An interesting narrative has been emerging from the Arab world since the tragic Israeli boarding of a flotilla of vessels seeking to break the blockade of Gaza: By taking the lead in challenging Israel, Turkey has embarrassed Arab rulers by exposing them as impotent lackeys of the United States. After yesterday's article from the Palestinians headlined, Blockade of Gaza … [Read more...] about Turks Teach Arabs ‘Stark Lesson’ About Following America: Le Quotidien d’Oran, Algeria
Reflections on Primary Night in America
Honestly, I just can't get too worked up about Tuesday's primary votes. Given how few people actually vote in these elections, I just don't think they mean nearly as much as the the chattering class of the 24/7 news cycle would have us believe, and I don't think we can learn all that much from them. For example, does Sen. Blanche Lincoln's win in Arkansas against a … [Read more...] about Reflections on Primary Night in America
Harry Reid Owes Tea Party A Thank You
As it seems increasingly likely that tea party activist Sharon Angle will win the GOP nomination to face Senator Harry Reid his chances of winning re-election just doubled, if not tripled. Against Lowden he was a likely loser, against Angle it's a 50/50 shot. … [Read more...] about Harry Reid Owes Tea Party A Thank You
You Are Not Worthy: Go Back to Where You Came From
Whether it's Africa for African-Americans, Mexico, Central and South American for Latino US citizens and naturalized citizens, China for Chinese refugees who fled to the US, or any group, ANY group, we've all heard someone say it, or else been the recipient who it was aimed at: Go home, you $^#% immigrant. Go home if you dont like it here. Go home if you cant look like me. Go … [Read more...] about You Are Not Worthy: Go Back to Where You Came From
Primary Night: California and Nevada
With the races called in Arkansas and South Carolina, it's time to focus on Nevada and California. Update: It is quite early but I think we can call the California primaries Whitman for Governor and Fiorina for Senator, the birther loses the SoS race In Nevada the Democratic primaries seem to be over, with Harry Reid for Senate and son Rory Reid for Governor. On the … [Read more...] about Primary Night: California and Nevada
Have All Media Been Played for Chumps? Entire Helen Thomas Interview In Context
I've watched the msm and blogosphere erupt over something one of my favorite US citizen crones, Helen Thomas, said, (Barbara Bush being one of my other most favorite plain-speaking, humor filled but serious champs). Over the decades, I've also heard other media workers express extremely biased condemnations, unsupportable opinions and polarizing and ugly ideas, including … [Read more...] about Have All Media Been Played for Chumps? Entire Helen Thomas Interview In Context
The Real News in DC Tonight: Stephen Strasburg
Forget politics. DC has something to be REALLY excited about. A genuine ace - perhaps the best pitcher to wear the "W" cap since Walter Johnson. Stephen Strasburg was the most hyped new pitcher since Mark Prior on the 2002 Cubs. Strasburg dominated in the minors. So how did he do in his debut tonight? Two minor negatives first: 1) The Pirates hitters - not exactly Major … [Read more...] about The Real News in DC Tonight: Stephen Strasburg
Primary Night: SC, Arkansas and Maine
Now that we are getting some clearer returns I thought I'd focus on some of the races that are getting attention from the voters. LINCOLN WINS With 75% of the vote in Lincoln holds to the same 51-49 lead. Not that the networks care, but I'm calling this one for Lincoln UPDATE #4: We've got nearly 65% of the vote counted and Lincoln is back on top 51-49 (about 4,500 … [Read more...] about Primary Night: SC, Arkansas and Maine
If It’s Good Enough For Helen
Helen Thomas was ambushed by a right wing James O'Keefe style Rabbi and was forced to retire. You have to be careful what you say and Helen probably should have retired years ago anyway. But Glenn Beck has not been ambushed but that has not stopped him from recommending crazy right winger W. Cleon Skousen and now Nazi sympathizer Elizabeth Dilling. On his radio show today, … [Read more...] about If It’s Good Enough For Helen
The Joran van der Sloot Murder Case in Ten Languages
I have been browsing the Peruvian press for breaking news about Joran van der Sloot and, as I have posted here and here, found some interesting bits and pieces. Then, realizing the nationality of van der Sloot, I decided to check the Dutch press and I believe that I hit the mother lode with “Radio Nederland Wereld Omroep (Radio Netherlands Worldwide), or RNW. Radio … [Read more...] about The Joran van der Sloot Murder Case in Ten Languages
Reid and Reid
Among states having a Primary election today is Nevada. Nevada voters were faced with two big decisions today in addition to a couple dozen local level races. The electronic ballot in some precincts was 9 pages long. While the nation has one eye on our race, it turns out that the majority of Nevadans won't even bother showing up at the polls. The headline star of the show … [Read more...] about Reid and Reid
Primary Night Part One
Today is something of a mini Super Tuesday with primaries in Arkansas, California, Georgia, Iowa, Maine, Montana, North Dakota, New Jersey, Nevada, South Carolina, South Dakota and Virginia. Some of the races are pretty quiet. In North Dakota it's pretty much a coronation for the next US Senator but in other states we've got some big races. In Arkansas we could see the 3rd … [Read more...] about Primary Night Part One
Glee Speech On Tolerance
I am a huge fan of the TV show Glee but a scene in a recent episode just took my breath away. For a little background, the plot of this scene involves a gay teen (Kurt) and his widowed father (Burt) and the son's football jock friend (Finn). Bert is a mechanic, very blue collar and is dealing with his son's sexuality. Although he does not totally understand everything he has … [Read more...] about Glee Speech On Tolerance
How To Catch A Psychopath: Joran van der Sloot?
From teaching in prisons and penitentiaries for many years, I've seen psychopathic behavior up close. Some prisoners, one wonders why they are there ...for their minds are clear and hearts are good, but they made a terrible mistake somewhere, or a true injustice was created. But one kind of incarcertated person is the epitome of decay. I don't know if Joran van der Sloot … [Read more...] about How To Catch A Psychopath: Joran van der Sloot?
American Ass-Kicking
Another primary day, another occasion for voter disgust-- today's ballots will be parsed for the degree and direction of anti-incumbent rage as new polls show such passion at an all-time high. All this recalls the reaction of a social critic half a century ago to excoriation of those who produce mass entertainment as purveyors of junk: "Yes, but what about the people who … [Read more...] about American Ass-Kicking
Let’s Go to the (Original) Video Tape
I have no words. I should have seen this coming. … [Read more...] about Let’s Go to the (Original) Video Tape
Blago Promises To Twitter During Trial
Frankly, Rod and Patti Blagojevich, I don't give a damn if you Twitter during Rod and his brother's criminal trial for selling President Obama's Senate seat and shaking down a children's hospital for campaign contributions and 22 other federal corruption charges. I don't Twitter so count me out as adding to Rod's list of 819 and Patti's 121 followers, according to Politics … [Read more...] about Blago Promises To Twitter During Trial
Peruvian Newspaper: Van der Sloot Linked to Women Disappearances in Colombia? (UPDATE)
Under the headline, “Two women disappeared in Colombia during van der Sloot’s stay in that country,” the Peruvian newspaper El Comercio reports that, before arriving in Lima on May 14, Joran van der Sloot had been in Colombia since May 6. The paper asks, “What did he do in [Colombia]?” and answers, “The same as here. Visiting casinos,” It continues, “Nevertheless, his stay … [Read more...] about Peruvian Newspaper: Van der Sloot Linked to Women Disappearances in Colombia? (UPDATE)
Whose Ass to Kick
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about Whose Ass to Kick
VIDEO: Jon Stewart on Helen Thomas’ Controversy and Resignation
Here's Jon Stewart on the controversy surrounding Helen Thomas' comments and her resignation. He also offers a bit of a critique for aspiring racists in a bit on South Carolina: The Daily Show With Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p / 10c … [Read more...] about VIDEO: Jon Stewart on Helen Thomas’ Controversy and Resignation