February, 2016 archive
The Race 0
Writing at The Roanoke Times, Robert A. Strong, the Wilson Professor of Politics at Washington and Lee University, thinks the Reality TV nominating process could use some work.
Follow the link to see his reasoning.
Stray Question 0
Just what exactly are “polar bear plungers” trying to prove?
Don’t Overlook the Obvious 2
Leonard Pitts, Jr., tells of a conversation that took place just a little while ago. Here’s a bit from his article:
“Maybe I could have done that a little better,” he said.
One of his friends wasn’t having it. “They were afraid of you for a couple of reasons,” said Denny Jacobs. “Number one, you were black.”
Obama parried the suggestion, saying what he always says when asked about race and his presidency. “I have no doubt there are people who voted against me because of race . . . or didn’t approve of my agenda because of race. I also suspect there are a bunch of people who are excited or voted for me because of the notion of the first African-American president. . . . Those things cut both ways,” he said.
Jacobs, who is white, was unpersuaded. “That’s what they were afraid of, Mr. President,” he insisted.
Dan Simpson also has something to see on this matter. A nugget:
Image via Job’s Anger.
Nothing To Do, Nowhere To Go 1
Not at all bad. In fact, a little better.
(snip)
The four-week average of claims, a less volatile measure than the weekly figures, decreased to 273,250, the lowest since Dec. 19, from 281,250. The latest figure compares with an average of 285,250 during the comparable employment survey period for January. The economy added 151,000 workers in January, the fewest in four months.
The number of people continuing to receive jobless benefits rose by 30,000 to 2.27 million in the week ended Feb. 6. The unemployment rate among people eligible for benefits climbed to 1.7 percent from 1.6 percent. These data are reported with a one-week lag.
“An Armed Society Is a Polite Society” (Updated) 0
Jesus said, “Suffer the children.”
Gun nuts said, “Make it so.”
Addendum:
More information has become available.
Comment Rescue, Original Intent Dept. 0
Gerald commented on my Original Intent post earlier today and sums up the last seven years:
(Republians) are attempting to treat POTUS Obama’s presidency as 3/5’s (of a presidency).
The Candidates Debate 0
Jim Wright is having trouble absorbing what he heard. A snippet:
Carpet bombing? Waterboarding? And the crowd cheered.
The crowd cheered.
What in the holy hell is it with these goddamned people?
When did the unabashed willingness to engage in the indiscriminate obliteration of entire populations, when did the enthusiastic willingness to torture our enemies, when did those things become traits anybody liberal or conservative would want in an American president?
Follow the link. Read the rest.
Not All It Krakened Up To Be 0
Science 2.0 explores the origin of the legend of the Kraken.
“Original Intent” 3
“Original intent” is neither a legitimate interpretation of history nor a coherent legal theory. It is a racist primal scream.
More here.
“An Armed Society Is a Polite Society” 0
As the twig is bent shot . . . .
“Unfortunately, a child did die after being transported to Covenant Women’s and Children’s, from a gunshot wound,” Sgt. Jason Lewis with the Lubbock Police Department, says. “It appears to be accidental.”
No doubt, had the boy had a gun, this would not have happened. Isn’t that how things work in NRA Paradise?
Immunity Impunity
0
Republicans move to establish a secret(ive) police force in Virginia, apparently because they believe the no account should be no-accountable.