We met more than once and even exchanged some letters in handwritten Hebrew. This was because he was eminently approachable and unimpressed with his fame. But it was our very first encounter that immediately came to mind when the news arrived of the death of Elie Wiesel—the poet laureate of the Jewish people. He raised his eyebrows in recognition of a restored memory. … [Read more...] about When Elie Wiesel first smiled after the inferno
The Golden Incubator of Gun Control
The Golden Incubator of Gun Control by Evan Sarzin Congress may be at an impasse on dealing with assault weapons, but California isn't. This week, the Democrat-controlled legislature and Democrat Governor Jerry Brown collaborated on passing the first statewide restrictions on the arming of assault weapons. The new law includes a ban on ownership of high-capacity magazines … [Read more...] about The Golden Incubator of Gun Control
Celebrating the nation that can’t stay still
SANDWICH, Mass. -- It is the birthright of all Americans to be patriotic in their own way, something worth remembering at a moment of great political division. Instead of challenging each other's love of country, we should accept that deep affection can take different forms. There is, of course, the option of setting politics aside altogether on the Fourth of July. … [Read more...] about Celebrating the nation that can’t stay still
Cartoon: Angry Murdoch Birds
See great cartoons by all the top political cartoonists at http://cagle.com. To license this cartoon for your own site, visit http://politicalcartoons.com … [Read more...] about Cartoon: Angry Murdoch Birds
The hypocrisy at the heart of Trump’s campaign
WASHINGTON -- Paul Manafort, Donald Trump's campaign manager, had a message to deliver. "Hillary Clinton is the epitome of the establishment; she's been in power for 25 years," he informed Chuck Todd on NBC's "Meet the Press" last Sunday. When Trump, Manafort added, "says he's going to bring real change to the country, voters believe him -- unlike Mrs. Clinton, … [Read more...] about The hypocrisy at the heart of Trump’s campaign
Our Poisonous Partisan Politics
A recent study from the Pew Research Center shows that contempt across the partisan divide is bitter and widespread. Respondents displayed a nasty animosity for the opposing side and showed little sign of tolerance for conflicting views. Party polarization has been underway for years, and the Congress has never been so divided. But the toxic, finger-pointing… … [Read more...] about Our Poisonous Partisan Politics
Cartoon: Sleazin’ with Bill
Sleazin' with Bill by Clay Jones Bill Clinton is a political genius. Bill Clinton is a student of politics. He failed in his first two attempts at public office but he learned each time and became educated on the art of politics. Then he became governor of Arkansas. And then he lost his first reelection for the governor’s office. And two years later (Arkansas has a … [Read more...] about Cartoon: Sleazin’ with Bill
Is Trump trying to lose this election?
With about two weeks to go before the Republican convention in Cleveland, Donald Trump’s continuing inability to mount a serious, nationwide presidential campaign effort makes one wonder if he never expected to get this far. The reasons why nervous GOP leaders wonder if Trump never planned ahead are fairly basic: Lack of funding, lack of staff, lack of organization and a … [Read more...] about Is Trump trying to lose this election?
Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey, an antithesis of some of its recent unfortunate happenings, is a lovely mix of history and modernity, East and West as it straddles two continents, Asia, and Europe. Many a traveler and possibly including you have their own stories of Istanbul. This one is ours. The year was 2003. I was doing my Physician J visa waiver in God's country in Northern … [Read more...] about Istanbul
A Beautiful Song Changes Everything: Thank You Jessie Mueller!
I believe music was created so I’d be able to find my heart no matter how cruel and cold the world becomes. A few weeks ago, while watching the musical Hamilton rightfully steamroll the Tony awards, I happened upon a non-Hamilton related song, voice and performance that was nothing short of a revelation. I’m going to try and explain what happened to my soul as I heard the song, … [Read more...] about A Beautiful Song Changes Everything: Thank You Jessie Mueller!
Nebraska Republicans Hope Ashford’s Foe Brings Home The Bacon
This cycle, opportunities for House Republicans to play offense for capturing seats are few and far between. Most of the districts held by Democrats are drawn so heavily in the party’s favor that they have no chance of losing. With Donald Trump topping the GOP ballot, virtually all of the Democratic marginal incumbents are safe as well. In a year like this, Republicans are more … [Read more...] about Nebraska Republicans Hope Ashford’s Foe Brings Home The Bacon
Egan’s 4th of July Column
Timothy Egan provides some needed 4th of July perspective in The New York Times. But on this upcoming Independence Day, at a time when Trump’s response to our better angels is to go small, mean and tribal, an American ideal is in peril. Not open borders, which is something the United States hasn’t had since 1875, but open minds. In committing economic suicide, Britain is … [Read more...] about Egan’s 4th of July Column
Trump’s disgusting Star of David Clinton tweet appeals to anti-Semites (Guest Voice)
Donald Trump is being accused of dog whistling again to anti-Semites by attacking Hillary Clinton's fundraising prowess with a Star of David superimposed over money. The day after the Clinton campaign announced it had raised more than $68.5 million for Hillary for America, the Democratic National Committee and state parties in the month of June, Trump… … [Read more...] about Trump’s disgusting Star of David Clinton tweet appeals to anti-Semites (Guest Voice)
Trump’s Latest Insult is Everything You’d Expect It Would Be
Trump's Latest Insult is Everything You'd Expect It Would Be By John L. Micek Donald Trump's latest presidential pivot didn't last long. His rapacious ego dented and his equally thin skin nicked by U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren's criticism of him during a joint appearance with Hillary Clinton on Monday, the presumptive GOP nominee went right back into fourth-grade tyrant … [Read more...] about Trump’s Latest Insult is Everything You’d Expect It Would Be
Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, Nobel laureate, dies at 87
By Bill Trott (Reuters) - Activist and writer Elie Wiesel, the World War Two death camp survivor who won a Nobel Peace Prize for becoming the life-long voice of millions of Holocaust victims, died on Saturday. He was 87. Wiesel was a philosopher, speaker, playwright and professor who also campaigned for the tyrannized and forgotten around the world. He died at his home in … [Read more...] about Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, Nobel laureate, dies at 87
For Members Only: Reporters Not Welcome
For Members Only: Reporters Not Welcome by Evan Sarzin Let’s visit one of the original thirteen colonies and a battleground state still. North Carolina! In Fayetteville Earl Phillip, the state director for the Donald Trump campaign, was about to give a speech when he spied an enemy of the state seated in Golden Corral, a convivial setting for a political rally. Motioning … [Read more...] about For Members Only: Reporters Not Welcome
Bangladesh police storm restaurant to rescue hostages
Bangladeshi police stormed a Dhaka restaurant on Saturday to free 20 hostages, including several foreigners, who were trapped inside after gunmen launched an attack. "Our commandos have stormed into the restaurant. Intense gunfighting on," Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan, a deputy director at the Rapid Action Battalion force, told Reuters news agency. Islamic State of Iraq and the… … [Read more...] about Bangladesh police storm restaurant to rescue hostages
How The Supreme Court Has Changed Without Scalia. (Hint: It’s For The Better.)
I have written that if I could take only one Supreme Court reporter with me to a desert island, it would be Dahlia Lithwick, who year in and year out writes the most penetrating analyses of the top court. This observation from a Slate magazine piece following a draconian Texas abortion law being overturned nails it: It seems clear the court is experiencing the same … [Read more...] about How The Supreme Court Has Changed Without Scalia. (Hint: It’s For The Better.)
Independence Day 2016
While on July 4, 1776, the thirteen colonies proclaimed their independence from Great Britain, the war to cement their independence had already been fought for a year and would continue for another seven years, claiming the lives of approximately 25,000 Patriots. Sadly, the War of Independence would be just the first of a score of wars and major conflicts that would follow … [Read more...] about Independence Day 2016
The Press Fights Back
In an earlier piece, I said Donald Trump had buffaloed the press and that it was time for the media to use the L word and call him out for his constant lying. Well, there are signs, at long last, that the press is adjusting its outdated “journalism nice” rules to deal with a person whose lying is unique in modern political history. The clearest example was yesterday’s New York … [Read more...] about The Press Fights Back