Former President Barack Obama has issued the following statement in the wake of recent mass murders and calls for gun control and an end to racist rhetoric. Here is his statement via Twitter: … [Read more...] about Former President Barack Obama’s Full Statement on Recent Mass Shootings and the Gun Issue
A booming international movie market is transforming Hollywood
A booming international movie market is transforming Hollywood China is projected to surpass the U.S. in box office receipts in 2020. DGArt3D/Shutterstock.com Weiko Lin, Emerson College Marvel’s “Shang-Chi” – the studio’s first Asian superhero movie – is a sign of the times. Destin Daniel Cretton, who is of Asian … [Read more...] about A booming international movie market is transforming Hollywood
Racist Rhetoric (Cartoon)
Stop blaming video games for mass killings
Stop blaming video games for mass killings The research doesn’t say what some lawmakers suggest every time there’s a mass shooting. Fredrick Tendong/Unsplash, CC BY Christopher J. Ferguson, Stetson University In the wake of the El Paso shooting on Aug. 3 that left 22 dead and dozens injured, a familiar trope has … [Read more...] about Stop blaming video games for mass killings
Please, I’d Like to Stop Writing about Innocents Killed by Guns
Another day, another massacre—this time two, in just 13 hours. By Michael Winship I’m sitting here typing away at the dining room table in the home of friends a few miles along the road from Newtown, Connecticut. In a span of just thirteen hours, there have been mass killings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio. Many more are wounded. Lone, young white gunmen have … [Read more...] about Please, I’d Like to Stop Writing about Innocents Killed by Guns
#MoscowMitch Welcome (Cartoon)
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