Here is the video of the 2/21/10 Don Lemon CNN segment on independents and broken government that included a panel I was on with historian and independent voter analyist Omar Ali, and Nicole Kurokawa of the Cato Institute, an independent analyst. The subjects: independent voter reaction to broken government, gridlock and political gamesmanship. Here is the complete … [Read more...] about Independents and Broken Government (Video)
Pew: Dems Losing Millennial Edge
That's the AP take-away from a new Pew Research report (pdf) released today. From the Executive Summary: Politically, Millennials were among Barack Obama's strongest supporters in 2008, backing him for president by more than a two-to-one ratio (66% to 32%) while older adults were giving just 50% of their votes to the Democratic nominee. This was the largest disparity between … [Read more...] about Pew: Dems Losing Millennial Edge
Iwo Jima Plus 65
A very busy work day prevented me from posting earlier but it was 65 years ago this week, on February 23, 1945, that the Marines raised the US flag over Iwo Jima. While the famous picture was re-enacted for the cameras there is no way we can deny the bravery of the Marines who fought and died there. For once we may have a post where everybody agrees that it's a week to … [Read more...] about Iwo Jima Plus 65
The CBO on the American Reinvestment & Recovery Act
That would be what most of us know as "the stimulus." Republican leaders claim it hasn't created a single job (while hastening to take credit for the jobs it's provided at ribbon-cutting ceremonies across the nation). … [Read more...] about The CBO on the American Reinvestment & Recovery Act
Why Are Democrats So Afraid of the Public Option?
The source of the fear is inside Congress, not out there in America: … [Read more...] about Why Are Democrats So Afraid of the Public Option?
Is GOP Planning Scorched Earth Response if Democrats Use Reconciliation?
Are Senate Republicans planning to essentially move towards a "scorched earth" policy if the Democrats try to shove through health care reform using the "reconciliation" process by which only 51 votes would be needed to pass it? The Politico has this tantilizing item which will make many political junkies drool -- and many independent voters cringe and shake their heads at … [Read more...] about Is GOP Planning Scorched Earth Response if Democrats Use Reconciliation?
Toyota
David Fitzsimmons, The Arizona Star This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to appear on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about Toyota
Will Women Serve aboard Submarines? The Answer May Be Yes.
Almost exactly five months ago I wrote: Women in the military have been—by tradition, by law, policy or regulation—excluded from various duties. One of the last remaining exclusions is women serving in “front-line combat jobs.” But, even here, according to the Navy Times, “combat roles have become blurred during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, in which irregular … [Read more...] about Will Women Serve aboard Submarines? The Answer May Be Yes.
FCC Reports On “Broadband” Use
The FCC has issued a report (pdf) that claims that 78 percent of adults in the U.S. access the Internet and that 67 percent have broadband at home. Before you go jumping up-and-down in excitement about these adoption rates, there are serious caveats and questions. The biggest caveat is how the FCC defined broadband: For the purposes of this report, home broadband users are … [Read more...] about FCC Reports On “Broadband” Use
Utah Bill Gives State the Right to Prosecute Women for Miscarriage and Illegal Abortions
I am too enraged right now to write any commentary on this. I tried several times, and it just isn't coming right now. So for now, this article will have to speak for itself: … [Read more...] about Utah Bill Gives State the Right to Prosecute Women for Miscarriage and Illegal Abortions
So Why Did Scott Brown Cross the Aisle?
Here are FIVE THEORIES. … [Read more...] about So Why Did Scott Brown Cross the Aisle?
An Intimate Near-Death Experience in Antarctica
A friend, who is a fellow tennis player and a bird watcher, just returned from a cruise to and around Antarctica and had some fascinating stories to tell about the “White Continent” with its spectacular ice, rugged mountais and fjords, aggressive seals and awesome whales, and—of course—the unique birds that inhabit the various islands, including the first Snow Petrel he has … [Read more...] about An Intimate Near-Death Experience in Antarctica
DUI Checkpoints Are Cash Cow For Cops, Cities
This article written by California Watch, an investigative team run by Lowell Bergman, former "60 Minutes" producer, blew my mind. It was emailed to me by a Riverside County District Attorney investigator and previous participant in the sobriety checkpoint program while a member of the National City Police Department. It is reprinted in its entirety. It is also on line at the … [Read more...] about DUI Checkpoints Are Cash Cow For Cops, Cities
Me and the Olympics; or, When Canada Rules!
Yeah, so I'm not blogging as much as usual with the Olympics on, what with such extensive coverage on three different Canadian networks. But you know what? We rule! Uh... at... uh... ice dancing? Yes! No, it's not a sport, and it's utterly ridiculous, with the performers -- it's undeniably athletic, and commentators fall all over themselves trying to justify it as a … [Read more...] about Me and the Olympics; or, When Canada Rules!
Stuff You Need To Know About The Tea Party People
This is one of those no, but, stories. I'm no great fan of polls. Too often the questions are rigged to prove a point. Often, the methodology is flawed or the demographics selected biased. I take polls for what they are: A flashpoint that may or not reflect a trend. And now the proverbial but. The Economist, published by our Brit friends across the pond, publishes a poll … [Read more...] about Stuff You Need To Know About The Tea Party People
Something Happened In The Senate Yesterday
Something happened in the Senate yesterday. No. That's not the lead for a story. That's the story. After a year of near total gridlock, something moved. There were stirrings in the chamber. The vote that took place was merely a procedural one, but one in which a Republican veto could have prevented a simple majority vote two or three days later. There was no successful … [Read more...] about Something Happened In The Senate Yesterday
Scott Brown’s Vote for Bipartisan Jobs Bill Whips Up Media, Republicans and Democrats
All eyes remain on .....Massachusetts' newest Republican Senator Scott Brown. Yesterday was "hope springs eternal" day for Democrats, and "your worst nightmare" for Republicans: Brown crossed over increasingly cement-like party lines to vote with Democrats to break a GOP filibuster on the new scaled down jobs bill. The result: some GOP conservatives are livid and blasted him … [Read more...] about Scott Brown’s Vote for Bipartisan Jobs Bill Whips Up Media, Republicans and Democrats
Tea Party Patriots
Pat Bagley, Salt Lake Tribune This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to appear on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about Tea Party Patriots
Big Fuss Over Down-Sized Jobs Bill
Senate Republicans have the Democrats so spooked with the threat of filibusters that a scaled down $15 billion jobs bill from an original $85 billion to help get thousands of Americans back to work while millions remain on the dole is being spun by both sides as a major victory. That's like shooting beebees at a tank. And, wouldn't you know the new kid on the block, … [Read more...] about Big Fuss Over Down-Sized Jobs Bill
Hampered By Age, An Icon Is Released
As a sports town, San Diego can best be described as sometimes a bridesmaid but never a bride. No one knows that better than LaDainian Tomlinson, affectionately known as LT. The greatest running back in San Diego Chargers franchise whose 153 touchdowns ranks third in National Football League history was released Monday. Age, a more pass-happy offense, an often-injured … [Read more...] about Hampered By Age, An Icon Is Released