Credit rating blues (via GlobalPost) Enlarge BUZZARDS BAY, Mass. — The United States is in trouble. BIG trouble. Or so it seems. Despite a last-minute save from Capitol Hill that averted what could have been financial Armageddon, the damage to America’s reputation will be lasting,… … [Read more...] about Credit rating blues
Giving Obama the benefit of the doubt (Guest Voice)
Giving Obama the benefit of the doubt by Peter W. Johnson During the 2008 Democratic primary I was immediately impressed with then, Senator—Barack Obama. When the field of candidates was asked if they would support a temporary moratorium on the gasoline tax, they all eagerly concurred. However, although knowing full well that agreeing would ensure him many votes, Obama … [Read more...] about Giving Obama the benefit of the doubt (Guest Voice)
Social conservatives take aim at Christie over gay marriage decision
Social conservatives take aim at Christie over gay marriage decision (via NJ.com) While Democrats in New Jersey rejoiced over today's decision by the governor to drop the state's legal opposition to same sex marriage, some national social conservative leaders lashed out at the governor. "This would suit him a lot better if he were… … [Read more...] about Social conservatives take aim at Christie over gay marriage decision
Massive Slaughter of Dolphins for Shark Bait in Peru Causes International Outrage
Massive Slaughter of Dolphins for Shark Bait in Peru Causes International Outrage (via World-Wire) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LIMA, Peru, October 21, 2013 –/WORLD-WIRE/– The government of Peru is considering measures to halt the massive slaughter of dolphins exposed this week by conservation organizations Mundo Azul and BlueVoice. Marine conservation… … [Read more...] about Massive Slaughter of Dolphins for Shark Bait in Peru Causes International Outrage
Texas Republican Judge Carlo Key quits Republican Party: “The Republican Party left me”
As signs continue to mount that the Republican Party nationally is now in the early stages of a life-or-death Civil War between the Tea Party and its talk radio and internet pundit supporters and more traditional Republicans backed by the business community and Wall Street, Texas Republican judge Carlo Key has articulated what many polls show many Republicans have felt over … [Read more...] about Texas Republican Judge Carlo Key quits Republican Party: “The Republican Party left me”
Could US Chamber of Commerce be counterweight to tea party? (Guest Voice)
Could US Chamber of Commerce be counterweight to tea party? (via The Christian Science Monitor) Thomas Donohue, President and CEO of the US Chamber of Commerce speaks to reporters in Washington Monday. (Michael Bonfigli/The Christian Science Monitor ) The head of the US Chamber of Commerce, one of the most powerful players in Washington, ducked… … [Read more...] about Could US Chamber of Commerce be counterweight to tea party? (Guest Voice)
Celebrate Free Speech Week
Today marks the beginning of Free Speech Week For all the disagreements we may have the one thing we can all agree that without the 1st amendment and the rights thereto we wouldn't be able to have those debates. And yes, that right extends to everyone, even if you think they have idiotic opinions. It applies to liberals and conservatives, to Republicans and Democrats and … [Read more...] about Celebrate Free Speech Week
Christian, Not Conservative
Novelist Marilynne Robinson, winner of the Pulitzer prize and National Book Award, distinguishes between spiritual and political in an interview with Robert Long in The American Conservative. Well, what is a Christian, after all? Can we say that most of us are defined by the belief that Jesus Christ made the most gracious gift of his life and death for our redemption? Then … [Read more...] about Christian, Not Conservative
A case for hope
WASHINGTON -- "Blessed are they who expect nothing, for they shall not be disappointed." It was the early 20th century socialist Eugene V. Debs who pointed to the utility of this extra Beatitude. You don't have to be a lefty to appreciate its relevance to our politics after the shutdown disaster. Cynicism about the political future is a default position with a … [Read more...] about A case for hope
Obama: don’t confuse affordable care act benefits with awful website glitches
Obama defends health law despite chaotic debut (via AFP) President Barack Obama said Monday there was "no sugarcoating" the problems clouding the online launch of his health care law, but mounted a firm defense of a system that will help define his legacy. Obama struggled to assert control over a mounting… … [Read more...] about Obama: don’t confuse affordable care act benefits with awful website glitches
Trailer House of Representatives (Cartoon)
Copyright 2013 David Donar. All rights reserved. Copyright Donar, Political Graffiti … [Read more...] about Trailer House of Representatives (Cartoon)
What You Need to Know About The Syrian Civil War
The American People oppose it but many are still clamoring for intervention in Syria. Yes it is a humanitarian nightmare but is there really anything we can do to help? To answer this question we need to know more about Syria and the nature of civil wars in general. Fifteen years ago Barbara F. Walter wrote The Critical Barrier to Civil War Settlement, a study of civil wars … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know About The Syrian Civil War
Time to Split?
It’s time for the Republican Party to formally split. A chasm has already opened up informally, with party infighting between the extremist take-no-prisoners Tea Party wing and the old establishment Republicans. The extreme right-wingers have already tarnished the Republican brand with their unwillingness to govern or compromise, which will make it more difficult for the GOP to … [Read more...] about Time to Split?
Environmentalist Sunita Narain injured riding bicycle in Delhi
Internationally-acclaimed and India’s pioneering environmental activist, Ms Sunita Narain was seriously injured when her bicycle was hit by a speeding car in the heart of New Delhi. Narain hit international headlines, and made several enemies a decade ago, when her NGO revealed that famous soft drinks brands, including Coca Cola and Pepsico, contained unacceptably high levels … [Read more...] about Environmentalist Sunita Narain injured riding bicycle in Delhi
Poll: Half think Republican House Control is bad
More troubles for the GOP as it tries to pivot from the House shutdown and debt default threat political debacle: a new poll finds more that half believe it's not good that the Republicans control the House amid yet another Democratic poll that finds an increasingly large number of House Republicans are politically vulnerable. The CNN/ORC International survey illustrates why … [Read more...] about Poll: Half think Republican House Control is bad
A Primary Way to Beat the Tea Party
The Shutdown showed a reckless minority empowered by gerrymandering strangling government. Is there a legal way to loosen its grip? A self-proclaimed political junkie says there is. Reid Wilson on his Washington Post blog enthuses over: “A top-two primary system, one that incentivizes candidates in even the most conservative or liberal districts to appeal to the vast … [Read more...] about A Primary Way to Beat the Tea Party
India without Jews soon?
Although there is no anti-Semitism in India and the Jews have even occupied top government and military posts, the number of Jews in the country is dwindling fast. The latest development is likely to reduce their number in a dramatic fashion. Of the 5,000 estimated Jews in India, Israel has allowed 899 Indian Jews from states of Manipur and Mizoram, the members of the "lost" … [Read more...] about India without Jews soon?
A Review of the Roundabout Theatre Company’s Production of Cole Porter’s Anything Goes at the 5th Avenue Theatre
There is one main reason to see the Roundabout Theatre Company’s touring production of Anything Goes at the 5th Avenue Theatre. That reason is Rachel York. If you don’t get a kick out of Rachel York’s voice, then you most likely don’t enjoy singing. The moment York began singing, I realized I would be in for an enjoyable night. Her voice is powerful and smooth with a delightful … [Read more...] about A Review of the Roundabout Theatre Company’s Production of Cole Porter’s Anything Goes at the 5th Avenue Theatre
Sen. Dick Durbin Says Obamacare On It’s Way to ‘Substantial Success’ Despite Rollout Problems
Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) says Obamacare, also known as the Affordable Care Act, is on its way to 'substantial success.' It should be noted that some venture capitalists also think so. Sen. Durbin appeared on "Fox News Sunday," where he acknowledged the problems with the roll-out of President Obama's signature legislation. There are media reports that said 476,000 applications … [Read more...] about Sen. Dick Durbin Says Obamacare On It’s Way to ‘Substantial Success’ Despite Rollout Problems
How a Law Becomes a Bill: Tea Party Civics (Guest Voice)
How a Law Becomes a Bill: Tea Party Civics By Tina Dupuy The President of the United States signed the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also referred to as ObamaCare, on March 23, 2010. It then became a law. In March 2012, the Supreme Court heard a challenge to ObamaCare, National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius. On June 28, 2012, in a 5-4 decision, the court … [Read more...] about How a Law Becomes a Bill: Tea Party Civics (Guest Voice)