I wrote a post a few days ago in defense of Obama - largely because of my reaction to the developments in the Senate, where the "public option" and expanded Medicare proposals had been dropped in order to placate Sen. Joe Lieberman. A few others have made stronger arguments than I, from the same perspective. A sampling:
Paul Krugman, economist and leading progressive columnist: Pass the Bill
Ezra Klein - Still time to think small
Matthew Yglesias » The Way Forward
Monday, December 21, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Some Losing Faith in Obama almost one year later
How do you feel about the job Barack Obama is doing as our President? He entered office with some of the highest expectations of any President I can remember. However, in a very challenging time of both war and recession, many are beginning to lose faith in his ability as a leader. What do you think? The following is a report from NBC News.
While I have been deeply disappointed in some of the decisions the President has made, I still think he has the potential to become a great president. Unlike most liberals/progressives, I still consider myself a supporter. Perhaps that is because as a student of history, my expectations were not as great as many of my compatriots on the left. We still live in a nation with a very strong conservative movement that is beguiled by the beliefs that through military might and a near blind faith in free markets, we will always be number one in the world.
On the whole, Americans like the idea of change, just as long as that change doesn't ask much sacrifice on their part. Americans are a compassionate people, but are suspicious of big government and succumb to the stereotype that most of the poor in America are lazy or are the victim of their own poor decisions. Deep down, Americans still believe in the Horatio Alger myth, that God is on our side, and foreigners who don't see us as a beneficent power are irrational, warped fanatics.
That is the country Barack Obama is trying to lead. In most cases, I think he has the good sense to lead us down the path that will bring us to a more just and humane world. However, there are tremendously powerful forces against change in this nation.
The forces of militarism and greed that Martin Luther King railed against promoted hatred and intolerance of him. King, however, was a crusader and a martyr for his cause. Barack Obama is a politician whose power is restrained in many ways. Politics is, as has been observed, the art of compromise. In order to get things done in politics one often has to swallow hard and accept what is possible instead of what is ideal.
Looking back on the past year, I think we may come to see his first year in office as a time of naive hopefulness in the process of gentile politics and rational discussion, and that he may have realized too late that at times the gloves have to come off. It is very clear now that his political opponents never had any intention of cooperating with this left-leaning Democrat. He may have wasted valuable months in office trying to court those that were never dealing with him in good faith.
Still, even as disappointed as I am that we are escalating a war I wish we could be done with; as disheartened as I am about the direction health care reform has taken; and as surprised as I am at the lack of a reversal of all of the Bush policies that trampled on civil liberties, I still think he has the intelligence and ability to get us farther down the road of social and political progress.
I am unconvinced that any other serious candidate for President would be doing a better job with the challenges set before this President. I am still glad to have supported and worked for his election, and I will criticize the actions and policies I disagree with. However, I am convinced the America I envision is much closer to becoming a reality with a President Obama than a President Bush, President McCain, President Edwards, President Huckabee, President Romney, or any of the other cast of characters that sought to occupy the Oval Office.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
While I have been deeply disappointed in some of the decisions the President has made, I still think he has the potential to become a great president. Unlike most liberals/progressives, I still consider myself a supporter. Perhaps that is because as a student of history, my expectations were not as great as many of my compatriots on the left. We still live in a nation with a very strong conservative movement that is beguiled by the beliefs that through military might and a near blind faith in free markets, we will always be number one in the world.
On the whole, Americans like the idea of change, just as long as that change doesn't ask much sacrifice on their part. Americans are a compassionate people, but are suspicious of big government and succumb to the stereotype that most of the poor in America are lazy or are the victim of their own poor decisions. Deep down, Americans still believe in the Horatio Alger myth, that God is on our side, and foreigners who don't see us as a beneficent power are irrational, warped fanatics.
That is the country Barack Obama is trying to lead. In most cases, I think he has the good sense to lead us down the path that will bring us to a more just and humane world. However, there are tremendously powerful forces against change in this nation.
The forces of militarism and greed that Martin Luther King railed against promoted hatred and intolerance of him. King, however, was a crusader and a martyr for his cause. Barack Obama is a politician whose power is restrained in many ways. Politics is, as has been observed, the art of compromise. In order to get things done in politics one often has to swallow hard and accept what is possible instead of what is ideal.
Looking back on the past year, I think we may come to see his first year in office as a time of naive hopefulness in the process of gentile politics and rational discussion, and that he may have realized too late that at times the gloves have to come off. It is very clear now that his political opponents never had any intention of cooperating with this left-leaning Democrat. He may have wasted valuable months in office trying to court those that were never dealing with him in good faith.
Still, even as disappointed as I am that we are escalating a war I wish we could be done with; as disheartened as I am about the direction health care reform has taken; and as surprised as I am at the lack of a reversal of all of the Bush policies that trampled on civil liberties, I still think he has the intelligence and ability to get us farther down the road of social and political progress.
I am unconvinced that any other serious candidate for President would be doing a better job with the challenges set before this President. I am still glad to have supported and worked for his election, and I will criticize the actions and policies I disagree with. However, I am convinced the America I envision is much closer to becoming a reality with a President Obama than a President Bush, President McCain, President Edwards, President Huckabee, President Romney, or any of the other cast of characters that sought to occupy the Oval Office.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Guantanamo Detainees Heading to Illinois
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Weakened Health Care Bill Set to Advance in Senate
By dropping the public option that liberals cherish, there just might be 60 Senate votes for cloture to end a filibuster on the health care bill. Why Joe Lieberman is driving liberals/progressives nuts:
Rachel Maddow's report on the latest developments:
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Rachel Maddow's report on the latest developments:
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Effective Use of the "Bully Pulpit"? Obama takes bankers to task
Is this an effective use of the bully pulpit? Is Obama going to get results by taking on the bankers in a public way? It seems to me that without asking Congress for new legislation, this is the only tactic the President has at this time. It seems that he is having some impact on the big bankers, but is Obama, as portrayed by the media, coming across as "being tough on the fat-cats" or a desperate guy with few options? What do you think?
First from Monday night's newscast:
A day earlier, on a broadcast of "60 Minutes":
Watch CBS News Videos Online
First from Monday night's newscast:
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
A day earlier, on a broadcast of "60 Minutes":
Watch CBS News Videos Online
Monday, December 14, 2009
Protests at Copenhagen Climate Conference
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Obama’s Speech on Afghanistan on Tuesday
Obama’s Speech on Afghanistan to Envision an Exit - NYTimes.com
Some opposition to Obama's Plan is coming from the political left:
Obama ally breaks with him on Afghanistan
Some opposition to Obama's Plan is coming from the political left:
Obama ally breaks with him on Afghanistan
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Obama’s approval rating sinking
This doesn't come as a surprise to me - there are a lot of problems we are facing, and people would like to see more in terms of results. Is it fair to expect more? Fair or not it makes things more difficult to get done if you are the President. What is often referred to as "political capital" is simply a reflection of the support the president can point to in challenging Congress to enact his agenda. The lower the poll numbers, the less fearful members of Congress are to take positions and votes against a president.
Obama’s approval rating sinking. Can he keep his clout? | csmonitor.com
Obama’s approval rating sinking. Can he keep his clout? | csmonitor.com
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Students Continue to Protest California Tuition Increases
A 32 percent increase in fees that are the equivalent of tuition!?!?
That is what college students are looking at in University of California schools. No wonder they are out protesting!
Students Continue to Protest California Tuition Increases - NYTimes.com
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Holder's decision on K.S. Mohammed trial
Holder's decision on Mohammed trial defended - washingtonpost.com
Holder Defends Decision to Use Civilian Court for 9/11 Trial - NYTimes.com
Holder answers to 9/11 relatives about trying terrorism suspects in U.S. - washingtonpost.com
Meanwhile, on the terror war front:
Obama Admits Guantánamo Won’t Close by January - NYTimes.com
Holder Defends Decision to Use Civilian Court for 9/11 Trial - NYTimes.com
Holder answers to 9/11 relatives about trying terrorism suspects in U.S. - washingtonpost.com
Meanwhile, on the terror war front:
Obama Admits Guantánamo Won’t Close by January - NYTimes.com
Friday, November 13, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Health Care Reform and Abortion
The controversy over the "Stupack Amendment" which prohibits federal funds from going to abortions in the new health care bill that just passed the House of Representatives continued in Washington D.C. today:
One Democrat that spoke on the House floor against the "Stupack Amendment":
The topic of the press conference was the recently passed Health Care bill which moves on to the House. Speaker Pelosi, knows that her job isn't over, and needs to keep up public support for the bill.
KPLU: Congressional Delegation, Speaker Pelosi React to Health Care Legislation (2009-11-10): "Listen Now"
One Democrat that spoke on the House floor against the "Stupack Amendment":
The topic of the press conference was the recently passed Health Care bill which moves on to the House. Speaker Pelosi, knows that her job isn't over, and needs to keep up public support for the bill.
KPLU: Congressional Delegation, Speaker Pelosi React to Health Care Legislation (2009-11-10): "Listen Now"
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Monday, November 02, 2009
Op-Eds
Op-Ed Contributor - Teach Your Teachers Well - NYTimes.com
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/opinion/03herbert.html?ref=opinion
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/opinion/03herbert.html?ref=opinion
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Hate crimes bill goes to Obama for signature
The Senate passed the bill that the House passed a few weeks ago. It now includes assaults on individuals because of their sexual identity.
Hate crimes bill goes to Obama for signature - CNN.com
Hate crimes bill goes to Obama for signature - CNN.com
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Sad saga of Uighurs at Guantanamo goes on
This sad chapter of the United States not living up to it's ideals on the rule of law goes on - even nine months into the Obama administration. Is justice delayed, justice denied?
Justices to hear Uighurs' bid for release - Guantanamo- msnbc.com
Justices to hear Uighurs' bid for release - Guantanamo- msnbc.com
Monday, October 19, 2009
Tough 1st Amendment Issue in our State
The Washington State Legislature passed a far reaching gay rights measure last session that provided for benefits for same-sex domestic partnerships (pretty much everything except the word "marriage").
Now let's say you don't think the state should recognize same sex marriages/partnerships/unions.
You sign a petition to put the new law up for a vote by the people of the state in the hope that they will reject it, and nullify the bill passed by the legislature (our State Constitution allows for this).
If those signatures were submitted to the Secretary of State for validation, do you have a right to expect that your name will be kept private? If your name is made public, you could be the object of public criticism. If you sign a petition to the government, do you give up the right to remain an anonymous opponent of gay marriage (or any other issue for that matter)?
That is the question we are in the middle of in our state right now. While we are awaiting a trial to settle this issue, a U.S. Supreme Court Justice stepped in and made a temporary ruling.
Local News | Justice Kennedy blocks release of R-71 names | Seattle Times Newspaper
Now let's say you don't think the state should recognize same sex marriages/partnerships/unions.
You sign a petition to put the new law up for a vote by the people of the state in the hope that they will reject it, and nullify the bill passed by the legislature (our State Constitution allows for this).
If those signatures were submitted to the Secretary of State for validation, do you have a right to expect that your name will be kept private? If your name is made public, you could be the object of public criticism. If you sign a petition to the government, do you give up the right to remain an anonymous opponent of gay marriage (or any other issue for that matter)?
That is the question we are in the middle of in our state right now. While we are awaiting a trial to settle this issue, a U.S. Supreme Court Justice stepped in and made a temporary ruling.
Local News | Justice Kennedy blocks release of R-71 names | Seattle Times Newspaper
Young People Should Be Very Concerned About I-1033
Do you want education to get more expensive? Higher tuition, less services from our universities? If you don't, you should get educated about Washington State's I-1033, and make others aware of what is at stake.
Education | I-1033 could hit higher ed especially hard | Seattle Times Newspaper
Education | I-1033 could hit higher ed especially hard | Seattle Times Newspaper
Sunday, October 18, 2009
New Medical Marijuana Policy Issued - NYTimes.com
Good example of federalism at work; and executive agencies creating quasi-legislation.
New Medical Marijuana Policy Issued - NYTimes.com
New Medical Marijuana Policy Issued - NYTimes.com
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Putting Politics Aside - POTUS 41 & 44
George H.W. Bush invited Barack Obama to an event to celebrate and encourage volunteerism in the United States. With all the screaming and yelling we see in politics today, it is nice to see political opponents come together.
George H.W. Bush, Obama Celebrate Volunteerism - washingtonpost.com
George H.W. Bush, Obama Celebrate Volunteerism - washingtonpost.com
Justice stands by refusal to give interracial couple license to wed
Justice stands by refusal to give interracial couple license to wed - CNN.comGiven the fact that laws against inter-racial marriages were ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1967 (Loving v. Virginia) I don't see how this judge thinks this ruling is going to stand. I'm pretty sure he will lose his job as a Louisiana judge within a few days since he is being so defiant and obnoxious about it.
A more detailed article here:
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
At long last, the Senate Finance Committee passes health care reform bill
The bill not the far-reaching reform that I am still hoping for, but it is still progress. One Republican, Senator Olympia Snowe, did vote for the bill drafted by Committee Chairman Baucus. Of course this was just a committee vote, and the full Senate still has to take up the issue. There are still three health care reform bills in the House of Representatives.
It will be very interesting to see what happens at the conference committee that will have to iron out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill.
It will be very interesting to see what happens at the conference committee that will have to iron out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Friday, October 09, 2009
Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From the Seattle Times:
Nobel Peace Prize stuns Obama, the world
President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday in a stunning decision designed to build momentum behind his initiatives to reduce nuclear arms, ease tensions with the Muslim world and stress diplomacy and cooperation rather than unilateralism.
Nobel Peace Prize stuns Obama, the world
President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday in a stunning decision designed to build momentum behind his initiatives to reduce nuclear arms, ease tensions with the Muslim world and stress diplomacy and cooperation rather than unilateralism.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
America's Racial Past & Present
The New York Times did a front page story today that uncovered previously unknown details about Michelle Obama's ancestry. Yes, her ancestors were slaves, but she also had some white relatives dating from the 1850's. I found the story of her family tree very interesting.
In First Lady’s Roots, a Complex Path From Slavery - NYTimes.com
There are many parts of America where Caucasians are overwhelming majorities, and there aren't too many people of color to be found. An African-American author traveled to some of these places in Idaho, Utah, and Georgia to research them for a book that has just been published. He calls these places Whitopias.
A Black Author's Journey Into American 'Whitopia' : NPR
Our Three Bombs - Challenges Facing our World
Sometimes I like Thomas Friedman, and sometimes not so much, but it is hard to disagree that these are three tremendous challenges facing our nation & world.
Op-Ed Columnist - Our Three Bombs - NYTimes.com
Op-Ed Columnist - Our Three Bombs - NYTimes.com
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Does this cross in the desert conflict with the 1st Amendment?
Another year, another controversy over religion and the 1st Amendment. "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, nor prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."
A radio story from NPR, and a print story from the L.A. Times:
World War I Cross Neglects Soldiers Of Other Faiths, Critics Say : NPR
Supreme Court debates legality of Mojave cross -- latimes.com
Supreme Court refuses Confederate flag T-shirt case | csmonitor.com
So, a bunch of Tennessee high school students thought the school was violating their rights by banning t-shirts displaying the Confederate Flag.
Supreme Court refuses Confederate flag T-shirt case | csmonitor.com
Supreme Court refuses Confederate flag T-shirt case | csmonitor.com
Are dog fighting videos protected by the First Amendment?
This was one of the most unusual oral arguments at the Supreme Court I've read about. At issue is whether a federal law banning animal cruelty is overly broad. You have got to read this.
Supreme Court questions animal cruelty law | csmonitor.com
CNN's coverage: High court debates dog fighting videos - CNN.com
Finally, video coverage from The Newshour on PBS
Supreme Court questions animal cruelty law | csmonitor.com
CNN's coverage: High court debates dog fighting videos - CNN.com
Finally, video coverage from The Newshour on PBS
Monday, October 05, 2009
Afghanistan: The Road Ahead - CBS News
For the next couple of nights, the CBS Evening News is doing some in-depth reporting on the war in Afghanistan. It is a complicated job, and its going to get messier as more U.S. troops become engaged with Taliban and/or al-Queda fighters. At least 8 more U.S. soldiers were killed over the weekend.
The home page of the CBS story is here.
Afghanistan: The Road Ahead - CBS News
The home page of the CBS story is here.
Afghanistan: The Road Ahead - CBS News
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Will Referendum 71 take away gay rights?
Referendum 71 seeks to undo a new law passed by the WA Legislature in it's last term providing for protection against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. It is shaping up to be a divisive and emotional debate.
Politics | Stakes high in fight over gay rights | Seattle Times Newspaper
Politics | Stakes high in fight over gay rights | Seattle Times Newspaper
The Supremes are Back!
The Supreme Court begins its session tomorrow as it does every year on the "First Monday of October". This year, the court will include Sonia Sotomayor, our first Latina Justice.As usual, the Court will be hearing it's share of controversial cases.
Nation’s high court gets new term, justice - Politics- msnbc.com
Pivotal term for Supreme Court
Friday, October 02, 2009
Tell us what you really think, Mr. President
Would we be better off if Presidents came out and said what they really think? (Obama was caught doing this with regard to Kanye West recently.) Writer Timothy Egan thinks so:
Secret Lives of the Presidents - Timothy Egan Blog - NYTimes.com
Secret Lives of the Presidents - Timothy Egan Blog - NYTimes.com
What is Socialism in 2009?
What Is Socialism in 2009?An interesting debate. The following is from the intro to the NY Times article featuring the opinions of eight political commentators.
It seems that whatever President Obama talks about — whether it’s overhauling health care, or regulating Wall Street, or telling schoolchildren to study hard — his opponents have called him a socialist. What does the word mean today, nearly 20 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall? What role has the label played in American political history?
Have some critics of Obama gone over the top?
There is no 'we' in American politics
Columnist Thomas L. Friedman has no problem with substantive criticism of President Obama, but criticism from the far right has begun tipping over into delegitimation and is creating a climate that poisons attempts to collectively deal with the nation's pressing problems.
Columnist Thomas L. Friedman has no problem with substantive criticism of President Obama, but criticism from the far right has begun tipping over into delegitimation and is creating a climate that poisons attempts to collectively deal with the nation's pressing problems.
A Question of Congressional Power
Part of the health care reform bills making their way through Congress right now have stirred a Constitutional debate: Does Congress have the power to require individuals to buy health insurance? A very good analysis of the issue was done by the non-partisan FactCheck.org. What do you think?
Health Care Overhaul: Constitutional? | FactCheck.org
Health Care Overhaul: Constitutional? | FactCheck.org
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Higher Taxes Necessary in our State?
Washington gov. leaves door open for higher taxes
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire said Tuesday she would consider tax increases as officials run out of ways to fix the state's recession-hammered budget.
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire said Tuesday she would consider tax increases as officials run out of ways to fix the state's recession-hammered budget.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
The Beating of Derrion Albert Is Must-See TV
A story about the tragic result of violence.From TheRoot.com:
Three Charged with Murder in Death of Derrion Albert
The Beating of Derrion Albert Is Must-See TV
Violation of Privacy Rights?
How much information about you should businesses and advertisers be able to collect when you go online?
Advertising - Two-Thirds of Americans Object to Online Tracking, Study Says - NYTimes.com
Advertising - Two-Thirds of Americans Object to Online Tracking, Study Says - NYTimes.com
What is up with Iran and Nuclear Weapons?
The U.S. believes the government of Iran is trying to enrich uranium for the purposes of building nuclear weapons, and is developing missile technology to deliver those weapons across the Middle East.
Iran claims they are only developing the technology and materials for peaceful nuclear energy.
A Nuclear Debate - Is Iran Designing Warheads? - NYTimes.com
What can the United States do about it?
White House to Go After Iran's Oil Income
Obama Administration to Push for Tough New Economic Sanctions if Iran Doesn't Come Clean on Nuclear Plans
A CBS news story:
Watch CBS News Videos Online
Iran claims they are only developing the technology and materials for peaceful nuclear energy.
A Nuclear Debate - Is Iran Designing Warheads? - NYTimes.com
What can the United States do about it?
White House to Go After Iran's Oil Income
Obama Administration to Push for Tough New Economic Sanctions if Iran Doesn't Come Clean on Nuclear Plans
A CBS news story:
Watch CBS News Videos Online
Are British Gettring Ready to Dump Their Prime Minister?
The British system is different from that of the U.S., but it is similar in that the people seem ready to vote against a political party that has been in power during bad economic times - especially when that party has been in power for a long time.
In Free Fall, British Leader, Brown, Tries to Rally Labour - NYTimes.com
In Free Fall, British Leader, Brown, Tries to Rally Labour - NYTimes.com
Obama and Afghanistan
A story on NPR lays out the dilemma for the U.S. (and President Obama) in Afghanistan.
A Turning Point for Afghan War, and Obama
A Turning Point for Afghan War, and Obama
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Glenn Beck speaks to 7,000 at Seattle
I have to admit I haven't watched or listened to that much of Glenn Beck. But with all the publicity he has received lately, I've become more aware of both the style and substance of his politics.
Local News | Beck speaks to 7,000 at Seattle: 'The American people have not surrendered' | Seattle Times Newspaper
What really gets me about some of the commentators like Glenn Beck is that only 9 months into the Obama administration, they are ranting and raving about the American people losing their country to the monstrous liberal policies of the Obama administration.
There is one very important logical flaw in all that lies behind all that flows from Beck's exhortations to "take back America" and that is that the American people, after the longest campaign in history, elected Barack Obama president by a very wide margin.
Obama was clear about the direction in which he would lead America: out of Iraq, toward universal health insurance coverage, greater regulation of business that emit carbon dioxide that contributes to global warming, and toward greater regulation of Wall Street financial institutions that recklessly drove our economy off a cliff into a recession.
If Obama's agenda is enacted, that simply means that representative democracy still works in America. If Glenn Beck has a problem with fair elections, representative democracy that carries out the will of the people, and a president trying to enact the program he ran on, then I think he and other like him, need to come to grips with what living in a republic is all about - sometimes you lose elections, because the old ideas and ways of doing things were rejected by the people.
Local News | Beck speaks to 7,000 at Seattle: 'The American people have not surrendered' | Seattle Times Newspaper
What really gets me about some of the commentators like Glenn Beck is that only 9 months into the Obama administration, they are ranting and raving about the American people losing their country to the monstrous liberal policies of the Obama administration.
There is one very important logical flaw in all that lies behind all that flows from Beck's exhortations to "take back America" and that is that the American people, after the longest campaign in history, elected Barack Obama president by a very wide margin.
Obama was clear about the direction in which he would lead America: out of Iraq, toward universal health insurance coverage, greater regulation of business that emit carbon dioxide that contributes to global warming, and toward greater regulation of Wall Street financial institutions that recklessly drove our economy off a cliff into a recession.
If Obama's agenda is enacted, that simply means that representative democracy still works in America. If Glenn Beck has a problem with fair elections, representative democracy that carries out the will of the people, and a president trying to enact the program he ran on, then I think he and other like him, need to come to grips with what living in a republic is all about - sometimes you lose elections, because the old ideas and ways of doing things were rejected by the people.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Mad Man: Is Glenn Beck Bad for America?
Mad Man: Is Glenn Beck Bad for America?
I want to say yes, but I think the question should be "Are people who listen to Glenn Beck uncritically bad for America?"
The answer is an emphatic yes.
I want to say yes, but I think the question should be "Are people who listen to Glenn Beck uncritically bad for America?"
The answer is an emphatic yes.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Thousands Rally in Capital to Protest Big Government
Once again, this is a debate that we have had in America for well over 200 years - how much power, authority, and responsibility should the federal government have?
Today, thousands of conservatives who feel that Obama and Democrats in Congress want to create to much government involvement in the economy, health care, etc. exercised their First Amendment rights by marching on D.C.
Thousands Rally in Capital to Protest Big Government - NYTimes.com
Today, thousands of conservatives who feel that Obama and Democrats in Congress want to create to much government involvement in the economy, health care, etc. exercised their First Amendment rights by marching on D.C.
Thousands Rally in Capital to Protest Big Government - NYTimes.com
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Obama's Speech on Health Care Reform
I thought, as usual, Obama did a great job in delivering the speech, and in the second half of the speech got back to speaking with passion about the need for change in American health care. (I think he has been too dispassionate in recent months to rally people around his cause.)
It was weird that at one point during the speech a Republican member of Congress lost it and yelled out "You lie!" (Article here; clip from speech here.)
The last part of the speech is something I'd like us to watch together at some point, because he talked about the importance of liberalism and conservatism in the American tradition of political thought. While he favors the liberal or progressive impulses toward government, he recognized that the debate between the two sides goes way back (to Jefferson and Hamilton) and often results in common-sense compromise. (See commentary on RealClearPolitics.)
Read about the speech here: Obama's Plea: 'Deliver On Health Care' : NPR
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Monday, September 07, 2009
Controversy over Obama speech to students
I find the whole idea of people objecting to the President speaking to kids and encouraging them to make the most of their education absolutely ridiculous. It would be funny if it weren't an indication of how rabid politics has become.
Politics | Analysis: Furor over speech typifies polarization | Seattle Times Newspaper
However, all of this is not new: There was opposition from conservatives from the time the federal government created the Department of Education in the 1960's. Many of them believed that it was unreasonable for the federal government to become more involved in public education, which is primarily the province of state and local governments. The following article gives you some background on political battles conservatives have waged over federal policy on public education.
The history behind opposition to Obama’s speech to students | csmonitor.com
Politics | Analysis: Furor over speech typifies polarization | Seattle Times Newspaper
However, all of this is not new: There was opposition from conservatives from the time the federal government created the Department of Education in the 1960's. Many of them believed that it was unreasonable for the federal government to become more involved in public education, which is primarily the province of state and local governments. The following article gives you some background on political battles conservatives have waged over federal policy on public education.
The history behind opposition to Obama’s speech to students | csmonitor.com
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Cheney Offers Sharp Defense of C.I.A. Interrogation Tactics - NYTimes.com
Cheney Offers Sharp Defense of C.I.A. Interrogation Tactics - NYTimes.com
And the Fox News version of the story - which includes video of the interview with the former V.P.)
Cheney Slams Obama's 'Politicized' Probe of CIA Interrogations - Political News - FOXNews.com
And the Fox News version of the story - which includes video of the interview with the former V.P.)
Cheney Slams Obama's 'Politicized' Probe of CIA Interrogations - Political News - FOXNews.com
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
MAJOR Death Penalty News out of Texas
Daily Kos: MAJOR Death Penalty News out of Texas
Expert contradicts evidence used to convict man of arson -
http://www.abajournal.comnews/expert_hits_arson_finding_in_case_that_led_to_defendants_execution/
Expert contradicts evidence used to convict man of arson -
http://www.abajournal.comnews/expert_hits_arson_finding_in_case_that_led_to_defendants_execution/
Teddy Kennedy, RIP
1932 - 2009Edward "Teddy" Kennedy served as a Senator from the state of Massachusetts from 1963 until his death yesterday. There are many great tributes to the youngest of the four Kennedy boys all over the internet right now. Here are a few I thought I would share:
The NY Times had a pretty comprehensive obituary covering the ups and downs of his life that I enjoyed reading last night. Politico.com has a nice article collecting tributes made by some of the most influencial Democrats and Republicans in U.S. politics. They also have a video of highlights from speeches ranging from a eulogy for his brother in the sixties to him campaigning for Obama last year.
Joe Biden shared some heartfelt thoughts on the decades he and Kennedy shared together in the Senate:
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Bernanke to be reappointed by Obama
Obama has just reappointed him, but a question remains for a lot of people who don't closely follow economic news: Who is Ben Bernanke and what does he do as Chairman of the Federal Reserve?
Bernanke to be reappointed by Obama - Aug. 25, 2009
Bernanke to be reappointed by Obama - Aug. 25, 2009
Op/Ed - Obama, Lost at the Chalkboard
As reality sets in, and the Obama administration is losing the luster of the historic election and inauguration, there has been more dissatisfaction with the President than at any time in his still young presidency.
Admittedly, he is still personally popular, and he is dealing with some of the most difficult challenges any president has had to face in recent history. I must confess that I am still rooting for him and see great potential in him, I have been disappointed in a number of areas.
Many commentators have begun to opine on mistakes they believe Obama and his administration have made. I will collect what I believe to be some of the most insightful here:
Richard Cohen - Obama, Lost at the Chalkboard - washingtonpost.com
Admittedly, he is still personally popular, and he is dealing with some of the most difficult challenges any president has had to face in recent history. I must confess that I am still rooting for him and see great potential in him, I have been disappointed in a number of areas.
Many commentators have begun to opine on mistakes they believe Obama and his administration have made. I will collect what I believe to be some of the most insightful here:
Richard Cohen - Obama, Lost at the Chalkboard - washingtonpost.com
Friday, August 21, 2009
Rowdy Health Care Town Halls
Civil Discourse? A well-educated citizenry debating the effect of health care reform on the common good of the nation? Democracy and freedom of speech can be messy sometimes. It also reminds me why some in the Founding Generation were suspicious of too much democracy.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Monday, August 03, 2009
Saturday, August 01, 2009
First Vietnamese-American Federal Judge
These "firsts" are important. It is a way that we assure ourselves that we fully include and appreciate the status of an ethnic/gender group in the American dream.
According to Politico.com
According to Politico.com
"President Barack Obama announced today that he has nominated a county judge and former federal prosecutor from California, Jacqueline Nguyen, to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, which is based in and around Los Angeles. If confirmed, Nguyen would become the first American of Vietnamese origin to serve as a so-called Article III, confirmed federal judge. (There is a Vietnamese-American federal magistrate in Tennessee, Tu Pham.)
Nguyen's confirmation would also boost the thin ranks of Asian-Americans on the federal bench by 12.5%--taking the tally from eight to nine out of more than 800.
Nguyen is a graduate of Occidental College and UCLA law school."
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