NOTE: The following post is an update regarding the Hinchey-Rohrabacher medical marijuana amendment yesterday's post. Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives defeated the Hinchey-Rohrabacher Amendment by a vote of 262 to 165. Sponsored by Democratic Congressman Maurice Hinchey and Republican Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, this amendment would have prohibited federal … [Read more...] about Medical Marijuana Amendment Defeated in U.S. House
Sabato’s Crystal Ball: 2007 STATEHOUSE ROCK
Who will be "The King" and why you should be listening With political pundits and concerned citizens focusing on the 2008 presidential and congressional contests, the 2007 election season has been lost in the shuffle. But, there are three revealing governorships on the ballot this November (Kentucky, Louisiana and Mississippi), and at least one of them (Kentucky) may … [Read more...] about Sabato’s Crystal Ball: 2007 STATEHOUSE ROCK
Is Rhetoric About Terrorism The Problem?
Oxblog's Patrick Porter writes: After 9/11, Bush should not have called America's campaign against terrorism a war. This is the view of a range of some powerful minds, from historians John Mueller and Michael Howard to ethicist Michael Walzer, from pundit James Fallows to several of my colleagues. So its probably a hard task to disagree. However. I would respectfully … [Read more...] about Is Rhetoric About Terrorism The Problem?
How Many Gun Barrels Have You Stared Down?
A wealthy, privileged, Brown alum--who is Black--notes the abiding truth of race in America. No matter how rich you are, no matter where you live, no matter what you do, if you're Black, you'll be treated Black. But I'll pose his question to the rest of y'all. Any White TMV commenters who come from economically privileged backgrounds, who attended elite universities, who … [Read more...] about How Many Gun Barrels Have You Stared Down?
Karl Rove Subpoenaed
AP via Washington Post: Democrats Urge Perjury Probe of Gonzales WASHINGTON -- Senate Democrats called for a perjury investigation against Attorney General Alberto Gonzales on Thursday and subpoenaed top presidential aide Karl Rove in a deepening political and legal clash with the Bush administration. "It has become apparent that the attorney general has provided at a … [Read more...] about Karl Rove Subpoenaed
Filling the Gaps
Can there be a feminist-friendly defense against rape charges? By this I mean, is there a way for a person to defend himself against charges of rape, without engaging in the usual tactics (slut shaming, "she was asking for it", etc.) that perpetuate the marginalization and degradation of women? … [Read more...] about Filling the Gaps
Center of Attention
A round up of recent posts by a few centrist, moderate, and independent bloggers. The 'sphere's collective analysis of the CNN/YouTube debate may be overcooked at this point, but I still found this Jeff Jarvis vs. Kevin Marsh post (and subsequent comments) fresh enough to offer up for your consideration. Sean Aqui summarizes "a pretty informative [Scientific American] … [Read more...] about Center of Attention
Concert Un-Review: Lucinda Williams
No thanks to commercial radio, we live in a golden age of woman folk and rock singer-songwriters. They include, to name just a few of my favorites, Suzanne Vega, Nancy Griffith, Rosanne Cash, Sarah McLachlan, Feist, Tori Amos and Jonatha Brooke. All in one way or another owe an immense debt to Joni Mitchell. With very few exceptions, don't expect to hear any of these women … [Read more...] about Concert Un-Review: Lucinda Williams
Jake (1995-2007)
Jake, a black Labrador who became a national hero after burrowing through white-hot, smoking debris in search of survivors at the World Trade Center site after the 9/11 attacks, died Wednesday after a battle with cancer. Owner Mary Flood said Jake had been in pain and had a 105-degree fever. She had him put to sleep after a last stroll through the fields and a dip in the … [Read more...] about Jake (1995-2007)
Gonzales’ Testimony To Congress Contradicted By Memo
The AP has come up with yet another indication that Attorney General Alberto Gonzales either was not honest in his Congressional testimony or has a major memory problem -- two things that would have made previous Presidents of either party give their AG the boot: Documents indicate eight congressional leaders were briefed about the Bush administration’s terrorist … [Read more...] about Gonzales’ Testimony To Congress Contradicted By Memo
Who Will Be 2008’s Political King (or Queen) Maker?
Will it be this person? … [Read more...] about Who Will Be 2008’s Political King (or Queen) Maker?
And Now That We’re Back……
TMV was down starting last night through much of the night due to some technical work that is underway. It has not been completed yet. As a result, there are fewer new posts on TMV today (since posts you see early in the morning are often written the night before). Due to my own travel schedule, I won't be posting until early afternoon California time. But please keep … [Read more...] about And Now That We’re Back……
The Birthday And The U.N’s Famous Emblem
It's an emblem that everyone takes for granted -- the United Nations emblem. A symbol known all over the world. But it isn't an emblem that just popped out of the air. Someone came up with an idea, and designed it. And that someone turns 100 today. HERE is his story. … [Read more...] about The Birthday And The U.N’s Famous Emblem
End the Federal Government’s War Against Medical Marijuana
I recently took the time to write a letter to my US Congressman and Senators asking them to support the Hinchey-Rohrbacher Medical Marijuana amendment that is expected to come up for a vote tomorrow. For those of you who would like to see the federal government stop prosecuting medical marijuana patients, Downsize DC has started a letter writing campaign. Here is the letter … [Read more...] about End the Federal Government’s War Against Medical Marijuana
Deathly Hallows Review
I'm back from the Berkshires, and present my review of the final Harry Potter book. Spoilers inside, so be aware. … [Read more...] about Deathly Hallows Review
On Vietnam, Iraq, and Sacrifice
Some thoughts HERE. … [Read more...] about On Vietnam, Iraq, and Sacrifice
Popular Spanish Satirical Magazine’s Unique Retraction
We ran this post a few days ago about a free speech issue raging in Spain. Now the beset magazine has run a...unique...retraction. Read THIS POST and be sure to click on its links. … [Read more...] about Popular Spanish Satirical Magazine’s Unique Retraction
2008 Election Predictions From Republican Who Says He Has Been Repeatedly Correct
Paul M. Weyrich, Chairman and CEO of the Free Congress Research and Education Foundation, says he has been repeatedly right in his election predictions and that others know that and want to know his take on 2008. And it won't make GOPers happy. Writing in Townhall, he says: Last week on my radio show Representative Mike Pence (R-IN) discussed the Fairness Doctrine, … [Read more...] about 2008 Election Predictions From Republican Who Says He Has Been Repeatedly Correct
Hillary Potter And The Deathly Hallows
RJ Matson, Roll Call … [Read more...] about Hillary Potter And The Deathly Hallows
A Non-Violent Approach to Containing Hezbollah
In the American press, most of the discussion about Hezbollah is hawkish and militaristic, caught up in the details about how best to "wipe them out." The general consensus amongst most analysts seems to be that Israel, in its campaign against Hezbollah last summer, just didn't go far enough. If they'd only been willing to commit more troops or drop more bombs, Hezbollah would … [Read more...] about A Non-Violent Approach to Containing Hezbollah