What could be as bad as being knocked over by a Ford truck? Being knocked over by Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, as a Toronto councilwoman found out during a session that ended in him effectively being stripped of his powers as mayor. As the council debated a motion to take away Ford’s staff, budget and authority, Ford, who last week admitted to smoking crack, paced the chamber … [Read more...] about Mocked Toronto Mayor Rob Ford Knocks over a councilwoman
Cheney sisters row over anti-gay marriage remarks
Cheney sisters row over anti-gay marriage remarks (via AFP) The daughters of former vice president Dick Cheney are quarreling publicly over comments Liz Cheney, running for office in Wyoming, made opposing Mary Cheney's right to marry her wife. In an interview on FoxNews Sunday, Liz Cheney said she does "believe… … [Read more...] about Cheney sisters row over anti-gay marriage remarks
George Zimmerman Arrested for Domestic Violence Against ‘Girlfriend’ at Apopka Residence
BREAKING: Here we go again, George Zimmerman arrested in Apopka after domestic disturbance, Seminole County Sheriff's Office says. Sheriff Don Eslinger told the Orlando Sentinel that Zimmerman, who was acquitted for the murder of unarmed black teen Trayvon Martin, is en route to the Seminole County Jail. It is not clear what he is accused of doing, but there is some word that … [Read more...] about George Zimmerman Arrested for Domestic Violence Against ‘Girlfriend’ at Apopka Residence
Walmart is a Symptom of what’s wrong with America
This is just really sick: CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The storage containers are attractively displayed at the Walmart on Atlantic Boulevard in Canton. The bins are lined up in alternating colors of purple and orange. Some sit on tables covered with golden yellow tablecloths. Others peer out from under the tables. This isn't a merchandise display. It's a food drive - not for the … [Read more...] about Walmart is a Symptom of what’s wrong with America
A more benevolent nation?
WASHINGTON -- Tired of gloom and ceaseless talk of American decline? Me too. So let's celebrate an important way in which the United States has become stronger -- and a genuinely kinder and gentler nation. That last phrase, used by George H. W. Bush in 1988 when he accepted the Republican presidential nomination, has become a cliche. But it was also a pledge. And in the … [Read more...] about A more benevolent nation?
Now THIS is a hailstorm (Video)
You think you've seen hailstorm? Now THIS is a (potentially lethal) hailstorm in Australia: … [Read more...] about Now THIS is a hailstorm (Video)
Obamacare is a heavy load for Democrats (Cartoon)
See great cartoons by all the top political cartoonists at http://cagle.com. To license this cartoon for your own site, visit http://politicalcartoons.com … [Read more...] about Obamacare is a heavy load for Democrats (Cartoon)
Elian Gonzalez blames US law for childhood ordeal
Elian Gonzalez blames US law for childhood ordeal (via AFP) Elian Gonzalez, who at age six sparked an international custody battle that ended in his dramatic return to Cuba, blamed a US law for his mother's death in an interview posted Monday. In November 1999, Gonzalez was plucked from the sea off Florida's… … [Read more...] about Elian Gonzalez blames US law for childhood ordeal
The clock is ticking on Obamacare
If you hear a ticking sound, it isn't the "60 Minutes" clock. November 30th could be the watershed day when a portion of the bleeding of the Affordable Care Act halts, or there's a massive political hemorrhage. Will the shockingly inept official sign-up website work or not? If it isn't, expect to see more than the trickle of political obituaries now being written for … [Read more...] about The clock is ticking on Obamacare
How JFK Saved the World We Have Today
I experienced the Cuban Missile Crisis twice: in real time, during a Los Angeles panic where they ran out of toilet paper and six years later, through Robert Kennedy’s eyes, editing and publishing his memoir, “Thirteen Days.” Imagine the psychic shock of 9/11 multiplied a hundredfold. Add an imminent nuclear exchange to kill millions after only minutes of warning. Take away … [Read more...] about How JFK Saved the World We Have Today
Politics and Federal Judgeships
Here we go again. The two parties are battling over presidential judicial appointments needing Senate confirmation. Republicans recently filibustered another Obama nominee to the Federal Appeals Court for the District of Columbia, the third candidate to be blocked in the last several weeks. The D. C. appeals court is felt to be the second most powerful court in the land … [Read more...] about Politics and Federal Judgeships
The Supreme Court Episode 3: Fernandez v. California
This is the 3rd post in my series on cases pending before the US Supreme Court during the 2012-2013 session. If you haven't checked out the ones from past weeks please take the time to do so. I also of course welcome feedback on these posts and the things I can do to improve them or make them more useful to the reader. Last week we were looking at the 1st amendment but this … [Read more...] about The Supreme Court Episode 3: Fernandez v. California
Smoking gun? Critics cite evidence Obama knew Americans would lose coverage
Smoking gun? Critics cite evidence Obama knew Americans would lose coverage (via The Christian Science Monitor) President Obama pauses while speaking about the new health care law in the White House press room. Critics say Obama lied when he said Americans could keep their existing plans under the Affordable Care Act.(Charles Dharapak/AP) The GOP has been piling… … [Read more...] about Smoking gun? Critics cite evidence Obama knew Americans would lose coverage
50 years ago
I am 67 years old and grew up during the cold war. I still remember the drills where we went to the basement of the school and put our heads between out legs. I think we all knew this was a useless exercise since my grade school and high school were less than a mile from what have been ground zero. I still remember the 22nd of November, 1963. I was a senior in high school … [Read more...] about 50 years ago
Protesters shun ‘racist’ Black Pete in Amsterdam festival
Protesters shun 'racist' Black Pete in Amsterdam festival (via AFP) Tens of thousands of people crowded Amsterdam's streets on Sunday to watch the traditional holiday arrival of Saint Nicholas as a handful joined a silent protest against his sidekick "Black Pete", which they said was a racist symbol. The debate over… … [Read more...] about Protesters shun ‘racist’ Black Pete in Amsterdam festival
Typhoon Haiyan: Heartbreaking Numbers, Heartwarming Images
These are the most recent, heartbreaking numbers on Super Typhoon Haiyan: A death toll of 3,261, and rising, with large numbers of bodies still unburied, 12,000 injured, 25,000 missing, according to The Guardian. ABC puts the number of homeless at 3 million and DOD reports that Typhoon Haiyan has impacted nearly 7 million Filipinos, destroying 150,000 homes across the 41 … [Read more...] about Typhoon Haiyan: Heartbreaking Numbers, Heartwarming Images
Should the Dutch keep Santa’s popular blackfaced pal, Black Pete?
Should the Dutch keep Santa's popular blackfaced pal, Black Pete? (via The Christian Science Monitor) A child dressed as 'Zwarte Piet,' or 'Black Pete,' watches a parade after St. Nicholas, or Sinterklaas, arrived by boat in Amsterdam last year. Hundreds of 'Black Petes,' mostly white Dutch wearing blackface, will appear in annual Sinterklaas parade… … [Read more...] about Should the Dutch keep Santa’s popular blackfaced pal, Black Pete?
SNL skewers Toronto Mayor Rob Ford (Video)
Saturday Night Live has skewered Toronto's drug-loving, need-a-bleeper-talking Mayor Toronto -- and also takes a swipe at "60 Minutes" discredited report on Benghazi at the end. Ford is the answer to comedians' prayers (go HERE to read more on that): Cartoonists in Canada (and elsewhere) have been having a field day, too. Here's one: … [Read more...] about SNL skewers Toronto Mayor Rob Ford (Video)
Obama’s Hope-Killing ‘Virtual Political Death’ (La Jornada, Mexico)
How damaging is the apparent downfall of President Obama's signature health reform? This editorial from Mexico's La Jornada calls it a 'hope killer' - not only for U.S. liberals and progressives that put him in the White House, but for people around the world who see an administration in full retreat on social issues, and an enabler of 'Washington's warmongering and diplomatic … [Read more...] about Obama’s Hope-Killing ‘Virtual Political Death’ (La Jornada, Mexico)
Have Democrats Blown It for 2014?
Until the Obamacare nightmare, the Tea Party was headed toward oblivion at the ballot box next year. Now? As the House passes veto-certain “Keep Your Health Care Plan Act of 2013,” 39 Democrats join the GOP to send a message that reflects their fear for 2014. White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough says, "This isn't about elections. This is about making sure people … [Read more...] about Have Democrats Blown It for 2014?