Is it a ticking political time bomb for the GOP -- one that has now detonated and has the potential to tear the party asunder? The incomparable political analyst Dick Polman thinks so and explains why. … [Read more...] about The Immigration Issue And The GOP
Sneak Peek At Michael Moore’s New Film “Sicko”
This is the film that has been marketed with the help of the Bush administration (which let it be known they are investigating his unauthorized trip to Cuba and have surely helped increase interest in the film). An AP video posted on You Tube: … [Read more...] about Sneak Peek At Michael Moore’s New Film “Sicko”
Bush Base
Sandy Huffaker, Cagle Cartoons … [Read more...] about Bush Base
The Iranian Nuclear Program: How Advanced Is It?
Dave Dryer, my new co-blogger at Foreign Policy Watch, has written an in-depth analysis of the state of Iran's nuclear program. Arms control wonks and other TMV readers should definitely check it out. … [Read more...] about The Iranian Nuclear Program: How Advanced Is It?
The Painless Dentist Song by Allan Sherman
Remember this song by the late, great song parody master Allan Sherman next time you go to the dentist: You can buy CDs by Allan Sherman HERE. … [Read more...] about The Painless Dentist Song by Allan Sherman
A New Sequel To The Godfather
The revenge of Fredo aka Alberto Gonzales. Here's the trailer: TMV thanks Andrew Sullivan for the tip. … [Read more...] about A New Sequel To The Godfather
A Ron Paul Revolution?
If America didn't know who Texas Congressman Ron Paul was a week ago, they certainly know who he is now, due in great part to the exchange between him and Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani during the Republican Presidential Debate that took place last Tuesday. Essentially, when one of the Fox News moderators questioned whether Ron Paul's non-interventionist stance was … [Read more...] about A Ron Paul Revolution?
Close But No Cigar
A follow-up on Rep. Tim Ryan's (D-OH) experiment with living on food stamps. It's a good effort, and hopefully will raise awareness, but even he isn't close to the actual lived experience of many of the people on food stamps. … [Read more...] about Close But No Cigar
What is Conservatism?
L. Thomas published a great series at his blog about conservatism: "What is Conservatism?" Four parts, part one is here; part two here; part three here and, lastly, you can read the epilogue by clicking here. … [Read more...] about What is Conservatism?
To Greedy Americans: Stop Complaining about Gas Prices
Americans are obsessed with gas prices. If the price rises a bit, an immediate firestorm is the result. At this moment, I am told in today's open thread, "gas prices are now at an all-time high in the US: $3.18 per gallon." $3.28 per gallon = $1,1312 per liter $1,1312 = euro 0.840094 Gas prices in the Netherlands: euro 1.523 euro 1.523 = $2.05055 We pay, per liter, … [Read more...] about To Greedy Americans: Stop Complaining about Gas Prices
Why Newt Gingrich Just Forever Lost This Independent Voter
Hey, Newt: I don't want to be converted... … [Read more...] about Why Newt Gingrich Just Forever Lost This Independent Voter
Gays in the Military: Don’t Ask. Don’t Tell. Don’t Discriminate.
I’ve never understood what the big deal was about gays serving in the military. The GLBT community brings as much talent and patriotism to the table as any other. The idea that gays serving in the military would somehow disrupt military operations just didn’t seem logical to me. Apparently, others agree.Since the British military began allowing homosexuals to serve … [Read more...] about Gays in the Military: Don’t Ask. Don’t Tell. Don’t Discriminate.
Iraq Study Group: Déjà Vu All Over Again.
I’ve always had a lot of respect for James A. Baker III and Lee Hamilton. Their insightful observations and conclusions contained within the Iraq Study Group only heightened that respect. I was profoundly disappointed after the Bush administration had rejected their advice and had done so, sadly, rather summarily. But wait! Maybe there is hope! Today's Washington … [Read more...] about Iraq Study Group: Déjà Vu All Over Again.
CHP, DSP Slam ErdoÄŸan’s Comments
There is still a lot going on in Turkey (the CHP is the party founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk): Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal and Democratic Left Party (DSP) leader Zeki Sezer criticized the prime minister's comments on the election alliance of their parties Saturday, with Baykal accusing Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan of being out of control. Wondering what … [Read more...] about CHP, DSP Slam ErdoÄŸan’s Comments
Immigration Bill
Many conservatives are not exactly happy with the immigration reform bill. John Fund for the Wall Street Journal: It's understandable that the White House and its Senate negotiating partners want to rush through the compromise immigration bill they agreed to Thursday. Supporters acknowledge that the delicately balanced legislation could collapse if a single destructive … [Read more...] about Immigration Bill
San Francisco Chronicle Will Cut Newsroom Jobs 25%
In one of the most graphic examples of how the mainstream print news media has fallen on hard times partially due to the 21st century trends of people getting more news online and younger people often ignoring newspapers altogether, the venerable San Francisco Chronicle is going to axe 25 percent of its newsroom jobs. Coming on the heels of steep job cuts at the Los Angeles … [Read more...] about San Francisco Chronicle Will Cut Newsroom Jobs 25%
Gas Prices Curse 2007
Daryl Cagle, MSNBC.com … [Read more...] about Gas Prices Curse 2007
Triangle of Death Hostage Search: Day 9
10th Mountain Division soldiers search for hostages in Rashdimullah There is no delicate way to put it: With every passing day, the possibility that the three American soldiers abducted in an ambush nine days ago will be found alive grows slimmer. This much is certain: * U.S. military intelligence has a basic understanding of the insurgent network behind the ambush in … [Read more...] about Triangle of Death Hostage Search: Day 9
Late Night Writing Makes Me Crazy/Brilliant
Crazy? Brilliant? Both? Neither? You make the pick. This is what happens when you write huge posts at 3 AM. Whiteness Candidates and Post-Racial America. Be forewarned: It's long--four sections, over 3,000 words and six pages single-spaced. … [Read more...] about Late Night Writing Makes Me Crazy/Brilliant
The Absurdity of the Torture Debate
Two former military commanders wrote a blazing op-ed in The Washington Post recently laying out the dangers of engaging in torture. Here's an excerpt: As has happened with every other nation that has tried to engage in a little bit of torture -- only for the toughest cases, only when nothing else works -- the abuse spread like wildfire, and every captured prisoner became the … [Read more...] about The Absurdity of the Torture Debate