In a move that has surprised some, angered a few and won praise from many (including yours truly), Utah Governor Jon Huntsman has announced his support for same sex civil unions. Huntsman is both a conservative Republican and a Mormon but he has come out in support of a measure in the legislature (which has no chance of passage) to provide for civil unions in Utah. The popular … [Read more...] about Utah Governor Backs Civil Unions
Confessions Of A Blogger…
A fictional character Wilkins Micawber, from Charles Dickens' famous novel David Copperfield, was immortalized for saying his favourite words "something may turn up". Finally, this fictional character ended up in a debtor's prison. Although this may not the fate of the bloggers, but they do dream on...hoping that "something may turn up" one day. Daniel Lyons has an … [Read more...] about Confessions Of A Blogger…
The Real Work of Bipartisanship
"Bipartisan" has become the word of the day in political life. Actually, I don't think its hold has ever left us. There is something among Americans that we want to see people put aside partisan differences and work together. Presidential candidates love to talk about how they will come to Washington and create a new environment where people will work together and things … [Read more...] about The Real Work of Bipartisanship
Multinational Defense Contracts, Multinational Economic Issues
I have recently been posting on the upcoming Obama administration's decision on how many (if any) additional Lockheed Martin F-22 fighter aircraft to purchase. The decision will be based on a multitude of factors and considerations. In previous, and probably in ongoing and future deliberations, another fifth generation fighter aircraft being developed by Lockheed … [Read more...] about Multinational Defense Contracts, Multinational Economic Issues
Symbols Valued Over Substance (Guest Voice)
Wells Fargo canceled an expensive shindig for its executives, said shindig a PR no-no now that the bank is receiving TARP funds. In this Guest Voice post, cross-posted from his blog, James Hertsch of In the Alternative, argues that the "savings" are mostly just PR and that over-the-top criticism is unjustified. Guest Voice posts do not necessarily reflect the opinion of TMV or … [Read more...] about Symbols Valued Over Substance (Guest Voice)
China ‘Will Not Tolerate’ U.S. Exchange Rate Threats: The China Daily, People’s Republic of China
Is a trade war about to brake out between the United States and the People's Republic of China? U.S. talk of Chinese currency manipulation has raised hackles in Beijing, and they have responded. This article from China's strictly-controlled China Daily might be summarized this way: "You [the U.S.] had better not start a trade war - but if you do, America will be hurt more than … [Read more...] about China ‘Will Not Tolerate’ U.S. Exchange Rate Threats: The China Daily, People’s Republic of China
In Case You’re Wondering…
I'm not related. I'm not a porn-again Christian. [This gem has been crossposted at my personal blog.] … [Read more...] about In Case You’re Wondering…
Israeli Election Update
Most of the votes have been counted (it's the middle of the night in Israel). Out of the 33 political parties participating, 5 major and 7 minor parties have elected one or more MKs (Members of the incoming Knesset): Haaretz: With 88 percent of the votes counted, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni's Kadima Party is in first place with 29 of the Knesset's 120 seats, with … [Read more...] about Israeli Election Update
[update] Bill O’Reilly Insults Helen Thomas After Just One Obama Presser
UPDATE: 2/12/09: Here's the video of Courtney Martin on O'Reilly's show. He tells her that if she can show that she called out sexism against Sarah Palin, he'll apologize. Here is one instance of when Martin did that (O'Reilly didn't do his homework before making the bet) and this instance is of Martin calling out sexism levied against Palin by...O'Reilly. Be prepared for … [Read more...] about [update] Bill O’Reilly Insults Helen Thomas After Just One Obama Presser
PETA Does It Again
I am a big advocate of animal rights and am often quite disturbed when I see the abuse of animals that some people tolerate. However, I have never been a fan of PETA because they take legitimate issues and push them to ridiculous extremes. In addition, they often advocate ridiculous things in pursuit of their agenda. In case you were never a fan of 90s Pop music, the … [Read more...] about PETA Does It Again
Executive Pay Rule Targets Wrong Culprits
It would be premature to comment with much authority on Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner's national press conference Tuesday because it lacked too many details. Generally, it was greeted by a sour response from the banking industry and investors. The Dow Jones industrial average, the Standard & Poor's 500-stock index and the tech-heavy Nasdaq each fell more than 4 percent … [Read more...] about Executive Pay Rule Targets Wrong Culprits
Hearing Voices: GOP Fever Dreams
In this national nightmare, it's hard to tell if all the voices we hear are real or the products of overheated imaginations. Was that the new Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele saying that the Obama stimulus plan was "laughable" and that the economic mess is only "about 18 months old. The reality of it is, Bush inherited a recession. He got us through … [Read more...] about Hearing Voices: GOP Fever Dreams
Pity The Poor “Stressed” Bankers
The stock market took a dive today. The Dow dropped more than 380 points. Why? Because the financial life support program announced by the new Secretary of the Treasury has a "stress test" provision. More specifically, in order to get government bailout money in the future banks will have to prove that, even if economic times get tougher, they will be able to repay government … [Read more...] about Pity The Poor “Stressed” Bankers
Two Letters on the Stimulus Bill
I know that there are "professional" letters-to-the-editor writers (one is yours truly), and sometimes some experts and "expert opinions" find their way to the "Letters pages." Additionally, one sometimes has to put up with "the angry diatribes and political screeds long regarded as editorial stock in the trade." (more on this later) But generally, such letters represent … [Read more...] about Two Letters on the Stimulus Bill
Israeli Exit Polls: Livni/Kadima=30 Seats, Netanyahu/Likud=28
These can change - I've seen it, it happens. But this is the most current spread for now. What I don't get is: Livni had the most last time too - but couldn't form the coalition and that's what got us to today. So, now what? According to Jameel: 10:27 PM What happens next: [that's 3:27EST] 1. Final Results to be announced by 6 AM [11pmEST] 2. President Shimon Peres … [Read more...] about Israeli Exit Polls: Livni/Kadima=30 Seats, Netanyahu/Likud=28
Did Obama Play the GOP on the Stimulus Bill?
Calling the president "a master rope-a-doper," Noam Scheiber has an interesting take on what may have been Obama's strategy in dealing with the Republicans over the stimulus bill: For weeks now, Obama has soared above the fray -- inviting dour-looking Republicans to the White House for cookies and patiently hearing them out on Capitol Hill. Once again, the Republicans have … [Read more...] about Did Obama Play the GOP on the Stimulus Bill?
Stimulus Bills: Side by Side
If you're seeking, as I have been, a more detailed comparison of the competing House and Senate stimuli than is typically available in the MSM, check out this post at ProPublica. Reviewing that analysis, one would think the right leaners would be quite pleased with the compromise version, especially the increase in "Tax Cuts," the total for which is up nearly $76B in the … [Read more...] about Stimulus Bills: Side by Side
Stimulus Passes Senate In Round Two But Round Three Will Be Most Difficult
The Senate has passed President Barack Obama's economic stimulus bill with a smidgen of Republican support -- but Round Three could be the most difficult stage yet, as the Senate and House try to reconcile differences that some on each side consider irreconcilable. Or are they? The Washington Post reports: The Senate today passed an economic stimulus bill that President … [Read more...] about Stimulus Passes Senate In Round Two But Round Three Will Be Most Difficult
The Stimulus Is Unimportant Compared To The Real Mess
Until the bank situation is resolved the stimulus can't really help stimulate much at all. I have concerns about it specifically but everyone should recognize that it is just a drop in the bucket compared to the most pressing concern. So, how is their plan for that going? Let's turn to the esteemed Yves Smith at Naked Capitalism (emphasis mine): [Fiasco] That one word … [Read more...] about The Stimulus Is Unimportant Compared To The Real Mess
Obama’s (Not-Ready-For) Prime-Time Presser
Did you watch the big shindig last night? I did. It had a few high points, but a lot more of it was dark comedy. You can catch up with my impressions of it and what lessons we can take in my latest column at Pajamas Media today. … [Read more...] about Obama’s (Not-Ready-For) Prime-Time Presser