UPDATE: For an interesting and different take on Scalia’s “elevation of all moral disapproval to the same level to the extent that they can be legislated by a politically elected body or the populace" and on why Scalia, “at the very least, [should] recuse himself from the upcoming cases regarding the Defense of Marriage Act and the overturning of California's Proposition … [Read more...] about Two Odious Comparisons (Updated)
Things That Make You Think
One of the Facebook pages I read had an appeal for a kidney donor for a soldier who lost one kidney to injury and now the other to illness Obviously I am empathetic to such situations but at the same time I wonder about the donation process. I understand there is no out of pocket cost (IE the hospital does not charge the donor) but you are also likely to be out of work for … [Read more...] about Things That Make You Think
‘Lincoln’ Leads Globe Nominations with Seven Nods
'Lincoln' leads Globe nominations with seven nods (via AFP) Steven Spielberg's presidential drama "Lincoln" topped the Golden Globes nominations Thursday with nods in seven categories, followed by "Argo" and "Django Unchained" with five each. "Les Miserables," romantic comedy "Silver Linings Playbook" and Osama bin Laden hunt movie "Zero Dark Thirty" by … [Read more...] about ‘Lincoln’ Leads Globe Nominations with Seven Nods
UN Ambassador Susan Rice Withdraws Her Name from Consideration for Secretary of State
BREAKING NEWS: Ambassador Susan Rice withdraws her name from consideration for US Secretary of State. John McCain and Lindsey Graham have prevailed in a round about way. In a letter to President Obama, she expressed sadness that the process had become tainted by partisan politics. “If nominated, I am now convinced that the confirmation process would be lengthy, disruptive and … [Read more...] about UN Ambassador Susan Rice Withdraws Her Name from Consideration for Secretary of State
ICE Nabs Senate Intern (Conspiracy Theorists Here’s A New One For You)
U. S. Senator Robert Menendez was re-elected in November. He got 58% of the vote. But, as conspiracy theorists will soon be telling us, his election was based on a cover-up. A cover-up orchestrated by the Obama administration. Can anyone say impeachment hearings? Here’s what’s going on. The core story is that a volunteer intern in the Senator’s office was picked up by … [Read more...] about ICE Nabs Senate Intern (Conspiracy Theorists Here’s A New One For You)
Nurse in British Royal Hoax Call Case Was Found Hanged
Nurse in British royal hoax call case was found hanged (via AFP) A nurse at the hospital treating Prince William's pregnant wife Catherine was found hanged in her room after being duped by a hoax call from an Australian radio station, an inquest heard Thursday. Jacintha Saldanha, 46, left three notes before she was discovered in nurses' quarters near the … [Read more...] about Nurse in British Royal Hoax Call Case Was Found Hanged
British Nurse Hoaxed by Radio Prank’s Apparent Suicide: Totally Unthinkable?
How could she possibly do it? How could nurse 46-year-old Jacintha Saldanha possibly take her own life after two Australian radio DJs using bad accents crank-called a hospital in Great Britain, and tricked her on the air into transferring them to get confidential information on Prince William's wife, Kate Middleton? How could the DJs and radio station be so unthinking, … [Read more...] about British Nurse Hoaxed by Radio Prank’s Apparent Suicide: Totally Unthinkable?
A Really Really BAD Idea
One of the worst ideas to emerge from the fiscal cliff rumor mill is that both sides are open to taxing municipal bonds. For one thing this would pretty much kill the ability of local governments to issue raise money (muni bonds tend to pay less than corporate ones and thus the tax break is how they sell themselves). For another you have many retired people who invested … [Read more...] about A Really Really BAD Idea
The Story of Zach, One of the Brave Young Men
Last evening while listening to late night radio Ian Punnett on Coast to Coast shared a story of a young man named Zach Sobiech. He is a teenager from Lakeland, Minnesota population of 1,796. One look at Zack and you will see he is an all American kid from the Heartland with many loves and with friends and family that loves him dearly. " Zach was diagnosed with … [Read more...] about The Story of Zach, One of the Brave Young Men
Which Path for the Right?
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 ?