Putting the Romney "bullying" story into the right perspective

A couple of days ago I puzzled over how much people were paying attention to the Washington Post story about Mitt Romney's high school hijinks. Now, the excellent op-ed columnist for the New York Times, Charles M. Blow, sets me straight. He points out that how Romney responded to the story makes it yet another revelation of Romney's personality, and Romney's lack of perspective on how things are seen by different people. As Blow puts it, Romney blew not only an opportunity to act human but also to plainly declare that bullying is bad. Blow's commentary is worth a read.

 

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NY's new marriage law is a victory for common sense

Had a fun night exploring food and fun in Harlem with a visiting friend tonight and was oblivious to the great news from Albany. But this is big news. It is worthy not only of celebration but also recognition that this was the political process really working for a change. Poll after poll has indicated that a majority of people see no reason for government to decide who can be married. When two men or two women choose to marry, they are not infringing on anyone else's rights. That's why there is no reason for government to be involved. If a church or mosque or temple don't want to honor such marriages, that is their free choice.

Maybe now our politicians can take a similar, sensible approach to more serious issues like the economy, health care, education, the environment, etc. Meantime, congratulations to the men and women who have fought for today's victory.

And congratulations to the many couples who can celebrate their love just like everyone else.

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Gawker.com: Possible Energy Committee Head: God Promised There'd Be No Climate Change

This is from http://gawker.com/5686027/possible-chair-of-energy-committee-god-promised-thered-be-no-climate-change

Possible Chair of Energy Committee: God Promised There'd Be No Climate Change

 

Are you worried about global warming? Don't be! According to Illinois Rep. John Shimkus—candidate for chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee—climate change isn't a big deal. How does he know? Because of the Bible!

 

Shimkus, a Republican who represents part of Springfield and some St. Louis suburbs, is seeking the chairmanship for the Energy and Commerce Committee. And good thing, too, because what's really missing in this whole terrible fake "debate" about climate change is sub-Sunday school Biblical literalism.

See, Shimkus' whole take on this "global warming" situation is informed by the part in the Bible when—after flooding the earth—God promises Noah he'll never again destroy the world. So, obviously, climate change won't do much harm to the planet. Because of God's promise. Do you follow? This is all in Genesis, people!

But that kind of scintillating logic isn't all Shimkus brings to the table—Progress Illinois illustrates his climate expertise:

During a discussion at a hearing about the Environmental Protection Agency's ruling that greenhouse gases threaten public health and the environment, Shimkus noted that carbon dioxide is a natural result of breathing and asked, "Does EPA propose we stop breathing?" (They do not.) At a dinner held by the Sangamon County Republicans in February, Shimkus suggested that the sight of farmers "ice-fishing on ponds in Southern Illinois" is the latest evidence that global warming is a "hoax." Oh, and let's not forget the time Shimkus expressed fear that curbing carbon emissions would "take away plant food." (Scientists disagree.)

[Informed Comment; Progress Illinois]

via ScribeFire

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