WASHINGTON -- Sarah Palin, whose powerful platform of 2010 has been reduced to a sideline perch while she contemplates the presidency, is still hiding out at Fox refusing to take any challenging media scrutiny. In contrast, Rep. Michele Bachmann is everywhere, even as she's still trying to live down her Lexington and Concord gaffe in New Hampshire. She was on safe ground … [Read more...] about Gaffes or Not, Unlike Sarah, Bachmann is No Wimp
Tea Bag of Damocles (Cartoon)
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The Right’s War on Moderation
WASHINGTON -- Political moderates and on-the-fencers have had it easy up to now on budget issues. They could condemn "both sides," and insist on the need for "courage" in tackling the deficit. Thanks to Rep. Paul Ryan's budget and the Republicans' maximalist stance in negotiations to avert a government shutdown, the days of straddling are over. Ryan's truly … [Read more...] about The Right’s War on Moderation
There’s No Putting Lipstick On The Republican Budget Pig
I had a long-running nightmare last night, and as I am sometimes wont to do, waking up, having a piddle and a drink of water merely postponed the grand finale -- slaves being lashed by a master who was riding a massive white steed -- which roared across the landscape of my mind as soon as I drifted back off. While I find much of Freudian psychology to be flapdoodle, the … [Read more...] about There’s No Putting Lipstick On The Republican Budget Pig
Paul Ryan’s Not-Palin VP Audition
As Washington continues to make April the most confusing and "cruelest month" in memory, half of the 2012 Republican ticket is becoming clear. For clowns contesting for the top spot, Paul Ryan has positioned himself as a young, wonkish, issue-oriented counterweight--next year's knowledgeable not-Palin for Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, Michele Bachmann, Haley Barbour et al, … [Read more...] about Paul Ryan’s Not-Palin VP Audition
A Bold, Brave Plan to Take from the Poor and Give to the Rich
Jacob Weisberg calls Rep. Paul Ryan's proposed budget plan "brave, radical, and smart." … [Read more...] about A Bold, Brave Plan to Take from the Poor and Give to the Rich
TWO IMPORTANT & FORGOTTEN WORDS: MODERATION AND PRIORITIES
Some of the ancient Greek philosophers stressed moderation in all things. That entails avoiding extremes in any direction in how we think, speak, act, believe and organize our lives and societies. It is a simple call for balance, flexibility, openness to various ideas, fidelity to all the facts, an honest effort to find the truth, and a good-faith effort to negotiate … [Read more...] about TWO IMPORTANT & FORGOTTEN WORDS: MODERATION AND PRIORITIES
The Fanatics: The Charlie Sheen song (VIDEO)
Charlie Sheen may be "Winning! Duh!" now that he has fine tuned his stage show. But music producer Cameron Giddings and The Fanatics will be "Winning! Duh!" if a record company picks up this song "Charlie Sheen." Watch it here before it's at the top of the charts: … [Read more...] about The Fanatics: The Charlie Sheen song (VIDEO)
Videos of Glenn Beck’s Likely Fox Replacement
Now that it's official that Glenn Beck and Fox News will part company, the search is on for a replacement. Who could possibly replace Glenn Beck and fill the gap that will be left without his commentaries, logic and predictions of what is about to come? In this TMV exclusive here is a video of his likely replacement: Another reason he'll get the slot: he has accompanied … [Read more...] about Videos of Glenn Beck’s Likely Fox Replacement
The New Confederacy
Dennis G. at Balloon Juice has a must read post, Making money the Confederate way. There are to ways to create wealth - you can create it or you can steal it. There are those who say the Civil War was not about slavery and in a sense they are right. 150 years ago the Confederacy launched the Civil War to protect an economic systems based on the theft. Slavery was the most … [Read more...] about The New Confederacy
Budget Talks: Reid and Boehner Semi-Hopeful
The budget talks at the White House just finished and there was a very (emphasize VERY) short statment by Senate Leader Reid and Speaker Boehner. President Obama also expressed hope for a settlement. Both were cautious, making it clear they are still in talks and that issues remain. However the fact the two were appearing together seems like a good sign. Talks will … [Read more...] about Budget Talks: Reid and Boehner Semi-Hopeful
Muslims Must Condemn Murder of U.N. Workers (Rzeczpospolita, Poland)
Who is more to blame for the murder of 10 U.N. workers killed after U.S. Pastor Terry Jones burned a Quran: The people who committed the murders or Terry Jones himself? For Poland's Rzeczpospolita, columnist Jerzy Haszczynski expresses the view that what the world needs most is for Muslims to condemn the criminal behavior of people who killed innocents for the misbehavior of … [Read more...] about Muslims Must Condemn Murder of U.N. Workers (Rzeczpospolita, Poland)
Government Shut Down (Cartoon)
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Gallup Poll: Americans Want Budget Shutdown Compromise 58-33 Percent But Not Republicans
A second poll today finds that most Americans want a budget shutdown compromise and -- like the NBC/Wall Street Journal polls written about here earlier -- many Republicans are against one. A new Gallup Poll shows the dilemma facing House Speaker John Boehner and other Republican bigwigs who don't want to see their party lose independent swing voters in 2012: With Congress … [Read more...] about Gallup Poll: Americans Want Budget Shutdown Compromise 58-33 Percent But Not Republicans
NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll on Government Shutdown Warning to Parties: Independent Voters Want Compromise
The latest NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll about the looming government shut down contains some numbers that are not all that surprising and one that should be on the minds of both Democratic Party and Republican Party bigwigs: it's clear independent voters -- those voters partisans in both parties belittle until they need their votes to win -- do not want to see a … [Read more...] about NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll on Government Shutdown Warning to Parties: Independent Voters Want Compromise
Glenn Beck to Be Gone from Fox: When Money Trumps Free Speech
It's an odd thing to watch those once popular in media shuffle off the television and radio coils, having amassed a truly king's ransom and 'be away' then, but almost never to surface again with the ferocity and followers they once did. It would appear what we say in publishing is true in other professional arenas also: it's not just talent; everyone has talent. It's luck as … [Read more...] about Glenn Beck to Be Gone from Fox: When Money Trumps Free Speech
PAUL RYAN AND REPUBLICANS ARE WIMPS
Is this all they are demanding? Shutting down the Federal government over less than $50 billion dollars when projected annual deficits are $1.5 trillion as far as the eye can see? The wimps haven't even completely axed Amtrak, mass transit and High Speed Rail. They’re still arguing about the current fiscal year from October 2010 thru September 2011. Just wait till they … [Read more...] about PAUL RYAN AND REPUBLICANS ARE WIMPS
Justice Breyer Rips Citizens United Decision In Little Rock Speech
United States Supreme Court Associate Justice Stephen Breyer discussed his judicial philosophy in Little Rock Arkansas yesterday as part of a guest lecture series sponsored by the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. He was introduced by a student who had appeared earlier in the day on ”Jeopardy” where he finished second. His introduction included teasing … [Read more...] about Justice Breyer Rips Citizens United Decision In Little Rock Speech
Would a Government Shutdown Risk the GOP’s House Majority?
High drama continues in the looming government shut down. Wire and broadcast news reports say government workers are being told to prepare for a government shut down. Each side is blaming the other although even a Martian landing in Washington would have to conclude: the Republicans are steadily moving the goalposts when they have "won" their initial cut demands. An MSNBC … [Read more...] about Would a Government Shutdown Risk the GOP’s House Majority?
Senate Democratic Moderates Urging Boehner to Avert Government Shut Down
Some Senate moderates are urging House speakers John Boehner to avert a government shut down. But in the current hyperpartisan climate will this letter force him to dig in his heels even more? The Politico reports: A group of 16 moderate Democratic senators sent a letter to House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) Wednesday urging him to “resolve” the current funding debate and … [Read more...] about Senate Democratic Moderates Urging Boehner to Avert Government Shut Down