In other western countries, austerity measures include taxing the rich along with taking benefits for others. In this country, the ruling powers have decided that... The Rich Have Suffered Long Enough The rich have suffered long enough, They’ve known great taxing sorrows; It’s time class warfare laws to doff, They’ve earned their bright tomorrows. Unlike the poor or … [Read more...] about The Rich Have Suffered Long Enough (A Poem)
The Deal Averting a Government Shutdown: Who Achieved What?
The deal averting a government shutdown: Who achieved what? A guide HERE. … [Read more...] about The Deal Averting a Government Shutdown: Who Achieved What?
Gingrichs Polls Sliding (UPDATED)
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich's national and Iowa polls are sliding but the question is whether he is still high enough up there so that the impact will not be significant: Newt Gingrich's support in the race for the Republican nomination fallen quickly since national Gallup polls of Republican and GOP-leaning independent voters in early December. And as Republican … [Read more...] about Gingrichs Polls Sliding (UPDATED)
Wisconsin’s Scott Walker Shuts Down Free Cancer Screenings Through Planned Parenthood
One of the things that is utterly stunning to those of us who were once Republicans is the nearly complete death of the concept that "compassionate conservativism" was a lofty ideal. Now you have public officials such as Wisconsin's Gov. Scott Walker who seem to have no problem tossing the word compassionate out the window. One example here. I suspect this won't help him win … [Read more...] about Wisconsin’s Scott Walker Shuts Down Free Cancer Screenings Through Planned Parenthood
Has the Right Gone Mad? (Guest Voice)
Has the Right Gone Mad? by Michael Reagan They say they are all Reaganites and that they want my father to return -- my father, who lived by his so-called 11th Commandment that no Republican should speak ill of another Republican. What makes them think he would want to return to any party whose members use hatchets on their fellow Republicans? And do it in public? Ronald … [Read more...] about Has the Right Gone Mad? (Guest Voice)
Outrageous
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Hitler’s G.I. Death Camp
Our Copy Editor, Holly Robinson, forwarded me an announcement for an upcoming (tomorrow!) documentary on the National Geographic Channel. Although I am preparing for travel shortly, I would be remiss if I were not to at least -- using the text of the announcement -- make our readers aware of what promises to be an astounding, eye-opening program about our American Jewish … [Read more...] about Hitler’s G.I. Death Camp
Florida A&M Drum Major Hazing Death Ruled Homicide: The Triple Agony of Hazing
Now here's yet another example of the triple anguish of hazing -- a social rite of passage for some groups that has ended in death or permanent damage by those seeking to get into the group or forced to endure what in reality is a kind of exercise in group sadism: the death of a Florida drum major has been ruled a homicide: The drum major, Robert Champion, died of … [Read more...] about Florida A&M Drum Major Hazing Death Ruled Homicide: The Triple Agony of Hazing
Bachmann Does Norma Desmond
With debate leaders underplaying conflict, Michele Bachmann takes center stage to give an over-the-top performance worthy of Gloria Swanson in “Sunset Boulevard.” After Newt Gingrich twice accuses her of getting facts wrong, Bachmann harrumphs that “it’s outrageous to continue to say over and over through the debates that I don’t have my facts right when, as a matter of … [Read more...] about Bachmann Does Norma Desmond
Dear Father Christmas…
Dear Father Christmas, As a mythological being, I yet see your handiwork every year, see your representatives dressed as that Marketing Demigod, Santa Claus, see him on television and in movies, in print and hear him on the radio. As such, you are the PERFECT person for me to address my plea to. … [Read more...] about Dear Father Christmas…
A Lady — a Hero — Reflects on the End of the War in Iraq.
As our troops are finally coming home out of Iraq, and coming home for Christmas, many are penning down their thoughts -- their emotions -- welcoming our troops, thanking our troops, honoring them and reflecting on what this long, painful war has and has not accomplished. I am one of those and will publish my welcome, my thanks to our troops soon. There is, however, a lady … [Read more...] about A Lady — a Hero — Reflects on the End of the War in Iraq.
‘Stubborn’ Iraqis Mistaken to Demand America Withdraw (Sotal Iraq, Iraq)
Now that U.S. forces are either out or about to leave, there is significant Iraqi hand-wringing over whether it was wise to force them to go now. For Sotal Iraq, columnist Amran Al-Obaidi writes that the decision-making process that has led to the American withdrawal was flawed, and that Iraqis who have demanded a complete U.S. pullout were more interested in scoring political … [Read more...] about ‘Stubborn’ Iraqis Mistaken to Demand America Withdraw (Sotal Iraq, Iraq)
A sad day for Oregon: Is this a future weather report on Medicare?
Oregon is a progressive state and is well represented by Senator Jeff Merkley. Ron Wyden has been slowly moving to the right but his latest move is a knife in the back of all Democrats running in 2012. Democrat Ron Wyden and Republican Paul Ryan propose overhaul of Medicare WASHINGTON – In an unlikely partnership, Sen. Ron Wyden joined Rep. Paul Ryan on Wednesday in a plan … [Read more...] about A sad day for Oregon: Is this a future weather report on Medicare?
Those Intrepid Women AirForce Service Pilots (WASP)
A missing chapter in the history of U.S. military aviation On the eve of this most recent Veterans Day, I had the privilege of accompanying World War II veteran John Tschirhart to a reception hosted by the Texas Veterans Land Board at the Capitol Visitors Center, in Austin, Texas. Tschirhart, a B-17 bombardier with 35 bombing missions over Nazi occupied Europe under … [Read more...] about Those Intrepid Women AirForce Service Pilots (WASP)
Newt’s Last Gasp, Romney’s Gain?
WASHINGTON - Last night's Iowa debate will not help Mr. Gingrich reverse his slide, with Michele Bachmann delivering merciless blows, as the video above reveals. Another one came today when South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley endorsed Mitt Romney, with robocalls now going out across the state touting Romney. But it was last night's debate that could be the killer for Newt. Bret … [Read more...] about Newt’s Last Gasp, Romney’s Gain?
Devastating Testimony In The Penn State Scandal
Former Penn State defense coordinator Jerry Sandusky has continued to declare his innocence despite a small mountain of allegations against him, but in testimony at a preliminary hearing today former assistant coach Mike McQueary put a stake through Sandusky's claim that he merely engaged in horseplay with the 10 boys who have accused him of sexual abuse. McQueary, recalling … [Read more...] about Devastating Testimony In The Penn State Scandal
Reverse Newtmentum: What to Make of Gingrich’s Fall in the Polls?
What goes up, must come down. (Even science-denying Republicans can't refute Newton. Well, they can, but it just makes them look like idiots.) And The Newt is, apparently, coming down. Nate Silver: The polling data I've seen over the past two or three days suggests that Newt Gingrich's momentum has stopped -- and has probably reversed itself. The most troubling … [Read more...] about Reverse Newtmentum: What to Make of Gingrich’s Fall in the Polls?
Driving Distracted
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Christopher Hitchens: Minerva’s Owl Has Taken Wing
Christopher Hitchens left this mortal coil on Thursday. Herewith my review of his biography, which was originally posted in October 2010. The last of the several times that I have had the pleasure of being in the same room with Christopher Hitchens was at a university colloquium on the Iraq War. The indefatigable journalist-essayist had supported this fool's errand at … [Read more...] about Christopher Hitchens: Minerva’s Owl Has Taken Wing
Eulogies For Christopher Hitchens
ROY GREENSLADE: Christopher Hitchens managed to be both inspirational and infuriating company. Inspirational because of his wit and his ability in discussions to adopt a counter-intuitive position and argue it with vigour even when it became obvious he believed the opposite. He was infuriating because he always dominated conversations and effortlessly attracted female … [Read more...] about Eulogies For Christopher Hitchens