Caroline Kennedy didn’t have to campaign in the same way that an unknown person has to.… Read the rest
Bailout is a Windfall to Banks 
Jan 24th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘We’re not going to change our credit policies to accommodate the needs of the public sector.’… Read the rest
John McWhorter on Obama’s Second Language
Jan 24th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘Yes we can’ was couched in a Black English intonation – partly church, maybe even a dash of street.… Read the rest
Reasons for Hope and Caution
Jan 24th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘It is too easy to dismiss the symbolism of this particular election.’… Read the rest
Moyers Talks to David Sirota and Tom Franks
Jan 24th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
About what they think Obama must accomplish to bring real ‘change’ to Washington. … Read the rest
Obama Lifts Restrictions on Abortion Funding
Jan 23rd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Will lift restrictions on US government funding for groups that provide abortion services or counseling abroad.… Read the rest
Priests Accused of Collection Plate Diversion
Jan 23rd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Gambling in Vegas, rare coins, taking mistress on expensive holidays, amen.… Read the rest
Catholic Group Helps Abusive Mother
Jan 23rd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Right-wing Catholic group helped the mother get an injunction, keep children 8 more years.… Read the rest
Steven Pinker on Oaths and Putative Split Verbs
Jan 23rd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
In his legal opinions, Chief Justice Roberts has altered quotations to conform to his notions of grammaticality.… Read the rest
Shami Chakrabarti: Defend Human Rights Act
Jan 23rd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Even the most enlightened president is best served by good friends holding him to his word.… Read the rest
Just checking
Jan 22nd, 2009 12:38 pm | By Ophelia BensonSome people are a little dubious about the, what shall I say, the emotionality surrounding the recent transition of power in the US. Our friend KB Player for instance.
Eyes fixed on the horizon? And with the inspirational statesman look? That was pseudo poetic bombast. As an outsider, I felt faintly embarrassed, and thought that a quick cup of tea with the Queen, a few words in front of Downing Street while the old incumbent leaves by the back door carrying a suitcase, that’s the way to do it. Democracy is a good thing, but it doesn’t need to be turned into a religion.
Some doubt was expressed in comments at Talking Philosophy but we ended up in more or … Read the rest
Illinois Judge Voids ‘Moment of Silence’ in School
Jan 22nd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘The plain language of the statute suggests an intent to force the introduction of the concept of prayer into the schools.’… Read the rest
Scientists Welcome Obama’s Words
Jan 22nd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Bush administration sought to suppress the findings of many of the government’s scientific agencies. … Read the rest
Texas Board of Ed Hears Evolution Testimony
Jan 22nd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Social conservatives try to justify exposing students to religious objections disguised as scientific discourse.… Read the rest
Obama Issues Close Guantánamo Order
Jan 22nd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Signed orders shutting the network of secret prisons and closing Guantánamo detention camp within a year.… Read the rest
Thousands of Americans Regularly ‘Detox’
Jan 22nd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Le Jardin Day Spa has a 30-minute ‘foot detox,’ which involves placing feet in a saltwater bath.… Read the rest
Michelle Goldberg on Rick Warren and Theocrats
Jan 21st, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The religious right will no longer exercise much political power. The zealots will find another way to be heard.… Read the rest
Very Insulting Statements are Prosecutable
Jan 21st, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Court said Wilders statements were ‘so insulting for Muslims that it is in the public interest to prosecute.’… Read the rest
Mugabes on Shopping Spree in Hong Kong
Jan 21st, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Grace Mugabe takes a few minutes out to punch a photographer in the face.… Read the rest
Wilders to be Prosecuted for ‘Anti-Islamic Statements’
Jan 21st, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Judges said they had weighed Wilders’s ‘one-sided generalisations’ against his right to free speech.… Read the rest
