We will never know the answer to that question: Blogger Alert: I have written a column in defense of Dick Cheney. I know how upsetting this will be to some Cheney critics, and I count myself as one, who think -- in respectful paraphrase of what Mary McCarthy said about Lillian Hellman -- that everything he says is a lie, including the ands and the thes. Yet I have to wonder … [Read more...] about What If Richard Cohen Was Not a Fatuous Fool?
Blue Dog Watch
They're at it again. For those of us who hope that a semblance of fiscal sanity will eventually prevail, let's also hope the Blue Dogs are a little more unified and forceful this time around than they were on the budget resolution. … [Read more...] about Blue Dog Watch
George W. Bush was Funnier
In all of the dust that has been flung around following the comedic stylings of Wanda Sykes, one little point has been overlooked... President Obama gave a mediocre performance at the WHC Dinner. The first four minutes of the speech were highlighted by the Sasha & Malia grounding over Air Force 1 and Rahm Emanuel being tripped up by using the word day after mother (instead … [Read more...] about George W. Bush was Funnier
Florida Governor Crist To Run For Senate
Florida Governor Charlie Crist (R) is expected to announce today that he is running for the US Senate seat being vacated by Senator Mel Martinez. On the surface this should be good news for the GOP as Crist has been popular with voters and would help them to hold a potentially vulnerable seat. But the right wing of the pary, seemingly determined to destroy anyone who is not … [Read more...] about Florida Governor Crist To Run For Senate
Obama Uses “Dijon” Mustard
Aislin, The Montreal Gazette This cartoon is copyrighted and licensed to run on TMV. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. … [Read more...] about Obama Uses “Dijon” Mustard
Budget Deficit Closing In on $ 2 Trillion A Year
Last year I posted about my dismay and concern over the fact that then President Bush was projecting a budget deficit of roughly $ 500 billion for the 2008-2009 budget year. At the time I lamented the fact that the reaction was mostly partisan, with each side pointing fingers at the other rather than seriously examining the issue and accepting that both sides had some share of … [Read more...] about Budget Deficit Closing In on $ 2 Trillion A Year
LIES, DAMN LIES, AND STATISTICS
It is important for every American to understand demographics on the eve of our next constitutionally-mandated decennial census. How many of us live here and there, and where we live, decide the political, economic and social decisions of every politician, business leader, and many individuals and families. They determine the make-up of Congress and the national and state … [Read more...] about LIES, DAMN LIES, AND STATISTICS
Former Bishop Admits He’s Gay
A former Catholic Bishop who resigned amid scandal has now admitted he is gay. Not to in any way take away from the seriousness of the story, but I can just see the late night talk show writers at work for the new monologues. … [Read more...] about Former Bishop Admits He’s Gay
The Great Performers: A Singer Harmonizes With Himself
As an entertainer who performs for audiences of all ages all over the country I LOVE to watch and study performers who show pizazz, have wonderful stage presence, timing, and who can pull off a boffo comedy routine and song. Which brings us to British performer Eric Storm's gem on You Tube. To younger readers:If you've never heard of a "counterpoint" song here is a perfect … [Read more...] about The Great Performers: A Singer Harmonizes With Himself
U.S. Soldier Kills Five Fellow Soldiers in Iraq
There's really nothing I can say about this that isn't totally obvious, so I'll just post it without comment: … [Read more...] about U.S. Soldier Kills Five Fellow Soldiers in Iraq
Karzai-Zardari Visit Fallout: U.S. is ‘Stumped’ By War – Die Zeit, Germany
So now that the big White House summit involving the heads of state of Pakistan, Afghanistan and the United States has been held, are our NATO allies feeling more comfortable with Washington's strategy? According to Die Zeit's Martin Klingst - far from it. For Die Zeit, Klingst writes in part: "On Wednesday, President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton … [Read more...] about Karzai-Zardari Visit Fallout: U.S. is ‘Stumped’ By War – Die Zeit, Germany
Is Progress Evaporating In Iraq?
Gen. Petraeus explains the situation to Chris Wallace:WALLACE: There is also growing violence in Iraq, amid signs that the Iraqi government is dropping some of the counterinsurgency tactics that you introduced into Iraq. Jobs programs in Sunni areas are — are being ended. The Sunni "Awakening" — these are Sunni forces that are fighting Sunni insurgents — some of those units … [Read more...] about Is Progress Evaporating In Iraq?
Defending Star Trek
A film that got positive reviews from 95% of the critics hardly needs any help from me. But I thought it was notable that a few prominent critics disliked what they saw. Now, it's never much of a surprise when Anthony Lane of the New Yorker turns up his nose at popular fare. But I could've told you that Star Trek wasn't the work of Jean-Luc Godard (not to be confused with … [Read more...] about Defending Star Trek
Did You Know That Obama’s “REAL” Objective Is To Create Unemployment?
If you're a thoughtful (which does not necessarily mean moderate) Republican, Democratic or independent voter you are probably laughing at that question -- but it's a serious one given what now seems to be the latest Republican talking point...a point made by a GOPer and then underscored on Rush Limbaugh's show. (Let's see how soon it takes to be seen in comments and posts on … [Read more...] about Did You Know That Obama’s “REAL” Objective Is To Create Unemployment?
Who Monitored The Torture And What Was Its Real Goal?
Read Andrew Sullivan. … [Read more...] about Who Monitored The Torture And What Was Its Real Goal?
DiMaggio Legend in the Age of Ramirez
His brother's death this weekend, coming right after the suspension of Manny Ramirez for drug use, recalls Joe DiMaggio as an American hero in a different century and a different world. Dom, who died at 92, was one of three sons of an Italian immigrant fisherman to become major league baseball players and, like Joe, an All-Star. Family fame notwithstanding, after Pearl … [Read more...] about DiMaggio Legend in the Age of Ramirez
Obama and the Rich: ‘This Young Man Hasn’t Finished Showing Us’: Le Monde of France
Here's something unusual if not startling from France's left-leaning Le Monde newspaper: an op-ed the criticizes Obama's perceived crackdown on the well-connected and wealthy - and what the author calls his 'anti-business bias.' For Le Monde, Frederic Lemaitre laments Obama's handling of the auto sector, his investments in the green economy, and his intention to eliminate … [Read more...] about Obama and the Rich: ‘This Young Man Hasn’t Finished Showing Us’: Le Monde of France
Gates Replaces Top General In Afghanistan
Defense Secretary Gates has reportedly decided to replace the top US General in Afghanistan and will make a formal announcement later today. General David McKiernan, who was put in charge less than a year ago, will be replaced by Lt. General Stanley McChrystal, a former commander of special operations forces at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Obviously, while the official … [Read more...] about Gates Replaces Top General In Afghanistan
Soldier In Iraq Kills 5 Fellow Soldiers
A tragic story out of Iraq today as a soldier has been arrested for shooting five of his fellow soldiers. We want to avoid too much speculation at this point but early reports do suggest that the suspect was being treated for stress. This is an increasing problem: as troops are sent back to Iraq over and over again, the stress levels begin to rise. Above and beyond the … [Read more...] about Soldier In Iraq Kills 5 Fellow Soldiers
Did Dick Cheney Change As Vice President?
The Washington Post's Bob Woodward argues that Dick Cheney changed after 911 because of his reading of the situation and the stakes. Woodward also makes an interesting revelation of what kind of "enhanced interrogation" actually worked -- and fleshes out the rocky Cheney/Colin Powell relationship: Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy … [Read more...] about Did Dick Cheney Change As Vice President?