Two interesting legislative initiatives are winding their way through the New Mexico legislature. One would deal with Pluto. A law was passed declaring March 13th, 2007 “Pluto Planet Day.” An excerpt from the legislation: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that, as Pluto passes overhead through NewContinue reading “On New Mexico Laws”
Category Archives: Politics
On War Powers
After two attempts in the Senate to pass a non-binding resolution expressing discontent with the President’s plan to “surge” twenty-one thousand troops to Iraq the Senate leadership is planning a new move, to rescind the President’s war-making authority in Iraq. Four years ago, Congress passed legislation authorizing President Bush to go to war in Iraq.Continue reading “On War Powers”
On the Senate and the Iraq Troop Surge
Yesterday Republican Senators were able to block debate and a full Senate vote on a non-binding resolution expressing disapproval of President Bush’s decision to “surge” American troops into Iraq. For the forty-seven Senators who voted against cloture on the resolution, their votes amounted to an approval of the President’s decision to keep the United StatesContinue reading “On the Senate and the Iraq Troop Surge”
On a "Miserable Failure" No More
Go ahead. Do it. A Google search on the phrase “Miserable Failure.” Once upon a time, the phrase “Miserable Failure” would have brought up this page, the official White House biography of President George W. Bush. But no more. Google has done away with Googlebombs, the technique of linking to a page by using aContinue reading “On a "Miserable Failure" No More”
On Being Wowed
I’ve been reading Daily Kos for a really long time. I registered for an account to post comments, and I think I may have posted five or six. Today I posted a diary. My first. It’s Keith‘s fault, really. He linked to a YouTube video of Keith Olbermann’s latest Special Comment. I watched the video,Continue reading “On Being Wowed”
On Jefferson's Qur'an
In November’s mid-term election Minnesota elected the first Muslim, Keith Ellison, to the House of Representatives in American history. Tomorrow Ellison, along with the rest of Congress, will be sworn in. There are generally two swearing-in ceremonies–the first is simply an affirmation of the oath of office, the second is often a photo-op for theContinue reading “On Jefferson's Qur'an”
On Grandmothers and Eight Year-Olds
We’ll start with an eight year-old. I’ve never recommended a YouTube video. More than likely I never will again. But if you hate Bill O’Reilly, watch this eight year-old spout sense that would do Keith Olbermann proud. I’ll put it like this. My jaw hit the desk a few times. You go, girl! Now, myContinue reading “On Grandmothers and Eight Year-Olds”
On Some Political Speculation
There’s a rumor that Vice President Dick Cheney may be resigning in the near future. Considering that Cheney is the one person in the government with lower approval ratings than the President, unloading the albatros that is Cheney might give the administration some bouyancy. Oh, who am I kidding? President Bush is his own albatros.Continue reading “On Some Political Speculation”
On Rumsfeld and War Crimes
I just realized. I may hold the odd distinction of writing the only Star Trek story to name-check Donald Rumsfeld. But what might that have to do with anything? Former Defense Secretary Rumsfeld may be facing a new challenge in the weeks and months ahead: war crimes prosecution. Charges will be filed in Germany nextContinue reading “On Rumsfeld and War Crimes”
On Voting and a Recurring Dream
I’ve had a recurring dream the past few days. The first time it happened I woke terrified. It haunted me after I woke in the morning, as much from its subject matter as its vividness. And I’ve been gripped with a terror ever since. In the dream a space shuttle crashes. It’s coming in forContinue reading “On Voting and a Recurring Dream”