'It shouldn't hurt to be a child' image, courtesy U.S. Air Force Each month of the year has been, nationally or by organizations, declared the “Month of xxxx” to commemorate certain important events or to promote, create awareness or draw attention to certain causes or special interests. About.com says, “April is one of the few months that does not contain a long … [Read more...] about April is ‘National Child Abuse Prevention Month.’
Swashbuckler on the grandest stage
WASHINGTON -- When I met Margaret Thatcher she was out of office, watching with more than a touch of amusement as her successor, John Major, meandered from crisis to disappointment to sticky wicket. Major seemed in thrall to events, not in command of them. Thatcher, who had been ousted by her own Conservative Party, was feeling vindicated. She leaned close to deliver a … [Read more...] about Swashbuckler on the grandest stage
Climate Change Could Lead to More Turbulent Flights
Climate Change Could Lead to More Turbulent Flights (via Climate Central) By Michael D. Lemonick Follow @MLemonick It may be time to add another item to the growing list of problems likely to worsen with climate change. A new paper in the journal Nature Climate Change argues that thanks to projected changes in the jet stream, one form of air turbulence will likely … [Read more...] about Climate Change Could Lead to More Turbulent Flights
Is the National Republican Congressional Committee Ashamed of the Word “Republican?”
Some years ago there was a lot of buzz when as fried foods came into disfavor in various media stories and then Kentucky Fried Chicken became known as "KFC." Other saw a similar intent to make a more appealing brand when the International House of Pancakes became known far and wide as "IHOP" (which sounds like a frog explaining his daily things-to-do list). But now we have a … [Read more...] about Is the National Republican Congressional Committee Ashamed of the Word “Republican?”
Would the Republican Party Accept Thatcher?
Mr. Gandelman asks American conservatives to cover their ears because Thatcher raised the alarm about climate change. That's not all! ThinkProgress notes that Thatcher supported the NHS ("It delivered a high quality of care — especially when it came to acute illnesses — and at a reasonably modest unit cost, at least compared with some insurance-based systems"), increased … [Read more...] about Would the Republican Party Accept Thatcher?
Quick: American Conservatives Cover Your Ears
Quick! American conservatives cover your ears: the late Margaret Thatcher sounded the alarm on climate change, David Frum reminds us. … [Read more...] about Quick: American Conservatives Cover Your Ears
George Galloway’s Partisan Hack Tweet on Margaret Thatcher
Lest you think that only American partisans are capable of over-the-top, name calling political hackery which reflects on them when they go over the top, just look at this controversy swirling around Great Britain's Tweet about former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher leftist George Galloway has provoked criticism after writing a 'distasteful' comment following the death of … [Read more...] about George Galloway’s Partisan Hack Tweet on Margaret Thatcher
A Gay Student at Liberty University Develops Stockholm Syndrome
The Atlantic recently published an article written by a gay man named Brandon Ambrosino who went to school at Liberty and believes the university is unfairly pilloried. Having gone to a rather conservative university myself, I found much of his essay familiar. He writes that: For every few really cool students on campus, there's always that one jerk who regularly posts … [Read more...] about A Gay Student at Liberty University Develops Stockholm Syndrome
Margaret Thatcher Dies of Stroke at 87
Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, considered one of the giants of the late 20th century, has died of a stroke at age 87 -- and the news stories and tributes are flowing as strong and steady as the kind of leadership she provided that made her a legend, even among those who disagreed with her: Former Prime Minister Baroness Thatcher has died "peacefully" at … [Read more...] about Margaret Thatcher Dies of Stroke at 87
RIP: Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher Dies at Age 87
RIP: Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher dies at age 87. The Iron Lady, as she was dubbed, shook up politics and left an indelible mark on the world. She was tough as nails and didn't back away from a fight. Her legacy is still felt today in Great Britain in so many ways, not just on social issues, but in the political parties as well. Margaret Thatcher will … [Read more...] about RIP: Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher Dies at Age 87
Will the GOP block background checks?
WASHINGTON -- Is Congress on the verge of turning away from the lessons of the slaughter in Newtown even as Connecticut enacts sweeping laws to curb gun violence? Is the gun lobby hell-bent on aligning our country with such great friends of liberty as Iran, North Korea and Syria by opposing efforts to condition international gun sales on the human rights records of buyers? … [Read more...] about Will the GOP block background checks?
Family, friends mourn loss of US diplomat in Afghanistan
Family, friends mourn loss of US diplomat in Afghanistan (via AFP) Relatives and colleagues of a young US diplomat killed in Afghanistan honored her as a smart woman just starting her career and eager to engage with locals in the war-ravaged country. Anne Smedinghoff, 25, was among at least five Americans killed in separate attacks Saturday, in the deadliest day for… … [Read more...] about Family, friends mourn loss of US diplomat in Afghanistan
Congressional Corruption and Lesterland (Guest Voice)
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