Or not. Doesn't matter much to me. But this random poll, if it reflects the larger population's aggregate view, is telling. After I cast my vote, the tally indicated 79% do not like the the prospect of Palin as Commander in Chief. Cast your votes, if you're so inclined, and let us know if the tally changes much, one way or the other. … [Read more...] about Save Sarah Palin?
William Sessions on Troy Anthony Davis Case
On Sept. 23, the U.S. Supreme Court granted a stay of execution for Troy Anthony Davis less than two hours before he was scheduled to be put to death. A decision on whether or not the court will grant certiorari and hear his case is expected Monday. Yesterday former FBI director William Sessions, a death penalty proponent, wrote urging the court to grant Cert: I am a member … [Read more...] about William Sessions on Troy Anthony Davis Case
It’s Not Greedy Americans at Fault … It’s the System: Financial Times Deutschland
With much of the developed world pointing fingers at American greed and free enterprise as the central culprit of the current financial crisis, Thomas Fricke, Chief Economics Editor at the Financial Times Deutschland, has another explanation. Fricke writes in part: "German politicians badmouth bank managers or (indebted) Americans, demanding that with their private … [Read more...] about It’s Not Greedy Americans at Fault … It’s the System: Financial Times Deutschland
No Refuge From Sarah Palin’s Wink
I'm sipping coffee at 7 a.m., minding my own business on a cozy, cloudy morning, in total thrall with no classes to teach on Friday when Karen says from across the kitchen nook table, "We need new tires. Can you do that this morning?" Karen is so cool and dear. She and the sisterhood of women live in a non sequitur universe, wonderful in that way they can be sitting quietly … [Read more...] about No Refuge From Sarah Palin’s Wink
Gallup And Rasmussen Polls: Obama Leads McCain By 7 Points
Democratic Presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama now leads rival GOP Sen. John McCain by 7 percentage points in two key tracking polls. Here's the latest Gallup Daily Tracking poll -- which doesn't include the impact of last night's Vice Presidential debate between Democratic Sen. Joe Biden and Republican Gov. Sarah Palin: Gallup Poll Daily tracking from Sept. 30-Oct. … [Read more...] about Gallup And Rasmussen Polls: Obama Leads McCain By 7 Points
Why McCain’s “Maverickiness” Fails as Organizing Principle of Decision-Making
I wrote about this exact point here and here (though not in regard to the debate). E.J. Dionne, Jr. writes about it in today's Washington Post column, "Hockey Mom on Thin Ice:" This week, McCain's backers signaled their fears that [Alaska Governor and GOP VP nominee Sarah] Palin would fail by trying to discredit the debate in advance. Although it has been known at least … [Read more...] about Why McCain’s “Maverickiness” Fails as Organizing Principle of Decision-Making
House Passes Bailout Bill
A few days after the surprise rejection of the old bailout bill, the House has now voted to pass the new bailout bill. The total vote was 263-171 in support: Democrats voted 172-63 in favor of the bill Republicans voted 108-91 against the bill … [Read more...] about House Passes Bailout Bill
Thinking Differently About Checks and Balances
A month or so ago, when I wrote that I was back on the fence, I was met with quite a range of reaction. For most folks, it seems, these choices are just obvious -- but the more I've cogitated on this, the more complex the decision has become. One of the most difficult internal hurdles I've encountered is my very strong belief in checks and balances... and my worries about … [Read more...] about Thinking Differently About Checks and Balances
Palin Did OK Last Night, Except for… (Follow-Up)
In my original post a few hours ago, I criticized Sarah Palin for her comment directed at Senator Joe Biden, “Your plan is a white flag of surrender in Iraq.” I said: Her ultimate and unforgivable insult to all Americans who oppose the war in Iraq--“waving the white flag of surrender.” She might as well have called us “traitors.” In the last couple of hours, … [Read more...] about Palin Did OK Last Night, Except for… (Follow-Up)
Most Polls Agree: Biden Beat Palin In Debate
Most polls now show that Democratic Sen. Joe Biden beat Republican Gov. Sarah Palin in last night's Vice Presidential debate. The Kansas City Star reports: Non-random (unscientific) polls on AOL and MSNBC web sites show Biden winning 48 to 45 and 78.6 to 18.9 respectively. Randomly selected subjects on three other polls also show Biden winning: CNN/Opinion Research … [Read more...] about Most Polls Agree: Biden Beat Palin In Debate
Save the Economy – Save the Immigrants
Throughout time immigrants have driven the growth and prosperity of this country. The concept of illegal immigrants is a relatively recent one. The idea that we should keep out those who don’t look like us, however, is an age-old effort. Whether we like it or not, immigrants are critical to the future of the US economy. There is a simple way to solve this problem. Make them … [Read more...] about Save the Economy – Save the Immigrants
The Decision to Go Over a Cliff
Congress is facing a Butch-and-Sundance moment today in the debate over hurtling into the unknown as relentless mercenary forces close in. The Senate has thrown them some goodies to slow down the stampede but essentially left the $700 billion cost unchanged--in fact, adding $150 billion in reduced taxes to the ransom. In the House showdown, it will still be an odd … [Read more...] about The Decision to Go Over a Cliff
Palin Did OK Last Night, Except for…
I think that Sarah Palin did OK last night, except for: Her misrepresentations and flat-out lies (taxes, votes on funding the Iraq war, etc.) Her lack of humanity and compassion (She did not miss a beat getting back to idolizing John McCain’s “maverickness” after Joe Biden choked recalling the loss of his wife and child in a horrible car accident). Baring her … [Read more...] about Palin Did OK Last Night, Except for…
Credit Crunch: Winners & Losers in Higher Ed
The Chronicle reporters and editors analyze the fallout from the money crisis. Short version: WINNERS Colleges with big endowments, low debt, and strong name brands Community colleges, affordable public colleges that can handle the demand, and distance-education programs Deep-pocket institutions that can expand programs, poach faculty members, or buy up stocks on the … [Read more...] about Credit Crunch: Winners & Losers in Higher Ed
Free to Speak Their Minds
Though we have never met and likely never will, our politics are remarkably similar -- which is one reason why, I think, Polimom emailed me this WaPo/Marc Fisher report. It's dated yesterday, and someone else here might have already linked to and/or commented on it, while I was distracted by that damn paying job I have. Regardless, it's worth linking to again, in case anyone … [Read more...] about Free to Speak Their Minds
Stampeded by Fear, Scammed by Lies: Why the Bailout Failed (Guest Voice)
The second attempt at a bailout is expected to come to a vote in the House of Representatives today. In this post, written before the Senate passed the newer version, Walter Brasch looks at why the bailout failed. Journalism professor and author Brasch is an award-winning syndicated newspaper columnist and radio commentator, and president of the Pennsylvania Press Club. Guest … [Read more...] about Stampeded by Fear, Scammed by Lies: Why the Bailout Failed (Guest Voice)
October Is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month (Guest Voice)
Filmmaker Will Drinker has a reminder about the importance of this month and about a must-see project he's working on with his brother: October Is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month by Will Drinker Are you aware of Dan Drinker? Dan is a 23 year old man with Down syndrome who is not only aware of the current presidential race, he's participating. Dan endorsed … [Read more...] about October Is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month (Guest Voice)
An Obama Election Day Blowout: The Thing That No One Yet Dares Speak The Name Of
My capacity for being surprised has somehow endured despite writing thousands of news stories, commentaries and blog posts about pretty much everything from the fact that pigs really can fly (in reserved USAir seats) to O.J. Simpson being acquitted for murder (despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary). And so it is with signs that Barack Obama may be on the verge of … [Read more...] about An Obama Election Day Blowout: The Thing That No One Yet Dares Speak The Name Of
Pakistan: United Nations’ Staff Worried
In view of the growing militant attacks, the United Nations has ordered children of its international staff to leave Pakistan. According to The Independent, the alert came as a suicide bomber killed himself and three others in north-west Pakistan in an attack aimed at a prominent politician. "Asfandyar Wali Khan, leader of the Awami National Party (ANP) which is part of … [Read more...] about Pakistan: United Nations’ Staff Worried
Biden Palin Vice Presidential Debate: Two Survivors
In the end, it didn't happen. In the highly-watched Vice Presidential debate Republican Gov. Sarah Palin didn't flop, but she didn't match the home-run excitement she generated with her GOP convention acceptance speech. Democratic Senator Joe Biden didn't stick his foot in his mouth and generate a major gaffe that would dominate the news cycle for days. Most likely the … [Read more...] about Biden Palin Vice Presidential Debate: Two Survivors