This country is full of hyphenated Americans. Mexican-Americans, Asian-Americans, African-Americans, Irish-Americans, etc. And it leads one to contemplate why. (And yes, we know that, strictly speaking, the hyphens should be used only in adjectival constructions.) Often the hyphenated designations are chosen and used by individuals either to show pride in their heritage or for political reasons, … Continue reading Hyphenating Americans
Are you listening, Republicans? This is the theme song for America’s women. Get used to it. From the YouTube notes: Women constitute more than half of the population. In 2008, 60% of voters were women. It is estimated that 10 million more women than men will vote in this election. Despite this, women make up … Continue reading 2012 election: ‘You Don’t Own Me’ (video)
I assume most states have or allow state questions, initiatives, or some such on their ballots. And I wouldn’t be surprised if many of those questions are worded like they used to be (and may still be) in Oklahoma — tricky double negatives, etc., so that even if you know where you stand on an … Continue reading Political tricks and marijuana legalization
I’ve had the TV on all day, tuned to CNN, watching the news and worrying about everyone on the East Coast. Specifically, I worry about those few individuals I know there. I keep reminding myself that these folks will undoubtedly be listening to their local officials, not CNN news hounds, and will have the best, … Continue reading Thoughts on Irene
Today I’m regretting I missed the GOP candidates’ debate last night. Purely an oversight; I thought it was tonight. Now I’m stuck watching every pundit and their bazillion guests analyzing the event for me. Friday morning quarterbacking. Clips and sound bites. You know how it goes. I want to hear it all firsthand, in its … Continue reading Note to self: don’t miss another debate
Another would-be terrorist in America has been stopped in his tracks. And again, it was an alert citizen and the local police who stopped him. Not the FBI or CIA, and certainly not the TSA. This time the suspect was an AWOL American soldier, Pfc. Naser Abdo, whose arrival in a taxi and purchase of … Continue reading Possible terrorist foiled by citizen, not feds
