It'd be tempting to do a headline about New York mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner saying he vows to stay in the race with the headline: "WEINER STIFFENS RESOLVE," but I would NEVER show such a lack of good taste. And that headline wouldn't matter now. He is now toast. Or, rather, a roasted Weiner. There's more bad news involving him -- and a bad poll. If news that he had … [Read more...] about Three Women Now: Roasted Weiner
With Robert Seldon Lady, America ‘Humiliates’ Italy (La Repubblica, Italy)
Days ago, acting on an Italian arrest warrant issued by Interpol, Robert Seldon Lady, a former CIA Bureau Chief, was detained by Panama in connection with the kidnapping, aka/extraordinary rendition, of Muslim cleric Abu Omar from a Milan street in 2005. Hours later, Lady was released without explanation. For Italy's La Repubblica, columnist Frederico Rampini vents Italy's … [Read more...] about With Robert Seldon Lady, America ‘Humiliates’ Italy (La Repubblica, Italy)
The Real Enemies Of The Middle Class: Washington’s Best And Brightest Economic Thinkers
Simplicity is a major threat to people who make their livings in certain professions. Deep thinkers can only justify hefty billing and huge salaries if they can concoct weighty solutions to weighty problems. This necessity is of course well understood by those charged with fixing the American economy. Thus, the very best and brightest in Washington anguish endlessly over … [Read more...] about The Real Enemies Of The Middle Class: Washington’s Best And Brightest Economic Thinkers
Weiner, Steve King: Tip of the Stupidity Iceberg
Ideological and ethnic opposites Anthony Weiner and Steve King are redefining shameless stupidity and uniting their own parties against them but, in our media-salivating world, getting more attention than comparatively sane office holders. Republicans have already moved away from King by dissuading him from running for the Iowa Senate seat next year, but Weiner is still a … [Read more...] about Weiner, Steve King: Tip of the Stupidity Iceberg
Shocking Video: Spanish Train Derailment
Truly shocking video that shows you a brutal tragedy occurring literally in seconds. … [Read more...] about Shocking Video: Spanish Train Derailment
The First ‘Post-Snowden’ Vote
As public attitudes are shifting against Snowden “with more than half of Americans now supporting criminal charges against the former security contractor who’s disclosed details of surveillance by the U.S. National Security Agency” and while most Americans don’t see such surveillance unjustified intrusions on our privacy rights, it may not have come as a surprise that the … [Read more...] about The First ‘Post-Snowden’ Vote
In Snowden’s Wake, Duma Takes Up Russia’s Online Vulnerability (Kommersant, Russia)
Is the Kremlin really surprised by the NSA's capacity to spy on Russia? If it is, what can it do about it? For Russia's Kommersant, reporter Oleg Khokhlov reports on hearings in Russia's parliament featuring representatives of Russia's IT sector and secret services. For Kommersant, Oleg Khokhlov writes in part: The Duma, which considers Snowden's extradition "morally … [Read more...] about In Snowden’s Wake, Duma Takes Up Russia’s Online Vulnerability (Kommersant, Russia)
McCain and McConnell Poised to Increasingly Clash
Now that (in some ways) Arizona Sen. John McCain is reverting to an incarnation of the more independent McCain of 2000 and earlier, he is increasingly poised to clash with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. The Hill also notes that the two have locked horns in the past: The relationship between Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) … [Read more...] about McCain and McConnell Poised to Increasingly Clash
78 dead in worst Spanish train crash in decades
78 dead in worst Spanish train crash in decades (via AFP) A train flew off the tracks as it reportedly tore at twice the speed limit around a bend in northwest Spain, killing at least 78 passengers and injuring more than 140 in the nation's deadliest rail disaster since 1944. Carriages piled into each other… … [Read more...] about 78 dead in worst Spanish train crash in decades
JFK’s sole survivor named ambassador to Japan
JFK's sole survivor named ambassador to Japan (via AFP) President Barack Obama nominated Caroline Kennedy to become US ambassador to Japan, in the biggest foray into public service for John F. Kennedy's sole surviving child. The former first daughter, who long resisted running for public office, if confirmed… … [Read more...] about JFK’s sole survivor named ambassador to Japan
George HW Bush Shaves Head In Support Of Young Cancer Victim
Once again George HW Bush proves what a class act he is When the former President learned that the son of one of his security men had leukemia and that others had shaved their heads in support the former POTUS and current classy guy did the same. Politics aside what a great gesture. … [Read more...] about George HW Bush Shaves Head In Support Of Young Cancer Victim
Guns and Policy: Returning To The Wild, Wild West?
The headline crossed my Twitter stream without comment: North Carolina extends concealed carry to bars. I shook my head. How could anyone think mixing alcohol and ammo is a good idea? It sounds like the wild west to me. But it turns out a lot of folks this it's a good one. They say that concealed carry owners are "responsible" -- as contrasted with ... being … [Read more...] about Guns and Policy: Returning To The Wild, Wild West?
Obama Goes Big
WASHINGTON -- Presidents are judged not only by the things they do but also by how successful they are in influencing the actions of the presidents who follow. Leaders who want their achievements to endure know their task includes changing the terms of the national debate and leaving behind an intellectual legacy that shapes how future generations see the country and … [Read more...] about Obama Goes Big
Obama Paints Vision of Economic Success; Boehner: ‘A Hollow Shell’
Obama Paints Vision of Economic Success; Boehner: ‘A Hollow Shell’ (via Jarkesy Money) Obama Paints Vision of Economic Success; Boehner: ‘A Hollow Shell’ President Barack Obama, facing renewed battles with congressional Republicans over fiscal policy and the debt ceiling, accused his political opponents of diverting attention from… … [Read more...] about Obama Paints Vision of Economic Success; Boehner: ‘A Hollow Shell’
Report: GOP Preparing to “hold government financing hostage” to gut Obama programs’ funding (UPDATED)
As this point you may as well call it "election nullification" because the scope of this is unprecedented -- and if this works it will indeed set a new precedent: Congressional Republicans are moving to gut many of President Obama’s top priorities with the sharpest spending cuts in a generation and a new push to hold government financing hostage unless the president’s … [Read more...] about Report: GOP Preparing to “hold government financing hostage” to gut Obama programs’ funding (UPDATED)
North Korea: where playing ‘jazz’ is a crime
North Korea: where playing 'jazz' is a crime (via GlobalPost) Copyright ImageClick to View Enlarge SEOUL, South Korea — Kim Cheol Woong belonged to North Korea’s coddled elite. Then in 2001 he was accused of treachery. His crime: playing a Richard Clayderman piece on his piano. Scion of a privileged political… … [Read more...] about North Korea: where playing ‘jazz’ is a crime
Geraldo’s Tweet (Cartoon)
See great cartoons by all the top political cartoonists at http://cagle.com. To license this cartoon for your own site, visit http://politicalcartoons.com … [Read more...] about Geraldo’s Tweet (Cartoon)
Regulatory Agencies Need to Be Proactive, Not Just Reactive
A recent article of mine focused on the way banks were making huge profits by manipulating the commodities market (http://goo.gl/EhEEXD). A New York Times investigative reporter had written an in depth article that detailed the extensiveness of bank involvement with commodity trading, including ownership of storage and transportation facilities for aluminum, copper, and various … [Read more...] about Regulatory Agencies Need to Be Proactive, Not Just Reactive
America: Over The Brink, In The Vat, Sinking Fast, Napping
There are 24 legislative days on the congressional calendar between now and October 1, which is 68 days away. Our congress must therefore slave away for 24 days with only 44 days of rest before, after, and during this period in which to do the country's business. And do this for a piddling wage of only about $170,000 per annum. Plus fringe benefits. Which is not to say that … [Read more...] about America: Over The Brink, In The Vat, Sinking Fast, Napping
NSA Leaker Edward Snowden Not Leaving Russia Airport, Asylum Request Not Complete
Well, it seems that Edward Snowden isn't about to be sprung from Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow. Russia's RIA Novosti earlier reported that the fugitive NSA leaker had been given documents to leave the Moscow airport transit area and formally enter Russia. I hope Edward Snowden isn't jaded into thinking he will be living in paradise once outside the airport. He should revisit … [Read more...] about NSA Leaker Edward Snowden Not Leaving Russia Airport, Asylum Request Not Complete