AltWeeklies Wire
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
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
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
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.
Senator Brownback Lacks Good Intelligence for His Gitmo Fightnew
Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback's office cannot produce any primary evidence to support its claim that bringing Gitmo detainees to Leavenworth would imperil the relationship building that takes place at the Command and General Staff College.
Half Healthcare, 100% Dead: Why Obamacare Isn't Selling
There is no true middle ground on healthcare. The most civilized and efficient approach, tried and tested by the rest of the industrialized world, is fully socialized medicine.
The Consequences of the End of the War in Iraqnew
Effectively, the U.S. war in Iraq is over. Was it worth it? There are two quite separate balance sheets of costs and benefits, one for Iraqis and the other for Americans. It's too early to give a final answer for the Iraqis, but for the United States the answer is definitely no.
The Georgia Straight |
Gwynne Dyer |
06-22-2009 |
Commentary
Tags: Iraq, war & peace
The Iranian Uprising: Tiananmen 2.0?new
It took several weeks for the demonstrations in Tianamen Square to elicit international attention in 1989. Today, as hundreds of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in Iran, we are marveling at the new tools of social networking and political orchestration.
Boston Phoenix |
Peter Kadzis |
06-18-2009 |
Commentary
Blanche Lincoln Celebrates 10 Years in Congress, Looks to Tough Election in 2010new
The year 2010 doesn't hold promise for stress reduction for this mother and U.S. Senator. She's up for re-election and poll numbers that put her below 50 percent seem to beg for a Republican opponent, if you believe the GOP's frequent posturing on the subject.
Arkansas Times |
Paul Barton |
06-18-2009 |
Politics
What Do We See Five Months into the Obama Presidency?new
I can't accuse Obama of a lack of grit, but what I won't accept is the argument that larger issues are too pressing for Obama to divert his attention to so-called small stuff. He can walk and chew on more than one issue at a time. Human rights -- of women, gays, detainees, religious minorities -- are not small things. To borrow from his own words, if all aren't equal, none are.
Arkansas Times |
Max Brantley |
06-18-2009 |
Commentary
