It has been reported that columnist Robet Novak has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. The tumor was diagnosed after Novak was involved in a hit and run accident earlier in the month. At this point we do not know if the tumor is operable or not and Novak is currently undergoing treatment. As was the case with Senator Kennedy, I do not always agree with Mr. Novak but I wish … [Read more...] about Robert Novak Has Brain Tumor
What’s your computer doing right now?
Well, ok... I know what it's doing right now. It's reading TMV. But there may be a fair amount of time when your computer is sitting around unproductively contributing nothing to society. Perhaps you would like to get that lazy processor off of its butt and help in the search for ET! SETI@home is a scientific experiment that uses Internet-connected computers in the Search … [Read more...] about What’s your computer doing right now?
Kristol’s 2008 Elections Roller Coaster of Hope and Angst
In his New York Times column last Monday, "No Substitute for Victory," Bill Kristol was full of hope that Obama, while in front of Berlin’s Siegessäule, would "make the case for victory" in the struggle against terrorism; that Obama would "warn of the temptation of assuming we can somehow avoid confronting the terrorists and jihadists, and those who support them;" and that … [Read more...] about Kristol’s 2008 Elections Roller Coaster of Hope and Angst
Budget Deficit Approaches Half a Trillion … Per Year
The Bush Administration today announced a projected budget deficit of $ 490 billion for Fiscal Year 2009 (October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2009). Just to put that in proper perspective it is $490,000,000,000 or about $ 1,650 per person for the single budget year alone. This will bring the national debt to nearly $ 10 trillion dollars which pans out to $ 10,000,000,000,000 or … [Read more...] about Budget Deficit Approaches Half a Trillion … Per Year
IG Report: Bush DOJ engaged in illegal hiring practices
Andy Zajac, The Swamp: Monica Goodling and D. Kyle Sampson, key aides to former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, violated federal law and departmental policy by considering political affiliation and other improper factors in Justice Department hiring decisions, according to another devastating report from DOJ's Inspector General and the department's Office of Professional … [Read more...] about IG Report: Bush DOJ engaged in illegal hiring practices
Visiting the Wounded: Angst for All?
After McCain's dust-up with Obama over cancelled visits with wounded soldiers, VP Cheney is at the center of another case of potential misunderstanding. … [Read more...] about Visiting the Wounded: Angst for All?
Victory in Iraq: Not Ours to Claim?
It seems that Petraeus doesn't accept the idea of a timeline. You can read his reasons here. Right-wingers, who have nothing else but the war to pin their hopes on, will tell you that this 'proves' that McCain knows more about war than Obama. I don't think it proves anything at all. My question remains: what specific conditions, according to the candidates, must be met in … [Read more...] about Victory in Iraq: Not Ours to Claim?
Smoke-Filled Lungs and Empty Stomachs
A 21st century corollary to the idealistic hope, "Suppose they gave a war and nobody came," could be "Suppose everybody stopped smoking and tobacco farmers grew food instead." The outlandish idea of devoting millions of acres to feeding hungry people rather than shortening their lives is reflected in new stirrings by Big Government and Big Money. The House of … [Read more...] about Smoke-Filled Lungs and Empty Stomachs
Far, far easier to get a gun license than a driver’s license in Georgia
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