The Blog at The Nation presents a discussion of Public Financing of Campaigns. The "pressure for constant fundraising is unsustainable – there is a convergence of democratic values and ideals and more pragmatic considerations wrought by fundraising fatigue. ("The result of this nonsense is that almost one-third of a senator's time is spent fundraising," former Democratic … [Read more...] about Public Campaign Finance
Damn
Maryland's Highest Court, in a 4-3 ruling, has held that my state's prohibition of same-sex marriage does not violate the state constitution. The opinion is here, it's 244 pages, so more comment later. I will say that if there is any state where gay marriage might make it through the legislature, Maryland strikes me as a good bet. The State Senate is 33/14 D-R, and the House … [Read more...] about Damn
An Upside to Global Warming? Mega-Dandelions!
IUPUI study finds dandelions grow stronger with global warming A new study reported in the current issue of Weed Science reveals that rising carbon dioxide (CO2) levels will drive dandelions to grow taller, stronger and more productive. Unless you love dandelions, this is not a good thing. … [Read more...] about An Upside to Global Warming? Mega-Dandelions!
Washington Yawns As Egypt’s Independent Press Is Attacked
Since the United States has abandoned its democracy-promotion strategy in the Middle East, things have gone to hell. Arab monarchies have cracked down hard on opposition groups, press has been stifled, and elections have been blatantly rigged. This is particularly evident in Egypt, where the Mubarak monarchy is literally trying to eviscerate all opposition. Besides the jailing … [Read more...] about Washington Yawns As Egypt’s Independent Press Is Attacked
Harry and Louise’s Golden Years
In the early 1990s, they were on TV all the time, a middle-aged, middle-class American couple named Harry and Louise, sitting around the kitchen table, worrying that Hillary Clinton’s health care plan would get between them and their doctor. Now, that Clinton woman is back again with her radical ideas about insurance for everyone, but will Harry and Louise still be … [Read more...] about Harry and Louise’s Golden Years
The Buck Stops Here
RJ Matson, Roll Call … [Read more...] about The Buck Stops Here
The salami tactics of Hugo Chavez
In the first episode of the great Yes, Prime Minister, "The Grand Design," new PM Jim Hacker meets with the government's chief scientific advisor to discuss defence policy. The advisor, a hawkish Austrian, argues that the Soviet Union would use "salami tactics" to take over Europe, that is, a "slice-by-slice" plan with no one slice so grave as to compel the West (or the U.K., … [Read more...] about The salami tactics of Hugo Chavez
Barry Manilow: The Danger Of Differing Ideas
What's seemingly spreading faster in America than obesity, people sharing their private secrets as they talk loudly on cell phones in supermarkets or restroom stalls (perhaps even while tapping their foot three times), or than the critical need for Viagra? It's the idea -- oh, please Lord SAVE US -- that if you're around someone who has a different idea, perspective or take … [Read more...] about Barry Manilow: The Danger Of Differing Ideas
Blackwater USA: A Law Unto Itself
Blackwater choppers: A familiar sight over Baghdad How richly ironic that, like the U.S. in Iraq, Blackwater USA is a law unto itself – answerable to no one no matter how questionable its actions may be. As reported here yesterday, Iraq has withdrawn the license of the controversial security firm, which provides many of the mercenaries who work alongside U.S. troops and … [Read more...] about Blackwater USA: A Law Unto Itself
Michael Mukasey: An Ability To Communicate?
Pejman Yousefzadeh, a thoughtful writer who posts on the conservative site Red State, has looked at a Wall Street Journal op-ed piece that Attorney General nominee Michael Mukasey' wrote four years ago on the Patriot Act and likes what he sees. His post should be read in full, but here's his conclusion: Quite clearly, the challenge of combating terrorism is going to … [Read more...] about Michael Mukasey: An Ability To Communicate?
Is The GOP Writing Off Hispanic And Black Voters?
It's getting to the point now where anyone interested in political science has to ask: does the Republican Party have a political death wish when it comes to black and Hispanic voters? Is the big tent shrinking to a pup tent? Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson has become the fourth leading GOP presidential candidate to shun the PBS debate this month at a … [Read more...] about Is The GOP Writing Off Hispanic And Black Voters?
Guest Poet: A Hecka Of A Trifecta
Another poetic gem from TMV's favorite poet, Michael Silverstein, aka Wall Street Poet: A lot of people think that the 2008 presidential election will be a subway series, with ex-New York City Mayor Giuliani topping the Republican ticket and New York Senator Clinton topping the Democrats. But what if a third party candidate steps into the election fray in 2008, one spoken of … [Read more...] about Guest Poet: A Hecka Of A Trifecta
OJ’s Memorabilia
Tab, The Calgary Sun … [Read more...] about OJ’s Memorabilia
Growing Up In America
Ali Khan, a young American of Pakistani descent: … [Read more...] about Growing Up In America
Child Molesters Can Be Found Everywhere
Federal Prosecutor Arrested In Child Sex Sting DETROIT -- A U.S. Justice Department official has been arrested on suspicion of traveling to Detroit over the weekend to have sex with a minor. John David R. Atchison, 53, an assistant U.S. attorney from the northern district of Florida, was arraigned in U.S. District Court in Detroit Monday afternoon. An undercover … [Read more...] about Child Molesters Can Be Found Everywhere
Quote of the (Yester)day
Cross-posted to the Debate Link As so often is the case, my quote of the day comes from quite some time ago. This one comes from a Chinese Newspaper (one year prior to the communist takeover) commenting on the application of segregationist law in Alabama: We cannot help having some impressions of the United States which actually already leads half the world and which would … [Read more...] about Quote of the (Yester)day
Headline of the Day
CNN.com: "Crocs, kids, and escalators a bad combination? It turns out they're talking about the shoes, rather than the vaguely sinister reptile, which diminishes the coolness. Still, great headline though. … [Read more...] about Headline of the Day
It’s Not Like O.J. Murdered Somebody
John Darkow, Columbia Daily Tribune, Missouri … [Read more...] about It’s Not Like O.J. Murdered Somebody
Another Republican Moderate Gone: Ramstad Won’t Seek Re-election
All within a week....the thinning ranks of Republican moderates or GOPers who had an independent streak. First Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel says he won't run for re-election. Then defeated Rhode Island former Senator Lincoln Chafee quits the GOP altogether. And, now, Minnesota's Rep. Jim Ramstad says he has had enough, too: U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad announced today that … [Read more...] about Another Republican Moderate Gone: Ramstad Won’t Seek Re-election
Turn Us On: TMV On the Radio
If you’ve been waiting for a chance to bust my chops . . . er, talk back to me, I'll be making two radio appearances off of my posts at TMV. At 8:45 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday night, I'll be on The World Tonight on CHQR in Calgary, Alberta Canada, with host Rob Breakenridge. The topic: My post today n "O.J.: 'Race Neutral & All Too Human. You can listen in here. At 4 … [Read more...] about Turn Us On: TMV On the Radio