Pelosi Movie A Sad Commentary On Right-Wing America

Alexandra Pelosi, that is, the daughter of you-know-who.  She told me on radio she doesn’t like the word “documentary,” because that makes it sound boring, something this movie ain’t.  “Right America: Feeling Wronged – Some Voices From the Campaign Trail” debuts Monday night on HBO.  Pelosi visited 28 states and gets a slice of embitterment from conservatives who feel ignored and misunderstood, especially by the so-called “liberal media.”

From the Pulpit Freedom Day in Bethlehem, Ga. to the NASCAR circuit, RIGHT AMERICA: FEELING WRONGED – SOME VOICES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL shows a country at war with itself over …

On Monday’s Radio Show…

What Is A Progressive?

Nate Silver has a fine post on the difference between what he calls “Rational Progressivism” and “Radical Progressivism”.

Just as the word “liberal” can be ambiguous, the term “progressive” is often misunderstood.  While both radical and rational progressives may share the same ideology in some cases, they often differ on process, and have very different mindsets.  Rational progressives are more optimistic and have greater faith in humanity, for example.

It’s interesting to note that when conservatives try to define liberals or progressives, they usually do so by typing us in the “radical” category, and using terms like “far …

Likely New Drug Czar Favors Intervention Over Arrests

As Police Chief in Seattle, R. Gil Kerlikowske wouldn’t have participants arrested during the yearly Hempfest, even though they would light up in full view of police officers.  Even the ACLU said, “Police officers patrolling are courteous and respectful.”

Our drug policies are archaic. And the “war on drugs”, like the other “wars” on whatever, just perpetuate what is allegedly being fought. But with Kerlikowske being talked about as head of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, there is hope for a more enlightened approach.

The anticipated selection of Chief Kerlikowske has given hope to those who …

Historians Agree: Bush Among 10 Worst Presidents

That would be Bush 43, not Bush 41. C-SPAN surveyed 65 historians, asking them to rank the 42 former presidents on leadership qualities.  Bush is NOT the worst president ever, according to the survey, just the worst one in our lifetimes.  He ranks 41st in International Relations, 40th in economic management, and 37th in administrative skills.  h/t Think Progress.

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Bush Lawyers Have Reason To Be Nervous

Michael Isikoff at Newsweek is reporting that a probe by the Justice Department’s Office of Professional Responsibility is sharply critical of former top officials John Yoo, Jay Bybee, and Stephen Bradbury. A draft of the report questions whether legal advice on harsh interrogation techniques “was consistent with the professional standards that apply to Department of Justice attorneys.”  These are the attorneys who approved waterboarding and other tactics that many legal scholars believe constitute torture.  John Yoo (left), in particular, is infamous for authoring what has become known as the “torture memo”.

…the OPR probe began after Jack Goldsmith, a …

You’re Here To Pray, So Is That A Gun In Your Pocket?

A bill in the Arkansas state senate would allow churches to decide whether to permit their congregants to bring guns to the pews. As it is now, firearms are allowed everywhere in the state except bars and houses of worship.

“I believe it would disturb the sanctity and tranquility of church” said Pastor John Phillips, a bill opponent who was shot twice in the back as he finished a service 23 years ago. If a church opts out, “Do you want ushers to stop you at the door and frisk you?”

The bill’s supporters say the issue isn’t …

It’s The Free-For-All

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RIP Estelle Bennett

Estelle Bennett was the sister of Ronnie Spector, and a member of the Ronettes.  Estelle, along with their cousin Nedra Talley, sang back-up on “Be My Baby”, and also performed on “Baby I Love You” and “Walkin’ in the Rain”.  Out of the limelight since the group broke up in 1966, Estelle was found dead in her New Jersey home this week at age 67.  Ronnie Spector remembers her sister on her website.

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On Friday’s Radio Show…

• Congress Approves Stimulus: Will it succeed in saving America’s economy? Join the debate.

• Alan questions whether Congress took enough time to review the final stimulus bill before voting on it.

• It’s a Friday the 13th Free-For-All with conservative comedian Vinnie Brand, liberal comedian Katie Halper, and astrologer Debbi Kempton-Smith.…

Should The Stimulus Package Be Signed So Quickly?

Congress voted unanimously this week to give lawmakers and the public 48 hours to read any agreed-upon stimulus package before a vote on final passage.  Texas Congressman John Culberson is saying there was a push to get the vote done before Friday night because Nancy Pelosi is leaving for an 8-day trip to Rome, where she will meet with the Pope.  Culberson has been Twittering all day about this.  Culberson is also sending out video via his cell phone telling Democrats how this will help Republicans get back in power.

Al Tomkins at Poynter has highlights of the bill.  It …