Time For A Link Dump

So many links, so few eyes in my head…

Marriage Must Be As Jesus Intended It (Except Divorce, Which Is Cool)
Unclaimed Territory, pointing out that some Texans have cited “Christianity” as their reason to oppose same-sex marrige, wonders why those same Texans haven’t been trying to outlaw divorce and remarriage. Thanks to “Alas” reader “Curtis.”

Fat Trucker Wins Discrimination Lawsuit
A 550 pound trucker in Oregon has won a $106,000 award against a trucking company which discriminated against him, even though he was able to do his job. The Oregonian does the usual media thing of using the headline for faux-witty weight references, but the article isn’t bad. Thanks to Aaron for the tip.

Race and Football
Michael Berube persuasively argues that, while Rush Limbaugh’s comments about black quarterbacks last year were racist nonsense, football coach Fisher DeBerry’s recent remark that “Afro-American kids can run very well,” while inelegant, is inoffensive.

Fake “Deficit Reduction” Plan Screws Over The Poor
Good Obsidian Wings post on the faux deficit reduction plan the Republicans are pushing; as you’d expect, tax cuts for the rich are preserved, but essential services for the poor are cut. Meanwhile, more irresponsible tax cuts mean that the deficit will actually be increased by $35 billion. Who cares if less food stamps means more children go hungry, while we saddle future generations with apalling debt; all that matters is, Dick Cheney will be a little bit richer.

Outsourcing Parenting
Jill at Feministe discusses feminism and domestic help. My favorite bit: Living in Manahttan, the most public domestic workers are the nannies who you see all around the city … they’re easily identifiable because they’re usually women of color with white children in tow. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard otherwise progressive people complain that rich (ostensibly white) Manhattan mothers “aren’t raising their own kids.” And yes, there’s room to criticize absent parents … but no one seems to mention that Dad isn’t raising his own kids, either.

A National Idiotcy Begins
The same week marijuana was outlawed for the first time – October of 1937 – came the first irrationally harsh sentencing: four years hard labor for two joints. Cops supported the new laws by saying that pot users displayed “superhuman strength” and a “lust for blood.” Hat tip: TalkLeft.

An Idealogue Before Nomination is an Idealogue After Confirmation
Scott at Lawyers Guns and Money points out that right-wing interest groups – both big religion and big money – are lining up to support Alito despite his newfound reputation for being moderate and without known positions.

My Aunt’s Building Burned Last Night
Must-read post discusses what is real and what is myth regaring the rioting in Paris.