Tropical Storm Isaac, currently meandering westward in the Atlantic, may hit the east coast of the U.S. early next week during the Republican convention. There's even a chance (all this is guesswork at present) that it might make a direct hit on Tampa, where the convention is going to be held. In a worst case scenario, the 70,000 conventioneers and media hangers-on would … [Read more...] about If Isaac Cometh, Whither Goest Republicans?
Republican Storm Signals, Outside Not In
Where the Missouri mule leaves off, the Republican platform committee takes up the fight against America’s most pressing problem. In language that would not dismay Todd Akin, GOP sages call for a constitutional amendment outlawing abortion with no exceptions for rape or incest. “Faithful to the ‘self-evident’ truths enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, we assert … [Read more...] about Republican Storm Signals, Outside Not In
Sexually Abused by a Woman in Childhood?
Via UK men's activists Glen Poole, I was recently put in contact with researcher Hannah Clements. Hannah is doing a study on people who, as minors aged 15 and under, were sexually abused by a woman or multiple women, and their experiences in telling (or not-telling) about it. I have corresponded with her extensively and, while I'm not normally so self-revealing in public about … [Read more...] about Sexually Abused by a Woman in Childhood?
Cartoonists React to Todd “Legitimate Rape” Akin Controversy
Editor's Note: Cartoonists are having a field day with the controversy over Missouri Republican Senate candidate Rep. Todd Akin's remarks about "legitimate rape," its impact on the GOP and what it means to the Republican Party. Here's a cross section of some of their work: LEGAL NOTICE ON CARTOONS: These copyrighted cartoons are licensed to run on TMV. … [Read more...] about Cartoonists React to Todd “Legitimate Rape” Akin Controversy
Paul Ryan Distances Himself from Buddy Todd Akin ‘Legitimate Rape’ Remark, Says Rape is Rape
Paul Ryan is distancing himself from right-to-life bill cosponsor Rep. Todd Akin, who said "legitimate rape rarely leads to pregnancy," but hasn't the damage already been done? Guilt by association? He's doing a Gregory Hines tap-dance around his record on women's rights. SMH. “His statements were outrageous, over the pail. I don’t know anybody who would agree with that. Rape … [Read more...] about Paul Ryan Distances Himself from Buddy Todd Akin ‘Legitimate Rape’ Remark, Says Rape is Rape
Ban These Obnoxious Media, Political and Cultural Phrases
If you're a political and media junkie, you know one truth: your head starts to spin after a while -- even more than the political spinners you see every day on MSNBC, Fox News and CNN -- due to obnoxious, trite and overused phrases that have invaded our culture. Here's an updated list of some phrases as welcome as chalk scraping on a blackboard. 1. "False equivalence." When … [Read more...] about Ban These Obnoxious Media, Political and Cultural Phrases
NBC/WSJ Poll: Romney Has Problems Including No Bounce From Ryan Pick (UPDATED)
A new NBC/WSJ poll has some bad news for presumptive Republican Presidential nominee Mitt Romney: Barack Obama still leads, Romney's pick of Rep. Paul Ryan has given him no bounce, and voters are uneasy with him due to his income tax questions and plans to overhaul Medicare. The poll is not good news for Romeny heading into a convention in an era where chances in communcation … [Read more...] about NBC/WSJ Poll: Romney Has Problems Including No Bounce From Ryan Pick (UPDATED)
Republicans And The Far Right – Can’t Live With ‘Em, Can’t Live Without ‘Em
The recent flap surrounding the mushy thinking – no he did not simply misspeak – of Todd Akin brings into view yet again the Republican Party’s dilemma with its right wing. They cannot win elections without the energy and turnout of their radical right wing. But, to energize that radical core means pandering to it, and pandering to it means that the Todd Akin’s of the world … [Read more...] about Republicans And The Far Right – Can’t Live With ‘Em, Can’t Live Without ‘Em
GOP Plays Trump Card for the Convention
Now that conventions are TV miniseries with no suspense, politicians desperately need big-name cameos for ratings. On opening night Republicans reach for the master of hype, the Donald himself. Trump promises to be “really amazing,” but may, as usual, just grab attention and embarrass his hosts. Ann Romney is the featured speaker of the evening, but can she compete with … [Read more...] about GOP Plays Trump Card for the Convention
WikiLeaks: From ‘Torch of Democracy’ to Anti-American ‘Cudgel’ (Die Presse, Austria)
Is anti-Americanism on the part of Julian Assange at the heart of WikiLeaks? For Austria's Die Presse, columnist Michael Laczynski asserts that what seemed to have begun as an effort to give whistle blowers a safe place to expose corruption and malfeasance, the behavior of Julian Assange shows that 'this development was not mere coincidence - but by design.' For Die Presse, … [Read more...] about WikiLeaks: From ‘Torch of Democracy’ to Anti-American ‘Cudgel’ (Die Presse, Austria)
TODD AKIN and ‘RAPE ME’ Kerfluffle about Intent
"Rape me, go ahead, rape me, beat me. You'll never kill me. I'll survive this and I'm gonna f/n rape you one of these days and you won't even know it." Todd Akin said what he said. He claimed that women who are "legitimately raped" [two words that in no way go together in any decent world whatsoever] have, you know, 'ways' that 'their bodies,' um shut down and … [Read more...] about TODD AKIN and ‘RAPE ME’ Kerfluffle about Intent
Afghanistan: Nothing But Grim Milestones and Ominous Trends
A U.S. paratrooper pulls security during a combat operation in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, June 2, 2012. Helicopters delivered fellow paratroopers and Afghan soldiers into the rugged mountain terrain. (Photo DOD) Milestones are significant events in our personal lives, in projects and in war and peace. Generally we celebrate those milestones but sometimes they come … [Read more...] about Afghanistan: Nothing But Grim Milestones and Ominous Trends
Iran and Illegal Wars
Daniel Larison brings this post by Paul Pillar. The Value of Obeying International Law. The charter of the United Nations is very clear in prohibiting the offensive use of military force, regardless of the nature of the underlying dispute. An armed attack conducted in the name of setting back a technical program that possibly could lead in the future to development of a weapon … [Read more...] about Iran and Illegal Wars
Todd Akins Clarifies ‘Legitimate Rape’ Comment, Now Says Women Make ‘False Claims’ About Being Raped
Rep. Todd Akin continues to dig himself deeper in the 'legitimate rape' fall-out. He clarified his despicable remark by saying women make 'false claims' about being raped. He said the following on Mike Huckabee's show: Think Progress: You know, Dr. Willke has just released a statement and part of his letter, I think he just stated it very clearly. He said, of course Akin … [Read more...] about Todd Akins Clarifies ‘Legitimate Rape’ Comment, Now Says Women Make ‘False Claims’ About Being Raped
GOP Platform Rejects Civil Unions
In another move to shove all but the most conservative out of the party the GOP platform committee voted today to reject an amendment supporting Civil Unions for both straight and gay couples. Rhode Island delegate Barbara Ann Fenton introduced the amendment, saying: “As a Roman Catholic, there’s nobody in this room who believes [more than I do] that the definition of … [Read more...] about GOP Platform Rejects Civil Unions
Rep. Steve King on Rep. Todd Akin: Never Heard of a Girl Getting Pregnant from Statutory Rape or Incest
GOP House wingnut Rep. Steve King (R-IA) is coming to embattled Rep. Todd Akin's rescue. You will recall Akin is under fire for saying 'legitimate rape rarely leads to pregnancy,' now King's comments go a step further -- he has never heard of a girl getting pregnant from statutory rape or incest. Um, this man said he will play a prominent role in the Romney-Ryan administration. … [Read more...] about Rep. Steve King on Rep. Todd Akin: Never Heard of a Girl Getting Pregnant from Statutory Rape or Incest
Akin Vows To Remain In Senate Race
In a move that pretty much insures the re-election of Senator Claire McCaskill (D) , GOP Congressman Todd Akin announced today he will remain in the US Senate race despite his idiotic comments on rape and pregnancy. Like many on both sides of the political fence, I cannot express how much his conduct and comments have revolted me and I will certainly do everything I can to … [Read more...] about Akin Vows To Remain In Senate Race
More Problems for GOP Brand? Rep. Steve King Says Never Heard of Pregnancy Due to Statuatory Rape or Incest
NOTE: This post has been modified to reflect Rep. Steve King's remarks. Not Rep. Peter King. It is the policy of TMV to correct errors. We regret the error.. You have to wonder if some GOPers are secretly trying to purge their party not just of RINOS, or conservatives who dare to (GASP!) compromise with the other side, but also purge their party of getting votes from … [Read more...] about More Problems for GOP Brand? Rep. Steve King Says Never Heard of Pregnancy Due to Statuatory Rape or Incest
A Few Non-joking Words About Phyllis Diller
A few non-joking words about the great comedienne Phyllis Diller, who died yesterday at at 95: I heard over the years what a wonderful person she was from many people who had contact with her, when I'd do my shows in the Los Angeles, Hollywood area, and from two comedy writers who had dealt with her. I never forgot the old You Bet Your Life game show episode hosted by … [Read more...] about A Few Non-joking Words About Phyllis Diller
Republicans: Plenty of Money, More Crazies, and Bigger Deficits
Mitt Romney is now so far ahead of Barack Obama in cash-for-campaigning-and-conquering that it's hardly worth talking about. ... It is not unusual for challengers to outraise incumbents late in the campaign, and while Mr. Obama is being outraised now, he raised far more than Mr. Romney through 2011 and early this year. But Mr. Romney’s extraordinary two-month run … [Read more...] about Republicans: Plenty of Money, More Crazies, and Bigger Deficits