AltWeeklies Wire
Mark Sanford's Bizarre Journey From the Trail to Argentinanew

Questions about Gov. Sanford's future linger after he abandoned the state, severing contact with his staff, state officials, and his family from June 18 until June 23. After admitting an affair, it was revealed that Sanford appears to have created a diversionary trip to spend time with his mistress during a 2008 taxpayer-funded trade mission to South America.
Charleston City Paper |
Greg Hambrick |
07-01-2009 |
Politics
Snuffed: How Big Tobacco Killed the Texas Smoking Bannew
With the tide of public sentiment so strong against them, Big Tobacco's well-paid minions adopted ninja tactics, lobbying members behind closed doors and over the telephone to snuff out a high-profile bill with such widespread public support.
The Texas Observer |
Melissa del Bosque |
07-01-2009 |
Politics
The Mark Sanford Emails: Why Did 'The State' Hold its Fire?new

It was South Carolina's The State newspaper that tore open the sordid story of Gov. Mark Sanford's transcontinental tryst. But while it was a gale-force blow, one question remains: Why had the newspaper held its breath for so long?
Columbia Free Times |
Corey Hutchins |
07-01-2009 |
Politics
How Will Chaka Fattah Vote on Health Care?new
When I read that Clinton-era fossil/Obama Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel says "Obama is 'open to alternatives' to a new government insurance program in order to get legislation overhauling the health-care system to his desk", my initial reaction was exactly what it is now: FUCK THAT.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Brendan Skwire |
06-30-2009 |
Commentary
Why I Miss George W. Bush
I bashed George W. Bush as the worst president ever. I'm not taking that back -- I'm arguing that Obama is even worse.
Maui Time |
Ted Rall |
06-29-2009 |
Commentary
God and Abstinencenew
At the Mississippi Department of Human Services' "Abstinence Works: Let's Talk About It" summit, we didn't talk about abstinence. But we sure did chant, cheer, dance, pray and sing about it. Here are a few (of the many) things that stood out to me.
Jackson Free Press |
Kate Royals |
06-26-2009 |
Commentary
Giving Up Prejudicesnew
Moving from Philadelphia, Pa., to Monroe, La., at a young age, I was ignorant about the racial barriers of the South.
Jackson Free Press |
Jonathan O'Keefe |
06-26-2009 |
Commentary
Tags: race relations
Pistol-Packing Barhops, Bad Science and Turning Back the Clock in Nashvillenew
The legislative week that ended on June 4th was intended to be the penultimate one of the current session of the Tennessee General Assembly. But uncertainty over budgetary matters prevails, and, for the 132 men and women of the legislature, the uncertainty may prolong the agony.
The Memphis Flyer |
Jackson Baker |
06-26-2009 |
Politics
Council Watchnew
Regular commentary on the Orlando City Council.
Orlando Weekly |
Billy Manes |
06-25-2009 |
Commentary
Tags: Orlando City Council
Happytownnew
Regular commentary on Orlando government and community events/news.
Orlando Weekly |
Jeffrey C. Billman and Billy Manes |
06-25-2009 |
Commentary
Tags: Orlando
Rational Ignorance: Q&A with Elections Expert David Schleichernew
David Schleicher, a law professor at George Mason University, talks about partisan branding and why voters don't know much about politics.
Tucson Weekly |
Jim Nintzel |
06-25-2009 |
Politics
It's Time Obama Moved Vigorously to Advance Gay and Lesbian Rightsnew
If you are gay or lesbian, or if you care about realizing social justice, you must be wondering when Obama is going to turn his attention to the fact that one in 10 of the nation's more than 230 million adults are second-class citizens.
Boston Phoenix |
Editorial |
06-24-2009 |
Commentary
Tags: Barack Obama, same-sex marriage
The New San Antonio Mayor Takes a Page Out of Rival's Staff Playbooknew
What draws attention about San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro's administration is how closely the new mayor's team adheres to the template established by his one-time rival, former Mayor Phil
Hardberger.
San Antonio Current |
Gilbert Garcia |
06-24-2009 |
Politics
Fourteen Fascinating Things from the Investigation of Portland's Mayornew

Behind the report Oregon Attorney General John Kroger released regarding the investigation of Portland Mayor Sam Adams' relationship with Beau Breedlove is an extraordinary amount of detail even the casual observer should find fascinating.
Willamette Week |
Nigel Jaquiss, Beth Slovic and James Pitkin |
06-24-2009 |
Politics
Meet the Queen Bee of People Obsessed With Barack Obama's Birth Certificatenew

With her strong will, busy travel schedule and breathless blogging, Laguna Niguel dentist Orly Taitz has become the most controversial figure in the effort to prove that President Barack Obama is foreign-born.