EDITOR's NOTE: Did you know that the United States resembles "Lesterland" -- a country that has a democracy but perhaps not as the word is generally understood. Here's an excerpt from Harvard Law professor Lawrence Lissig's new book Lesterland: The Corruption of Congress and How to End It where he explains the realities of today's politics -- and corruption in Congress. The … [Read more...] about Congressional Corruption and Lesterland (Guest Voice)
Quote of the Day: Death of a Foreign Service Officer
Our Quote of the Day comes from the blog The Partition. It's a post called "The Death of a Foreign Service Officer": When I heard the initial reports that a State Department employee had been killed in Afghanistan, I sighed. And when I read the name and what I felt was a thoughtful message from the Secretary, I did what I suspect many of us do these days: I looked up the … [Read more...] about Quote of the Day: Death of a Foreign Service Officer
Afghans says NATO strike killed eleven children
NATO strike kills 11 children in Afghanistan: officials (via AFP) A NATO air attack in eastern Afghanistan has killed 11 children, officials said Sunday, the latest case of civilian casualties which provoke great anger in the war-torn country. The children were killed during a joint Afghan-NATO operation in the Shigal district of restive Kunar province bordering… … [Read more...] about Afghans says NATO strike killed eleven children
Roger Ebert (1942-2013) — the Critic as Educator (An Appreciation)
Roger Ebert died at the age of 70 after a long battle with cancer. He was an extraordinary man. I was concerned when I read what has turned out to be his final piece yesterday, the 46th anniversary of him becoming the film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times. Entitled "A Leave of Presence," it explained that he was taking a new direction with his writing, moving away from … [Read more...] about Roger Ebert (1942-2013) — the Critic as Educator (An Appreciation)
Hillary and Joe
And you're still back there wondering whether she will run in'16? Like seriously? Joe Biden wants the job. He’s human (very). But he’s a realist. He knows the Democratic Party has a messianic urge to finish what it started so spectacularly with the election of Barack Obama — busting up the world’s most exclusive white-bread old-boys’ club. And he knows that women, both … [Read more...] about Hillary and Joe
The New Gays (Guest Voice)
The New Gays by Tina Dupuy Since incumbent Republicans are in favor of gay marriage, it's clear—gays are out. Recently Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Senator Mark Kirk (R-Illinois) have endorsed marriage equality. LGBTs are no longer that group Republicans can win elections by promising to keep them away from us. The GOP swore to protect marriage and on their watch the … [Read more...] about The New Gays (Guest Voice)
Americans on Book Donation Trip Taken Down Like Dogs; 6 Dead
DATELINE: Zabul, Afghanistan Taliban militants killed six Americans, including a young female diplomat named Anne Smedinghoff, 25 year old foreign service officer with the US State Department. Also dead are three US military, two US civilians and an Afghan doctor. The people died after being purposely targeted by an explosion while travelling to donate books to a school in … [Read more...] about Americans on Book Donation Trip Taken Down Like Dogs; 6 Dead
Kim Jong Un Fires Gun
Video out of North Korea shows beloved leader holding firearm in beginner's grip for target practice. … [Read more...] about Kim Jong Un Fires Gun
Dyslexia is not a character flaw
(In the past few years I've had many conversations with adults who struggle with dyslexia. So many of these individuals have mentioned dealing with feelings of worthlessness. With this in mind, I thought I'd repost something I wrote a few years back.) I'm Dyslexic...No Joke! I don’t enjoy reading. I’ve been told this is the definition of dyslexia. Or at least part of … [Read more...] about Dyslexia is not a character flaw
‘President Hillary Clinton?’ In mock election, she wallops the competition
'President Hillary Clinton?' In mock election, she wallops the competition. (+video) (via The Christian Science Monitor) Copyright ImageClick to View Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton speaking at the Women in the World Conference on Friday in New York. Clinton is working on a memoir and policy book about her years with the Obama administration. The … [Read more...] about ‘President Hillary Clinton?’ In mock election, she wallops the competition
Fidel Castro on Kim Jong-un’s ‘Duty to Avoid War’ in Korea (Juventud Rebelde, Cuba)
Would Fidel Castro have some pull with North Korea's Kim Jong-un? The former Cuba dictator has a message for North Korea's young 'revolutionary' leader. In this special edition of Reflections of Fidel, a column that Castro stopped writing in June 2012, the Cuban icon reminds his younger charge that he knew his grandfather Kim Il-sung, and that jeopardizing people at the heart … [Read more...] about Fidel Castro on Kim Jong-un’s ‘Duty to Avoid War’ in Korea (Juventud Rebelde, Cuba)
New Navy Ship Honors 9/11 Pentagon Victims
The color guard parades the colors during the commissioning ceremony for the amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington on Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Va., April 6, 2013. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Frank J. Pikul) Today, Saturday, the USS Arlington (LPD 24) was commissioned at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., and officially joined the Navy … [Read more...] about New Navy Ship Honors 9/11 Pentagon Victims
Rev. Rick Warren’s Son, Dead by Suicide
The youngest son, Matthew, has committed suicide. The evangelical megachurch called Saddleback Church, announced the death of the 27-year-old today Saturday. The son died Friday night. Described in the church statement as a good person who "suffered from mental illness that resulted in deep depression and suicidal thoughts...“Despite the best healthcare available, this … [Read more...] about Rev. Rick Warren’s Son, Dead by Suicide
NRA’s tactics are working
In Congress and in some states, the NRA has already found ways to expand gun rights in the months since Newtown. The group successfully won congressional approval for new rules to ease importation of firearms that contradicted what Obama requested in the January launch of his anti-violence initiative. ...WaPo The NRA is winning this one again. The problem seems to stem … [Read more...] about NRA’s tactics are working
Freedom of Speech in Egypt (Cartoon)
LEGAL NOTICE ON CARTOON: This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Reproduction elsewhere without licensing is strictly prohibited. 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 Freedom of Speech in Egypt (Cartoon)
Reid Hints at “Nuclear Option” On Obama Judge Nominees
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is not-so-subtly suggesting he may use the "nuclear option" to change a situation noted by many analysts: the virtually unprecedented blockage of a huge number of judicial appointments by President Barack Obama by GOPers. It used to be said (until now) that when a President comes in he influences the make up of the judiciary. Republicans have … [Read more...] about Reid Hints at “Nuclear Option” On Obama Judge Nominees
North Korea crisis: How did it come to this?
North Korea crisis: How did it come to this? (via AFP) Tensions have soared in recent weeks over North Korea, which has threatened a nuclear strike against the United States and has allegedly moved missiles to its east coast. HOW DID IT COME TO THIS? The latest crisis erupted when North Korea fired a long-range rocket on December 12 that splashed down… … [Read more...] about North Korea crisis: How did it come to this?
Mad Man (Cartoon)
LEGAL NOTICE ON CARTOON: This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Reproduction elsewhere without licensing is strictly prohibited. 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 Mad Man (Cartoon)
North Korea conflict: A timeline in memes
North Korea conflict: A timeline in memes (via GlobalPost) Confused by all the movement going on in the Koreas lately? Not to worry, GlobalPost is here to bring you an illustrated timeline of recent events â?? with a special twist. Katrine Dermody and Stacey Leasca On March 11, pumped to kick off their annual joint military drills, the United States and… … [Read more...] about North Korea conflict: A timeline in memes
Cuts to Social Security? What Obama is proposing
Cuts to Social Security? What Obama is proposing. (via The Christian Science Monitor) Copyright ImageClick to View This 2005 photo shows rolls of blank social security checks at the U.S. Treasury's Financial Management services facility in Philadelphia. (Bradley C Bower/AP/File) President Obama is embracing some controversial entitlement reforms in an effort to reach a … [Read more...] about Cuts to Social Security? What Obama is proposing