By Jay Johnson Tony Award Winning Ventriloquist/Comedian/Actor I have great respect and admiration for my friends who specialize in children’s shows. I can’t do it. I love kids, but I am not comfortable performing for them. It could be that I am much to ADD to make it work. To me an audience full of kids is like performing for a can of worms... worms that occasionally … [Read more...] about Why Come to a Live Performance?
(UPDATED) Education as a Reward for Public Service?
UPDATE: More presidential candidates have joined the push for (“free”) higher education. Sen, Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) just rolled out “a comprehensive higher education plan that includes a broad proposal to cancel student loan debt.” Her plan includes cancelling $50,000 in student loan debt for persons with a household income under $100,000 – and others. She also … [Read more...] about (UPDATED) Education as a Reward for Public Service?
Bolsonaro’s approval rating is worse than any past Brazilian president at the 100-day mark
Helder Ferreira do Vale, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was elected last year on a wave of popular anger at the country’s stagnant economy and political chaos, promising voters a “better future.” After just over 100 days in office, many Brazilians feel this right-wing former congressman has not delivered on that promise. … [Read more...] about Bolsonaro’s approval rating is worse than any past Brazilian president at the 100-day mark
Mike Peters Guest Cartoon: Moses and Barr
OF RELATED INTEREST: --What is a redaction? Its definition and what it means for the Mueller report --‘Redacted’ Is Word of the Day as the Mueller Report Lands Mike Peters is recognized as one of our nation’s most prominent cartoon artists for his outstanding work as both a political and comic strip cartoonist. His favorite expression “WHAT A HOOT” certainly sums up his … [Read more...] about Mike Peters Guest Cartoon: Moses and Barr
Have You Hugged A Volunteer Firefighter Today?
Tyrades! by Danny Tyree The tragic fire that engulfed Notre Dame Cathedral compels me to write about services that we take for granted, right up until the moment we suddenly need them ourselves. I have the utmost respect for professionals who decide to make a career of firefighting; but this week I will be focusing on the nation's VOLUNTEER fire departments, made up of … [Read more...] about Have You Hugged A Volunteer Firefighter Today?
After Mueller, the path for House Democrats
WASHINGTON -- It may not have been his intention, but special counsel Robert Mueller has forced a momentous choice on the Democrats who control the House of Representatives. How they navigate the next several months will matter not only to politics but, more importantly, to whether the rule of law prevails. If we lived in a normal time with a normal president, a normal … [Read more...] about After Mueller, the path for House Democrats
Supreme Court mulls citizenship question for census
By GEORGE F. WILL Washington Post Writers Group WASHINGTON -- The oral arguments the Supreme Court will hear on Tuesday will be more decorous than the gusts of judicial testiness that blew the case up to the nation's highest tribunal. The case, which raises arcane questions of administrative law but could have widely radiating political and policy consequences, comes from … [Read more...] about Supreme Court mulls citizenship question for census
THE SIN EATER OF THE SENATE
Dear Mitch, Although it seems that the ball is in the Democratic Party’s court, it’s really not. The ball is in your court. So, which is it going to be: going to the mattresses, or ending your career caucusing with what’s left of your beloved GOP – now an impotent rump party of your own making? Heads we win; tails you lose. Your guy’s noodle is baked, and now you’re left … [Read more...] about THE SIN EATER OF THE SENATE
Hellboy (2019)
I am a firm believer that people should be able to enjoy the movies they want to enjoy without criticism or insult from others. The tastes of moviegoers cover a vast range of likes and dislikes, and that is perfectly fine. It is a part of what makes filmmaking a form of art, as people debate the merits of what they experience. However, some movies are so bad that they really … [Read more...] about Hellboy (2019)
Barr Lies Down With Trump, Wakes Up With Fleas
Marooned in a blizzard of lies. By Michael Winship Ladies and gentlemen, today's Final Jeopardy question in the category Lost Americans: Where was Special Counsel Robert Mueller? He wasn’t standing there at the Department of Justice press conference Thursday morning, despite the fact that the event was about Mueller’s report on Russia, President Donald Trump and his … [Read more...] about Barr Lies Down With Trump, Wakes Up With Fleas
Only Congress can hold Trump accountable
WASHINGTON -- There is a mountain of evidence that President Trump obstructed justice. There is considerable evidence that the Trump campaign embraced and encouraged Russia's attempt to meddle in the 2016 election. Special counsel Robert Mueller laid out the facts -- and now Congress has a solemn duty to confront them. Contrary to what Trump says, the long-awaited Mueller … [Read more...] about Only Congress can hold Trump accountable
Mueller report: How Congress can and will follow up on an incomplete and redacted document
Morning clouds cover Capitol Hill in Washington, April 12, 2019. AP/J. Scott Applewhite Charles Tiefer, University of Baltimore The release on April 18 of a redacted version of the Mueller report came after two years of allegations, speculation and insinuation – but not a lot of official information about what really happened between the Trump … [Read more...] about Mueller report: How Congress can and will follow up on an incomplete and redacted document
Mueller’s report is the beginning, not the end
WASHINGTON -- The report from special counsel Robert Mueller provides a devastating portrait of President Trump's behavior that may invite the beginning of an impeachment inquiry and a constitutional confrontation. A collision of some kind between the president (along with his attorney general) and Democrats who control the House of Representatives is now inevitable. The … [Read more...] about Mueller’s report is the beginning, not the end
Ok, Now Let’s Kill All The Lawyers
The best news Attorney General William Barr delivered Thursday morning is that Congressional leaders from both parties will see the almost-naked Mueller Report. Grand jury testimony will remain sealed because Barr refuses to seek its disclosure. He’s exercising his discretion and is acting within the scope of his authority. Barr’s refusal lays the groundwork for House … [Read more...] about Ok, Now Let’s Kill All The Lawyers
Muller Report released: Muller couldn’t prove Trump’s obstruction attempts were “conscious wrong doing”
Special counsel Robert Mueller's has now been released. Those who expected it would provide a detailed smoking gun and would legally implicate Trump and help lead to his removal from office won't be happy. Those who predicted it'll have a ton of information that would shock and disgrace Trump won't be happy. And those who say the report completely exonerates Trump and that the … [Read more...] about Muller Report released: Muller couldn’t prove Trump’s obstruction attempts were “conscious wrong doing”
Branded: Barr-None
These facts are indisputable: William Barr had prejudged the Mueller investigation -- his letter delineating that prejudice got him his job interview, and, subsequently, his job. The ethics lawyers at Justice had, for that reason, advised that he recuse himself from that investigation. Barr overruled them. … [Read more...] about Branded: Barr-None
Too Many Cooks Spoil the Broth
The Democrats seem to be letting a great chance go by. They have too many candidates trying for the presidential nomination and there is not a strong unified message that is being presented. The candidates are spread from extreme left to right of center. Donald Trump is vulnerable and can be beaten, but only if the Democrats unite and produce a message of general appeal. Many … [Read more...] about Too Many Cooks Spoil the Broth
If We Must Have a Third Cup of Coffee, Make it Republican-Flavored This Time
In my “senior years,” I find that two cups of coffee a day are plenty, especially at Starbucks prices. As John Darkow suggests (above), that third cup begins to leave a bitter aftertaste, no matter whether you perk it or drip it, spice it or “latte” it. It is the same with my politics. Two political parties, as flawed as they both may be (or as good as one may be and … [Read more...] about If We Must Have a Third Cup of Coffee, Make it Republican-Flavored This Time
Barr Sinister
On the eve of the revelation of the Mueller Report, as futzed with by Attorney General William Barr, be prepared for a politically motivated edit, leaving out much of the good stuff. Whatever he leaves in will be for appearances only. No less an authority of putting party before nation than … [Read more...] about Barr Sinister
In the Mother of Parliaments, Democracy Dies
The U.K. used to be properly regarded as a representative democracy built on broad principles of liberty. As of 8 April 2019, that is no longer the case, and Britain's situation is now a close analogy to that of the colonists in the 1770s. The American revolution was essentially a conservative enterprise - like all revolutions in Anglo history - as it was conducted by … [Read more...] about In the Mother of Parliaments, Democracy Dies