The United States needs to abolish the death penalty. It’s archaic, costly, ineffective, and most importantly, unjust. The first place to start with the death penalty may be philosophical. The purpose of our criminal justice system is to deter crime, rehabilitate convicts, and incapacitate hardened criminals. Philosophically speaking, life in prison serves these functions … [Read more...] about End the Death Penalty
Here We Go Again- Restricting Voters’ Rights
The recent Supreme Court decision that invalidated a portion of the Voting Rights Act was a major blow to the democratic ideal of equal access to the ballot box for every American citizen. The Court claimed that the Act which passed in 1965, employed forty year old data that did not take into account the racial progress that had occurred and the way American society had … [Read more...] about Here We Go Again- Restricting Voters’ Rights
What The Texas GOP Hopes No One Will Say Out Loud: Proposed Bills Weaken Inspections; Requirements Currently Kick In At 16-weeks
[UPDATED] Austin has become center stage for the religious conservative effort to reverse Roe v Wade. Many Texans, like Rep. Greg Bonnen (R), insist that they support these legislative proposals to insure access to safe medical procedures. What they don't acknowledge is the state of the current law. Since January 1, 2004, Texas "law requires that all abortions at 16 weeks … [Read more...] about What The Texas GOP Hopes No One Will Say Out Loud: Proposed Bills Weaken Inspections; Requirements Currently Kick In At 16-weeks
Snowden’s Cause Gives Rise to ‘Strange Bedfellows’
Whatever one may think of hero, whistle-blower, traitor, spy or villain Edward Snowden, he sure has been able to arouse some very strange "bedfellowships." Nations, governments, politicians, pundits and individuals have crossed all kinds of political, philosophical and ideological lines and aligned themselves pro- or anti-Snowden and, by extension pro- or anti-NSA … [Read more...] about Snowden’s Cause Gives Rise to ‘Strange Bedfellows’
“Soapy” Williams, Michigan’s Most “Winningest” Governor, Brought New Progressivism To State
Historic Quote: "Humanity has made astounding progress in every other field of human endeavor except politics." G. Mennen Williams At the 1960 Democratic Convention, when delegates were asked to ratify John F. Kennedy's choice of LBJ as his running-mate, a single "no" echoed the chamber like a shot heard round the world. Williams was concerned that Johnson wouldn't be strong … [Read more...] about “Soapy” Williams, Michigan’s Most “Winningest” Governor, Brought New Progressivism To State
Egypt sinks. Obama blamed.
Egypt took its first step today into a quagmire of violent internal conflicts after the army killed at least 51 Islamic activists and wounded over 430 others in just 30 minutes. The victims were protesting and praying outside a military facility, where they thought their ousted leader Mohamed Morsi was confined. The killings, which Morsi’s aides called a massacre of … [Read more...] about Egypt sinks. Obama blamed.
The App Store 5-Year Anniversary Sale (Hint, Sale=Free)
The Apple App Store turns five this week, and to celebrate Apple is giving away five "landmark games" and five "groundbreaking apps." Groundbreaking apps Barefoot World Atlas [iOS Universal; Category: Reference; Now free, down from $4.99] Day One (Journal/Diary) [iOS Universal; Category: Lifestyle; Now free, down from $4.99] How To Cook Everything [iOS … [Read more...] about The App Store 5-Year Anniversary Sale (Hint, Sale=Free)
What Was the Most Important Thing People Learned in the 20th Century?
What was the principal take-away from the 20th century? Atomic energy? DNA? Penicillin? Or, something from the world of art or philosophy or psychology? The title question leaves plenty of room for debate. My answer is that the most important learning of the century was disabusing ourselves of the notion that some people are inferior. Put the other way round, the most … [Read more...] about What Was the Most Important Thing People Learned in the 20th Century?
The Real World Strikes Agin! (sic)
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