From the transcript: I am proud to sign a law that will bring an end to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” (Applause.) It is a law -- this law I’m about to sign will strengthen our national security and uphold the ideals that our fighting men and women risk their lives to defend. No longer will our country be denied the service of thousands of patriotic Americans who were forced to … [Read more...] about UPDATED: DADT Repeal Signing Video
Quote of the Day: The Rise of the Petulant Party
The Washington Post's Dana Milbank nails a divide now emerging in the Republican party -- one that isn't necessarily moderates versus liberals or Palin-faction versus non-Palin faction. It's more profound: The lame-duck session of Congress has introduced Americans to the three-party system of government: the Democratic Party, the Republican Party and the Petulant … [Read more...] about Quote of the Day: The Rise of the Petulant Party
The Perfect Song for those Who Must Follow Today’s Politics?
Politics used to be fun to cover. But a lot of people now note it has gotten so angry, so rage filled and so painful to cover. In fact, you might argue that this is the perfect song for those who follow politics: … [Read more...] about The Perfect Song for those Who Must Follow Today’s Politics?
Some Special Christmas Songs 4 U
An at-his-peak Elvis Presley doing "Blue Christmas" in his famous 1968 Comeback Special: And one of the most familiar and wonderful pieces played around Xmas: And an older Brenda Lee singing her Xmas hit: And this famous one from Spike Jones (WARNING IT COMES ON LOUD) AND for the heck of it a non-Christmas bit..one of my favorites from the Jack Benny Show, … [Read more...] about Some Special Christmas Songs 4 U
A Politics of Disgust? Or Humanity?
In light of the dialogue surrounding the repeal of DADT and a day after pointing to David Bahati, Ugandan homophobia and American evangelicals, a review of Martha Nussbaum's From Disgust to Humanity: Sexual Orientation and Constitutional Law (Inalienable Rights), by Dahlia Lithwick in Slate from last spring: Nussbaum...explains that much of the political rhetoric around … [Read more...] about A Politics of Disgust? Or Humanity?
CNN Poll: 73% of Americans Favor START Treaty
A new CNN Poll finds that 73 percent of American favor the START Treaty -- once again undescoring how those GOPers who have been trying to stop the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Start and the START treaty are truly out of America's mainstream: As the Senate nears a crucial vote over a new nuclear arms treaty with Russia, according to a new national poll nearly three-quarters … [Read more...] about CNN Poll: 73% of Americans Favor START Treaty
Yes Virginia, There was a Time When John McCain Was Admirable
Dear Independent’s Eye: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there was a time when Arizona Senator John McCain was admirable. Papa says, “If McCain says ‘My friends’ it must be so.” I saw Senator McCain on TV talking in the Senate and he looked so angry he gave me nightmares. Tell me the truth: was there a time when John McCain was admirable? Virginia … [Read more...] about Yes Virginia, There was a Time When John McCain Was Admirable
Obama’s Lack of Sportsmanship at World Cup Bidding Insults Arabs: Al Madina, Saudi Arabia
First - I want to wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to the entire Moderate Voice community from all the people of Worldmeets.US. As one of the Net's great efforts to provide a platform for all viewpoints, the Moderate Voice makes a contribution to building a better world, and we are proud to play our part. As we have seen quite frequently over the past few years, … [Read more...] about Obama’s Lack of Sportsmanship at World Cup Bidding Insults Arabs: Al Madina, Saudi Arabia
Breaking: Census Releases Reapportionment Map
The U.S. Census has released a U.S. map (pdf) reflecting reapportionment for the House of Representatives. Here's the Cliff Notes edition of the changes: Plus 4: Texas Plus 2: Florida Plus 1: Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, South Carolina, Utah, Washington Minus 1: Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania Minus 2: New York, … [Read more...] about Breaking: Census Releases Reapportionment Map
Independents Applaud California Supreme Court Decision on Proposition 14
The following statement was issued today by Jackie Salit, President & Harry Kresky, Legal Counsel, IndependentVoting.Org: The decision by the California Supreme Court to reject an attempt to block the implementation of Proposition 14, the open primary, top two initiative passed by voters last June, is a positive and timely development. The voters made a clear statement … [Read more...] about Independents Applaud California Supreme Court Decision on Proposition 14
Breaking: FCC Passes Net Neutrality Rules
Update 2, 11.35 am Pacific: On a 3-2 vote, the FCC passed "controversial" rules on net neutrality today. From Politico: Led by FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, the Democrats on the panel voted Tuesday to approve the first enforceable Net neutrality rules, which will prohibit Internet service providers such as AT&T, Verizon and Comcast from blocking access to lawful … [Read more...] about Breaking: FCC Passes Net Neutrality Rules
Total Recall? Forget It!
What would it be like to remember everything that happened to you in detail over the years? This science-fiction premise comes to life on 60 Minutes with people who have been laboratory-tested and diagnosed with "superior autobiographical memory." This is no parlor trick, watching men and women instantly reach back 20, 30 years or more for a randomly chosen date and bring it … [Read more...] about Total Recall? Forget It!
Golf And The Law – Yelling “Fore” Unnecessary
The New York Courts of Appeals, the highest court in New York State and the equivalent of other states’ Supreme Court, has ruled that a golfer need not yell “Fore” on a mis-hit shot. According to the Court of Appeals, those participating in sporting and recreational events assume the risks associated with the activity. In the case of golf, that includes getting hit with an … [Read more...] about Golf And The Law – Yelling “Fore” Unnecessary
People Tell Actors “Break A Leg”
But they aren't telling them to take it literally.. … [Read more...] about People Tell Actors “Break A Leg”
START Treaty May Get Enough Republicans to Pass
The latest news from a surprisingly productive lame duck Congress is that the START Treaty -- a treaty backed by all living former U.S. Presidents and many key Republican policymakers of past administrations -- looks like it's going to pass. The surprise is that it was at risk at all. But depending on your political viewpoint (choose your perception) it looked like it would … [Read more...] about START Treaty May Get Enough Republicans to Pass
2010 Census Clearly Reveals Reasons For Social Security and Medicare Angst
I just compared age demographic data from the 2010 Census with data from the 2000 Census. And the numbers very clearly reveal the coming economic challenges that will be experienced by both Social Security and Medicare. Overall, the percentage of the population between 65 and 85-plus grew from 21 percent in 2000 to 23.4 percent in 2010. A small part of this growth was in … [Read more...] about 2010 Census Clearly Reveals Reasons For Social Security and Medicare Angst
Jingle Cats Silent Night
DESPITE popular requests, here it is: And in case you want more: … [Read more...] about Jingle Cats Silent Night
South Carolina’s Moment of Clarity
There will be many moments in the coming years to examine and discuss the issues that tore our nation apart 150 years ago. Tonight is the 150th anniversary of one of the most important precipitating events in the secession crisis, which led to the American Civil War: the secession of South Carolina from the Union. Over the years a debate has ensued over exactly why South … [Read more...] about South Carolina’s Moment of Clarity
Why Progessives Need CEOs — Really
WASHINGTON -- The central question in our politics is whether we can break out of formulaic discussions that always end up in the same place. Here's one major test: Can progressives change their way of thinking about business? We are already seeing a dreary replay of the old argument. Self-styled centrists say that President Obama has really ticked off business leaders … [Read more...] about Why Progessives Need CEOs — Really
DADT Has Been Repealed, But What Do the Troops Say?
Several of our TMV contributors (yours truly included) have said our two-cents worth on the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell.” Judging from some of the comments---“enough already”---we have probably said more than dos centavos worth. But, hey, inflation and all that… But what do the troops have to say? Those men and women on the front lines, in combat around the … [Read more...] about DADT Has Been Repealed, But What Do the Troops Say?