NY Post Weekender Commercial
Sorry New York Times. Put together by Jordan Carlos, Stephen Colbert’s one black friend.
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Have You Thought This Thing Through?
This post raises an issue I’ve been wondering about all weekend: aren’t opponents of the Islamic Center in lower Manhattan arguing against the core of US strategy in Iraq and Afghanistan? How does the US win support of the populations there if we treat all Muslims in America as wannabe terrorists? And it’s surprising that the parade of Republicans denouncing Obama’s comments (and Michael Bloomberg’s eloquent speech) regarding the Islamic Center project haven’t been asked to reconcile their views regarding the project with the fundamental component (respect and trust of the populations in Iraq and Afghanistan) that is the Petraeus/Counterinsurgency strategy.
Sunday in DC
Sunday’s news was dominated by the House passage of the healthcare reform bills. Next to the capitol two rallies took place – a small pro-reform group (dozens), and a somewhat larger, and louder, (maybe a thousand) anti-reform tea party group. But those were dwarfed by a giant rally a few blocks away from the Capitol, where a few hundred thousand people gathered to push for immigration reform.
Immigration Rights Demonstrators, 3/21/2010
Tea Party Anti-Health Reform Rally at the Capitol, 3/21/2010
Pro-Reform Demonstrators at the Capitol, 3/21/2010
Profiles in Courage
From Peter Baker’s Rahm Emanuel piece in the NYT:
A Democratic congressman, who refused to be identified for fear of retribution, said Emanuel didn’t pressure recalcitrant lawmakers enough. “We need a little less ballerina and a little more L.B.J.,” he told me. “For all the reputation of being able to bust knee caps, we haven’t seen nos turned to yeses.”
Irony is not dead.
Write Down What You Say? You Betcha
Dave Weigel makes some straightforward comments on Sarah Palin’s media strategy – the best summation I’ve seen.
And Still More
From Paul Krugman’s blog at the NY Times. Krugman made a big deal about the mandate issue (in favor) back during the primaries.
More on Healthcare Reform Frustration
Here are some wise words from Josh Marshall regarding progressive disappointment with the apparent loss of the public option and Medicare buy-in provisions of the healthcare reform bill.
Sunday Thoughts
Some wise thoughts by Booman. Progressives are particularly susceptible to political alienation and this perspective has it exactly right. Please read.