President Donald Trump, former President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton, during the funeral for former President George H.W. Bush. AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool Michael Blake, University of Washington The best presidents – including figures such as Abraham Lincoln and George Washington – are celebrated not only as good leaders, but as … [Read more...] about Must the president be a moral leader?
Trump’s emergency declaration showed why some people think him incapacitated
WASHINGTON -- It was a fine day for a national emergency. There was no sign of alarm as administration officials and journalists assembled Friday in the Rose Garden under a perfect blue sky amid unseasonable warmth. Nor was there any sense of crisis conveyed by President Trump, scheduled to fly to his Mar-a-Lago resort later Friday. The much-anticipated emergency declaration … [Read more...] about Trump’s emergency declaration showed why some people think him incapacitated
Black History Month 2019: Doris Miller
Doris Miller "was a Navy messman on the battleship USS West Virginia, who showed incredible courage under fire during the attack [on Pearl Harbor]. He was the first African American to be awarded the Navy Cross, the third highest honor awarded by the U.S. Navy at the time." - Rick Spilman, The Old Salt Blog Regarding Miller's actions during the Japanese attack on Pearl … [Read more...] about Black History Month 2019: Doris Miller
Can Congress or the courts reverse Trump’s national emergency?
Trump declared a national emergency in order to build a wall. AP Photo/ Evan Vucci Chris Edelson, American University School of Public Affairs President Donald Trump declared a national emergency to pay for the construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, after Congress, in its new spending bill, denied him the full money to build … [Read more...] about Can Congress or the courts reverse Trump’s national emergency?
Trump’s Disinform in Rhyme Form (Updated)
Cagle cartoon by Steve Sack Several TMV contributors – including yours truly – have commented on Trump’s two latest escapades into flummoxing the nation: The more or less structured State of the Union address and the totally freewheeling, rambling Rose Garden “I-declare-a-national-emergency-because-I-can” blather. Here is a totally different, delightful take (along with … [Read more...] about Trump’s Disinform in Rhyme Form (Updated)
How the U.S. might stay in Syria, and leave at the same time
By DAVID IGNATIUS Washington Post Writers Group WASHINGTON -- Is there a way for the United States and its allies to remain in northeastern Syria, even after President Trump's pledged withdrawal of U.S. military forces there? Officials are struggling to devise such a "workaround" strategy, but it could carry more risks than keeping the existing advisory force. The … [Read more...] about How the U.S. might stay in Syria, and leave at the same time
Cartoon: Trump National Emergency
Law With No Rules
Trump's bewildering national emergency press conference, annotated Washington Post — President Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border on Friday — but not without making a scene full of false claims, offbeat comments and tense exchanges... We are about to plunge into Constitutional crisis as I write this, and none of the talking heads seems to think … [Read more...] about Law With No Rules
How a Manufactured Emergency Could Negatively Impact Legitimate Emergencies
In a rambling speech, claiming “It’s a great thing to do,” and in a move designed to circumvent Congress, Trump today declared a national emergency in order to build his border wall. But more on that later... On October 10, last year, category 4 Hurricane Michael scored a direct hit on Tyndall Air Force Base, devastating one of our nation's most important military … [Read more...] about How a Manufactured Emergency Could Negatively Impact Legitimate Emergencies
10 easy ways to go greener at home
With scientists issuing dire warnings about the consequences of global warming, many folks try to do their part in reducing their carbon footprint. But simply opting to recycle instead of tossing aluminum cans in the rubbish bin only goes so far. Converting to truly sustainable living requires a bit more innovation and creativity. Fortunately, going greener doesn't require … [Read more...] about 10 easy ways to go greener at home
We have a national emergency, all right. Its name is Donald Trump.
WASHINGTON -- We have a national emergency, all right. Its name is Donald Trump, and it is a force of mindless, pointless disruption. The president's decision to officially declare an emergency -- to pretend to build an unbuildable border wall -- is not only an act of constitutional vandalism. It is also an act of cowardice, a way to avoid the wrath of Ann Coulter, Rush … [Read more...] about We have a national emergency, all right. Its name is Donald Trump.
Black History Month 2019: The 1921 Tulsa Race Riot
The 1921 Tulsa Race Riot (a.k.a. Massacre) was an event of great magnitude for black Americans, and yet the event isn't well known by the American public. From the Tulsa World: "The Tulsa race massacre of May 31-June 1, 1921, resulted in dozens of confirmed deaths and left hundreds injured and thousands homeless in the predominantly black Greenwood District. The violence … [Read more...] about Black History Month 2019: The 1921 Tulsa Race Riot
Sex robots are here, but laws aren’t keeping up with the ethical and privacy issues they raise
Francis X. Shen, University of Minnesota The robots are here. Are the “sexbots” close behind? From the Drudge Report to The New York Times, sex robots are rapidly becoming a part of the national conversation about the future of sex and relationships. Behind the headlines, a number of companies are currently developing robots designed to provide humans with companionship … [Read more...] about Sex robots are here, but laws aren’t keeping up with the ethical and privacy issues they raise
Trump’s sacrifices are hard. You think it’s easy working 11 to 5?
WASHINGTON -- Being president isn't easy under the best of circumstances. Imagine how hard it must be if you're Donald Trump. "I probably work more hours than almost any past president," Trump announced Sunday, adding that he "had no choice but to work very long hours!" On Monday, after retweeting his own assertion from a few days earlier that he is "working hard," he … [Read more...] about Trump’s sacrifices are hard. You think it’s easy working 11 to 5?
Peckergate: Bezos, Pecker and Bezos’ Pecker
Amazon/Washington Post chief Jeff Bezos and National Enquirer (AMI) boss David Pecker have squared off in public over Pecker’s threatened publication of purloined pictures of Bezos’ penis. AMI threatened to publish photos Bezos sent to Lauren Sanchez, his paramour, unless Bezos made a public statement that AMI’s earlier airing of Bezos’ extramarital affair wasn’t … [Read more...] about Peckergate: Bezos, Pecker and Bezos’ Pecker
The Orange Face Blues (Cartoon, Column and Video)
In Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, Brad Pitt’s Aldo Raine leads a team of Jewish Allied soldiers killing and scalping Nazis behind enemy lines in World War II. Of course, the soldiers’ actions go against everything in the Geneva Convention as Aldo says at one point in the film to a German soldier, “You probably heard we ain’t in the prisoner-takin’ business; we in the … [Read more...] about The Orange Face Blues (Cartoon, Column and Video)
Psst! Want to Write a Letter?
You could write a Letter to the Editor of your favorite newspaper about some issue close to your heart. Chances that it will be published are relatively small. You could write a letter to your senator or representative on a matter that has you tied up in knots. As to getting more than a form letter as a reply, good luck! Or, you could write a letter on an issue that is … [Read more...] about Psst! Want to Write a Letter?
Putin’s Puppet
Analyzing President Trump’s actions since he became president, one has to wonder where his allegiance lies. Pundits speak about his ego and how his conduct is a reflection of his need for dominance and control, to feed his narcissistic personality. Supposedly, he is doing things that enhance his standing and his own interests. I don’t buy that. When one carefully examines his … [Read more...] about Putin’s Puppet
Republicans and Late-Term Abortion
Slate has published a commentary about late-term abortion that every Republican should read. It's subtitle is "What it’s like to have the most devastating event of your life become a misrepresented political talking point." Click here to read it. The theocrats in the Republican Party will probably reject the message that the commentary's author is conveying. They are … [Read more...] about Republicans and Late-Term Abortion
Stan and Ollie a soul-inspiring tribute to Laurel and Hardy
Review by Doug Gibson I wasn’t going to post a review of Stan and Ollie, the recently released film on the comedy team Laurel and Hardy, but two weeks after I saw it, it still resonates with me. It’s a wonderful, soul-inspiring film of the love and respect the two comic geniuses had for each other, and exemplifies their efforts and dedication to prevail over tough … [Read more...] about Stan and Ollie a soul-inspiring tribute to Laurel and Hardy