July, 2014 archive
Truth and Labelling 0
Gene Nichol, on viewing Republican antics in North Carolina, wonders what truth-in-labeling might mean for the Republican Party. A nugget:
(snip)
Imagine that, under a strange, somehow enforceable, truth-in-labeling demand, our Republican Party was forced to re-name itself as the White People’s Party. Would a young, tech-driven, libertarian explain: “I don’t like capital gains taxes, so I joined the White People’s Party?” Would an accomplished and respected investment banker declare: “I’m committed to the carried interest exception, so I vote for the White People’s Party?” Would a devout, patriotic, evangelical forthrightly proclaim: “We need prayer in our classrooms, so I’m with the White Party?”
In the Room Was Gerry Mander (and His Entire Staff)* 0
This should be interesting.
Leon County Circuit Court Judge Terry Lewis ruled that two of the state’s 27 districts are invalid and must be redrawn, along with any other districts affected by them, to bring the map into compliance with the state’s new Fair District amendments.
Much more at the link. You can read the ruling, including the judge’s reasoning, here (PDF).
“I Love a Parade” 0
It appears that the Regent also loves him a parade.
Last month Spencer agreed to an initial 10 blank subpoenas for McDonnell. The former governor’s lawyers say blank subpoenas are critical to the defense in order to keep certain witnesses’ names from the prosecution and the public via the media.
When I entered college, I wanted to be a lawyer. Then I met some law students . . . .
Anyhoo, from my non-lawyerly perspective, I think the Regent’s legal staff has decided that their only available strategy is to raise so much dust that the truth becomes obscured by clouds.
More dust bunnies at the link.
“An Armed Society Is a Polite Society” 0
Unexpected politeness is the politest kind.
According to Detective Tom Bean, a 14-year-old boy was sighting in his rifle at his family’s residence on an adjacent property. One of the bullets either passed through the target or ricocheted and traveled through the woods before striking the victim.
Here’s today’s etiquette test question: In 400 words or fewer, explain the difference between “accident” and “reckless endangerment.” Give examples.
Good News, Bad News. 0
Here’s the good news:
The bad news: the amount of the award was $250.00.
Clevenland Rocks! in Comparison 0
Juanita Jean explains why the Republican Party chose to convene in Cleveland, rather than Dallas. A nugget:
(snip)
7. Ted Cruz wants to declare war against Mexico, and just to be safe, New Mexico.
8. Sarah Palin once described Texas as, “where the dumb people live.”
Follow the link for her other examples. You’ll be glad you did.
Twits on Twitter 0
No self-awareness, none whatsoever.
Republican Family Values, All the News that Fits Dept. 0
Not conviction. Marketing strategy.
Wingnut Cosplay 0
Really, now, that’s all it is.
Nothing To Do, Nowhere To Go 0
Slightly better:
(snip)
The four-week moving average, a less volatile measure than the weekly figures, dropped to 311,500 last week from 315,000. . . .
The number of people continuing to receive jobless benefits rose by 10,000 to 2.58 million in the week ended June 28.
Bloomberg’s headline focuses on the figure’s being lower than “forecast,” conveniently ignoring the execrable record of Bloomberg’s “forecasters.”
Facebook Frolics 0
Warning: Unquestionably questionable taste.