Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Framing the debate on the results of next Tuesday's elections
In four days, voters in Virginia and New Jersey will elect a governor. Soon afterwards, political analysts will seek to interpret the deeper meaning of the results, looking for clues about what may lay ahead for next year's mid-term elections.
And for the POLITICAL grumpy vegans...
This video was part of a campaign for Prop 2 in California (which worked to get better conditions for livestock in factory farms). I think it represents the switch to new media for grassroots lobbying in elections, campaigns, and ballot initiatives...Using facebook/twitter/email in addition to airing commercials like this on TV gives the cause much more exposure at a fraction of the cost. It's also pretty well done, and i promise you'll be humming the song for the rest of the day!
For all the "Grumpy Vegans" in the room...
This may make you re-think your next hunting outing....and make you laugh...
Public Option: A disaster in disguise?
When you construct a lousy public option, you get results like this.
7 members of Congress under investigation for ethics violations
Some Democrats, some Republicans, a little something for everybody.
Happy Halloween!
For those of us in D.C. for the weekend, does anyone have any fun Halloween things planned? What has everyone heard of going on in the area?
Time at Guantanamo Considered at Sentencing
An al-Qaeda agent was sentenced to an 8 year imprisonment, as opposed to the maximum 15 years, because the judge took into account the 6+ years he had spent while captive on a Navy brig without charges. I think the judge was absolutely correct in his decision; if someone is found guilty of a crime that would put them in prison for X years, why shouldn't we subtract the number of years already served (in Guantanamo or elsewhere) before they were charged with the crime?
Tough stuff from Peggy Noonan
"We are governed at all levels by America's luckiest children, sons and daughters of the abundance, and they call themselves optimists but they're not optimists—they're unimaginative. They don't have faith, they've just never been foreclosed on. They are stupid and they are callous, and they don't mind it when people become disheartened. They don't even notice."
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Fun facts about the House health bill in this Politico article
Page Count is 1,990.
Word Count: approx. 400,000.
To put that in perspective, the bill is longer than War and Peace and has five times as many words as the Torah.
NC Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry, 34-years-old and 5-feet-tall, said a print-out of the bill could act as a ”booster seat" for him.
Word Count: approx. 400,000.
To put that in perspective, the bill is longer than War and Peace and has five times as many words as the Torah.
NC Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry, 34-years-old and 5-feet-tall, said a print-out of the bill could act as a ”booster seat" for him.
More on Lieberman
| The Colbert Report | Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c | |||
| Joe Lieberman Is a True Independent | ||||
| ||||
Wed College Girls- from the NYT a hundred years ago
"They make men the best wives and have the most children..."
"President of Bryn Mawr denies they stay in the drawing room and neglect the kitchen..."
"President of Bryn Mawr denies they stay in the drawing room and neglect the kitchen..."
The conversation-Self Image and Party Politics
New York Times columnists David Brooks and Bob Herbert discuss the future of the Democratic and Republican parties.
"If conservatives won’t accept moderate candidates in the Northeast, then they are sentencing themselves to permanent minority status."
"Folks are not opposed to a health care overhaul, but they’re understandably wary. They fear it will drive the deficits higher and they’re not sure that this big, complicated, very difficult to understand system is the best thing for their families. There is genuine worry about what might happen if the new system — whatever its final contours — turns out to be unaffordable."
"If conservatives won’t accept moderate candidates in the Northeast, then they are sentencing themselves to permanent minority status."
"Folks are not opposed to a health care overhaul, but they’re understandably wary. They fear it will drive the deficits higher and they’re not sure that this big, complicated, very difficult to understand system is the best thing for their families. There is genuine worry about what might happen if the new system — whatever its final contours — turns out to be unaffordable."
Transcripts of Defeat
Describes the paralells of the Soviets struggle in Afghanistan with that of the United State's
The Old Hat People?
WSJ op-ed suggesting that as the rest of society is moving toward smarter, smaller, more nimble organizations and solutions, we may be on the verge of a monstrous, one size fits all takeover of one sixth of American economy reminiscent of the irrational exuberance of the 1960's.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Click on the image to enlarge it.
Read the first letter of each line in this veto statement, starting with the third line, to see an obscene message from the Governator to the CA State Assembly.
Schwarzenegger Statement Contains Not-so-Secret Message
By JESSE McKINLEY
Published: October 28, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/29/us/29arnold.html?_r=2&hpw
The Hill "World Series could be game-changer for New Jersey governor’s race"
"Will voters be distracted by their teams being in the Fall Classic? Will one team win by Monday’s Game 5, spurring turnout in certain areas, while the loser’s fans stay home and sulk? Will people watching the games on TV expose themselves to even more campaign ads, and how will that affect turnout?"
...
"A Public Policy Polling survey found Christie leading Corzine 46-36 among Yankees fans, while the two tied at 40 among Phillies fans. So if the Yankees win early, maybe Christie gets a bump."
"Of course, both men profess to be Yankees fans (there are far more Yankees fans than Phillies fans in the state), so allegiance to their team shouldn’t be much of a campaign issue."
...
"A Public Policy Polling survey found Christie leading Corzine 46-36 among Yankees fans, while the two tied at 40 among Phillies fans. So if the Yankees win early, maybe Christie gets a bump."
"Of course, both men profess to be Yankees fans (there are far more Yankees fans than Phillies fans in the state), so allegiance to their team shouldn’t be much of a campaign issue."
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
List of America's Safest Cities
For all of you who fear D.C. in the dark, this list may do something to change your mind.
Chrysler to unveil product roadmap on November 4th
"Four months after exiting a U.S.-funded bankruptcy reorganization, Chrysler Group is about to unveil a product roadmap that relies heavily on vehicles from Italian partner Fiat (FIATY) while abandoning many of the U.S. carmaker's own models.
The plan, due to be unveiled Nov. 4, involves the reintroduction of Fiat's premium, sporty Alfa Romeo brand to the U.S. starting in 2012, The Wall Street Journal reported this afternoon."
The plan, due to be unveiled Nov. 4, involves the reintroduction of Fiat's premium, sporty Alfa Romeo brand to the U.S. starting in 2012, The Wall Street Journal reported this afternoon."
Today's Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Hearing on s.1733
Links to the Senate Committee's homepage where you can find a webcast of the hearing (it was over 3 hours long though...) and the majority and minority statements. I attended the hearing this morning, and since there was so much media presence, they only let in 9 people. I sat there for 2 hours starting at 7:30 only to view it from an overflow room (bahh!). Most Senators attended, though, so it's interesting to take a look at. Looks like our cap & trade debators did a pretty good job, as most of the same topics were debated today! Boxer dominated the room and took advantage of her power by refuting points made by the Republican Senators and fielding a first panel filled with EPA administrators and cabinet members. Very reminiscient of the reading for tomorrow in terms of how committee meetings operate, however I saw much less bipartisanship, consensus, and "unitary government" than the reading promised....
Humane Society Legislative Fund Fundraiser
More amo for all of you who enjoy making fun of my internship....I'll have you know that everyone had a fantastic time, and I was complimented more than once on my outfit. More interestingly, HSLF (Humane Society Legislative Fund) is our PAC (political action committee) which only just recieved this recognition, which is very exciting due to its new set of rules regarding contributions in elections and to elected officials. The Hill Office has been really excited about this new development, and has i believe issued its first endorsements for the races in both NY and NJ, although I'm not sure if they've gone public just yet!
HSLF and the grassroots team for HSUS (Humane Society of the US) engage in large amounts of grassroots lobbying and even employ thier own version of lobbyists, so the new PAC status is very exciting for everyone involved. If anyone else is interested in animal rights, this links to the HSLF homepage/President of the Fund Mike Markarian's blog...
HSLF and the grassroots team for HSUS (Humane Society of the US) engage in large amounts of grassroots lobbying and even employ thier own version of lobbyists, so the new PAC status is very exciting for everyone involved. If anyone else is interested in animal rights, this links to the HSLF homepage/President of the Fund Mike Markarian's blog...
More public options?
"It’s no coincidence that the cable company is always a go-to liberal example of private sector dysfunction. I would ditch Comcast in favor of a rival cable company except...there isn’t a rival cable company that served by neighborhood. Nor does my window face the right direction for DirectTV. So it’s Comcast or nobody, and thus the quality of Comcast’s offerings and customer service tends to be extremely bad. Appropriate regulation and public investment have a big role to play in this field."
WSJ op-ed arguing that we legalize insider trading
"Far from being so injurious to the economy that its practice must be criminalized, insiders buying and selling stocks based on their knowledge play a critical role in keeping asset prices honest—in keeping prices from lying to the public about corporate realities.
Prohibitions on insider trading prevent the market from adjusting as quickly as possible to changes in the demand for, and supply of, corporate assets. The result is prices that lie."
What if Bush Did it?
President Obama and President Bush, apparently not as different as President Obama and Candidate Obama.
U.S. News & World Report: America's Best Places to Live, Work, and Retire
Thought this might be interesting to those who may be looking for a career or place to settle in the near future, or just want to see where they would enjoy living someday. Answer survey questions about your preferences with regard to population, climate, employment, crime, and career fields, then get a look at your personalized results with detailed information for each city including median home price, average income, cost of living, commute times, even nearby schools and hospitals.
(My top results were mostly in northern VA, NC, and TX)
(My top results were mostly in northern VA, NC, and TX)
Monday, October 26, 2009
Myths of our Afghanistan debate
Although this article was published in the NY Post, not exactly a paper that represents excellence in journalism, I thought this article was excellent. It was recommended by Chris Isham, the CBS Washington Bureau Chief, and an Afghanistan expert.
CHEESESTEAKS FOR CHEESECAKES: NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA SENATORS WAGER ON YANKEES-PHILLIES WORLD SERIES
World Series Begins Wednesday Night-If Yankees
Win Series, NY Sens Will Get Supply of Philly Cheesesteaks, If Phillies Win Series, PA Sens Will Get Supply of Junior's Cheesecakes
With the New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies set to begin the World Series Wednesday night in New York, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), Arlen Specter (D-PA), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) today announced that they have made a bet on the outcome of the series. The winners of the bet will receive a supply of delicacies from the loser’s home state, cheesesteaks from Philadelphia or Junior’s cheesecakes from New York.
“I give Senators Specter and Casey credit for sticking with their team but I can already taste those delicious Philly cheesesteaks,” Schumer said. “And even though the Phillies won the World Series last year, there’s no comparing the Yankees’ 26 World Series victories to the Phillies’ two. When the dust settles, I am confident that the Yankees will be victorious and Senator Gillibrand and I will be enjoying our Philly cheesesteaks.”
“It’s great to see the Bronx Bombers back in the World Series with so many familiar faces from their storied run in the 1990’s,” Specter said. “Unfortunately for the Yankees, tradition alone will do them little good against Charlie Manuel’s fearsome lineup. I look forward to enjoying the New York cheesecakes, although nothing will be as sweet as the Phillies’ back-to-back titles.”
"After impressive performances in both the National League Division and Championship series, I am confident that the Phillies are well on their way to becoming back-to-back World Series Champions,” said Senator Casey. “If the Phillies keep up their extraordinary efforts at the plate, on the mound and in the field, it is only a matter of time until Senator Specter and I are able to enjoy some delicious cheesecake.”
“I look forward to a great World Series and enjoying a cheese steak to celebrate the Yankee victory with my friends Senators Casey and Specter,” said Senator Gillibrand. “It should be a terrific matchup between two great organizations, but I give the edge to the Bronx Bombers. The last team to win back-to-back World Series championships was our Yankees – that record will hold strong this year. Their lineup and pitching is superb and New York does have the best fans in the world. Go Yankees!”
This is the Yankees first trip to the World Series since 2003. The Phillies won the World Series in 2008. The Yankees and Phillies played the World Series in 1950, and the Yanks swept in 4 games.
Win Series, NY Sens Will Get Supply of Philly Cheesesteaks, If Phillies Win Series, PA Sens Will Get Supply of Junior's Cheesecakes
With the New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies set to begin the World Series Wednesday night in New York, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), Arlen Specter (D-PA), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) today announced that they have made a bet on the outcome of the series. The winners of the bet will receive a supply of delicacies from the loser’s home state, cheesesteaks from Philadelphia or Junior’s cheesecakes from New York.
“I give Senators Specter and Casey credit for sticking with their team but I can already taste those delicious Philly cheesesteaks,” Schumer said. “And even though the Phillies won the World Series last year, there’s no comparing the Yankees’ 26 World Series victories to the Phillies’ two. When the dust settles, I am confident that the Yankees will be victorious and Senator Gillibrand and I will be enjoying our Philly cheesesteaks.”
“It’s great to see the Bronx Bombers back in the World Series with so many familiar faces from their storied run in the 1990’s,” Specter said. “Unfortunately for the Yankees, tradition alone will do them little good against Charlie Manuel’s fearsome lineup. I look forward to enjoying the New York cheesecakes, although nothing will be as sweet as the Phillies’ back-to-back titles.”
"After impressive performances in both the National League Division and Championship series, I am confident that the Phillies are well on their way to becoming back-to-back World Series Champions,” said Senator Casey. “If the Phillies keep up their extraordinary efforts at the plate, on the mound and in the field, it is only a matter of time until Senator Specter and I are able to enjoy some delicious cheesecake.”
“I look forward to a great World Series and enjoying a cheese steak to celebrate the Yankee victory with my friends Senators Casey and Specter,” said Senator Gillibrand. “It should be a terrific matchup between two great organizations, but I give the edge to the Bronx Bombers. The last team to win back-to-back World Series championships was our Yankees – that record will hold strong this year. Their lineup and pitching is superb and New York does have the best fans in the world. Go Yankees!”
This is the Yankees first trip to the World Series since 2003. The Phillies won the World Series in 2008. The Yankees and Phillies played the World Series in 1950, and the Yanks swept in 4 games.
Anyone dressing up as Barakula for Halloween?
Roll Call's "Heard on the Hill" also tweeted about this spooky new mask being sold on HalloweenExpress.com for $34.99!
Barack the Barbarian
A must-have on your holiday shopping list, ladies and gents! Roll Call's "Heard on the Hill" tweeted about this new Obama Comic book series...
"From a far away land rises a mighty hero. The son of peasants from two different realms, the one known only as Barack protects the people of Hope Kingdom at all costs. Watch as he takes on the likes of Boosh the Dim, Red Sarah and Cha-nee the Grim in this hilarious first issue!"
"Barack begins his assault on the Elephant Tower by entering the dreaded Labyrinth of Right Turns guarded by the Screeching Enchantress and her many-headed dogs. Meanwhile his other enemies plot and scheme and work their dire magicks."
"From a far away land rises a mighty hero. The son of peasants from two different realms, the one known only as Barack protects the people of Hope Kingdom at all costs. Watch as he takes on the likes of Boosh the Dim, Red Sarah and Cha-nee the Grim in this hilarious first issue!"
"Barack begins his assault on the Elephant Tower by entering the dreaded Labyrinth of Right Turns guarded by the Screeching Enchantress and her many-headed dogs. Meanwhile his other enemies plot and scheme and work their dire magicks."
State of Distress
Re: Corzine and the NJ gubernatorial race.
The kicker: "NJ could raise up its own army and invade Pennsylvania, and all the state voters would want to talk about, still, would be their PROPERTY TAXES."
The kicker: "NJ could raise up its own army and invade Pennsylvania, and all the state voters would want to talk about, still, would be their PROPERTY TAXES."
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Yuppie 911
"Tired from a hike? Now, with the Yuppie 911, you send a message to a satellite and the government pulls your butt out of something you shouldn't have been in in the first place." Hooray!
"Health Insurance" company doesn't provide insurance, leaves customers out in the cold
This sort of thing is unbelievable. It's really a consumer protection issue, but we need more of that, too.
the Bros on the Hill
"At Home With George Miller, Richard J. Durbin, Charles E. Schumer and Bill Delahunt:
Taking Power, Sharing Cereal"
NY Times
Jan. 18 2007
Sen. Durbin kills rats with his bare hands. Sen. Schumer doesn't make the bed.
An oldie, but a goodie. The article goes along with the "Living in Washington" unit of our program.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Schumer-Big John Showdown on health care (Round 2), Meet the Press tomorrow! 10:30am Ch 4
I spent all of yesterday researching for Chuck, so I'm emotionally invested in this show now.
Wish I could afford that...
Mayor Bloomberg of New York has recently broken the record for personal spending on his political campaigns. He spent $85 million on his last campaign and, after his upcoming campaign, is likely to have spent a total of $250 million on his political campaigns. Crazy.
More on Obama vs. Fox
"This White House has demonstrated our willingness to exclude Fox News from newsmaking interviews, but yesterday we did not," said White House spokesman Josh Earnest.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Spanish versus English
I have attached a link about cops being investigate for ticketing drivers for not speaking English.
"Under the Dallas City Code, taxi drivers must be able to communicate in English. Mitchell said there is also a federal statute that says commercial drivers must speak English, but it would not have applied in this case."
I fail to see how the latter part does not apply in this situation. And shouldn't English be a law for drivers considering all the street signs and warnings are in English? (If someone says we should make them bilangual...)
This is the second time Spanish has come up at work today. Today we had two callers who demanded to speak to someone who could speak Spanish because they did not know enough English for their complaint. Anyone else find this a little ridiculous?
"Under the Dallas City Code, taxi drivers must be able to communicate in English. Mitchell said there is also a federal statute that says commercial drivers must speak English, but it would not have applied in this case."
I fail to see how the latter part does not apply in this situation. And shouldn't English be a law for drivers considering all the street signs and warnings are in English? (If someone says we should make them bilangual...)
This is the second time Spanish has come up at work today. Today we had two callers who demanded to speak to someone who could speak Spanish because they did not know enough English for their complaint. Anyone else find this a little ridiculous?
Outfoxed
For some reason, it is only recently that we are all talking about and debating Fox News' credibility. The White House's refusal to endorse and work with the most biased "legit" news organization has been met with tons of criticism and whiplash. Having not said anything about this stuff for a while, I feel like finally giving my amazingly awesome 2 cents.
What Fox News is doing is not new and I think people are forgetting this. Fox News has been known to have a skewed perspective on politics for years now and just because the left is in power and fighting back does not mean Fox News was not just as bad before. I once took a political journalism class many years ago and we watched an enlightening and interesting movie called Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism (2004). This movie highlights (with evidence!!!!!!) how Fox News is run and how this bias goes way behind the camera and all the way to the top. Any self respecting journalist should watch this movie and make judgements for themselves. Obviously it may be a little bias on what evidence it shows, but its not like the makers make anything up.
Before we continue arguing about and debating whether Fox News is biased or whether MSNBC is more biased, we should all see this movie. I await the upcoming feature film Outpeacocked: General Electric's War on Red Refridgerators ...
What Fox News is doing is not new and I think people are forgetting this. Fox News has been known to have a skewed perspective on politics for years now and just because the left is in power and fighting back does not mean Fox News was not just as bad before. I once took a political journalism class many years ago and we watched an enlightening and interesting movie called Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism (2004). This movie highlights (with evidence!!!!!!) how Fox News is run and how this bias goes way behind the camera and all the way to the top. Any self respecting journalist should watch this movie and make judgements for themselves. Obviously it may be a little bias on what evidence it shows, but its not like the makers make anything up.
Before we continue arguing about and debating whether Fox News is biased or whether MSNBC is more biased, we should all see this movie. I await the upcoming feature film Outpeacocked: General Electric's War on Red Refridgerators ...
GOP favorable rating lowest in a decade
"The Republican Party's favorable rating among Americans is at lowest level in at least a decade, according to a new national poll.
Thirty-six percent of people questioned in a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released Friday say they have a favorable opinion of the Republican Party, with 54 percent viewing the GOP negatively.
According to the poll, 53 percent have a positive opinion of the Democratic Party, with 41 percent holding an unfavorable view. The survey indicates that favorable ratings for the Democrats have dropped 5 points since February, with the Republican number slipping 3 points."
Thirty-six percent of people questioned in a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released Friday say they have a favorable opinion of the Republican Party, with 54 percent viewing the GOP negatively.
According to the poll, 53 percent have a positive opinion of the Democratic Party, with 41 percent holding an unfavorable view. The survey indicates that favorable ratings for the Democrats have dropped 5 points since February, with the Republican number slipping 3 points."
Of Climate Change and Nuclear Power
NYT: "Nuclear power should play an essential role in our efforts to mitigate climate change, argues Stewart Brand, the founder of the Whole Earth Catalog and longtime environmental activist."
Obama graces NJ with his presence
The NJ and VA gubernatorial elections will arguably set a tone for 2010 elections. This is how Obama weighs in:
"'Jon Corzine was one of the best colleagues I had in the Senate, and he is one of the best partners I have in the White House,' Obama told a roaring crowd at Fairleigh Dickinson University's Rothman Center."
-Spare me, Mr. President, please. You were were in the Senate together for a few months.
"'You've had a leader who has fought for what matters most to the people of New Jersey,' Obama said."
-Last time I checked, what matters most is property taxes, and we have the highest in the nation!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The article goes on to note that, "Republican candidate Christopher J. Christie has, by contrast, spent the week meeting voters in small settings to discuss property taxes, which polls consistently rank as the top issue in the state."
-Now that's what I'm talking about!
The Left takes on The Left
Who says I can't treat both sides equally? I may not like Dick Cheney, but he isn't, er, a vampire. Grayson is certainly providing good entertainment value, though.
The Chicago Way
The Chamber of Commerce is only the latest target of the Chicago Gang in the White House.
MediaMatters takes on Fox
I enjoyed watching this; it's like the best of FOX crazy over the past 10 months.
Firefighter v. New Haven, again
It'll be interesting to see if this makes it to the Supreme Court, and if it does, how they handle it.
Senate GOP campaign chief Cornyn turns his attention to New York race
Cornyn thinks the GOP can beat Gillibrand in 2010. Do I detect the potential for a little roommate rivalry?
The Aryan Sisterhood
A few years old, but blondes still rule on Fox. And Megyn Kelly is a great newswoman!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Okay, so I just saw the picture link for this on the huffington post, but really...
I don't know why anyone would actually worry about these people's influence as 'global warming deniers.' Instead, they should worry about the developing nations where even fewer people acknowledge, or care about, global warming. Also, read this article about why the Copenhagen summit will not lead to real change in energy...
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2009/10/16/recipe_for_failure
Did You Know: WJ Hosts Wear Pants
Anthony Weiner brightens my day:
(this is pretty exciting stuff around here)
(this is pretty exciting stuff around here)
A World Without Cars
Take a look at these two new versions of the segway, PUMA and the U3-X
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qY4msj5Q05Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCSQPnGkt78
Are we someday going to live in a world without cars? God, I hope not.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qY4msj5Q05Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCSQPnGkt78
Are we someday going to live in a world without cars? God, I hope not.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Congress Agrees on Moving Guantanamo Inmates
"The compromise passed by both chambers of Congress," and now heading to Obama to sign, "would allow the government to bring Guantanamo inmates to U.S. soil only if they are going to face trial in American courts."
Gov. Corzine's use of vast wealth is 'corrosive' to N.J. public
"Money is [Corzine's] go-to solution. He used it to get rid of Carla Katz, the union leader and his former lover, and to buy silence from her brother-in-law. He used it to bail out a woman who was stalking a political ally. And he’s using it today to make sure everyone in the state remembers that Chris Christie, the Republican candidate, is indeed fat."
a Capitol idea
Reminder: email me by midnight tonight (or comment on this post) if you are interested in taking a tour of the Capitol on Wednesday, November 11th. Tour is about an hour long and will probably take place between 2pm and 4pm.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
More Scozzafava
This was mainly posted so I could type Scozzafava a few more times today, but also because it's a pretty weird race that's getting weirder.
Scozzafava!
Edit: This is sort of a follow-up to Lachlan's earlier post.
Scozzafava!
Edit: This is sort of a follow-up to Lachlan's earlier post.
Man behind 'Green Acres' and 'The Addams Family' theme songs dies
These shows were hilarious...still are.
Oprah nabs exclusive interview with Palin
This should be interesting:
"Harpo Productions [Winfrey's production company] announced Tuesday that the former governor of Alaska and Republican vice presidential candidate will appear on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' on Monday, Nov. 16.
According to Harpo, the interview will be Palin’s first about her new book, 'Going Rogue: An American Life,' and it will be the first time Palin and Winfrey will meet."
"Harpo Productions [Winfrey's production company] announced Tuesday that the former governor of Alaska and Republican vice presidential candidate will appear on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' on Monday, Nov. 16.
According to Harpo, the interview will be Palin’s first about her new book, 'Going Rogue: An American Life,' and it will be the first time Palin and Winfrey will meet."
Trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains this Wednesday Afternoon?
It is less than an hour and a half drive from our apartments to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Shenendoah Valley. People say that the Blue Ridge mountains when the foliage is in full color is one of the most beautiful sights in the world. The October specials menu at Open City includes the quote- that in October "every leaf is a flower in full bloom."
Just How Relevant Is Political Science?
Political scientists are "vigorously debat[ing] the field’s direction, what sort of questions it pursues, even how useful the research is."
...
Jeffrey C. Isaac: " 'We’re kidding ourselves if we think this research typically has the obvious public benefit we claim for it,' he said. 'We political scientists can and should do a better job of making the public relevance of our work clearer and of doing more relevant work.' "
...
"In [Joseph Nye's] view statistical techniques too often determine what kind of research political scientists do, pushing them further into narrow specializations cut off from real-world concerns. The motivation to be precise, Mr. Nye warned, has overtaken the impulse to be relevant."
And more!
...
Jeffrey C. Isaac: " 'We’re kidding ourselves if we think this research typically has the obvious public benefit we claim for it,' he said. 'We political scientists can and should do a better job of making the public relevance of our work clearer and of doing more relevant work.' "
...
"In [Joseph Nye's] view statistical techniques too often determine what kind of research political scientists do, pushing them further into narrow specializations cut off from real-world concerns. The motivation to be precise, Mr. Nye warned, has overtaken the impulse to be relevant."
And more!
Monday, October 19, 2009
House Oversight Committee Democrats Walk Out
Faced with a promised vote to subpoena documents on Countrywide Financial's "Friends of Angelo" program, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee fled a scheduled 2 p.m. markup on Thursday. There were complications with Chris Dodd and his relationship to Countrywide, amongst other Dems, that prompted the walkout. And, of course, in this age of technology a Republican Staffer was their to film it and put it on youtube. If you look below the portrait on the white wall you might see a strapping young gentleman from this program (hint: its me!).
World's first underwater cabinet meeting
Discovery Channel, Oct. 19, 2009 -- Hoping to draw attention to his country's unique challenges in the face of climate change, President Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldives, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, held the world's first underwater cabinet meeting.
Amongst the fish and coral in a blue lagoon off Girifushi Island, President Nasheed, his vice president and 11 cabinet ministers used the occasion to sign a document calling for an international effort to halt global warming.
...
Each member of the president's team donned scuba gear and sat at a desk equipped with nameplates and waterproof pencils. They all employed hand signals to communicate with one another.
Opportunities missed in fatal Texas arson case
This article contains a more detailed account of what happened. It's been in the papers at home for weeks but has not turned into a campaign issue and probably never will. You just can't politically defend a convicted murderer in Texas, no matter how innocent they appear to be.
Public Opinion on Guantanamo Issue
Rasmussen polling found that "seventy-five percent (75%) of U.S. voters are at least somewhat concerned that dangerous terrorists will be set free if the Guantanamo prison camp is closed and some prisoners are transferred to other countries. Fifty-six percent (56%) are very concerned."
Also interesting is that apparently 57% of Americans feel that closing Guantanamo will not improve American-Muslim relations.
Also interesting is that apparently 57% of Americans feel that closing Guantanamo will not improve American-Muslim relations.
Creative Policy for Prisons (near Hamilton in CNY!)
Despite the funneling painkillers to thier volunteers, this seems like a very effective policy. Also interesting -- Hamilton has a English class on prison literature and the professor teaches a book club for a prison nearby. Students have had the opportunity to sit in on these book clubs for inmates. Both of these stories about new prison policies raise your awareness of how inmates do perhaps change in prison, or are at least willing to do some very constructive things in order to pass the time. Perhaps there's more than just a chain gang model for having inmates be constructive, and we can better THEM and work towards thier own rehibilitation more directly as well as bettering the outside world?
Texas may have executed an innocent man
Really interesting/weird story. This article's a bit old, but lately it seems that Rick Perry has been axing people investigating the issue.
I'm not actually sure where I fall on the overarching issue of the death penalty, but I think it's in our best interests for the state to not kill innocent people.
I'm not actually sure where I fall on the overarching issue of the death penalty, but I think it's in our best interests for the state to not kill innocent people.
Catholics may halt healthcare reform
Apparently healthcare is a right but the choice for an abortion is not.
NYT reporter talks about being held captive by the Taliban
Really, really interesting article. Part of a series, so it's worth keeping up with.
Decision on Afghan Troops May Wait
Perfect strategy from the Whitehouse. Do not overshadow the healthcare debate by making a big decision that would fundamentally change American foreign policy. Emanuel cites a somewhat legitimate reason that is hard to debate, unless you actually care about winning the war instead of advancing your political agenda.
Closing Gitmo to salvage "moral authority"?
Obama claims Gitmo has damaged America's "moral authority" by holding inmates ["enemy combatants"] without charge or trial and that it actually "weakens" our national security by spuring the enemy's rallying calls against America and what it stands for....
Sunday, October 18, 2009
The intern sitting right next to you could be an undercover Muslim spy
Roll Call: Heard on the Hill 10.15.09
Intern 007. Until now, we thought the worst offenses that interns were capable of were crimes against fashion (no, ID badges do NOT go with everything) and underage drinking.
But according to Rep. Sue Myrick, those clueless-looking interns might actually be undercover secret agents.
The North Carolina Republican, along with Reps. John Shadegg (R-Ariz.), Paul Broun (R-Ga.) and Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), on Wednesday accused the Muslim advocacy nonprofit Council on American-Islamic Relations of trying to plant lowly interns in Congressional offices in an effort to sway U.S. policies.
The Members pointed to revelations in a new book, “Muslim Mafia: Inside the Secret Underworld That’s Conspiring to Islamize America.” In that book, authors P. David Gaubatz and Paul Sperry cite a 2007 internal CAIR strategy memo stating that the group would “develop national initiatives such as a lobby day and placing Muslim interns in Congressional offices” and accused the group of having ties to Hamas.
CAIR spokesperson Ibrahim Hooper told HOH that Gaubatz stole documents from CAIR but could not confirm or deny the authenticity of the memo.
“It’s really ridiculous that elected officials want to attack a group for doing something that every American has the right to do — and merely because we’re Muslim,” Hooper said.
Left unexplained by either side is how mail-sorting, coffee-fetching interns actually, ah, influence policy.
Intern 007. Until now, we thought the worst offenses that interns were capable of were crimes against fashion (no, ID badges do NOT go with everything) and underage drinking.
But according to Rep. Sue Myrick, those clueless-looking interns might actually be undercover secret agents.
The North Carolina Republican, along with Reps. John Shadegg (R-Ariz.), Paul Broun (R-Ga.) and Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), on Wednesday accused the Muslim advocacy nonprofit Council on American-Islamic Relations of trying to plant lowly interns in Congressional offices in an effort to sway U.S. policies.
The Members pointed to revelations in a new book, “Muslim Mafia: Inside the Secret Underworld That’s Conspiring to Islamize America.” In that book, authors P. David Gaubatz and Paul Sperry cite a 2007 internal CAIR strategy memo stating that the group would “develop national initiatives such as a lobby day and placing Muslim interns in Congressional offices” and accused the group of having ties to Hamas.
CAIR spokesperson Ibrahim Hooper told HOH that Gaubatz stole documents from CAIR but could not confirm or deny the authenticity of the memo.
“It’s really ridiculous that elected officials want to attack a group for doing something that every American has the right to do — and merely because we’re Muslim,” Hooper said.
Left unexplained by either side is how mail-sorting, coffee-fetching interns actually, ah, influence policy.
After year without, family finds middle ground
"Along with his wife and young daughter, Colin Beavan had just spent a year trying to reduce their net environmental impact to almost zero. With a flip of a switch, they had cut their Manhattan apartment off from the electrical grid. They had stopped using anything disposable or buying anything new. In a city of skyscrapers, they had given up elevators. They went everywhere by
bicycle,
bicycle,
It had been a year of rules, a year in which nearly every aspect of their lives had been shaped by what they were not allowed to do. And now it was over."
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Wall Street: It's Hard Out Here For a Pimp
Goldman Sachs makes money without government help and plans to pay its employees well...cue the outrage?
Really?
Not saying this isn't a good cause, but are acts like these really deserving of congressional time? You know, because its not like there are any other issues out there that should be taken care of before the senate goes out of session in upcoming weeks.
And yes, I got to espn.com for my political research, it has great links.
And yes, I got to espn.com for my political research, it has great links.
DC Voting Measure Could be Added to Defense Spending Bill
"House Democratic leaders are considering floor action on a proposal to give the District of Columbia a full voting member in the House of Representatives. The provision would be attached to the conference report on the fiscal 2010 Defense appropriations bill, which is expected on the floor within the next few weeks. The Democrats would be reprising a strategy they used Oct. 8 when they attached legislation expanding the definition of federal hate crimes to the conference report on the defense authorization bill. Republicans generally opposed that maneuver and are poised to oppose any other move to grant the nation’s capital full representation in the House. The D.C. voting measure has long been a Democratic priority. A clue to House Democrats’ thinking came Thursday afternoon on the floor during the weekly colloquy about upcoming schedules. Republican Chief Deputy Whip Kevin McCarthy of California asked Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer if rumors were true that the Defense spending bill would include the D.C. vote bill. “I’ve heard discussion,” replied Hoyer, D-Md. “I will continue to fight to find any way to bring that to the floor.” The District’s non-voting House delegate, Eleanor Holmes Norton , said the idea originated with Appropriations Committee members. She cautioned, however, that no decision has been made and that she has identified a number of ways that the language could come up for a vote."
From Congressional Quarterly
From Congressional Quarterly
Chamber: They Just Hate Us Because We're Awesome
U.S. Chamber of Commerce's response to recent departures and attacks.
What Conservatives Think
A study from a Democratic polling outfit. Probably the most interesting quote:
One thing that the firm makes clear, though, is that this is not about racism, but about ideology: "Instead of focusing on these intense ideological divisions, the press and elites continue to look for a racial element that drives these voters' beliefs - but they need to get over it. Conducted on the heels of Joe Wilson's incendiary comments at the president's joint session address, we gave these groups of older, white Republican base voters in Georgia full opportunity to bring race into their discussion - but it did not ever become a central element, and indeed, was almost beside the point."
The voters in these focus groups saw Obama as being deliberately out to destroy the American economy in order to undermine personal freedoms, and that the speed of his agenda was a part of this strategy:
Health-Care Grudge Match
"There are a couple of things you have to have in this town, and your good name is one of them." Just like we learned on Wednesday night, you can't flat-out lie as a lobbyist in Washington. Apparently, Karen Ignagni did not get the memo.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
DC Housing History
Every city has had to go through a development boom, usually prompted by WWII, but I find it almost impossible to imagine what Washington was like without the scores of apartment buildings it has today (much less with shoddy temporary housing on the mall). Some of my favorite historic photographs are of cities then and now, with the "then" photos having small, spread-out buildings, unpaved streets, and fields still scattered here and there. Now, American cities couldn't function without towering skyscrapers and socioeconomically defined (and redefined) neighborhoods. Still, though, the common theme between then and now is that housing in the city is still costly, and the best housing can be hard to come by if you don't have the money or enough roommates.
Protocol
Protocol
The protocol, here at the ball
Is different from at home.
The chattering, here in the ring
is not what you'd expect?
From medicare to energy
from DC vote to guns
The chattering, here in the ring
is JUST what you'd expect.
What dress to wear? To wear your hair?
These questions still come up....
But when in doubt an expert see
Can really help you out!
A toga here, a toga there
it matters less and less
But protocol, here on the hill
Will never just fade out.
So talk the talk, and walk the walk,
and never miss a step
The atmosphere, here in DC
Will never excuse mistake.
David Brinkley on affordable housing
In David Brinkley's article on affordable housing, he talks about how hard it was to procure housing in Washington during World War II. The government rapidly expanded during that period, and the housing market wasn't able to keep up with the massive influx of workers. Brinkley talks about high ranking officials; congressmen and agency department heads, who were living with roommates in hotel rooms.
Housing is still scarce in the district. Many young professionals are forced by financial constraints to live in the suburbs and commute to work every day. While suburban living can be ideal for family life, it is not as optimal for a social young professional who works long hours. Maybe employers should build dorm like buildings for there young employees?
Housing is still scarce in the district. Many young professionals are forced by financial constraints to live in the suburbs and commute to work every day. While suburban living can be ideal for family life, it is not as optimal for a social young professional who works long hours. Maybe employers should build dorm like buildings for there young employees?
Advice from Bayh
D.C. “smorgasbord”
Always accept the invites
Talk is politics
It still applies over 40 years later!
Always accept the invites
Talk is politics
It still applies over 40 years later!
Burst of creativity inspired by Marvella Bayh's essay
What is for dinner?
Health care reform on a bed
of hot partisans.
Health care reform on a bed
of hot partisans.
Do I really have to go back to Sangertown Mall?
Economy bad
D.C. full of young and rich
Three months way too short
D.C. full of young and rich
Three months way too short
The Cult of Exclusivity
An observation on the second to last day of my internship in Minority Leader John Boehner's office- When I first began in August I received a red identification badge. I was told it basically grants me access to run around The Capital building and Senate/House office building. Cool. Little did I know, this red staffer I.D. would actually open a number of unexpected doors. This token of entitlement allowed me to enter the floor galleries at my own convenience, sit in on hearings and other legislative meetings, observe press conferences (and consequently appear on C-SPAN), and most the most lucrative opportunity of all, to shmooze and wine & dine with lobbyists during receptions who don't know your an intern, and take you for a staffer. All in all, great ways to spend your day as an intern.
But on the eve of the revocation of my little red badge, I come to realize all these opportunities I have been so hungrily taking advantage of, have left me with some pervasive sense of entitlement. After all, the majority of the things I attended, the average citizen could attend as well after passing through a simple security check. Until one becomes a member, they really aren't being exposed to anything exceptionally special and for the most part, this "cult of exclusivity" exists only in the minds of staffers eager to sustain a hefty ego. So long Capital hill, I look forward to further encounters in the future.
But on the eve of the revocation of my little red badge, I come to realize all these opportunities I have been so hungrily taking advantage of, have left me with some pervasive sense of entitlement. After all, the majority of the things I attended, the average citizen could attend as well after passing through a simple security check. Until one becomes a member, they really aren't being exposed to anything exceptionally special and for the most part, this "cult of exclusivity" exists only in the minds of staffers eager to sustain a hefty ego. So long Capital hill, I look forward to further encounters in the future.
Animal Advocate to Retire
The Humane Society mourns the loss of Wexler who was a strong advocate for animals with a 100% score on the Humane Scorecard.
It's also interesting that he will leave mid-term to take on this job for the Middle East...I hope he makes enough of a difference to justify leaving before he finishes up at least?
It's also interesting that he will leave mid-term to take on this job for the Middle East...I hope he makes enough of a difference to justify leaving before he finishes up at least?
NJ animal rights activists case has S.C. potential
"A federal appeals court Wednesday upheld the convictions of six activists, including a Hamilton resident, found guilty of using their internet website to incite threats and harassment against a company that tests products on animals.
Employees of Huntingdon Life Sciences found themselves besieged with attacks by animal rights activists after the postings. One Montgomery woman, Carol Auletta, who worked at the company’s offices in Franklin Township, had testified the harassment continued for at least a year, from 2002 to 2003, at her home and in downtown Princeton Borough.
Robert Obler, a Lawrenceville attorney representing former Hamilton resident Darius Fulmer, said the ruling will be appealed.
'I’m fairly sure we will wind up in the U.S. Supreme Court,' he said. 'We knew all along we would.'
Convicted in a 2006 trial were Fullmer, Conroy, Joshua Harper of Seattle, Andrew Stepanian of Huntington, N.Y., and Lauren Gazzola and Kevin Kjonaas, who lived with Conroy in Pinole, Calif."
Employees of Huntingdon Life Sciences found themselves besieged with attacks by animal rights activists after the postings. One Montgomery woman, Carol Auletta, who worked at the company’s offices in Franklin Township, had testified the harassment continued for at least a year, from 2002 to 2003, at her home and in downtown Princeton Borough.
Robert Obler, a Lawrenceville attorney representing former Hamilton resident Darius Fulmer, said the ruling will be appealed.
'I’m fairly sure we will wind up in the U.S. Supreme Court,' he said. 'We knew all along we would.'
Convicted in a 2006 trial were Fullmer, Conroy, Joshua Harper of Seattle, Andrew Stepanian of Huntington, N.Y., and Lauren Gazzola and Kevin Kjonaas, who lived with Conroy in Pinole, Calif."
30 Republican senators refuse to vote for anti-rape provision.
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Rape-Nuts | ||||
| ||||
I really wish this was a joke. Unfortunately, it isn't.
Huge deficits loom.....
so let's ignore the law and give social security recipients $250 at a cost of $13 billion.
North Korea Party
Which fraternity will boldly go where a party has never been. Cognac, lobster, running suits-- what could be better.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Gay people march on DC
And nobody really cares.
Estimates are in the tens of thousands - similar to what was estimated for tea parties - but it isn't exactly dominating the next-day news cycle.
The "liberal media:" not actually all that liberal. But very willing to put a mic to the mouth of people spouting right-wing hissy fits. Not so much with liberals who do the same.
Estimates are in the tens of thousands - similar to what was estimated for tea parties - but it isn't exactly dominating the next-day news cycle.
The "liberal media:" not actually all that liberal. But very willing to put a mic to the mouth of people spouting right-wing hissy fits. Not so much with liberals who do the same.
Russia Gas Pipeline Heightens East Europe’s Fears
This doesn't have much at all to do with American politics, but it is a great article on oil politics, so I thought I'd share the link.
Are State Constitutions Necessary?
Tom Emmer (R-MN) has been pushing for an amendment to the Minnesota state constitution that would "allow the state government to reject any federal effort to create a universal health care program or individuals to reject any federal mandate to buy insurance" (quote taken from video summary for the below clip). Below I posted a short section of Emmer on the Washington Journal where he responds to the feasibility of a state constituion overruling a national law by asking, "are state constitutions even necessary if federal law trumps the state constitution every time?"
I personally like his first counter argument that the dissenters are "experts on the United States Constitution and...federal legal experts," which apparently means they aren't reliable sources. Also, apparently his proposed amendment has caused a bunch of 10th Amendment arguments, but I'm not sure how supporters can appeal to the 10th Amendment if federal legislation passes and establishes a national law.
I personally like his first counter argument that the dissenters are "experts on the United States Constitution and...federal legal experts," which apparently means they aren't reliable sources. Also, apparently his proposed amendment has caused a bunch of 10th Amendment arguments, but I'm not sure how supporters can appeal to the 10th Amendment if federal legislation passes and establishes a national law.
Utica area college professor charged with DWI twice in same night
They sure are classy down at MVCC!
The Redskins making history
For all those people who do not follow football or our hometown team the Redskins, the team will be making history this Sunday when they face the Kansas City Chiefs. That game will mark the 6th straight time the Redskins play a winless team. By the way, the 'Skins are 2-3 in those previous five. Poor Washington sports.
Dupont Circle and non-neutered dogs
Not quite sure how to introduce this article; simply life will soon be quite unfortunate for some government employees.
Deeds withheld an attack on McDonnell's thesis during debate
Deed's attack campaign is drawing criticism from his own supporters, and his actions in this debate may signal a change in the course of the campaign. If he can turn the campaign around to talk more about the issues and what he is going to do for VA, we might see a more competitive race.
Insurers face blowback after report
One insurance industry group delivered a scathing report of the Baucus bill, claiming premiums will be higher after passage than the present day. Last minute revisions to the bill are to blame. Will Baucus risk soaring healthcare costs by simply rushing the bill through to have something to show for democrats and the whitehouse? It looks like it.
Monday, October 12, 2009
N.J. Environmental Federation endorses Christie
" 'We believe that the environment has once again been ill-served by one party rule in this state,' said David Tykulsker, another NJEF and VEC board member. 'As a result, we have the worst (anti-environmental) state Legislature in recent memory. The governor, as leader of the majority, had a responsibility to work hard to turn this around, a responsibility he shrank away from. This was a major part of why he did not earn our endorsement.'
Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen), Corzine's lieutenant governor candidate, reacted to the endorsement by strongly criticizing Christie's proposed environmental policies.
'Over the last several years under the governor's leadership, working with members of the Legislature, New Jersey has become a national leader in environmental policy,' Weinberg said. 'Christie continues to be wrong when it matters most and would turn back the clock on the common sense environmental initiatives that we have fought for over the last four years. We are committed to making sure our kids will have clean water and fresh air for generations to come, while Christie is committed to the same failed environmental policies of the Bush Republicans.'"
Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen), Corzine's lieutenant governor candidate, reacted to the endorsement by strongly criticizing Christie's proposed environmental policies.
'Over the last several years under the governor's leadership, working with members of the Legislature, New Jersey has become a national leader in environmental policy,' Weinberg said. 'Christie continues to be wrong when it matters most and would turn back the clock on the common sense environmental initiatives that we have fought for over the last four years. We are committed to making sure our kids will have clean water and fresh air for generations to come, while Christie is committed to the same failed environmental policies of the Bush Republicans.'"
Corzine’s Weight Attacks on Christie Demonstrate Media, Democrat Hypocrisy
Corzine is trying really, really hard to deter people's attention to the fact that he has no solid plan for New Jersey's financial future. His brilliant "plan" includes a $1 billion property tax hike on homeowners who already pay the highest property taxes in the nation. We have an over $30 billion state budget deficit, so I'm sure there are more tax hikes that he's not telling the public about.
I feel as though Corzine shouldn't be criticizing Christie, who he claims has "no plan", when his own plan just plain sucks.
I feel as though Corzine shouldn't be criticizing Christie, who he claims has "no plan", when his own plan just plain sucks.
Is transparency bad?
So writes Laurence Lessig, godfather of the copy left. Long but very interesting essay.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
#105 - Unpaid Internships
"White people view the [unpaid] internship as their foot into the door to such high-profile, low-paying career fields as journalism, film, politics, art, non-profits, and anything associated with a museum. Any white person who takes an internship outside of these industries is either the wrong type of white person or a law student. There are no exceptions.
If all goes according to plan, an internship will end with an offer of a job that pays $24,000 per year and will consist entirely of the same tasks they were recently doing for free. In fact, the transition to full time status results in the addition of only one new responsibility: feeling superior to the new interns."
If all goes according to plan, an internship will end with an offer of a job that pays $24,000 per year and will consist entirely of the same tasks they were recently doing for free. In fact, the transition to full time status results in the addition of only one new responsibility: feeling superior to the new interns."
Trivia
Teddy Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson were the first two sitting Presidents to receive a Nobel Peace Prize.
Baucus Bill Turns to Politics to Decide Which States Will Bear The Brunt of Health Care Reform
This is politics in action. Baucus plans to put an unequal burden on states based on political favorability and potential election results.
Obama Nobel Prize not that Absurd
According to this article, awarding the Nobel Peace Prize is not always given for achievement but more often for encouraging the continuation of peaceful actions. Whether or not that is true, I don't know but I'm just going to put it out there.
Cell Service in Metro Stations
Exciting news for everyone who can't live without having some sort of connection with the outside world for the 1/2 hour metro ride home...
Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize
I think the Nobel committee did this just to make American conservatives mad.
Supreme Court Justice Interviews
I posted last week about C-SPAN's Supreme Court Week programming. The most interesting parts, in my opinion, are the interviews with all nine sitting justices and Sandra Day O'Connor. I have been able to see a few clips from these interviews and the justices have all been pretty engaging and open about their jobs. I'll also post a link to the videos next week when they are put online. Schedule below:
Friday, 9pm: Kennedy, Ginsburg, Scalia, O'Connor
Saturday, 9pm: Sotomayor, Thomas, Breyer, Alito
Sunday, 9pm: Roberts, Stevens
Friday, 9pm: Kennedy, Ginsburg, Scalia, O'Connor
Saturday, 9pm: Sotomayor, Thomas, Breyer, Alito
Sunday, 9pm: Roberts, Stevens
One of our own
http://www.c-spanarchives.org/program/289369-1
Skip to 14:30 for a glimpse of one of our esteemed colleagues doing real government stuff...like standing up.
Go C-SPAN.
Skip to 14:30 for a glimpse of one of our esteemed colleagues doing real government stuff...like standing up.
Go C-SPAN.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
The Commonwealth Fund State Healthcare Scorecard
An interactive map that can generate statistics comparing different aspects of access to health care in different states. Interesting to play around with.
Key health care vote set for next Tuesday
Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, who sits on the committee, said Wednesday night she must "thoroughly review and evaluate this analysis before deciding how to proceed."
The measure was initially drafted by Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Montana, after months of negotiations with five other panel members -- three Republicans and two Democrats. It represents the only proposal so far with the potential to attract any Republican support.
Over the past two weeks, the Finance Committee has considered several hundred amendments to the sweeping bill. Committee members boosted the bill's overall price tag in part by voting to exempt senior citizens from higher taxes on medical expenses.
Before the amendments, the Budget Office projected that the committee's version of the bill would cost $774 billion; Baucus estimated that it would cost $856 billion.
None of the Republicans in what was dubbed the "Gang of Six," however, has backed the proposal so far.
The measure was initially drafted by Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Montana, after months of negotiations with five other panel members -- three Republicans and two Democrats. It represents the only proposal so far with the potential to attract any Republican support.
Over the past two weeks, the Finance Committee has considered several hundred amendments to the sweeping bill. Committee members boosted the bill's overall price tag in part by voting to exempt senior citizens from higher taxes on medical expenses.
Before the amendments, the Budget Office projected that the committee's version of the bill would cost $774 billion; Baucus estimated that it would cost $856 billion.
None of the Republicans in what was dubbed the "Gang of Six," however, has backed the proposal so far.
Supreme Court and Civil Rights
Andre and I went today to a hearing by the House Judiciary Committee on the Supreme Court and Civil Rights. I have attached the Chairmans opening address. What struck me about the hearing really just a reminder of how complicated our system of checks and balances. A lot of what the chairman said, and the hearing discussed, was how Congress could influence the direction of the Court and vic versa how the Court could influence Congress. It was my impression that the Roberts court has been one of the most defiant toward Congress in recent memory. Having watched the Court just yesterday, I thought it was an interesting insight.
Rep. Paul Broun thinks Nancy Pelosi is an enemy of the constitution
"When I was sworn into the Marine Corps, I was sworn to uphold the Constitution against every enemy, foreign and domestic. We've got a lot of domestic enemies of the Constitution and one of those sits in the speaker's chair of the United States Congress, Nancy Pelosi." -- Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA)
At what point do we say that we expect better from our elected officials?
Could you imagine this being said about any of the previous (Republican) Speakers? Republicans would throw such a hissy fit, the country wouldn't know what hit it.
Remember, an anonymous liberal blogger compared Bush to Hitler and it was national news for a few days. This same Representative has compared Obama to Hitler and he just keeps on talkin'.
At what point do we say that we expect better from our elected officials?
Could you imagine this being said about any of the previous (Republican) Speakers? Republicans would throw such a hissy fit, the country wouldn't know what hit it.
Remember, an anonymous liberal blogger compared Bush to Hitler and it was national news for a few days. This same Representative has compared Obama to Hitler and he just keeps on talkin'.
Not entirely sure if this is "humane" but the penguin looks happy enough....
You're welcome. This will make anyone's day...
Most annoying words in the English Language
Apparently, whatever is the most annoying word in the English language. My reaction...whatever.
Chin, Princeton ’75 postpones Google Books settlement
I'm working on finding unlawfully digitized works put online by Google Books published by my organization for this case.
Gun-toting soccer mom found shot dead
Perhaps something to discuss after tonight's debate:
"Meleanie Hain, 31, and Scott Hain, 33, had been having marital problems for about a week, neighbor Mark Long said. Scott Hain had left the couple's home on Tuesday, and Meleanie Hain didn't know where he was, but he returned Wednesday, Long said.
Autopsies on the Hains were to be conducted Thursday, coroner Dr. Jeffrey Yocum said.
Meleanie Hain made headlines after she attended a children's soccer game in a park on Sept. 11, 2008, with a handgun in plain view holstered on her hip, upsetting other parents.
The county sheriff, Michael DeLeo, revoked her gun-carrying permit nine days later.
Hain successfully appealed the permit revocation, although the judge who restored the permit questioned her judgment and said she had "scared the devil" out of other people at the game."
"Meleanie Hain, 31, and Scott Hain, 33, had been having marital problems for about a week, neighbor Mark Long said. Scott Hain had left the couple's home on Tuesday, and Meleanie Hain didn't know where he was, but he returned Wednesday, Long said.
Autopsies on the Hains were to be conducted Thursday, coroner Dr. Jeffrey Yocum said.
Meleanie Hain made headlines after she attended a children's soccer game in a park on Sept. 11, 2008, with a handgun in plain view holstered on her hip, upsetting other parents.
The county sheriff, Michael DeLeo, revoked her gun-carrying permit nine days later.
Hain successfully appealed the permit revocation, although the judge who restored the permit questioned her judgment and said she had "scared the devil" out of other people at the game."
Progressivism? Not so fast, folks
Rep. John Linder's (R-GA) take on Obama and Progressivism. A little extremist if you as me, but applies to our discussion yesterday (references Schambra's article).
Gun Show Loophole
Gun Show: Underground, a New York City initiative, produced the below video that examines the aspects of federal gun laws which allow private dealers and collecters to sell firearms without a background check. The video is only a few minutes long and does a pretty good job of explaining both the current laws and how they allow the sale of firearms to those who would not pass even a basic background check.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Does DE now lean toward GOP?
With yesterday's announcement by Congressman and former Governor Mike
Castle (DE), the 2010 outlook for Senate Republicans continues to
improve.
In response to Castle's announcement, the highly-respected political
pundit Stuart Rothenberg immediately shifted the Delaware Senate race
from "currently safe" for Democrats to "lean takeover" for the GOP. A
Rasmussen survey released just last week showed Castle leading his
potential Democrat opponent, Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden, 47 to
42 percent.
Castle (DE), the 2010 outlook for Senate Republicans continues to
improve.
In response to Castle's announcement, the highly-respected political
pundit Stuart Rothenberg immediately shifted the Delaware Senate race
from "currently safe" for Democrats to "lean takeover" for the GOP. A
Rasmussen survey released just last week showed Castle leading his
potential Democrat opponent, Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden, 47 to
42 percent.
CBO says Senate Health Bill Would Reduce Federal Deficit
Good news! We will have to wait and see if this will swing any votes.
Columnist says women voting are bad for conservatism, and thus bad for society
HARTMANN: Did you not say to, for example, my colleague Alan Colmes that women should not be allowed to vote, that it would be a better country anyway if women were not allowed to vote?
DERBYSHIRE: Well, you know, my mentor Paul Buckley used to say, he who say a must say b. And the logic of that chapter, that chapter five in my book, rests on the proposition that women voting is bad for conservatism, and as a conservative, of course, I think that’s bad for society.
HARTMANN: So therefore if women were not allowed to vote it would be a better country in your opinion?
DERBYSHIRE: I think as a hypothetical I think that’s arguable, yeah. Yeah, I think so. Yeah.
DERBYSHIRE: Well, you know, my mentor Paul Buckley used to say, he who say a must say b. And the logic of that chapter, that chapter five in my book, rests on the proposition that women voting is bad for conservatism, and as a conservative, of course, I think that’s bad for society.
HARTMANN: So therefore if women were not allowed to vote it would be a better country in your opinion?
DERBYSHIRE: I think as a hypothetical I think that’s arguable, yeah. Yeah, I think so. Yeah.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
An early primer for this week's debate
We're looking at how we should approach the Second Amendment in the modern age. Wikipedia provides a nice overview, and Shaan, Eddie, Chris, and I will be providing more links as the debate gets closer.
Gore-Backed Car Firm Gets Large U.S. Loan
Should our taxpaying dollars be going to a foreign car company? I'm all for incentivizing green technology devolopment, but a foreign and luxury brand?
Italics mine
Italics mine
Hamilton Alumnus Runs For Senate
Mike Castle announced today that he is running for Joe Biden's old Senate seat.
Opposing Obama everywhere has weird outcomes
A writer for the National Review's The Corner blog comes out as being opposed to tax cuts. Read it for yourself:
Via.
The president is considering more stimulus spending. According to Bloomberg News:President Barack Obama is considering a mix of spending programs and tax cuts to respond to widening job losses that would amount to an additional economic stimulus without carrying that label.
The discussion of the initiatives, including a boost in transportation spending and an extension of an expiring tax credit for first-time homebuyers, comes as the White House is balancing rising concern about unemployment and a budget deficit the Congressional Budget Office estimates will total $1.6 trillion for 2009, and $1.4 trillion in 2010.
The New York Times claims that these new initiatives do not amount to another stimulus. I agree — it won't stimulate the economy. It never does. But one thing is certain: It amounts to more spending. For instance, the White House is considering giving employers a $3,000 tax credit for each new hire, or extending the always popular $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers that was included in the $787 billion stimulus law because as we know, we need another housing bubble and more people buying houses they won't be able to afford.
Via.
Free Speech vs. Animal Cruelty Today in the Supreme Court
Today the Supreme Court heard the first case having to do with animal cruelty in over 15 years, so it's a very exciting day for us over here at the Humane Society....
This Article discusses the basics in today's oral arguments over Robert Stevens and his dogfighting videos. He's appealed his conviction on grounds of free speech, so the court now evaluates the constitutionality of the ban on the production and sale of dogfighting or animal cruelty videos. Are his practices protected by free speech, or will the Court find the display of animal cruelty as discussed in the current legislation in violation of his first amendment rights? Right now, it's not looking good for animal supporters, as most believe the justices will side with free speech. However, some Humane Society staff members who attended this morning's arguments report that Alito seemed to align with the current law, and thus support the animal cruelty cause. If one of the most conservative justices buys our case, then perhaps it may not look too bleak afterall?
The "Crush Videos" discussed in the last paragraph of the article refer to horrible videos produced for an obscure sexual fettish market that depict the crushing of many small animals with womens' high heels. I warn you against googling them or attempting to find them as they are extremely offensive and upsetting to anyone who has even an ounce of sympathy for animals. If the Court overturns the decision and rules the law that bans this sort of material unconstitutional, then I'm afraid more of these types of things will surface.
An additional argugment opposers to the law cite is the "slippery slope" argument for hunters, saying that if these are ruled illegal then hunting videos and "educational" videos shown in science classrooms could also be banned. This is an absurd argument for a million different reasons, especially since hunting isn't illegal, whereas animal cruelty of this kind IS (esp. dogfighting, which has been made illegal or in the process of being made illegal nation wide).
Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading thier decision, as it has major implications for both the animal advocacy world and the future of free speech.
This Article discusses the basics in today's oral arguments over Robert Stevens and his dogfighting videos. He's appealed his conviction on grounds of free speech, so the court now evaluates the constitutionality of the ban on the production and sale of dogfighting or animal cruelty videos. Are his practices protected by free speech, or will the Court find the display of animal cruelty as discussed in the current legislation in violation of his first amendment rights? Right now, it's not looking good for animal supporters, as most believe the justices will side with free speech. However, some Humane Society staff members who attended this morning's arguments report that Alito seemed to align with the current law, and thus support the animal cruelty cause. If one of the most conservative justices buys our case, then perhaps it may not look too bleak afterall?
The "Crush Videos" discussed in the last paragraph of the article refer to horrible videos produced for an obscure sexual fettish market that depict the crushing of many small animals with womens' high heels. I warn you against googling them or attempting to find them as they are extremely offensive and upsetting to anyone who has even an ounce of sympathy for animals. If the Court overturns the decision and rules the law that bans this sort of material unconstitutional, then I'm afraid more of these types of things will surface.
An additional argugment opposers to the law cite is the "slippery slope" argument for hunters, saying that if these are ruled illegal then hunting videos and "educational" videos shown in science classrooms could also be banned. This is an absurd argument for a million different reasons, especially since hunting isn't illegal, whereas animal cruelty of this kind IS (esp. dogfighting, which has been made illegal or in the process of being made illegal nation wide).
Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading thier decision, as it has major implications for both the animal advocacy world and the future of free speech.
Monday, October 5, 2009
WellPoint subsidiary sues Maine to guarantee a profit
It's worth reading the whole article, although it is long.
Basically, an insurer didn't get their requested rate hike approved by the Maine insurance board. In response they sued, claiming an equal protection right to earn a specified guaranteed profit margin of 3%, because another company got a rate increase (of about 2%, versus their 18%) which gave that company a 3% profit margin.
Things like this just astound me.
Basically, an insurer didn't get their requested rate hike approved by the Maine insurance board. In response they sued, claiming an equal protection right to earn a specified guaranteed profit margin of 3%, because another company got a rate increase (of about 2%, versus their 18%) which gave that company a 3% profit margin.
Things like this just astound me.
5 Supreme Court Cases to Watch
These are important cases coming up this year and will important implications for how our laws will be interpreted in the future. Easy read.
Legality of Executive Branch Czars
Found this is the CQ Today. May be available for viewing on C-SPAN or online.
Senate Subcommittee Hearing
Oct. 6, 2 p.m., 226 Dirksen Bldg.
Constitution Subcommittee of Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing titled "Examining the History and Legality of Executive Branch Czars."
Among those to testify are: T.J. Halstead, deputy assistant director, American Law Division, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress, John C. Harrison, professor of law, University of Virginia School of Law, Charlottesville, Va. Bradley H. Patterson Jr., author, "To Serve the President"” Bethesda, Md., Tuan Samahon, associate professor, Villanova University School of Law, Villanova, Pa., Matthew Spalding, director, B. Kenneth Simon Center for American Studies, The Heritage Foundation
Source: CQ Today, 5 Oct 2009.
Senate Subcommittee Hearing
Oct. 6, 2 p.m., 226 Dirksen Bldg.
Constitution Subcommittee of Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing titled "Examining the History and Legality of Executive Branch Czars."
Among those to testify are: T.J. Halstead, deputy assistant director, American Law Division, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress, John C. Harrison, professor of law, University of Virginia School of Law, Charlottesville, Va. Bradley H. Patterson Jr., author, "To Serve the President"” Bethesda, Md., Tuan Samahon, associate professor, Villanova University School of Law, Villanova, Pa., Matthew Spalding, director, B. Kenneth Simon Center for American Studies, The Heritage Foundation
Source: CQ Today, 5 Oct 2009.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Quick thoughts on Barone (and Brooks!)
If Barone is so right that people are suddenly revolting against big government, large deficits, and all of that, why did the deficit as a proportion of GDP increase from 57.4% to 75.5% during Bush's 8 years and there was no outrage?
More to the point, that's the most for a two-term president since Reagan. Also, Bush faced a 13% debt-to-GDP ratio increase in one term. Also also, no Democratic president over the last 65 years has seen a debt:GDP ratio increase on their watch. The same can not be said of every Republican from Ford onward.
People aren't revolting against "large government" or "huge deficits." If they were that mad, they would've tea partied in the streets towards the end of H. W. Bush, who, along with Reagan, increased the debt: GDP ratio by over 30%. There are other factors in play, but I think it's pretty clear empirically that Republicans on the federal level do not manage the treasury well. Even Carter (Carter!) managed to reduce the ratio by a little more than 3%.
I have a feeling that we'll be hard-pressed to see such a reduction in Obama's first term, simply because of the magnitude of this recession, but all these Republican anti-debt arguments just never sit well with me. Mainly because they ignore lots and lots of facts.
Edit: And after finishing Brooks, another comment. He says Blue Dog Democrats want to constrain spending and all the other Dems are "tax and spend liberals." Yet Blue Dogs are generally weary of a public option, one of the most favorably-CBO scored item in the health reform bills, which definitively cuts the cost of the bill by billions. They aren't serious about containing costs.
More to the point, that's the most for a two-term president since Reagan. Also, Bush faced a 13% debt-to-GDP ratio increase in one term. Also also, no Democratic president over the last 65 years has seen a debt:GDP ratio increase on their watch. The same can not be said of every Republican from Ford onward.
People aren't revolting against "large government" or "huge deficits." If they were that mad, they would've tea partied in the streets towards the end of H. W. Bush, who, along with Reagan, increased the debt: GDP ratio by over 30%. There are other factors in play, but I think it's pretty clear empirically that Republicans on the federal level do not manage the treasury well. Even Carter (Carter!) managed to reduce the ratio by a little more than 3%.
I have a feeling that we'll be hard-pressed to see such a reduction in Obama's first term, simply because of the magnitude of this recession, but all these Republican anti-debt arguments just never sit well with me. Mainly because they ignore lots and lots of facts.
Edit: And after finishing Brooks, another comment. He says Blue Dog Democrats want to constrain spending and all the other Dems are "tax and spend liberals." Yet Blue Dogs are generally weary of a public option, one of the most favorably-CBO scored item in the health reform bills, which definitively cuts the cost of the bill by billions. They aren't serious about containing costs.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Pix of RNC chair Michael Steele posing with his interns
These are hilariously awkward.
May give you ideas.
*Shout out to my fellow press intern Patrick who shared this link with me.
http://www.odellphotos.com/Recent-Jobs/RNC-Steele-Interns/9174046_iYe2c/1/612171952_RBKPQ/Medium
http://www.odellphotos.com/Recent-Jobs/RNC-Steele-Interns/9174046_iYe2c/1/612171121_exmES/Medium
http://www.odellphotos.com/Recent-Jobs/RNC-Steele-Interns/9174046_iYe2c/1/612171716_UyXDT/Medium
http://www.odellphotos.com/Recent-Jobs/RNC-Steele-Interns/9174046_iYe2c/1/612177860_azB8o/Medium
http://www.odellphotos.com/Recent-Jobs/RNC-Steele-Interns/9174046_iYe2c/1/612176880_cPBh8/Medium
http://www.odellphotos.com/Recent-Jobs/RNC-Steele-Interns/9174046_iYe2c/1/612172716_cxesS/Medium
http://www.odellphotos.com/Recent-Jobs/RNC-Steele-Interns/9174046_iYe2c/1/612173312_MTqSu/Medium
http://www.odellphotos.com/Recent-Jobs/RNC-Steele-Interns/9174046_iYe2c/1/612174192_Qn77B/Medium
May give you ideas.
*Shout out to my fellow press intern Patrick who shared this link with me.
http://www.odellphotos.com/Recent-Jobs/RNC-Steele-Interns/9174046_iYe2c/1/612171952_RBKPQ/Medium
http://www.odellphotos.com/Recent-Jobs/RNC-Steele-Interns/9174046_iYe2c/1/612171121_exmES/Medium
http://www.odellphotos.com/Recent-Jobs/RNC-Steele-Interns/9174046_iYe2c/1/612171716_UyXDT/Medium
http://www.odellphotos.com/Recent-Jobs/RNC-Steele-Interns/9174046_iYe2c/1/612177860_azB8o/Medium
http://www.odellphotos.com/Recent-Jobs/RNC-Steele-Interns/9174046_iYe2c/1/612176880_cPBh8/Medium
http://www.odellphotos.com/Recent-Jobs/RNC-Steele-Interns/9174046_iYe2c/1/612172716_cxesS/Medium
http://www.odellphotos.com/Recent-Jobs/RNC-Steele-Interns/9174046_iYe2c/1/612173312_MTqSu/Medium
http://www.odellphotos.com/Recent-Jobs/RNC-Steele-Interns/9174046_iYe2c/1/612174192_Qn77B/Medium
Cornyn-Schumer Showdown on This Week tomorrow morning: 10am, Ch 7
This committee just ain't big enough for the two of us
Friday, October 2, 2009
Nats to Drop Ticket Prices!!
Good news if you're going to be here next semester of over the summer:
"Washington is reducing the cost of more than 3,300 seats, and said prices won’t go up on any non-premium tickets."
"Washington is reducing the cost of more than 3,300 seats, and said prices won’t go up on any non-premium tickets."
D.C. May Allow Gay Marriage -- if the Congress allows them to
The whole gay marriage isn't that interesting, but I thought the article was pretty relevant to the debate we had a few weeks ago. D.C. is almost completely regulated by the Congress, which happens to not represent the D.C. people in any way.
Environmental Law Institute Mentioned in the Economist
Relevant to last night's debate discussion, the recent G-20 summit in Pittsburgh decided to phase out fossil fuel subsidies in the "medium-term".
Chicago Loses Olympics
Well that was a dissapointment...I guess the world is still harboring some feelings from the Bush era?
The Case for Prevention
An interesting article on the benefits of preventative care, as well as some reasoning for why CBO did not include possible prevention savings when calculating the costs of the health care proposals.
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