The flogging of John Edwards in the public square, aka the New York Times, raises the question of what relevance marital fidelity has to the qualifications of an American president. Trust and truth-telling come to mind, of course, but it gets more complicated in looking back. JFK famously cheated on his wife, while Richard Nixon, as far as we know, was a faithful husband … [Read more...] about Presidential Libidos
‘No Nuclear Surrender’: The Nation, Pakistan
Continuing with our coverage of the Pakistan media reaction to American attempts to address the ongoing chaos involving the Taliban and al-Qaeda in the region, this editorial from Pakistan's The Nation rejects any discussion of removing Pakistan's highly-enriched uranium to the United States, as was reported in the Boston Globe on Tuesday. Calling into question the … [Read more...] about ‘No Nuclear Surrender’: The Nation, Pakistan
The Debate Over The Present Republican Party And Ronald Reagan Rages On
A good roundup and take on it is here. Also read our earlier Guest Voice by Michael Reagan. … [Read more...] about The Debate Over The Present Republican Party And Ronald Reagan Rages On
GOP’s Fallin Calls Obama’s Budget “Taxation Without Representation”
And so the rhetoric continues painting what's going on with the federal government as some kind of massive break with the constitution, democracy and America as we know it. Just when you thought rhetoric from Republicans had not just jumped the shark but jumped the entire Sea World park in San Diego you get this: Rep. Mary Fallin (R-Okla.) says President Obama's budget, the … [Read more...] about GOP’s Fallin Calls Obama’s Budget “Taxation Without Representation”
The Fire-Hire Ratio
Taken out of context, statistics that seem to show improvement in some aspect of the economy may actually simply mask the fact that things are getting worse. In this regard consider the number released today showing new claims for unemployment insurance last week. It was 601,000, a huge number certainly, but the lowest weekly number in several months, indicating that companies … [Read more...] about The Fire-Hire Ratio
Happy National Prayer Day
Another day, another national event. How does Hallmark manage to keep up? This time, it's National Prayer Day -- and some folks are mad at President Obama. The National Day of Prayer Task Force, chaired by Shirley Dobson, will be holding an observance at the Cannon House Office Building on Thursday, May 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon. That observance is open to the public. … [Read more...] about Happy National Prayer Day
Will Congress Block DC Council’s Same Sex Marriage Recognition?
NO! But before getting into it... I linked yesterday to Marion Barry's "We may have a Civil War" over gay marriage quote. Ta-Nehisi Coates puts Barry & his quote in some much-needed perspective: I don't think that can be said loudly enough. There are 12 members of the City Council. Seven of them are black. One is Marion Barry. To anyone who's followed Barry's career, … [Read more...] about Will Congress Block DC Council’s Same Sex Marriage Recognition?
How Often Too Far?
It may be an isolated incident, but that doesn't make it any less frightening. Conservatives, of all people, should be outraged. Just ask Mickey Edwards. For my part, one of the key reasons I was initially drawn to the conservative movement was my disdain for concentrated power, my fear of Orwell's 1984 some day becoming reality. If the story linked above doesn't remind … [Read more...] about How Often Too Far?
State Sovereignty: A Tale of Two Views
There is some huffing and puffing going on out in Oklahoma this month, where Republicans in the legislature have decided to issue a slap in the face to their Democratic Party oppressors by raising the specter of state sovereignty and the tenth amendment. HCR 1028, which, if passed, would be sent to Democratic President Barack Obama and the Democratic-controlled Congress, … [Read more...] about State Sovereignty: A Tale of Two Views
Should Obama’s Supreme Court Pick Be A Woman?
Some thoughts HERE. … [Read more...] about Should Obama’s Supreme Court Pick Be A Woman?
Budget Paring: One Step at a Time
$100 million then. $17 billion now. If he keeps up that pace, Obama will next propose spending cuts in the range of $2.89 trillion.* Presto: We're running a surplus. Of course, that level of cutting ($2.89T) won't happen, nor am I suggesting it should. Hell, the $17B might not happen; "every program has its patrons," as the NYT article notes, paraphrasing … [Read more...] about Budget Paring: One Step at a Time
Forget Bush, Not Reagan (Guest Voice)
Should the GOP move on from Ronald Reagan? In this Guest Voice post, talk show host Michael Reagan explains why he doesn't think so and why talk radio is an important indicator of opinion. Guest Voice posts do not necessarily reflect the opinion of TMV or its writers. Forget Bush, Not Reagan by Michael Reagan If some media reports are correct -- a dangerous assumption … [Read more...] about Forget Bush, Not Reagan (Guest Voice)
The Stages of Swine Flu
Don't panic. Ok, panic. Wait, no. Read this week's cartoon first. Then panic. (Click cartoon for a full size image.) For more, visit Small World cartoons. … [Read more...] about The Stages of Swine Flu
Pakistan Afghanistan Taliban
Pat Bagley, Salt Lake Tribune This cartoon is copyrighted and licensed to run on TMV. . All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. … [Read more...] about Pakistan Afghanistan Taliban
TMV’s Most Reader Requested Musical Number
In answer to requests from TMV readers of all ages, here is the song all of you have been clamoring for. Enjoy! … [Read more...] about TMV’s Most Reader Requested Musical Number
Around The Sphere
Miss California and White House Press Secetary Robert Gibbs: Separated Elizabeth Edwards Is Going On Oprah's Show and here's why. Are Plug In Hybrids The Wave Of The Future or not? A Debate Rages Over Whether All The Torture Photos Should Be Released And Posted and Andrew Sullivan argues they should. Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge May Run Against Newly-Minted … [Read more...] about Around The Sphere
‘Pakistan in a Trance, Doing America’s Dance’: The Frontier Post, Pakistan
With President Obama and Secretary Clinton holding urgent talks at the White House with the leaders of Pakistan and Afghanistan, it seems as though the Pakistani press considers the events now unfolding in that country to be the responsibility of others - nor is there much sign the American aid to that country is appreciated. According to this editorial from The Frontier … [Read more...] about ‘Pakistan in a Trance, Doing America’s Dance’: The Frontier Post, Pakistan
Gay Marriage in New Hampshire, Too!
According to AP, the NH House passed it. The vote wasn't expected until tomorrow. And last I heard Governor John Lynch said he believes marriage to be between a man and a woman and feels the state's civil unions are sufficient for equality. LATER, clarity: The bill legalizing same-sex marriage is on its way to the desk of Gov. John Lynch following a narrow vote of approval … [Read more...] about Gay Marriage in New Hampshire, Too!
‘Obama Will Regret Legitimizing Chavez’: El Tiempo of Colombia
The debate in Latin America over whether it was a mistake for President Obama to show such warmth to Venezuela's Hugo Chavez shows no signs of abating. Roberto Olivares of Colombia's El Tiempo, as though he were a loyal member of the Bush Administration, berates President Obama for diminishing himself and his country. Olivares writes in part: "Perhaps a simple … [Read more...] about ‘Obama Will Regret Legitimizing Chavez’: El Tiempo of Colombia
Torture: Right and Reality
Regardless of what you feel about this subject, regardless of what you believe is right, regardless of what is right, this is reality. Kudos to Chris Cillizza for the analysis, for telling it like it is, no matter how uncomfortable this might have been for him to write, no matter how difficult this might be for some of us to read. … [Read more...] about Torture: Right and Reality