Category Archives: In the news

Just Because A Company Is Owned By Christians Doesn’t Mean The Company Has Christian Beliefs

Posted on March 3, 2013 by Ampersand

A good post by Jessica Pieklo at RH Reality Check: What’s noteworthy about the decision in this case is not the outcome, but the detailed and well-reasoned dissent crafted by Circuit Judge Ilana Rovner. In examining the question of what … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care and Related Issues, In the news | 84 Comments

Today in Orwellian Double-Speak: “Imminent Threat”

Posted on February 5, 2013 by Ampersand

From the Obama Administration’s newly-uncovered memo on when the President is allowed to order Americans assassinated: The condition that an operational leader present an ‘imminent’ threat of violent attack against the United States does not require the United States to … Continue reading →

Posted in In the news, The Obama Administration | 30 Comments

Obama’s Gun Control Proposals and Executive Orders

Posted on January 17, 2013 by Ampersand

Prominent Republicans, including members of Congress, have responded by calling for impeachment. It’ll be interesting to see if any of Obama’s proposals make it through Congress. If any do, I expect they will be considerably watered down. Executive Orders, of … Continue reading →

Posted in In the news | 3 Comments

Using Photoshop To Alter A Photo Isn’t Deceptive If There’s Full Disclosure. Also, “Reverse Sexism” Raises Its Annoying Ugly Head

Posted on January 6, 2013 by Ampersand

So Nancy Pelosi, wanting to commemorate the record-breaking 61 female members of the Democratic House Caucus, had the above photos taken. But four women were not present for the photo, and so were Photoshopped into the back row (and rather … Continue reading →

Posted in Elections and politics, Feminism, sexism, etc, In the news | 16 Comments

Three Updates on the Gallaudet University Story

Posted on October 26, 2012 by Ampersand

1) Angela McCaskill, the suspended Gallaudet University Diversity Officer at the heart of this story, is being used in an anti-same-sex marriage TV ad. According to CBS news, “McCaskill’s attorney says his client would like the ad to stop running,” … Continue reading →

Posted in Disabled Rights & Issues, In the news, Same-Sex Marriage | 9 Comments

Mitt Romney Reveals His Contempt For Half Of America

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Ampersand

Well, 47% of America, to be accurate. This is a video of Romney, at what he thought was a private, unrecorded fundraiser: There are 47 percent of the people who will vote for the president no matter what. All right, … Continue reading →

Posted in Class, poverty, labor, & related issues, Economics and the like, Elections and politics, In the news | 67 Comments

Romney Mocks Trying To Address Global Warming

Posted on August 31, 2012 by Ampersand

I wasn’t interested in the GOP convention this year, and I don’t expect to be interested in the Democratic convention. It’s not like I’m sweating who to vote for; of the two viable candidates, Obama, despite horrible flaws, is the … Continue reading →

Posted in Environmental issues, In the news | 4 Comments

The Southern Poverty Law Center Is Not The Problem

Posted on August 18, 2012 by Ampersand

Dana Milbank argues that it is irresponsible for the Southern Poverty Law Center to classify the Family Research Center as a “hate group.” Milbank’s main argument, used twice, is that it’s wrong to include the KKK and the FRC on … Continue reading →

Posted in Civility & norms of discourse, In the news | 17 Comments

Guard at Family Research Council Shot and Injured

Posted on August 15, 2012 by Ampersand

This is horrifying. From The Washington Post: A security guard at the Family Research Council was shot and wounded Wednesday morning after a scuffle with a man who expressed disagreement with the group’s conservative views in the lobby of the … Continue reading →

Posted in In the news | 5 Comments

RIP, Ray Bradbury

Posted on July 3, 2012 by Grace Annam

RonF has commented twice, now, that Ray Bradbury’s passing has passed without comment here. I have to admit I’m a little puzzled, myself. Here we celebrate, among other things, creative endeavor, including writing and speculative fiction. If this non-commentary state … Continue reading →

Posted in Fiction, In the news, Popular (and unpopular) culture, Recommended Reading, Uncategorized, Writing | 14 Comments