UPDATE: There has been additional reaction to Josh Barro’s use of the word “derpy.” Stefan Becket at the New York Magazine mentions Paul Krugman’s “Moral Derpitude,” in the New York Times where Krugman feels for Barro, really does: “[b]ut he has no home in today’s GOP, which simply has no room for the non-derpy, and to all appearances never will.” Becket then asks, … [Read more...] about (UPDATE) ‘Derpy,’ a Word that Suits the Occasion – and the Man
Chris Christie’s twisty trek to 2016
Chris Christie's twisty trek to 2016 (via NewsWorks) National Interest Dick [email protected] June 4, 2013 By Dick Polman Chris Christie is already on notice, from denizens of the right-wing echo chamber, that he's gotta toe the line and fill Frank Lautenberg's Senate seat with a conservative purist - because if he doesn't, he can… … [Read more...] about Chris Christie’s twisty trek to 2016
Father Greeley: loving pugilist
WASHINGTON -- You wanted Father Andrew Greeley as your friend and not your enemy. You got the sense he was born with his fists up and his loyalties fully formed. He was ready to do battle at the first signs of disrespect toward those he cared about. Understanding Greeley, the priest, sociologist and novelist who died last week at 85, is essential to understanding the … [Read more...] about Father Greeley: loving pugilist
Walmart has Ruthlessly Exploited its Workers for Years
Walmart has a long history of evading the law, abusing its workers, and suppressing strikes through illegal means. This week, OUR Walmart (Organization United for Respect) is beginning the first sustained strike against Walmart, and it’s about time. News of the strike arrives just as Walmart is facing public scrutiny for dumping toxic sludge into California’s sanitary sewers. … [Read more...] about Walmart has Ruthlessly Exploited its Workers for Years
MS Gov. Phil Bryant Blames America’s Educational Troubles on Moms Working Outside Home
The Republican attack on women as breadwinners continues with Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant (R) saying that America's educational troubles started when women began working outside the home in large numbers, the Washington Post reports. Gov. Bryant, responded to a question about how America became 'so mediocre' in regard to educational outcomes, saying, "I think both parents … [Read more...] about MS Gov. Phil Bryant Blames America’s Educational Troubles on Moms Working Outside Home
The Democratic-Tea Party Alliance Makes Governing More Difficult
There is an unspoken alliance between the Democratic Party and the Tea Party wing of the GOP that makes governing in Washington more difficult. There is a commonality of interests between these two groups that binds them together, namely the destruction of the fading moderate portion of the Republican Party, branded as RINOs (Republicans in name only) by Tea Party advocates and … [Read more...] about The Democratic-Tea Party Alliance Makes Governing More Difficult
Lautenberg’s death changes Senate race for Booker (Guest Voice)
Lautenberg's death changes Senate race for Booker (via NJ.com) Aristide Economopoulos/The Star-Ledger NEWARK — Newark Mayor Cory Booker may have relished the idea of running for Frank Lautenberg's seat in 2014, but now that the liberal lion is dead, the race has changed big time. It is unclear whether Gov. Chris Christie will appoint a Republican to serve out… … [Read more...] about Lautenberg’s death changes Senate race for Booker (Guest Voice)
Issa’s Shady Past Deserves More Than a Tweet
If he persists in channeling Joe McCarthy, Darrell Issa deserves a new Edward R. Murrow to bring him down. When 60 Minutes gets tired of polishing up summer reruns, his CBS successors should give us a full portrait. There is ample material. Issa keeps pushing himself into the national face with outrageous accusations, as McCarthy did, now branding Obama spokesman Jay Carney … [Read more...] about Issa’s Shady Past Deserves More Than a Tweet
Coca toothpaste? Bolivia tries to drum up demand for ‘legal’ coca products.
Coca toothpaste? Bolivia tries to drum up demand for 'legal' coca products. (via The Christian Science Monitor) Copyright ImageClick to View Paneton pastries made by Ebococa sit in the factory in Villa Tunari, Bolivia, April 12. Urged on by President Evo Morales, Bolivians had been trying to turn coca leaf, the base ingredient of cocaine, into popular treats ranging … [Read more...] about Coca toothpaste? Bolivia tries to drum up demand for ‘legal’ coca products.
David Frum’s Five Essential Tasks for Conservative Reformers
The Daily Beast's David Frum has long been required-reading for centrists, moderates and independent voters. The former Bush speechwriter has angered some in his party's conservative wing because he has taken on some of the more polarizing actions and rhetoric of his party -- and dared to criticize that conservative icon, Rush Limbaugh. But now Frum has had some family … [Read more...] about David Frum’s Five Essential Tasks for Conservative Reformers
Lindsay Graham Says “No Evidence” White House Directed IRS Conservative Probes
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Ca) is increasingly looking more isolated within his party as his calling White House Press Secretary a "paid liar" has resembled an Australian boomerang more than a political drone aimed at the White House. See our post HERE -- but there are new developments. For instance, Lindsay Graham isn't going along with this kind of rhetorical overkill: Sen. … [Read more...] about Lindsay Graham Says “No Evidence” White House Directed IRS Conservative Probes
Turkey protestors retake streets, PM defiant
Turkey protestors retake streets, PM defiant (via AFP) Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday shrugged off mass protests against his Islamic-rooted government but angry demonstrators flooded back onto the streets for the fourth night in an outburst of clashes that have left at least one person dead. Despite facing the fiercest challenge… … [Read more...] about Turkey protestors retake streets, PM defiant
GOP Report: It has BIG (I mean BIG) problem with young voters
Under normal circumstances, it could be described as near electric-shock treatment. But the question now is whether the Republican Party with its Tea Party and talk radio influence (and apparent protection at high media levels to ensure Rush Limbaugh is not criticized), will the Republican Party pay attention to a 95-page report by the College National Republican Committee … [Read more...] about GOP Report: It has BIG (I mean BIG) problem with young voters
A reason why Rush Limbaugh remains all powerful in the GOP
Here's a reason why talk show host Rush Limbaugh remains all powerful within the GOP: he has all powerful people in the conservative media who'll protect him and squelch criticism of him...even from fellow conservative talkers. … [Read more...] about A reason why Rush Limbaugh remains all powerful in the GOP
Issa “Paid Liar” Rhetoric on White House IRS Scandal Is Backfiring
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) is providing political science students with a classic example of how someone's partisan inclinations and unwise rhetoric can undermine his political goals. On Sunday he called White House spokesman Jay Carney a "paid liar" in an interview with CNN's Candy Crowley about the IRS singling out conservative groups for scrutiny. It was -- even in our … [Read more...] about Issa “Paid Liar” Rhetoric on White House IRS Scandal Is Backfiring
Legend of the Cuban cigar (Guest Voice)
Legend of the Cuban cigar (via GlobalPost) Cuba's Habano shop is a mecca for cigar aficionados worldwide. If only more Cubans could afford the good stuff. Andres X. Vargas Editor's note: This article is part of a series* by Boston University journalism students. HAVANA, Cuba â?? The back room of La Casa del Habano is a temple where cigar… … [Read more...] about Legend of the Cuban cigar (Guest Voice)
New Jersey Senator Lautenberg Dead at 89
New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg (D) has died at the age of 89 due to complications from viral pneumonia. Under New Jersey law Governor Christie (R) will appoint a replacement who will serve until a special election is held (probably in November. This means the new lineup will be 52D-48R. … [Read more...] about New Jersey Senator Lautenberg Dead at 89
Even without Michele Bachmann, the GOP is still crazy
Michele Bachmann is saying goodbye to Congress. Her exit means less work for fact checkers, tougher times for Democrats who tried making her a Republican Party symbol (though they're planning on running against her anyway), leaner times for comedians — and a huge sigh of relief to the Republican Party's establishment. The overwhelming consensus is that her leaving will help the … [Read more...] about Even without Michele Bachmann, the GOP is still crazy
The Starve A Senior Today Act
The Starve A Senior Today Act Sequestration is forcing communities to cut back on Meals On Wheels. by Kay Wood The Congress acted speedily so that rich people - including themselves - wouldn't have to suffer delays when flying. However they don't seem to feel the same urgency when it comes to helping people avoid going hungry. Homebound seniors will be facing this grim … [Read more...] about The Starve A Senior Today Act
Fresh street clashes pressure Turkey government
Fresh street clashes pressure Turkey government (via AFP) Turkey's Islamist-rooted government faced growing pressure after angry demonstrators clashed for a third night with police in a nationwide wave of protests. Police fired tear gas and water cannon Sunday at protesters who marched on Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's offices in Istanbul and Ankara… … [Read more...] about Fresh street clashes pressure Turkey government