As we move closer to the time for the State of The Union speech I am starting to wonder about whether it is really worth debating to discussing. Don't get me wrong I understand that is something of a state occasion for us and that the President will propose an agenda. But at the same time we all already know pretty much what the agenda will be. I don't mean any disrespect … [Read more...] about SOTU: Is There A Real Point To Discussing It?
Stop Scapegoating Sarah Palin: Neue Zurcher Zeitung, Switzerland
Is Sarah Palin being wrongly blamed for the assassination attempt against Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords? Columnist Andreas Ruesch of Switzerland's Neue Zurcher Zeitung writes that Palin is being castigated for America's deeply-ingrained habit of politicians attacking opponents in stark military terms. For the Neue Zurcher Zeitung, Andreas Ruesch writes in part: That … [Read more...] about Stop Scapegoating Sarah Palin: Neue Zurcher Zeitung, Switzerland
Glenn Beck Loves a Good Laugh
Like when he talks about someone who has gotten death threats due to his on the air demonization. (Sometimes it isn't "laugh and the whole world laughs with you," Glenn.) The sad part here: Beck is a broadcast talent who could probably still get mega-ratings and be highly popular among conservatives if he lowered it...just a notch (or two..or three.). … [Read more...] about Glenn Beck Loves a Good Laugh
Why Lieberman’s ‘Joe-mentum’ Became ‘No-mentum’
And so in the end Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman’s “Jo-mentum” became “No-mentum.” The news that Lieberman would not seek re-election is being pointed to as an example of how centrists can’t survive. Is that what happened? Is Arizona Senator John McCain’s best bud yet one more example of an independent, centrist politician falling victim to ideologues out to get him or … [Read more...] about Why Lieberman’s ‘Joe-mentum’ Became ‘No-mentum’
Rahm’s On Again
MSNBC: Ill. court issues stay; Rahm back on the ballot. From NBC's John Yang: The Illinois Supreme Court has just issued a stay of the appeals court's order knocking Rahm Emanuel off the ballot and directing the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners to restore his name to the ballot. This is a strong indication that the court will accept the case and, perhaps, of … [Read more...] about Rahm’s On Again
My New Year’s Reading Resolution
Last year, I joined one of the zillions of reading challenges in book blogging circles. The idea is you commit to reading a certain minimum number of books by the end of the year. I, quite ambitiously, committed to read 100 books by the end of 2010. You can see how well THAT went, here. (That page was formerly titled "The 100 Books Reading Challenge." Not wanting to be … [Read more...] about My New Year’s Reading Resolution
Move Over Sarah, February Belongs To Michele
With proposals for a Palin-Free-February gaining publicity if not traction, liberals can rest easy. Michele Bachmann is ready and waiting to fill the void should the pundits wish to give Mama Grizzly a respite. In a January 5 article on a possible presidential bid, I gave Bachmann credit for being an excellent fundraiser. It was oversight not to mention her ability to draw … [Read more...] about Move Over Sarah, February Belongs To Michele
Has Tunisia Inspired Egypt’s Protests?
Has Tunisia inspired big protests going on in Egypt? It sounds that way. The Christian Science Monitor reports: The scope of Egypt's protests today, calling for greater freedom and downfall of strongman President Hosni Mubarak, is unprecedented. Though tens of thousands took to the streets of Cairo in 2005 calling for democratic reform, today's protests are far … [Read more...] about Has Tunisia Inspired Egypt’s Protests?
I’m With Stupid At The State Of The Union
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. all rights reserved. … [Read more...] about I’m With Stupid At The State Of The Union
Pogo Was a Piker
"We have met the enemy," the comic strip character said four decades ago, "and he is us," but a new generation of politicians is making that look like an understatement. As the President rules out immediate Social Security cuts, Rep. Paul Ryan, head of the Ayn Rand caucus, prepares to answer the State of the Union with his plan to scale back benefits for what his guru called … [Read more...] about Pogo Was a Piker
GOP to Push for a DC Same Sex Marriage Ban
Republicans apparently plan to continue their symbolic leadership style with yet another gesture. What better symbol to underscore their retro-orientation than the tried-and-true same-sex threat to marriage? The Hill: House conservatives say they will pursue legislation that would ban gay marriage in the nation’s capital. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), chairman of the … [Read more...] about GOP to Push for a DC Same Sex Marriage Ban
Date Night
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Widespread Hatch Act Violation By Bush Aides
Will you hear this story discussed much on many conservative radio and cable talk shows? In the way our political discussion works, don't hold your breath to hear much about this -- which does not seem to be a small matter: A long-running federal investigation has found that White House political aides to President George W. Bush engaged in widespread violations of a … [Read more...] about Widespread Hatch Act Violation By Bush Aides
Republicans Take Credit for Improved Economy
Ben Smith broke this story: … [Read more...] about Republicans Take Credit for Improved Economy
Pinocchio
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about Pinocchio
Arizona Legislator Ties Loughner’s Actions to Roe v. Wade
Arizona State Senator Linda Gray opined on a local radio show that the Roe v. Wade decision has created a culture of "disrespect for human life" that might have influenced Jared Loughner's shooting spree. … [Read more...] about Arizona Legislator Ties Loughner’s Actions to Roe v. Wade
Pres. Obama Affirms Support for Social Security and Current Retirement Age
For me, as a progressive liberal, this is a first principle, so I was relieved to hear that Pres. Obama plans to come out against cutting Social Security benefits or raising the current retirement age, in his State of the Union speech tonight. … [Read more...] about Pres. Obama Affirms Support for Social Security and Current Retirement Age
The Repeal of DADT: A Look at Our Allies
During the long and hard battle to repeal the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, many arguments were provided, both pro and con. One of the arguments offered against repeal was the allegation that in those countries where gay troops serve openly, the effectiveness of their military has been negatively affected. Many (including this writer) have used the Israeli military, one … [Read more...] about The Repeal of DADT: A Look at Our Allies
A Super Economic Cycle In Our Future?
Just when you thought the economy couldn't possibly get any better (you do think that, don't you?), word comes from Davos that these current best of economic times are just the start of even greater and more wondrous economic times to come. Davos, of course, is where 2,500 of the world's richest folks, hedge fund mangers, CEOs and the like, along with those who control much … [Read more...] about A Super Economic Cycle In Our Future?
Biden On Jury Duty: Good Idea ?
News reports out that VP Joe Biden reported for jury duty today but was subsequently excused. Now I think we all appreciate the symbolism of him reporting just like any other citizen but the fact is he is not just any other citizen. He was never going to serve on a jury for the simple reason that if he did the loser in the case would have had a solid basis for appeal. In … [Read more...] about Biden On Jury Duty: Good Idea ?