Former President Bill Clinton on the GOP's government shutdown: "I've never seen a time-- can you remember a time in your lifetime when a major political party was just sitting around, begging for America to fail?" Fox News, Tea Party members, and conservative new and old media pundits willinsist Americans don't see it this way but the truth is: today's Republican Party … [Read more...] about Bill Clinton on the GOP and the Government Shutdown
Lynne Cheney’s (losing) battle with Alan Simpson
In the 1980s I had a chance to briefly talk to Wyoming's Alan Simpson when he was the co author of the 1986 Simpson-Mazzoli immigration act, when I was a reporter covering immigration reform as my beat on the San Diego Union newspaper. He was crisp, content-heavy, bluntly honest -- and credible. And in my non-journalists role, I may not have always agreed with him but if he … [Read more...] about Lynne Cheney’s (losing) battle with Alan Simpson
Shutdown bad; default crazy… and catastrophic for the economy
... It would be vastly better if there was no shutdown and no default and House Republicans stopped trying to enact an agenda that lost at the polls by threatening the country. But American politics is what it is right now, and given its sorry condition, a shutdown might be the best of very bad options. ...EzraKlein/WaPo Because a shutdown will screw the economy. No one … [Read more...] about Shutdown bad; default crazy… and catastrophic for the economy
Republican House does it: get ready for a government shut down
US govt shutdown likely amid Obamacare divisions (via AFP) The government was in deadlock Sunday after the House of Representatives approved a Republican bill that attempts to delay President Barack Obama's health care law. Congress now has less than 48 hours to strike a deal that keeps the government open… … [Read more...] about Republican House does it: get ready for a government shut down
India: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh vs “Prince” Rahul Gandhi?
Rahul Gandhi, the vice-president of India's ruling Congress party, dropped a bombshell on Friday when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was set to enjoy his usual bonhomie with the US President Barack Obama in Washington DC. Rahul Gandhi's vicious attack on the government caused political tremors and confusion. His powerful mother Sonia Gandhi heads the Congress party, and was … [Read more...] about India: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh vs “Prince” Rahul Gandhi?
Quote of the Day: on the Republican debt ceiling default threat
Our political Quote of the Day comes from CNN and The Daily Beast's John Avlon, writing in Telegraphabout how Republicans are threatening to go nuclear and push the United States into a debt default if they don't get their way. He starts off with this: For decades, the key question when dealing with the murderous mullahs of the Islamic Republic was whether they were … [Read more...] about Quote of the Day: on the Republican debt ceiling default threat
Three reasons the shutdown will hurt the GOP
If the government does shut down -- as it is now widely expected to do -- it's likely to hurt the GOP, no matter what you hear on Fox News or read on conservative websites. Republican David Frum, former speechwriter for President George W. Bush gives three reasons why. He looks at three Republican "happy endings," and shows why they are actually wishful thinking: 'Happy … [Read more...] about Three reasons the shutdown will hurt the GOP
Another Poison Pill Clause
If by any chance you had any doubts about the complete insincerity of the House GOP when it comes to any desire to avoid a shutdown, wonder no longer. Just in case the Christmas list of demands that were revealed to be their debt ceiling proposal, they have chosen to add a conscience clause to their newest spending bill that would allow insurers and employers to opt out of … [Read more...] about Another Poison Pill Clause
Viagra for Boehner
Shutdown looms larger after GOP move on Obamacare Politico House Republicans will vote to pass a one-year delay of Obamacare in exchange for funding the government, a plan that drastically increases the chances of a government shutdown this Tuesday. — The decision was announced by the GOP leadership … Pity poor John Boehner, who has been reduced from Speaker of the House … [Read more...] about Viagra for Boehner
GOP House Member Equates He and His Fellow Radicals to Flight 93 Heroes
. When I thought my opinion of the GOP radicals couldn't get any lower one of them pops up with this … [Read more...] about GOP House Member Equates He and His Fellow Radicals to Flight 93 Heroes
First President Finally Gets His ‘Presidential Library’
There have been 43 Presidents of the United States, excluding the present President. But there are only 13 Presidential Libraries, including the recently inaugurated George W. Bush Presidential Library. How come? The answer can be found at the National Archives’ “Presidential Libraries” website where we learn that President Roosevelt started the informal tradition of … [Read more...] about First President Finally Gets His ‘Presidential Library’
Congress Should Use ’89 Minimum Wage Fight And Pomeroy Lesson As Guide For Averting Shutdown
In the spring of 1989 I was a high school freshman who salivated at the chance to see the political process at work. My first opportunity was watching Congressional Democrats battle President George H.W, Bush over plans to raise the minimum wage. More than two decades later, there is again a split between the Executive and at least one chamber of the Legislative branch, and … [Read more...] about Congress Should Use ’89 Minimum Wage Fight And Pomeroy Lesson As Guide For Averting Shutdown
I Wont Be Boycotting Barilla Pasta. Why?
Here's why. I paddle past all the flotsam and jetsam on fire== as on the Cuyahoga River that exploded in fire some years back, from all the garbage floating in it-- tossed there by human beings. I paddle past the arguments of progressive, regressive. Past the hoo-holler about bigots and spigots. Past all the rest. In 1992, Colorado passed by voters' affirmation, Amendment … [Read more...] about I Wont Be Boycotting Barilla Pasta. Why?
Barilla Pasta stand on gays in advertising counter to advertising trend
The furor continues over the comments Barilla Pasta's CEO made about not wanting gays in his company's ads and that people who don't like that are free to eat another pasta. It has set off boycotts on some fronts, calls to buy more of it on others, and expressions of dismay among others about boycotting a product over a CEO's views. But Advertising Age's EJ Schultz adds a … [Read more...] about Barilla Pasta stand on gays in advertising counter to advertising trend
Republicans definitively now set stage for government shutdown
Get ready for a government shut-down and resulting river of news stories about it's negative impact. Get ready for Fox News and other conservative outlets to blame it on the White House and Harry Reid and the Democrats. But the fact is: conservative House Republicans have now all but pressed the button for a shutdown with this -- and many analysts are taking note that the GOP … [Read more...] about Republicans definitively now set stage for government shutdown
The taxpayers’ likely tab for a shutdown? Billions (Guest Voice)
The taxpayers' likely tab for a shutdown? Billions Pollution and light dance on the side of the Wilma Theater Weekly Entertainment Guide – 'Nabucco,' 'Hidden Treasures Unveiled,' & new Philly festivals 10 years on, Philadelphia pub Johnny Brenda's still anchors a changing Fishtown Opera Philadelphia opens season with tribute to Verdi Philly orchestra season starts with … [Read more...] about The taxpayers’ likely tab for a shutdown? Billions (Guest Voice)
CNN Poll: Republicans’ position with Hispanic voters worsens
If there has been any success in any of the statements Republican bigwigs have made to assure Hispanic voters their party is on their side, it's not evident in a new poll. In fact, the party has a deep rooted problem now with how the fastest-growing block of voters perceive it -- forget just the concept of rebranding: After Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney lost … [Read more...] about CNN Poll: Republicans’ position with Hispanic voters worsens
Racism Update on Trayvon Martin and Obama
Medgar Evers, James Chaney, Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman... On a suburban library screen, those faces impress two dozen residents of mixed races yesterday with the Mississippi martyrdom of young men 50 years ago. In a showing and discussion of PBS’ “Eyes on the Prize,” there is a sense of wonder and disbelief at the organized cruelty and mendacity of that time but, for … [Read more...] about Racism Update on Trayvon Martin and Obama
Why I Won’t Boycott Barilla
As far as I'm concerned, pasta is pasta. No matter what the shape, size, brand or color, it all tastes like pretty much like spaghetti to me. I've never seen the point of making it fresh, so I always procure it from the pasta shelf of the local supermarket. And more often than not, I find myself buying Barilla. I've never seen Barilla advertised on TV -- or anywhere else, … [Read more...] about Why I Won’t Boycott Barilla
Obama and Iran’s Rouhani speak in historic phone call
Obama and Iran's Rouhani speak in historic phone call (via AFP) US President Barack Obama and his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani spoke by phone in a historic and first direct contact between leaders of their estranged nations since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The stunning 15-minute call, starting at 2:30 pm… … [Read more...] about Obama and Iran’s Rouhani speak in historic phone call