Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Another report on how Obama Administration is reacting to changing political circumstances:
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Obama Looks to Regain Momuntum in SOTU
That's the State of the Union Address in Washington D.C. tonight. Here is a report of some fresh poll numbers from the NBC nightly news:
Another report on how Obama Administration is reacting to changing political circumstances:
Another report on how Obama Administration is reacting to changing political circumstances:
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Spending Freeze
Except as a political move, I'm having trouble understanding how this helps us a whole lot.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Friday, January 22, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Effect of Republican Victory in Massachusetts
From NBC News:
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Evaluating Obama's First Year in Office
What criteria should we use to evaluate Obama's first year in office? What letter grade would you give him for his first year on the job.
One measure might be how is he doing on his campaign promises. Politifact.com has rated hime, and here is a background summary from video from NBC:
A dramatic loss in a special election in Massachusetts last night has hurt Democrats and will make it more difficult for Obama to get things passed in the Senate. This was liberal icon Ted Kennedy's seat, and hands a 41st vote to the Republicans, enough to sustain filibusters. Was this loss a failure a reflection of people being unhappy with Obama? Analysis from the New York Times:
News Analysis - A Year Later, Voters Send a Different Message - NYTimes.com
Obama started out with very high ratings in the opinion polls, but those have dropped below 50% on approval ratings in many polls. A look back at the last year of Obama's year in office from NBC:
Some editorials sympathetic to Obama:
No Obama Obits, Please The New York Observer
One measure might be how is he doing on his campaign promises. Politifact.com has rated hime, and here is a background summary from video from NBC:
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
A dramatic loss in a special election in Massachusetts last night has hurt Democrats and will make it more difficult for Obama to get things passed in the Senate. This was liberal icon Ted Kennedy's seat, and hands a 41st vote to the Republicans, enough to sustain filibusters. Was this loss a failure a reflection of people being unhappy with Obama? Analysis from the New York Times:
News Analysis - A Year Later, Voters Send a Different Message - NYTimes.com
Obama started out with very high ratings in the opinion polls, but those have dropped below 50% on approval ratings in many polls. A look back at the last year of Obama's year in office from NBC:
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Some editorials sympathetic to Obama:
No Obama Obits, Please The New York Observer
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
New Jersey Lawmakers Pass Medical Marijuana Bill
New Jersey Lawmakers Pass Medical Marijuana Bill: "The measure, expected to be signed by the governor by next Tuesday, would make the state the region’s first to legalize medical marijuana.
"
"
Conservative Attorney Makes Case for Gay Marriage
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Monday, January 11, 2010
Same-Sex Marriage Goes Before Federal Court
For the first time, the issue of same-sex marriage is going before a federal court. At issue is Proposition 8, passed by California voters, which bans same sex marriage in that state. Do states have the authority under the Constitution to ban same sex marriage, or is it a violation of basic rights?
A CBS news report:
Watch CBS News Videos Online
From NBC news:
A CBS news report:
Watch CBS News Videos Online
From NBC news:
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
State faces nothing but bad choices | Seattle Times Newspaper
In this "Great Recession", it is going to be a lot of bad news out of Olympia as the Legislature begins its session today.
Local News | State faces nothing but bad choices | Seattle Times Newspaper
Local News | State faces nothing but bad choices | Seattle Times Newspaper
Sunday, January 10, 2010
The Flap Over Reid's 2008 Comments about Obama's Race
Fellow Democract, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has faced the embarrassing disclosure of remarks he made about Barack Obama during the 2008 political campaign.
Reid, in predicting that Obama could become the first African-American President was quoted in a new book about the campaign as having described Obama as “light-skinned” and had “no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one.”
Reid Apologizes for Remarks on Obama’s Color and ‘Dialect’
Reid, in predicting that Obama could become the first African-American President was quoted in a new book about the campaign as having described Obama as “light-skinned” and had “no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one.”
Reid Apologizes for Remarks on Obama’s Color and ‘Dialect’
WTP State Competition - Mt. Rainier H.S.
Video available on www.tvw.org. Search for it under "recent media".
Friday, January 08, 2010
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
How has Obama Handled the Crisis?
A discussion of how Obama handled the crisis of the attempted terrorist bombing aboard an airliner on Christmas day.
Obama reprimands intelligence failures
msnbc.com:Obama reprimands intelligence failures
From the President's News Conference:
Coverage from the Newshour on PBS:
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/terrorism/jan-june10/obama1_01-05.html
From the President's News Conference:
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Coverage from the Newshour on PBS:
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/terrorism/jan-june10/obama1_01-05.html
Monday, January 04, 2010
Will Profiling Make a Difference?
Will Profiling Make a Difference?: "The U.S. has decided that treating people differently depending on where they come from will improve airline security."
Is racial profiling justified in an effort to improve airline security? The debate over individual rights and security continues. What are your thoughts?
"Is racial profiling justified in an effort to improve airline security? The debate over individual rights and security continues. What are your thoughts?
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Former Justice O'Connor leads push to end judicial elections
Is electing judges, as many states do, a good idea? Sandra Day O'Connor says no.
Former Justice O'Connor leads push to end judicial elections - CNN.com
Former Justice O'Connor leads push to end judicial elections - CNN.com
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Fighting Terrorism vs. Privacy Rights
The attempted bombing of a jet liner heading to Detroit on Christmas day has renewed the debate over some proposed security measures such as full body scans and passenger (racial/ethnic) profiling. What do you think about these issues?
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Leading Chinese Dissident Gets 11-Year Prison Term
Update on Human Rights in China:
Leading Chinese Dissident Gets 11-Year Prison Term: "A Chinese court has sentenced Liu Xiaobo, a prominent dissident, to 11 years in jail on subversion charges after he called for sweeping political reforms.
"
Leading Chinese Dissident Gets 11-Year Prison Term: "A Chinese court has sentenced Liu Xiaobo, a prominent dissident, to 11 years in jail on subversion charges after he called for sweeping political reforms.
"
Washington is on track to add seat in U.S. House
PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION!
It may give our State more clout after the 2010 census!
Washington is on track to add seat in U.S. House
It may give our State more clout after the 2010 census!
Washington is on track to add seat in U.S. House
Monday, December 21, 2009
Is it time to kill the filibuster?
Nowhere in the Constitution of the United States is there a mention of a filibuster. Article I of the Constitution gives each house of Congress the right to make its own rules, and the use of the filibuster has been a tradition in the U.S. Senate for over two centuries. (The House of Representatives used it in our republic's early days, but banned it in the early 19th century.)
When President Bush was in office, Republicans complained that the Democrats were unfairly using the filibuster to keep certain right-wing judges from being brought to the floor for a confirmation vote. The Republican majority at the time threatened to do away with the filibuster, calling it first the "nuclear option" and when that phrase didn't poll well, they called it the "constitutional option."
Now, the majority party is the Democrats, and many on the left are howling about the Republicans abusing the filibuster. Other than it being a unique and quirky element of our Senate, I find the filibuster hard to defend as it has been used in recent decades. It was used rarely and required Senators to remain on the floor speaking throughout the entire filibuster. It was an exhausting, last-ditch effort that Senators would use only in very rare cases. A filibuster would end only when the Senator (or group of Senators) sat down and stopped speaking, thus yielding the floor to another Senator.
The modern filibuster does not require such sacrifice however. Under this system, as I understand it, those in the minority wanting to block legislation can simply declare a "procedural filibuster" which allows them to stop Senate business without having to actually stand and speak. They can hold onto this for as long as they want until a motion to end debate (cloture) passes with 3/5ths of the Senate (60 votes).
What was the original purpose of a filibuster? Does it still make sense to allow filibusters since they are used so often in recent decades? Our democracy wants answers!
Some thoughts:
The filibuster: let's talk about it - James Fallows
Op-Ed Columnist: A Dangerous Dysfunction: "The difficulty of trying to pass health care reform shows how dysfunctional the Senate, and the United States government as a whole, has become."
E.J. Dionne in the Washington Post has gone so far as to say that "everyone must get it through their heads that thanks to the bizarre habits of the Senate, we are no longer a normal democracy.
Colbert King, also of the Washington Post reminds us though that what people think of the filibuster often depends on who is in the majority and who is in the minority. Liberalslove hate the filibuster.
When President Bush was in office, Republicans complained that the Democrats were unfairly using the filibuster to keep certain right-wing judges from being brought to the floor for a confirmation vote. The Republican majority at the time threatened to do away with the filibuster, calling it first the "nuclear option" and when that phrase didn't poll well, they called it the "constitutional option."
Now, the majority party is the Democrats, and many on the left are howling about the Republicans abusing the filibuster. Other than it being a unique and quirky element of our Senate, I find the filibuster hard to defend as it has been used in recent decades. It was used rarely and required Senators to remain on the floor speaking throughout the entire filibuster. It was an exhausting, last-ditch effort that Senators would use only in very rare cases. A filibuster would end only when the Senator (or group of Senators) sat down and stopped speaking, thus yielding the floor to another Senator.
The modern filibuster does not require such sacrifice however. Under this system, as I understand it, those in the minority wanting to block legislation can simply declare a "procedural filibuster" which allows them to stop Senate business without having to actually stand and speak. They can hold onto this for as long as they want until a motion to end debate (cloture) passes with 3/5ths of the Senate (60 votes).
What was the original purpose of a filibuster? Does it still make sense to allow filibusters since they are used so often in recent decades? Our democracy wants answers!
Some thoughts:
The filibuster: let's talk about it - James Fallows
Op-Ed Columnist: A Dangerous Dysfunction: "The difficulty of trying to pass health care reform shows how dysfunctional the Senate, and the United States government as a whole, has become."
E.J. Dionne in the Washington Post has gone so far as to say that "everyone must get it through their heads that thanks to the bizarre habits of the Senate, we are no longer a normal democracy.
Colbert King, also of the Washington Post reminds us though that what people think of the filibuster often depends on who is in the majority and who is in the minority. Liberals
Disappointing health care bill better than none at all
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
Paul Krugman, economist and leading progressive columnist: Pass the Bill
Ezra Klein - Still time to think small
Matthew Yglesias » The Way Forward
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
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