“Sir, I’m not going to ask you again. Put the fruitcake down and step away from the Santa.” The officer’s voice was measured and deliberate, unaffected by the disconcerting visual before him. “I can’t do that officer! If I put it down, no one will eat it. I can’t let that happen.” Steve Forester’s left arm tired under the weight of the five pound fruit laden cake. … [Read more...] about The Fruitcake Chronicles: An Old-Fashioned Christmas (Part one of six installments)
Bratwurst! Massive Healthcare Victory for Dems
German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck once famously remarked that observing the legislative process was like watching sausage being made. As I made my annual Christmas trek northward this year to the Germanic heartland of the Midwest I couldn't help but think of Bismarck's analogy when thinking of the healthcare debate. We've witnessed the entrails and the casings and the … [Read more...] about Bratwurst! Massive Healthcare Victory for Dems
Healthcare Enters Take It Or Leave It Stage
I have never claimed to be the brightest light in the room, which makes me wonder why the major newspaper websites are claiming victory for a healthcare reform bill cobbled together by Senate Democrats. With Sen. Ben Nelson finally aboard, all that does is snuff a Republican filibuster. The floor vote is scheduled Christmas Eve. A lot can happen between now and Thursday … [Read more...] about Healthcare Enters Take It Or Leave It Stage
Let It Snow, Oh Boy
Be careful what you wish for... When the weatherman said it was going to snow four inches earlier this week, I was practically giddy. Well, I just walked a 1/2 mile in it and it is up to my knees. Here is the pic... Have a great day of shopping in the snow if you live on the East Coast. … [Read more...] about Let It Snow, Oh Boy
A Christmas Message to Our Troops in Harm’s Way
During my twenty years of military service I was fortunate enough to spend only a couple of Christmases overseas, away from my loved ones. Even during those holiday seasons I was assigned to peacetime duties in friendly countries, among people who loved and respected Americans, America and our way of life. Thus, I cannot even begin to fathom the emotions that tens of … [Read more...] about A Christmas Message to Our Troops in Harm’s Way
Obama and the Benator
As Democrats worked feverishly to stuff Sen. Ben Nelson into his Christmas stocking, the President used his pre-holiday weekly address to hammer health insurer lobbyists and promise voters "the toughest measures we’ve ever taken to hold the insurance industry accountable." The price for a Nelson this season was high, starting with possible restrictions by the states on … [Read more...] about Obama and the Benator
Boxer, Murray Statement: We Were Happier With Capps, But Compromise Was Necessary
STATEMENT OF SENATORS BOXER AND MURRAY ON THE ABORTION COMPROMISE Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) today made the following statement on the abortion compromise language included in the manager’s package: “We said all along that we wanted to ensure there was a firewall between private and public funds—this compromise achieves … [Read more...] about Boxer, Murray Statement: We Were Happier With Capps, But Compromise Was Necessary
Nelson to Support Health Care Reform; Summary of Reid’s Newest Amendment; States Get Power to Limit Abortion Coverage
I don't know what fumes the folks on the Hill are living off of but Senator Harry Reid has introduced the Manager's Amendment (#3276) and word is that Senator Ben Nelson, a Democratic holdout, will support the overall health care reform bill. How they got Nelson: Mr. Reid’s amendment includes major restrictions on abortion that were intended to win support for the bill from … [Read more...] about Nelson to Support Health Care Reform; Summary of Reid’s Newest Amendment; States Get Power to Limit Abortion Coverage
Senate Democrats Reach Health Care Compromise: Nelson Reportedly Signs On
Senate Democrats reportedly have reached a compromise on the health care reform bill that should allow it to make its way through the Senate, CNN reports: U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson, the lone Democratic holdout on the Senate health care reform bill, has reached an agreement with Democratic leaders, several Democratic senators said Saturday on Capitol Hill. Nelson, a social … [Read more...] about Senate Democrats Reach Health Care Compromise: Nelson Reportedly Signs On
Is High Fructose Corn Syrup Making Us Fat?
The study reported: Scientists have proved for the first time that a cheap form of sugar used in thousands of food products and soft drinks can damage human metabolism and is fuelling the obesity crisis. The report debunked: Yikes. When you see the phrase "scientists have proved," it's nearly always an indication that the writer has no idea what he or she is talking about. … [Read more...] about Is High Fructose Corn Syrup Making Us Fat?
Victoria Reggie Kennedy: Ted Kennedy Would Back Current Health Care Reform Bill
When Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy died, there was a lot of rhetoric from many progressive Democrats that essentially said, "Let's win one (health care reform) for Teddy!" Much of it centered on Kennedy's career-long passion for health care reform. And in recent weeks as health care reform began being shaped by the twin political buzzsaws known as "partisanship" and … [Read more...] about Victoria Reggie Kennedy: Ted Kennedy Would Back Current Health Care Reform Bill
The Top Ten Comedic News Stories of 2009 (Guest Voice)
The Top Ten Comedic News Stories of 2009 Raging Moderate, by Will Durst Okay. Here’s the deal: the Top Ten Comedic News Stories of 2009 are not to be confused with the Top Ten Legitimate News Stories of 2009. They are as different as night and day. Fire and frogs. Popeyes chicken and ballet fundraisers. High-rise condo balconies and balsa-wood furniture. Southern Baptist … [Read more...] about The Top Ten Comedic News Stories of 2009 (Guest Voice)
Merry Christmas Barack Obama
John Cole, The Scranton Times-Tribune This cartoon is copyrighted and licensed to appear on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about Merry Christmas Barack Obama
Sen. Joe Lieberman, the “Point Man”
Ezra Klein has written a blistering rebuke of Sen. Joe Lieberman for the enormous damage -- possibly fatal damage -- he has done to what was our best chance to get meaningful health care reform in 60 years: … [Read more...] about Sen. Joe Lieberman, the “Point Man”
But What If You Don’t Celebrate Christmas?
You just cannot make this stuff up: … [Read more...] about But What If You Don’t Celebrate Christmas?
Around The Sphere
And so politics heats up now to a fever pitch. Back by popular demand: our Around the Sphere blog linkfest that will be your cyberspace road map to some good reading. But this time there will be a difference: this and future editions of Around the Sphere will NOT be limited to only political posts. You'll find some other nonpolitical gems in there. And, as usual, links … [Read more...] about Around The Sphere
Brazil’s Foolhardy Treatment of America and Embrace of Iran: Estadao of Brazil
Hot on the heels of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's announcement of plans to 'Administer the World' and continuing with our coverage of the diplomatic falling-out between Brazil and the United States over Brasilia's embrace of Ahmadinejad, we have this slap-in-the-face editorial from Brazil's Estadao, which warns Brazil's Foreign Ministry and chief executive about the … [Read more...] about Brazil’s Foolhardy Treatment of America and Embrace of Iran: Estadao of Brazil
I’m Not Phil Ochs Anymore
I believe the struggle for universal agreement is unfair. So cry me a river, and love me, because I'm a (strong) liberal. … [Read more...] about I’m Not Phil Ochs Anymore
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
Bob Englehart, The Hartford Courant This cartoon is copyrighted and licensed to appear on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer