The carnage in Syria has put the Afghan war on the backburner for a while. But, as the debate intensifies on what the Obama administration might do about Syria, it is well to recall the obstacles in Afghanistan. On June 4, 2013, the Defense Department’s causality page recorded 2,226 Americans killed and 18,610 wounded in action inside Afghanistan or operations involving … [Read more...] about Afghanistan, still a poisoned chalice
Springboro, Ohio, Schools and Evolution (Guest Cartoonist)
Springboro, Ohio, schools and Evolution by Mike Peters OF RELATED INTEREST: --No vote tonight on creationism --Creationism controversy in Springboro --Springboro, Ohio, District Considers Teaching Creationism In Schools --Creationism creates stir in Springboro School board defends revisiting issue Mike Peters is recognized as one of our nation's most … [Read more...] about Springboro, Ohio, Schools and Evolution (Guest Cartoonist)
Rumsfeld “Can’t Tell” If Obama Changed Sides in War on Terrorism
I'm convinced that this kind of over-the-top, irresponsible rhetoric is going to cost the Republican Party national elections and even with gerrymandered districts may cost them some votes in districts. Former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld -- no this is not The Onion or an Andy Borowitz news parody -- truly, actually, no-joke, not-kiddin-ya says he "can't tell" whether … [Read more...] about Rumsfeld “Can’t Tell” If Obama Changed Sides in War on Terrorism
Christie calls for special election for deceased Lautenberg’s U.S. Senate seat
Christie outlines special election for Lautenberg's U.S. Senate seat (via NJ.com) By Christopher Baxter and Jarrett Renshaw/The Star-Ledger TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie today called for a special election in October to fill the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of Frank Lautenberg, setting in motion an all-out sprint for the office but immediately drawing … [Read more...] about Christie calls for special election for deceased Lautenberg’s U.S. Senate seat
Another Fake Scandal via the AP
I am back from nearly a month on the road. I should have stayed gone longer, I fear. Fake scandal abounds. Gasp! Emails of top Obama appointees remain a mystery Jack Gillum / Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) - Some of President Barack Obama's political appointees, including the Cabinet secretary for the Health and Human Services Department, are using secret government … [Read more...] about Another Fake Scandal via the AP
(UPDATE) ‘Derpy,’ a Word that Suits the Occasion – and the Man
UPDATE: There has been additional reaction to Josh Barro’s use of the word “derpy.” Stefan Becket at the New York Magazine mentions Paul Krugman’s “Moral Derpitude,” in the New York Times where Krugman feels for Barro, really does: “[b]ut he has no home in today’s GOP, which simply has no room for the non-derpy, and to all appearances never will.” Becket then asks, … [Read more...] about (UPDATE) ‘Derpy,’ a Word that Suits the Occasion – and the Man
Chris Christie’s twisty trek to 2016
Chris Christie's twisty trek to 2016 (via NewsWorks) National Interest Dick [email protected] June 4, 2013 By Dick Polman Chris Christie is already on notice, from denizens of the right-wing echo chamber, that he's gotta toe the line and fill Frank Lautenberg's Senate seat with a conservative purist - because if he doesn't, he can… … [Read more...] about Chris Christie’s twisty trek to 2016
Father Greeley: loving pugilist
WASHINGTON -- You wanted Father Andrew Greeley as your friend and not your enemy. You got the sense he was born with his fists up and his loyalties fully formed. He was ready to do battle at the first signs of disrespect toward those he cared about. Understanding Greeley, the priest, sociologist and novelist who died last week at 85, is essential to understanding the … [Read more...] about Father Greeley: loving pugilist
Walmart has Ruthlessly Exploited its Workers for Years
Walmart has a long history of evading the law, abusing its workers, and suppressing strikes through illegal means. This week, OUR Walmart (Organization United for Respect) is beginning the first sustained strike against Walmart, and it’s about time. News of the strike arrives just as Walmart is facing public scrutiny for dumping toxic sludge into California’s sanitary sewers. … [Read more...] about Walmart has Ruthlessly Exploited its Workers for Years
MS Gov. Phil Bryant Blames America’s Educational Troubles on Moms Working Outside Home
The Republican attack on women as breadwinners continues with Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant (R) saying that America's educational troubles started when women began working outside the home in large numbers, the Washington Post reports. Gov. Bryant, responded to a question about how America became 'so mediocre' in regard to educational outcomes, saying, "I think both parents … [Read more...] about MS Gov. Phil Bryant Blames America’s Educational Troubles on Moms Working Outside Home
The Democratic-Tea Party Alliance Makes Governing More Difficult
There is an unspoken alliance between the Democratic Party and the Tea Party wing of the GOP that makes governing in Washington more difficult. There is a commonality of interests between these two groups that binds them together, namely the destruction of the fading moderate portion of the Republican Party, branded as RINOs (Republicans in name only) by Tea Party advocates and … [Read more...] about The Democratic-Tea Party Alliance Makes Governing More Difficult
Lautenberg’s death changes Senate race for Booker (Guest Voice)
Lautenberg's death changes Senate race for Booker (via NJ.com) Aristide Economopoulos/The Star-Ledger NEWARK — Newark Mayor Cory Booker may have relished the idea of running for Frank Lautenberg's seat in 2014, but now that the liberal lion is dead, the race has changed big time. It is unclear whether Gov. Chris Christie will appoint a Republican to serve out… … [Read more...] about Lautenberg’s death changes Senate race for Booker (Guest Voice)
Issa’s Shady Past Deserves More Than a Tweet
If he persists in channeling Joe McCarthy, Darrell Issa deserves a new Edward R. Murrow to bring him down. When 60 Minutes gets tired of polishing up summer reruns, his CBS successors should give us a full portrait. There is ample material. Issa keeps pushing himself into the national face with outrageous accusations, as McCarthy did, now branding Obama spokesman Jay Carney … [Read more...] about Issa’s Shady Past Deserves More Than a Tweet
Coca toothpaste? Bolivia tries to drum up demand for ‘legal’ coca products.
Coca toothpaste? Bolivia tries to drum up demand for 'legal' coca products. (via The Christian Science Monitor) Copyright ImageClick to View Paneton pastries made by Ebococa sit in the factory in Villa Tunari, Bolivia, April 12. Urged on by President Evo Morales, Bolivians had been trying to turn coca leaf, the base ingredient of cocaine, into popular treats ranging … [Read more...] about Coca toothpaste? Bolivia tries to drum up demand for ‘legal’ coca products.
David Frum’s Five Essential Tasks for Conservative Reformers
The Daily Beast's David Frum has long been required-reading for centrists, moderates and independent voters. The former Bush speechwriter has angered some in his party's conservative wing because he has taken on some of the more polarizing actions and rhetoric of his party -- and dared to criticize that conservative icon, Rush Limbaugh. But now Frum has had some family … [Read more...] about David Frum’s Five Essential Tasks for Conservative Reformers
Lindsay Graham Says “No Evidence” White House Directed IRS Conservative Probes
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Ca) is increasingly looking more isolated within his party as his calling White House Press Secretary a "paid liar" has resembled an Australian boomerang more than a political drone aimed at the White House. See our post HERE -- but there are new developments. For instance, Lindsay Graham isn't going along with this kind of rhetorical overkill: Sen. … [Read more...] about Lindsay Graham Says “No Evidence” White House Directed IRS Conservative Probes
Turkey protestors retake streets, PM defiant
Turkey protestors retake streets, PM defiant (via AFP) Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday shrugged off mass protests against his Islamic-rooted government but angry demonstrators flooded back onto the streets for the fourth night in an outburst of clashes that have left at least one person dead. Despite facing the fiercest challenge… … [Read more...] about Turkey protestors retake streets, PM defiant
GOP Report: It has BIG (I mean BIG) problem with young voters
Under normal circumstances, it could be described as near electric-shock treatment. But the question now is whether the Republican Party with its Tea Party and talk radio influence (and apparent protection at high media levels to ensure Rush Limbaugh is not criticized), will the Republican Party pay attention to a 95-page report by the College National Republican Committee … [Read more...] about GOP Report: It has BIG (I mean BIG) problem with young voters
A reason why Rush Limbaugh remains all powerful in the GOP
Here's a reason why talk show host Rush Limbaugh remains all powerful within the GOP: he has all powerful people in the conservative media who'll protect him and squelch criticism of him...even from fellow conservative talkers. … [Read more...] about A reason why Rush Limbaugh remains all powerful in the GOP
Issa “Paid Liar” Rhetoric on White House IRS Scandal Is Backfiring
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) is providing political science students with a classic example of how someone's partisan inclinations and unwise rhetoric can undermine his political goals. On Sunday he called White House spokesman Jay Carney a "paid liar" in an interview with CNN's Candy Crowley about the IRS singling out conservative groups for scrutiny. It was -- even in our … [Read more...] about Issa “Paid Liar” Rhetoric on White House IRS Scandal Is Backfiring