Political polarization is about feelings, not facts
Political polarization is about feelings, not facts Animosity between partisan voters has grown in recent years. Gutzemberg/Shutterstock.com Robert B. Talisse, Vanderbilt University Politicians and pundits from all quarters often lament democracy’s polarized condition. Similarly, citizens frustrated with polarized … [Read more...] about Political polarization is about feelings, not facts
On guns and white nationalism, one side is right and one is wrong
When one side proposes ways that human beings might begin to solve a deadly problem while the other side leaves it up to God, you know which side is right. When one side proposes solution after solution to contain gun violence -- and offers compromise after compromise to get something done -- while the other side blocks action every time, you know which side is … [Read more...] about On guns and white nationalism, one side is right and one is wrong
White Nationalist Terrorism is the Gravest Security Threat
White nationalist terrorism is the gravest security threat facing America and Americans today. It also afflicts Europe, Oceania and the world at large. It is a global movement that relies mostly on the internet to radicalize young white men to believe they are engaging in an apocalyptic war against some racial or religious "invasion" whose goal is either "race mixing" or … [Read more...] about White Nationalist Terrorism is the Gravest Security Threat
MAGA MANIFESTO (Cartoon)
On El Paso, and Before Dayton…
Once again, I cannot find adequate words to express my feelings as to what is happening to our beloved nation, to our “great society.” As so often and so regularly is said now, “thoughts and prayers” – while sincerely expressed by most -- just do not seem sufficient or pertinent anymore. My good friend did find words to express his views and feelings -- even before … [Read more...] about On El Paso, and Before Dayton…
Measles, Autism and Conspiracies
There has always been opposition to childhood vaccinations. Ever since 1796 when Edward Jenner inoculated a young boy with a small amount of cowpox, a disease affecting cattle, as protection against smallpox, some parents have resisted vaccinating their children. The opposition to vaccinations existed for two main reasons. First, the idea of injecting a small amount of an … [Read more...] about Measles, Autism and Conspiracies
LEAVING THE HURD (Column and Cartoon)
The Republican Party has been exercising racism for decades, but until now, there were always people like Will Hurd among its members, other than the black thing of course. For example, before Donald Trump came along, you could easily get a hell of a lot more than four votes from Republicans in the House of Representatives to condemn a racist comment. The Grand Old Party has … [Read more...] about LEAVING THE HURD (Column and Cartoon)
#MoscowMitch: McConnell’s new posture toward Moscow
"Moscow Mitch" was red hot. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, on the Senate floor Monday, denounced critics (including me) who say his recent blocking of efforts to fortify defenses against another Russian attack on U.S. elections are aiding and abetting Vladimir Putin. "For decades, I have used my Senate seat to stand up to Russia," the Kentucky Republican … [Read more...] about #MoscowMitch: McConnell’s new posture toward Moscow
Puerto Ricans unite against Rosselló – and more than a decade of cultural trauma
Puerto Ricans unite against Rosselló – and more than a decade of cultural trauma Elizabeth Aranda, University of South Florida and Alessandra Rosa, University of South Florida Puerto Ricans wrote a new chapter in their history on July 24. Governor Ricardo Rosselló finally resigned after 12 days of massive protests in Puerto Rico, as well as protests abroad, that … [Read more...] about Puerto Ricans unite against Rosselló – and more than a decade of cultural trauma
At the Democratic debate, much conflict but little clarity
WASHINGTON -- After the second two-night Democratic candidates' "debate," Joe Biden remains a vulnerable front-runner. And it's definitely time to start winnowing the field. I put the word debate in quotes because this week's encounter, hosted by CNN, was structured to maximize conflict and minimize clarity. In a typical exchange, one of the moderators -- network stalwarts … [Read more...] about At the Democratic debate, much conflict but little clarity
#MoscowMitch (Cartoon)
Re- Writing History With Quentin Tarantino
By Thomas Hoffman Once Upon a Time In Hollywood is Quentin Tarantino’s latest emotional rollercoaster. Like Inglourious Basterds, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood provides a fictional twist on historical events. Unlike Inglourious Basterds, which has you on the edge of your seat for every minute, Once a Upon a Time does not take you to the edge of our seats until the … [Read more...] about Re- Writing History With Quentin Tarantino
Is nuclear power worth its difficulties?
Is nuclear power an energy panacea or a disaster waiting to strike? The answer depends on who you ask. People who have invested in the nuclear power industry want more nuclear power production in order to make a positive return on their investments. Some climate alarmists want more nuclear power production because they believe it to be a solution to global … [Read more...] about Is nuclear power worth its difficulties?
Breaking Update: Another Trump Loyalist Replaces a True Patriot
UPDATE: Trump Drops Plans to Nominate John Ratcliffe as Director of National Intelligence Trump's Tweet: Our great Republican Congressman John Ratcliffe is being treated very unfairly by the LameStream Media. Rather than going through months of slander and libel, I explained to John how miserable it would be for him and his family to deal with these people.... … [Read more...] about Breaking Update: Another Trump Loyalist Replaces a True Patriot
OUR LIBERTARIAN THUNDERDOME
“How did you go bankrupt? Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly.” – Ernest Hemingway, The Sun Also Rises And that’s where Republicans are taking us. Today’s Republican Party is cobbled together as an alignment between many disparate interest groups, from Evangelical Christians to Neo Nazis. It has strayed from the path of moral universalism, and has blackened the soul of … [Read more...] about OUR LIBERTARIAN THUNDERDOME
More cult TV includes ‘The Avengers,’ ‘Rocky Jones – Space Ranger’
By STEVE D. STONES This is part two of a three part series on cult television shows. Here at Plan 9 Crunch, we acknowledge the importance of television as part of the “cult-dom” culture that we are passionate in writing about and documenting on this blog site. Part One is here. Here are five more “cultish” TV titles: The Avengers – Mandrake – episode … [Read more...] about More cult TV includes ‘The Avengers,’ ‘Rocky Jones – Space Ranger’
#MoscowMitch (Cartoon, Column and Video)
The owner of one of the online news sites who subscribes to my cartoons emailed asking if I was going to draw a cartoon about Mitch McConnell. He mentioned that “MoscowMitch” was trending on Twitter and that the Senate Majority Leader was upset over this, which meant the editor was going to run every single anti-McConnell cartoon and the least flattering photos he can find of … [Read more...] about #MoscowMitch (Cartoon, Column and Video)
Joe Biden was brilliantly and gloriously adequate
WASHINGTON -- Joe Biden was good enough. And that, in itself, was a victory. His fellow Democrats began attacking him in the very first minute of Wednesday night's debate, and they didn't stop. They attacked him on health care. They attacked him on immigration. They attacked him on crime. They attacked him on inequality, race, climate change, trade, equality, abortion and … [Read more...] about Joe Biden was brilliantly and gloriously adequate
More Central American migrants take shelter in churches, recalling 1980s sanctuary movement
Honduran migrant Vicky Chavez with her daughter Issabella on May 31, 2018 in the First Unitarian Church in Salt Lake City, where she sought protection from deportation in late 2017. AP Photo/Rick Bowmer Mario Garcia, University of California, Santa Barbara The ongoing threat of mass immigration raids is terrifying immigrant communities across the … [Read more...] about More Central American migrants take shelter in churches, recalling 1980s sanctuary movement