In considering the Tryvon Martin case (where a black teenager armed with Skittles and iced tea was shot by a much bigger white guy on a "neighborhood watch", who later claimed "self-defense"), this timeline explainer from Mother Jones is indispensable if you want to understand the case and the context for these laws. It is seriously messed up. This is one example … Read More
If The Titanic Could Twitter
Follow the Titanic 100 years ago by following its Twitter account: https://twitter.com/#!/TitanicRealTime There are a few things up now, but I have a feeling that the account is going to get very busy on April 14-15.
An Anthem For Trayvon
The good news coming out today is that the case against Zimmerman is going to a Florida Grand Jury… AND that the United States Civil Rights Division is looking into the matter. I understand the anger that Zimmerman wasn't arrested on the spot, and that his preposterous story of self-defense (that he was attacked by a black kid armed … Read More
The Latest Stupid Kerfuffle
Robert DeNiro at Obama fundraiser last night: "Callista Gingrich. Karen Santorum. Ann Romney. Now do you really think our country is ready for a white first lady?" A joke, right? Not a side-splitter, but obviously a joke. Newt Gingrich feigns outrage and demands an apology from Obama: “What DeNiro said last night was inexcusable and the president should apologize for him. It … Read More
What You Need To Know About The Death Of Trayvon Martin (1995-2012)
On February 26, 2012, a 17-year-old African-American named Trayvon Martin was shot and killed in Sanford, Florida. The shooter was George Zimmerman, a 28-year-old white man. Zimmerman admits killing Martin, but claims he was acting in self-defense. Three weeks after Martin’s death, no arrests have been made and Zimmerman remains free. Here is what everyone should know about the case: … Read More
Does Obama Control The Price Of Gas? Graphic Answers….
Answer: No. The price of gas is contingent on a world market. But surely, if Obama increases oil production here in the United States, that will affect gas prices. I mean, aren't the two related? Answer: No
More Dispatches From The War On Women
The Republican establishment has seemed more concerned with de-humanizing women than it does with winning the fall election. After Virginia passed its modified ultrasound requirement for abortion access, Republican-controlled state governments in Arizona and Pennsylvania put forward a set of absurd invasions of privacy that smack of the same big-government tyranny that they claim to be so aggressively opposed to. In Arizona, … Read More
Rush Limbaugh GETS An Advertiser!
With over 140 advertisers fleeing from the Rush Limbaugh program, I'm happy to report that at least one group is running toward him, money in hand, wishing to advertise on his show. That group is… oh. Oh, dear. The Westboro Baptist Church (of "God Hates Fags" fame). Oh, well. Any port in a storm, right, Rushbo?
Rutgers Verdict
In late September 2010, many – myself included – were disturbed by the story coming out of Rutgers University regarding a gay freshman named Tyler Clementi who committed suicide (jumping off the George Washington bridge) after he learned his roommate, Dharun Ravi, had used a hidden webcam to secretly film Clementi engaging in homosexual behavior. I explored the case a little bit … Read More
New Hampshire Makes Up Facts About Women’s Health
Across the nation, lawmakers are debating several different anti-abortion bills seeking to make it more difficult for women to have an abortion. One tactic is “informed consent” measures that require women to be given information before an abortion — even if they do not want that information or getting it would violate medical guidelines. Now, the New Hampshire House has passed a bill that, … Read More
The Obama Campaign Film
You've heard about it, here it is. Narrated by Tom Hanks. It serves as a nice contrast to the media buys coming out of the GOP race. While Republicans strive to outdo themselves in portraying the current and future apocalypse, this piece projects a calm, quiet assurance that things are getting better. It was almost a relief to watch after … Read More
Will Amendment One Lose?
It might: Elon, N.C. – A new Elon University Poll released today shows that a majority of North Carolinians oppose Amendment One, a constitutional amendment on the May 8, 2012, North Carolina primary ballot that bans relationship recognitions and threatens protections for the state’s unmarried couples. The nonpartisan poll revealed that 54.2% of North Carolinians surveyed either oppose or strongly … Read More
Obama Smacks Down Rutherford Hayes, And Hayes Is All Like “Nuh-UH”
Here’s what Obama had to say about Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th President of the United States (1877–1881), via Politico: “One of my predecessors, President Rutherford B. Hayes, reportedly said about the telephone: ‘It’s a great invention but who would ever want to use one?’” Obama said. “That’s why he’s not on Mt. Rushmore.” “He’s looking backwards, he’s not looking forward. … Read More
Republicans Not Crazy About Protecting Some Women From Violence
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) passed overwhelmingly in 1994, and was renewed easily in 2000 and 2005. But it suddenly became a partisan issue last month, when every Republican on the Judiciary Committee opposed it, and it passed in a 10 to 8 vote. The act, estimated to have dramatically reduced domestic violence, funds a broad range of training programs and aid for … Read More