The Chicago Tribune had a big story about new battles erupting over gun laws across the country: ATLANTA—Following the U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down a ban on handguns, gun opponents are fighting to preserve or expand gun-free zones, igniting battles over whether civilians should be allowed to carry loaded weapons to places such as airports, public parks and even … [Read more...] about Far, far easier to get a gun license than a driver’s license in Georgia
Quote Of The Day: On McCain’s Ad On Obama And The Troops
The Quote of the Day via NBC's Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro at First Read: One more thought about the Landstuhl TV ad: Obama cancelling his meeting with US troops really seems to have bothered McCain and his campaign -- personally. Do read this quote in the Washington Post from a GOP strategist: “‘They couldn't help themselves,’ the strategist said, … [Read more...] about Quote Of The Day: On McCain’s Ad On Obama And The Troops
Civil Rights Roundup: 07/28/08
Your daily dose of civil rights and related news An Iowa town has become "a flashpoint" for immigration protests after a raid on a meat processing plants. One anti-immigrant protester held a sign saying "What would Jesus do? Obey the law!" Umm...my Christian theology isn't great, but I'm not sure that's strictly accurate. Maryland might finally be recognized as having … [Read more...] about Civil Rights Roundup: 07/28/08
Is Congress Obama’s Weak Spot?
It was a cold, drizzly day in Laketown as Bard, descendent of Girion of Dale, lifted his bow toward the flying figure of the great fire-drake, Smaug. The dragon was covered in jeweled armor from nose to tip of tail, impervious to arrow or spear, but Bard had found a bare spot on the beast's belly where the plating had fallen away. He launched his arrow skyward, striking the … [Read more...] about Is Congress Obama’s Weak Spot?
Geo Beach: A Swamp Yankee in the Last Frontier (Guest Voice Report)
This is a Guest Voice original-report post is by journalism professor and author Walter Brasch who is also an award-winning syndicated newspaper columnist and radio commentator, and president of the Pennsylvania Press Club. Geo Beach: A Swamp Yankee in the Last Frontier by Walter Brasch When Geo Beach looks you in the eye and says that Tougher in Alaska, his 13 … [Read more...] about Geo Beach: A Swamp Yankee in the Last Frontier (Guest Voice Report)
WaPo looks at Obama hurdles in expanding black vote
With a Macon, GA, byline the story finds some daunting challenges: If 95 percent of black voters support Obama in November, in line with a recent Washington Post-ABC News national poll, he can win Florida if he increases black turnout by 23 percent over 2004, assuming he performs at the same levels that Democratic candidate John F. Kerry did with other voters that … [Read more...] about WaPo looks at Obama hurdles in expanding black vote
Desegregation Plus 60
As noted by fellow blogger Dorian De Wind, it was sixty years ago this week one of the more significant events in American history began when President Harry S. Truman signed an executive order which directed that all United States armed forces should be integrated. This historic order was issued on July 26, 1948. At first there was some dispute over whether or not the order … [Read more...] about Desegregation Plus 60
Clipping Pakistan Spy Agency’s Wings?
An important news has come from Pakistan. "Pakistan's notorious ISI spy agency, a mainstay of the military's domination of the nation's politics, was last night placed under civilian control for the first time since it was founded in 1948, reports The Australian. "A brief announcement from the Prime Minister's office said the ISI and the country's other principal security … [Read more...] about Clipping Pakistan Spy Agency’s Wings?
Bomb Attacks in Western India: Who Did It?
While Indian leaders have appealed for calm after a series of co-ordinated bombings ripped through the Western Indian city of Ahmedabad on Saturday, leaving at least 45 people dead and more than 100 wounded, some things about the bombings make little sense, says The Independent. "While Gujarat – whose recently re-elected Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, has been accused of … [Read more...] about Bomb Attacks in Western India: Who Did It?
Sarkozy and the Press Respond to ‘the Call of Obama’: Le Journal du Dimanche au Quotidien
After the open display of affection and support Barack Obama received from French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Paris on Saturday - John McCain cannot be pleased. On the other hand, such a display could serve to hurt Obama, which is something that will perhaps become clear in the coming days. The French are not oblivious to this. Referencing the danger for Obama, Nicolas … [Read more...] about Sarkozy and the Press Respond to ‘the Call of Obama’: Le Journal du Dimanche au Quotidien
Bill Kristol—In Anticipation
I have no idea what Bill Kristol will pontificate about tomorrow in his much-awaited Monday, New York Times column...I can't wait But, if it is about Obama's astoundingly successful overseas tour, I have no doubt that he will join the chorus of nay-saying, right-wing pundits and that he will have at best some sarcastic, sour-grapes observations and, at worse, various … [Read more...] about Bill Kristol—In Anticipation
Election 2008: New Jersey
New Jersey is one of those states that likes to flirt with one party during the campaign but always ends up going with the other side. In this case the jilted party is the Republicans and they will likely come up short again in November. President: The last Republican to win the state (or even come close) was George Bush in 1988. This November will extend that losing streak … [Read more...] about Election 2008: New Jersey
Election 2008: New Hampshire
New Hampshire has always been important during the primary season but in recent years it has evolved into a swing state, voting for Bush in 2000 and Kerry in 2004. Overall however the trend is towards the Democrats. President: Senator McCain has always been popular in New England and he is probably one of the few GOP contenders who would have a chance in New Hampshire. But … [Read more...] about Election 2008: New Hampshire
Election 2008: Nevada
At the risk of making a bad joke it is fair to say that both parties will be gambling on a win in the Silver State this November. President: Both McCain and Obama are expected to spend a lot of time in Nevada, a state that has been moving from the GOP to a swing state. It voted twice for Clinton and twice for Bush but has generally voted Republican for President. Recent … [Read more...] about Election 2008: Nevada
Election 2008: Nebraska
Although Nebraska is a basically Republican state there have been some Democrats who have managed to become quite successful here, including former Senator Bob Kerry. But for the moment the GOP remains largely in the drivers seat. President: Only the most optimistic Obama supporter would expect him to carry Nebraska. The polls all show McCain with a wide lead. Safe … [Read more...] about Election 2008: Nebraska
Election 2008: Montana
Montana is one of the few states to have a race for Governor in 2008 but there will be little excitement attached to most of the contests in November. President: Montana is part of the Republican oriented Rocky Mountain region but it has shown a willingness to vote for Democrats, supporting Bill Clinton in 1992. Obama will make this a target state and recent polls have shown … [Read more...] about Election 2008: Montana
Mass Shooting at My Unitarian Church in Knoxville Today
Terrible news this morning. Some man entered our church with a shotgun and started shooting I was not there this morning as we had friends visiting from out of town. But we seriously considered attending with our friends. This is such a shock to the community here. Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church is such a welcoming community. Though it's decidedly more … [Read more...] about Mass Shooting at My Unitarian Church in Knoxville Today
Brandon McInerney: No 14-year-old deserves the threat of life in prison
Last week a California judge ruled that trying a 14-year-old boy accused of murder in an adult court does not violate the constitution: "I cannot say that this is unconstitutional," said Ventura County Superior Court Judge Douglas Daily. Teenage defendant Brandon McInerney of Oxnard is charged with first-degree murder and a hate crime in connection with the Feb. 12 killing … [Read more...] about Brandon McInerney: No 14-year-old deserves the threat of life in prison
McCain Cashing in on Big Oil Bucks? Well, yes, but…
The Washington Post attempts to make some hay over oil company contributions to the McCain campaign following his call for increased domestic oil production. Here's the lede, just to set the tone of the piece. Campaign contributions from oil industry executives to Sen. John McCain rose dramatically in the last half of June, after the senator from Arizona made a high-profile … [Read more...] about McCain Cashing in on Big Oil Bucks? Well, yes, but…
McCain Campaign Ad: Obama Chose Going To Gym Over Visiting Troops
Republican Senator John McCain's presidential campaign opened both political barrels on rival Democratic Senator Barack Obama with a short but blistering TV campaign ad that charges that Obama chose to go to the gym rather than visit wounded troops because the Pentagon wouldn't allow cameras to go with him. It's an ad (watch ad yourself at the bottom of this post) that is … [Read more...] about McCain Campaign Ad: Obama Chose Going To Gym Over Visiting Troops