This is a piece of WTFness for two reasons: because Michael Steele is being an idiot, and because he's saying something logical. At the same time. I feel like I went through some sort of wormhole like in the new Star Trek movie or something.
On a radio show today, Steele said the Republicans need to stop "slammin' and rammin'" on the woman, but instead make a "cogent, articular argument" against her.
I don't think anyone uses "slammin' and rammin'" as common slang--he's just making shit up now. But damned if he doesn't have a good point.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
What's wrong with hot dogs and three-bean salad? She's a racist!!!
This is becoming embarassing. Republicans aren't just attacking Sotomayor's pronunciation of her "furrin" name, they're attacking her culinary proclivities. After discussing how her Latina identity includes her "adventurous taste buds" and love for Puerto Rican food, GOP'ers are concerned that her perversion will cloud her judicial judgment. Seriously.
According to Hill reporter Alexander Bolton, "This has prompted some Republicans to muse privately about whether Sotomayor is suggesting that distinctive Puerto Rican cuisine such as patitas de cerdo con garbanzo...would somehow, in some small way influence her verdicts from the bench.
I guess that means that my periodic trips to Qdoba for lunch influence the work I do at the office. I think with my stomach, and my stomach is Mexican.
According to Hill reporter Alexander Bolton, "This has prompted some Republicans to muse privately about whether Sotomayor is suggesting that distinctive Puerto Rican cuisine such as patitas de cerdo con garbanzo...would somehow, in some small way influence her verdicts from the bench.
I guess that means that my periodic trips to Qdoba for lunch influence the work I do at the office. I think with my stomach, and my stomach is Mexican.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Republican talking points re: Sotomayor leaked
Wow. I didn't think the Republicans could look any more dickish than they do now, but once again, I was wrong. The Hill has a copy of the RNC's SCOTUS talking points, and they manage to exceed my expectations. Here are some examples:
Until we have a full view of the facts and comprehensive understanding of Judge Sotomayor's record, Republicans will avoid partisanship and knee-jerk judgments--which is in stark contrast to how the Democrats responded to the Judge Roberts and Alito nominations.
Of course, in those two cases, Democrats were voicing concern about two proven conservatives whose views translated clearly to their legislative styles. And those concerns were voiced after a full view of the facts and comprehensive understanding of the then-nominees. So, the Republicans are basically saying they're going give Sotomayor a good, hard look...and then say no.
Republicans look foward to learning more about Judge Sotomayor's legal views and to determining whether her views reflect the values of mainstream America.
"Mainstream America" has become a euphemism for white Christian conservatives as surely as Republicans believe "empathy" is a euphemism for activism. Were they to use an accurate definition of "mainstream America," they'd find that Sotomayor's views do indeed reflect those values--and they'd find that "values" can no longer be used as a euphemism for for the Ten Commandments. In a country whose citizens share a spectrum of colors, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds, it's important that we are all represented--and that means that sometimes there will be decisions that not everyone agrees with. Republicans need to accept that.
Republicans are the minority party, but our belief that judges should interpret rather than make law is shared by a majority of Americans.
True. Republicans are the minority party, and judges should interpret rather than make law--and given the conservative bent of the current SCOTUS, appointing a moderate/liberal justice will temper the current right-wing legislative influence. I'm glad we all agree!
Obama said he believes Supreme Court justices should understand the Court's role to protect people who may be vulnerable in the political process.
Like Loving vs. Virginia, or Brown vs. Board of Education, or Roe vs. Wade, or Tinker vs. Des Moines? Apparently, those cases were superfluous, since the rights of women, minorities and chldren have never been abused in America.
Further eroding the rights of the unborn and property owners
No issue is more important than abortion. By the way--does the Constitution address the rights of the unborn? Also, it's important that rich people keep all their money. And why put these two issues together? Are babies property? Can a woman's womb be considered a commodity? Those GOP'ers and their sensitive touch...
In summary: Republicans plan to oppose Sotomayor based on how Democrats acted a decade ago, and they think using the law to protect the vulnerable is horrible. Keep it comin', folks.
Until we have a full view of the facts and comprehensive understanding of Judge Sotomayor's record, Republicans will avoid partisanship and knee-jerk judgments--which is in stark contrast to how the Democrats responded to the Judge Roberts and Alito nominations.
Of course, in those two cases, Democrats were voicing concern about two proven conservatives whose views translated clearly to their legislative styles. And those concerns were voiced after a full view of the facts and comprehensive understanding of the then-nominees. So, the Republicans are basically saying they're going give Sotomayor a good, hard look...and then say no.
Republicans look foward to learning more about Judge Sotomayor's legal views and to determining whether her views reflect the values of mainstream America.
"Mainstream America" has become a euphemism for white Christian conservatives as surely as Republicans believe "empathy" is a euphemism for activism. Were they to use an accurate definition of "mainstream America," they'd find that Sotomayor's views do indeed reflect those values--and they'd find that "values" can no longer be used as a euphemism for for the Ten Commandments. In a country whose citizens share a spectrum of colors, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds, it's important that we are all represented--and that means that sometimes there will be decisions that not everyone agrees with. Republicans need to accept that.
Republicans are the minority party, but our belief that judges should interpret rather than make law is shared by a majority of Americans.
True. Republicans are the minority party, and judges should interpret rather than make law--and given the conservative bent of the current SCOTUS, appointing a moderate/liberal justice will temper the current right-wing legislative influence. I'm glad we all agree!
Obama said he believes Supreme Court justices should understand the Court's role to protect people who may be vulnerable in the political process.
Like Loving vs. Virginia, or Brown vs. Board of Education, or Roe vs. Wade, or Tinker vs. Des Moines? Apparently, those cases were superfluous, since the rights of women, minorities and chldren have never been abused in America.
Further eroding the rights of the unborn and property owners
No issue is more important than abortion. By the way--does the Constitution address the rights of the unborn? Also, it's important that rich people keep all their money. And why put these two issues together? Are babies property? Can a woman's womb be considered a commodity? Those GOP'ers and their sensitive touch...
In summary: Republicans plan to oppose Sotomayor based on how Democrats acted a decade ago, and they think using the law to protect the vulnerable is horrible. Keep it comin', folks.
Obama Picks Sotomayor
Bitter old white people are having the worst year ever: the black president just announced his nomination of a Latina to the Supreme Court. Check out CNN Live for the announcement: Sonia Sotomayor is Obama's choice. Obama's listed her creds, and it's hard to argue with them: more experience on the bench than anyone on the SCOTUS at the moment. She graduated at the top of her class at both Princeton and Yale, and she's been a judge for decades.
But, of course, say the Republicans, the only reason she got as far as she has is because she's hispanic. It's impossible to be intelligent AND a woman of color--so her accomplishments will be shadowed by her melanin and her uterus. The basic opposition to a woman or a person of color has been that we should be looking for the most qualified candidate--but that implies that simply considering anyone other than a white male is settling for inferiority. Just because old white men have ruled the country since its inception doesn't mean that should continue--in fact, considering the country's demographic makeup, it's clear that our government should reflect our image.
One wonders if the incestuous nature of the SCOTUS has resulted in a myopic interpretation of the law, a pattern of historical decisions made by people whose experiences and interests have nothing to do with the cases on which they rule. Am I talking about empathy? Only if that word's definition includes a basic curiosity about the lives of others. I can't imagine Antonin Scalia being curious about the plight of displaced Katrina victims, or the legal consequences of a gay parent's death. Perhaps Sonia's own experiences will lend herself to tempered empathy.
Republicans cranked up the "No Machine" well in advance of knowing the identity of the nominee, but with the announcement made, they do so at the risk of alienating even more hispanic and female voters. I loved this: "I hope the Senate acts in a bipartisan fashion, and confirms Sotomayor, as they have twice before." She's been appointed to positions by two presidents, Republican and Democrat--so it'll be even more difficult to oppose her. That doesn't mean the No Machine won't try.
Let's see how this plays out.
But, of course, say the Republicans, the only reason she got as far as she has is because she's hispanic. It's impossible to be intelligent AND a woman of color--so her accomplishments will be shadowed by her melanin and her uterus. The basic opposition to a woman or a person of color has been that we should be looking for the most qualified candidate--but that implies that simply considering anyone other than a white male is settling for inferiority. Just because old white men have ruled the country since its inception doesn't mean that should continue--in fact, considering the country's demographic makeup, it's clear that our government should reflect our image.
One wonders if the incestuous nature of the SCOTUS has resulted in a myopic interpretation of the law, a pattern of historical decisions made by people whose experiences and interests have nothing to do with the cases on which they rule. Am I talking about empathy? Only if that word's definition includes a basic curiosity about the lives of others. I can't imagine Antonin Scalia being curious about the plight of displaced Katrina victims, or the legal consequences of a gay parent's death. Perhaps Sonia's own experiences will lend herself to tempered empathy.
Republicans cranked up the "No Machine" well in advance of knowing the identity of the nominee, but with the announcement made, they do so at the risk of alienating even more hispanic and female voters. I loved this: "I hope the Senate acts in a bipartisan fashion, and confirms Sotomayor, as they have twice before." She's been appointed to positions by two presidents, Republican and Democrat--so it'll be even more difficult to oppose her. That doesn't mean the No Machine won't try.
Let's see how this plays out.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Oh, so we're still talking about WMD's, Dick?
I'm watching Dick Cheney's speech. Right now, the only thing that could make the Republican party look worse is if he and Rush Limbaugh did a striptease during prime time. He's attacking Obama for wanting to bring terrorists to American prisons. Um...where else would they go? And, if we're the country punishing them, where else SHOULD they go? So, we're going to hold people without a trial, but we don't want to take the responsibility of physically housing them on our soil? That makes no sense at all.
Maybe I missed something, but they never did find those WMD's seven years ago, did they? So why is he still talking about them? And why is he attacking journalism? Why is he lying about shit that's been laid to rest years ago? Why is he defending his legacy when history simply cannot back him up? This man is pure evil.
Go to CNN if you want to watch this man get struck by lightning for lying so damn much.
Maybe I missed something, but they never did find those WMD's seven years ago, did they? So why is he still talking about them? And why is he attacking journalism? Why is he lying about shit that's been laid to rest years ago? Why is he defending his legacy when history simply cannot back him up? This man is pure evil.
Go to CNN if you want to watch this man get struck by lightning for lying so damn much.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Authentic Populist Rage: Jesse Ventura on "The View"
Once you get past the mullet, this guy's a simple genius.
After watching the Republicans offer Joe the Plumber as the American middle-class ideal, it's refreshing to see only-slightly-crazy white guy Jesse Ventura remind us of what common sense looks like. He breaks down why torture is wrong, and why waterboarding is torture. Reminding us of our identity as a nation of laws, as well as mentioning the torture the Vietnamese performed on our own soldiers (waterboarding), Ventura makes a simple argument for what should be a simple case. It's hard to argue with a man who was himself waterboarded as part of Navy SERE training.
But, of course, Miss Hasselbeck tries. She has to bring up Nancy Pelosi and Somali pirates--probably because that's what Sean Hannity was whispering into her earpiece. Pirates? What the hell do detainees being held without being charged have to do with a group of evil ass kids on a ship threatening to kill people? Sarah, come get your cousin.
After watching the Republicans offer Joe the Plumber as the American middle-class ideal, it's refreshing to see only-slightly-crazy white guy Jesse Ventura remind us of what common sense looks like. He breaks down why torture is wrong, and why waterboarding is torture. Reminding us of our identity as a nation of laws, as well as mentioning the torture the Vietnamese performed on our own soldiers (waterboarding), Ventura makes a simple argument for what should be a simple case. It's hard to argue with a man who was himself waterboarded as part of Navy SERE training.
But, of course, Miss Hasselbeck tries. She has to bring up Nancy Pelosi and Somali pirates--probably because that's what Sean Hannity was whispering into her earpiece. Pirates? What the hell do detainees being held without being charged have to do with a group of evil ass kids on a ship threatening to kill people? Sarah, come get your cousin.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
The Cybernegress's Studying Soundtrack
I'm taking a break from editing the first chapter of my thesis, and I think I may have created the best study playlist ever. Different tempos and styles keep me alert and stimulated. Behold:
Your Gold Teeth II--Steely Dan
Reckoner--Radiohead
Anger--Marvin Gaye
Where Is The Line--Bjork
I Ka Barra--Habib Koite
Untitled--D'Angelo
Wanna Be--Dizzy Rascal
How Great Our Lord--Randy Newman
Untitled--Nas
Vanity Fair--Mr. Bungle
Vexed and Glorious--Kenna
Time Is A Lion--Joe Henry
Lady--Fela Kuti
Constant Surprises--Little Dragon
Mary Shut The Garden Door--Donald Fagen
Gotta love the symmetry.
Your Gold Teeth II--Steely Dan
Reckoner--Radiohead
Anger--Marvin Gaye
Where Is The Line--Bjork
I Ka Barra--Habib Koite
Untitled--D'Angelo
Wanna Be--Dizzy Rascal
How Great Our Lord--Randy Newman
Untitled--Nas
Vanity Fair--Mr. Bungle
Vexed and Glorious--Kenna
Time Is A Lion--Joe Henry
Lady--Fela Kuti
Constant Surprises--Little Dragon
Mary Shut The Garden Door--Donald Fagen
Gotta love the symmetry.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
This Week's GTFO Award: The Cheney Family
If Dick Cheney is Darth Vader, his daughter is at least a Sith lord. Seriously, Liz? Obama's trying to court the cool kids by cozying up to terrorists? Wow.
By the way...am I the only one wondering why Mary's been so quiet lately? After all, her sister is busy making shit up and her dad's doing a comeback tour--shouldn't she be in the mix somewhere, too?
By the way...am I the only one wondering why Mary's been so quiet lately? After all, her sister is busy making shit up and her dad's doing a comeback tour--shouldn't she be in the mix somewhere, too?
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
The Cybernegress needs a chill pill
I'mma need y'all to calm me down.
Long ago, this blog was an advice column (and can be again, ladies, and gents, if you send me your questions!), but I need advice from you. Without getting into specifics, a situation at work has made me rather salty. Repeated attempts to bring attention to the problem have been ignored. Essentially, I need someone to tell me that a job that pays the rent and makes it possible for me to finish grad school is more important than righteous indignation.
Thank you in advance.
Long ago, this blog was an advice column (and can be again, ladies, and gents, if you send me your questions!), but I need advice from you. Without getting into specifics, a situation at work has made me rather salty. Repeated attempts to bring attention to the problem have been ignored. Essentially, I need someone to tell me that a job that pays the rent and makes it possible for me to finish grad school is more important than righteous indignation.
Thank you in advance.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Obama and Sykes Murk Fools at Correspondents' Dinner
Both our president and his host got their licks in Saturday night at the Correspondents' Dinner last night. Wanda Sykes, an out and proud gay black woman with a laser sharp tongue, put plenty of folks on blast, but her Limbaugh jokes were deadly. I can't wait for his response...but, what could he say to Wanda's blistering riff on his drug use? "Oh, yeah...well...you're gay and black!" It's Monday past noon and we haven't heard anything yet.
Side note: isn't our president giving off a little Reservoir Dogs aura in that suit? Sessy.
For those of you who missed it, check it out here.
Side note: isn't our president giving off a little Reservoir Dogs aura in that suit? Sessy.
For those of you who missed it, check it out here.
Friday, May 08, 2009
National Day of Keep It To Yourself
I know there are some folks who won't agree with me on this, but I'm very glad Obama has taken a step back from the National Day of Prayer. I've always believed that a person's religion is a lot like a person's sex life: it's a beautiful thing, it's an integral part of one's life, and no sane person would go around trying to convince strangers that their way is better. A Christian president who displays his own religion ignores the scores of other faiths in our country. Following his faith--praying privately--is a way to lead by example, not by holy showboating.
Colbert goes a little far with this, but no further than Pat Robertson and his ilk (the cheerleaders are a nice touch). Love the part where he quotes scripture--there ARE liberals who read the Bible after all.
Colbert goes a little far with this, but no further than Pat Robertson and his ilk (the cheerleaders are a nice touch). Love the part where he quotes scripture--there ARE liberals who read the Bible after all.
| The Colbert Report | Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c | |||
| Clasp Your Hands Say Yahweh | ||||
| ||||
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
These are a few of my favorite things:
Fresh veggies? Check.
Sesame Street? Check.
Michelle Obama? Check.
This photo is so happiness-making--I say this not just as a thirtysomething seeing one of the coolest things from my childhood enhanced by one of the coolest things to happen in my adulthood. Seems our first lady was digging on the experience, too:
"I never thought I'd be on Sesame Street with Elmo and Big Bird and I was thrilled. I'm still thrilled. I'm on a high. I think it's probably the best thing I've done at the White House."
Mrs. Obama taped a segment for Sesame Street to help promote Sesame Workshop's Healthy Habits For Life initiative. She's talking to kids about getting healthy, and she's getting to hang out with puppets she probably loved when she was a child. This whole "married to the President" thing has got perks.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
This Week's GTFO Award: Joe the Plumber. Again.
I wish he and his kissing cousin Sarah Palin would just disthefuckappear, but they keep coming back and sharing their stupid with the world. There's nothing I can say better than my journalistic secret boyfriend, Ta-Nehisi Coates:
Much as the racist demagouges of yore convinced themselves that highest aim of black maledom was to bed their fugly-ass daughters, Joe the Plumber is convinced that the highest aim of all queerdom is to spend some time with his snotty-nosed brats.
Word.
Read the whole thing. It's not just about Joe the Plumber. It's about racism and the tea party movement, and how the teabaggers' message--what is that message, exactly?--has been couched in nationalist and xenophobic language. Coates nails it with a quick history lesson and brings it back to our current populist puppet plumber. Brilliant.
Much as the racist demagouges of yore convinced themselves that highest aim of black maledom was to bed their fugly-ass daughters, Joe the Plumber is convinced that the highest aim of all queerdom is to spend some time with his snotty-nosed brats.
Word.
Read the whole thing. It's not just about Joe the Plumber. It's about racism and the tea party movement, and how the teabaggers' message--what is that message, exactly?--has been couched in nationalist and xenophobic language. Coates nails it with a quick history lesson and brings it back to our current populist puppet plumber. Brilliant.
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