There's a fascinating article in the New York Times today about the growing influence of regional powers in the Middle East -- in particular, Turkey -- and their growing unwillingness to ask "How high?" when the United States says "Jump!" The hook for the Times piece, which is written by Sabrina Tavernise and Michael Blackman, is the May 31 assault on a flotilla of ships … [Read more...] about The Village Rules
Obama Emotions
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Now Gore’s Daughter Separates from HER Husband
What's in the water at the Gore residence? Now his daughter has separated from HER husband: Karenna Gore Schiff, the oldest daughter of former Vice President Al Gore and Tipper Gore, has separated from her husband, Dr. Andrew Schiff, after 13 years of marriage, two sources close to the former vice president tell CNN. This news comes just a week after the former vice … [Read more...] about Now Gore’s Daughter Separates from HER Husband
Political activism masquerading as “ambush journalism”
If activists want to practice journalism, shouldn't we hold their work to a rigorous journalistic standard? "Hey Congressman Moran? Jason Mattera, from Virgina, actually, big fan. The 12th district of Virginia." With that Mattera, a conservative activist heavily promoted under the umbrella of Andrew Breitbart's media empire, was already creating his own version of … [Read more...] about Political activism masquerading as “ambush journalism”
Go, Blanche, Go!
The seemingly biggest news from yesterday's primaries emerged from California, where it became clear that very rich women can now buy public office as easily as very rich men. Turning elsewhere, however, reading the subtext of another primary victory, one not grounded in the size of an aspirant's personal checking account, one sees a truly epic battle shaping up for the future … [Read more...] about Go, Blanche, Go!
Obama’s Union Problem
It seems that President Obama has labor union problem. As unlikely as it sounds, the candidate who was pushed over the top by several labor unions in 2008 was on opposite sides of the Arkansas democratic primary less than two years later. After the primary dust settled, both sides had shots to fire across the bow warning of another conflict. The White House said … [Read more...] about Obama’s Union Problem
Israel to allow Snack Food Into Gaza
Should we call it "The Triumph of the Potato Chips?" In the wake of international controversy over its bloody attack on a flotilla headed towards Gaza, Israel is lifting a tiny part the Gaza embargo, officials noted, by allowing snack food to pass through. So tensions may be at a fever pitch between Israel and the Palestinians and Arabs, Jews and Muslims may hate each … [Read more...] about Israel to allow Snack Food Into Gaza
Good News for Independents: California Open Primary Proposition 14 Passes With 54%
Californians voted in favor of Prop 14 last night by a healthy margin. The open primary referendum empowers 3.4 million "decline-to-state" registered independents in the state, and is good news for independents and nonpartisan voters throughout the country. Partian control of elections has become a major obstacle to policy that truly represents the sentiments of voters, and is … [Read more...] about Good News for Independents: California Open Primary Proposition 14 Passes With 54%
California Dreaming Again For No Apparent Reason
California Republican voters love their new-found fat-cat beach girls Meg Whitman and Carly Fiorina and had the good sense to chain the lifeguards to their stations while kicking sand in the face of the original birther girl Orly Taitz. The Democrats, meanwhile, had a bunch of putzes on the ballot, including an old geezer who was the state's governor about a zillion … [Read more...] about California Dreaming Again For No Apparent Reason
President Kick Ass
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Unions, Progressives The Big Losers In Arkansas Senate Race
The unions and progressive put their money where their mouth was on Bill Halter in the Arkansas Democratic Senate runoff race and ate it because President Obama's No. One arm-twister and fix-it man Bill Clinton still got it by backing incumbent Blanche Lincoln. So, a jubilant and surprised Lincoln survives a scare from a formidable opponent who really did run a good race as … [Read more...] about Unions, Progressives The Big Losers In Arkansas Senate Race
The Censored Version Of The South Carolina Republican Primary Results
If you like your politics dirty, vulgar and blatantly racist, take a jet to South Carolina where political consultant Stuart Rotenberg calls the Republican national stinkpot. Tuesday's primary vote in South Carolina was not about politics but about sex, lies and innuendos. It may be a Tea Partier's dream but you will need to ask one yourself. How these folks can tout family … [Read more...] about The Censored Version Of The South Carolina Republican Primary Results
Turks Teach Arabs ‘Stark Lesson’ About Following America: Le Quotidien d’Oran, Algeria
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