Month: July 2012
Invoking Viking Values
The Romney campaign consulted an antique sage,
Who suggested invoking the values of a foregone age.
He said, “The problem with Obama —
Even though he had a white momma —
Is he don’t share our Anglo-Saxon heritage!”
International Trip Will Underscore Romney’s Lack of Foreign Policy Vision
In an election dominated by the economy, it might not be disqualifying. But in a close race, any disadvantage could spell defeat. Thus, Romney’s trip over the next week to the U.K., Israel and Poland is an effort to build his credibility as a statesman. But the first step was a Tuesday speech in Reno, Nev., to the Veterans of Foreign Wars convention designed to draw a contrast with Obama. It was not a promising start. Romney’s main shortcoming is that he has no clear alternative vision on foreign policy. His primary complaint with Obama is both amorphous and unfair: Romney presents himself as a tribune for the ideals of American greatness and exceptionalism.
— Michael Crowley, writing in TIME’s “Swampland” column.
Laura Bush Says Politics Is ‘Fun’
Of course when you watch from the sidelines, you think it must be horrible. But it’s not. And politics is a people business. And if you like people, you know, it’s a really fun thing to do.
— Former First Lady Laura Bush, in an interview with ABC News, reflecting fondly on politics.
If Guns are the Problem, More Guns are the Solution
I also believe that a lot of gun owners would agree that AK-47s belong in the hands of soldiers, not in the hands of criminals. That they belong on the battlefield of war, not on the streets of our cities.
Pres. Obama, making a rare statement in support of restricting the types of assault weapons, and presumably, military protection gear, tear gas canisters, and other explosives used by the Batman movie theater killer. Obama, who is constantly accused of leading the charge for gun control (Bumper sticker: “I’ll keep my guns and money, you keep the change”) has actually been little threat to gun ownership. Meanwhile, gun supporters have successfully reframed the debate from needing guns for hunting to needing them for personal protection. According to the gun lobby, safeguarding one’s home explains the rise in stockpiling of paramilitary weapons and ammunition since 2008.
Cameron Admits There Is a Difference Between London and Salt Lake City
We are holding an Olympic Games in one of the busiest, most active, bustling cities anywhere in the world. Of course it’s easier if you hold an Olympic Games in the middle of nowhere.
— British Prime Minister David Cameron, quoted by the Daily Telegraph, slapping back at suggestions from Mitt Romney that Britain wasn’t prepared for the 2012 Olympic games.
Eagle Scouts Return Badges to BSA to Protest Gay Ban
I was almost an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. I was two merit badges and a service project shy of completing the program to achieve scouting’s highest honor. But it was 1972, the Watergate scandal broke, and it was reported that President Richard Nixon was an Eagle Scout.
I decided I didn’t want to join a league with a crook of Nixon’s stature. After all, what could it possibly mean to be an Eagle Scout if the values and principles that went along with the accomplishment could be subverted by political ambition and the quest for power.
It broke my mother’s heart and ranks as the only act of teenage rebellion of my adolescence.
That’s why I am glad to see Eagle Scouts renouncing their Eagle achievements in the face of the BSA’s ongoing discrimination against gays in the scouting and leadership ranks.
Dems Suffering Enthusiasm Gap in Prez Vote
39%
Of Democrats say they are more enthusiastic about voting than usual, down from the summers of 2004 (68%) and 2008 (61%), according to Gallup. Republicans (51%) are more enthusiastic than in 2008 (35%) but the same as in 2004 (51%).
Romney’s Foreign Trip Stumbles at Start – Campaign Adviser Tells UK Paper That, Unlike Obama, Romney Is ‘Part of an Anglo-Saxon Heritage’
