This seems to be the topic du jour at TMV today so allow me to throw in my two bits. Stephen Hawking was known as something of a mischievous youth, which makes me think his latest proncunciamento on the universe was deliberately calculated to raise the ire of believers of all stripes: God did not create the universe, world-famous physicist Stephen Hawking argues in a … [Read more...] about Why is the Idea of a Universe Without a God So Unsettling?
Supreme Court – Not What You Think: Part V, New Deal Power Struggles
The Supreme Court in 1930 was not far different than the Court today. The Four Horsemen (Sutherland, Butler, McReynolds, and Van Devanter) constituted a staunchly conservative wing. Holmes, Brandeis and Stone constituted a more progressive wing, at least on social issues. New Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes and Justice Owen Roberts were swing votes. The Court was, … [Read more...] about Supreme Court – Not What You Think: Part V, New Deal Power Struggles
America’s Next Bank Bailout?
It's small potatoes by American financial rip-off standards. But the run now going on at the Kabul Bank in Afghanistan might soon lead to yet another U.S. government bailout, a new bit of fiscal idiocy to add to our country's other manic policies in the nasty pissant backwater in which we are currently drowning. The facts here are simple enough. As part of our policy-makers' … [Read more...] about America’s Next Bank Bailout?
Christine O’Donnell: Curiouser and Curiouser
Earlier this week I was preparing a column on the Delaware Senate race for Pajamas Media and having a bit of fun with it. Some skeletons have been rapidly emerging from the closet of Tea Party favorite Christine O'Donnell in terms of old campaign debt, IRS woes and sheriffs coming to foreclose on her home. (Since there is no sense rehashing it all, just follow the link if … [Read more...] about Christine O’Donnell: Curiouser and Curiouser
Iraq and History’s Eventual Verdict
So what should be made of the Iraq War and history's verdict? Cathy Young looks at this question on RealClearPolitics. Here's how she starts: As the United States' combat mission in Iraq draws to a close, it is fitting to look back on the war and its legacy so far. In most left-of-center commentary, the folly and criminality of the war in Iraq is now an article of faith, … [Read more...] about Iraq and History’s Eventual Verdict
Prioritize Prioritize (Guest Voice)
Prioritize, Prioritize by David Goodloe I think I was in college when I first heard a little jingle about plagiarism — "Plagiarize! Plagiarize! Let no one's work evade your eyes!" As a journalism major, I was constantly being warned by my instructors not to plagiarize anyone. It became an article of faith with me. So I guess that accounts for my appreciation for that … [Read more...] about Prioritize Prioritize (Guest Voice)
Gallup Poll: Anti-Democratic Party Wave Fuels Impending GOP Big Mid-Term Victory
A new Gallup Poll shows that an almost-record-setting anti-Democratic sentiment is what is fueling what pollster and experts are right now saying is shaping up to be a major Democratic party wipe out on election day. And the findings aren't hopeful for those who've advocated a more affirmative kind of politics than the country has seen in the early 21st century: it is clear … [Read more...] about Gallup Poll: Anti-Democratic Party Wave Fuels Impending GOP Big Mid-Term Victory
Creed Cred (Guest Voice)
Creed Cred Raging Moderate, by Will Durst A few years ago anybody who spoke disparagingly of the president of the United States was immediately labeled a traitor and accused of coddling the terrorists with a back rub. Not any more. Hammering, slamming, and pounding the president these days has once again become a cottage industry. A competitive blood sport. You’re even … [Read more...] about Creed Cred (Guest Voice)
Jan Brewer’s Very Worst (Ever) Opening Debate Statement In American Political History
There's an old joke that not much history can be made since so much has been made already -- but we have had some seen made now in Arizona. That's where incumbent Gov. Jan Brewer -- a padlock, dried in cement, superglued definite to be re-elected after riding the wave of Tea Party-type positions on immigration and other issues -- gave what political observers now call the very … [Read more...] about Jan Brewer’s Very Worst (Ever) Opening Debate Statement In American Political History
When Political Tweets Go Bad
Updated: Think about this for a moment: you tweet something you genuinely think is the truth, and then you discover that you made it up. In effect, it was a lie. What would you do? This is not an academic question: the odds that one day each of us will tweet something that is less than 100 percent true are pretty high. How might you effect a correction? I'm about to … [Read more...] about When Political Tweets Go Bad
Victory Mosque Removal
In The New Republic, Yossi Klein Halevi has a heartfelt letter addressed to "his friend" Imam Rauf. The objective behind the letter is twofold: first, to establish that he does consider Rauf to be an important figure in interfaith dialogue ("If you are not a worthy dialogue partner for the Jewish community, then there is almost no one in Islam with whom we can speak."), and … [Read more...] about Victory Mosque Removal
CEOs With Most Layoffs Have More Compensation
You get what you reward. A new report concludes that chief executives of the 50 firms that have laid off the most workers since the onset of the economic crisis in 2008 took home 42 percent more pay in 2009 than their peers at other large U.S. companies. The report, from the Institute of Policy Studies, found that the 50 layoff leaders received $12 million on average in … [Read more...] about CEOs With Most Layoffs Have More Compensation
Chris Matthews: Get Rid Of The Teleprompter
Looks like Chris is not very happy with the teleprompter Obama … [Read more...] about Chris Matthews: Get Rid Of The Teleprompter
Wagnerian November
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about Wagnerian November
Is a god necessary?
Here are some thoughts on Kathy's post below. Is a god necessary? Stephen Hawking says no. God did not create the universe, world-famous physicist Stephen Hawking argues in a new book that aims to banish a divine creator from physics. Hawking says in his book "The Grand Design" that, given the existence of gravity, "the universe can and will create itself … [Read more...] about Is a god necessary?
God Did Not Create the Universe; Therefore, God Does Not Exist
That's not me saying that; it's Stephen Hawking, in his new book which will be released next week. Or, at least, it's what CNN says Hawking is saying: … [Read more...] about God Did Not Create the Universe; Therefore, God Does Not Exist
Apple Introduces iCompound
The following is a press release that appears to be from Apple. Looks like Apple is once again transforming the face of technology. “Apple is proud to announce a revolutionary advancement in the way you experience your Apple products. Drawing upon the success of our Apple Stores, we are proud to introduce an Apple endeavor that will permanently change the way you do … [Read more...] about Apple Introduces iCompound
Nanny Government Gone Too Far ?
I suspect for most readers this will come down to an 'only in California' comment. The long and short of it is the fire marshal requiring the removal of the latch which allows the nozzle to fill up without you holding it. The report cited *13* cases in which this brand of of nozzle had stuck and spilled gas on the ground. Now I am certainly not one who wants dangerous … [Read more...] about Nanny Government Gone Too Far ?
This Liberal Is Full Of Prunes
Or, is he? At least he went to the trouble to try and find an answer to the fear factor that is the meat and potatoes of the right-wing echo chamber. … [Read more...] about This Liberal Is Full Of Prunes
Larry Sabato Ruins Pelosi’s Labor Day
Personally I am still uncertain as to how things will play out this fall but Larry Sabato (a fairly well respected and neutral analyst) is calling the House a done deal and the Senate as in play. I do think this will be a bad year for the Democrats, off year elections almost always are for the party in the White House. I also think that for each party the worst outcome would … [Read more...] about Larry Sabato Ruins Pelosi’s Labor Day