Today's edition of quick hits:
* In an awful new controversy, some U.S. paratroopers took photographs of themselves posing with Afghan human body parts.
* The Zimmerman trial: "The Florida judge overseeing the murder case against George Zimmerman stepped aside on Wednesday at the request of Mr. Zimmerman's lawyer, who had questioned whether her assignment could create a potential conflict of interest."
* Senate Republicans announced yesterday they will "file a legal brief in support of a company challenging the constitutionality of recess appointments made by President Obama this year."
* What a misguided policy: "Ushered in amid promises that it would save taxpayers money and deter drug users, a Florida law requiring drug tests for people who seek welfare benefits resulted in no direct savings, snared few drug users and had no effect on the number of applications, according to recently released state data."
* As Ted Nugent meets with the Secret Service, Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) has offered support for the right-wing musician, giving him a pass for the violent rhetoric.
* Despite a lengthy investigation, it appears Rep. David Rivera (R-Fla.) will reportedly not face criminal charges this year, despite alleged personal and campaign financial irregularities.
* Americans generally don't know much about the Supreme Court.
* In recent years, as the climate crisis has grown more serious, coverage of climate change on ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX has dropped significantly.
* The legendary Dick Clark died this morning after a heart attack. He was 82.
Anything to add? Consider this an open thread.
Leave a Comment:
Barbaric. How disheartening. I keep hearing how we're supposed to be "better than that". So when are we supposed to see it? Time is running out.
Maybe we should consider what happens when we take fine young men and women and send them into battle year after year with a foe who will stop at nothing.
After seeing their close friends die, time after time and seeing children used as walking bombs, what does the inside of their mind look like?
We ignore that so we can focus on important issues like trying to ban contraceptives and secret servicemen getting laid in a foreign land.
Americans don't know much about the government or politics. Just watch an on the street episode of Leno. Most get only soundbits from the news, if that much, OR they get their news from Leno, Letterman, or other entertainment venues.
Now, in their (our) defense, most people are too busy living their life to focus on things much past their front door. While this is understandable, it typically makes an ill-informed voting population, both Republicans and Democrats.
This is what encourages and allows politicians to focus on short term instead of long term policy and solutions. Sad, but true.
Undisputed truth you speak, RobDon, but even when people have the free time to pay attention, they're not interested enough to care. Solution? Probably unattainable.
True.
I thought it was funny that Rick Perry tried to convinced people the US prints money to pay its bills.
100% of US Mint funds go into loans via the Federal Reserve.
Few know that government employees are also allowed to break the law on occasion.
Inhofe and Nugent.
Have to remember. Inhofe is the guy who nearly killed someone on a flight line and then claimed that he (Inhofe) was the victim. I'm sure he'll try to make Nugent the victim also.
How come nothing about the brewing Secret Service scandal, Rachael? Pres. Obama was not only put in danger, but important political info also could be revealed in intimate settings. Remember: "Loose lips sink ships!"
I really don't think this is anything new. Probably been going on for decades under both Republican and Democratic Presidents.
Unfortunately I believe skip is right. I don't think this is a new scandal. Remember that just years ago government managers were found sniffing coke off of hooker's butts. And that isn't even a comedic punchline.
glminer
Please look at this morning's Morning Maddow. There is a post on this. Who knows there might be a segment on the show tonight.
I agree with Skip. This is the kind of thing the media loves to get a hold of. Doesn't take a whole lot of effort and brain power to do a story on this and it makes big headlines.
Liars helping the unhinged.. Inhofe hearts Nugent! I personally have had just about enough of the Untied States. It really is time to look at other continents, this place is shameless and shamelessly hopeless. See Mr. President the product of prolonged conflict; insanity, dishonor, inhumanity and disgrace.
I would like to see more heat on Allen West for his Communist comments. Any of you legal experts out there know if this qualifies as slander? I guess the high road is to just chalk it up to a tea party nut case. But I'm inclined not to let this go, and wish something could be done to fight back on this. When is the last time a Democrat called a group of Republican's fascist members of the Nazi party?
Any suggestions?
RIP Dick Clark.
Fanastic job tonight Rachel on Bravo. One of the most entertaining shows I've seen in a long time. Also, congratulations on the success of "Drift." You are AWESOME!!!
Mark