Which path for the right? By E.J. DIONNE JR. WASHINGTON -- I try to be hopeful about things. I long for a time when people on the left and the right might exchange opinions without assuming the very worst of each other. I don't view conservatism as a form of psychosis, and would like conservatives to harbor the same attitude toward progressivism. Happy warriors are … [Read more...] about Which Path for the Right?
Republicans, Michigan and Right to Work Laws (Guest Cartoonist)
Republicans, Michigan and Right to Work Laws by Mike Peters OF RELATED INTEREST: The Republican Bait-and-Switch Michigan becomes a right-to-work state: How can unions fight back? Rick Snyder Didn't Want to Sign Right-to-Work Legislation Until He Signed It Mike Peters is recognized as one of our nation's most prominent cartoon artists for his outstanding work as … [Read more...] about Republicans, Michigan and Right to Work Laws (Guest Cartoonist)
Sen. Bob Menendez Intern, Luis Abrahan Sanchez Zavaleta, Facing Deportation After ICE Arrest
Luis Abrahan Sanchez Zavaleta, 18, who worked as an unpaid intern for Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), is facing deportation after being arrested by federal immigration authorities. To make matters worse, he is a registered sex offender. A U.S. official told The Associated Press that officials at the Homeland Security Department instructed immigration agents not to arrest … [Read more...] about Sen. Bob Menendez Intern, Luis Abrahan Sanchez Zavaleta, Facing Deportation After ICE Arrest
The White House Christmas Tree (Infographic)
NOTE: Due to travel, I'm way behind on my posts and features that I put on TMV. If you're someone who sent me an embed, they will start appearing again after tomorrow when I'm back to my full writing and posting schedule. Source: eLocal.com … [Read more...] about The White House Christmas Tree (Infographic)
Tales from the Infrared: Episode 4 Tonight!
In this week's all new episode Tales from the Infrared your host, Dean Esmay, is joined by Kristina Hansen, AKA The Wooly Bumblebee, and Christian, aka xxToyEdXX on YouTube. Typhon Blue and PwnySlaystation are lost somewhere in the Infrared. Join the show here tonight at 8pm Central (US) time: Click here for show page! Our stories this week include: SUN NEWS MICHAEL … [Read more...] about Tales from the Infrared: Episode 4 Tonight!
Jews Warned Not to Wear Religious Symbols in Copenhagen
Jews warned not to wear religious symbols in Copenhagen (via AFP) Israeli and Jewish officials in Denmark on Wednesday warned Jews to avoid openly wearing religious symbols and dress when moving about Copenhagen amid rising anti-Israeli sentiment. "We advise Israelis who come to Denmark and want to go to the synagogue to wait to don their skull caps until they … [Read more...] about Jews Warned Not to Wear Religious Symbols in Copenhagen
Stephen Colbert’s Very Funny Home State
If it gets serious in South Carolina, Colbert should find out what happened to Al Franken, who gave up intentional comedy for the US Senate four years ago and hasn’t been seen since. Is there a protection program to keep professionals from being embarrassed by natural-born clowns like Mitch McConnell? A poll favorite to replace hilarious Jim DeMint, Colbert has been tweaking … [Read more...] about Stephen Colbert’s Very Funny Home State
In Defense of Incrementalism
Jonathan Chait writing in New York Magazine about Senator Marco Rubio's "dodges" on the budget deficit and incrementalism as it relates to immigration reform: On the budget, Rubio delivered the Republican weekly radio address, and his message was more of the old-timey religion: We must get the national debt under control. Tax increases will not solve our $16 trillion … [Read more...] about In Defense of Incrementalism
Medal of Honor for Marine Sgt. Peralta: Decision May Be Near (Updated)
Some very disappointing breaking news: UT San Diego reports that a posthumous Medal of Honor will not be issued to San Diego Marine Sgt. Rafael Peralta. More from UT San Diego: Hunter spokesman Joe Kasper said Hunter was told Tuesday that after several months of reviewing newly submitted evidence that the congressman maintained shows Peralta consciously pulled a … [Read more...] about Medal of Honor for Marine Sgt. Peralta: Decision May Be Near (Updated)
John Kerry, Not Susan Rice, for Top Diplomat
WASHINGTON - This should be an easy choice for liberals. Not only does Senator John Kerry have a deep resume on foreign affairs, but we've seen his ability to change and grow through learning the hard way. His ability to take on the military industrial complex and the Pentagon is one of his stronger assets. Of course, my reasons for believing he's a better choice is because … [Read more...] about John Kerry, Not Susan Rice, for Top Diplomat
What Happened To Common Sense ?
It seems that every winter we start to hear stories about people getting stuck in the snow and suffering a tragedy. Certainly I feel a great empathy for those who have suffered these losses but at the same time I have to wonder what happened to common sense. In almost every case the story is that the people drove around a closed gate covered in warning signs saying "DANGER … [Read more...] about What Happened To Common Sense ?
Talented Young Performers: A Children’s Theater Groups Sings “You’ve Gotta Have Heart”
I'm always touched by young, talented performers. And here's the Children's Musical Theater group of San Jose singing "You've Gotta Have Heart," the quintessential song about having spirit in baseball -- which can be applied to so many things. Watch these kids with incredible pizazz: … [Read more...] about Talented Young Performers: A Children’s Theater Groups Sings “You’ve Gotta Have Heart”
Dec 21: End of Mayan Calendar, or End of the World?
Dec 21: End of Mayan calendar, or end of the world? (via AFP) Gonzalo Alvarez, who had just arrived in Cancun for two weeks of revelry linked to a major milestone in the Mayan calendar, seemed reasonably cheerful for a man about to swallowed up by the Apocalypse. "We came to party and to get ready for the beginning of a new era," said the 39-year old … [Read more...] about Dec 21: End of Mayan Calendar, or End of the World?
Indian Sitar Legend Ravi Shankar Dies, Aged 92
Indian sitar legend Ravi Shankar dies, aged 92 (via AFP) Legendary Indian sitar player Ravi Shankar, a major influence on Western musicians ranging from The Beatles to Yehudi Menuhin, has died at the age of 92, according to officials. Shankar, who was the father of the American singer-songwriter Norah Jones, died in a hospital in San Diego where he was … [Read more...] about Indian Sitar Legend Ravi Shankar Dies, Aged 92
Michigan Workers Protesting “right to work” Law – Remember Italian Hall !
As a longtime member of sublocal AFL CIO National Writers Union, as we say in Indiana, 'Hell yes! Hail Mary! Push em back, push em back, wayyyyy back.' Solidarity mis amigos. Siempre. "Right to work" in this sense as proposed in Michigan, means right to kill the middle class. Again. Here is the story of the Italian Hall massacre I wrote two years ago remembering the … [Read more...] about Michigan Workers Protesting “right to work” Law – Remember Italian Hall !
A Guide for Champagne and Sparkling Wine Lovers
WASHINGTON - Christmas season is always a new opportunity for adventure, which includes food and drink, but especially sparkling wines and Champagnes, new and rediscovered. Consider this a polite nudge to encourage you to sample some bubbly. Robert Parker, I am not, but I have proven to have an accurately savvy palate that has confounded several sommeliers in my time. It … [Read more...] about A Guide for Champagne and Sparkling Wine Lovers
North Korea Launches Rocket, Outcome Unclear
The good old DPRK has launched a rocket in defiance of the international community. It is unclear at this point if the launch succeeded, a similar launch in April failed. … [Read more...] about North Korea Launches Rocket, Outcome Unclear
Another Shooter, This Time Portland – 3 Dead Including Shooter – Updated
It has happened again. Another shooter has taken the lives - and innocence - of the unsuspecting. The scene this time is the Clackamas Town Center Mall in suburban Portland, Oregon. The weapon? Reportedly an assault rifle. The victims? Unknown to the shooter. Two believed dead. Where in the mall did it happen? Somewhere near Macy's according to a live witness who … [Read more...] about Another Shooter, This Time Portland – 3 Dead Including Shooter – Updated
Cut But Don’t Cut My Stuff
Nothing new here but... There's Not A Single Spending Cut That Republican Voters Support We have seen this in every poll - Republicans say they want to cut government spending but there isn't anything they actually want to cut. A look at what Republicans oppose: By 47-37, letting the Obama payroll tax cut expire. By 68-26, cutting spending for Medicare. By … [Read more...] about Cut But Don’t Cut My Stuff
Republicans and Obama Clash Bigtime Over Financial Cliff Spending Cuts
Republicans open spending front in 'cliff' row (via AFP) US President Barack Obama and Republicans waged a new spat over spending cuts Tuesday, as time ran short and little progress was evident towards ending a vexing year-end austerity and tax crisis. After days dueling over Obama's demand for higher taxes on the rich, each side accused the other of … [Read more...] about Republicans and Obama Clash Bigtime Over Financial Cliff Spending Cuts