Eric Zimmermann reports that Florida Gov. Charlie Crist is distancing himself from the Feds' stimulus plan: "I didn't endorse it." Um ... I think you did. … [Read more...] about Crist: Oh No I Didn’t
Both Parties’ Purity Push
Earlier, Joe linked to RNC Chair Michael Steele's ominous warning to GOP Members of Congress who might be thinking about "going rogue" against the party line. Meanwhile, in Palm Beach, Fla., the County Democratic Party organization has practiced its own brand of purging someone who bucks the preferred party line. Granted, the latter case hardly compares to the former, … [Read more...] about Both Parties’ Purity Push
Odd Couple: Dowd and Limbaugh
In the annals of sexual politics and odd couples, none could ever match the possibilities of mating Maureen Dowd and Rush Limbaugh, a power pairing that would have made Mary Matalin and James Carville look like America's Sweethearts. The image comes to mind from Dowd's column yesterday, recounting a four-hour dinner at Manhattan's 21 Club back when she was "a reportette" and … [Read more...] about Odd Couple: Dowd and Limbaugh
So Much For Any Chance of Bipartisan Compromise
This says it all, doesn't it? … [Read more...] about So Much For Any Chance of Bipartisan Compromise
Same-Sex Marriage Setback in Maine, Hope for the Future
Washington voted for domestic partnerships, but Maine, a similarly blue state (despite having two Republican senators), voted against same-sex marriage. There is no denying that the vote in Maine is a setback for gay rights. Simply put, the anti-gay forces of the right mobilize well, as they showed in California last year, playing to lingering bigotry and fear, and they did … [Read more...] about Same-Sex Marriage Setback in Maine, Hope for the Future
Pakistan: Of Terrorism & Tipplers
Pakistan, rightly or wrongly, is generally described as an "exporter" of terrorism. Now it is trying to export something different - its famous Murree beer produced at the nearly 150-year-old Murree brewery, Pakistan's sole producer of beer. "Understandably, making beer and whiskey in a Muslim country, where 97 per cent of the population is officially banned from enjoying … [Read more...] about Pakistan: Of Terrorism & Tipplers
“V” for Vilification: Liberal Paradise, Obama Nightmare (Guest Voice)
"V" for Vilification: Liberal Paradise, Obama Nightmare by Rick Moran Want to piss off the left? Everybody watch every single episode of the new ABC mini-series "V." Drive the ratings through the roof. Make the show the hottest cultural happening since Seinfeld. Copy the hairstyles. Ape the fashion. Start bidding up the action dolls on Ebay. And most … [Read more...] about “V” for Vilification: Liberal Paradise, Obama Nightmare (Guest Voice)
Time to Stop Deciding Who “Won”
The one thing that is clear from the most recent elections and those that occurred a year ago is that the people of this country want our elected officials to stop playing the political game, to stop worrying about whether the Democrats or Republicans “won” or “lost” and start to solve the critical problems that they care about. I for one abhor the constant discussion on TV, … [Read more...] about Time to Stop Deciding Who “Won”
Stating the Obvious, Acting on It
“When our party is united, whether you run in a Northern state or a Southern state, our party can win,” said the House Republican whip, Representative Eric Cantor of Virginia. “But when you are divided, you can lose a seat that has been in the Republican column for quite a long time.” The Virginia GOP, at least, seems to have gotten the message. … [Read more...] about Stating the Obvious, Acting on It
Google Dashboard: Transparency, Choice and Control
Google announced today: In an effort to provide you with greater transparency and control over their own data, we've built the Google Dashboard. Designed to be simple and useful, the Dashboard summarizes data for each product that you use (when signed in to your account) and provides you direct links to control your personal settings. Today, the Dashboard covers more than 20 … [Read more...] about Google Dashboard: Transparency, Choice and Control
NY 23 From the Horse’s Mouth
For those around the country who somehow thought that they understood the politics of New York's 23 district (or, "The North Country" as we call it) and feel they had a grasp on how "awful" a choice Dede Scozzafava was, they should read this editorial from the local paper. Here's one of the key portions, explaining just how she wound up as the nominee from what I fully admit is … [Read more...] about NY 23 From the Horse’s Mouth
DID SOMETHING HAPPEN?
I didn’t vote on Tuesday in Phoenix, Arizona, my residence for almost the past 4 years though I voted in the National Elections last year. I was pleased to see that the local school funding and bond issues all passed with comfortable margins across the metro area. Had I voted, my other choice would have been for a city council position wherein I did not know either candidate. … [Read more...] about DID SOMETHING HAPPEN?
Teens Cited for “Disorderly Conduct” For “Rapping” Their Order At McDonald’s Drive Thru
Some teens got in cited for "disorderly conduct" for "rapping" their order at a McDonald's. Details: So you can get in trouble rapping your order at McDonalds (because the person to whom you're rapping may feel their life is at risk -- but if it's rap, isn't it that their EARS are at risk?)..and you can order a wrap at Subway. It sounds like the teens got a bum...rap. … [Read more...] about Teens Cited for “Disorderly Conduct” For “Rapping” Their Order At McDonald’s Drive Thru
Election Thoughts
I had planned to publish a more detailed review of the elections but I ended up spending two hours in the dental chair today getting a filling replaced. I've got one more filling to go plus a deep cleaning so I was pretty distracted today getting ahead on work. As a result I'll post my more technical analysis this weekend, for those who are geeky enough to enjoy. However in … [Read more...] about Election Thoughts
Will Global Television Foster World Peace?
You wouldn't think so based on what the world is watching. The biggest television series ever, worldwide, was Baywatch. Broadcast in 142 countries its peak audience surpassed a billion people. House is tops today, with 82 million people watching last year in 66 countries. CSI and Desperate Housewives come in close behind. That from an interesting Foreign Policy piece by … [Read more...] about Will Global Television Foster World Peace?
The Storming of the U.S. Embassy: ‘A Day that Shook the World’ – Kayhan, Islamic Republic of Iran
Two of the 53 American Embassy workers being held hostage with the approval of the Iranian regime, after the facility was stormed on November 4, 1979. Thirty years ago today, the American Embassy in Tehran was stormed by followers of the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. It is a day that the current regime commemorates every year as a celebration of victory over what the … [Read more...] about The Storming of the U.S. Embassy: ‘A Day that Shook the World’ – Kayhan, Islamic Republic of Iran
Putting The Elections In Perspective
While Americans tuned into the political gyrations of a handful of elections yesterday and political operatives pontificating what it all means today, it remains dwarfed by what happened in Afghanistan. Five British soldiers embedded with locals were shot and killed by an Afghan policeman with whom they were mentoring at a security outpost in Helmand Province. The embedded … [Read more...] about Putting The Elections In Perspective
New York Mag Profile of Nancy Pelosi: Follow-Up
Yesterday, I received a note (on my Facebook page) from Vanessa Grigoriadis, author of the Nancy Pelosi profile in New York Magazine that I critiqued here. The note says: … [Read more...] about New York Mag Profile of Nancy Pelosi: Follow-Up
Feeble French Justice Lets Scientology Off the Hook: Die Welt, Germany
Eric Roux, a 'legal representative' of the Church of Scientology in France, seems relieved after the Criminal Court of Paris returned a verdict of fraud against the church - without imposing dissolution. Days ago, a long-awaited verdict was handed down in the French criminal trial of the Church of Scientology. In the opinion of German columnist Dietrich Alexander of the … [Read more...] about Feeble French Justice Lets Scientology Off the Hook: Die Welt, Germany
Not Right-But Still Angry (Guest Voice)
EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. -- Tuesday's elections were a rebuke to the right wing and a warning to Democrats. They were also a timely reminder that President Obama needs to tune up his celebrated political organization and find a way to make Americans feel hopeful again. The night's biggest loser was the national conservative political machine -- the wealthy … [Read more...] about Not Right-But Still Angry (Guest Voice)