In complimenting Barack Obama, Muhammad Khodr Aarif of Saudi Arabia's Al-Madina may inadvertently provide fodder for the president's political adversaries, even as it shows support for him in the Muslim world. For the usually U.S.-unfriendly Al Madina, Khodr Aarif compliments the White House for acknowledging the importance of Islamic charities and expresses gratitude for … [Read more...] about Thank You Barack Obama, for Ending ‘September 11 Era’: Al Madina, Saudi Arabia
Big Hollywood Agency Dumps Mel Gibson
When it rains it pours for Mel Gibson -- and we don't mean in his use of racist words when talking about Jews or African-Americans. Amid a host of p.r. and legal problems, Gibson has now been dumped by a major Hollywood agent: Add another log to the Mel Gibson inferno. A spokesman for the William Morris Endeavor agency confirmed Friday that the embattled actor is no … [Read more...] about Big Hollywood Agency Dumps Mel Gibson
The Supremos
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about The Supremos
Empathy
Justice Clarence Thomas like his extremist cohorts on the Supreme Court has not shown a lot of empathy for the common man. But it would appear that empathy makes an appearance when it's one of their own that is a victim. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is reportedly "outraged" after security guards at a New Orleans-area hospital were accused of punching and … [Read more...] about Empathy
Gen. Mattis’ “Blunt” Remarks: Original, ‘Earlier’ and Corrected Versions
This morning, I wrote that Gen. James N. Mattis was being nominated to succeed Gen. Petraeus as commander CENTCOM. I quoted the New York Times' example of the general's "bluntness" : For his part, General Mattis has gotten in trouble for past observations on a life of combat. In 2005, he received an official rebuke for comments that included “it’s a lot of fun … [Read more...] about Gen. Mattis’ “Blunt” Remarks: Original, ‘Earlier’ and Corrected Versions
Politics Goes Viral
For those tired of the traditional attack ads.. Mike Weinstein (R-FL) has come up with a video that cost nothing to make and has gone viral. If you wondered how it worked... he went from 4 opponents to zero. I don't care what party you're in, this is fun. … [Read more...] about Politics Goes Viral
Thoughts On Grant/Mehserle Case
Since I live in Northern California I suppose it is almost mandatory that I post something more on the verdict in the BART police shooting case. Now let me begin by stating that while I obviously cannot put myself in their place, I do understand the frustration and anger in the African American community over the perception that this is another example of a white power … [Read more...] about Thoughts On Grant/Mehserle Case
The LeBron James Saga: What Have You Done For Us Lately?
Sports fans, sports writers and sports broadcasters are idiots. I know. I’ve been all three. I give you LeBron James, one of the greatest athletes of modern times. When LeBron was drafted as the most hyped high school basketball player in history by the Cleveland Cavaliers seven years ago, I was worried. Not for the fame I knew he would achieve on the court — barring injuries … [Read more...] about The LeBron James Saga: What Have You Done For Us Lately?
Congressional Views on Congressional Discord
It’s one of the enduring questions: Can the major political parties in Congress still work together? Last month, I invited six Members of Congress, via their press offices, to comment. Because I was asking for their input in the context of my role as a guest commentator for St. Louis Public Radio, I focused on Members who have constituents in the greater St. Louis area … [Read more...] about Congressional Views on Congressional Discord
MSNBC Blacklists Kos: A Tale of Murder, Twitter, and Media Double Standards
Did you know that in 2001, around the time Chandra Levy, an intern at the Federal Bureau of Prisons, disappeared and media attention focused on Democratic Rep. Gary Condit, with whom Levy, who was from Condit's district, had had an affair, there was another serious incident, if one that received far less attention, involving a young woman, one Lori Klausutis, who worked for … [Read more...] about MSNBC Blacklists Kos: A Tale of Murder, Twitter, and Media Double Standards
Turkish Dislike: The Need for a Measured Response
Guest post by Michael Lieberman Michael M. Lieberman, a Truman National Security Project fellow, is an associate at Steptoe & Johnson LLP in Washington D.C., where he works on international regulatory and compliance issues. (The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Steptoe & Johnson LLP.) This post was originally published at The Hill's Congress … [Read more...] about Turkish Dislike: The Need for a Measured Response
The World Cup: Octopus or Parakeet, Spain or The Netherlands?
I promised that I would not write anymore about Paul the clairvoyant octopus, unless… Well, the “unless” has just happened. But first some other “breaking news.” This “breaking story” is about a psychic Singaporean parakeet. CBS News has just published the news that Mani, a World-Cup-forecasting parakeet--not to be outdone by Paul--has predicted that the Netherlands … [Read more...] about The World Cup: Octopus or Parakeet, Spain or The Netherlands?
LeBron James’ Guilty Looking Moment
So how the ceaselessly-hyped LeBron James announcement look on ESPN last night? Time Magazine's Sean Gregory says James looked "miserable," with "tortured body language," as he announced he was jumping ship to Miami in a 70-minute "special" -- and notes the consequences of this move. UPDATE: The Atlantic's Joshua Green thinks James' move helps the Tea Party movement. … [Read more...] about LeBron James’ Guilty Looking Moment
Jon Stewart on John McCain, Fox News and the Arizona Immigration Law
Jon nails it on the transformation of Arizona John McCain in this bit where he also takes potshots at Fox News and Arizona's controversial immigration law. ADVISORY: Adult word at end: The Daily Show With Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p / 10c … [Read more...] about Jon Stewart on John McCain, Fox News and the Arizona Immigration Law
U.S. and Russia Exchange Spy Prisoners in Vienna
The only thing that was needed was "The Twist" or "Puff the Magic Dragon" playing in the background: the United States and Russia, in an event that would have been more in place in the 50s and the 60s than in 2010, have exchanged spy prisoners on a tarmac in Vienna. Planes carrying 10 convicted Russian sleeper agents and 4 men accused by Moscow of spying for the West … [Read more...] about U.S. and Russia Exchange Spy Prisoners in Vienna
Blunt-Talking, Seasoned Marine to Lead Military in Mideast
The firing of Gen. McChrystal, followed by the assignment of Gen. Petraeus to lead the war effort in Afghanistan, left the position of Commander, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), open. (It was being temporarily filled by Lt. General John Allen, USMC, who was deputy to Gen. Petraeus at CENTCOM.) In “Who will Replace Petraeus at CENTCOM--If Anyone?” we speculated that it could … [Read more...] about Blunt-Talking, Seasoned Marine to Lead Military in Mideast
GOP Headless Horseman
Tea Party people, who adore Colonial times, are acting out another of its iconic stories, a 21st century version of a spectral beheaded figure terrorizing politicians with fear of losing theirs. After the toppling of such a Senate stalwart as Utah's Robert Bennett, the Republican Party itself is virtually headless, with Bill Kristol and Liz Cheney swiping at Chairman Michael … [Read more...] about GOP Headless Horseman
According to Sen. Jim DeMint…
... members of Congress who are not far right conservatives have violated their oath of office. … [Read more...] about According to Sen. Jim DeMint…
Unemployment Benefits
This cartoon is copyrighted and licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about Unemployment Benefits
World Cup Frenzyless
World Cup Frenzyless Raging Moderate, by Will Durst Now let me get this straight. The World Cup is the most exciting sporting event on the face of the planet, right? Okay, then. What’s second place -- the New England Spinsters Knitting Circle Seniors Tour? Which would make Supermodels Filling In Crossword Puzzles With Leaky Ink Pens a close third. Let’s not forget those … [Read more...] about World Cup Frenzyless