -more-

Powerless senior citizens aren’t likely to make it across the street safely within the engineered-time allotment. The light changes -- where there is a light -- and traffic roars by. They are left stranded in the intersection. On a median if they’re lucky. Which Berkeley intersections and corners without stop-lights are the most dangerous for powerless senior citizens and disabled persons? -more-

Many people who are "helping professionals" in the mental health treatment system do not believe that persons with mental illness are their equals. This is a message that gets delivered repeatedly to persons with mental illness: "You are something less"-less of a person, less intelligent, less competent, and, less worthy of self respect. -more-