NOTE: There is an update and correction to this story. Please click through for the details. Is there trouble coming down the pike for the McCain campaign in the form of questionable campaign contributions? The Democrats experienced their share of woes with now famous bundler Norman Hsu, well known for generating large checks for Democrats from people of, shall we say, … [Read more...] about McCain’s Norman Hsu?
Study: our implicit biases
From the sidebar of a WSJ article on pollsters trying to uncover the truth when voters lie: The findings from Project Implicit's six million participants over a decade of testing reveal lingering suspicion of minority groups: Some 75% of whites, Hispanics and Asians show a bias for whites over African-Americans. Two-thirds of all respondents feel better toward heterosexuals … [Read more...] about Study: our implicit biases
Hiroshima Plus 63
This week marks the 63rd anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and the beginning of the end of World War 2. As is usually the case every year, we have the stories of those who attack the incident as a 'war crime'. These historical revisionists miss (or ignore) the fact that they are looking back with hindsight and applying modern attitudes to historical … [Read more...] about Hiroshima Plus 63
The End of Civilization as We Know It
And so it comes to this. We're in the midst of a heated presidential contest, an energy crisis looms, the economy is on the skids, and I come before you today to once again write about... Paris Hilton. The celebrity - whose fame, as near as I can tell, resulted entirely from the circumstances of her mother having intercourse with William Baron Hilton's boy - has responded to … [Read more...] about The End of Civilization as We Know It
Primary Results
Tuesday marked a number of key primaries for the November elections. In Missouri, Congressman Kenny Hulshof (R) has defeated State Treasurer Sarah Steelman (R) by a 49-45 margin. Hulshof will now have the honor of probably losing to State Attorney General Jay Nixon (D) in November. In Michigan, Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (D), the mother of the crooked mayor … [Read more...] about Primary Results
Major Bust In Credit Card Fraud
There has been a major bust in a credit card fraud case involving at least 11 people including an informant for the Secret Service. The case involves the hacking of as many as forty million credit card and debit card numbers from a number of major retailers. The companies attacked included TJX Cos., BJ's Wholesale Club, OfficeMax, Boston Market, Barnes & Noble, Sports … [Read more...] about Major Bust In Credit Card Fraud
Tentative Deal Reached for Withdrawal of U.S. Forces: From Iraq’s Al-Sabaah Newspaper
According to yesterday's edition of Iraq's Al-Sabaah newspaper, U.S. and Iraqi negotiators have tentatively agreed to the withdrawal of U.S. forces by 2011, the return of American troops to their barracks and rules of engagement for American troops and Iraqi citizens until the U.S. withdrawal. According to Al-Sabaah: "According to a memorandum of understanding to be … [Read more...] about Tentative Deal Reached for Withdrawal of U.S. Forces: From Iraq’s Al-Sabaah Newspaper
Gas and Circuses
I have to say that both John McCain and Barack Obama are full of it when it comes to high gas prices. Both men have to know that there isn't much the government can do to drive gas prices down quickly, but because Americans want their gas cheap and fast, both are trying to pander as fast as they can with some very silly plans. Drill Now? Okay, we should see that oil … [Read more...] about Gas and Circuses
John McCain’s Character
During last week's McCain ad blitz, he portrayed Barack Obama as a puffed-up dandy who preens like a mindless celebrity for the camera, but who offers little time for the brave men and women in uniform. It was a week of character attacks. The attacks may have nudged the polls a bit. More importantly, they defined the narrative of the week: John McCain is making this election … [Read more...] about John McCain’s Character
PLEDGE – Pledge Language is English Declaration and Government Endorsement – Act of 2008
Georgia Republican Congressman Paul Broun will win reelection in November. In April he introduced a bill to prohibit the sale of pornography on military bases. He followed that up in May with a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. Then last month he fought off his primary challenger by questioning his religious convictions. (His opponent was an active Christian … [Read more...] about PLEDGE – Pledge Language is English Declaration and Government Endorsement – Act of 2008
UPDATE: On Prejudice and Waste in our Military
On Prejudice and Waste in our Military--Update Just finished watching “Countdown with Keith Obermann.” Keith brought up the Christian Science Monitor report on the $150,000 bonuses for Arabic linguists, and in his inimitable way blasted the Pentagon for firing the gay Arabic translators because of their sexual orientation. If Keith is correct--and I have no doubt that he … [Read more...] about UPDATE: On Prejudice and Waste in our Military
McCain’s Complaint
Pat Bagley, Salt Lake Tribune … [Read more...] about McCain’s Complaint
On Prejudice and Waste by the Pentagon
This from the August 5, Christian Science Monitor, in an article titled “U.S. Army hopes to keep native Arabic speakers” The Army may begin paying a retention bonus of as much as $150,000 to Arabic speaking soldiers in reflection of how critical it has become for the US military to retain native language and cultural know-how in its ranks. Only one other job in the Army, … [Read more...] about On Prejudice and Waste by the Pentagon
From France’s Le Figaro: ‘The Good Points of George W. Bush’
There are some people in this world who think President Bush has been a great president - even in France. One such person is French historian Alexandre Adler - also known as France's foremost neocon. In this article, Adler makes a very convincing case for President Bush's legacy and his 'unparalleled service to Europe.' In regard to Iraq, Adler writes in part: "At a time … [Read more...] about From France’s Le Figaro: ‘The Good Points of George W. Bush’
“The best way to know you have a mind is to change it”
On the topic of "flip-flops", I'm with T-Steel! The other day I posted that noted copyright attorney William Patry has ended his blog. This is more of what he had to say: My late mother, aleha ha-shalom, told me repeatedly that I had a religious obligation to learn every day, and I have honored her memory by doing exactly that. Learning also involves changing how you think … [Read more...] about “The best way to know you have a mind is to change it”
A Preview of McCain’s Acceptance Speech
(Inspired by a Turner Classic Movie showing of "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.") Minneapolis, Sept 4, 2008--In a Capraesque moment for the 21st century, John Sidney McCain III told a stunned Republican Convention tonight: "I accept your nomination for president of the United States but, in all good conscience, must reject the tactics that are being used to win that office … [Read more...] about A Preview of McCain’s Acceptance Speech
New Poll Shows Obama Losing Young, Independent, Women Support
Yet another poll has come out that spells t-r-o-u-b-l-e for Democratic party presumptive nominee Sen. Barack Obama -- a poll that shows him losing the support of some critical Democratic party-pillar groups such as young women and independent voters: Barack Obama has lost ground among some of his strongest bases of support, including young people, women, Democrats and … [Read more...] about New Poll Shows Obama Losing Young, Independent, Women Support
A Page Out of Cheney’s Playbook?
As each day of "Energy Watch 2008" ticks by here at TMV I find myself more and more puzzled by the tactics being employed by Senator Obama's campaign. Today, it seems, he's showing up in the Buckeye State to talk about energy. (Well done!) Unfortunately, the message being put forth leaves me scratching my head. “McCain has taken a page out of the Cheney playbook.” “Under … [Read more...] about A Page Out of Cheney’s Playbook?
Will Texas defy World Court?
UPDATE: Yes. He was executed just before 10 p.m.: “I’m sorry my actions caused you pain,” he said to the witnesses present. “I hope this brings you the closure that you seek. Never harbor hate.” ***** Reuters says they're about to: Texas is set to defy the World Court and anger Mexico on Tuesday by executing a Mexican national who was not informed of his right to consular … [Read more...] about Will Texas defy World Court?
Mainstream News Media Ailing As There’s More News But LESS
The popularity of online news sites and weblogs (such as this one) is part of an Internet news explosion. But it’s also symptomatic of a truth, NPR’s Dick Meyer points out: there now “more news, but less news” because a lot of what passes for news now consists of people talking about the news. Meyer, the former CBS staffer who has a new book coming out today, takes a look at … [Read more...] about Mainstream News Media Ailing As There’s More News But LESS