Dear Friends,

Here are my thoughts on today's (Jan. 2, 2014) New York Times:

Front page headline: "For Prostitutes Jailed in China, Forced Labor with No Recourse".
A sob story about a 39 year old prostitute in China, a single mother of two, who said she would kill herself if arrested again.  Apparently she spent six months in a detention center making ornamental paper flowers and reciting the list of regulations that criminalize prostitution.  As a "final indignity", she had to reimburse the jail for her stay, about $60 a month.

Let's go back to the headline: "No Recourse".  My wife said it best: "What about closing her legs?"

This article, perhaps not the most important news item to an American audience, is a good illustration of why I'm starting this blog.  It's a front-page news item, and why?  I don't know, and I invite you to post suggestions.  Secondly, the point of view of the headline writer, if not the article writer, is absurd.  "No recourse?"  People do have choices in life, not always, but at least sometimes.  When you read a news item (or hear it on TV or radio), you have to do more than blithely accept the reporter's point of view.  At least recognize that point of view before you decide to accept it or develop you own point of view.

It's late--good night folks.