A full revolution may not be occuring now in U.S. politics -- but change most assuredly is. The venerable Christian Science Monitor (a great paper I wrote extensively for from India and Spain in the mid to late 1970s) notes in a must-read-in-full-piece by Mark Sappenfield that this election has brought some changes. And it's easy to say no matter what the nomination and … [Read more...] about Bernie Sanders’ weekend wins symbolic of how this election is changing U.S. politics
“Close to crossing that line.” Perhaps…
One of my cousins, "Cousin A", sharing a brief quote from Hillary Clinton about Islam and Muslims on Facebook after the terror attack in Brussels. The quote expressed Hillary's support for Muslims. Since the quote was originally posted in an "anti-Hillary" group, the intent of the original poster was obvious: to show that Hillary Clinton was not anti-Muslim. The reason for … [Read more...] about “Close to crossing that line.” Perhaps…
Are these the words of a president?
WASHINGTON -- Donald Trump's ignorance of government policy, both foreign and domestic, is breathtaking. The Republican Party is likely to nominate for president a man who appears to know next to nothing about the issues that would confront him in the job. Such a sweeping condemnation may sound unfair. I wouldn't be surprised if Trump were already busy tweeting that I'm … [Read more...] about Are these the words of a president?
Is the GOP ashamed of itself?
Frank Bruni, writing in the Times today, makes no bones about how Republicans may be feeling about themselves (= ought to feel about themselves!) It’s hate worn down into resignation, disgust repurposed as calculation. Stopping a ludicrous billionaire means submitting to a loathsome senator. And so they submit, one chastened and aghast Republican leader after another, … [Read more...] about Is the GOP ashamed of itself?
Vulgarians Against Trump (Guest Voice)
Vulgarians Against Trump By Tina Dupuy As an F-bomb enthusiast, I take great exception to Republican front-runner Donald Trump being derisively called a vulgarian. First, it's offensive to vulgarians to be associated with someone as tacky as Trump. Second, the Donald talking about his junk nearly nonstop for the last two weeks is like the 10th or 11th thing with him that … [Read more...] about Vulgarians Against Trump (Guest Voice)
Uber is expanding in Africa — and so are anti-Uber protests
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Uber is expanding in Africa. The ride-hailing app launched in the cities of Abuja, Nigeria and Mombasa, Kenya on Wednesday. These are the 399th and 400th world cities where the service operates. Uber Mombasa But just as Uber has butted heads with traditional taxis in Paris, London, Toronto, Sao Paulo and many… … [Read more...] about Uber is expanding in Africa — and so are anti-Uber protests
Preparing to eat my words about Trump
WASHINGTON -- Here's some food for thought. Or, rather, here are some thoughts for food. Six months ago, I made a reckless vow. With Donald Trump dominating in the polls, I said I'd eat a column -- 18 column inches of toxic newsprint, wood-pulp, ink and all -- if he won the Republican presidential nomination. My rationale: "Americans are better than Trump," and … [Read more...] about Preparing to eat my words about Trump
Cartoons: THE SEDUCTION OF TED CRUZ
I don’t know what’s less believable. Five women slept with Ted Cruz or that you can find five women who would admit it. Yeah, I know. I already drew a cartoon this week on the icky bed lovin’ of Ted Cruz but that was before the National Enquirer came out with their story that Teddy Bear has been getting a whole bunch of action on the side. Did you just raise one eyebrow in … [Read more...] about Cartoons: THE SEDUCTION OF TED CRUZ
Sanders beats Clinton in Washington and Alaska: boosts delegate count
Bernie Sanders beat Hillary Clinton Saturday in the Washington State caucuses. It was Sanders' second victory against Clinton in the same day, as the pair of Democrats march toward the party convention this summer in Philadelphia. After earlier trouncing Clinton in Alaska, Sanders was declared the winner in Washington state about 6:30 p.m. EST, according to… … [Read more...] about Sanders beats Clinton in Washington and Alaska: boosts delegate count
March Madness
What is it about the month of March that brings out the whackadoodle in otherwise competent creatures? "Mad as a March hare” refers to the frenzied mating antics of lusty lagomorphs as spring rolls around. But apparently the madness isn't confined to the rabbit tribe. Maybe our collective emergence from the doldrums of winter overheats our brain circuitry. In the U.S. at … [Read more...] about March Madness
Trump’s Essence: White Male Dominance
Josh Marshall gets down to the core of Donald Trump's appeal on Talking Points Memo. Reading the piece what came through to me is how Trump's demeaning, dominating way of treating women maps almost perfectly onto how he treats men - particularly, men who challenge him, challenge his power. I am not saying they are the same. There's clearly a major difference. But they are of a … [Read more...] about Trump’s Essence: White Male Dominance
Zootopia: Another Disney classic
[Taken from the www.chocobites.net] Zootopia aka Zootropolis could be the best Disney film since The Lion King [1994]. Yes, what I am trying to say is that you have to travel more than 20 years in time to find a Disney movie better than Zootopia. If you want to be funny about it, you could count Pixar’s The Incredibles [2004] – but any way you look at it, Zootopia is a very … [Read more...] about Zootopia: Another Disney classic
Open notes testing could help in education (Guest Voice)
Open notes testing could help in education by Jordan Cooper Life is not an open book. It ain't easy. It isn't spoon fed to you. It isn't uncomplicated. However, we do have an open invitation, that is to learn how much we want to know. It is to understand what we would like to. It is to be the people who we want to be and we can find it along the way how to live in … [Read more...] about Open notes testing could help in education (Guest Voice)
Batman v Superman = Frustration
[Taken from www.chocobites.net] Full disclosure: I love Man of Steel. It's one of my favourite Superhero films [just behind the Nolan films and in front of the better Marvel ones]. That film, along with the comic Red Son, is the reason why I now consider myself a Superman fan. With that out of the way... Batman V Superman is one of the most frustrating films I have … [Read more...] about Batman v Superman = Frustration
Sanders won the delegate contest on Tuesday, despite what you’ve read or heard
Sanders recognizes Washington is as close to a must-win as it gets after his disappointing loss in Arizona on Tuesday. Politico, Gabriel DeBenedetti 03/25/16 05:45 AM EDT There are a lot of reasons for the Sanders campaign to want to do well in Washington state on Saturday. Overcoming a big "loss" on Tuesday is not one of them, despite the ongoing media … [Read more...] about Sanders won the delegate contest on Tuesday, despite what you’ve read or heard
Republicans continue proving Hamilton and Madison were wrong
As the Republican controlled Senate continues to refuse to hold confirmation hearings for or even meet with President Obama's nominee for Supreme Court Justice, Federal Judge Merrick Garland, one thing is clear: Alexander Hamilton and James Madison were wrong. During the debates over ratification of the Constitution, the Anti-Federalists were deeply concerned about the … [Read more...] about Republicans continue proving Hamilton and Madison were wrong
Ted Cruz Sex Scandal – Is It Real? Is He Done? UPDATED
Reports from legitimate sources, including Taegan Goddard's Political Wire are raising the issue of a sex scandal involving Republican candidate for the presidential nomination, Ted Cruz. The initial report came from The National Enquirer which also broke the affairs of John Edwards, Jesse Jackson and Gary Hart, among others. As one report from another source noted, the … [Read more...] about Ted Cruz Sex Scandal – Is It Real? Is He Done? UPDATED
Is Paul Ryan the only president who makes sense for 2016 America?
A momentous potential turning point in 2016 American politics occurred on Wednesday, one that would have been largely ignored in the kinder, gentler times of 1996 or 1986 or 1976. House Speaker Paul Ryan, without any prompting, delivered a salient speech on Wednesday that could be viewed as a treatise on a return to good government and civil political discourse. Or it could … [Read more...] about Is Paul Ryan the only president who makes sense for 2016 America?
Francis, You Beauty
Francis, You Beauty (I wrote this in September 2015 at the time of Pope’s visit to the US. In an increasingly polarized world, I continue to be inspired by this giant of a personality working to bring people together.) Just as I had promised myself a break from writing, he shows up Such inspiration, Oh my God Is this Pope impressive or what A Fiat 500 in … [Read more...] about Francis, You Beauty
No, Todd Starnes, American Christians don’t need Ted Cruz in order to sleep soundly at night.
Dear Todd Starnes: You certainly do have chutzpah. That is the nicest thing that I can say about your recent screed in which you link the survival of Christianity in America to a Cruz presidency. Here is what you say about Ted Cruz's so-called "religious liberty council": "It’s a faith-based Justice League. And if Cruz follows their suggestions, American Christians will … [Read more...] about No, Todd Starnes, American Christians don’t need Ted Cruz in order to sleep soundly at night.