The calls for “civility” in our political discourse are missing the point. First off, what is being decried is not “rhetoric” because rhetoric is intended to persuade, whereas the extreme statements that are being thrown out there are what some of the authors at The Moderate Voice like to refer to as “red meat” intended to “fire up the base” (a side note, one throws meat … [Read more...] about Missing the point about “civility”
A Palin-Lieberman 2012 Republican Ticket?
Joe Lieberman won't be running for reelection in Connecticut next year. No surprise there. He didn't stand a chance at the polls. This might not end his political career, however. I'm thinking he would make a perfect running mate in a presidential campaign of Sarah Palin. This may sound odd at first because of some very obvious differences in their stands on certain social … [Read more...] about A Palin-Lieberman 2012 Republican Ticket?
Sarah Palin’s Unfavorable Poll Ratings Climbing High
Perhaps the advice of some GOPers framed in various language and rejected by Sarah Palin should be taken to heart by the former Alaska Governor: a new poll suggests that the more she talks the higher her unfavorable ratings climb: A new national poll indicates that 56 percent of all Americans have an unfavorable view of Sarah Palin, an all-time high for the former Alaska … [Read more...] about Sarah Palin’s Unfavorable Poll Ratings Climbing High
America Should Thank Hitler for Its Strength: Nan Fang Daily, People’s Republic of China
With President Hu visiting the country, perhaps he'll take a moment to use America's open Internet to read this article about history and academic freedom by columnist Ding Dong of China's state-controlled Nan Fang Daily. Did the United States achieve most of its scientific and industrial prowess by absorbing the Jewish intellectual elite from Hitler's Germany and the rest … [Read more...] about America Should Thank Hitler for Its Strength: Nan Fang Daily, People’s Republic of China
At a time when other states are lowering taxes or considering doing so…
...Illinois has raised its income taxes. Is the State Legislature crazy or are they onto something? The jury's out, but read the whole thing and render your judgment in the comments section, if you wish. [This has been cross-posted at my personal blog.] … [Read more...] about At a time when other states are lowering taxes or considering doing so…
Palin’s Mrs. Oswald Moment
The dots connect between Sarah Palin's self-absorbed interview on the Tucson shootings and the response of Lee Harvey Oswald's mother after the death of her son who killed JFK and was gunned down two days later. In Washington to testify before the Warren Commission investigating the assassination, Mrs. Oswald told reporters she was miffed about not being invited to the White … [Read more...] about Palin’s Mrs. Oswald Moment
Will the Arizona Shootings Prove a Turning Point for Obama, McCain and Palin?
Will the shocking shootings in Arizona prove to be a turning point for America? Whether they are or not, the assassination attempt and murders could be a turning point for three key American political figures: Barack Obama, John McCain and Sarah Palin. In the space of a week, all three chimed in on the shootings. Obama’s and McCain’s unifying comments reminded voters why … [Read more...] about Will the Arizona Shootings Prove a Turning Point for Obama, McCain and Palin?
Tucson Shooting Video Reveals A Hero: Judge John M. Roll
Police have revealed that a new chilling surveillance video has surfaced that shows the shooting in graphic detail and reveals a new detail: Judge John M. Roll was a true and until now unsung hero. Aside from other tidbits that now add some details -- the gunman wore earphones as he came up quickly and shot Gabrielle Giffords from less than three feet -- the fact now emerges … [Read more...] about Tucson Shooting Video Reveals A Hero: Judge John M. Roll
Has The American Dream Drifted North? (Guest Voice)
Has The American Dream Drifted North? by Tina Dupuy Imagine a handsome young family complete with kids living in a stylish two-story home in a quiet neighborhood. The parents work quiet middle-class jobs. Dad is a city bus driver. Mom is a secretary. Their house is brimming with consumer goods: a couple of mammoth-sized televisions, a drum set for the kids and high-end … [Read more...] about Has The American Dream Drifted North? (Guest Voice)
Following the narrative
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about Following the narrative
Living While Muslim
Since Rep. Peter King (R-NY) has made it clear he believes that Muslims in the United States have not "cooperated" with counterterrorism efforts, perhaps that will be the test he and his committee members use in the upcoming hearings before the Homeland Security Committee. Those who do not "cooperate" with the investigation will be suspected of radical Islamic sympathies -- … [Read more...] about Living While Muslim
“At the end of every day, starting when he was in high school, he would ask himself, in effect, What have I done to improve the lot of humanity?”
"The root of Shriver's self-conception was as a lay Catholic who always tried to model his life after the ethics of Jesus as expressed in the Gospels. This has not been a passive pursuit. Always he was asking himself, Am I living my life as Christ would want me to? "What he derived from his faith was less the solace of Lord's presence, or the promise of transcendence … [Read more...] about “At the end of every day, starting when he was in high school, he would ask himself, in effect, What have I done to improve the lot of humanity?”
Sargent Shriver’s (1915–2011) “War On Poverty”
Sargent Shriver, who died at age 95, was among those well-known Americans who pursued social causes with great enthusiasm. He highlighted the positive aspects of the American society. Unlike the present mindless "War on Terrorism", Shriver ran the "War on Poverty" and founded, or was an early advocate of groups, including Peace Corps, "Special Olympics", Head Start, VISTA, Job … [Read more...] about Sargent Shriver’s (1915–2011) “War On Poverty”
Polls Can Be Poppycock
As a young newspaperman, I was covering my first city council election and was slipped a secret poll taken by the candidate's staff that indicated the boss would win by 2 percentage points. With scoop in hand, I rushed to the city editor and told him the breaking news. He glanced at my copy, crunched into a ball and flung it in the waste basket. "We don't publish polls," … [Read more...] about Polls Can Be Poppycock
That’s Cool, Gov. Bentley, I’m Glad I’m Not Your Sister
And you don't have to remind me why I never, ever, want to step foot in Alabama -- the state that is now, by official decree, only for Christians Christians who are saved and filled with the Holy Spirit. … [Read more...] about That’s Cool, Gov. Bentley, I’m Glad I’m Not Your Sister
Joe Lieberman To Retire
Looks like the day for retirements. This one is harder to read than the North Dakota retirement. With Dorgan stepping down, a Democratic seat becomes a likely GOP takeover. By no means a lock but the GOP is stronger in ND and it is likely to be a good GOP year. Connecticut is harder to analyze, however. On the surface it is a blue state and 2012 is likely to be a good … [Read more...] about Joe Lieberman To Retire
U.S. Resumes Vicious Cycle of Deportations: El Mundo, El Salvador
While the issue of illegal immigration from Mexico gets most of the media attention, nations across Latin America have their share of people risking life and limb to get to the U.S. This editorial from El Salvador's El Mundo reflects frustration with U.S. handling of Salvadorans that in many cases, know of no home other than the United States. The El Mundo editorial says in … [Read more...] about U.S. Resumes Vicious Cycle of Deportations: El Mundo, El Salvador
Sargent Shriver Has Died
The New York Times: R. Sargent Shriver, the Kennedy in-law who became the founding director of the Peace Corps, the architect of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s war on poverty, the United States ambassador to France and the Democratic candidate for vice president in 1972, died Tuesday. He was 95. … [Read more...] about Sargent Shriver Has Died
Sen. Joe Lieberman of CT To Retire
The New York Times: Senator Joseph I. Lieberman will announce on Wednesday that he will not seek a fifth term, according to a person he told of his decision. Mr. Lieberman, whose term is up in 2012, chose to retire rather than risk being defeated, said the person, who spoke to the senator on Tuesday. “I don’t think he wanted to go out feet first,” the person said. … [Read more...] about Sen. Joe Lieberman of CT To Retire
Conrad (D-ND) To Retire In 2012
The head of the 2012 Democratic Senate Campaign Committee just got a new headache. Of course it is a long time between now and next November and the Democrats do have a history of success in North Dakota Senate races. However this is not what they needed as they were already in trouble when it came to the 2012 landscape. In addition the leading Democratic prospect, former … [Read more...] about Conrad (D-ND) To Retire In 2012