http://boston.sbnation.com/boston-red-sox/2012/2/24/2801445/no-papelbon-no-problem-andrew-bailey-will-be-a-force-as-red-sox-closer
Bailey has said that he is now 100% healthy, pain free, and has been throwing regularly since early December (earlier than usual for him). When looking over his career numbers and ignoring the obvious in terms of innings pitched, you'd almost never know this guy was hurt. Now that he's in the best shape of his life... I'd be afraid to see this guy on the mound in the ninth. Like, Mariano Rivera type of afraid.
Some can say that Bailey was never really tested in the A.L. West, with the A's playing teams like the then offensively challenged Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Seattle Mariners multiple times a year. He can't possibly pitch the same way in the big bad A.L. East, with teams like the Yankees and Rays waiting to eat him up, right? Not so fast.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Roy Oswalt says not now - Scott Lauber
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/baseball/red_sox/view/20220224oswalt_says_not_now_righty_will_look_to_sign_midseason/srvc=sports&position=also
Just in case the Red Sox [team stats] still had any shred of hope of signing Roy Oswalt before the season starts, the right-hander erased it yesterday. In a statement released by his agent, Oswalt ended months of uncertainty by informing teams he will wait until midseason to sign with a playoff contender, a la Roger Clemens in 2006-07. The Red Sox made a one-year offer, but it’s believed the 34-year-old right-hander prefers to play closer to his home in Weir, Miss.
The mid-season signing has been pulled off in recent years by Roger Clemens and Pedro Martinez. Roger fizzled and Pedro puttered along. Oswalt threw 139 innings last year because of injuries and is in no way shape or form of the magnitude of either Clemens or Martinez. This is just a reaction to his failure to sign with a contender for a price he found adequate, hoping for an injury and a desperate team in June.
Just in case the Red Sox [team stats] still had any shred of hope of signing Roy Oswalt before the season starts, the right-hander erased it yesterday. In a statement released by his agent, Oswalt ended months of uncertainty by informing teams he will wait until midseason to sign with a playoff contender, a la Roger Clemens in 2006-07. The Red Sox made a one-year offer, but it’s believed the 34-year-old right-hander prefers to play closer to his home in Weir, Miss.
The mid-season signing has been pulled off in recent years by Roger Clemens and Pedro Martinez. Roger fizzled and Pedro puttered along. Oswalt threw 139 innings last year because of injuries and is in no way shape or form of the magnitude of either Clemens or Martinez. This is just a reaction to his failure to sign with a contender for a price he found adequate, hoping for an injury and a desperate team in June.
Cubs send Carpenter to Red Sox as compensation for Epstein - Paul Sullivan
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-02-21/sports/ct-spt-0222-cubs-epstein-chicago--20120222_1_ben-cherington-cubs-hope-red-sox
It took a little more than garage junk to pay the Red Sox for allowing Epstein out of his contract a year early for a promotion with the Cubs, but the four-month saga finally saw some closure Tuesday when pitching prospect Chris Carpenter was sent to Boston in a 2-for-1 trade.
The other two players, who will be named later, are expected to be low-level prospects, making Carpenter-for-Epstein the main swap. The Cubs hope it will be remembered as long as Brock-for-Broglio, but with a different outcome for them.
"I guess my name will go down in history," Carpenter said, adding that it was "kind of surreal."
Meh. I've never heard of this guy. Spot starter at best.
It took a little more than garage junk to pay the Red Sox for allowing Epstein out of his contract a year early for a promotion with the Cubs, but the four-month saga finally saw some closure Tuesday when pitching prospect Chris Carpenter was sent to Boston in a 2-for-1 trade.
The other two players, who will be named later, are expected to be low-level prospects, making Carpenter-for-Epstein the main swap. The Cubs hope it will be remembered as long as Brock-for-Broglio, but with a different outcome for them.
"I guess my name will go down in history," Carpenter said, adding that it was "kind of surreal."
Meh. I've never heard of this guy. Spot starter at best.
How history lessons could deter Iranian aggression - Fareed Zakaria
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/history-could-be-a-deterrent-to-iranian-aggression/2012/02/15/gIQA6UVcGR_story.html
In the end, however, the global revolutionaries in Moscow, the mad autocrats in Pyongyang and the terrorist-supporting military in Pakistan have all been deterred by mutual fears of destruction. While the Iranian regime is often called crazy, it has done much less to merit the term than did a regime such as Mao’s China. Over the past decade, there have been thousands of suicide bombings by Saudis, Egyptians, Lebanese, Palestinians and Pakistanis, but not been a single suicide attack by an Iranian. Is the Iranian regime — even if it got one crude device in a few years — likely to launch the first?
“Israel is finally confronting the sort of choices the United States and Great Britain confronted more than six decades ago,” says Gideon Rose, the editor of Foreign Affairs. “Hopefully it, too, will come to recognize that absolute security is impossible to achieve in the nuclear age, and that if its enemies’ nuclear programs cannot be delayed or disrupted, deterrence is less disastrous than preventive war.”
In the end, however, the global revolutionaries in Moscow, the mad autocrats in Pyongyang and the terrorist-supporting military in Pakistan have all been deterred by mutual fears of destruction. While the Iranian regime is often called crazy, it has done much less to merit the term than did a regime such as Mao’s China. Over the past decade, there have been thousands of suicide bombings by Saudis, Egyptians, Lebanese, Palestinians and Pakistanis, but not been a single suicide attack by an Iranian. Is the Iranian regime — even if it got one crude device in a few years — likely to launch the first?
“Israel is finally confronting the sort of choices the United States and Great Britain confronted more than six decades ago,” says Gideon Rose, the editor of Foreign Affairs. “Hopefully it, too, will come to recognize that absolute security is impossible to achieve in the nuclear age, and that if its enemies’ nuclear programs cannot be delayed or disrupted, deterrence is less disastrous than preventive war.”
Right-Wing Media Group Pledges To Strip Birth Control Out Of Health Plan After Providing It For Years - Amanda Peterson Beadle
http://thinkprogress.org/health/2012/02/23/431262/right-wing-media-group-pledges-to-strip-birth-control-out-of-health-plan-after-providing-it-for-years/
Is TPM a liberal blog? Yes.
Do they quote anyone out of context here? No.
Upon hearing news of President Obama’s regulation requiring all employers to offer contraception coverage without additional cost sharing, Bozell examined his own organization’s insurance policy and was “horrified” to learn that MRC’s plan has long provided contraception (and abortion) coverage. Bozell asked his employees to stop using “contraception/abortifacient/abortion services” and promised to eliminate the benefits at once...
If Congress approves Blunt’s amendment, employers like Bozell would be able to make health decisions for their employees on the basis of their own personal beliefs. About two-thirds of Americans oppose this idea, but Bozell is already putting it into practice.
Why can the Republicans not stop themselves? Why is contraception a debate in 2012?
Is TPM a liberal blog? Yes.
Do they quote anyone out of context here? No.
Upon hearing news of President Obama’s regulation requiring all employers to offer contraception coverage without additional cost sharing, Bozell examined his own organization’s insurance policy and was “horrified” to learn that MRC’s plan has long provided contraception (and abortion) coverage. Bozell asked his employees to stop using “contraception/abortifacient/abortion services” and promised to eliminate the benefits at once...
If Congress approves Blunt’s amendment, employers like Bozell would be able to make health decisions for their employees on the basis of their own personal beliefs. About two-thirds of Americans oppose this idea, but Bozell is already putting it into practice.
Why can the Republicans not stop themselves? Why is contraception a debate in 2012?
Project Icarus: Laying the Plans for Interstellar Travel - Ross Andersen
http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2012/02/project-icarus-laying-the-plans-for-interstellar-travel/253335/
In September of last year DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, convened a conference in Orlando, Florida, to discuss and promote one of its newest and most intriguing research projects: The 100 Year Starship Study. According to DARPA, the study is intended to "develop and mature a technology portfolio that will enable long-distance manned space flight a century from now." To that end, DARPA is now negotiating a grant of $500,000 to ex-astronaut Dorothy Jemison, whose personal foundation will team up with Project Icarus, a division of Icarus Interstellar, to seed the plans for an interstellar mission that could span several centuries.
In September of last year DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, convened a conference in Orlando, Florida, to discuss and promote one of its newest and most intriguing research projects: The 100 Year Starship Study. According to DARPA, the study is intended to "develop and mature a technology portfolio that will enable long-distance manned space flight a century from now." To that end, DARPA is now negotiating a grant of $500,000 to ex-astronaut Dorothy Jemison, whose personal foundation will team up with Project Icarus, a division of Icarus Interstellar, to seed the plans for an interstellar mission that could span several centuries.
Democrats: Is Rick Santorum for real? - GLENN THRUSH and CARRIE BUDOFF BROWN
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0212/73234.html
The Human Turd marches on. What started as an honest scam and book tour has turned into a national debate on contraception that will haunt the GOP for years. While they had a bead on Obama and were ready to talk economics, along came a man who could not resist wading time after time into the culture wars and insisted America return to 1962. Here is a man that has said the state has a right to ban contraception, which he also thinks is a very bad thing by the way, that academia and the 'mainline' Protestant sects were already under the sway of "Satan", and that women should not work outside of the home and if they did it was only to buy more things for their kids, which is also very bad. He has insisted that abortion is wrong even in cases of rape or incest, even though he and his wife induced labor at 20 weeks for their own child, which soon died, a case which fits his definition of abortion.
The fact is that not enough people are losing their gourds over the fact that two of the front runners in the Republican primary are Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich. That is the very definition of bankrupt.
The Human Turd marches on. What started as an honest scam and book tour has turned into a national debate on contraception that will haunt the GOP for years. While they had a bead on Obama and were ready to talk economics, along came a man who could not resist wading time after time into the culture wars and insisted America return to 1962. Here is a man that has said the state has a right to ban contraception, which he also thinks is a very bad thing by the way, that academia and the 'mainline' Protestant sects were already under the sway of "Satan", and that women should not work outside of the home and if they did it was only to buy more things for their kids, which is also very bad. He has insisted that abortion is wrong even in cases of rape or incest, even though he and his wife induced labor at 20 weeks for their own child, which soon died, a case which fits his definition of abortion.
The fact is that not enough people are losing their gourds over the fact that two of the front runners in the Republican primary are Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich. That is the very definition of bankrupt.
In Vitro a Fertile Niche for Lenders - JESSICA SILVER-GREENBERG
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203960804577241270123249832.html?google_editors_picks=true
The loans typically are unsecured and carry interest rates of as much as 22%, more than the average credit-card rate of around 17%. The rates offered vary based on the lender's evaluation of a patient's credit-worthiness.
Fertility finance is "pretty much a recession-proof business, since the biological clock doesn't stop," says Doug Weiss, senior vice president of IntegraMed America Inc., a fertility-clinic operator based in Purchase, N.Y.
![[IVFLOAN]](http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/MI-BN698_IVFLOA_NS_20120223180003.jpg)
I'd hate to see that foreclosure hearing.
The loans typically are unsecured and carry interest rates of as much as 22%, more than the average credit-card rate of around 17%. The rates offered vary based on the lender's evaluation of a patient's credit-worthiness.
Fertility finance is "pretty much a recession-proof business, since the biological clock doesn't stop," says Doug Weiss, senior vice president of IntegraMed America Inc., a fertility-clinic operator based in Purchase, N.Y.
I'd hate to see that foreclosure hearing.
Republicans see "jobs bills" as election winner - Richard Cowan and Thomas Ferraro
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/24/us-campaign-jobs-idUSTRE81N0B320120224?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc=71&google_editors_picks=true
Yet along the way they face skepticism about how many jobs their proposals would actually create - and at what cost. The Republican bills focus largely not on creating new positions but on protecting existing jobs by eliminating federal regulations on businesses -- from Internet firms and oil drillers to cement factories and industrial boilers.
"I have yet to see a single one that was actually a jobs bill," said Norm Ornstein, a congressional scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative Washington think tank.
"Everyone of these, as far as I can tell, is basically from decades-old conservatives playbook of cut taxes for business, cut regulations for business," Ornstein said.
Yet along the way they face skepticism about how many jobs their proposals would actually create - and at what cost. The Republican bills focus largely not on creating new positions but on protecting existing jobs by eliminating federal regulations on businesses -- from Internet firms and oil drillers to cement factories and industrial boilers.
"I have yet to see a single one that was actually a jobs bill," said Norm Ornstein, a congressional scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative Washington think tank.
"Everyone of these, as far as I can tell, is basically from decades-old conservatives playbook of cut taxes for business, cut regulations for business," Ornstein said.
'Dingo baby' mystery finally solved? Australia inquest hopes to close 1980 case
http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/24/10493942-dingo-baby-mystery-finally-solved-australia-inquest-hopes-to-close-1980-case?google_editors_picks=true
A coroner on Friday opened Australia's fourth inquest into the most notorious and bitterly controversial legal drama in the nation's history: the 1980 death of a 9-week-old baby whose parents say was taken by a dingo from her tent in the Australian Outback.
A coroner on Friday opened Australia's fourth inquest into the most notorious and bitterly controversial legal drama in the nation's history: the 1980 death of a 9-week-old baby whose parents say was taken by a dingo from her tent in the Australian Outback.
Friends of Syria' Ready Assad Ultimatum - MATTHEW LEE and PAUL SCHEMM
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/friends-syria-ready-ultimatum-assad-15781804
The United States, Europe and Arab countries were set Friday to back a proposal for Syria's president to step aside and allow in humanitarian assistance to end a brutal crackdown against opponents.
American, European and Arab officials are meeting in a major international "Friends of Syria" conference in Tunisia to work out the details for their 72-hour ultimatum end the violence and allow in aid, which will be backed by as yet unspecified punishments.
A draft of the conference's final declaration also states that the Syrian National Council, an umbrella group of opposition organizations, will be recognized as "a legitimate representative of Syrians" and promised additional "practical" support for opposition groups.
Were it not for the steady drumbeat for war in Iran this might have already been a done deal. Assad's regime is reeling but not ready to topple and the opposition has no coherence, leading to a situation where neither can defeat the other. The countries that border Syria are desperate to head off the terrorism and refugees that might blow over into their own countries, not to mention the fear that it might inflame their own populations. All this leads us to think that ~something~ will happen to end the violence. Of course, if and after the violence is lifted, Iran looms.
The United States, Europe and Arab countries were set Friday to back a proposal for Syria's president to step aside and allow in humanitarian assistance to end a brutal crackdown against opponents.
American, European and Arab officials are meeting in a major international "Friends of Syria" conference in Tunisia to work out the details for their 72-hour ultimatum end the violence and allow in aid, which will be backed by as yet unspecified punishments.
A draft of the conference's final declaration also states that the Syrian National Council, an umbrella group of opposition organizations, will be recognized as "a legitimate representative of Syrians" and promised additional "practical" support for opposition groups.
Were it not for the steady drumbeat for war in Iran this might have already been a done deal. Assad's regime is reeling but not ready to topple and the opposition has no coherence, leading to a situation where neither can defeat the other. The countries that border Syria are desperate to head off the terrorism and refugees that might blow over into their own countries, not to mention the fear that it might inflame their own populations. All this leads us to think that ~something~ will happen to end the violence. Of course, if and after the violence is lifted, Iran looms.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
The Conversion - How, when, and why Mitt Romney changed his mind on abortion. - William Saletan
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/the_conversion/2012/02/mitt_romney_s_abortion_record_flip_flop_or_conversion_.single.html
Romney began his political career as a pro-choicer. In the story he tells, he had an epiphany, a flash of insight, and committed himself thereafter to protecting life. But that isn’t what happened. The real story of Romney’s conversion—a series of tentative, equivocal, and confused shifts, accompanied by a constant rewriting of his past—paints a more accurate picture of who he is. Romney has complex views and a talent for framing them either way, depending on his audience. He values truth, so he makes sure there’s an element of it in everything he says. He can’t stand to break his promises, so he reinterprets them.
Romney began his political career as a pro-choicer. In the story he tells, he had an epiphany, a flash of insight, and committed himself thereafter to protecting life. But that isn’t what happened. The real story of Romney’s conversion—a series of tentative, equivocal, and confused shifts, accompanied by a constant rewriting of his past—paints a more accurate picture of who he is. Romney has complex views and a talent for framing them either way, depending on his audience. He values truth, so he makes sure there’s an element of it in everything he says. He can’t stand to break his promises, so he reinterprets them.
Virginia House amends abortion bill to say no woman will have to undergo involuntary internal ultrasound - Anita Kumar
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/virginia-politics/post/mcdonnell-no-need-for-women-to-undergo-invasive-ultrasounds-before-abortion/2012/02/22/gIQA6CniTR_blog.html
“Mandating an invasive procedure in order to give informed consent is not a proper role for the state,’’ he said. “No person should be directed to undergo an invasive procedure by the state, without their consent, as a precondition to another medical procedure.” The Washington Post reported Wednesday that McDonnell (R) had backed off his unconditional support the bill. Up until last weekend, McDonnell and his aides had said the governor would sign the measure if it made it to his desk.
Making this the only bill ever defeated by a Saturday Night Live skit.
“Mandating an invasive procedure in order to give informed consent is not a proper role for the state,’’ he said. “No person should be directed to undergo an invasive procedure by the state, without their consent, as a precondition to another medical procedure.” The Washington Post reported Wednesday that McDonnell (R) had backed off his unconditional support the bill. Up until last weekend, McDonnell and his aides had said the governor would sign the measure if it made it to his desk.
Making this the only bill ever defeated by a Saturday Night Live skit.
BREAKING: Bush Appointee Finds DOMA Unconstitutional - BREAKING: Bush Appointee Finds DOMA Unconstitutional
http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2012/02/22/430779/breaking-bush-appointee-finds-doma-unconstitutional/
Jeffery White of the District Court for the Northern District of California ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) violates the Constitution’s equal protection clause in a case brought by Karen Golinski. Golinski, represented by Lambda Legal, “was denied spousal health benefits by her employer, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.” White was appointed to the court by President George W. Bush in 2002. The decision represents a serious setback for House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), whose Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group (BLAG) defended DOMA after the Obama administration announced it would no longer defend the law.
EXCLUSIVE POLL: Santorum leads Romney in close Michigan Republican Presidential Primary race - Chuck Stokes
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/political/poll-wxyz-free-press-michigan-gop-race-santorum-leads-romney
Michigan is not just important for Romney; it's existential. If he loses his "home" state, a state where his father was governor and CEO of an auto company, he certainly can't beat Obama there, not after saying he would have let GM go under. I still think he will carry Michigan, but if he doesn't the panic that is now bubbling the lid of the GOP will begin to spill over into view.
Michigan is not just important for Romney; it's existential. If he loses his "home" state, a state where his father was governor and CEO of an auto company, he certainly can't beat Obama there, not after saying he would have let GM go under. I still think he will carry Michigan, but if he doesn't the panic that is now bubbling the lid of the GOP will begin to spill over into view.
Obama ties Romney with Arizona
http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/main/2012/02/obama-ties-romney-with-arizona.html
Arizona is a great microcosm of how Barack Obama's reelection prospects have improved over the last 3 months. When we polled there in November his approval numbers were atrocious and his prospects for winning the state in the general election didn't look very good. Now he's getting more popular, the Republicans are getting less popular, and he appears to have a decent chance there.
So if you are the GOP the way to combat that is to nominate either a wind-tacking Wall Street guy or a theologian in chief.
And let's keep in mind that Obama hasn't spent one dollar in advertising yet.
Arizona is a great microcosm of how Barack Obama's reelection prospects have improved over the last 3 months. When we polled there in November his approval numbers were atrocious and his prospects for winning the state in the general election didn't look very good. Now he's getting more popular, the Republicans are getting less popular, and he appears to have a decent chance there.
So if you are the GOP the way to combat that is to nominate either a wind-tacking Wall Street guy or a theologian in chief.
And let's keep in mind that Obama hasn't spent one dollar in advertising yet.
Why the Latino Vote in Arizona Could Be Decisive in 2012 - Micheal Scherer
http://swampland.time.com/2012/02/22/why-the-latino-vote-in-arizona-could-be-decisive-in-2012/?xid=gonewsedit&google_editors_picks=true
At the same time, Republicans have generally done a dismal job through the primary of appealing to Latino voters. George W. Bush won more than 40% of the community in 2004, but in a recent Latino Decisions poll conducted for Univision, 72% of Latinos said the GOP either did not care about their support or was hostile to their community. The 27% who sensed hostility represented a seven point increase from April of 2011, when the same pollsters asked the question. “Conservatives have not realized how their tone and rhetoric has turned people off,” says Jennifer Korn, who led George W. Bush’s Latino outreach effort in 2004.
Let's recall that the 2008 election saw Indiana and North Carolina go for a black Democrat with a Muslim name, all on the strength of the Hispanic vote. And that was against a guy, McCain, who was very immigration friendly. This time around the xenophobes have been trying to outdo each other in running off the Hispanic vote. How do you think that will play out?
At the same time, Republicans have generally done a dismal job through the primary of appealing to Latino voters. George W. Bush won more than 40% of the community in 2004, but in a recent Latino Decisions poll conducted for Univision, 72% of Latinos said the GOP either did not care about their support or was hostile to their community. The 27% who sensed hostility represented a seven point increase from April of 2011, when the same pollsters asked the question. “Conservatives have not realized how their tone and rhetoric has turned people off,” says Jennifer Korn, who led George W. Bush’s Latino outreach effort in 2004.
Let's recall that the 2008 election saw Indiana and North Carolina go for a black Democrat with a Muslim name, all on the strength of the Hispanic vote. And that was against a guy, McCain, who was very immigration friendly. This time around the xenophobes have been trying to outdo each other in running off the Hispanic vote. How do you think that will play out?
Dozens killed in wave of attacks in Iraq - Mohammed Tawfeeq
http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/23/world/meast/iraq-violence/?hpt=hp_t2
A series of explosions and shootings killed 38 people and injured more than 130 people in Baghdad and other areas Thursday morning, Iraqi police said. Police believe the wave of attacks, most of them within a two-hour time frame, were a coordinated effort by militants.
No militant group claimed responsibility for the attacks.
A series of explosions and shootings killed 38 people and injured more than 130 people in Baghdad and other areas Thursday morning, Iraqi police said. Police believe the wave of attacks, most of them within a two-hour time frame, were a coordinated effort by militants.
No militant group claimed responsibility for the attacks.
2 U.S. troops killed in Quran backlash - Tucker Reals
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57383415/afghan-soldier-kills-2-u.s-troops/
Two U.S. troops have been shot to death and four more wounded by an Afghan solider who turned his gun on his allies in apparent anger over the burning of Qurans at a U.S. military base in Afghanistan, an Afghan official tells CBS News.
A statement from the International Security Assistance Force - Afghanistan, the international coalition in the country, confirmed that two troops were killed in Eastern Afghanistan on Thursday by "an individual wearing an Afghan National Army uniform."
ISAF does not typically give the nationality of casualties until family members have been notified, but the CBS News source in the Afghan government said those killed and injured in the attack in the Khogyani district of the eastern Ningarhar province along the border with Pakistan were Americans.
Two U.S. troops have been shot to death and four more wounded by an Afghan solider who turned his gun on his allies in apparent anger over the burning of Qurans at a U.S. military base in Afghanistan, an Afghan official tells CBS News.
A statement from the International Security Assistance Force - Afghanistan, the international coalition in the country, confirmed that two troops were killed in Eastern Afghanistan on Thursday by "an individual wearing an Afghan National Army uniform."
ISAF does not typically give the nationality of casualties until family members have been notified, but the CBS News source in the Afghan government said those killed and injured in the attack in the Khogyani district of the eastern Ningarhar province along the border with Pakistan were Americans.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Dick Cheney lobbied for Maryland gay marriage bill: report - Brian Browdie
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/dick-cheney-lobbied-maryland-gay-marriage-bill-report-article-1.1025192
Supporters of marriage equality in Maryland may owe arch conservative Dick Cheney a big thank you now that the state is poised to legalize same-sex nuptials.
Cheney, the former Republican vice-president and supporter of gay rights, reportedly reached out to GOP legislators to urge their support for the same-sex marriage bill that squeaked through the state's House of Delegates Friday.
Interesting.
Supporters of marriage equality in Maryland may owe arch conservative Dick Cheney a big thank you now that the state is poised to legalize same-sex nuptials.
Cheney, the former Republican vice-president and supporter of gay rights, reportedly reached out to GOP legislators to urge their support for the same-sex marriage bill that squeaked through the state's House of Delegates Friday.
Interesting.
Michigan GOP race tightens
http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/main/2012/02/michigan-gop-race-tightens.html
The Republican race for President in Michigan has tightened considerably over the last week, with what was a 15 point lead for Rick Santorum down to 4. He leads with 37% to 33% for Mitt Romney, 15% for Ron Paul, and 10% for Newt Gingrich.
The tightening over the last week is much more a function of Romney gaining than Santorum falling. Santorum's favorability spread of 67/23 has seen no change since our last poll, and his share of the vote has dropped only 2 points from 39% to 37%. Romney meanwhile has seen his net favorability improve 10 points from +10 (49/39) to +20 (55/35) and his vote share go from 24% to 33%.
What we're seeing in Michigan is a very different story from Florida where Romney surged by effectively destroying his opponent's image- here Romney's gains have more to do with building himself up.
I've not heard much prognostication about what to do if Romney carries both Michigan and Ohio, a very real possibility given Santorum's decision to overstep all kinds of lines in the last several days. If he does win these two states after a whithering attack by Santorum and Gingrich both, does that not make him the presumptive nominee? Can he then start to focus on Obama? I don't think it's to that point yet. but is he does carry Ohio and Michigan and then performs well on Super Tuesday, his future is a little more settled.
The Republican race for President in Michigan has tightened considerably over the last week, with what was a 15 point lead for Rick Santorum down to 4. He leads with 37% to 33% for Mitt Romney, 15% for Ron Paul, and 10% for Newt Gingrich.
The tightening over the last week is much more a function of Romney gaining than Santorum falling. Santorum's favorability spread of 67/23 has seen no change since our last poll, and his share of the vote has dropped only 2 points from 39% to 37%. Romney meanwhile has seen his net favorability improve 10 points from +10 (49/39) to +20 (55/35) and his vote share go from 24% to 33%.
What we're seeing in Michigan is a very different story from Florida where Romney surged by effectively destroying his opponent's image- here Romney's gains have more to do with building himself up.
I've not heard much prognostication about what to do if Romney carries both Michigan and Ohio, a very real possibility given Santorum's decision to overstep all kinds of lines in the last several days. If he does win these two states after a whithering attack by Santorum and Gingrich both, does that not make him the presumptive nominee? Can he then start to focus on Obama? I don't think it's to that point yet. but is he does carry Ohio and Michigan and then performs well on Super Tuesday, his future is a little more settled.
Santorum challenges policy on prenatal testing - Tom Cohen
http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/19/politics/santorum-prenatal-testing/
"One of the mandates is they require free prenatal testing in every insurance policy in America," Santorum, a conservative Roman Catholic, told a Christian Alliance luncheon in Columbus. "Why? Because it saves money in health care. Why? Because free prenatal testing ends up in more abortions and therefore less care that has to be done, because we cull the ranks of the disabled in our society."
The assumption that all prenatal testing is done to determine whether you want to abort the fetus or not is so misinformed and will alienate so many voters I wonder at this point if Santorum himself has decided that he would make a bad president and has decided to sabotage his own campaign. This statement, in one swoop, accuses all women who undergo prenatal testing, or want it to be free to expecting mothers, of being prospective aborters. While some portion of them may decide to abort the baby, I would wager that millions upon millions more just want to know and would also probably resent the accusation by Santorum.
What kind of dope speaks out against free prenatal testing? One that is beating Mitt Romney, of course.
"One of the mandates is they require free prenatal testing in every insurance policy in America," Santorum, a conservative Roman Catholic, told a Christian Alliance luncheon in Columbus. "Why? Because it saves money in health care. Why? Because free prenatal testing ends up in more abortions and therefore less care that has to be done, because we cull the ranks of the disabled in our society."
The assumption that all prenatal testing is done to determine whether you want to abort the fetus or not is so misinformed and will alienate so many voters I wonder at this point if Santorum himself has decided that he would make a bad president and has decided to sabotage his own campaign. This statement, in one swoop, accuses all women who undergo prenatal testing, or want it to be free to expecting mothers, of being prospective aborters. While some portion of them may decide to abort the baby, I would wager that millions upon millions more just want to know and would also probably resent the accusation by Santorum.
What kind of dope speaks out against free prenatal testing? One that is beating Mitt Romney, of course.
Santorum’s controversial comments meet criticism
http://www.walb.com/story/16972416/santorums-controversial-comments-meet-criticism
"Maybe he's not the best guy. After a while, after a while you find out some things about this guy over in Europe who's not so good of a guy after all," said Rick Santorum, (R) presidential candidate.
This, another controversial comment came Saturday.
"It's not about you. It's not about your quality of life. It's not about your jobs. It's about some phony ideal, some phony theology," said Santorum.
Santorum's typical MO:
1. Make controversial statement about religion or culture while wading into culture wars
2. Complain about media's reporting on said statement
3. Repeat
And yes, he was talking about the President's religion. If there is any silver lining here for the Republicans it appears to be that even Santorum can overstep his base and this statement will come back to haunt him.
Iranian ships reach Syria, China warns of civil war - Khaled Yacoub Oweis and Erika Solomon
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/20/us-syria-idUSL5E8DB0BH20120220?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc=71
Foreign ministers at a G20 industrialized and emerging nations meeting in Mexico were increasingly worried about whether a peaceful solution could be found.
"There is grave concern about the fact that existing structures of the United Nations have not delivered an outcome,"
Australia's foreign minister, Kevin Rudd, told reporters in Los Cabos, Mexico.
The West has ruled out any Libya-style military intervention but the Arab League, led by Saudi Arabia, has indicated some of its member states were prepared to arm the opposition.
In Washington the senior U.S. military officer, General Martin Dempsey, said intervening in Syria would be "very difficult" because it was not like Libya.
Syria's army is very capable, with a sophisticated, integrated air defense system and chemical and biological weapons, Dempsey said. It was also not clear who or what the fragmented opposition was exactly, he said.
Foreign ministers at a G20 industrialized and emerging nations meeting in Mexico were increasingly worried about whether a peaceful solution could be found.
"There is grave concern about the fact that existing structures of the United Nations have not delivered an outcome,"
Australia's foreign minister, Kevin Rudd, told reporters in Los Cabos, Mexico.
The West has ruled out any Libya-style military intervention but the Arab League, led by Saudi Arabia, has indicated some of its member states were prepared to arm the opposition.
In Washington the senior U.S. military officer, General Martin Dempsey, said intervening in Syria would be "very difficult" because it was not like Libya.
Syria's army is very capable, with a sophisticated, integrated air defense system and chemical and biological weapons, Dempsey said. It was also not clear who or what the fragmented opposition was exactly, he said.
Finding Treasures Among Insurer's Wreckage - Leslie Scism
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204059804577227211434947348.html?google_editors_picks=true
For more than a century, Atlantic Mutual Insurance Co. covered yachts, steamships laden with gold, and even a seemingly indestructible passenger liner called the RMS Titanic.
Then last year, the company itself sank—leaving behind a treasure trove of nautical memorabilia that is now up for sale...
As of last month, Cynthia Hoogland, the owner of Avila Fine Art who is cataloguing the collection, had identified 245 artifacts.
A favorite is an 1850 letter from 14 clerks to the company's then president. They "respectfully" requested "gas fixtures may be affixed to our respective desks" in place of sperm-oil candles. The switch, they wrote, would cut down on "injury to our eyes from the constant flickering" and improve their performance.
![[SB10001424052970203824904577213401527107894]](http://s.wsj.net/public/resources/images/OB-RS883_0209sh_D_20120209132216.jpg)
For more than a century, Atlantic Mutual Insurance Co. covered yachts, steamships laden with gold, and even a seemingly indestructible passenger liner called the RMS Titanic.
Then last year, the company itself sank—leaving behind a treasure trove of nautical memorabilia that is now up for sale...
As of last month, Cynthia Hoogland, the owner of Avila Fine Art who is cataloguing the collection, had identified 245 artifacts.
A favorite is an 1850 letter from 14 clerks to the company's then president. They "respectfully" requested "gas fixtures may be affixed to our respective desks" in place of sperm-oil candles. The switch, they wrote, would cut down on "injury to our eyes from the constant flickering" and improve their performance.
Taliban Gaining More Resources From Kidnapping - Declan Walsh
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/20/world/asia/pakistani-taliban-turn-to-kidnapping-to-finance-operations.html?google_editors_picks=true
The Pakistani Taliban are unapologetic, saying the kidnappings earn valuable funds, offer leverage to free imprisoned fighters and are a political statement against longstanding American efforts to drive Al Qaeda from the tribal belt. “We are targeting foreigners in reaction to government demands that we expel the foreign mujahedeen,” said the deputy leader of the Pakistani Taliban, Wali ur-Rehman, during an interview at his North Waziristan stronghold.
The kidnappings are continuing even as Pakistani security forces have seemed to blunt the militants’ ability to inflict mass casualties: suicide attacks fell by 35 percent in 2011, according to the annual report of the Pak Institute for Peace Studies, while the number of people killed in attacks fell from 3,021 in 2009 to 2,391 last year.
Decision day for second Greek bailout despite financing gaps - Luke Baker
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/20/us-greece-idUSTRE8120HI20120220?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc=71&google_editors_picks=true
While there is skepticism in Germany and other countries that Greece will be able to meet its commitments, including implementing 3.3 billion euros of spending cuts and tax increases, officials said momentum was building for a deal.
"We expect today the long period of uncertainty -- which was in the interest of neither the Greek economy nor the euro zone as a whole -- to end," Venizelos said in a statement.
While there is skepticism in Germany and other countries that Greece will be able to meet its commitments, including implementing 3.3 billion euros of spending cuts and tax increases, officials said momentum was building for a deal.
"We expect today the long period of uncertainty -- which was in the interest of neither the Greek economy nor the euro zone as a whole -- to end," Venizelos said in a statement.
Top GOP Senator Says ‘If Romney Loses Michigan, We Need a New Candidate’ - Jonathan Karl
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/02/top-gop-senator-says-if-romney-loses-michigan-we-need-a-new-candidate/
All of this is a set up to suggesting that Jeb Bush be the nominee. Hell, you should have thought of that in 1999 and we might have had something. Not only is Jeb Bush not going to run and avoid sullying his name any further then it already is, he has said on the order of a thousand times that he's not going run. Even more than that, Bush supporters are forgetting that the other nominees are already accruing delegates. By the time he entered, got on ballots (if that's still even possible), gathered the money to run ads and even started to familiarize himself with the populace that might not know who he is, it would be October already.
This is pure fantasy. Not the part about Santorum and Romney being sure losers, the part about Jeb Bush.
All of this is a set up to suggesting that Jeb Bush be the nominee. Hell, you should have thought of that in 1999 and we might have had something. Not only is Jeb Bush not going to run and avoid sullying his name any further then it already is, he has said on the order of a thousand times that he's not going run. Even more than that, Bush supporters are forgetting that the other nominees are already accruing delegates. By the time he entered, got on ballots (if that's still even possible), gathered the money to run ads and even started to familiarize himself with the populace that might not know who he is, it would be October already.
This is pure fantasy. Not the part about Santorum and Romney being sure losers, the part about Jeb Bush.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Season of great change underway for Red Sox - Peter Abraham
http://bostonglobe.com/sports/2012/02/17/red-sox-set-open-spring-training/jaHKe4mMXHRhFEGPzX1k9N/story.html
No team in baseball history had ever wasted a bigger lead in the final month of the season.
Two days after the season, manager Terry Francona quit before he could get fired, citing an inability to reach the players. When general manager Theo Epstein asked for permission to seek a new job with the Chicago Cubs a few days later, no one stood in his way. He was out the door in late October, claiming it was his plan all along.
Before the purge had ended, 10 other employees involved in baseball operations were fired or encouraged to leave. The Red Sox remade their coaching staff, changed most of the personnel in their medical department, and made changes to the scouting staff.
No team in baseball history had ever wasted a bigger lead in the final month of the season.
Two days after the season, manager Terry Francona quit before he could get fired, citing an inability to reach the players. When general manager Theo Epstein asked for permission to seek a new job with the Chicago Cubs a few days later, no one stood in his way. He was out the door in late October, claiming it was his plan all along.
Before the purge had ended, 10 other employees involved in baseball operations were fired or encouraged to leave. The Red Sox remade their coaching staff, changed most of the personnel in their medical department, and made changes to the scouting staff.
How Companies Learn Your Secrets - CHARLES DUHIGG
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/19/magazine/shopping-habits.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all
As the marketers explained to Pole — and as Pole later explained to me, back when we were still speaking and before Target told him to stop — new parents are a retailer’s holy grail. Most shoppers don’t buy everything they need at one store. Instead, they buy groceries at the grocery store and toys at the toy store, and they visit Target only when they need certain items they associate with Target — cleaning supplies, say, or new socks or a six-month supply of toilet paper. But Target sells everything from milk to stuffed animals to lawn furniture to electronics, so one of the company’s primary goals is convincing customers that the only store they need is Target. But it’s a tough message to get across, even with the most ingenious ad campaigns, because once consumers’ shopping habits are ingrained, it’s incredibly difficult to change them.
As the marketers explained to Pole — and as Pole later explained to me, back when we were still speaking and before Target told him to stop — new parents are a retailer’s holy grail. Most shoppers don’t buy everything they need at one store. Instead, they buy groceries at the grocery store and toys at the toy store, and they visit Target only when they need certain items they associate with Target — cleaning supplies, say, or new socks or a six-month supply of toilet paper. But Target sells everything from milk to stuffed animals to lawn furniture to electronics, so one of the company’s primary goals is convincing customers that the only store they need is Target. But it’s a tough message to get across, even with the most ingenious ad campaigns, because once consumers’ shopping habits are ingrained, it’s incredibly difficult to change them.
A Kinder, Gentler Rick Santorum - Dave Weigel
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2012/02/now_that_rick_santorum_is_leading_in_national_polls_he_is_softening_his_social_conservatism_.html
The Rick Santorum who’s soaring in primary polls looks a lot like the Santorum who lost his 2006 re-election bid by 18 points. Here is a difference: His culture war talk is softer, more implied. He talks up his welfare reform role and his doom-saying about Iran far more than he talks up his stances on homosexuality or Prop 8. He doesn’t need to emphasize it, because the people who acid-test Republicans on social issues know they can trust him. He rallied for Terri Schiavo once; he doesn’t have much else to prove.
The Rick Santorum who’s soaring in primary polls looks a lot like the Santorum who lost his 2006 re-election bid by 18 points. Here is a difference: His culture war talk is softer, more implied. He talks up his welfare reform role and his doom-saying about Iran far more than he talks up his stances on homosexuality or Prop 8. He doesn’t need to emphasize it, because the people who acid-test Republicans on social issues know they can trust him. He rallied for Terri Schiavo once; he doesn’t have much else to prove.
Wow, Did Foster Friess Really Say That? (Updated) - Jonathan Cohn
http://www.tnr.com/blog/jonathan-cohn/100798/foster-friess-girls-used-aspirin-birth-control-santorum-msnbc
And here is the problem with having a guy like Santorum in the race. Instead of the complicated rules and compromises involved in Obama's healthcare-contraception-Catholic hospital mistake, what keeps popping to the surface is the much easier to swallow and remember "Republicans are against contraception". It's not generally true but what are you supposed to think when they keep saying stupid stuff like this?:
This contraception thing, my gosh, it’s [so] inexpensive. You know, back in my days, they’d use Bayer aspirin for contraception. The gals put it between their knees and it wasn’t that costly.
To be fair, Foster Friess is not a politician, but he has almost single-handedly kept Rick Santorum in the race with his money. And it's a fair question because Santorum has repeatedly spoken out against contraception (saying the states had a right to ban it for instance) so asking his funders about it is a way to determine what things Santorum used to convince them they should give their money to him and not some other human turd. Clearly they have discussed the issue and clearly, given Friess's feelings on it, they agree.
The Komen kerfuffle and the minor dust up with the Catholic church were thought by the GOP to be stinging victories in the making. They have turned into a narrative that David Frum and others like him saw coming and will not reflect well on the Republicans with women voters, a place they are in desperate need of help.
And here is the problem with having a guy like Santorum in the race. Instead of the complicated rules and compromises involved in Obama's healthcare-contraception-Catholic hospital mistake, what keeps popping to the surface is the much easier to swallow and remember "Republicans are against contraception". It's not generally true but what are you supposed to think when they keep saying stupid stuff like this?:
This contraception thing, my gosh, it’s [so] inexpensive. You know, back in my days, they’d use Bayer aspirin for contraception. The gals put it between their knees and it wasn’t that costly.
To be fair, Foster Friess is not a politician, but he has almost single-handedly kept Rick Santorum in the race with his money. And it's a fair question because Santorum has repeatedly spoken out against contraception (saying the states had a right to ban it for instance) so asking his funders about it is a way to determine what things Santorum used to convince them they should give their money to him and not some other human turd. Clearly they have discussed the issue and clearly, given Friess's feelings on it, they agree.
The Komen kerfuffle and the minor dust up with the Catholic church were thought by the GOP to be stinging victories in the making. They have turned into a narrative that David Frum and others like him saw coming and will not reflect well on the Republicans with women voters, a place they are in desperate need of help.
Ohio GOP Primary: Santorum 42%, Romney 24%
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2012/election_2012_presidential_election/ohio/2012_ohio_republican_primary
The new statewide telephone survey of Likely Republican Primary voters shows Santorum picking up 42% of the vote to Romney’s 24%. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich draws 13% support, while Texas Congressman Ron Paul picks up 10%. Three percent (3%) prefer some other candidate, and eight percent (8%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
There is an unmistakable parallel to Clinton's predicament after the 1994's historic GOP victory. Convinced that Clinton was far weaker than he was, the Republicans stopped talking to the middle and focused on the right, thinking that they merely had to show up to win in the 1996 election. Somewhere along the way they forgot to produce a credible candidate and nice guy Bob Dole went down in flames as the last Greatest Generation candidate ever. In 2012 they don't even have a nice guy.
The new statewide telephone survey of Likely Republican Primary voters shows Santorum picking up 42% of the vote to Romney’s 24%. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich draws 13% support, while Texas Congressman Ron Paul picks up 10%. Three percent (3%) prefer some other candidate, and eight percent (8%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
There is an unmistakable parallel to Clinton's predicament after the 1994's historic GOP victory. Convinced that Clinton was far weaker than he was, the Republicans stopped talking to the middle and focused on the right, thinking that they merely had to show up to win in the 1996 election. Somewhere along the way they forgot to produce a credible candidate and nice guy Bob Dole went down in flames as the last Greatest Generation candidate ever. In 2012 they don't even have a nice guy.
India Is Burning: How Rapid Growth Is Destroying its Environment and Future - Akash Kapur
http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/02/india-is-burning-how-rapid-growth-is-destroying-its-environment-and-future/253214/?google_editors_picks=true
India was burning--and, in a similar way, it was eroding, melting, drying, silting up, suffocating. Across the country, rivers and lakes and glaciers were disappearing, underground aquifers being depleted, air quality declining, beaches being swept away.
The numbers were astounding. According to a government report I read, almost half of India's land suffered from some kind of erosion. Seventy percent of its surface water was polluted. Earlier this year, a study conducted by Yale and Columbia universities concluded that India had the worst air quality in the world.
Greece closes in on bailout, Germany seeks more oversight - Lefteris Papadimas and Jan Strupczewski
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/17/us-greece-idUSTRE8120HI20120217?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc=71&google_editors_picks=true
Euro stocks are up, which is a sign of optimism, but I really can't see Greece remaining in the Eurozone and I can't fathom why they would want to. They are volunteering for a Great Depression in a country where stealing from the government and bureaucratic incompetence were national values. Actually, maybe this is the only thing that will purge them.
The euro pushed off three-week lows and German government bonds opened lower as investors cut back exposure to relatively safer low-yielding assets on bets that Greece will secure the financial lifeline when euro zone finance ministers meet in Brussels on Monday.
But not everything had been decided, and efforts to find a solution have aroused acrimony between Athens and Berlin, with German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble likening Greece to a "bottomless pit."
Northern states in the currency union, led by paymaster Germany, are particularly doubtful that Greek political leaders will stick to the savage cuts in wages, pensions and jobs prescribed by its lenders after an election expected in April.
Euro stocks are up, which is a sign of optimism, but I really can't see Greece remaining in the Eurozone and I can't fathom why they would want to. They are volunteering for a Great Depression in a country where stealing from the government and bureaucratic incompetence were national values. Actually, maybe this is the only thing that will purge them.
The euro pushed off three-week lows and German government bonds opened lower as investors cut back exposure to relatively safer low-yielding assets on bets that Greece will secure the financial lifeline when euro zone finance ministers meet in Brussels on Monday.
But not everything had been decided, and efforts to find a solution have aroused acrimony between Athens and Berlin, with German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble likening Greece to a "bottomless pit."
Northern states in the currency union, led by paymaster Germany, are particularly doubtful that Greek political leaders will stick to the savage cuts in wages, pensions and jobs prescribed by its lenders after an election expected in April.
On WFAN: Doc, Darryl And More Remember Mets Great Gary Carter
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/02/17/doc-darryl-and-more-remember-mets-great-gary-carter-on-wfan/
The man who started the rally in Game Six of the 1986 World Series, and I've never even held it against him.
The man who started the rally in Game Six of the 1986 World Series, and I've never even held it against him.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
10Q/10D: Can Ellsbury replicate 2011? - Gordon Edes
http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/red-sox/post/_/id/16322/10q10d-can-ells-replicate-2011
I'd be happy with 10-15. I think that is more likely than 30.
I'd be happy with 10-15. I think that is more likely than 30.
Mitt Romney on Mormon Baptisms of the Dead: ‘I Haven’t Recently’
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/02/16/mitt-romney-on-mormon-baptisms-of-the-dead-i-haven-t-recently.html
When asked by Newsweek if he has done baptisms for the dead—in which Mormons find the names of dead people of all faiths and baptize them, as an LDS spokesperson says, to "open the door" to the highest heaven—he looked slightly startled and answered, "I have in my life, but I haven't recently." The awareness of how odd this will sound to many Americans is what makes Romney hesitant to elaborate on the Mormon question.
From a 2008 Newsweek interview. It's not a widely known practice and I doubt that it's the issue that would swing the election, but it's a practice that is really offensive to Jewish voters. Since he has done it, and it would come out in a general election, I hope his mea culpa on this is better than his verbal blunders on some other sensitive issues.
When asked by Newsweek if he has done baptisms for the dead—in which Mormons find the names of dead people of all faiths and baptize them, as an LDS spokesperson says, to "open the door" to the highest heaven—he looked slightly startled and answered, "I have in my life, but I haven't recently." The awareness of how odd this will sound to many Americans is what makes Romney hesitant to elaborate on the Mormon question.
From a 2008 Newsweek interview. It's not a widely known practice and I doubt that it's the issue that would swing the election, but it's a practice that is really offensive to Jewish voters. Since he has done it, and it would come out in a general election, I hope his mea culpa on this is better than his verbal blunders on some other sensitive issues.
Chris Christie’s gay marriage headache - Steve Kornacki
http://www.salon.com/2012/02/14/chris_christie%E2%80%99s_gay_marriage_headache/
On the one hand, support for gay marriage among New Jersey voters is solid — 52 percent favored it and 42 percent opposed it in one recent poll, while another pegged the margin at 48-37. Among independents, support is even higher. And the trajectory seems clear: Just five years ago, those overall numbers were reversed when the topic was polled. Given how rare Republican victories in New Jersey are (Christie’s 2009 win marked just the fifth statewide triumph for the GOP in 37 years, and only the second that was won by more than a point), Christie has to be very careful as he approaches his reelection race. He doesn’t have much margin for error when it comes to alienating swing voters — one of the reasons he was so colorful and adamant in denying interest in the presidential race last year — and swing voters in New Jersey are generally fine with gay marriage.
On the one hand, support for gay marriage among New Jersey voters is solid — 52 percent favored it and 42 percent opposed it in one recent poll, while another pegged the margin at 48-37. Among independents, support is even higher. And the trajectory seems clear: Just five years ago, those overall numbers were reversed when the topic was polled. Given how rare Republican victories in New Jersey are (Christie’s 2009 win marked just the fifth statewide triumph for the GOP in 37 years, and only the second that was won by more than a point), Christie has to be very careful as he approaches his reelection race. He doesn’t have much margin for error when it comes to alienating swing voters — one of the reasons he was so colorful and adamant in denying interest in the presidential race last year — and swing voters in New Jersey are generally fine with gay marriage.
Leaked Heartland Institute documents pull back curtain on climate scepticism - Leo Hickman
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2012/feb/15/leaked-heartland-institute-documents-climate-scepticism
A major kerfuffle has emerged as a document dump revealed that the Heartland Institute, a conservative think tank with a name right out of central casting, took money from various fossil fuel companies to pump anti-global warming information. That is not all that surprising or scandalous. However, it turns out that the Heartland Institute was then using that money to fund anti-global warming scientists and writers to "undermine" rather than disprove the actual science. Note that these individuals had previously denied being on the payroll of oil companies. While technically they were right, I'm not sure that revealing that your actual paymaster was a shell company for the oil giants really brings you much credibility. In fact some of them were simply paid to produce models that showed the earth was not warming, regardless of what their evidence showed.
The roster of names covers pretty much the entire constellation of anti-global warming science, meaning that the whole philosophy is more or less bought and paid for by oil. Not that this is shocking, but now it's been proven.
Another familiar name singled out for special funding by Heartland's anonymous donor is Anthony Watts of the high-profile climate sceptic online clearinghouse, Watts Up With That? The documents state (pdf) that in January his company ItWorks/IntelliWeather was paid $44,000 to "create a new website devoted to accessing the new temperature data from NOAA's web site and converting them into easy-to-understand graphs that can be easily found and understood by weathermen and the general interested public". A total of $88,000 (pdf) is expected to be handed to Watts for the project by the end of 2012.
This revelation is potentially damaging to Watts as he has previously laughed off the notion that he is being funded by any corporate- and/or vested-interest group. "AGW proponents seem hell bent on trying to repeat this 'linked to' nonsense at any cost," he wrote last May. "Heh, I've yet to see that check or any from Exxon-Mobil or any other energy or development company. Somebody must be stealing checks out of my mailbox. /sarc – Anthony."
Remarkable.
A major kerfuffle has emerged as a document dump revealed that the Heartland Institute, a conservative think tank with a name right out of central casting, took money from various fossil fuel companies to pump anti-global warming information. That is not all that surprising or scandalous. However, it turns out that the Heartland Institute was then using that money to fund anti-global warming scientists and writers to "undermine" rather than disprove the actual science. Note that these individuals had previously denied being on the payroll of oil companies. While technically they were right, I'm not sure that revealing that your actual paymaster was a shell company for the oil giants really brings you much credibility. In fact some of them were simply paid to produce models that showed the earth was not warming, regardless of what their evidence showed.
The roster of names covers pretty much the entire constellation of anti-global warming science, meaning that the whole philosophy is more or less bought and paid for by oil. Not that this is shocking, but now it's been proven.
Another familiar name singled out for special funding by Heartland's anonymous donor is Anthony Watts of the high-profile climate sceptic online clearinghouse, Watts Up With That? The documents state (pdf) that in January his company ItWorks/IntelliWeather was paid $44,000 to "create a new website devoted to accessing the new temperature data from NOAA's web site and converting them into easy-to-understand graphs that can be easily found and understood by weathermen and the general interested public". A total of $88,000 (pdf) is expected to be handed to Watts for the project by the end of 2012.
This revelation is potentially damaging to Watts as he has previously laughed off the notion that he is being funded by any corporate- and/or vested-interest group. "AGW proponents seem hell bent on trying to repeat this 'linked to' nonsense at any cost," he wrote last May. "Heh, I've yet to see that check or any from Exxon-Mobil or any other energy or development company. Somebody must be stealing checks out of my mailbox. /sarc – Anthony."
Remarkable.
CNN Poll: Obama approval rating back to 50% mark
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/02/15/cnn-poll-obama-approval-rating-back-to-50-mark/
How could it not be, as the prospect of choosing one of the Republican field becomes more and more real.
How could it not be, as the prospect of choosing one of the Republican field becomes more and more real.
As a Star Reaches the End of Its Life, the Countdown to a Supernova Begins - Michael D. Lemonick
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,2106904,00.html?xid=gonewsedit&google_editors_picks=true
In 1843, Eta Carinae gave a hint that the end might be very near when the hitherto nondescript body flared up to become the second-brightest star in the sky, after Sirius. It stayed that way for 20 years or so, then faded and left behind a majestic, billowing cloud of gas known as the Homunculus Nebula. Eta Carinae lost some 10% of its substance in this event, which astronomers now call a "supernova impostor," after which it has returned to relative quiet — or what passes for quiet in such an unstable object.
In 1843, Eta Carinae gave a hint that the end might be very near when the hitherto nondescript body flared up to become the second-brightest star in the sky, after Sirius. It stayed that way for 20 years or so, then faded and left behind a majestic, billowing cloud of gas known as the Homunculus Nebula. Eta Carinae lost some 10% of its substance in this event, which astronomers now call a "supernova impostor," after which it has returned to relative quiet — or what passes for quiet in such an unstable object.
Michigan: A Firewall for Romney—or the Bonfire of His Hopes? - Molly Ball
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2012/02/michigan-a-firewall-for-romney-or-the-bonfire-of-his-hopes/253146/?google_editors_picks=true
In one view, Mitt Romney has had it effectively wrapped up for weeks. Rick Santorum's freak victory in three contests last week was a meaningless blip -- a speed bump. Sure, Santorum now leads in some polls, but he's fundamentally a small-time candidate who's about to get crushed like a bug by Romney and his allies. What we're witnessing now isn't drama -- it's death throes.
The other view: Romney has never been weaker. The conservative brushfire that powered Santorum in Missouri, Minnesota and Colorado is now a raging inferno that threatens to engulf the fragile front-runner. Desperate and flailing, Romney is on the verge of total collapse. With a natural and specific appeal in many of the upcoming primary states, Santorum is poised to sweep into Super Tuesday and become unstoppable.
Which is it? Michigan will tell.
Obese children outgrowing kids' clothing and furniture - Madison Park
http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/15/health/bigger-kids-bigger-sizes/?hpt=he_c1
As children are getting bigger, their clothing, their furniture and other objects that support their weight must also expand.
Seventeen percent of children are obese, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And one in three kids is obese or overweight. The rate of childhood obesity has tripled to the point that pediatricians say growth charts no longer apply to today's kids.
As children are getting bigger, their clothing, their furniture and other objects that support their weight must also expand.
Seventeen percent of children are obese, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And one in three kids is obese or overweight. The rate of childhood obesity has tripled to the point that pediatricians say growth charts no longer apply to today's kids.
Iran wants early resumption of nuclear talks: letter - Fredrik Dahl
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/16/us-nuclear-iran-talks-idUSTRE81F0IQ20120216
"(A) constructive and positive attitude towards Islamic Republic of Iran's new initiatives in this round of talks could open positive perspective for our negotiation."
"Therefore...I propose to resume our talks in order to take fundamental steps for sustainable cooperation in the earliest possibility in a mutually agreed venue and time," Jalili said.
He did not specify what initiatives he was referring to.
In previous talks, Iran has refused to discuss measures that would guarantee its nuclear program is peaceful and transparent for U.N. inspectors, instead floating vague proposals for international cooperation on security and trade.
If you read the sentence a few times you realize it really says nothing at all. This is a transparent attempt to gain time for luck or something like it to bring a break in Iran's favor.
"(A) constructive and positive attitude towards Islamic Republic of Iran's new initiatives in this round of talks could open positive perspective for our negotiation."
"Therefore...I propose to resume our talks in order to take fundamental steps for sustainable cooperation in the earliest possibility in a mutually agreed venue and time," Jalili said.
He did not specify what initiatives he was referring to.
In previous talks, Iran has refused to discuss measures that would guarantee its nuclear program is peaceful and transparent for U.N. inspectors, instead floating vague proposals for international cooperation on security and trade.
If you read the sentence a few times you realize it really says nothing at all. This is a transparent attempt to gain time for luck or something like it to bring a break in Iran's favor.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Sox had to take Ortiz at face value - Christopher Gasper
http://www.boston.com/sports/columnists/gasper/2012/02/sox_had_to_take.html
This has been an offseason where the Red Sox have become almost unrecognizable. Change has come to Yawkey Way not in droplets, but in torrents, washing away the identity of the Olde Towne Team.
If last offseason created great expectations, this one has created great uncertainty.
This has been an offseason where the Red Sox have become almost unrecognizable. Change has come to Yawkey Way not in droplets, but in torrents, washing away the identity of the Olde Towne Team.
If last offseason created great expectations, this one has created great uncertainty.
Red Sox head South (as do fans’ expectations) - Michael Silverman
http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/sportsredsox/950111-221/red-sox-head-south-as-do-fans.html
No one can declare these Sox are better than the 2011 version. Their rotation hasn’t been demonstrably upgraded, their bullpen will be without at least one key component and there are enough looming intangibles related to last year’s implosion to cloud just how good this team will be.
The powers that be on Yawkey Way have placed a lot of faith in the notion that a couple of tweaks were all that were needed to cure the 2011 team. As the Sox look to end a two-year playoff drought, we all will discover if their faith was justified or blind.
Here are the nine most pressing issues facing this year’s Red Sox:
My Bloody Valentine - Maggi Dawn
http://maggidawn.com/my-bloody-valentine/
The bloody history of St. Valentine:
The story goes that the Roman Emperor Claudius II imposed a ban on marriages in order to boost his army. Only single men had to enter the army, and too many men were dodging the draft by getting married. Valentinus, though, in an effort to protect the holiness or sacramentality of Christian marriage, performed secret marriages, and when he got caught he was sentenced to death. While he awaited execution, he was showered with notes from young couples extolling the virtues of love over war. (Looks like John Lennon didn’t invent the slogan “Make love not war” after all.) These notes, if they ever existed at all, were supposedly the first Valentines. Poor old Valentinus was executed in February 14th, 269, a bloody end for the saint of love.
Like most saints and legends, history gives us several versions, each with it's own moral tale. Somehow a Roman holiday involving free love and illicit adventure had to be Christianized, giving way to each of the stories.
The bloody history of St. Valentine:
The story goes that the Roman Emperor Claudius II imposed a ban on marriages in order to boost his army. Only single men had to enter the army, and too many men were dodging the draft by getting married. Valentinus, though, in an effort to protect the holiness or sacramentality of Christian marriage, performed secret marriages, and when he got caught he was sentenced to death. While he awaited execution, he was showered with notes from young couples extolling the virtues of love over war. (Looks like John Lennon didn’t invent the slogan “Make love not war” after all.) These notes, if they ever existed at all, were supposedly the first Valentines. Poor old Valentinus was executed in February 14th, 269, a bloody end for the saint of love.
Like most saints and legends, history gives us several versions, each with it's own moral tale. Somehow a Roman holiday involving free love and illicit adventure had to be Christianized, giving way to each of the stories.
Is “The Loving Story” over, even now? - Mary C. Curtis
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/she-the-people/post/is-the-loving-story-over-even-now/2012/02/13/gIQAkrqECR_blog.html
The bond between Mildred Jeter, a black and Native American woman, and Richard Loving, a white man, was solid and true. They wanted to get married and live close to family and friends. But in 1958, weeks after their marriage in Washington, D.C., police burst into the couple’s Central Point, Va., home, pulled them out of bed and threw them in jail. They were found guilty of violating the state’s anti-miscegenation law and faced with a choice: Go to prison or into exile...
The bond between Mildred Jeter, a black and Native American woman, and Richard Loving, a white man, was solid and true. They wanted to get married and live close to family and friends. But in 1958, weeks after their marriage in Washington, D.C., police burst into the couple’s Central Point, Va., home, pulled them out of bed and threw them in jail. They were found guilty of violating the state’s anti-miscegenation law and faced with a choice: Go to prison or into exile...
Catholics' Approval of Obama Little Changed - Jeffrey Jones
http://www.gallup.com/poll/152636/Catholics-Approval-Obama-Little-Changed.aspx
Exactly. Those that were with him before are with him now and those that were opposed to him before are - surprise! - still againt him. If there is a Catholic vote, it certainly does not hinge on the orders of the bishops any longer, nor will it ever do so again.
Exactly. Those that were with him before are with him now and those that were opposed to him before are - surprise! - still againt him. If there is a Catholic vote, it certainly does not hinge on the orders of the bishops any longer, nor will it ever do so again.
Rick Santorum Wants to Fight ‘The Dangers Of Contraception’ - Rick Scherer
http://swampland.time.com/2012/02/14/rick-santorum-wants-to-fight-the-dangers-of-contraception/
Things like this will probably keep him from the nomination, or if not that, the White House. But the problem with his rise, this 'ultra-right wing protest vote' is that it is going to make him a voice of gravity within the party. He will be allowed to weigh in on matters of significance, he will appear on TV with candidates, offer his endorsement to other, equally unhinged personalities. They will not be rid of him so easily, and the exasperating sideshow that began when they allowed Sister Sarah into the center ring is only gaining more acts.
Things like this will probably keep him from the nomination, or if not that, the White House. But the problem with his rise, this 'ultra-right wing protest vote' is that it is going to make him a voice of gravity within the party. He will be allowed to weigh in on matters of significance, he will appear on TV with candidates, offer his endorsement to other, equally unhinged personalities. They will not be rid of him so easily, and the exasperating sideshow that began when they allowed Sister Sarah into the center ring is only gaining more acts.
One of the things I will talk about that no President has talked about before is I think the dangers of contraception in this country, the whole sexual libertine idea. Many in the Christian faith have said, “Well, that’s okay. Contraception’s okay.”
It’s not okay because it’s a license to do things in the sexual realm that is counter to how things are supposed to be. They’re supposed to be within marriage, they are supposed to be for purposes that are, yes, conjugal, but also [inaudible], but also procreative. That’s the perfect way that a sexual union should happen. We take any part of that out, we diminish the act. And if you can take one part out that’s not for purposes of procreation, that’s not one of the reasons, then you diminish this very special bond between men and women, so why can’t you take other parts of that out? And all of a sudden, it becomes deconstructed to the point where it’s simply pleasure. And that’s certainly a part of it—and it’s an important part of it, don’t get me wrong—but there’s a lot of things we do for pleasure, and this is special, and it needs to be seen as special.
Again, I know most Presidents don’t talk about those things, and maybe people don’t want us to talk about those things, but I think it’s important that you are who you are. I’m not running for preacher. I’m not running for pastor, but these are important public policy issues. These how profound impact on the health of our society.
The Santorum Surge: How Seriously Should We Take It? - John Cassidy
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/johncassidy/2012/02/the-santorum-surge-how-seriously-should-we-take-him.html?mbid=gnep&google_editors_picks=true
If Santorum were to be nominated, the odds are that Obama would win in a landslide. For that reason, at least for now, I will continue to reassure myself that he is ultimately a trivial candidate, which, according to the Bambridge school of journalism, justifies more “Rick is for real” articles. But what if he really is for real? What if America has turned into such a divided and embittered country that a figure like Santorum can mount a credible bid for not just the nomination but the Presidency? What would that say about us?
If Santorum were to be nominated, the odds are that Obama would win in a landslide. For that reason, at least for now, I will continue to reassure myself that he is ultimately a trivial candidate, which, according to the Bambridge school of journalism, justifies more “Rick is for real” articles. But what if he really is for real? What if America has turned into such a divided and embittered country that a figure like Santorum can mount a credible bid for not just the nomination but the Presidency? What would that say about us?
Santorum Leads Romney in Michigan Poll - Kyle Adams
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2012/02/13/santorum_leads_romney_in_michigan_poll_113109.html?google_editors_picks=true
Romney has long been the heavy favorite in the state where he was born and where his father, George Romney, served as CEO of American Motors Corp. and as governor. Romney, who led in several polls conducted before last week's contests, won the state in 2008 by nine points over John McCain. But Santorum, who has seen his national numbers rise as well, now seems positioned for a upset.
Romney has long been the heavy favorite in the state where he was born and where his father, George Romney, served as CEO of American Motors Corp. and as governor. Romney, who led in several polls conducted before last week's contests, won the state in 2008 by nine points over John McCain. But Santorum, who has seen his national numbers rise as well, now seems positioned for a upset.
Insight: Arabs open way for arming Syrians, civil war feared - Edmund Blair and Ayman Samir
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/14/us-syria-arabs-idUSTRE81D0KZ20120214
"It is unacceptable for Assad to practice all types of killing of civilians while we stand silent," one Arab ambassador said, explaining the rationale behind the resolution that returned the Syria issue to the United Nations with a call for a joint U.N.-Arab peacekeeping force.
"We will back the opposition financially and diplomatically in the beginning but if the killing by the regime continues, civilians must be helped to protect themselves. The resolution gives Arab states all options to protect the Syrian people," the envoy said.
"All options" is diplomatic language that leaves room for a military response. Two other diplomats spelled it out more explicitly, saying the resolution could allow arms transfers.
Do they really want civil war on their borders, or is this a way to speed the demise of Iran's lone ally, or to at least make them inoperable? The Arab League has no desire to see a nuclear Iran, much less an Israeli-Iranian war. Perhaps they think that removing a potential ally will make Iran more compliant.
"It is unacceptable for Assad to practice all types of killing of civilians while we stand silent," one Arab ambassador said, explaining the rationale behind the resolution that returned the Syria issue to the United Nations with a call for a joint U.N.-Arab peacekeeping force.
"We will back the opposition financially and diplomatically in the beginning but if the killing by the regime continues, civilians must be helped to protect themselves. The resolution gives Arab states all options to protect the Syrian people," the envoy said.
"All options" is diplomatic language that leaves room for a military response. Two other diplomats spelled it out more explicitly, saying the resolution could allow arms transfers.
Do they really want civil war on their borders, or is this a way to speed the demise of Iran's lone ally, or to at least make them inoperable? The Arab League has no desire to see a nuclear Iran, much less an Israeli-Iranian war. Perhaps they think that removing a potential ally will make Iran more compliant.
Greek conservative takes bailout pledge to the wire - Dina Kyriakidou
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/15/greece-idUSL5E8DF01W20120215
Papademos has said that failure to back the bailout would consign Greece to economic catastrophe.
But with many Greeks suffering huge cuts in their living standards and young people burning and wrecking almost 100 Athens buildings in one night on Sunday, some people believe the catastrophe is already under way.
"On the current path - which is not sustainable in my view - we may very well see Greek GDP go down 25-30 percent, which would be historically unprecedented. It's a disastrous crisis for them," said Uri Dadush, at the Carnegie Endowment think tank in Washington.
That would put Greece in the same league as the United States, where the economy shrank 29 percent during the Great Depression.
Papademos has said that failure to back the bailout would consign Greece to economic catastrophe.
But with many Greeks suffering huge cuts in their living standards and young people burning and wrecking almost 100 Athens buildings in one night on Sunday, some people believe the catastrophe is already under way.
"On the current path - which is not sustainable in my view - we may very well see Greek GDP go down 25-30 percent, which would be historically unprecedented. It's a disastrous crisis for them," said Uri Dadush, at the Carnegie Endowment think tank in Washington.
That would put Greece in the same league as the United States, where the economy shrank 29 percent during the Great Depression.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
The Bishops' Obsession With The Sex Lives Of Others - Andrew Sullivan
http://andrewsullivan.thedailybeast.com/2012/02/the-priorities-of-the-catholic-bishops.html
But ask yourself: where were they on a much more fundamental cause for Catholics: universal healthcare? Were they anything like as vocal?
Where were they when the Bush administration was practizing and authorizing the torture and abuse and robbing of human dignity of terror suspects? The Pope never obliquely mentioned these categorical evils when visiting the US and cozying up to the war criminals in the Bush administration?
Where have they been on tackling climate change - a sacred obligation for Catholics according to the Pope they follow so fanatically?
Why so utterly fixated on sex, especially the sex lives of women and gay men? Why so utterly indifferent to the whole range of public policies which Catholic orthodoxy has strong views on?
But ask yourself: where were they on a much more fundamental cause for Catholics: universal healthcare? Were they anything like as vocal?
Where were they when the Bush administration was practizing and authorizing the torture and abuse and robbing of human dignity of terror suspects? The Pope never obliquely mentioned these categorical evils when visiting the US and cozying up to the war criminals in the Bush administration?
Where have they been on tackling climate change - a sacred obligation for Catholics according to the Pope they follow so fanatically?
Why so utterly fixated on sex, especially the sex lives of women and gay men? Why so utterly indifferent to the whole range of public policies which Catholic orthodoxy has strong views on?
Norquist: Romney Will Do As Told - David Frum
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/02/13/grover-norquist-speech-cpac.html
The requirement for president?
Pick a Republican with enough working digits to handle a pen to become president of the United States. This is a change for Republicans: the House and Senate doing the work with the president signing bills. His job is to be captain of the team, to sign the legislation that has already been prepared.
This is not a very complimentary assessment of Romney's leadership. It's also not a very realistic political program: congressional Republicans have a disapproval rating of about 75%. If Americans get the idea that a vote for Romney is a vote for the Ryan plan, Romney is more or less doomed.
ARG poll shows Santorum up 6 over Romney in Michigan - Ed Morrissey
http://hotair.com/archives/2012/02/13/arg-poll-shows-santorum-up-6-over-romney-in-michigan/
Team Romney had better hope that this is an outlier. A Michigan loss would seriously damage Romney’s electability argument, and would give Santorum a great deal of momentum heading into Super Tuesday. Is it an outlier, though? PPP tweeted yesterday that their multiple-day survey in the state so far showed Santorum up by as much as 10-15 points over Romney, and has Newt Gingrich losing to Ron Paul. Those results just got published, and Santorum leads 39/24
Arg! is right.
Team Romney had better hope that this is an outlier. A Michigan loss would seriously damage Romney’s electability argument, and would give Santorum a great deal of momentum heading into Super Tuesday. Is it an outlier, though? PPP tweeted yesterday that their multiple-day survey in the state so far showed Santorum up by as much as 10-15 points over Romney, and has Newt Gingrich losing to Ron Paul. Those results just got published, and Santorum leads 39/24
Arg! is right.
Rick Santorum meets with gay-marriage foes in Washington state - Jim Brunner
http://news.bostonherald.com/news/us_politics/view/20120214rick_santorum_meets_with_gay-marriage_foes_in_washington_state/srvc=home&position=recent
A funny thing happened on the way to beat Barrack Obama. Knowing that they could possibly (or even probably?) defeat him on economic issues, the Republican field yielded a bunch of culture warriors. Unable to bring themselves to the moderate that embodied the Republican businessman ideal, they continually pushed forward fatally flawed social conservatives who one right after the other kept yanking the question on the floor from jobs to things like contraception and gay marriage.
It's clear that the Republican base has decided that this election will hinge on social issues. They, like many before them down through history, see this election as their Alamo against the entrenchment of social decay. Santorum will not get the nomination, Obama isn't that lucky, but he may force Romney's hand on nominating a ill-fitting vice presidential candidate in order to satisfy the base.
We saw how that worked out last time.
A funny thing happened on the way to beat Barrack Obama. Knowing that they could possibly (or even probably?) defeat him on economic issues, the Republican field yielded a bunch of culture warriors. Unable to bring themselves to the moderate that embodied the Republican businessman ideal, they continually pushed forward fatally flawed social conservatives who one right after the other kept yanking the question on the floor from jobs to things like contraception and gay marriage.
It's clear that the Republican base has decided that this election will hinge on social issues. They, like many before them down through history, see this election as their Alamo against the entrenchment of social decay. Santorum will not get the nomination, Obama isn't that lucky, but he may force Romney's hand on nominating a ill-fitting vice presidential candidate in order to satisfy the base.
We saw how that worked out last time.
N.J. Senate's gay marriage approval is another step in a long march
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/02/nj_senates_gay_marriage_approv.html
The victory was far from the last word, however. Supporters are still three votes short of the 27 votes needed to override a promised veto by Gov. Chris Christie, though Senate Democrats said they were confident.
"I’m telling you we can override and we will override," said Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester), who abstained two years ago but led the charge this year. "This is just the beginning of the fight.
Chris Christie's promise to veto is based on his insistence that the matter should be put to a ballot measure. It's a bit of a cop out, allowing him to remain on the good side of social conservatives nationally while also plausibly maintaining non-hatred of civil unions that will keep him in office in New Jersey. But why should a civil right be put to a ballot measure. Should voters in 1965 Alabama had the right to decide whether blacks should vote or attend integrated schools? Should voters in New Jeresey have a right to decide whether Jews can worship as they choose? Could any lone nut or well heeled social group be able to put the civil rights of others to a statewide vote?
The victory was far from the last word, however. Supporters are still three votes short of the 27 votes needed to override a promised veto by Gov. Chris Christie, though Senate Democrats said they were confident.
"I’m telling you we can override and we will override," said Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester), who abstained two years ago but led the charge this year. "This is just the beginning of the fight.
Chris Christie's promise to veto is based on his insistence that the matter should be put to a ballot measure. It's a bit of a cop out, allowing him to remain on the good side of social conservatives nationally while also plausibly maintaining non-hatred of civil unions that will keep him in office in New Jersey. But why should a civil right be put to a ballot measure. Should voters in 1965 Alabama had the right to decide whether blacks should vote or attend integrated schools? Should voters in New Jeresey have a right to decide whether Jews can worship as they choose? Could any lone nut or well heeled social group be able to put the civil rights of others to a statewide vote?
Assad's forces attack opposition on fronts across Syria - Khaled Yacoub Oweis and Erika Solomon
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/14/us-syria-idUSL5E8DB0BH20120214
At the weekend, the Arab League proposed a joint Arab-U.N. peacekeeping mission be sent to Syria and pledged strong political and material support for the opposition.
That plan received a cautious response from Western powers, who are wary of becoming bogged down militarily in Syria, and was rejected out of hand by the Assad government.
Russia, Assad's main ally and arms supplier, also expressed strong reservations. Moscow said it could not support a peacekeeping mission unless both sides stopped the violence first...
Assad can count on the support of Russia, which wants to retain its foothold in the region and counter U.S. influence. He is also closely allied to Iran, which is at odds with the United States, Europe and Israel.
The Arab drive against Assad is led by Sunni-ruled Gulf states, who also see Shi'ite Iran and its shadowy nuclear program as a threat.
At the weekend, the Arab League proposed a joint Arab-U.N. peacekeeping mission be sent to Syria and pledged strong political and material support for the opposition.
That plan received a cautious response from Western powers, who are wary of becoming bogged down militarily in Syria, and was rejected out of hand by the Assad government.
Russia, Assad's main ally and arms supplier, also expressed strong reservations. Moscow said it could not support a peacekeeping mission unless both sides stopped the violence first...
Assad can count on the support of Russia, which wants to retain its foothold in the region and counter U.S. influence. He is also closely allied to Iran, which is at odds with the United States, Europe and Israel.
The Arab drive against Assad is led by Sunni-ruled Gulf states, who also see Shi'ite Iran and its shadowy nuclear program as a threat.
Is the GOP already feeling buyer's remorse? - Jules Witcover
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/bs-ed-witcover-gop-20120214,0,1267096.story
Suddenly, Republicans following the drama were faced with deciding which of the survivors represented the party as it has become, with the vanishing of liberals, the diminution of moderate sentiment and the infusion of the tea party. The other surviving candidate, Ron Paul, qualified on social and economic grounds but clearly not on foreign policy.
So Mr. Romney has spent the last year or more trying to convince the party's conservative base that he belongs. Instead, he has created concern not only about his electability but also about whether he is a mere ideological chameleon, not to be trusted to adhere to "true conservative" dogma.
Suddenly, Republicans following the drama were faced with deciding which of the survivors represented the party as it has become, with the vanishing of liberals, the diminution of moderate sentiment and the infusion of the tea party. The other surviving candidate, Ron Paul, qualified on social and economic grounds but clearly not on foreign policy.
So Mr. Romney has spent the last year or more trying to convince the party's conservative base that he belongs. Instead, he has created concern not only about his electability but also about whether he is a mere ideological chameleon, not to be trusted to adhere to "true conservative" dogma.
Why gay marriage is inevitable - Michael Klarman
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-klarman-gay-marriage-and-the-courts-20120212,0,2646664.story?track=rss
Opinion polls now consistently show that a slender majority of Americans support gay marriage. State supreme courts in California, Connecticut and Iowa have ruled in its favor, and legislatures in five states have enacted gay-marriage statutes. If liberal judges on state supreme courts now regularly support gay marriage, liberal justices on the U.S. Supreme Court are likely to do so as well
Opinion polls now consistently show that a slender majority of Americans support gay marriage. State supreme courts in California, Connecticut and Iowa have ruled in its favor, and legislatures in five states have enacted gay-marriage statutes. If liberal judges on state supreme courts now regularly support gay marriage, liberal justices on the U.S. Supreme Court are likely to do so as well
Cops blame 3 Bangkok blasts on Iranian
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57377188/cops-blame-3-bangkok-blasts-on-iranian/
Three explosions ripped through a busy neighborhood in Bangkok on Tuesday, wounding four Thai civilians and blowing off the legs of a foreigner whom police blamed for the violence.
Police Col. Warawut Taweechaikarn, a senior officer in the district, said the wounded foreigner was Iranian
Along with an aborted attack in Tblisi and a minor attack in India, this failed attack may be what is part of an Iranian retaliation for the recent assasination strategy employed by Israel. At first glance they appear to be prettty minor, no truck bombs or bombs inside Israel itself. Two things could be possible, maybe even both at the same time:
1) Iran has decided to respond in kind to Israel, meaning that they will emply roughly the same amount of violence used against it.
2) Using Hamas or Hezbollah to retaliate from Lebanon/Palestine is either too risky at this point or the two have declined to cooperate.
Three explosions ripped through a busy neighborhood in Bangkok on Tuesday, wounding four Thai civilians and blowing off the legs of a foreigner whom police blamed for the violence.
Police Col. Warawut Taweechaikarn, a senior officer in the district, said the wounded foreigner was Iranian
Along with an aborted attack in Tblisi and a minor attack in India, this failed attack may be what is part of an Iranian retaliation for the recent assasination strategy employed by Israel. At first glance they appear to be prettty minor, no truck bombs or bombs inside Israel itself. Two things could be possible, maybe even both at the same time:
1) Iran has decided to respond in kind to Israel, meaning that they will emply roughly the same amount of violence used against it.
2) Using Hamas or Hezbollah to retaliate from Lebanon/Palestine is either too risky at this point or the two have declined to cooperate.
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