Medicare premium increase part of Bush budget

According to The New York Times, President Bush's budget will include increases in the premiums paid for Medicare for those with higher incomes. A higher Medicare premium is being phased in over three years, beginning in 2007, for the doctor services portion of Medicare (Part B). Bush proposes to extend this means testing to the … Continue reading Medicare premium increase part of Bush budget →

SB Halftime: Colts 16, Bears 14

Wow, who would have thought 6 turnovers? Good game. I'm sticking with my earlier call - Colts by 1. And if you miss any of the ads, watch them here.  Note to CBS: make your stuff work with Firefox, OK? A lot of us out here are not fans of IE.

What can I say?

Is turnabout fair play? The Washington Defense of Marriage Alliance (WA-DOMA) announced on Thursday that their proposed initiative to make procreation a requirement for legal marriage has been accepted by the Secretary of State and assigned the serial number 957. [...] If same-sex couples should be barred from marriage because they can not have children … Continue reading What can I say? →

The Pulpit Speaks: May 17, 1958

An article written by my father, the Rev. C. Thomas Paige, as it appeared in the Tri-State Defender on the date shown. Goliath goes down in history as a big man. His size had instilled in the hearts of many a sense of fear. The size of Goliath was the "talk of the town." Then … Continue reading The Pulpit Speaks: May 17, 1958 →

Eminent domain: unjust compensation

The Virginian-Pilot, in part 1 of a 2-part editorial, lays bare the issues surrounding the use of eminent domain in Virginia. When the state takes somebody's property, Virginia's Constitution entitles them to "just compensation." But Meeks discovered that her rights to that just compensation were protected more in name than in fact. So, where did … Continue reading Eminent domain: unjust compensation →

Bush puts ‘ic’ back in ‘Democrat Party’

Via AP: "Now look, my diction isn't all that good," Bush told the 200 lawmakers who wrapped up two days away from Washington with family and aides. "I have been accused of occasionally mangling the English language. And so I appreciate you inviting the head of the Republic Party." He got hearty laughs. And he … Continue reading Bush puts ‘ic’ back in ‘Democrat Party’ →

Molly Ivins: “We’ve got to rebuild the whole system”

Columnist Molly Ivins passed away earlier this week. I was perusing Lefty Blogs and ran across this video (below the fold). Classic Molly! Worth a few minutes of your time. (h/t Half Empty)

Alert: HB2797

From the comments on my guestbook: Who would believe it? House Bill 2797, introduced by Del. Bob Marshall (R-13), is such an extreme measure.It states “That life begins at the moment of fertilization and the right to enjoyment of life guaranteed by Article 1, 1 of the Constitution of Virginia is vested in each born … Continue reading Alert: HB2797 →

Quayle Republican challengers

Bearing Drift is reporting that there may be two Republican challengers to Senator Fred Quayle (R-13th): Delegate Chris Jones (R-76th) and 4th CD chair Wayne Ozmore. The previously announced Democratic challenger is Portsmouth Councilman Steve Heretick.

Unanimous approval on slavery resolution

The Washington Post: The House of Delegates unanimously approved a resolution Friday expressing "profound regret" for Virginia's role in the slave trade, a significant act of contrition by a body that used to start the day with a salute that symbolized the state's Confederate heritage. h/t: RK