Over at Feminist Law Professors, David S. Cohen makes a pretty good point: [W]hat’s really getting me up in arms about this whole [healthcare bill] debate (if you want to call it that) is the argument the Republicans are making about health privacy. Let’s take Chuck Grassley (who voted for “death panels” in 2003!) and his recent comment: “You … [Read more...] about A Question About Health Privacy
VJ Day and Death Panels
One of the astonishments of old age is finding that something significant happened to you on this day 64 years ago, as the calendar marks the anniversary of victory over Japan in World War II. In this August of our discontent, it's jolting to remember how close and united Americans were back then. As one of those foot soldiers who had fought through Europe, all we knew then … [Read more...] about VJ Day and Death Panels
Half of College Football Players Have a Gay Teammate
ESPN The Magazine, on newsstands today, includes the “College Football Confidential" survey of 85 current college players: In exchange for the truth, players were granted complete anonymity. Here is one poll where the athletes have the final say. Asked “Do you have any gay teammates?" Almost half of those surveyed (49.4%, to be exact) said yes, they believe they have at … [Read more...] about Half of College Football Players Have a Gay Teammate
White House Seriously Fears For Obama Safety
The reason: an ongoing and spreading hatefest is raising official concerns. … [Read more...] about White House Seriously Fears For Obama Safety
Give the Porkulous Money Back
We just HAD to spend all that money on the stimulus plan. We all know this, because if we didn't we would have been thrust into the worst economic disaster since the great depression. Heck, maybe worse! There were flying monkeys reported in many parts of the nation and nary a ruby slipper in sight. As our friend Yid with Lid reports, initial reports of the demise of the United … [Read more...] about Give the Porkulous Money Back
“Santorum Is Dangerous,” And He Wants To Be President
He may not have a chance in hell of being nominated, or of winning if the GOP were crazy enough to make him their candidate in 2012, but that does not mean his presidential aspirations should not be taken seriously. Republican strategist Mark McKinnon says we need to sit up and take notice, because Santorum's political ideology is as extreme as it gets: … [Read more...] about “Santorum Is Dangerous,” And He Wants To Be President
Is This A Joke? No It’s Just America’s Health-Care Debate
I still think that Obama will manage to win this ever dragging health-care debate – WITH a public option. But I feel like smacking my head on a brick wall as this week feels like America stepped into an alternative universe where up is down, left is right and sense became non-sense. Why? Death-panels is your answer. This week has surely been a very, very, nutty … [Read more...] about Is This A Joke? No It’s Just America’s Health-Care Debate
India’s Freedom: Countdown To August 15
In my earlier post I wrote about Pakistan's Independence Day celebrated on August 14. This post is about India's Independence Day (August 15). Two people who spelt out powerfully the aspirations/vision of free modern India were Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore, and India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Mahatma Gandhi motivated Indian masses during the freedom … [Read more...] about India’s Freedom: Countdown To August 15
Myths And Facts About Illegal Worker Health Costs
My friend Maurice and me were talking about the high cost of health care and ways Congress is searching to reduce the inflationary spiral dealing in the trillions of dollars neither one of us could truly comprehend. "How about hospitals refusing treatment for illegal Mexican workers?" Maurice asked. "No," I opined. "The courts have ruled everyone is entitled to emergency … [Read more...] about Myths And Facts About Illegal Worker Health Costs
Some Welcome Summer Reading (Guest Voice)
Some Welcome Summer Reading by Eugene Robinson Washington Post Columnist WASHINGTON -- We're told the economy is on the mend, but we still see six-figure job losses every month. The health care debate has become so polarized that even if it ends in breakthrough legislation, chances are that opponents will still be irate and supporters more exhausted than … [Read more...] about Some Welcome Summer Reading (Guest Voice)
Cash For Old Books
I heartily approve of the government's Cash For Clunkers program. It's a pleasure to finally see money going directly to consumers for buying a new product (a car) and thereby aiding a troubled auto industry. But I also think this program is discriminatory. Why, after all, should only old and no longer wanted vehicles get a government subsidy? Why should only motorists get a … [Read more...] about Cash For Old Books
Rage Against the Machine
I have not said much on any blog concerning the rising tempers taking place at town halls, the "birther" movement, or the nasty words coming from right-wing radio hosts. The reason for that is because there are a lot of twists and turns that I am dealing with concerning the whole mess. But I think I have some thoughts to share, so I will share them, muddled mess they … [Read more...] about Rage Against the Machine
Pakistan’s Major Deal For Troubled Tribals
India and Pakistan won freedom from the British colonial rule in August 1947. Pakistan celebrates its Independence Day anniversary today (on August 14), while India marks it a day later. Let's look at the media reports of celebrations in Pakistan. Pakistani leaders called for peaceful relations with India and announced new rights for tribesmen (in the militant-infested area) … [Read more...] about Pakistan’s Major Deal For Troubled Tribals
Jon Stewart on Glenn Beck’s Healthcare Hypocrisy
From The Daily Show last night, outrageously funny: "If only the ailing Glenn Beck 16 months ago (on CNN) had received the health care he's raving about today (on Fox)." Here's the full Beck from the Dead video. … [Read more...] about Jon Stewart on Glenn Beck’s Healthcare Hypocrisy
Comment System Problems
Hello readers. Disqus (our 3rd party commenting system) has been having some difficulties with spam filters and their databases. As a result, a large number of legit comments have been flagged as spam. We are in the process of un-marking those legit comments (not too fast and not too slow but tedious enough). Disqus is actively working this issue and it's getting … [Read more...] about Comment System Problems
Cheney, Rove and Sleeping Dogs
As the Bush Era recedes in the rear-view mirror, both friends and foes keep revisiting its glory days. The House Judiciary Committee makes public documents that show Karl Rove turning "law enforcement into a tool of partisan politics," and Dick Cheney wants it known that George W. Bush went soft on him in their second term and "turned out to be more like an ordinary politician … [Read more...] about Cheney, Rove and Sleeping Dogs
“Sensible Conservative” Is Not an Oxymoron
I have, as Bruce Springsteen would say, living proof: … [Read more...] about “Sensible Conservative” Is Not an Oxymoron
Eric Millegan Is A Brave Man
Normally here at TMV we generally discuss political issues, we sometimes discuss entertainment issues and once in a while the two subjects meld. I am not one for jumping on to celebrity causes but this is an exception to the rule. For those who are not familiar with the name, Eric Millegan is an actor best known for his role as Zach Addy on the CBS series Bones. He is also … [Read more...] about Eric Millegan Is A Brave Man
Not Feeling Depressed Enough?
We can fix that problem. First, watch Katy Abram (the woman who told Arlen Specter that she didn't want the U.S. turned into Russia) being interviewed by Lawrence O'Donnell. Abram appears very nervous, and rightfully so, because she reveals the cavernous depths of her ignorance every time she opens her mouth. And mind you, this is with an interviewer who, although he is asking … [Read more...] about Not Feeling Depressed Enough?
Michael Vick, Eagles Agree to 2-Year Deal
I posted with the headline, Will Michael Vick Get The Real 60 Minutes Treatment? Not 5 minutes later: Quarterback Michael Vick has signed a two-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, his agent, Joel Segal, confirmed to ESPN.com. Vick arrived in Philadelphia Tuesday morning and remained there Wednesday evening. The Eagles will hold a news conference on Friday morning to … [Read more...] about Michael Vick, Eagles Agree to 2-Year Deal