Obama Orders Hospitals To Allow Same-Sex Visitation Rights

President Obama signed a memorandum ordering hospitals to allow same-sex couples visitation rights in hospitals and to allow same-sex partners to have power of attorney.

An official said the new rule will affect any hospital that receives Medicare or Medicaid funding.

The decision injects the president squarely into the debate over gay marriage by attempting to end the common practice by many hospitals of insisting that only family members by blood or marriage be allowed to visit patients.

Sexual orientation or gender identity will no longer be an impediment to those who wish to see loved ones.

“Every day, all …

Victoria Jackson: There’s A Communist In The White House

One-time Saturday Night Live star Victoria Jackson appeared at a tax day Tea Party in DC performing her self-styled “There’s a Communist in the White House.”

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National Day Of Prayer Ruled Unconstitutional

A federal judge has determined that it is unconstitutional for the government to call for a “National Day of Prayer.”

In a 66-page opinion issued Thursday, U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb said the holiday violates the “establishment clause” of the First Amendment, which creates a separation of church and state.

“I understand that many may disagree with that conclusion and some may even view it as a criticism of prayer or those who pray,” Crabb said in her opinion. “That is unfortunate. A determination that the government may not endorse a religious message is not a determination that the message …

On Thursday’s Radio Show…

• Alan speaks with Tea Party activist Ryan Hecker, who unveiled the “CONTRACT from AMERICA” at a Tax Day rally in Washington today.

• Alan examines the federal court ruling that a National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional.…

Liberty Counsel’s Matt Barber: Obama Is The “Enemy Within”

Not only does Matt Barber of Liberty Counsel believe, “We have a president who is loathe to acknowledge American exceptionalism,” he’s convinced that Barack Obama…

…through both word and deed and with malice aforethought, seeks to undermine – if not dismantle – that exceptionalism. At one time we properly called such activity anti-American, seditious or even – under certain circumstances – treasonous. Today we call it “progressive.”

Not only that, but Barack Obama and the merry band of liberals in office hate America and want to destroy it. (h/t RightWingWatch)

We are destroying ourselves. Of course, by “we” I …

Georgia Congressman Paul Broun Admits Illegally Refusing To Answer Census Questions

Republican Georgia Congressman Paul Broun says he refused to answer questions on the Census about sex and age of those in his household, his ancestry, and whether he owns or rents. Broun proudly carries a copy of the Constitution in his pocket, a document that says something about obeying the law.

The actual enumeration shall be made within three years after the first meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent term of ten years, in such manner as they shall by law direct.

According to US Code, Broun broke the law. (via Think Progress…

GOP Congressman Peter King: “Most Irresponsible Decision Any Administration Ever Made”

Peter King, right wing ideological Republican from Long Island, called Attorney General Eric Holder “a real left wing ideologue,” while expressing fury about court trials for accused terrorists.

Where was the fury when President Bush said we should close Gitmo and hold trials in civilian courts? What about when former Mayor Rudy Giuliani not only praised civilian trials for terrorists, he appeared as a witness at the trial of the so-called 20th hijacker, Zacarias Moussaoui?…

Happy Tax Day. How Much Of Your Dollars Go To War?

The National Priorities Project’s Cost of War website has running tabs on what our wars are costing. You can calculate the cost to your own community and see what the trade-offs are.…

Obama: Plans On Track To Start Leaving Afghanistan Next Year

Speaking to Australian television, President Obama says things are getting better in Afghanistan and we can’t stay there in perpetuity.

Afghanistan is likely to be a key topic for discussion when he holds talks with leaders in Australia, which has some 1,500 troops in the country – the largest single contingent outside NATO – and has suffered 11 combat deaths.

Obama said the war in Afghanistan remained a difficult task but that there had been positive trends recently.

But combat deaths and violence have been rising.

Obama reiterated his plan to begin drawing down U.S. troops in 2011 and …

Palin To Tea Partiers: Results Of Obama’s Actions Are Un-American

Sarah Palin isn’t saying Obama is un-American, just that what he does causes un-American results.

“I’m not calling anyone un-American, but the unintended consequences of these actions — the results — are un-American.”

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Tea Partiers: White, Angry, And Convinced That Obama Favors The Poor And Blacks Over Whites

A New York Times/CBS poll shows that tea partiers are wealthier and better educated than the general public and tend to be Republican, white, male and married.  Among the 18% who describe themselves as tea partiers, most believe their tax burden is fair.

Most send their children to public schools, do not think Sarah Palin is qualified to be president, and, despite their push for smaller government, think that Social Security and Medicare are worth the cost.

And they describe themselves as angry.

The overwhelming majority of Tea Party supporters say Mr. Obama does not share the values most Americans …