A reader asked me to post about the deficit commission report. So here it is 😉 Seriously - in case you haven't had the chance, you can read the full report (pdf) of the 18-member commission or visit the website for more information, but I don't know that we will see much of it other … Continue reading On the deficit commission report
Category: National
Tax cuts, unemployment to be extended
It appears that a deal has been struck to extend the Bush tax cuts for two years for all taxpayers. In addition, unemployment benefits are to be extended 13 months, a two percent point reduction in the Social Security taxes employees (but not employers) pay, and the first $5 million of estates will be exempt … Continue reading Tax cuts, unemployment to be extended
The answer is blowin’ in the wind
I don't think it's going to happen - for a long list of reasons - but Clarence Jones makes a compelling case: You don't have to be a rocket scientist nor have a PhD in political science and sociology to see clearly that Obama has abandoned much of the base that elected him. He has … Continue reading The answer is blowin’ in the wind
Opinion, please: publicly funded journalism
I ran across a very interesting article on this possibility a few days ago. The author, John-Henry Doucette, formerly worked at The Virginian-Pilot and provides an argument that it is time for publicly funded newspapers journalism. He concludes: If we don’t consider various ways to protect public-interest news gathering in the U.S., including public subsidies, … Continue reading Opinion, please: publicly funded journalism
HRC Norfolk rally for DADT repeal
The Human Rights Campaign is holding a rally to support "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal in Norfolk this Wednesday, December 1, at 10:00am at the Five Points Community Farm Market, 2500 Church Street. The full information, including the information if you cannot attend, is below the fold. THE PUSH IS ON!! Please join the Human … Continue reading HRC Norfolk rally for DADT repeal
OK in 1993, but not in 2010
The health insurance mandate, that is. And a few other things in the health care bill passed this year. The 1993 bill proposed by Republicans contained many of the same provisions, so what has changed? “The main thing that’s changed is the definition of a Republican,” according to then-Sen. Dave Durenberger, R-Minn, a co-sponsor of … Continue reading OK in 1993, but not in 2010
Rep. Scott’s mother passes, funeral Monday
Mae Hamlin Scott, the mother of 3rd Congressional District Rep. Robert C. "Bobby" Scott, and the mother-in-law of Newport News Mayor McKinley Price, died yesterday. It was at her home that Rep. Scott hosted his annual Labor Day event. Visitation will be from 3-4 p.m. on Sunday at O.H. Smith Funeral Home. Services will be … Continue reading Rep. Scott’s mother passes, funeral Monday
Grateful for America’s freedoms
My latest column, with the above title, appeared in The Virginian-Pilot today. (The online version is here - not under my name category on the main opinion page.) Some of the references mentioned in the article: Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index 2010 Freedom of the Press Map of Press Freedom 2010 John Milton's Areopagitica … Continue reading Grateful for America’s freedoms
Quickie roundup
Haven't done one of these in a while. Nearly everyone is up in arms about the new TSA procedures for either full-body scans or pat-downs. I don't fly very often so it's unlikely I'll be subjected to either in the near future. And by the time I fly again, the rules will have probably changed. … Continue reading Quickie roundup
Scarborough, Olbermann: not journalists
Joe Scarborough is the latest MSNBC host to be suspended for political gifts, having been given the same punishment as Keith Olbermann: two days off the air without pay. The paltry suspensions give you an idea of just how seriously the network takes this violation of "journalistic ethics." But is it a violation? I submit … Continue reading Scarborough, Olbermann: not journalists
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 