Month: February 2015

Republicans Bored by Attempts to Repeal Obamacare

Buck Banks

It is unfair to say Republicans have achieved nothing in their dozens of attempts since 2010 to repeal Obamacare. In Tuesday’s repeal effort by House Republicans — their first of this Congress and their 56th overall — it became clear that they had succeeded at one thing: They had bored even themselves into a slumber. For much of the debate Tuesday afternoon, no more than a dozen seats were occupied on the pro-repeal side of the House. More than once, the GOP had nobody available to speak.

— Dana Millbank writing in the Washington Post.

Your Elected Representative Is an Internet Troll

Buck Banks

As politicians become increasingly comfortable with social media, they’ve also begun dabbling in its darker impulses, employing tweets and Facebook posts as bait in a partisan war of words. Yes, trolling—the act of gleefully using the Internet to intentionally provoke or anger someone—is fast becoming a substitute for political discourse in America.

— Bloomberg News.

N.C. Lawmaker Suggests that Restaurant Workers Shouldn’t Be Forced to Wash Hands

Buck Banks

I don’t have any problem with Starbucks if they choose to opt out of this policy as long as they post a sign that says we don’t require our employees to wash their hands after leaving the restroom. The market will take care of that. It’s one example.

— Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), saying that restaurants should be allowed to opt out of regulations requiring restaurant employees to wash their hands, the Washington Post reports.

Clinton Can Say It Loud When She Really Means It

Trish

The science is clear: The earth is round, the sky is blue, and #vaccineswork. Let’s protect all our kids. #GrandmothersKnowBest

Former Secretary of State and Senator Hillary Clinton, weighing in on Twitter about the anti-vaccination movement, which is responsible for recent measles outbreaks. Clinton, who wasn’t as plain-spoken about her support for same-sex marriage during an appearance on NPR’s Fresh Air, seemed to be reacting to statements from Gov. Chris Christie (R-NJ) and Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky) expressing support for parents who choose not to vaccinate. Both are potential 2016 presidential candidates, as is Clinton.