Children blackmailed into sex abuse online (via AFP) Children as young as eight are being blackmailed into performing sex acts live on webcams, causing some of them to self-harm or even commit suicide, a British watchdog warned on Friday. The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) said… … [Read more...] about Children blackmailed into sex abuse online
Obama Beats McCain Again–as a Pen Pal
In the age of sound bites, the President and his 2008 opponent are reviving an ancient art, lobbing letters at foreign adversaries rather than missiles, an improvement no doubt but neither quite has the hang of it. John McCain, in his usual retro style, sends Putin an old-fashioned “Dear Sir, You Cur” missive, telling his constituents, “I am pro-Russian, more pro-Russian … [Read more...] about Obama Beats McCain Again–as a Pen Pal
Obama needs to stand his ground
WASHINGTON -- Republicans in the House are like a bunch of 3-year-olds playing with matches. Their hapless leaders don't have the sense to scold them and send them to their rooms -- which means President Obama has to be the disciplinarian in this dysfunctional family. Mature adults in the GOP should have explained reality to these tantrum-throwing tykes long ago: It … [Read more...] about Obama needs to stand his ground
The right to bear arms is not absolute (Guest Voice)
The right to bear arms is not absolute (via The Economist) YESTERDAY Howard Schultz, who heads Starbucks, released an open letter containing a "respectful request that customers no longer bring firearms into our stores or outdoor seating areas." His letter was polite, thoughtful, even-handed and thorough. In… … [Read more...] about The right to bear arms is not absolute (Guest Voice)
Big DNA Surprise
On the original CSI there was an episode years ago that depended on the killer being a chimera, someone who actually had two genomes in his body so a cheek swab test had different results than a blood test. It turns out that this condition and a related one aren't nearly as rare as once believed. Researchers still aren't quite sure how widespread this condition is, though there … [Read more...] about Big DNA Surprise
Odd evidence that Republicans don’t care what happens to the country
There is some seriously screwed up thinking over there to our right, though why I'm surprised I can't say. Greg Sargent looks at the poll numbers on raising the debt ceiling in his Post column. * Republicans are far more likely to oppose raising the debt limit than anyone else; they say don’t raise it by 61-25. By contrast, Dems say raise it by 62-31, and independents … [Read more...] about Odd evidence that Republicans don’t care what happens to the country
House GOP Votes To Slash Food Stamp Spending
The big ongoing political story now is the Republican Party leadership steadily, inexorably surrendering branding of the party and the party's actions to its most conservative members. Some say the GOP doesn't have leadership. It increasingly looks as if it does: House Republicans. And now we have another example: After GOP leadership capitulated to conservative demands, … [Read more...] about House GOP Votes To Slash Food Stamp Spending
How Obama can stop the “apocalypse (Guest Voice)
How Obama can stop the "apocalypse" (via NewsWorks) National Interest Dick [email protected] September 19, 2013 By Dick Polman Once again, the right-wing kamikazes are threatening to crash their planes into the good ship America and drive us into default. The deal, as they see it,… … [Read more...] about How Obama can stop the “apocalypse (Guest Voice)
How can you LIVE on $172,000 a year??
Let's all frown sadly and say: "Awwwwwwwww...": In an argument against a special exemption allowing Hill staffers to buy health insurance, one lawmaker said he’s “stuck” making $172,000 a year, while aides will go on to make in big bucks lobbying on K Street, according to a report. Staffers “may be 33 years old now and not making a lot of money. But in a few years they … [Read more...] about How can you LIVE on $172,000 a year??
Penthouse magazine owner files for bankruptcy protection
The owner of Penthouse Magazine, the more graphic alternative to Playboy, has filed for bankruptcy protection -- a consequence of how print porn became impotent and screwed by the advent of the far more accessible (and free) Internet: THE "pets" of Penthouse are in the doghouse after the owner of the adult magazine filed for bankruptcy protection yesterday. FriendFinder … [Read more...] about Penthouse magazine owner files for bankruptcy protection
Despicable Congress (Cartoon)
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized use without licensing from Cagle Cartoons is strictly prohibited. … [Read more...] about Despicable Congress (Cartoon)
John McCain’s epic Russia fail (Guest Voice)
John McCain's epic Russia fail (via GlobalPost) Enlarge Had it been published a few decades ago and not Thursday, Senator John McCain’s biting response to a controversial New York Times op-ed by Russian President Vladimir Putin could have raised a ruckus. Addressing the Russian people directly… … [Read more...] about John McCain’s epic Russia fail (Guest Voice)
Scoring the Tea Party on Starving the Poor
If watchers saw “The Hunger Games” as fantasy, Washington politicians are working hard to turn it into a reality show. Tom Colicchio, head judge of TV’s “Top Chef,” notes that “if Congress manages to cut $20 to $40 billion” from food stamps, “there’s no way charity can make that up. All the fund-raisers in the world are not going to get back to that number. Are we O.K. with … [Read more...] about Scoring the Tea Party on Starving the Poor
McCain Writes For Wrong Pravda
The response editorial of John McCain was not published where most think it was. Pravda, the large Russian newspaper, declined to publish the Senator’s editorial written in response to Vladimir Putin’s NYT editorial. Instead, McCain’s editorial was posted at Pravda.ru, a website not affiliated with the newspaper. This from the CNN report. "The Pravda McCain had … [Read more...] about McCain Writes For Wrong Pravda
As Expected, McCain Blasts Putin
About a week ago, Russian president Vladimir Putin had the audacity to write an op-ed in the New York Times lecturing America and Americans on international law, democracy, law and order, morality, human rights, humaneness and Godliness. A couple of days later, Senator John McCain was able to convince the editors of Putin’s own newspaper, Pravda, to publish his … [Read more...] about As Expected, McCain Blasts Putin
The shutdown’s real goal
WASHINGTON -- The coming battles over budgets, the debt ceiling, a government shutdown and Obamacare are not elements of a large political game. They involve a fundamental showdown over the role of government in stemming rising inequality and making our country a fairer and more decent place. Anyone who doesn't see this should be forgiven. The stakes in this battle are … [Read more...] about The shutdown’s real goal
Sen. McCain Accuses Vladimir Putin of Rigging Elections, Punishing Dissent
Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) penned an op-ed in Russia's Pravda that slammed Vladimir Putin as ruling just for himself and being a friend to dictators. McCain accused Putin of rigging elections and getting rid of organizations that "defend your right to self-governance." You will recall that Putin had no qualms about the imprisonment of punk rock band Pussy Riot, for speaking out … [Read more...] about Sen. McCain Accuses Vladimir Putin of Rigging Elections, Punishing Dissent
Chuck Todd, Ventriloquist’s Puppet?
Talking Points Memo points out Chuck Todd saying it's all about the messaging when it comes to the Affordable Care Act. The reason that people dislike the ACA is because the Republicans have successfully pushed their message and the White House hasn't. There is no mention of the dominance of conservative media like Limbaugh, Hannity, Savage and Fox News and how they … [Read more...] about Chuck Todd, Ventriloquist’s Puppet?
Is Obama calling in the political Cavalry?
Is Obama calling in the political Cavalry? It sounds that way. There has always been an incredible disconnect with the vigor, energy, combativeness and seeming determination of a candidate Barack Obama. But once in office he seems to operate in a lower-key style and it can't be all attributed to him believing in the often-constructive practice of compromise. And now it seems … [Read more...] about Is Obama calling in the political Cavalry?
Dear Doctor (Guest Voice)
Dear Doctor by Peter W. Johnson To Dr. [Name Omitted] RE: Uncensored and thoughtful compassion Dear Doctor, As you know, I have had my share of disappointments about the way certain health facilities are run, and how I was treated by them. But I have no desire to name names, or to get any individuals in trouble. My intents for writing this letter are to voice my … [Read more...] about Dear Doctor (Guest Voice)