Updated When I started posting articles on Facebook related to gun control, my gun-toting friends -- in the main -- weren't happy with me. They told me in no uncertain terms that I didn't know what I was talking about. They said I was being inflammatory and had a responsibility to not share inaccurate news stories or commentary. But the more they posted, the more it felt … [Read more...] about A Primer On Gun Technology And Weapons Bans
Finding The Christmas Star
With Christmas Eve upon us I thought I’d offer my annual post on the origins of the Christmas Star (per astronomy) and thus offering thoughts on when he was really born. Most of us know that Christ was not really born in December or the year zero. A number of people have tried to look first to the Bible for clues about what the star did and when, then they went outside the … [Read more...] about Finding The Christmas Star
When Silent Comedians Tried Sound (Harry Langdon with Vernon Dent)
A GEM FOR THREE STOOGES FANS, SILENT COMEDIAN FANS AND STUDENTS OF COMEDY: Silent movie star comedian Harry Langdon tried sound movies but didn't catch on. Here's a clip from a sound short he did. And YES his foil with the moustache is the great Vernon Dent, who appeared in many Three Stooges flicks (he was the best of their foils). A very very funny bit: … [Read more...] about When Silent Comedians Tried Sound (Harry Langdon with Vernon Dent)
Washington’s Revolving Door: As Old as Lincoln (Guest Voice)
Washington’s Revolving Door: As Old as Lincoln by Bill Moyers and Michael Winship We recently talked about the infernal revolving door between government and big business and how one person in particular, Liz Fowler, has spun through it so many times she may need to take something for motion sickness. Which makes it a good thing that she’s going back to work as a … [Read more...] about Washington’s Revolving Door: As Old as Lincoln (Guest Voice)
It’s Our System on the Cliff
WASHINGTON -- The United States faces a crisis in our political system because the Republican Party, particularly in the House of Representatives, is no longer a normal, governing party. The only way we will avoid a constitutional crackup is for a new, bipartisan majority to take effective control of the House and isolate those who would rather see the country fall … [Read more...] about It’s Our System on the Cliff
Still Here? Happy New Bak’tun
WASHINGTON -- If you're reading this, the Maya were wrong. Rather, they would have been wrong if they'd actually predicted the end of the world, which scholars are pretty sure they didn't. On the other hand, if there's nobody around to thumb through the morning newspaper -- if, indeed, there are no more scholars, newspapers, mornings or thumbs -- then I guess it was a … [Read more...] about Still Here? Happy New Bak’tun
India: Gang Gape, Politics and Sonia Gandhi (UPDATED)
Sonia Gandhi, the Teflon-coated puppeteer behind the Indian government may have met her Rubicon. Police tried to push it back again today with tear gas, water cannons and batons. But it refuses to quell. The fateful choice came to a head with a 23-year-old physiotherapy student, who was so brutally gang raped and beaten in the capital city of Delhi last Sunday that she is … [Read more...] about India: Gang Gape, Politics and Sonia Gandhi (UPDATED)
Our Eighth Annual Christmas Podcast!
Welcome to his vorpal sword's Eighth Annual presentation of "The Saint Nick Case," a Christmas radio play of approximately one-half hour, which originally appeared on KOPT-AM, live (In other words, it's an actual old time radio drama, performed live in front of an invisible audience of, potentially, trillions.) Click for the radio play For a special treat, The KOPT Radio … [Read more...] about Our Eighth Annual Christmas Podcast!
NRA Says “NO!” on More Gun Control
US lobby issues point-blank 'no' on gun control (via AFP) The NRA, the most powerful gun lobby in the United States, ruled out any support Sunday for greater regulation of firearms or ammunition magazines after the Sandy Hook elementary school massacre. Wayne LaPierre, the executive vice president of the National Rifle Association, said planned legislation… … [Read more...] about NRA Says “NO!” on More Gun Control
Tagg Romney: My Father Never Really Wanted To Run For President Anyhow
Will this be perceived as the truth finally coming out -- or a nice, big batch of sour grapes? Read it, and you decide: Mitt Romney's son Tagg Romney, in a report in the Boston Globe, now says his Dad didn't really want to run for President anyway: Romney’s eldest son, Tagg, drew up a list of 12 people whose lives had been helped by his father in ways that were publicly … [Read more...] about Tagg Romney: My Father Never Really Wanted To Run For President Anyhow
USING THE WRONG NUMBERS TO DELUDE OURSELVES
In many political and economic discussions over the past decade and longer, when we try looking at facts instead of turning to reality-denying emotional responses, there are many studies available that objectively compare the U.S. to other advanced nations in Europe and Asia. Unfortunately this might be as pointless for Americans as comparing apples to Twinkies. Any … [Read more...] about USING THE WRONG NUMBERS TO DELUDE OURSELVES
Dedicated Public Servant (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 Dedicated Public Servant (Cartoon)
Where’s Mitch McConnell?
So far, the Senate minority leader has remained in the shadows. That has led some lawmakers to wonder if he will play the dealmaker this time. Democrats question whether McConnell’s 2014 reelection bid will impede his ability to support a deal. ...WaPo He's taking his reelection in Kentucky seriously, as he should. But how does he feel about the fall his party has taken … [Read more...] about Where’s Mitch McConnell?
And A Partridge In A Pear Tree (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 And A Partridge In A Pear Tree (Cartoon)
Conn. School Shooting: South Jersey Mental Health Experts Discuss Adam Lanza’s Possible Condition
Conn. school shooting: South Jersey mental health experts discuss Adam Lanza's possible condition (via NJ.com) As the nation searches for explanations and preventive measures following Adam Lanza’s shooting spree in a Connecticut elementary school, speculation abounds concerning the 20-year-old’s inner workings. Though there are little to no facts to … [Read more...] about Conn. School Shooting: South Jersey Mental Health Experts Discuss Adam Lanza’s Possible Condition
Syria Christians Face Black Christmas
Black Christmas faces Syria Christians (via AFP) Festive spirit is a distant memory for Syria's Christian minority as it faces a second Christmas in the grip of fear of daily violence and the spectre of rising Islamism. "We're in no mood to celebrate Christmas this year. Everyone around is me is so sad, and the situation is terrible," said George… … [Read more...] about Syria Christians Face Black Christmas
We All Died on December 21 (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 We All Died on December 21 (Cartoon)
What If the Newtown Shooter Had Been Black, Muslim, or Latino?
Would the reporting of the story have differed? The provocative thoughts of a young blogger have me thinking...and praying. … [Read more...] about What If the Newtown Shooter Had Been Black, Muslim, or Latino?
Who Cannot Legally Buy A Gun In The US?
I bet you answered "convicted felons". That's what I thought, too, along with minors and people deemed mentally disturbed. But you know what. We're wrong. Under federal law, people with felony convictions forfeit their right to bear arms. Yet every year, thousands of felons across the country have those rights reinstated, often with little or no review. In several … [Read more...] about Who Cannot Legally Buy A Gun In The US?
A Christmas Message to Our Troops (Still) in Harm’s Way (Updated)
UPDATE: I came across this video and poem. It brought tears to my eyes. I know that you will be moved by it, too. Merry Christmas. === Original Post: Soldiers pray during a candlelight prayer service in Mazar-e Sharif, Afghanistan, in celebration of Christmas 2010. It has become a bittersweet tradition every year to write a Christmas message to our … [Read more...] about A Christmas Message to Our Troops (Still) in Harm’s Way (Updated)