When it comes to the question of the U.S. defaulting on its debt, it seems that the old adage 'when the U.S. coughs, the world catches cold' isn't completely outdated. According to this editorial from Brazil's O Globo, the fortunes of billions may depend of the vicissitudes of America's cartoonish yet deadly serious political debate. The O Globo editorial says in … [Read more...] about Global Economy Hangs on ‘Mood’ of U.S. Voters (O Globo, Brazil)
Blue Republicans: An Idea Whose Time Has Come
My article of a few days ago -- If You Love Peace, Become a "Blue Republican" (Just for a Year) -- seems to have caused a stir. Many people of independent, liberal or Democratic sensibilities voted for Obama in 2008 in the hope of jolting America toward civil liberties and away from war, only to find themselves in 2011 disappointed that we are still starting wars and doing … [Read more...] about Blue Republicans: An Idea Whose Time Has Come
It’s Cocktail Hour in Washington, Meanwhile Minnesota is Going Dry
WASHINGTON - Oh, the horror! Miller time is just about over in Minnesota. Can you imagine a summer evening without cocktails? I'm sure many of you can, of course, but it's a tough road for the hospitality industry. This is what a shutdown looks like. From the Star Tribune: Hundreds of bars, restaurants and stores across Minnesota are running out of beer and alcohol … [Read more...] about It’s Cocktail Hour in Washington, Meanwhile Minnesota is Going Dry
A Black World War I Hero May Finally Receive the Medal of Honor
CODA: Commenting on “Today, a Grateful Nation Presents Its Highest Military Honor,” Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés reminded us about a black regiment during the Civil War. This is the story of a member of New York City's all-black 369th Infantry Regiment -- the famous "Harlem Blackcats"---who distinguished himself through combat heroism during World War I on a French … [Read more...] about A Black World War I Hero May Finally Receive the Medal of Honor
UPDATED: Deadly Blasts in Mumbai Kill 21 (VIDEOS)
UPDATE (BBC): Twenty-one people were killed and 113 injured, said Maharashtra state's Chief Minister, Prithviraj Chavan. ================================== Blasts in Mumbai have left 17 dead. Three improvised explosive devices were used. The blasts occured in three crowded locations so getting a body count was clearly the motive. CNN on the blast when they were still … [Read more...] about UPDATED: Deadly Blasts in Mumbai Kill 21 (VIDEOS)
Another Sign of America’s Partisan Boorishness
I've often talked about the vulgarization of America, how polarized our politics have become, and what I call the talk radio political culture's influence in undermining civility and compromise. But who ever thought we would seriously see a statement for a political party if their candidate loses such as this one after GOPers lost the CA-36 special election? No, what you are … [Read more...] about Another Sign of America’s Partisan Boorishness
Come, Let Us Reason Together
I have always thought that Churchill was right when he said that, "the United States invariably does the right thing, after having exhausted every other alternative" I was a graduate student in the United States during the Watergate Crisis; and, for me, the long and circuitous climax to that challenge proved the truth of Churchill's observation. But, these days, those of … [Read more...] about Come, Let Us Reason Together
Murdoch Drops Bid for British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB)
It's getting worse for global media and political influence maven Rupert Murdoch. One sign: he has now dropped his long-sought bid to buy British Sky Broadcasting -- a bid that in recent days seemed destined for massive roadblocks following outrage in Great Britain over the phone hacking scandal: Rupert Murdoch's media conglomerate -- ended its bid to purchase British Sky … [Read more...] about Murdoch Drops Bid for British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB)
Quote of the Day: Advice to Republicans and Tea Party
Our political Quote of the Day comes from The Atlantic's Conor Friedersdorf, writing about the victory of a Democrat in the special election to fill the seat in California's 36th congressional district. It was widely believed that this race had become competitive but in the end L.A. City Councilwoman Janice Hahn defeated Republican challenger Craig Huey 54.6 percent to 45.4 … [Read more...] about Quote of the Day: Advice to Republicans and Tea Party
Lorena Bobbitt Again?
Some legacies never die. This sounds like the case of Lorena Bobbitt again no matter how you slice it. Or even worse. h/T: The Daily Beast … [Read more...] about Lorena Bobbitt Again?
Rupert Murdoch, Demise Of Newspapers & The Great Republican Rabbit Hole
For students of schadenfreude and cheerleaders for the demise of the newspaper, what's not to like about the stream of revelations that Rupert Murdoch's Fleet Street empire is a criminal enterprise? That a man who got filthy rich and amassed enormous political power in Britain, the U.S. and Australia that would have made even Citizen Kane blush is revealed to be a godfather … [Read more...] about Rupert Murdoch, Demise Of Newspapers & The Great Republican Rabbit Hole
We Need Congressional Hearings on the Second Class Status of Independent Voters
In such a heavily controlled political environment we have where the two entrenched parties have their way with the America people, lots of voters are declaring their independence. One Florida partisan answers his own question in his letter below (and those are some pretty good reasons he gives as to why independents are not claiming partisanship!), and Paul Krugman insults the … [Read more...] about We Need Congressional Hearings on the Second Class Status of Independent Voters
IF WE FAIL TO AID SMALL BUSINESS, WE IMPERIL OUR ECONOMIC GROWTH
INTRODUCTION Charles Hugh Smith put up another two-part analysis on his website “Of Two Minds” (http://www.oftwominds.com/blog.html) concerning why U.S. Small businesses are not hiring and will likely not be hiring in the future. The phrase “structural unemployment” is sometimes used in misleading ways in many opinion pieces around the Media. Some writers use … [Read more...] about IF WE FAIL TO AID SMALL BUSINESS, WE IMPERIL OUR ECONOMIC GROWTH
Worth Remembering: Republicans Usually Support Debt Ceiling Increases
Updated: Since 2009, after Barack Obama was inaugurated as President, Republican Senators have stood steadfastly against raising the debt ceiling: in 2009, two supported H.R. 1 and one supported H.R. 4314. None supported the 2010 vote on H.J. Res. 45. But has this always been the case? In January 2010, Donny Shaw calculated the vote tally since 1997 on bills that included … [Read more...] about Worth Remembering: Republicans Usually Support Debt Ceiling Increases
The Punt Heard Round The Political World (Guest Voice)
The Punt Heard Round The Political World by The Magical Sky Father If you needed more proof that President Obama sent a devastating blow to the GOP debt ceiling narrative last week I give you Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's new strategic shift. Our friend Mitch has decided that the best way to resolve the issue is to punt. How he is deciding to do so … [Read more...] about The Punt Heard Round The Political World (Guest Voice)
Should we feel sorry for John Boehner?
There are plenty of people out there who believe Majority Leader Eric Cantor wants Boehner's job and is trying to undermine the Speaker's leadership at every opportunity. Others believe the two House Republicans are allies, working as "good cop, bad cop." Dana Milbank thinks Republican House Speaker Boehner is under fire from his own party, including the ambitious Mr. … [Read more...] about Should we feel sorry for John Boehner?
GOP House Members More Conservative
Nate Silver over at 538.com has offered an interesting, if not shocking, analysis of the GOP House membership. … [Read more...] about GOP House Members More Conservative
Worrying Talk of Renewed North Korea-China Military Alliance (The Hankyoreh, South Korea)
Is the burgeoning rivalry between China and the United States destined to worsen the split between North and South Korea? This editorial from South Korea's Hankyoreh warns that the territorial disputes in the East and South China Seas may put Korean unification even further out of reach than it already is. The Hankyoreh editorial says in part: The question of whether … [Read more...] about Worrying Talk of Renewed North Korea-China Military Alliance (The Hankyoreh, South Korea)
“Fake” Wisconsin Primary Candidates Waxed
According to MSNBC five of the six “fake” Democrats have been defeated in Wisconsin’s recall election primary. It was reported here two were defeated and four were in trouble earlier. Six Republicans have been forced to run in a recall election in the wake of what many deem excessive measures against public sector employees in that state. Should the recall be successful, … [Read more...] about “Fake” Wisconsin Primary Candidates Waxed
Contact Us Form Added
We've added a contact form in the "Contact Us" link at the top of the site. This will allow any questions, comments, and/or concerns to be sent to either the Technical Staff or Editorial Staff (depending on the issue or request). We hope this makes getting in touch with us MUCH easier. Thank you. … [Read more...] about Contact Us Form Added