The death of former pro quarterback and former Republican vice presidential nominee Jack Kemp at 73 of cancer yesterday almost seems a bitter irony of history -- timed at a particularly pointed time. During a week when some pundits were warning that "big tent" Republicanism was figuratively dying off, Kemp -- who successfully pushed Reagan-era conservatism and the idea of … [Read more...] about Jack Kemp Dies: Friends And Foes Remember “Big Tent” Republican Conservative
Steele Needing A Big Tent
Michael Steele is no Jack Kemp. The latter passed away yesterday, the former is already a political afterthought, who is not conservative enough for the right-wing of the Republican Party and who has driven away Arlen Specter and other moderates. Jack Kemp and his former boss, President George H.W. Bush, were pragmatic conservatives under the Reagan mantra of creating a big … [Read more...] about Steele Needing A Big Tent
Souter’s Tears
In his 2007 book about the Supreme Court, "The Nine," Jeffery Toobin wrote about David Souter's reaction to the decision that gave George W. Bush the presidency: "His whole life was being a judge. He came from a tradition where the independence of the judiciary was the foundation of the rule of law. And Souter believed Bush v. Gore mocked that tradition. His colleagues’ … [Read more...] about Souter’s Tears
Steele to Moderates: Sit Down and Shut up
This is hysterical. La Crosse - Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele appealed to the political middle Friday to join his party but added that the party itself wouldn't moderate. "All you moderates out there, y'all come. I mean, that's the message," Steele said at a news conference. "The message of this party is this is a big table for everyone to have a … [Read more...] about Steele to Moderates: Sit Down and Shut up
Some Mistakes Obama Can Avoid on SCOTUS
I've spent more than enough virtual ink wistfully laying out my dreams of ideal Supreme Court nominees, and I've reached the acceptance stage in the grief progression. There are no signs that our presidents are going to start ignoring partisan considerations and litmus tests. There was never any chance that George W. Bush was going to nominate a liberal - or even a moderate - … [Read more...] about Some Mistakes Obama Can Avoid on SCOTUS
On Nukes, Obama ‘Feigns Retreat in Order to Attack’: The Global Geographic Times, China
There has been a lot of criticism from Europe about President Obama's plan for achieving a nuclear weapons free world, essentially because most columnists there think it wildly naive. This commentary from the Global Geographic Times of the People's Republic of China, however, sees the idea as a way for America to extend its global dominance by denying the rest of the world any … [Read more...] about On Nukes, Obama ‘Feigns Retreat in Order to Attack’: The Global Geographic Times, China
More Than Just Endangered: The Destruction of the Heroic Best
The Great Performers: Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy Of Company B
Last summer when I was performing at fairs in Montana and Wyoming, I got to talk to a lot of high school students on the fairgrounds. In one city, some high schoolers told me saying how much they loved show biz and wanted to get into it and that during the year a few of them had worked on a classic number the Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy Of Company B for a talent show. Later … [Read more...] about The Great Performers: Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy Of Company B
Jack Kemp has Died
AP, minutes ago. Later -- The NYTimes: Jack Kemp, the ex-quarterback, congressman, one-time vice-presidential nominee and self-described ''bleeding-heart conservative,'' died Saturday. He was 73. Kemp died after a lengthy illness, according to spokeswoman Bona Park and Edwin J. Feulner, a longtime friend and former campaign adviser. Park said Kemp died at his home in … [Read more...] about Jack Kemp has Died
Quote of the Day: Specter’s Defection Isn’t Really Catastrophic for the GOP
Our political Quote of the Day comes from the always thoughtful conservative writer, Josh Trevino. He looks at the defection of Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter to the Democratic party and suggests that it is not catastrophic for the GOP as the party's critics and pundits' pronouncements suggest: ...Specter’s party switch is the latest in a long trend of ideological … [Read more...] about Quote of the Day: Specter’s Defection Isn’t Really Catastrophic for the GOP
Kentucky Derby Recession Beater
I am not much of a Horse Racing fan and did not even bother to watch the Kentucky Derby today but the results are sending shock waves through the community of racers as wll as the gambling world. A 50 to 1 longshot, Mine That Bird, raced from behind to win. The second biggest upset in Derby history and the biggest since 1913. The payout was $ 103.20 for every $ 2 bet. So … [Read more...] about Kentucky Derby Recession Beater
Marvin Berry’s Band Isn’t Scheduled to Play Tonight
So we won't be hearing Marty McFly's guitar solo on Johnny B. Goode. But it would be great if we did! Tonight, in our church fellowship hall, we'll be offering a Middle-of-the-Night Breakfast to the kids who attend the evening's Logan High School Prom. It'll be fun. But if Biff shows up, I may need some help. [This has been crossposted at my personal blog.] … [Read more...] about Marvin Berry’s Band Isn’t Scheduled to Play Tonight
You Can’t Get There From Here
One of the most annoying things about movement conservatives, I find, is the way they combine insufferably sanctimonious self-righteousness with a complete disregard for facts. I'm not talking here about "facts" that should more properly be called opinions -- like, for instance, "Torture has kept Americans safe from another terrorist attack for seven years now. That is a fact." … [Read more...] about You Can’t Get There From Here
Stolen Valor at the Highest Levels: The Case of Sgt. Rafael Peralta
At a young age, Rafael Peralta immigrated* to the United States and, as soon as he had his “green card,” he joined the U.S. military---just as I did. While serving in the U.S. military, Sgt. Peralta earned his U.S. citizenship---just as I did. But here is where the similarities end. … [Read more...] about Stolen Valor at the Highest Levels: The Case of Sgt. Rafael Peralta
What’s Up With People And Gays?
The anti-gay marriage amendments were credited with giving Bush the 2004 election. Maine's recent debate on the issue had to be delayed because so many people came that there were traffic jams. It's caused schisms in Church denominations. TMV posts that talk about gays seem to consistently get the most comments out of any topic -- aside from which political party is "worse." … [Read more...] about What’s Up With People And Gays?
Obama’s 5/2/09 Weekly Radio You Tube Address: Don’t Panic Over Swine Flu
President Barack Obama used his weekly radio/You Tube address to tell Americans not to panic on the Swine Flu -- to take a deep breath and not feel they have to run out and buy a face mask to do so: The full text of Obama's address is HERE as is the text of the GOP response address delivered by Kansas' Rep. Lynn Jenkins. Jenkin's remarks didn't address the flu, but … [Read more...] about Obama’s 5/2/09 Weekly Radio You Tube Address: Don’t Panic Over Swine Flu
Independents: Yes, We Can
Four more percentage points and Independents will be the largest political force in the U.S. [H/t Daily Dish.] … [Read more...] about Independents: Yes, We Can
Souter and the GOP Conundrum
Obama's not the only one with a pick to make. Eric Zimmermann of The Hill's Blog Briefing Room emailed us the following summary. A really interesting aspect of the Souter retirement is that Republicans, because of Specter’s defection, are lacking a leader on the Judiciary Committee, which will handle the nomination of a new Justice. The Republican chain of succession … [Read more...] about Souter and the GOP Conundrum
Barack Obama’s First 100 Days
The Capitol Steps wonders if it's a case of Obama-Mia. Meanwhile, the auto industry is ailing and its new theme song is "Help Me, Honda." … [Read more...] about Barack Obama’s First 100 Days
Corporate Lesson in Star Wars Fan Kerfuffle: Don’t Discriminate
Towleroad's Nathanial comments on BioWare reinstating use of the words 'gay' and 'lesbian' and ending its ban of any discussion of homosexuality in community forums: It's become an entirely predictable narrative: Company makes discriminatory decision, internet explodes with anger, company issues lame explanation as to why they did so, company reverses offending decision as … [Read more...] about Corporate Lesson in Star Wars Fan Kerfuffle: Don’t Discriminate