On Thursday’s Radio Show…

• A Proud Liberal: Alan takes a close look at the wisdom of the late Sen. Ted Kennedy.

• The citizens of Englewood, New Jersey aren’t exactly rolling out the welcome wagon for Muammar Qaddafi’s visit. Alan speaks with the Libyan leader’s soon-to-be neighbor, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach.

• A “great white hope”? Alan examines what one Republican Congresswoman says she wants in a president.…

God No Longer Protecting Kentucky

Kentucky State Rep. Tom Riner (pictured) inserted wording into a piece of legislation last year that emphasized God’s role in protecting the state.  (h/t Right Wing Watch)

Specifically, Homeland Security is ordered to publicize God’s benevolent protection in its reports, and it must post a plaque at the entrance to the state Emergency Operations Center with an 88-word statement that begins, “The safety and security of the Commonwealth cannot be achieved apart from reliance upon Almighty God.”

State Rep. Tom Riner, a Southern Baptist minister, tucked the God provision into Homeland Security legislation as a floor amendment that …

If Only We Had Listened To Ted Kennedy About Iraq…

On September 27, 2002, Senator Ted Kennedy gave a speech at Johns Hopkins in DC and warned about the pending Iraq war. Jason Linkins at Hoffpo is correct when he calls Kennedy’s words “prescient.”

In the months that followed September 11, the Bush Administration marshaled an international coalition. Today, 90 countries are enlisted in the effort, from providing troops to providing law enforcement, intelligence, and other critical support.

But I am concerned that using force against Iraq before other means are tried will sorely test both the integrity and effectiveness of the coalition. Just one year into …

GOP Rep Lynn Jenkins: Republicans Need “Great White Hope”

Do they even think about what they’re saying?  Attempting to encourage conservatives at a town hall meeting, first term Topeka Republican Lynn Jenkins said “Republicans are struggling right now to find the great white hope. I suggest to any of you who are concerned about that, who are Republican, there are some great young Republican minds in Washington.”

Those great minds include, according to Jenkins, Rep. Eric Cantor R-VA., Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis. They’re all white, by the way.

The phrase “great white hope” is frequently tied to racist attitudes permeating the United States when …

RIP Ellie Greenwich 1940-2009

Ellie Greenwich, was one of the great songwriters of all time, penning hits like “Chapel of Love” and “Be My Baby.”  She died of a heart attack in New York City, where she was battling pneumonia.  Although her music was usually performed by others, particularly girl groups like the Ronettes, she did cut her own work in 1968, including “Sunshine After the Rain.”

And here’s a tribute to Ellie Greenwich by her friend Brian Gari.

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Ted Kennedy: The Chappaquiddick Speach

How do we define a person? Do we look at one tragic event and use that moment in time to forever brand someone? Do we look at a lifetime of transgressions and accomplishments and then, after considering the length and breadth of deeds during that span, make a more informed determination? Or do we practice non-judgment, rendering that task to forces bigger than ourselves?

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Ted Kennedy: Proud To Be A Liberal

Quoting his brother, President John F. Kennedy, Senator Edward M. Kennedy reiterated what it means to be a liberal while delivering a speech accepting an honorary Harvard degree in 2008.

During my service in the United States Senate, I have often been called a Liberal, and it usually was not meant as a compliment. But I remember what my brother said about liberalism shortly before he was elected president. He said: “If by a Liberal, they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind… Someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions… Someone who cares about the welfare of the …

On Wednesday’s Radio Show…

• Alan pays tribute to the late Sen. Ted Kennedy and reflects on their final interview.

• Bob Mann, former press secretary to Sen. Kennedy, shares his personal memories of the Lion of the Senate.

• PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk defends the pro-vegetarian “Save The Whales” campaign targeting the obese.…

Arizona Preacher: Obama Should Die; Gays Get Death Penalty; Adulterers Should Be Stoned

Preacher Steven L. Anderson, who says he hates President Obama, as does God, and who prays for his death, appeared on radio Tuesday night.  Right Wing Watch has the rundown.

First, Anderson railed against gays.

Then, Anderson expressed his views on the president.

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Limbaugh Says He’s Now “Vindicated” For Calling Health Care Bill The “Ted Kennedy Memorial” Bill

Except for the fact that when Limbaugh said this, Kennedy was alive.  So, it takes the death of Senator Kennedy for this “vindication”?

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RIP Edward M. Kennedy 1932-2009

“The work goes on; the cause endures; the hope still lives; and the dream shall never die.”

“This is what we do. We reach the moon. We scale the heights.  I know it; I’ve seen it; I’ve lived it. And we can do it again….The torch will be passed again to a new generation of Americans…The work begins anew; the hope rides again; And the dream lives on.”

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