Wednesday: unabashed, I’m a Democrat

Say what you want about the Democratic Party - go on, say it – but don’t deny that it’s a rainbow.  Those of us who support its platform, which includes basics like Rebuilding Middle Class Security, Protecting Rights and Freedoms, and Disrupting, Dismantling, and Defeating Al-Qaeda, should be especially proud of its diversity.  While CNN did their very best to find an ethnic assortment among the crowd at the GOP convention last week in Tampa – and the GOP brass trotted out their up-and-coming … [Read more...]

To those who voted “no” on The DREAM Act: what’s the plan?

Yesterday was a great day for basic human equality when Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was finally repealed.  When the policy was put in place in 1993 under President Clinton, I didn’t think much of it.  Surely, the approach of allowing gays to serve in the military was the right thing, and an agreement for everyone not to ask what they didn’t want to know seemed reasonable, although  I didn’t quite understand why anyone would be rejected for volunteering to serve, fight and possibly die for our country, … [Read more...]

The morning cup: Thursday, December 9th, 2010

The House Democratic Caucus today voted to reject the tax bill that President Obama and Republicans decided upon Monday.  It’s a non-binding action and will probably have no effect on the end game, but as a matter of principle, Pelosi and friends wanted to show their displeasure.  Noted. More congressional news: The DREAM Act passed the House and now heads to the Senate where it will most likely die.  I just love the Senate.  They’ve postponed the vote on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” because … [Read more...]

An afternoon cup: Wednesday, December 8th, 2010

There’s much to say about Elizabeth Edwards and the troubles she endured throughout her life, but I can’t imagine she’d want to be remembered for all that.  I think her smile, her intelligence and the honest, human courage she exhibited during the time we all came to know about her reminded me of people I have loved personally in my own life, and so I’m sad for her passing – mostly because three children lost their mother yesterday.  ABC News gives us a poignant reminder of who she … [Read more...]

The morning cup: Wednesday, November 17, 2010

First things first.  Did you see Gwyneth Paltrow on “Glee” last night? I laughed out loud, and then I cried.  She’s too damn perfect.  Where’s the tragic flaw?  Anyone know?  I want to be her friend. The Bush tax cut drama continues, except the meeting planned between Republican leaders and President Obama, set for tomorrow, has been postponed to November 30th because GOP senators John Boehner and Mitch McConnell had scheduling conflicts.  That’s right, scheduling conflicts.  WTF?! The lame … [Read more...]

My Tuesday take: politics are ridiculously frustrating

There are two significant and controversial provisions attached to the major military bill that was up for a cloture vote today in the Senate:  Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and The Dream Act.  One involves allowing gays to serve openly in the military; the other provides a path to citizenship for children of illegal immigrants. It stalled a few hours ago, making it highly unlikely that debate on The Defense Authorization Bill will proceed before the November elections. Let’s just shut down … [Read more...]