Breaking news tonight, a bridge over the Skagit River in Washington has collapsed sending cars and people into the water. The bridge is part of Interstate 5 a major artery along the West Coast. Details are scarce at this point but it does appear there may be casualties, we will update as more information becomes available Details here and here … [Read more...] about Bridge Collapse In Washington
“Self” Is a Misnomer
[This is the third post in the series Why Everything You Know about Your "Self" Is Wrong. The series explores how our understanding of selfhood affects our sense of individuality, our interpersonal relationships, and our politics.] As suggested in the two preceding posts in this series, selfhood was on the ropes even before postmodernism delivered the knockout … [Read more...] about “Self” Is a Misnomer
The President Explains His ‘Policy Shift’ on Armed Drones
In a major speech at the National Defense University in Washington, President Obama explained and defended his administration’s use of armed drones in the war on terror, outlined the legal basis behind their use and announced steps and standards for selecting targets and for protecting against innocent civilian casualties. The following are what, in this author’s opinion, … [Read more...] about The President Explains His ‘Policy Shift’ on Armed Drones
Obama Tweets About Global Warming
This morning I heard that a group of President Obama's supporters are doing tweets to "Call Out the Climate Change Deniers." An excellent project in my view but... What had me gnashing my teeth was the report went on to describe the effort as difficult in political terms because it was framed as Climate Change vs. jobs. This is - as has been proven over and over again - … [Read more...] about Obama Tweets About Global Warming
Can Chris Christie win the GOP nomination?
There's a new "Happy Warrior" on the political scene — and an unlikely one, since critics have long called him a bully with anger-control issues. But consider Gov. Chris Christie (R-N.J.): He has repeatedly clashed with conservatives in his party over his more moderate positions and unapologetic willingness to reach across the aisle. His national media appearances poking fun … [Read more...] about Can Chris Christie win the GOP nomination?
Britain ‘resolute’ after Islamist attack on soldier (video added)
Britain 'resolute' after Islamist attack on soldier (via AFP) Prime Minister David Cameron vowed on Thursday that Britain would be resolute against violent extremism following the gruesome murder of a soldier by two suspected Islamists on a London street. After chairing a meeting of security chiefs the day after the soldier was hacked to death in broad daylight… … [Read more...] about Britain ‘resolute’ after Islamist attack on soldier (video added)
Sen. Lamar Alexander Likens Kathleen Sebelius to Iran-Contra Central Figure Oliver North
The Republicans in Washington D. C. are going to fall off a cliff as a result of the ridiculous overreaching they are engaging in over what they 'perceive' is wrong with the Obama Administration. Sen. Lamar Alexander is the latest Republican senator to make a reckless claim in which he compares Health and Human Services Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius, to convicted felon Oliver … [Read more...] about Sen. Lamar Alexander Likens Kathleen Sebelius to Iran-Contra Central Figure Oliver North
Drone Strikes Policy Shift
Yesterday, in a letter to Congressional leaders signed by Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr., the Obama administration said that in addition to Anwar al-Awlaki, a radical Muslim cleric who was targeted and killed in a drone strike in September 2011 in Yemen, three other Americans have been killed, albeit not “specifically targeted”: Samir Khan, killed in the same strike; … [Read more...] about Drone Strikes Policy Shift
Obama Legacy? Comforter-in Chief Clobbered
When the eight years are over, Barack Obama may go down in history mostly for his grace as America’s designated mourner. This weekend it’s Oklahoma in the endless tour of body-count catastrophes natural and man-made. As the President pursues ministerial duties, everyone else in Washington is consumed with efforts to defrock him for not preventing deaths at Benghazi or … [Read more...] about Obama Legacy? Comforter-in Chief Clobbered
Twitter Tightens Account Security, If We Want It
There's a lot about network security that's in the hands of unseen engineers. But the part that may be the most vulnerable is in our hands, the everyday (phone, tablet, computer) user. Twitter just made it a little easier for us to protect our accounts, if we choose to. It's a system called two-factor or two-step authentication. It means that logins have two steps, not just … [Read more...] about Twitter Tightens Account Security, If We Want It
IRS unit head refuses to testify about targeting
IRS unit head refuses to testify about targeting (via AFP) The head of the IRS office that oversees non-profit groups refused to testify at a congressional panel probing abuse at the US tax agency, but defiantly declared she had done nothing wrong. Lois Lerner, director of exempt organizations, invoked her Fifth Amendment constitutional rights against self… … [Read more...] about IRS unit head refuses to testify about targeting
How Far Should Government Go in Investigation of Leaks?
How Far Should Government Go in Investigation of Leaks? (via PBS News Hour) GWEN IFILL: Now to another story that has captured the attention of the news media and of Congress. After new revelations about extensive investigations involving the Associated Press and FOX News, three former Justice Department officials are defending the leak inquiries. Writing in The New York … [Read more...] about How Far Should Government Go in Investigation of Leaks?
Breaking: Obama Administration Admits Four Americans Killed in Drone Attacks
The Obama administration formally acknowledged today that the U.S. has killed four Americans in drone strikes in Yemen and Pakistan In addition to Anwar al-Awlaki, a radical Muslim cleric who was killed in a drone strike in September 2011 in Yemen, the administration, in a letter to Congressional leaders, says three other Americans have been killed: “Samir Khan, who was … [Read more...] about Breaking: Obama Administration Admits Four Americans Killed in Drone Attacks
British Soldier Reportedly Beheaded In Probable Teror Attck
To say that this story is horrifying is an understatement … [Read more...] about British Soldier Reportedly Beheaded In Probable Teror Attck
Will Obama Take China’s President to Disneyland?
The President will be meeting China’s President Xi Jinping for a summit in southern California next month, raising hopes it will go better than a bizarre Cold War flap over barring a Soviet leader from visiting Disneyland. In 1959, Nikita Khrushchev came here in Eisenhower’s lame-duck days and, at his request, visited Hollywood where he happily mingled with Frank Sinatra, … [Read more...] about Will Obama Take China’s President to Disneyland?
Anthony Weiner Officially Enters NYC Mayoral Race Nearly Two Years After Sexting Scandal
He's baaaack! Anthony Weiner makes his New York City mayoral bid official: Nearly two years after he resigned from Congress because of a sexting scandal, Anthony Weiner is running for mayor. He formally announced his candidacy with a two-minute, 16-second video that he posted online at midnight Wednesday. “I made some big mistakes and I know I let a lot of people down, … [Read more...] about Anthony Weiner Officially Enters NYC Mayoral Race Nearly Two Years After Sexting Scandal
Extreme Political Views Caused By The ‘Illusion of Understanding’
Extreme Political Views Caused By The ‘Illusion of Understanding’ (via Planetsave) Have you ever tried to engage in a balanced discussion or debate over, say, macro-economics or maybe foreign policy — subjects that are complex and contingent upon many factors — and found yourself frustrated in your attempts by an extreme/unyielding ideological viewpoint? Well, the … [Read more...] about Extreme Political Views Caused By The ‘Illusion of Understanding’
Watch the High Stakes Political and Media Credibility Game
Watch the High Stakes Political and Media Credibility Game Watch the High Stakes Political and Media Credibility Game Independent's Eye by Joe Gandelman Forget the political "blame game." The biggest game in town now is the credibility game -- a high -stakes exercise that will end with America's political middle deciding who is trustworthy and who isn't. Some key … [Read more...] about Watch the High Stakes Political and Media Credibility Game
It’s News Not Espionage
WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration has no business rummaging through journalists' phone records, perusing their emails and tracking their movements in an attempt to keep them from gathering news. This heavy-handed business isn't chilling, it's just plain cold. It also may well be unconstitutional. In my reading, the First Amendment prohibition against "abridging the … [Read more...] about It’s News Not Espionage
Ibragim Todashev, Who Has Possible Ties to Boston Bombing Suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev, Killed by FBI Agent
The FBI shot and killed Ibragim Todashev, 27, who may be connected to Boston Marathon bombing suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev, WESH reported Wednesday morning. Ibragim Todashev, a Chechen, and Khusn Taramiv were being investigated as part of the Boston bombings. The men were MMA fighters. Taramiv claims he and Todashev were interviewed by the FBI for nearly three hours on … [Read more...] about Ibragim Todashev, Who Has Possible Ties to Boston Bombing Suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev, Killed by FBI Agent