Big data has become the big new thing, discussed daily on television, online, and in the print media. (A recent book published by Viktor Mayer-Schonberger and Kenneth Cukier called Big Data provides insights on how its use will help transform the future.) The government utilizes Big Data to predict and follow possible terrorists, and to hopefully prevent terrorist … [Read more...] about Does Big Data Give Democrats An Edge?
Silence Isn’t That Golden Says Supreme Court
Dividing along traditional conservative liberal lines in a 5 to 4 decision the United States Supreme Court today ruled that silence can be used against you even before you are advised of your Miranda rights. The ruling dealt with a 1992 murder conviction for Genovevo Salinas. Salinas had gone to the police station voluntarily and answered some questions without being … [Read more...] about Silence Isn’t That Golden Says Supreme Court
NSA aims to declassify data on thwarted terror attacks
NSA aims to declassify data on thwarted terror attacks (via AFP) The National Security Agency plans to reveal details Monday about terror plots it says were thwarted by surveillance, part of an effort to assuage concern about is secret online snooping. In a rare move, the NSA wants to declassify what its director says were dozens of foiled plots, which could help… … [Read more...] about NSA aims to declassify data on thwarted terror attacks
Charles Vanik,Other Half of Jackson/Vanik Deserves Accolades
Historic Tidbit: I have noted in my below piece that Democrats Tom Ashley and Charlie Vanik both came to the House in 1954 and left in '80, after 26 years of service. Vanick left voluntarily, while Ashley retired. 1992 was the Republicans turn. Fellow Ohioans Chalmers Wylie and Clarence Miller both won their seats in 1966. 26 years later, they would exit together. Wylie decided … [Read more...] about Charles Vanik,Other Half of Jackson/Vanik Deserves Accolades
Right Wing Freak-Out Over White House Tweeting Photo of Obama with Water Gun
The right wing never stops at nothing to manufacture scandal after scandal. The latest freak-out is over the White House releasing a photograph of President Obama and his daughter, Sasha, playing with water guns by pool during her birthday party at Camp David in 2011. I would think the right wing is besides itself now that President Obama's approval rating has taken a major … [Read more...] about Right Wing Freak-Out Over White House Tweeting Photo of Obama with Water Gun
Quote of the Day: On Sarah Palin’s Return to Fox
Our political Quote of the Day comes from Salon's Joan Walsh who, in a piece on Sarah Palin's star rising again among conservatives, notes Palin's return to Fox News and what it means: Palin’s return to Fox shows that Roger Ailes knows the GOP can’t win back the White House in 2016, so he may as well focus on consolidating his audience, and keeping them comfortable as they … [Read more...] about Quote of the Day: On Sarah Palin’s Return to Fox
Supreme Court Strikes Down Arizona Voter Law
The United States Supreme Court by a vote of 7-2 has ruled that the Arizona law requiring voters provide proof of citizenship is unconstitutional. The case at hand was Arizona v. Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. The majority ruling was written by Justice Scalia, and was largely based on the concept of Federal Supremacy. Justices Alito and Thomas dissented from the … [Read more...] about Supreme Court Strikes Down Arizona Voter Law
What Superman Tells us About America … and About Ourselves (El Mundo, Spain)
What is it about the 'man of steel' that makes him such an enduring figure for Americans? For Spain's El Pais, columnist Álvaro Vargas Llosa writes that Superman embodies three items that are embedded in the American psyche: Religion, immigration, and morality. Superman bears close resemblance to Moses and Jesus; he is an immigrant; and he defends the legal code of Metropolis, … [Read more...] about What Superman Tells us About America … and About Ourselves (El Mundo, Spain)
‘Truth is coming, and it cannot be stopped’: Snowden
'Truth is coming, and it cannot be stopped': Snowden (via AFP) Rogue intelligence technician Edward Snowden said on Monday that the US government would not be able to halt his revelations about its secret surveillance programs. "All I can say right now is the US government is not going to be able to cover this up by jailing or murdering me. Truth is coming, and… … [Read more...] about ‘Truth is coming, and it cannot be stopped’: Snowden
Great Gatsby economics
WASHINGTON -- You don't need me to tell you, but it's a whole lot tougher leading a garage band than being a superstar. What you might not have known is just how much harder. If you want an example of growing inequality, try the rock 'n' roll industry. Between 1982 and 2003, the share of concert income taken home by the top 1 percent of performers more than doubled, … [Read more...] about Great Gatsby economics
John Tower: From Succeeding LBJ To Being Rejected For Defense
Historic Quote: "I'd rather run the Pentagon from up here." Longtime House Armed Services Committee Chair Carl Vinson (D-Georgia) on the possibility of becoming Defense Secretary." As hard as it is to believe, next year will mark a quarter of a century since the nomination of John Tower’s nomination to be Secretary of Defense. The rejection came along fairly partisan lines … [Read more...] about John Tower: From Succeeding LBJ To Being Rejected For Defense
Doom of Immigration Reform? Boehner Won’t Back Bill Without Majority GOP Support
If you had doubts that the Republican Party would really put itself into a position where it seemed to squelch immigration reform -- the kind of immigration reform that many Hispanic groups would consider comprehensive immigration reform -- it perhaps is time to remove them. House Speaker Rep. John Boehner has apparently decided not to support any bill that does not have the … [Read more...] about Doom of Immigration Reform? Boehner Won’t Back Bill Without Majority GOP Support
Those Magnificent Men and Women in their Hurricane Hunting Machines…
Like clockwork it is “hurricane season” again. And like clockwork, the skilled and courageous men and women from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (WRS) at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi are literally flying into the eye of the storm again. This year Hurricane Hunters like Air Force Maj. Sean Cross will be especially busy as the 2013 hurricane season, which … [Read more...] about Those Magnificent Men and Women in their Hurricane Hunting Machines…
New Snowden leak: NSA, Britain’s GCHQ, eavesdropped on foreign leaders
The newest leak from Edward Snowden: NBA, Britain's GCHQ, eavesdropped on foreign leaders. The Snowden hits keep coming. Details on the latest HERE. … [Read more...] about New Snowden leak: NSA, Britain’s GCHQ, eavesdropped on foreign leaders
CNN Poll: Obama Drops 8 Points in One Month
An array of controversies and scandals (and controversies over whether some scandals are scandals) has now taken it's toll on President Barack Obama: a new CNN poll finds his approval rating has dropped 8 points. But the bad news for Obama gets worse: the verdict on his personal qualities has also turned sour and he is losing independent voters. For the first time since Nov. … [Read more...] about CNN Poll: Obama Drops 8 Points in One Month
Vibrant Wyoming Democrats Put Kennedy Over Top In ’60
Historic Tidbit: During the height of Watergate, Dan Rather asked a rather pointed question of Nixon, prompting the President to ask Rather if "he was running for something." Rather then replied, "No sir, Mr. President. Are you?" Throughout the Bush Presidency, Dick Cheney joked several times that he had "delivered" the state of Wyoming's three electoral votes to the ticket. … [Read more...] about Vibrant Wyoming Democrats Put Kennedy Over Top In ’60
Quote of the Day: Lindsay Graham Warns GOP 2016 Prospects Doomed If Immigration Reform Fails
Our political Quote of the Day comes from Republican Sen. Lindsay Graham, who issued a pointed warning about what will happen to his party if immigration reform fails: “If we don’t pass immigration reform , if we don’t get it off the table in a reasonable, practical way, it doesn’t matter who you run in 2016,” Graham warned during on appearance Sunday on NBC’s Meet The … [Read more...] about Quote of the Day: Lindsay Graham Warns GOP 2016 Prospects Doomed If Immigration Reform Fails
Will “Man of Steel’s” Monster Opening Help D.C. Comics Battle Disney’s Marvel Entertainment?
And so the battle will now likely continue full-force into the 21st century: the long-time battle between D.C. Comics' (started in 1934 as National Allied Publications) stable of superheroes and Marvel Comics (started in 1939 as Timely Publications) heroes. In the early 20th century Marvel was the marvel of comic franchises -- so much so that The Walt Disney Company gobbled it … [Read more...] about Will “Man of Steel’s” Monster Opening Help D.C. Comics Battle Disney’s Marvel Entertainment?
Another Daily Partisan Freakout Story
It's so sad our politics has become one rage, outrage, false-alarmist freak out after another. But, yes, kiddies, it is happening again (what would a day be like without it?) and apparently it is (again) something that actually began during the Bush years. But, then, why does that matter? You always support your own sports team and scream about what the other team does even if … [Read more...] about Another Daily Partisan Freakout Story
Toy Gun Buyback? Just Shoot Me
Toy Gun Buyback? Just Shoot Me Tyrades! By Danny Tyree According to Townhall.com and other sources, Stobridge Elementary School in Hayward, California may be shooting itself in the foot, publicity-wise. As part of a safety day, the school sponsored a touchy-feely toy gun buyback program, rewarding students with books and bike raffle tickets if they would surrender their … [Read more...] about Toy Gun Buyback? Just Shoot Me