A lot of what Newt was for just a few years ago makes a lot of sense. The truth is, a lot of conservative thinkers know some version of a single-payer system is necessary -- but they also know they can't get elected as dog catcher if they say that.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Newt: Pro-socialized healthcare
Flashback: Gingrich Championed The Mandate As ‘300 Million-Payer System’ — In 2005
11/22/63
I'm a longtime Stephen King fan, and I either have read, or plan to read, all of his books.
The reason there are several in that latter category is that while I like everything he writes, not everything is created equally -- some take me a little longer to get into. My personal opinion is that he's at his best when he's telling a story, and not trying to exorcise his own inner demons or trying to see how high he can take the body count.
So when I first read the plot to 11/22/63, I was intrigued, because it sounded like a book that would fit in with my King favorites.
And it didn't disappoint.
The first good sign came in that the story would take King out of a couple of his comfort zones, namely, the main character is not a writer, and while the book starts in Maine, it mostly takes place in Texas. King's writer characters and the Maine settings, I've always thought, are just projections of his own life.
I'm not going to launch into a review of the book here. I liked it. What I am going to do, though, is analyze a little of the politics behind it (if anyone actually reads this blog and might want to read the book, stop here).
The reason there are several in that latter category is that while I like everything he writes, not everything is created equally -- some take me a little longer to get into. My personal opinion is that he's at his best when he's telling a story, and not trying to exorcise his own inner demons or trying to see how high he can take the body count.
So when I first read the plot to 11/22/63, I was intrigued, because it sounded like a book that would fit in with my King favorites.
And it didn't disappoint.
The first good sign came in that the story would take King out of a couple of his comfort zones, namely, the main character is not a writer, and while the book starts in Maine, it mostly takes place in Texas. King's writer characters and the Maine settings, I've always thought, are just projections of his own life.
I'm not going to launch into a review of the book here. I liked it. What I am going to do, though, is analyze a little of the politics behind it (if anyone actually reads this blog and might want to read the book, stop here).
Monday, November 28, 2011
Mitt vs. Mitt
OK, so most political commercials are smear jobs, and we know that. But the DNC's commercial picking on Mitt Romney's flip-flopping is pretty damning -- although I'm sure Romney would have little trouble double-talking out of his positions that are highlighted.
The DNC has a website up, MittvMitt.com, that highlights his flip flops.
I thought the flip-flopper label on John Kerry in 2004 was unfair, because Kerry was more guilty of having nuanced opinions (such as progressives do), but it's hard to see Romney's varying positions as anything except political pandering.
The GOP just can't be excited about their candidates at this point...
The DNC has a website up, MittvMitt.com, that highlights his flip flops.
I thought the flip-flopper label on John Kerry in 2004 was unfair, because Kerry was more guilty of having nuanced opinions (such as progressives do), but it's hard to see Romney's varying positions as anything except political pandering.
The GOP just can't be excited about their candidates at this point...
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
What is this "mac and cheese?"
Pat Robertson Asks Black Co-Host: Is Mac And Cheese For Thanksgiving ‘A Black Thing?’
Another entry in the list of Craziest Things Pat Robertson has said.
Another entry in the list of Craziest Things Pat Robertson has said.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Edwards shows class and dignity in losing title
Edwards shows class and dignity in losing title
Although there are problems with the whole "Tony wasn't going to let someone else win the championship" theory*, I think Jenna Fryer does a good job of explaining the love affair with Stewart, while also giving credit to Carl Edwards for doing everything right, but still coming up short.
* namely, you can want it all baaaad, but there are so many variables in racing that sometimes you finish fifth even with the best car. Fact is, Stewart is a great race car driver, one of the most talented out there, but for most of the 10 races in the chase this year, he was also very lucky.
Although there are problems with the whole "Tony wasn't going to let someone else win the championship" theory*, I think Jenna Fryer does a good job of explaining the love affair with Stewart, while also giving credit to Carl Edwards for doing everything right, but still coming up short.
* namely, you can want it all baaaad, but there are so many variables in racing that sometimes you finish fifth even with the best car. Fact is, Stewart is a great race car driver, one of the most talented out there, but for most of the 10 races in the chase this year, he was also very lucky.
And people love Tony Stewart because?
Throughout the NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cut this year, the media took turns slathering love on every contender, it seemed, except Carl Edwards, despite the fact that he led the points for quite some time during both the "regular" season and the "playoffs."
I understand the fascination with Jimmie Johnson during the chase, as he the five-time champion could never be counted out and had made a habit of being at his best during the final 10 races.
But Tony Stewart? During the telecast of the season finale, everyone fawned all over Stewart, and found every reason to dismiss Edwards' chances. Now, in the end, they were right -- but only by the narrowest of margins. As it turns out, Edwards lost doing exactly what had kept him in the hunt all year long; he finished second, while leading the most laps, but that wasn't enough as Stewart won the race and the title. They actually tied in points, but Stewart won based on his five race wins (all coming in the final 10 races).
I understand the fascination with Jimmie Johnson during the chase, as he the five-time champion could never be counted out and had made a habit of being at his best during the final 10 races.
But Tony Stewart? During the telecast of the season finale, everyone fawned all over Stewart, and found every reason to dismiss Edwards' chances. Now, in the end, they were right -- but only by the narrowest of margins. As it turns out, Edwards lost doing exactly what had kept him in the hunt all year long; he finished second, while leading the most laps, but that wasn't enough as Stewart won the race and the title. They actually tied in points, but Stewart won based on his five race wins (all coming in the final 10 races).
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