Across the world, allegations of sexual assault have hinged on women’s credibility. Michael Reynolds/Pool Photo via AP Erica Stone Drennan, Columbia University Before last week’s Senate judiciary hearing into sexual assault allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh was scheduled, Republican Senator John Cornyn complained that the … [Read more...] about Kavanaugh sexual assault hearing evokes early Soviet mock trials
Trump’s despicable (but instructive) smear
When a leader can hold power only by dividing his country, stoking its anxieties and hostilities, ridiculing his opponents, and disrespecting every norm of decency, the result is a broken democracy and a demoralized nation. The fight over Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation to a seat on the Supreme Court has caused predictable handwringing about partisan division, tribalism and … [Read more...] about Trump’s despicable (but instructive) smear
Trump’s anarchical new weapons and new warfare
Donald Trump has already engineered a profound change in the foreign policy connotations of warfare by weaponizing new instruments, regardless of whether he rises to greater political strength after the mid-term elections or is dethroned by impeachment. Trump has weaponized trade, finance and currency as instruments of coercion to impose behavior change on foreign … [Read more...] about Trump’s anarchical new weapons and new warfare
PSA: do not give @resistbot your personally identifiable info
An hour ago, 11:20 am Pacific, @resistbot asked me (via SMS) if I was registered to vote. I do not usually interact with it, but this time, I replied "yes." That seemed innocuous. I thought the group might be looking for data about percentage of users who are registered. But no. They wanted ALL of my personally identifiable information: real first and last name, … [Read more...] about PSA: do not give @resistbot your personally identifiable info
A look at alternative strategies for preventing concussions in athletes
Concussions are one of the most common types of injury among young athletes, and they can be devastating not just to the child's athletic career but also to their quality of life. At both the professional and scholastic levels, experts are recognizing the importance of improving football helmets to ward off potentially serious injuries. However, concussions can occur in nearly … [Read more...] about A look at alternative strategies for preventing concussions in athletes
The Kavanaugh Chronicles
There wasn’t enough chaos in Washington or throughout the country, so President Trump decided to choose Bret Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court. He looked like a justice to Trump, big, tough, and masculine, which are apparently the characteristics the president most admires in those he selects for his top positions. However, these same characteristics flourished during Kavanaugh’s … [Read more...] about The Kavanaugh Chronicles
I Like Beer ( Cartoon, Column and Video)
Did you know Brett Kavanaugh likes beer? You would be forgiven if you didn’t catch Kavanaugh’s like for beer during last Thursday’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Judicial Committee because he only said “I like beer” about 87 times. Kavanaugh likes beer. He doesn’t like being questioned about liking beer, but when it does happen, he’ll answer, “I like beer.” He’ll … [Read more...] about I Like Beer ( Cartoon, Column and Video)
Great Music – Chapter 34
For this week’s Great Music, I am returning to probably my favorite composer – Chopin. Since I written about Chopin before, I’ll just remind you that he was born in Poland and loved the country more than life itself. However, because of the various wars Poland was engaged in during Chopin’s life, he spent most of his time in Paris. He lived only 39 years from 1810 to 1849 and … [Read more...] about Great Music – Chapter 34
How the mafia uses violence to control politics
Gianmarco Daniele, Bocconi University Italy is not the only country with an organized crime problem. But movies and TV shows like “Scarface,” “The Godfather” and “Gomorrah” have made the Italian mobs – in both their southern Italian and American incarnations – world-famous. Such pop culture portrayals tend to romanticize a dangerous phenomenon that’s all too real for … [Read more...] about How the mafia uses violence to control politics
On Presidential Constipation (Guest Limerick)
by CP Dufault On Presidential Constipation A bunged up old prez name of Trump Was in desperate need of a dump. He backed up a tax bill; Took a laxative pill; Both passed with a thump from Trump's rump! … [Read more...] about On Presidential Constipation (Guest Limerick)
“Keep Taiwan Free” March in NYC
It was perfect weather for a rally and march last Saturday: you couldn't have ordered better weather on Amazon Prime. This was fortuitous because every year, for 30 years now, supporters of Taiwan go on a march to rally for one of American's best friends in East Asia. The event is really a team endeavor by a broad range of people who care about Taiwan and the democratic values … [Read more...] about “Keep Taiwan Free” March in NYC
Truth: The Comeback Tour
Press Release Truth, the legendary performer, is coming out of seclusion for a reunion tour with former band mate Integrity. Truth hasn’t performed since 1980, when she was booed off the national stage after a series of disappointing performances. "I never stopped performing," said the artist. "People stopped showing up. All this business of Truth setting you free sounds … [Read more...] about Truth: The Comeback Tour
Suburban Districts At The Forefront Of Expected Democratic Wave
Today is October 1. That means that we can officially say that the long-awaited and truly consequential 2018 midterms elections are one month away. And for anxious and morose Republicans in the House, it is increasingly a case of round and round and round she goes, where the doom ends, no one knows. In race after race, polls show the Grand Old Party with little to be excited … [Read more...] about Suburban Districts At The Forefront Of Expected Democratic Wave
Judge Kavanaugh: A Historic ‘Conflict’ in the Making (With Addendum)
As millions of Americans are, I have been conflicted listening to the testimony of two human beings. I have been disturbed by the cacophony of conflicting and angry insinuations, recriminations and cynicism -- “on both sides.” And I have been not at all surprised by the deep, national conflict that has arisen as a result. Yes, the word “conflict” does lend itself to … [Read more...] about Judge Kavanaugh: A Historic ‘Conflict’ in the Making (With Addendum)
Republicans Determined to Alienate as Many Women as Possible
Why are Republicans so determined to stick with Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanagh, soiling themselves in the process and alienating as many women voters as possible? I see three reasons: Donald Trump views Kavanaugh as survival insurance (given his past writings), Trump is loathe to admit defeat, and the party's aggrieved white men apparently believe in all sincerity … [Read more...] about Republicans Determined to Alienate as Many Women as Possible
Make no mistake: GOP senators were putting women in their place
WASHINGTON -- If Brett Kavanaugh is eventually confirmed to the Supreme Court, Republican senators will be sending a clear message to women who accuse powerful men of sexual misconduct: Tell your story if you must, then shut up and go away. Kavanaugh's histrionics and the parliamentary drama that followed do not lessen the clarity of Christine Blasey Ford's testimony or … [Read more...] about Make no mistake: GOP senators were putting women in their place
Cartoon: Brett Kavanaugh
Swimming Safety for Kids (Infographic)
Drowning is one of the greatest risk to children around the world. To learn more about how to prevent drowning, check out this infographic about water and swimming safety by Mom Loves Best … [Read more...] about Swimming Safety for Kids (Infographic)
Cartoon: Trump the Judge of character
Teen ‘boys will be boys’: A brief history
Are white boys given longer to grow up? Everett Collection/Shutterstock Ashwini Tambe, University of Maryland Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh’s actions as a 17- and 18-year-old are at the center of a public firestorm. “I’ve been really troubled by the excuse offered by too many that this was a high school incident, and ‘boys will be boys,’ … [Read more...] about Teen ‘boys will be boys’: A brief history