In 17 years since the O.J. trial, media fascination with murder has morphed from classic elements as fame, race and sexual rage to pathetic obsession with the death of a little girl and the guilt of her possibly disturbed young mother. Now the Casey Anthony verdict brings into focus the extent to which reality TV has infected the daylight hours, supplementing inexpensive … [Read more...] about Murder, the New Soap Opera
Debt Ceiling Negotiations: Of Third Rails
As the debt ceiling chicken game gets closer to the wire (four weeks from... today?), the Obama Administration now proposes significant reforms (read "cuts") to Medicare and Social Security. And even Eric Cantor seems to have "gone crazy" by considering closing tax loopholes. Desperate times/measures? Rather than jump on the President for selling out once again, on this … [Read more...] about Debt Ceiling Negotiations: Of Third Rails
The 112th Congress and a Lot of Nothing (Guest Voice)
The 112th Congress and a Lot of Nothing by Tina Dupuy In 1950 a largely unaccomplished lawmaker from Wisconsin, Senator Joe McCarthy, alleged that Commie sympathizers were infiltrating the U.S. Government and Hollywood. "Communist subversion!" was the claim; Red Scare, the aim. Televised hearings were held. Lives were ruined. No evidence of his accusations was found. … [Read more...] about The 112th Congress and a Lot of Nothing (Guest Voice)
Mavericks (Cartoon)
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. … [Read more...] about Mavericks (Cartoon)
John Adams: ‘It Is More Important That Innocence Be Protected Than It Is That Guilt Be Punished’
Twitter reaction to the verdict is stark. Just one percent agree with it. Casey could be set free today. This John Adams quote is worth remembering: It is more important that innocence be protected than it is that guilt be punished, for guilt and crimes are so frequent in this world that they cannot all be punished. But if innocence itself is brought to the bar and condemned, … [Read more...] about John Adams: ‘It Is More Important That Innocence Be Protected Than It Is That Guilt Be Punished’
Washington Dysfunction: A Scorecard
WASHINGTON -- Here's why getting to a deal on the debt ceiling is so complicated. President Obama's main goal is to get through this fight with the government still running and his support from the political center intact, even if this means substantial concessions to Republicans. House Republican leaders want to get by without inciting a revolt among … [Read more...] about Washington Dysfunction: A Scorecard
Microsoft + Skype + Facebook : Cause For Celebration, Yawn or Alarm?
In 2007, Microsoft invested $240 million to buy 1.6 percent of Facebook (preferred stock purchase; FB has yet to go public). The deal bought Microsoft closer access to Facebook's ad revenue; at the time MySpace was still the largest online social network. Facebook attracted 30.6 million U.S. visitors during September [2007] compared with 68.4 million at MySpace. … [Read more...] about Microsoft + Skype + Facebook : Cause For Celebration, Yawn or Alarm?
European Union Mustn’t Allow China to Fill U.S. Military Void (El Semanal, Spain)
In what has been cropping up as a pretty consistent narrative from Europeans since President Obama announced that U.S. forces are withdrawing from Afghanistan, Enrique Arias Vega of Spain's El Semanal writes that after all that America has done for Europe, Europe must step up and fill the security void the U.S. is about to create - or cede the ground to Beijing. For El … [Read more...] about European Union Mustn’t Allow China to Fill U.S. Military Void (El Semanal, Spain)
The Civil Cold War
The only difference is that nobody's shooting: the secessionism is the same. Just ask the citizens of Minnesota. The free "Right Wing Doonesbury" doesn't even bother with humor on July 1. "When the just say 'no'"??!? Paranoid marxo-nazi fantasies are "just"??? But forget the idiocy of an unfunny comic strip predicated on "attractive young adults" lolling around in their … [Read more...] about The Civil Cold War
America Stirs Anti-China Fears in South China Sea (Huanqiu, People’s Republic of China)
Is China the victim of a campaign mounted by the United States to turn the nations adjacent to the South China Sea against Beijing? According to columnist Liang Fengming of China's state-run Huanqui, the U.S. is seeking to demonize China by inflaming territorial disputes between China and other states like Vietnam, Taiwan, the Philippines, South Korea and others - which are … [Read more...] about America Stirs Anti-China Fears in South China Sea (Huanqiu, People’s Republic of China)
Major Quake Strikes New Zeland Region
A quake with a magnitudeof 7.8 has struck off the coast of New Zeland prompting a series of tsunami warnings for New Zeland and Tonga. The poor people have already suffered greatly, prayers that this does not result in any more suffering. … [Read more...] about Major Quake Strikes New Zeland Region
9th Circuit Lifts Stay On DADT Ruling
A 3 judge panel of the 9th US Circuit Court Of Appeals has just ordered the stay on the court ruling that struck down be lifted. This could mean that the Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy would have to stop within a matter of days, however oral arguments on the broader issue will be held at the end of August so things are not complete yet. Details to follow … [Read more...] about 9th Circuit Lifts Stay On DADT Ruling
Michele Bachmann, The EPA, And Environment-Related Idiocy That Never Seems To End
I haven't commented in print on Michele's Bachmann's rantings in the past because they seemed unworthy of the effort. One rant from the congresswoman from Minnesota and Republican presidential candidate, however, has been hitting too close to home. Her oft-repeated comment that the EPA is this country's worst "jobs killer." I spent more than a decade of my professional life … [Read more...] about Michele Bachmann, The EPA, And Environment-Related Idiocy That Never Seems To End
World Order Restored – Paris Hilton Back In The News
Now that the brief diversion that was the Casey Anthony trial is over, order has been restored to our tabloid infotainment world. Paris Hilton has found her way back into the news. Paparrazi staking out the heiress’s Malibu home – who knew the paparrazi still staked her out – spotted 36 year old James Rainford on the property and called police. Rainford, who has long … [Read more...] about World Order Restored – Paris Hilton Back In The News
Obama’s ‘Deal of the Century’ for Republicans is Bad for Democrats
WASHINGTON - If you want one reason why Barack Obama doesn't deserve reelection this is it. If the Republican Party were a normal party, it would take advantage of this amazing moment. It is being offered the deal of the century: trillions of dollars in spending cuts in exchange for a few hundred million dollars of revenue increases. - The Mother of All No-Brainers Whether he … [Read more...] about Obama’s ‘Deal of the Century’ for Republicans is Bad for Democrats
Brain-Dead Politics
Newt Gingrich may be on to something by making Alzheimer’s a campaign issue, although he could be going too far in trying to make voters forget about his crackpot Contract with America, Tiffany tabs and his latest wife’s terror campaign that led an entire staff to quit. Mitt Romney, as always, is testing the waters with a little senior moment of his own, forgetting he had to … [Read more...] about Brain-Dead Politics
Fighting For His Freedom… And Yours
A wonderful article from CNN on why equality is so important. … [Read more...] about Fighting For His Freedom… And Yours
Nevada Supreme Court Upholds Election Ruling
The Nevada Supreme Court has ruled that the Democrats and Republicans can choose one candidate to run in the special election to fill the vacancy in the 2nd Congressional District. This election came about when Congressman Heller was named to replace resigned Senator Ensign. In short the ruling says that the parties may each choose their nominee without a primary, which … [Read more...] about Nevada Supreme Court Upholds Election Ruling
The Cultural Cognition of Climate Change
Last year, I posted on research by Dan Kahan's "Cultural Cognition Project" which found, in effect, that increased political and social education is associated with increased political polarization. Contrary to conventional wisdom, where greater education should cause a convergence amongst political actors (as their greater factual knowledge reveals the "right" policy path), … [Read more...] about The Cultural Cognition of Climate Change
Creating the Smug Pundits’ Conventional Wisdom
President Barack Obama looks like he’ll win re-election. Obama looks like he can lose. Michele Bachman could never get the Republican nomination. Michele Bachmann could be the surprise GOP nominee. The political class would never allow a debt ceiling default. A debt ceiling default could happen. Where does the ever-shifting conventional wisdom come from? A little known … [Read more...] about Creating the Smug Pundits’ Conventional Wisdom