Archive By Section - Columnists
7 Rows of 7 Stars
That's it. Over. Finished. Done with Florida. Consider our long-distance love affair officially at an end. This is not just about the recent verdict by six Sunshine Staters sanctioning the death of a young man for possessing Skittles out of season, or for inventing the whole "stand your ground" law in the first place, allowing all this to go down. A tipping point has been reached. No more verticality to be had.
Once a Weiner, Always a Weiner
The late-night comedians have not had this much material since Bill Clinton wagged his boney finger at the television cameras and declared, "I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky," and then sent Hillary out to declare that the whole thing was the work of a "vast right-wing conspiracy."
My “David Cassidy” Hair
First-wave baby boomers will begin turning 67 this year - and they're STILL imposing their ways on younger people, such as tail-end boomers like me.
Political Benefits of a Royal Baby
Back in the early '90s, when I worked in London and wrote frequently about the hi-jinks of the monarchy, I tried in vain to understand why the British clung to such an archaic institution. But this morning, with the arrival of The Royal Baby, I finally get it. The House of Windsor gives the British permission to ignore their political and economic woes, to escape from themselves.
What’s in a name
HOLLYWOOD - God bless America, and how's everybody?
Monitoring Media
This is shaping up as a great season for media-watchers. Viewers still go on vacation, but news and entertainment media are busier this summer than ever before, giving us plenty to slice and dice.
Yellow Roses and Pink Sneakers
Normally when the general public ponders Texas, a whole lot of big sky and rugged individualism and generosity of spirit springs to mind. The thought of progressive politics is probably farther away than Bedouin olive trays are to an armadillo. But that's exactly what's going on right now as the country's most heroic representatives try their darndest to protect the Lone Star State's most precious commodity. The lives of our precious yellow roses. Our lady folk.
No Test-maker Left Behind: Money Short-Changes Education Reform
For the first time since George W. Bush signed No Child Left Behind, the House has passed a major rewrite of federal education law. On Friday, the House approved the Student Success Act along party lines-Republicans for, Democrats against-but the bill has little chance of getting past a Democratic Senate and a White House veto threat. Democrats in Washington don't trust the states to hold themselves accountable, and a recent audit of how Texas has mishandled a half billion-dollar contract with testing giant NCS Pearson shows why.
America, Let’s Be #1 At Corruption!
Despite all the caterwauling you hear about nepotism, rigged elections, waivers, loopholes, crony capitalism, foxes guarding henhouses, gerrymandered legislative districts, incompetent court-appointed attorneys, misleading negative campaign ads and government surveillance programs, we Americans are an alarmingly contented bunch.
The Zimmerman Soap Opera
In a better world we should never have been subjected to the Zimmerman trial.
The Window Fans
Even on the hottest nights of the summer, my father knew how to make our house ice cold.
Guns Get Off Again
Saturday's verdict in the George Zimmerman trial has sparked national outrage, and rightfully so. And yet, with much of the focus on race, there is an accomplice to Trayvon Martin's death that has, to a surprising degree, escaped scrutiny and a seat in the dock- guns, and our lenient, permissive approach to them. The fact that it's a repeat offender makes matters even worse.
Miscarriage in Texas
To understand why Texas' new anti-abortion law is an invasion of privacy, you have to know my friend. It's a sad story, and despite what Texas Republicans might claim, it has nothing to do with abortion. It does have to do with a woman's wellbeing, however, which is why his story is important.
Reid Goes Nuclear for Union Bosses
In 2005, Senate Republicans floated the idea of altering Senate rules to eliminate the filibuster for judicial nominees. The proposal, dubbed the nuclear option, involved breaking Senate rules to change Senate rules. (The rules require a two-thirds vote for rules changes, but the nuclear option changes the rules by simple majority.) Democrats fought back against it furiously. Harry Reid led the fight, saying on the Senate floor: "I would never, ever consider breaking the rules to change the rules." Well, adjust your clocks to "never." Reid is now poised to execute the nuclear option.
Articles by Section - Columnists
House GOP’s Hilarious Strategy is Born to Lose
Recently, I wrote that summer is the time for stupid political stunts, and John Boehner should honor that tradition by making good on his vow to sue President Obama for alleged executive abuses. "Do it, Mr. Speaker," I urged. "Give us a laugh during silly season."
