You know, it's one thing to postulate any kind of crackpot theory -- imaginable or un- -- if you can get enough non-skeptical true believers to sign on. American history is testament and proof of this. It's another thing to hoodwink those who make their living by studying reality and then adjusting the odds: Schools Seeking to Arm Employees Hit Hurdle on … [Read more...] about The Real World Strikes Agin! (sic)
Rick Perry Won’t Run for Re-Election For Texas Governor in 2014 (But for President in 2016?)
Amid great (political junkie) fanfare, Texas Gov. Rick Perry made his long anticipated announcement that some felt might include a declaration that he'll run for the Republican Presidential nomination in 2016. In the end, Perry announced he won't run for a fourth term as Texas Governor -- but certain left the door wide open to run for President so wide that you could catch … [Read more...] about Rick Perry Won’t Run for Re-Election For Texas Governor in 2014 (But for President in 2016?)
How Mexico got so fat
How Mexico got so fat (via GlobalPost) A UN report says Mexicans are the heaviest of the world's larger nations, even as they battle hunger and malnutrition. How did it come to this? Dudley Althaus MEXICO CITY, Mexico â?? Modern Mexicans' urban lifestyle, rising incomes and myriad consumption… … [Read more...] about How Mexico got so fat
New Abortion Restrictions Reignite Culture Wars (Guest Voice)
New Abortion Restrictions Reignite Culture Wars (via PBS News Hour) By: Christina Bellantoni and Terence Burlij A crowd shouts 'Shame, shame, shame!' as law enforcement officers stand outside the North Carolina legislative building after the state Senate gave its approval to a series of abortion restrictions July 3.… … [Read more...] about New Abortion Restrictions Reignite Culture Wars (Guest Voice)
Brazil ‘Gravely Concerned’ Over Reports of Massive NSA Espionage (O Globo, Brail)
Another day, another U.S. ally feeling betrayed by United States surveillance. This article, published by Brazil's O Globo yesterday, outlines the scale of the espionage highlighted by the latest documents released by Edward Snowden, and what the Brazilian authorities intend to do about it. Here is part of O Globo's, 1,200 word report: BRASÍLIA and PARATY: On Sunday, … [Read more...] about Brazil ‘Gravely Concerned’ Over Reports of Massive NSA Espionage (O Globo, Brail)
Brotherhood ‘uprising’ call a dangerous turn: analysts
Brotherhood 'uprising' call a dangerous turn: analysts (via AFP) A Muslim Brotherhood call for an uprising in response to a "massacre" of its supporters after the military's ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi could mark a bloody new stage in the turmoil rocking Egypt, analysts warn. At dawn on Monday, after… … [Read more...] about Brotherhood ‘uprising’ call a dangerous turn: analysts
A Citizen’s Guide to Debating About Inequality
Here is a citizen’s guide to debunking a half-dozen absurdities and myths you'll hear about inequality. 1) CLAIM: “The poor are doing just fine!” Example: Robert Rector: In 2005, the typical household defined as poor by the government had a car and air conditioning. For entertainment, the household had two color televisions, cable or satellite TV, a DVD player, and a … [Read more...] about A Citizen’s Guide to Debating About Inequality
Second Political Acts: Elliot Spitzer to Run for New York City Comptroller
New York City politics becomes more titillating every day. There's an old joke about two Jewish women. One says to the other: "Did you hear about Glory Cohen? She's having an affair." The other then says, "Who's catering?" And so it goes with the one-time career damaging political sex scandal. Add the name of disgraced and resigned New York Gov.Elliot Spitzer to the list of … [Read more...] about Second Political Acts: Elliot Spitzer to Run for New York City Comptroller
A Cheney in the Senate
Aw puh-LEEZ, Wyoming! Ms. Cheney, 46, is showing up everywhere in the state, from chicken dinners to cattle growers’ meetings, sometimes with her parents in tow. She has made it clear that she wants to run for the Senate seat now held by Michael B. Enzi, a soft-spoken Republican and onetime fly-fishing partner of her father. But Ms. Cheney’s move threatens to start a … [Read more...] about A Cheney in the Senate
Egypt Islamists urge uprising after protest ‘massacre’
Egypt Islamists urge uprising after protest 'massacre' (via AFP) Egyptian Islamists called for an uprising after saying dozens of its supporters were "massacred" Monday while demonstrating against last week's military coup, dashing the army's hopes of broad support for an interim civilian administration. The Muslim… … [Read more...] about Egypt Islamists urge uprising after protest ‘massacre’
Which Egypt Do Obama, McCain Want to Save?
The post-revolt revolt in the land of the Pharoahs is presenting a problem for American response that would elude the wisdom of the Sphinx. Confusion abounds. Now John McCain is denouncing the overthrow of the Muslim Brotherhood’s Mohammed Morsi, calling it a “coup” and urging the President to suspend all aid to the country. When our leading hawk rails at Egypt’s military … [Read more...] about Which Egypt Do Obama, McCain Want to Save?
Egyptians throng streets in support of army-backed revolt
Egyptians throng streets in support of army-backed revolt (via AFP) Opponents of Egypt's first freely elected leader packed streets across the country in their hundreds of thousands on Sunday to show the world his ouster was not a military coup but the reflection of the people's will. Staged two days after Islamist… … [Read more...] about Egyptians throng streets in support of army-backed revolt
Bush Defends Obama on NSA: Avoids Partisan Politics
It's clear now that former President George W. Bush is now the Anti-Dick Cheney. Ever since Barack Obama was elected President Cheney has seemed to be auditioning for the role of Rush Limbaugh host fill in. Or else he has seemed to be pitching a new movie: "Super Partisan." Not GWB. Just look the these excerpts from his interview with ABC (courtesy of Mediaite). On NSA … [Read more...] about Bush Defends Obama on NSA: Avoids Partisan Politics
(Video) 1955 Disneyland Opening Day [Complete ABC Broadcast]
We take it for granted, but when Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955 it was a big deal, indeed. Here's the complete ABC TV broadcast marking the opening of the theme park -- famous guest stars of the time and all (and yes, he does appear). Note Futureland: 1986, where "a trip to the moon is a daily affair." AND: Disney History has released this video of some color film … [Read more...] about (Video) 1955 Disneyland Opening Day [Complete ABC Broadcast]
How Would Our Forefathers Judge the NSA LEAKER? (Guest Voice)
How Would Our Forefathers Judge the NSA LEAKER? By Dale Schlundt With the recent events of the National Security Agency’s leaks, our government is doing all in its power to obtain custody of Edward Snowden. It is without a doubt that I argue this is no longer only a controversy over this one individual. Not be overlooked is the effort our government is putting forth to … [Read more...] about How Would Our Forefathers Judge the NSA LEAKER? (Guest Voice)
Kathleen Sebelius’s Father-in-Law Was Kansas Congressman Who Lost To Dole
Historic Quote: "He couldn't sell beer on a troop ship." Ohio Senator William Saxbe, a Republican who served with Bob Dole in the Senate, on his antagonistic demeanor. It was Saxbe who gave dole the name "Hatchet Man." Oh, to be a fly on the wall during Sebelius-Gilligan family gatherings. In an earlier piece, I detailed how Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen … [Read more...] about Kathleen Sebelius’s Father-in-Law Was Kansas Congressman Who Lost To Dole
Morsi’s ouster in Egypt sends chill through political Islam (Guest Voice)
Morsi's ouster in Egypt sends chill through political Islam (via GlobalPost) The popular uprising and military power that brought Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood to its knees is worrying political Islamist movements across the region. Stephen Starr ISTANBUL, Turkey â?? The toppling of an elected Muslim Brotherhood president in… … [Read more...] about Morsi’s ouster in Egypt sends chill through political Islam (Guest Voice)
Sunday’s Must Read: FISA Expands NSA Powers In Deep Secret
There's irony here that future generations may enjoy but which makes learning about this almost too much to bear. A government program established by Congress post-Watergate "as a check against wiretapping abuses by the government" is being used to expand the government's ability to spy on its citizens. The program, of course, is FISA - the Foreign Intelligence Service Act - … [Read more...] about Sunday’s Must Read: FISA Expands NSA Powers In Deep Secret
Obama Reviews Situation in Egypt
According to the American Forces Press Service (AFPS), President Obama is staying in touch with the situation in Egypt by conferring with his National Security Council, the president's principal forum for considering national security and foreign policy matters. Here is the text of the White House release: President Obama convened a secure conference call with the … [Read more...] about Obama Reviews Situation in Egypt
Asiana jet crash lands at San Francisco airport (AFP detailed report)
Asiana jet crash lands at San Francisco airport (via AFP) An Asiana Airlines Boeing 777 jet with more than 300 people on board clipped a seawall short of the runway at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday, snapping off its tail and bursting into flames. Media reports said at least two people who… … [Read more...] about Asiana jet crash lands at San Francisco airport (AFP detailed report)