Waiting for the Sequel by Michael Reagan The latest horror movie from Washington -- "The Fiscal Cliff" -- finally came to an exciting end in the early hours of 2013. But after two years did its climax -- more taxes, more spending and more chicken-livered can-kicking by our politicians -- really shock any of you over the age of six? Didn't think so. Spinning the … [Read more...] about Waiting for the Sequel (Guest Voice)
Nearly 9,000 Syrians Flee to Jordan in Six Days: Govt
Nearly 9,000 Syrians flee to Jordan in six days: govt (via AFP) Nearly 9,000 Syrians, mostly women and children, fled to Jordan over the past six days to escape the bloodshed in their homeland, a government spokesman told AFP on Sunday. "Some 8,835 Syrians fled to the kingdom since January 1 this year," said Anmar Hmud, a government spokesman for Syrian … [Read more...] about Nearly 9,000 Syrians Flee to Jordan in Six Days: Govt
Obama Considers Broad Arms Sales Restrictions: Report
Obama considers broad arms sales restrictions: report (via AFP) The administration of President Barack Obama is considering a broad array of measures to curb the nation's gun violence, including more than just a reinstatement of a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition, The Washington Post reported Sunday. Citing multiple people involved in the … [Read more...] about Obama Considers Broad Arms Sales Restrictions: Report
Contemptible Political Hack Quote of the Day
Increasingly, politicians and political hack types think that they can somehow win votes by making comments that are just pure, plain, boorish insults at someone in another party. And what's a better choice for a Republican when his party is under fire for not respecting women to insult Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi with a sexist comment that will underscore Democrats' … [Read more...] about Contemptible Political Hack Quote of the Day
Is Hagel for Defense
Ever since the idea that Chuck Hagel would be nominated to take over at defense the neoconservatives and Likudniks have been up in arms and every attempt has been made to slime him. See: The Borking of Chuck Hagel Chuck Hagel and America First (Updated) Chuck Hagel - Not Crazy Enough Slimeing Hagel Well now it's being reported that Obama likely to nominate Chuck … [Read more...] about Is Hagel for Defense
Swonk Summarizes Latest Jobs Numbers
If you caught Diane Swonk's appearance on CNN earlier this afternoon, you caught most of this. But, here, on her company's blog site, she gives a good snapshot of the latest jobs numbers and their implications for the overall economy. She's very good at doing this. Her bottom line: The labor market continues to heal, but at too slow of a pace to reengage the long-term … [Read more...] about Swonk Summarizes Latest Jobs Numbers
The Trillion Dollar Platinum Coin Trick
Before discussing how it works in the current environment, let's take a look at the history. It was in the days of the Clinton administration when the Republicans had taken control of Congress. The United States controlled much of the world monetary market. But a small segment of the monetary market, platinum coins, was not within the control of the United States. Congressional … [Read more...] about The Trillion Dollar Platinum Coin Trick
The Tea Party’s Joe McCarthy Moment
“At long last, have you left no sense of decency?” In 1954, an aging lawyer named Joseph Welch asked that question of Sen. Joe McCarthy and brought to its end an era of bizarre intimidation of Congress and the nation. Now, after lawmakers’ lame-duck failure to provide relief for Hurricane Sandy victims, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie rises up to lead a chorus of Northeast … [Read more...] about The Tea Party’s Joe McCarthy Moment
Something went badly, badly wrong in the election
Democrats won the House. Except they didn't. Not only were Dems deprived of their win, Republicans are shouting that, because they "won" the House, they have a mandate. Not so fast. Something's wrong here. It has been found Democrats, even if they had achieved seven times the win of 2012, they wouldn't have a majority in the House. What the h... ? The final … [Read more...] about Something went badly, badly wrong in the election
The (Begruding) Re-Election of House Speaker John Boehner (Guest Cartoonist)
The (Begruding) Re-Election of House Speaker John Boehner by Mike Peters Of Related Interest: Top Republican John Boehner clings to his job as House Speaker John Boehner tries to maintain order in U.S. House House Speaker John Boehner vows fight over debt ceiling Forget the GOP! Here’s John Boehner’s chance to do what’s best for the country Mike Peters is … [Read more...] about The (Begruding) Re-Election of House Speaker John Boehner (Guest Cartoonist)
The Assault Weapons Ban is a Red Herring (Guest Voice)
The Assault Weapons Ban is a Red Herring by Tina Dupuy The philosophy behind the quackery known as homeopathic medicine is that "like cures like." As in: have a burn, apply a hot compress. This widely-panned pseudoscience (oh man, am I going to get letters) in its 300 years of existence has a history of being debunked, going away and then popping up a few decades … [Read more...] about The Assault Weapons Ban is a Red Herring (Guest Voice)
In ‘Rape Capital’ Delhi, Women Turn to Self-Defence
In 'rape capital' Delhi, women turn to self-defence (via AFP) After nearly three weeks of lurid reporting on a horrifying gang-rape in New Delhi, women in the Indian capital say they are more anxious than ever, leading to a surge in interest in self-defence classes. New Delhi has long been known as the "rape capital of India", with more than twice as many … [Read more...] about In ‘Rape Capital’ Delhi, Women Turn to Self-Defence
Japan Scrambles Jets to Head Off China Plane
Japan scrambles jets to head off China plane (via AFP) Japan scrambled fighter jets Saturday to head off a Chinese state-owned plane that flew near islands at the centre of a dispute between Tokyo and Beijing, a Japanese Defense Ministry spokesman said. Japanese jets were mobilised after a Chinese maritime aircraft ventured some 120 kilometres (74 miles… … [Read more...] about Japan Scrambles Jets to Head Off China Plane
Obama Warns Against ‘Dangerous Game’ with Debt Ceiling
Obama warns against 'dangerous game' with debt ceiling (via AFP) President Barack Obama warned Congressional Republicans on Saturday against playing a "dangerous game" with the economy as lawmakers prepared for a new battle over the national debt ceiling. But the Democratic president also congratulated lawmakers for passing an 11th-hour deal that avoided the … [Read more...] about Obama Warns Against ‘Dangerous Game’ with Debt Ceiling
“They could spend seven hours a day doing that?”
This video is from a few years back, but it's worth viewing again. McCullough's response to the last question is the clincher. By the way, The Greater Journey, the McCullough book which occupies most of the attention in this interview is fantastic! Thanks to my son for sending out the link to this video. [This has been cross-posted at my personal … [Read more...] about “They could spend seven hours a day doing that?”
Russell Crowe’s Epic Fail in “Les Misérables”
WASHINGTON - It's tremendous to read that "Les Misérables" is doing well at the box office. It's a good season for films, as Tarantino's "Django Unchained" proves, along with "Jack Reacher" and others. "Les Mis" is a tough musical in all respects, some say it's also great. To love another person is to see the face of God. [from Victor Hugo's "Les Misérables"] Hugh … [Read more...] about Russell Crowe’s Epic Fail in “Les Misérables”
Washington Unites — To Screw The Middle Class
The big buzz words in the recent election were "middle class." Every pol in both political parties claimed to be fighting to save or protect the middle class. None were more emphatic about claiming to be a friend of the middle class, its protector, than Barack Obama. The election ended and we had a big debate about taxes. Mr. Obama, playing his usual fade and cave role, … [Read more...] about Washington Unites — To Screw The Middle Class
Barney Frank Wants to be Massachusetts’ Interim Senator
So much for talk that the person who fills in for the remaining months of Secretary State-to-be John Kerry's remaining Senate seat will likely be a caretaker. Former Rep. Barney Frank, one of the most outspoken Democrats, a politician who in many ways seems like the quintessentially "happy warrior" (even when he's angry) is making it clear he would like the position. And not … [Read more...] about Barney Frank Wants to be Massachusetts’ Interim Senator
Shot Pakistan Schoolgirl Malala Leaves UK Hospital
Shot Pakistan schoolgirl Malala leaves UK hospital (via AFP) The British hospital treating Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl shot by the Taliban for campaigning for girls' education, said Friday that she has been temporarily discharged ahead of surgery. Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, west-central England, said Malala would stay at her … [Read more...] about Shot Pakistan Schoolgirl Malala Leaves UK Hospital
“Titanic” Score: Boehner Outpolls Icebergs
John Boehner is reelected Speaker of the House, second in line of succession to the presidency, with only a ripple of disaffection from Tea Party Republicans, nine of whom voted against him in favor of Eric Cantor, Allen West and other loony tunes. The new Congress starts with confirmation of the Captain that almost sank the Ship of State last weekend, with a few members of … [Read more...] about “Titanic” Score: Boehner Outpolls Icebergs