Richard Benedetto poses this question on Real Clear Politics. While the Republican game plan for winning back the Senate and adding to its majority in the House of Representatives this November still seems a fuzzy work in progress, President Obama is following a sharply focused Democratic blueprint to prevent that from happening. It is no secret plan. It’s been … [Read more...] about What Is the GOP’s Message?
Gallup: Republicans Have Edge on Top Election Issue (the Economy)
Six months before the 2014 mid-terms in which most polls show the Democrats are in trouble and could lose control of the U.S. Senate, Gallup has released a poll that could cause near panic in some Democratic quarters: it shows Republicans now ahead on the election's top issue...the economy: American voters rate the economy as the most important issue to their vote for … [Read more...] about Gallup: Republicans Have Edge on Top Election Issue (the Economy)
What Justice?
An outraged legislator, Representative Mike Christian, said he would seek to impeach the justices, who were already under fire from conservative legislators for striking down laws the court deemed unconstitutional. A constitutional crisis appeared to be brewing. But last Wednesday, the Supreme Court announced a decision on the secrecy issue — overturning the lower court and … [Read more...] about What Justice?
Heads need to roll at the VA
WASHINGTON -- Finally, an authentic scandal: incompetence and deception at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Given what we know so far, more heads need to roll -- and a criminal investigation should be launched. Republicans have accused the Obama administration of so many faux scandals that it's hard to recognize the real thing. Yes, the Internal Revenue Service seems … [Read more...] about Heads need to roll at the VA
Cartoon: The Michele Bachmann Show
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed by Cagle Cartoons to run on The Moderate Voice. Reproduction without licensing is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about Cartoon: The Michele Bachmann Show
Thailand’s Army Declares Martial Law
Thailand's army invokes martial law: military TV (via AFP) Thailand's army on Tuesday declared martial law across the crisis-gripped kingdom to restore order following months of anti-government protests that have left 28 people dead and hundreds wounded. An announcement on military-run television said martial… … [Read more...] about Thailand’s Army Declares Martial Law
Oregon Republican Senate Race II
Yesterday I reported on Oregon Republican Senate candidate Monica Wehbys' problems concerning harassment charges. We have had an interesting twist in the Republican primary race here in Oregon. The race is between pediatric neurosurgeon Monica Wehby and Jason Conger. Now Conger is a full blown wingnut while Wehby is not a social conservative so only about half wingnut. Just … [Read more...] about Oregon Republican Senate Race II
Gay Marriage Ban in Oregon Overturned
For a change, it's nice to blog about GOOD news. From Oregon's junior senator minutes ago Oregon marks the 13th win in a row for Gay Marriage rights. Federal Judge Strikes Down Oregon Same-Sex Marriage Ban, Weddings Can Start Immediately Chris Geidner / BuzzFeed State officials have said they will not appeal the ruling. Judge's order is effective … [Read more...] about Gay Marriage Ban in Oregon Overturned
9-11 The Many Ways of Grief, Years After/ The Gift Shop
There are many family responses to the murders of their loved ones by fire, by falling from great heights, by being blown to pieces. We might call it 9-11 and grieve for both the living and the dead. But/and, they see it as a slaughter of persons they beheld as up-close and personally beloved-- with a river of memories of the loved one still roaring in full energy, or quietly … [Read more...] about 9-11 The Many Ways of Grief, Years After/ The Gift Shop
Jackson Brought Back to Life at Billboard Awards (Video)
AMAZING: The late Michael Jackson performed as a hologram at the Billboard Awards. Two reports: one from You Tube, the other AP. Jackson Brought Back to Life at Billboard Awards (via AP Video) Michael Jackson posthumously performed at this year's Billboard Music Awards in the form of a hologram, while artists including Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Lopez and … [Read more...] about Jackson Brought Back to Life at Billboard Awards (Video)
Report: VA Hospitals Scandal Worsens
The country's growing scandal involving the treatment Veterans Administrations hospitals are giving veterans has just gotten worse, The Daily Beast reports in an exclusive. The article's teaser says it all: "Veterans with serious heart conditions, gangrene, and even brain tumors waited months for care at the Albuquerque VA hospital, a whistleblowing doctor tells The Daily … [Read more...] about Report: VA Hospitals Scandal Worsens
Wolfeboro Police Commissioner Resigns After Using Racial Slur About Obama
Wolfeboro, N.H. police commissioner Bob Copeland has resigned after called President Obama a "f*cking n*gger" at a local restaurant, WMUR and the Washington Post reported. Robert Copeland, 82, verbally resigned to the chairman of Wolfeboro Police Commission Sunday night before resigning in a letter released Monday. Click to view the resignation letter. Copeland had … [Read more...] about Wolfeboro Police Commissioner Resigns After Using Racial Slur About Obama
Jeb Bush increasingly sounds like he’s in
Various news and political reports the past few months have suggested that former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush -- one of the last hope for (somewhat) moderate (moderately conservative) Republicans as New Jersy Gov. Chris Christie sinks in national polls -- is seriously pondering a run for the White House. Now, as The Tampa Bay Times' Alex Leary reports, it really does sound like Jeb … [Read more...] about Jeb Bush increasingly sounds like he’s in
9/11 Museum’s Gift Shop Comes Under Fire: Twin Tackiness?
The long awaited answer to a lingering question is "yes." When the new 9/11 museum was opened last week it turned out that it does have a gift shop. And, yes, it is a stereotypical tourist attraction gift shop. With tacky -- some say tasteless -- items. And, the New York Post reports, some 9/11 victim families are outraged: The 9/11 museum’s cavernous boutique offers a … [Read more...] about 9/11 Museum’s Gift Shop Comes Under Fire: Twin Tackiness?
Is Japan Plotting A More Militaristic Future While Not Confronting Its Past?
JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER ABE VISITS YASUKUNI SHRINE Nearly 70 years after the end of World War II, Germany is a fully fledged player in Europe and the world. Its Nazi past is not forgotten, but is no longer an issue. By contrast, Japan is a marginal player in Asia and nearly invisible on the world stage beyond its quality automobiles and electronic goods, and its … [Read more...] about Is Japan Plotting A More Militaristic Future While Not Confronting Its Past?
The Six Degrees of Hillary Clinton Game
The Six Degrees of Hillary Clinton Game by Tina Dupuy Here's how to play: Find a horrible tragedy anywhere in the world and in six degrees or fewer—blame Hillary Clinton. Several hundred Nigerian schoolgirls are kidnapped by the terrorist cult, Boko Haram. The media pays absolutely no attention to it. Weeks later after a social media campaign to highlight this appalling … [Read more...] about The Six Degrees of Hillary Clinton Game
Oregon Republican Senate Race
We have had an interesting twist in the Republican primary race here in Oregon. The race is between pediatric neurosurgeon Monica Wehby and Jason Conger. Now Conger is a full blown wingnut while Wehby is not a social conservative so only about half wingnut. Just a few days before the election it was revealed that Wehby was accused of stalking an X boyfriend and there was a … [Read more...] about Oregon Republican Senate Race
Movie Review: Godzilla (VIDEO)
'Godzilla' Movie review by Betsy Sharkey (via Los Angeles Times Video) Betsy Sharkey reviews 'Godzilla' starring Godzilla, Bryan Cranston, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, and Ken Watanabe. … [Read more...] about Movie Review: Godzilla (VIDEO)
The liberals’ defense counsel
BOSTON -- Elizabeth Warren is cast as many things: a populist, a left-winger, the paladin against the bankers and the rich, the Democrats' alternative to Hillary Clinton, the policy wonk with a heart. The senior senator from Massachusetts is certainly a populist and her heart is with those foreclosed upon and exploited by shady financial practices. But she is not nearly … [Read more...] about The liberals’ defense counsel
The Benghazi Boogie (Guest Voice)
The Benghazi Boogie by Will Durst In order to function like a properly greased money machine, the GOP requires a chew toy. Something to snarl and wave and get a good growl on. Railing against easy-to-digest injustices is the perfect lubrication. Nuance - not their strong suit. This party calibrates with pitchforks and 55 gallon drums of oil. Their specialty is publicly … [Read more...] about The Benghazi Boogie (Guest Voice)