Archive for July, 2011

The GOP And Voter Disenfranchisement

-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger

There are two ways to increase your chances of winning an election, get more voters to cast their ballots for you, or get fewer voters to cast their ballots for your opponent. The GOP had decided to pursue the latter option.

There is nothing more sacred in a democracy that the right to vote, so an attack on voting rights is an attack on democracy. That is exactly what is happening in many states across our land. Republican governors and legislatures are passing laws making it extremely difficult for certain Americans to vote.

Continue reading ‘The GOP And Voter Disenfranchisement’

Baby Now That I’ve Found You

-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger

For your listening enjoyment, we present The Foundations in glorious STEREO!

Day 8-9: Farewell To Gascony . . . Hello To Normandy

We left Gascony with the kids with a deep love for the region and its people. Leslie and I joined our friends in climbing to the top of the église du Heux next to the Chateau to look over the Gascon countryside one last time. The Church was built in the 13th Century with additions in the 17th Century. After obtaining the keys from Madam Fezas (of the winemaking family next door) we climbed the ancient wood stairs to the top. It is quite a journey in which you have to crouch up winding stairs occupied at night by bats. When you emerge, you are greeted by a wonderful sight of rolling hills and vineyards.
Continue reading ‘Day 8-9: Farewell To Gascony . . . Hello To Normandy’

First, We Kill Silence All The Lawyers

Submitted by Gene Howington, Guest Blogger

The July 24th catastrophic crash of a high speed train in Wenzhou, eastern China, made world wide headlines. The dead and injured totals as of today, July 30th, stand at 40 dead and 192 injured although earlier reports indicated as many as 210 injured including 2 foreigners. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but the preliminary facts indicate that train D301 in service from Beijing South Station to Fuzhou (in Fujian province) and train D3115 in service from Hangzhou to Fuzhou, were derailed when D301 struck the stationary D3115 at around 8:30pm local time. Although both trains are limited to traveling at a maximum of 250km/h (~155 mph), it is uncertain how fast D301 was moving at the time of the accident.

This is more than just a human tragedy for China, but possibly an economic tragedy as well. With China looking to compete globally to sell high speed rail systems that are going to become increasingly important to countries around the world as fuel prices rise, their systems have been plagued by unstable performance and this crash caused the stock of state owned CSR Corporation to plummet 14 points on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Although CSR is technically the world’s largest manufacturer of high speed rail equipment, it faces stiff competition from German and Japanese manufacturers who have more mature and refined products. While none of this is unfamiliar to anyone who has followed businesses in the wake of a disaster in the West, what is unusual is what happened next.

Lawyers were told not to take plaintiff’s cases related to the rail accident.

Continue reading ‘First, We Kill Silence All The Lawyers’

South Carolina To Try Citizen For Nutsy Display

Submitted by Mark Esposito, Guest Blogger

Bonneau is a quiet little town in the “Low Country” of South Carolina.   Boasting plenty of southern charm, it covers about 2.9 square miles and sports 354 residents. Not much going on except good red beans and rice and some pleasantly hot summer boat rides on Lake Moultrie. Pretty Mayberry-esque except  it’s also the epicenter for  a debate on South Carolina’s obscenity laws which prohibit motorists from  displaying bumper stickers, decals, or devices depicting “sexual acts, excretory functions, or parts of the human body in an offensive way as determined by contemporary community standards.”

Continue reading ‘South Carolina To Try Citizen For Nutsy Display’

Government Wants ISPs to Spy On You

Submitted by Gene Howington, Guest Blogger

While everyone was distracted with the hullabaloo surround the artificial “debt ceiling crisis”, Congress did manage to get some work done.  Unfortunately that work was in furtherance of eroding your right to privacy.  Thursday, July 28, the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee submitted a bill (H.R. 1981) under the politically motivated and misleading name Protecting Children From Internet Pornographers Act of 2011, which was quietly lobbied for by conservative Republicans and the Department of Justice, voted in committee to advance regulations requiring Internet service providers to retain your account information.  This information preserved would include not just your IP address, but customers’ names, addresses, phone numbers, credit card numbers and bank account numbers as well.  The Judiciary Committee approved this bill in a 19-0 vote, rejecting a last minute amendment that would have required the retention of IP addresses only by 7-16.

Continue reading ‘Government Wants ISPs to Spy On You’

Five Fullerton Cops Beat Homeless Man To Death

-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger

Kelly Thomas, a 37-year-old homeless schizophrenic, is shown on the left, after his confrontation with Fullerton California police officers, and on the right before his brutalization. He was taken to UC Irvine Medical Center in Orange County in critical condition on life-support and died five days later. Kelly was unarmed, had a slight build, and of medium height.

Continue reading ‘Five Fullerton Cops Beat Homeless Man To Death’

Summertime Blues

-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger

Today we have Eddie Cochran in glorious STEREO!

A Jewel in Gascony: Domaine Chiroulet

Photos courtesy of Allison Mabe McBane

One of the greatest finds of this trip was not that difficult to find.  Surrounding the Chateau Du Heux of my host are great fields of wine grapes.  These vines belong to Domaine Chiroulet – run by Phillipe Fezas and this family.  They are the latest of their family who have made wine in the Ténarèze soil for 150 years in six generations. The Fezas are a prototypical Gascon family – joyful, friendly, and generous.  They are also incredible winemakers.  Phillippe is a fascinating study.  He may be the most knowledgeable man I have ever met on oak and its role in wine-making.  A consultant for the leading houses in France and widely respected in the field, he has a variety of Russian, French, and American oak barrels at his operation.  More on this later.  What he also has is a splendid Gascon wine that should find itself in every American wine store.
Continue reading ‘A Jewel in Gascony: Domaine Chiroulet’

Do We Really Need A Debt Ceiling?

Submitted by Mike Appleton (Guest Blogger)

The debate raging in Congress over increasing the so-called “debt ceiling” makes for wonderfully frenetic headlines.  It allows Republicans to play pin the blame on the donkey and Democrats to respond with accusations of irresponsible brinkmanship.  In the end it is likely that a bill in some form will be passed because the government must pay its bills.

But lost in the frenzy is a fundamental question.  The budget is determined by Congress through the appropriations process.  Therefore, Congress essentially determines the amount of the nation’s debt.  The borrowing authority granted by Congress to the Treasury provides flexibility in financing that debt.  The executive branch cannot spend more than is appropriated, nor borrow more than is needed to service debt.

So, since Congress controls the purse strings, and the power of the President is limited to implementing the fiscal will of Congress, why is it necessary to periodically debate Treasury’s borrowing authority?  More specifically, is there any logical reason for the imposition of the misnamed “debt ceiling”? Continue reading ‘Do We Really Need A Debt Ceiling?’

Day 4-5: Heux, France

Church in Condom

We began this day with just Leslie and I (and Madie) running to the store to buy the makings for a dinner for tonight. We quickly became sidetracked in Condom and went into the glorious church at the center of town. Outside we found a statue of the Three Musketeers – who all came from this region, including d’Artagnan came from this immediate vicinity. Putting asides its prophylactic name, the town is uninhibited, well-populated, and quintessentially Gascon. Narrow roads are filled with shops for pastries, bread, antiques, and other distractions. We returned laden with escargot, cheeses (including one of my favorites – the Petit Basque), fresh bread, and Gascon cakes. [Note:  our internet access was lost for a couple days in Gascony.  We are now posting from a hotel in Rennes]

Continue reading ‘Day 4-5: Heux, France’

Half Of Americans Don’t Pay Any Taxes

-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger

It’s a common claim from the Right, but it’s not true. Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas), in a Senate floor speech,  claimed “Fifty-one percent — that is, a majority of American households — paid no income tax in 2009. Zero. Zip. Nada.” At least he used the often omitted “income” adjective. However, those individuals still pay payroll taxes, like Social Security and Medicare, sales taxes, and often property taxes.

Continue reading ‘Half Of Americans Don’t Pay Any Taxes’

Coin Seigniorage – Legal Response To Debt Ceiling Crisis

-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger

Coin seigniorage (CS) is the net revenue derived from the issuing of coins. It cost less than one dollar to mint a dollar coin and the difference between the manufacturing costs and face value (one dollar) is pure profit for the Treasury. The United States could just print more paper money, however, there is a statutory limit to the amount of paper currency in circulation at any one time.

There is not, ironically, a similar statutory requirement on the amount of coinage. The idea of using CS to solve the debt crisis is garnering a lot of serious attention.

Continue reading ‘Coin Seigniorage – Legal Response To Debt Ceiling Crisis’

GOP – Special Victims Unit

-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger

Jon Stewart at his best.

If someone knows how to embed videos from The Daily Show, let me know.

Mc-Statesman And The “Deceivers”

Submitted by Mark Esposito, Guest Blogger

The battle over raising the debt ceiling has made some interesting bedfellows and even more intriguing and perplexing moments. At this instant, we are awaiting the vote on Speaker Boehner’s Plan which has been delayed to allow the mainline Republicans to scurry about coaxing tea partiers off their high horses named “No Taxes,” and “Cut Government.” For his part, Boehner has the distinct look of the bridegroom anxiously waiting at the legislative altar while the cavorting bride finishes up at the  ‘No, no Nanette” (you’ll recall that ditty, “Tea For Two.’) themed bachelorette party over at Michele Bachmann’s encounter group/ chapel/ballroom.

Continue reading ‘Mc-Statesman And The “Deceivers”’

Neanderthal’s and Social Darwinism: Perverting Science?

Submitted by: Mike Spindell, guest blogger

Among the ongoing battles in anthropology and paleontology since the mid-Nineteenth Century to now, is the distinction between the Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon Man. Specifically this devolves down to what happened to the Neanderthals, since the fossil record appears to show their extinction about 20,000 years ago. My assumption is that most readers are familiar with a lot of this material. It is easily attainable through Google or Wiki. What I find most interesting in this ongoing debate is the impact that Social Darwinism might have played in the original depiction of Neanderthals and in the assumptions made by some scientists about this species.

“Social Darwinism is a term used for various late nineteenth century ideologies predicated on the idea of survival of the fittest.[1] It especially refers to notions of struggle for existence being used to justify social policies which make no distinction between those able to support themselves and those unable to support themselves. The most prominent form of such views stressed competition between individuals in laissez-faire capitalism but it is also connected to the ideas of eugenics, scientific racism, imperialism,[2], Fascism, Nazism and struggle between national or racial groups.”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Darwinism

The first skull of the Neanderthal had been discovered in 1926, but it was the discovery in 1856, in the Neanderthal Valley, in Germany that gave the species a name. We all know that the publication of Darwin’s “Origin of the Species” in 1859 set off a firestorm of both intellectual excitement and angry social resistance. By the end of the Nineteenth Century scientists, sociologists, physicians, philosophers, and politicians had misused Darwin’s phrase “survival of the fittest” to justify a host of theories that boiled down to two intertwined propositions. The first was that White People represented the apogee of human civilization and the second that among white people the Anglo-Saxon Teutonic strain represented the elite. This justified Eugenics, Imperialism and even the attempted genocide of the Native Americans. In politics, it also represented a definite anti-democratic strain, articulated prominently by Theodore Roosevelt, who believed that those of Anglo-Saxon/Teutonic origin should rule the Nation since the “rabble” was incapable of civilized behavior without their strong leadership. Continue reading ‘Neanderthal’s and Social Darwinism: Perverting Science?’

Teacher Who Was Suspended for Writing Critical Comments about Students on Her Blog to Be Reinstated

Submitted by Elaine Magliaro, Guest Blogger

Back in February, Professor Turley wrote a blog post titled Teacher Suspended for Writing Critical Comments on Her Personal Blog. Many people who commented on the post sided with Natalie Munroe, the teacher who had been suspended. I did not. I thought the school administration did the right thing after I read some of the critical comments Munroe made about her students and comments she said she’d like to be able to note on her students’ report cards.

Continue reading ‘Teacher Who Was Suspended for Writing Critical Comments about Students on Her Blog to Be Reinstated’

Man Kills 4-Year-Old Boy He Thought Was Gay

-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger

Peter Lucas Moses

Jadon Higganbothan

A Durham, North Carolina, man has been charged with killing a 4-year-old boy and a 28-year-old woman. Peter Lucas Moses, 27, and six others face murder charges in the deaths of Jadon Higganbothan, 4, and Antoinetta Yvonne McKoy, 28.

Continue reading ‘Man Kills 4-Year-Old Boy He Thought Was Gay’

A Wonderland Through the Looking Glass: The Art of Dale Chihuly

Submitted by Elaine Magliaro, Guest Blogger

While Jonathan is off gallivanting around in France for a few weeks, he’s left us guest bloggers to do the majority of postings here at the Turley blog. While I’ve remained stateside, I did have an opportunity earlier today to travel to a beautiful otherworld–one created in the imagination of glass artist Dale Chihuly. Chihuly’s ”Through the Looking Glass” exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is breathtaking! Fortunately, I was able to take pictures without a flash. Maybe you’d like to come along on a tour of his glass art exhibit.

Continue reading ‘A Wonderland Through the Looking Glass: The Art of Dale Chihuly’

Can The Default “Crisis” Be Solved Unilaterally?

Respectfully Submitted by Lawrence Rafferty-Guest Blogger

Following up on the continuing saga of the debt default crisis and our earlier articles, I had a few more thoughts on how the crisis should be handled. The first suggested solution came from President Clinton who argued for it in a recent interview. Continue reading ‘Can The Default “Crisis” Be Solved Unilaterally?’

Day 4-5: Huex, France

Today was a misty day in Gascony with light rain all day.  While our falconry demonstration was cancelled at Larressingle, we were still able to have a great time.   We went to the picturesque Chateau de Lavardens. Note: We are having difficulties with internet connections (which are hit and miss in Gascony) so there may be continued delays in upholding pictures and blogs from France.

Continue reading ‘Day 4-5: Huex, France’

The Eternal Cluelessness of the Avenging Mind

Submitted by: Mike Spindell, guest blogger

Perhaps the real original sin of humanity is the concept of sin itself. There is of course evil in the world and there is good. To me there is little equivocation about some evils and I am hardly a moral relativist. Although these terms become subjective when viewed from the perspective of an individual, there is a wide general acceptance among diverse cultures as to general definitions. We consider murder in all cultures evil, as is robbery, assault, rape, and a host of familiar others. For at least five thousand years, cultures established legal systems to deal with bad behavior and with those systems came the need for punishment. The history of punishment has always been rather draconian and bloody throughout history. While today punishment is perhaps more humane in many places, it still caries with it significant cruelty in its application throughout humanity.

“A woman and her three children had just gotten off the bus at a stop across from their apartment building (in Marietta, Georgia) in October 2010 when her 4-year-old son, A.J., broke away from her and ran into the street. A car struck the boy, causing fatal injuries. Nelson (the woman) and one of her two daughters also suffered minor injuries. Nelson was charged with three misdemeanors: second-degree vehicular homicide, failing to cross at a cross walk and reckless conduct, according to court records. A jury convicted her this month. Although prosecutors did not recommend jail time, each count carried a potential sentence of one year in jail”. What is behind this prosecution? Who among us who has raised young children wouldn’t be chilled with the vision of this happening to them? Why do we see such prosecutorial zeal in our society to find someone to punish when accidents occur? Continue reading ‘The Eternal Cluelessness of the Avenging Mind’

Dead Men Do Tell Tales (Of Rigged Elections)

Submitted by Gene Howington, Guest Blogger

If you’ve never heard of King Lincoln v. Blackwell, don’t be too surprised.  Project Censored calls the outsourcing of the 2004 Presidential elections in Ohio “one of the most censored stories in the world.”  Originally filed on August 31, 2006 in Ohio, King Lincoln Bronzeville v. Blackwell is an ongoing civil case to decide if the the Ohio Secretary of State at the time, Kenneth Blackwell, violated the Civil Rights Act (42 USC §§ 1983 and 1984) and the 1st, 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments to the Constitution by conspiring to “deprive and continue to deprive Ohioans of their right to vote and have, in fact, deprived and continue to deprive Ohioans of their right to vote by, in a selective and discriminatory manner, unfairly allocate election resources (such as voting machines), institute a system of provisional ballots, purge voter registrations, and broke the bi-partisan chain of custody ballots”.  The vote at the heart of the issue is the 2004 Presidential election where, in defiance of exit poll data, there was a sudden and unexpected shift in votes for George W. Bush.

New filings include a revealing deposition of the late Michael Connell.   Connell died shortly after giving his deposition in a small plane crash that is described as “suspicious”*.  In life, Connell served as the IT guru for the Bush family and their personal minister of propaganda, Karl Rove. Connell ran a private IT firm called GovTech that created the controversial electronic voting system that Ohio used during the election.  GovTech’s system transferred Ohio’s vote count late on election night to a partisan Republican server site in Chattanooga, Tennessee owned by a company called SmarTech. That is when the alleged vote shift happened that led to Bush’s unexpected victory.

Continue reading ‘Dead Men Do Tell Tales (Of Rigged Elections)’

The (Nearly) Frozen (Not So) Dead

Paging Mr. Poe . . .

Submitted by Gene Howington, Guest Blogger

An unidentified 50 year old asthmatic South African man has a chilling story to tell.  Taphophobia is the fear of being buried alive.   Last Saturday in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa, the  man went to sleep and almost had that fear come true.  His family, thinking he was dead, called a local undertaker to come get the body.  The undertaker then transfered the undead body to a local mortuary where morgue owner Ayanda Maqolo checked the body for a pulse and found nothing.  The body was put in body bag and then to a freezer for storage.  Much to the surprise of the mortuary workers, who thought they were hearing a ghost at first, some twenty-one hours later the man woke up inside the freezer and began calling for help.  “He screamed for help and made an almighty din in the morgue,” said Eastern Cape health spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo.  The man was taken by ambulance to Saint Barnabas Hospital where he was treated for hypothermia and dehydration and released.  His family was having a meeting to discuss funeral arrangements when they were informed he was still alive.  They were, of course, delighted to have the grandfather back and unharmed. Ayanda Magolo, however, did experience some side-effects.”I couldn’t sleep last night, I had nightmares,” he said. “But today I’m much better.” South African officials are reminding people that it is not a good idea to pronounce a person dead yourself and call the undertaker.  Such evaluations should be made by paramedics, doctors or other qualified personnel.

Source: BBC, AP, Times Live

~Submitted by Gene Howington, Guest Blogger

Black Student Can’t Be Valedictorian

-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger

McGehee High School, southeast of Little Rock, Arkansas, would not let Kymberly Wimberly, 18 and black, be valedictorian even though she had the highest GPA. A white student was named as co-valedictorian even though the white student had a lower GPA. Wimberly’s mother, who works at the school as its certified media specialist, heard school personnel express concern that her daughter’s status as valedictorian might cause a “big mess.”

Continue reading ‘Black Student Can’t Be Valedictorian’

Persistent Pooch

-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger

NY’s Marriage Equality Act Sees First Court Challenge

Submitted by Mark Esposito, Guest Blogger

In This Corner: NY Governor Andrew Cuomo ...

A coalition of conservative groups filed for an injunction in a Livingston County, New York Supreme Court (a trial court in NY parlance) asking the judge to overturn New York’s same-sex marriage law. New Yorker’s for Constitutional Freedom (NYCF) seek to enjoin operation of the law claiming that procedural requirements for the legislation were ignored, legislators were promised huge campaign contributions in exchange for their vote by NYC Mayor Bloomberg, and that Governor Andrew Cuomo violated the three-day review period by falsely issuing a “message of necessity” to the Legislature to speed up passage of the legislation. Through their lawyers, Liberty Counsel, the conservative action group also claims the public and lobbyists were shut out of the process.

Continue reading ‘NY’s Marriage Equality Act Sees First Court Challenge’

The Solution to the Debt Crisis is an Easy One.

Respectfully submitted by Lawrence Rafferty-Guest Blogger

I have a slightly different take on the debt ceiling discussion started by Mike Appleton earlier.  The Debt ceiling issue is on every cable and broadcast TV channel and on just about every website and blog including here on Prof. Turley’s blog. The debt limit and its feared default has controlled the airwaves for weeks now, and it isn’t going to end soon if the news reports are to believed. The Democrats want increased revenue and the Republicans want cuts only to spending in order to convince both sides to do something that was done about 19 times during the preceding administration without much fanfare from either side. No matter who you support there is an easy solution to the problem and the majority of Americans agree with it. The Hill Continue reading ‘The Solution to the Debt Crisis is an Easy One.’

The Phony Debt Ceiling Debate

Submitted by Mike Appleton, Guest Blogger

Humorist Tom Bodett observed on NPR’s “Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me” this weekend that if we raise the debt ceiling any higher, we won’t be able to paint it.  In addition to being funny, his comment was more intelligent than most of what passes for debate on the issue.

Raising the debt ceiling is hardly a difficult decision to make, requiring that Congress answer only the following questions:

1. Are we unable with existing revenues to pay our debts as they become due?

2. Do we have the ability to borrow the funds necessary to cover the shortfall?

3. Will the additional borrowing push us over the existing debt ceiling?

If the answer to these questions is “yes,” the debt ceiling needs to be raised. Congress has always managed to get through the process rather easily, voting to increase the debt ceiling 74 times since 1962.  So why the current impasse on a routine matter? Continue reading ‘The Phony Debt Ceiling Debate’

Tiger By The Tail: Dem Leadership Struggle In Wake Of Latest Sex Scandal

Rep. David Wu has long been identified as a major liability for the Democrats. The first Chinese-American elected to Congress, Wu has displayed mental instability for years. He is now accused of an “unwanted sexual encounter” with the teenage daughter of a longtime friend.

Continue reading ‘Tiger By The Tail: Dem Leadership Struggle In Wake Of Latest Sex Scandal’

Day 3-4: Heux, France

I am sitting here with everyone still asleep listening to the light rain over of the fields and a red squirrel rocking in the hammock. The fields are a perfect Monet with fog playing through the lines of the vineyard. Yesterday was another glorious day in Gascony.
Continue reading ‘Day 3-4: Heux, France’

Science Marches On . . . Even In Texas

Charles Darwin

Submitted by Gene Howington, Guest Blogger

Last Thursday, July 21, the Texas Board of Education in an 8-0 unanimous vote opted to keep teaching evolution in high school biology classes using approved scientifically accurate textbook supplements from established mainstream publishers. They did not approve of the creationist-backed supplements from International Databases, LLC. Four times as many people showed up to testify in favor of the scientifically accurate texts as showed up to oppose them.

Continue reading ‘Science Marches On . . . Even In Texas’

Coming To A Beach Near You: Polar Bear Swims 426 Miles

Submitted by Mark Esposito, Guest Blogger

Their shrinking ice floe habitat under constant assault by climate change, polar bears are taking to the water to preserve their species.  One female swam the equivalent distance between Boston and Washington D.C. in an effort to find more suitable habitat. The migration has caused a sad side-effect, as according to study author, George Durner, a USGS research zoologist, “Bears that engaged in long-distance swimming were more likely to experience cub loss.” Five of eleven polar bears that made these swims lost their cubs in the process.

Continue reading ‘Coming To A Beach Near You: Polar Bear Swims 426 Miles’

New Toy For The National Surveillance State

-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger

The new toy is Automatic License Plate Reader/Recognition (ALPR), and a cool toy it is. It basically reads every license plate its cameras see and compares that data to a list. That list might contain the license plates of stolen vehicles, the license plates of drivers with suspended licenses or no insurance, and “Amber Alerts.” This all happens automatically, in real-time.

The systems also stores the date and time of every license plate and the corresponding GPS coordinates, even for law-abiding citizens. Therein lies the potential for abuse.

Continue reading ‘New Toy For The National Surveillance State’

My Boy Lollipop

-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger

Today we present Millie Small in glorious STEREO!

Day 3-4: Heux, France (The Arrival of the Plague Doctors)

Courtesy of Allison Made McBain

This morning we are off to the market in Mezin — a market that has existed for hundreds of years.  In lieu of a detailed blog this morning, I give you my friend, Allison Made McBane and one of her sons, Alexander.  They are wearing a mark called the “plague doctor” mask.  It was taken at the Chateau on the Roman well.

Continue reading ‘Day 3-4: Heux, France (The Arrival of the Plague Doctors)’

The American Quest for Empire

Submitted by: Mike Spindell, guest blogger

A startling thought occurred to me recently and that is while I’m only approaching the age of sixty-seven, I have lived in eight decades on this planet. Every one of those eight decades has had an American involvement in a foreign war. To be sure there is a massive degree of difference in magnitude let’s say between World War II and Grenada, but both were wars nonetheless. There is a common thread in all of these involvements that goes beyond the immediate causes and that is the quest for Empire. A persistent undertone in American thought has been expansive since Jefferson made The Louisiana Purchase. While this need to expand hasn’t always been present in the public political debate as a motivation, those whose thoughts held sway over the political and intellectual backbone of our country openly discussed it. While America, which initially remained primarily an agrarian nation, was expanding into the vast frontier of this continent, our dreams of empire focused on taming the country and overwhelming its Native American population. By the mid Nineteenth Century, the industrial revolution influenced American thought and the need to expand to acquire natural resources, replaced agrarian needs, while making the taming of the frontier more urgent.

Given our constitutional underpinnings and the magnificent sentiments of the Declaration of Independence, many felt qualms about our displacement of Native Americans in our expansion westward. Darwin’s Origin of The Species, published in 1859 became an instant sensation for intellectuals worldwide and for those with the power to shape a nation’s thought processes. Social Darwinism, survival of the fittest, was the new model for developing rationales and mythologies, which absolved the country of residual guilt in our struggle with the native population and allowed opinion shapers and ideologues to frame the issue in terms of the struggle of civilization against savagery.

Continue reading ‘The American Quest for Empire’

Rush Limbaugh Runs Hot and Cold on Weather Indices

Submitted by Elaine Magliaro, Guest Blogger

Is much of America really in the midst of a brutal heat wave? Nah! It’s really not as hot as you may think—or feel. So says radio talk show host and weather meister Rush Limbaugh.  Ignore those news reports warning that the temperatures are soaring into the stratosphere. According to Rush, the mercury isn’t really rising as high inside thermometers as reports claim.

Here’s what Rush had to say recently about what’s really going on weatherwise:

They’re playing games with us on this heat wave, again. Even Drudge. Drudge getting sucked in here. Going to be 116 in Washington. No, it’s not. It’s gonna be like 100, maybe 99. A heat index, manufactured by the government to tell you what it feels like when you add the humidity in there.

116. When’s the last time the heat index was reported as an actual temperature? It hasn’t been, but it looks like they’re trying to get away with doing that now. 116. Drudge is just linking to other people reporting. He’s not saying it, I don’t want to misunderstand, but he’s linking to stories which say 116 degrees in Washington. No!

It’s going to top out as 102, 103. It does this every year. We have this every year. There’s a heat dome over half the country, midwest is moving east. And it happens every summer. Every summer.

Continue reading ‘Rush Limbaugh Runs Hot and Cold on Weather Indices’

Fundamentalist Religion and TV Documentaries, A Problem?

Submitted by: Mike Spindell, guest blogger

There is a trend today on television that is disturbing and I think harmful to our Country, yet we are powerless to halt its’ progress. This occurred to me as I watched an edition of ABC’s Primetime-Nightline entitled “Battle With the Devil”, which was advertised as a show that “investigates the belief in satanic will or possession by a demon”. I’d DVR’ed it because from the description, it was supposed to present various people who purport to have had demonic possession and or experiences of Satan. It also promised to include exorcists, psychologists and various other experts. The beliefs and actions of people always interest me. The more bizarre the belief system the more interesting I find the person. I’m fascinated by human extremes and as a therapist I’m always trying to puzzle out what makes someone tick. When the show ended though, I found myself angry at it and feeling somehow abused emotionally. That feeling began my train of thought that led to this post.

Continue reading ‘Fundamentalist Religion and TV Documentaries, A Problem?’

Anders Behring Breivik Identified As Suspect in Norwegian Attack

-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger

Norwegian television has identified a suspect in the shooting spree on the island Utoya as Anders Behring Breivik, 32, describing him as a member of “right-wing extremist groups in eastern Norway.” The shooting at the youth camp has reportedly resulted in more than 80 deaths.

In his Facebook account, now deleted, he describes himself as having Christian, conservative views. He also has a Twitter account with only one tweet, a quote from philosopher John Stuart Mills: “One person with a belief is equal to the force of 100 000 who have only interests.”

If the reports are accurate, don’t expect denunciations of right-wing extremism from Fox News. If the event in Norway had been caused by a Muslim, would Fox News classify it as a terrorist attack instead of a massacre by a madman?

H/T: HuffPo, MSNBC.

Tallahassee Lassie

-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger

Today we have Freddy “Boom Boom” Cannon in glorious STEREO!

Day 3-4: Heux, France

Vines outside our guest house in Heux

What a day! We began with our wonderful Gascon breakfast with fresh pastries and fruits. We then went for a lunch of escargot and local delights in the little town of Montreal. After a visit to Roman ruins and the Medieval town of Larressingle, our hostess surprised Madie and I with a joint birthday with local families and huge fireworks.
Continue reading ‘Day 3-4: Heux, France’

Lessons from Roe in the Brown Polygamy Case

Submitted by Mark Esposito, Guest Blogger

Rarely do I disagree with our host, but on the Brown polygamy case we do. And not so much on the merits of the case as on the timing of it. I’ve said before I would decriminalize the practice of polygamy and regulate it much as we do other human relationships where there exists real risk of overreaching or exploitation. I think this approach serves the interests of the important right of privacy and protects the vulnerable.

Continue reading ‘Lessons from Roe in the Brown Polygamy Case’

Would You Like Battery With That?

Submitted by Gene Howington, Guest Blogger

In Atlanta, Georgia, Tiffany Denise Allen is charged with simple battery, simple assault and disorderly conduct.  While these charges may not be unusual in themselves, the circumstances surrounding them are.  Allen was a manger of a local McDonald’s restaurant.  She was off duty but on the premises when Jennifer Schwenker entered the McDonald’s in suburban Marietta with her autistic twins and service dog on July 12.  Apparently upset that Mrs. Schwenker brought her service dog into the restaurant, surveillance tapes show Allen proceeded to follow her around the store and out into the parking lot where Allen punched the woman in the face.  The recordings show other McDonald’s employees trying to restrain Allen.  The operators of the local franchise, J.M. and Jan Owens, are cooperating with police.  They told the Associated Press that “At our McDonald’s restaurant, we respect and value our customers. Their safety and well-being is always a top priority [. . .] We strive to comply with all applicable laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act.  It is our policy to make our restaurants accessible to all customers, including those with disabilities and special needs, whether or not they need the assistance of service animals.”  McDonald’s says Allen is no longer in their employ.  Clearly McDonald’s and the Owens’ have done the right thing in response so far, but the scenario does raise some questions.

Continue reading ‘Would You Like Battery With That?’

You Got To Know When To Hold(er) ‘Em

Submitted by Gene Howington, Guest Blogger

More potential bad news for Rupert Murdoch and News Corp. as Thursday’s Wall Street Journal reports that the U.S. Department of Justice is preparing subpoenas relating to alleged foreign bribery and alleged hacking of voicemail of Sept. 11 victims.  This is in addition to a separate FBI probe into the  alleged hacking of voicemail of Sept. 11 victims and a possible FCPA-related (Foreign Corrupt Practices Act)  investigation by the SEC related to allegations of bribing police in Great Britain.  There are also a substantial number of civil suits springing up related to the activities of News Corp.’s now shuttered News of the World operation.  While Murdoch and News Corp. have attempted to contain the damage done by the News of the World U.K. phone hacking scandal, it seems like their efforts are failing as the investigation into their operations expands across the Atlantic.  The real question lies with A.G. Eric Holder’s Department of Justice willingness to act.

Continue reading ‘You Got To Know When To Hold(er) ‘Em’

Gay Barbarians at the Gate!

 Submitted by Elaine Magliaro, Guest Blogger

Yesterday, a group of “gay barbarians” entered Marcus Bachmann’s Christian counseling center in Minnesota and demanded to be disciplined by Marcus himself.

  Continue reading ‘Gay Barbarians at the Gate!’

Saudi Anti-Witchcraft Unit Is Busy

-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger

When the severed head of a wolf, wrapped in women’s lingerie, turned up near the northern Saudi Arabian city of Tabouk,  the Anti-Witchcraft Unit swung into action to break the spell that used the wolf’s head. Superstitious belief in magic and witchcraft is widespread in the kingdom. The Saudis have banned the Harry Potter series of books because of its tales of magic and sorcery.

The superstition that is Islam can provide no logical relief from belief in other superstitions.

Continue reading ‘Saudi Anti-Witchcraft Unit Is Busy’

Widener Law Disciplinary Committee Exonerates Criminal Law Prof

-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger

We have previously discussed the case of Widener School of Law professor Lawrence Connell who was suspended after using Dean Linda Ammons in hypotheticals in class (here and here).  Connell had been charged with engaging in racial and sexual discrimination and harassment in how he taught his criminal law class.

Continue reading ‘Widener Law Disciplinary Committee Exonerates Criminal Law Prof’

Day 2-3: Heux, France

View from the Church tower in La Romieu

Our second day in Heux was glorious. We ate outside with the kids on local pizza and fresh vegetables — with, of course, local wines. We then went to two wonderful towns, La Romieu and Fources.

Continue reading ‘Day 2-3: Heux, France’

The Gang of Six and Their War on Main Street

Submitted by Lawrence Rafferty-Guest Blogger

It is probably just me, but it seems that every time we hear about a proposed deal to extend the debt limit and avert a government shutdown and a debt default, the plan does nothing more than cut the taxes on the wealthiest Americans and Corporations.  The latest proposal by the so-called Gang of Six is just one more example of Congress attacking the Middle Class. Continue reading ‘The Gang of Six and Their War on Main Street’

Day 1-2: Heux, France

View From Our Window in Huex

The Turleys have landed! After flying from Washington to Chicago, we flew first to Paris and then to Toulouse. We then drove to our friend’s villa outside of Condom (that’s right a town named Condom, which presumably has the lowest population of any town in France). We arrived around 6 pm and went to the Medieval Festival being held in Montreal du Gers – a truly enchanting experience with “fire spitters” and Medieval crafts in a tiny ancient town.
Continue reading ‘Day 1-2: Heux, France’

Mother Eats Poppy Seed Seasoning – Has Newborn Taken

-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger

In Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, Eileen Ann Bower tested positive for opiates after giving birth to her  son. Based on the results of the routine blood test, performed by Jameson Hospital, the Lawrence County Children and Youth Services kidnapped seized the baby three days after its birth. Bower claims her last meal, before giving birth, was a pasta salad with Perfect Pinch Salad Supreme Seasoning, which contains poppy seeds (the fourth listed ingredient).

Continue reading ‘Mother Eats Poppy Seed Seasoning – Has Newborn Taken’

Mobius Strip At Center Of Milky Way

-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger

 

Astronomers have discovered what appears to be a 600-light-year wide ribbon of supercooled material at the center of our galaxy. They used the European Space Agency’s infrared Herschel Space Observatory to get the high resolution image shown above. Ground based radio telescopes have indicated the ribbon is spinning around the galactic center as a cohesive unit.

H/T: Wired Science.

Privacy Without Politics: Why The Sister Wives Lawsuit Is About Privacy Not Polygamy

Here is my column this morning in the New York Times. As is the case (even on my own paper, USA Today), the writer does not select the titles. In this case, “One Big, Happy Polygamous Family” seems a bit mocking. Thus, I have added my own title.
Continue reading ‘Privacy Without Politics: Why The Sister Wives Lawsuit Is About Privacy Not Polygamy’

Method Of Modern Love: Twitter-Style

Submitted by Mark Esposito, Guest Blogger

The Happy Couple: Farthing For Your Thoughts Mrs. Puddick?

London plumber, Ian Puddick, was aghast after reading a text message on his wife’s cell phone. It seems  Leena, was having an affair with Tim Haynes, an insurance broker at one of London’s hoary financial houses and a City Director. The affair began at a company Christmas Party (don’t they all) and continued for ten years.   Rather than an immediate face-to-face confrontation with all the messiness that involves, Puddick set up several websites and then began to Twitter the racy cyber-dialog between the illicit lovers. One read, “Where do you want to have sex next? The office, al fresco, the flat or all three you greedy girl?”  He supplemented the shorthand with videos and a blog– all dedicated to the affair.

Continue reading ‘Method Of Modern Love: Twitter-Style’

How Should A Civilized Society Deal With Criminals?

Contributed by: Mike Spindell, Guest Blogger

All society’s see themselves as “civilized” which connotes that they are humane in their treatment of all within their purview. One society will compare their society towards another, disparagingly in most cases, seeing the “other” as less “civilized” and more barbaric. We all know the clichés about the cruelties of Mexican, or Turkish prisons for instance and our American tendency is to look down our noses upon the barbarity of those countries in dealing with all prisoners, not just felons. How smug we are in our self-satisfaction that America is a modern culture with no hint of the backwardness and barbarism of less modern cultures. In my view this has been merely the legerdemain of mass delusion. I say delusion because the sad truth we all know is that many of our prisons and many of our Jails are “hellholes”, perhaps only degrees better than certain other more “barbarous” Nations are. Our literature and media have for years dealt with the harshness of our prison system. Indeed our gallows humor puts forth the hardly clichéd image of prison rape as a fit punishment for some. A current story conveys our dilemma in seeing the truth of our own lack of civilization, dealing with those who commit crimes both of heinous and victimless nature. Continue reading ‘How Should A Civilized Society Deal With Criminals?’

Free Speech Win For Man Who Allegedly Threatened Obama

Submitted by Gene Howington, Guest Blogger

Two years ago, a district court found Walter Bagdasarian guilty of threatening then-candidate Obama because of the following statements made to a Yahoo.com financial website (warning – racist and coarse language):

“Re: Obama fk the niggar, he will have a 50 cal in his head soon” and “shoot the nig”.

Bagdasarian was convicted under 18 U.S.C. § 879:  Threats against former Presidents and certain other persons, which reads in relevant part: “(a) Whoever knowingly and willfully threatens to kill, kidnap, or inflict bodily harm upon; (3) a major candidate for the office of President or Vice President, or a member of the immediate family of such candidate; shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.”  But did what Bagdasarian said constitute a threat or not?  A divided panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals didn’t think so and on Tuesday, they overturned his conviction.  The majority reasoning is quite convincing as to why Bagdasarian’s comments were protected free speech.

Continue reading ‘Free Speech Win For Man Who Allegedly Threatened Obama’

Bureaucrats Always Win In The End

-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger

We have previously discussed the plight of Julie Bass, the woman who was charged with a misdemeanor for growing cucumbers, tomatoes and other vegetables in raised beds in her front yard in Oak Park, Michigan.

Bass’ plight went viral with a blog and a Facebook page “Oak Park Hates Veggies.”

Continue reading ‘Bureaucrats Always Win In The End’

British Parliament Debates Murdoch’s News Corp

Submitted by Mark Esposito, Guest Blogger

We’ve been following the growing worldwide scandal of  phone hacking of  the families of victims of terror and lost servicemen by the British tabloid, News of The World. The 186 year-old British weekly  publication shut down earlier this month amid cries for a full investigation into sensationalist journalism that apparently relied on listening in to voice mails of the victims. British PM David Cameron has recalled Parliament into extraordinary session to debate the phone hacking scandal engendered by Rupert Murdoch’s media empire. Murdoch, his son, James, and officials from NOW’s parent company, News Corp, have appeared before Parliament Select Committees amid torrents of popular protest to answer questions about upper management’s role. To date, Murdoch and his lieutenants have denied any prior knowledge of the methods used to fuel the gotcha’ stories. Calls are now being heard for PM Cameron’s resignation and that of Murdoch himself who has denied any  wrongdoing.

Continue reading ‘British Parliament Debates Murdoch’s News Corp’

Au Revoir: The Turleys Invade France

In a few hours, the Turleys will start our conquest of France. As previously announced, we are taking the kids on their first international trip for three weeks in France. We will be roughly a week in the Bordeaux region, a week in the Normandy region, and a week in Paris. Our guest bloggers have agreed to help with postings during this period, though I hope to continue to file occasional stories (including travel blogs) during this period — assuming that I can maintain both sobriety and a signal long enough to post.
Continue reading ‘Au Revoir: The Turleys Invade France’

When Should Schools Give Miranda? Virginia Case Shows Continuing Uncertainties After J.D.B. Ruling

There is an interesting case out of Fairfax County in Virginia where an eighth-grader was pulled from his class and interrogated by a police officer and school officials on this smoking pot after-school hours and off campus. The case shows the continuing uncertainty over when police officers are required to give Miranda after the Supreme Court’s decision in J.D.B. v. North Carolina (below).
Continue reading ‘When Should Schools Give Miranda? Virginia Case Shows Continuing Uncertainties After J.D.B. Ruling’

Give [To Wal-Mart] And You Shall Receipt: Couple Rejoices After Jesus Appears On Store Receipt

Jacob Simmons and his fiancée, Gentry Lee Sutherland insist it is a miracle after they bought some pictures at Wal-Mart and found Jesus staring back at them on the receipt. Many people would question whether Jesus would work through Wal-Mart but a bargain is a bargain. Wal-Mart appears to be offering miracle at a low price, undercutting local stores in Anderson County, South Carolina in their own Savior slips.

Continue reading ‘Give [To Wal-Mart] And You Shall Receipt: Couple Rejoices After Jesus Appears On Store Receipt’

Report: MSNBC Close To Naming Al Sharpton Host of Prime Time Show

For weeks, many of us have been shocked by the use of controversial Al Sharpton as a host on “MSNBC Live.” We have followed Sharpton’s long litany of alleged criminal violations and race-baiting tactics. Now, as if to show that it can match Fox’s hiring of Glenn Beck and CNN’s hiring of Nancy Grace, MSNBC is reportedly close to giving Sharpton the slot held by Cenk Uygur.
Continue reading ‘Report: MSNBC Close To Naming Al Sharpton Host of Prime Time Show’

Turley Demands Retraction and Apology From Conservative Attorney and Radio Host Debbie Schlussel

Two of my clients in the pilots litigation flagged an article by conservative Republican activist and attorney Debbie Schlussel reporting that I am funded by the Bin Laden family and using the Brown family as a front for an Islamic radical agenda. Ms. Schlussel previously attracted national attention by writing in the aftermath of Bin Laden’s death “1 down, 1.8 billion more to go.” She was also denounced for her statement that CBS reporter Lara Logan deserved to be raped while covering the protests in Egypt — a statement rightfully criticized by David Drumm (which she attributes to me). The article by Ms. Schlussel is clearly defamatory and neither she nor her attorney has responded to inquiries over the last couple days.
Continue reading ‘Turley Demands Retraction and Apology From Conservative Attorney and Radio Host Debbie Schlussel’

Report: Assassin of Hamid Karzai’s Brother Was Trusted CIA Operative

News reports indicate that the bodyguard who assassinated President Hamid Karzai’s brother was a trusted CIA operative and worked closely with US Special Forces. He also appears to have been an undercover operative for the Taliban. Sardar Mohammad shot Ahmed Wali Karzai at his home in Kandahar City on Tuesday. He has two brothers-in-law serving in a CIA-run paramilitary unit, the Kandahar Strike Force.
Continue reading ‘Report: Assassin of Hamid Karzai’s Brother Was Trusted CIA Operative’

Pennsylvania Judge Under Fire For Dismissing Her Own Parking Tickets

When Kelly Ballentine was given several parking tickets, she lucked out by getting a lenient judge: herself. The Lancaster Magisterial District Judge dismissed a no-parking ticket and an expired registration ticket in December and a no-parking ticket in January.
Continue reading ‘Pennsylvania Judge Under Fire For Dismissing Her Own Parking Tickets’

New Jersey Man Killed By Lightning — 48 Years After His Father Was Killed By Lightning

In New Jersey, the family of Stephen Rooney, 54, is mourning his loss after a bizarre lightning strike. Rooney’s father was killed by a lightning strike 48 years ago when Rooney was five. At a picnic with friends and family, Rooney told people not to worry about the thunder in the area because lightning never strikes the same family twice. Seconds after making that statement, he was hit and killed by lightning.
Continue reading ‘New Jersey Man Killed By Lightning — 48 Years After His Father Was Killed By Lightning’

Woman Gropes TSA Agent

It is the modern equivalent of the “man bites dog” story. Every week, TSA agents are accused of groping old ladies or toddlers. Now, Yukari Mihamae, 61, is accused of groping a TSA agent at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix.
Continue reading ‘Woman Gropes TSA Agent’

Man and Dog: Nature’s Perfect Duet

 You have probably seen such videos before, but this remains a thing of beauty.
Continue reading ‘Man and Dog: Nature’s Perfect Duet’

Be Careful What You Wish For…

 

Submitted By: Mike Spindell, Guest Blogger

When my NY Times headline feed came in today the headline and then to this article stood out:

 Egypt Military Aims to Cement Muscular Role in Government

 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/17/world/middleeast/17egypt.html?_r=1&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha2

Reading it, I thought of the euphoria that we felt when Hosni Mubarak left, overthrown by the bravery of the Egyptian people as they had fought and protested for a more democratic way of life. How stirring the unfolding story was of Muslim Peoples beginning to rise up and overthrow the tyranny they under which they lived. The tipping point in Mubarak’s ouster was the support of the powerful Egyptian Military, who promised a civilian authored constitution and democratic reforms. Knowing Egyptian history for the last 60 years or so did little to damp my enthusiasm, despite the fact that every regime change came about by military coup/intervention. Afterwards, like many of us Egypt passed out of my thoughts as other issues came to the fore. Then this story drew me back to the experiences of my life and the stream of disappointments that followed every seemingly triumphant political moment I’ve lived through. Continue reading ‘Be Careful What You Wish For…’

Ellie’s Seeing-Eye Dog

Submitted by Mark Esposito, Guest Blogger

Seeing-eye dogs are a feature of most urban areas and a godsend to folks disabled by challenges to their vision. What isn’t so common is a seeing-eye dog for a dog.  Ellie, a King Charles spaniel, is the victim of abuse by humans and almost totally blind. Kept in the dark most of her life before her rescue by the local SPCA, her eye muscles haven’t developed and  she suffers from bilateral cataracts. While the SPCA raises money to pay for an operation that could mitigate the problem, Ellie’s protection  has fallen to an unlikley hero.

Continue reading ‘Ellie’s Seeing-Eye Dog’

Adventures In Customer Service

Submitted by Gene Howington, Guest Blogger

How would you feel if you asked your cell phone company for an itemized bill and their response was to tell you that you needed a subpoena?  A Pennsylvania woman, Bernice Keebler, can tell you exactly how she felt because that is the response Verizon gave her when she asked for an itemized bill.  Bernice Keebler, without the benefit of counsel, decided to take the matter to the courts.

Continue reading ‘Adventures In Customer Service’

There’s No Conserve In Conservative

-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger

The latest incoherence from the Right has to do with incandescence, as in incandescent light bulbs. The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007, a bill mandating higher efficiency standards, passed by massive majorities in Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush, has put the kibosh on inefficient incandescent light bulbs. Obviously, an example of socialism/communism/fascism run amok.

Continue reading ‘There’s No Conserve In Conservative’

Popsicles And Icicles

-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger

Break out the headphones/earbuds, today we have The Murmaids in glorious STEREO!

A song written by David Gates of Bread fame.

Does the Anti-Abortion Movement Hate Women’s Sexuality?

Submitted by: Mike Spindell, guest blogger

The abortion issue is not solely about a women’s right to choose, it is about the hatred and fear of women’s sexuality. There is a subtext to this movement, shown plainly by the actions of many Anti-Abortion supporters, that goes way beyond the issue of whether abortion is murder. This is not asserting my opinion as to the validity of either side in the Anti-Abortion debate. It is not to stir up a debate for or against abortion. I’ve commented here enough for people to know where I stand on the issue. What has bothered me for a long time on this issue has been whether it is just about being for or against a women’s right to choose? If it is only about the right of choice, then I could at least accept that those who would deny it have sufficient beliefs to justify their actions, without there being another unspoken agenda. Indeed, the original initiator of the anti-abortion issue was the Roman Catholic Church.
Continue reading ‘Does the Anti-Abortion Movement Hate Women’s Sexuality?’

What Makes A Good Law, What Makes A Bad Law?

Submitted by Gene Howington, Guest Blogger

In 1780, John Adams succinctly defined the principle of the Rule of Law in the Massachusetts Constitution by seeking to establish “a government of laws and not of men”. This reflects the democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution’s preamble: “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” The very foundation of our legal system says that the law should work for us all, not just a select few.

This raises the question of what is a good law that serves the majority of society and what is a bad law that doesn’t serve the majority of society?

Continue reading ‘What Makes A Good Law, What Makes A Bad Law?’

Florida Sheriff: No Underwear (And No Dignity) For You!

Submitted by Mark Esposito, Guest Blogger

Jail Reformer Grady Judd

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has a budget problem. Claiming concern about having to make job cuts in a tough economy or to provide luxury items to inmates, this prison reformer took the path of least resistance. Problem is, to Sheriff Judd, “luxury items” include jail-provided underwear. Seems the prison uniform includes the proviso of “going commando” for the male inmates. Female guests face no such concern and are provided free undergarments and the reason for the different treatment is a tad unclear. Maybe Sheriff Judd is teaching the value of smooth panty lines. In any event, the foundation-free policy is saving his budget $45,000.00 or as Judd puts it “$45,000.00 is one person’s job we’re saving. If inmates want to wear underwear in jail, they can buy it, just like hard working Polk County citizens do.” Lest you think Judd a throwback to the days of Les Miserables, you should know that entrepreneurship is alive and well at the Polk County jail. Briefs can be purchased for $2.54 and boxers for a mere $4.48. And to avoid the tedious chore of having to inspect the skivvies for weapons, male inmates may not bring in their own underwear. No word yet on two for one sales, or if other “luxuries” like tooth brushes and toilet paper will become items offered for purchase at the jail.

Continue reading ‘Florida Sheriff: No Underwear (And No Dignity) For You!’

DOJ: Decrypt Your Files Or Go To Jail

-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger

With the Fourth Amendment a mere shadow of its former self, its time to apply the same erosional process to the Fifth Amendment. The Justice Department has asked a federal judge to compel Ramona Fricosu, charged with bank fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering related to a mortgage scam, to decrypt the files on a laptop found during a raid on her home. Fricosu now faces the cruel trilemma: perjure herself by claiming she doesn’t know the passphrase, incriminate herself by decrypting the files, or face contempt of court for refusing to decrypt.

Continue reading ‘DOJ: Decrypt Your Files Or Go To Jail’

She’s About A Mover

-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger

For your listening enjoyment, the Sir Douglas Quintet (Doug Sahm) in glorious STEREO!

Is There A Juris Doctor In The House? Maryland Heart Surgeon Stripped Of License After Allegedly Performing Hundreds of Unnecessary Surgeries

Well-known heart surgeon Dr. Marc Midei has lost his license after being found to have performed hundreds of unnecessary surgeries on his patients by the Maryland Board of Physicians. It turns out that they really need juris doctors.

Continue reading ‘Is There A Juris Doctor In The House? Maryland Heart Surgeon Stripped Of License After Allegedly Performing Hundreds of Unnecessary Surgeries’

Justice Department Forces Mistrial After Violating Court Order in Clemens Trial

In an enormous embarrassment, the Justice Department forced a mistrial in the trial of baseball star Roger Clemens after its attorneys committed a flagrant violation of the court’s orders. Clemens will now have to be retried after U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton found that the Justice Department severely undermined a fair trial for the accused. The sanction is a sharp blow to U.S. Assistant Attorney Steven Durham and his team — and a rare example of a court imposing such sanctions against the government. Defense attorneys often complain that prosecutors engage in such conduct — including some intentional slips — because they are confident that the jury will simply be told to disregard the evidence. It is not known if this was an intentional or simply negligent act by the prosecutors.
Continue reading ‘Justice Department Forces Mistrial After Violating Court Order in Clemens Trial’

Cooley Law School Sues Law Firm and Bloggers Over Alleged Misrepresentations on Grad Placement

Thomas M. Cooley Law School has gone to court with an interesting defamation case against the New York firm, Kurzon Strauss, and anonymous bloggers after it was accused of misrepresenting the success of its graduates. The firm had posted a draft class action against the law school. The litigation raises a host of issues of privilege and free speech.
Continue reading ‘Cooley Law School Sues Law Firm and Bloggers Over Alleged Misrepresentations on Grad Placement’

Iranian Christian Told By Supreme Court To Renounce Faith Or Face Punishment

When I saw this story on Reddit, I had a hopeful moment. It said Iran’s Supreme Court had actually annulled the death sentence of Yousef Nadarkhani, who was arrested in 2009 and given the death sentence late last year for apostasy. However, it turns out the evangelical pastor has simply been sent back to the trial court to be given a chance to “repent” and renounce Christianity.
Continue reading ‘Iranian Christian Told By Supreme Court To Renounce Faith Or Face Punishment’

Study: Black Men Live Longer If Incarcerated

Now here is a remarkably depressing study. According to a study published in the Annals of Epidemiology, black men are half as likely to die when they’re in prison than if they are free in society. According to the study of North Carolina inmates, they lived longer if they were incarcerated.
Continue reading ‘Study: Black Men Live Longer If Incarcerated’

Saudi Cleric: Islam Has No Minimum Age For Marriage

In this video, Saudi Cleric Muhammad Al-’Arifi answers the question of whether there is a minimum age for marriage. He concludes that there is not — noting that Muhammad married Aisha when she was seven and consummated the marriage at nine because she was “ready.” Accordingly, it is perfectly ok for some girls to be married off at an age when they could not even get on some amusement rides at Disneyland due to their age.
Continue reading ‘Saudi Cleric: Islam Has No Minimum Age For Marriage’

Harvard Professor Under Fire After Calling For Obese Children To Be Removed From Homes In Severe Cases

Harvard University Professor Dr. David Ludwig is under attack for his public call this week for some obese children to be taken from their parents to protect their health. Ludwig stated that “[i]n severe instances of childhood obesity, removal from the home may be justifiable, from a legal standpoint, because of imminent health risks and the parents’ chronic failure to address medical problems.” That legal standpoint may need a bit more work.
Continue reading ‘Harvard Professor Under Fire After Calling For Obese Children To Be Removed From Homes In Severe Cases’

Warrant Issued For Former Prosecutor After No Show In Theft Trial

A Louisiana court has issued a warrant for arrest for former Terrebonne assistant district attorney Stephen Callahan, 51, after he failed to appear to stand trial on allegations that he stole the money of a client, Sarah Reed, 56. Callahan’s lawyer has insisted that Callahan simply couldn’t find a ride on Monday or Tuesday.
Continue reading ‘Warrant Issued For Former Prosecutor After No Show In Theft Trial’

Driver Succeeds In Effort To Wear Pasta Strainer On License As Pastafarian

If this driver’s license appears a bit odd, it may be due to the fact that Niko Alm is wearing a pasta strainer. An atheist, Alm claimed that the pasta strainer was religious headgear as a pastafarian and member of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. It is not clear if he listed his weight as al dente.
Continue reading ‘Driver Succeeds In Effort To Wear Pasta Strainer On License As Pastafarian’

Bachmann Under Fire For Clinic’s “Cure” of Homosexuality

The presidential campaign of Michele Bachmann has raised the question of what is relevant for scrutiny for the media. At issue is the business run by Bachmann and her husband, Marcus: Bachmann and Associates. It is a Christian counseling service and Bachmann has previously referenced the business as her credential as a “small business job creator.” However, reports have emerged of how the clinic offers to “cure” homosexuals and reporters have questioned the veracity of past statements about the clinic. Bachmann, however, insists she wants to talk about job creation and the stories are not relevant to what matters in the campaign.

Continue reading ‘Bachmann Under Fire For Clinic’s “Cure” of Homosexuality’

California Legislators Ask To Form 51st State

Republican Jeff Stone is a member of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors and wants to be a citizen of South California, the 51st state. Stone is part of a movement in thirteen conservative counties to cleave off the conservative part of California into its own state. Of course, that could have a wee problem under the United States Constitution without congressional consent.

Continue reading ‘California Legislators Ask To Form 51st State’

Brown Family Challenges Utah’s Polygamy Law

Today, we filed the complaint below in the challenge to Utah’s criminal polygamy law. I am still in Salt Lake City for the filing. With me today is our local counsel Adam Alba, an outstanding young attorney and one of my former students. As noted earlier, the lawsuit is on behalf of my clients, the Brown family. The Browns are featured in the TLC program Sister Wives as an openly polygamous family.
Continue reading ‘Brown Family Challenges Utah’s Polygamy Law’

California Citizens First Face Swarm of 14 Million Spilled Bees and Then Warned Bears Are Coming

Drivers in Island Creek, Idaho this week encountered a “black cloud” of 14 million bees that spilled out of a truck on the highway. Now highway officials are warning residents — many of whom were stung by multiple bees — that they should now prepare for a swarm of bears.
Continue reading ‘California Citizens First Face Swarm of 14 Million Spilled Bees and Then Warned Bears Are Coming’

Israeli Court Refuses To Charge Police In Shooting Of 10-Year-Old Palestinian Girl in 2007 Because Too Much Time Has Passed

In a controversial decision, Israel’s High Court has ruled that Israeli policemen will not face trial in the shooting of a 10-year-old Palestinian schoolgirl Abir Aramin in 2007 because it feels too much time has passed. An earlier court found that there was “no debate” that Abir was shoot by border guards. Yet, her family will not receive a trial — or a hope for justice in the case.

Continue reading ‘Israeli Court Refuses To Charge Police In Shooting Of 10-Year-Old Palestinian Girl in 2007 Because Too Much Time Has Passed’

Meet Officer James Kuehnlein

I just saw this video which reportedly shows an abusive encounter between a citizen, Brett Darrow, 20, and St. George (Mo.) Police Sergeant James Kuehnlein. Kuehnlein is reported to have lost his job after this evidence was reviewed from 2007.

Continue reading ‘Meet Officer James Kuehnlein’

Brown Family To File Challenge To The Criminalization of Polygamy In Utah

As reported by The New York Times and National Public Radio, I will be traveling to Salt Lake City today to file (on Wednesday) a challenge to the Utah statute criminalizing bigamy and cohabitation. The lawsuit will be filed on behalf of my clients, the Brown family. The Browns are featured in the TLC program Sister Wives as an openly polygamous family.
Continue reading ‘Brown Family To File Challenge To The Criminalization of Polygamy In Utah’

Panetta: Iraq Really Was A Response To 9-11

For years, the Bush Administration was denounced for the false statements and intelligence that led to the Iraq invasion. Even after it was shown that there were no weapons of mass destruction, many Americans continued to believe that Iraq was being invaded as a response to the 9-11 attacks. Now, in the latest morphing of the Bush and Obama Administration, our new Defense Secretary Leon Panetta wasted no time in re-casting Iraq in the same flawed image. In a public appearance, Panetta told troops that they were in Iraq because of the attack on 9-11.

Continue reading ‘Panetta: Iraq Really Was A Response To 9-11′

Michigan Woman Charged Criminally For Growing Vegetable Garden In Her Own Front Yard

Julie Bass is facing a misdemeanor charge in Oak Park, Michigan. Her crime? Planting vegetables in her own front yard. It is the latest example of the criminalization of American society.

Continue reading ‘Michigan Woman Charged Criminally For Growing Vegetable Garden In Her Own Front Yard’

Putinodox Faith: Russian Official Proclaims That Putin Was Sent By God

It appears that Vladimir Putin is not just an action hero but an actual gift of God. First deputy administration chief Vladislav Surkov set a new standard for sycophants and lickspittles everywhere by announcing that Putin was sent here by God to lead the Russian people. Wow, I thought he was just sent by Marvel.

Continue reading ‘Putinodox Faith: Russian Official Proclaims That Putin Was Sent By God’

McConnell: Casey Anthony Verdict Shows Terrorist Suspects Should Not Receive Real Trials

Many have objected that the Casey Anthony trial and verdict has displaced attention to every thing from three wars to a growing economic crisis. Now, however, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has suggested that the impact of the Anthony verdict may extend to national security trials and serve as an excuse to deny terrorism defendants a federal trial. McConnell stated that the verdict shows that we cannot trust our court system in trying terrorism suspects. The clear import is that we should use the widely ridiculed military tribunal system because we cannot risk defendants actually prevailing in court.

Continue reading ‘McConnell: Casey Anthony Verdict Shows Terrorist Suspects Should Not Receive Real Trials’

Florida Principal Under Fire After Performing Hypnosis on Two Students Who Later Committed Suicide

Florida High school principal George Kenney is under fire for using hypnosis on students — two of which later committed suicide. Kenney had been told by school officials not to use hypnosis on students, but parents have rallied to his side in the controversy.

Continue reading ‘Florida Principal Under Fire After Performing Hypnosis on Two Students Who Later Committed Suicide’

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