Jonathan Miller's Blog, page 417
June 8, 2011
The RP's Weekly Web Gems: The Politics of Recovery
In Key Largo, Florida, three pilot whales may be stranded on the shore but they're not alone. [NY Times]
The economy may be on its way back up, but couponing lives on as a not only practical, but also a hip option for consumers. [Time]
Remember Elizabeth Smart? She took her life back, and is now serving as a missionary and children's advocate. [Newsweek]
Here's a little something to pep up your day. Even though The Script has been on the music scene for awhile, this song never fails to make...
Anniversary Flashback: Ted Kennedy's Eulogy of Robert F. Kennedy
Today marks the 43rd anniversary of one of the most touching eulogies in American history: Senator Ted Kennedy's poignant speech at the funeral of his fallen older brother, Robert F. Kennedy.
I shared my thoughts upon the anniversary of RFK's eulogy to Martin Luther King a few months earlier — which I believe is the greatest speech of my lifetime.
But today, I will let the late Senator Edward Kennedy's words speak for themselves:
The RP's Weekly Web Gems: The Politics of the NBA Finals
Whose Side Are You On?
I started watching the NBA in earnest back in 2004, when the Detroit Pistons defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in one of the most classic NBA Finals in history. That year, Shaq and Kobe were joined by Karl Malone and Gary Peyton in hopes that the two aging stars could vault them back to finals glory. It almost worked, but they ran into the tough defense of the Larry Brown coached Pistons. In stark contrast to the hodgepodge Lakers, the Pistons had a solid core o...
Ronald J. Granieri: The Imperial Presidency — Now and Forever?
Last week Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) introduced H.Res 292, which declared that President Obama "has failed to provide Congress with a compelling rationale based upon United States national security interests for current United States military activities regarding Libya," and placed the White House under a 14-day deadline to respond to these concerns and to explain why the action is justified under the War Powers Act. The resolution passed 268-145, and was immediately denounced...
June 7, 2011
The RP's Weekly Web Gems: The Politics of the Media
French radio and television anchors are no longer allowed to say "Facebook and Twitter" on-air during their broadcasts. Is the United States next? Nah… [Time]
YouTube still rules the online video universe, but a startup company from Chicago is trying to carve a place for itself in social media. [NY Times]
A writer at Good Magazine responds to an age-old question in journalism: If a reporter sees someone in trouble, should they remain impartial or try to get involved? [Good Magazine]
Girl power! ...
Jeff Smith: Your Tax Dollars at Work, Prosecuting (& Potentially Incarcerating) John Edwards
If John Edwards goes to prison, then many other politicians should join him, according to the Department of Justice's logic.
I have a friend, for instance, who during his first campaign unintentionally did almost exactly what Edwards did. After my friend's first campaign event, the host pulled him aside and said, "Great job! But, can I be candid with you?"
"Sure." Sure, he said, wondering if his rhetoric had been too strong for some in the room.
"OK. Please don't be angry," she said. "But...
The Politics of Fashion: The Pressure of Being the First Lady AND a Fashion Icon
Inspired by Michelle Obama's simple but sophisticated black Ralph Lauren gown that she donned in her recent visit to England (and how can I forget about the breathtaking white Tom Ford gown – oh my gosh!), I was moved to write about one of the most strenuous responsibilities that come with being the First Lady: being fashionable. It may sound vain, but America has an obsession with the First Lady's wardrobe. Don't believe me?
From the very minute Michelle Obama strutted across the stage on...
Artur Davis: Former Fed. Prosecutor Calls Edwards Prosecution "Misguided"
Let's stipulate that John Edwards' misdeeds are already legendary. Whatever your view of the linkage between sexual misconduct and public life, Edwards picked an usually sordid path to travel–the betrayal of a dying spouse, the failure to own up to a pregnancy, and a political cover-up that traded on the loyalty of people who believed in him deeply.
But sin is still not criminal, and I am in the camp that thinks the prosecution of Edwards last week is misguided.
These are the basic facts...
June 6, 2011
Tomorrow at The Recovering Politician
The RP started the discussion this afternoon, and the battle is engaged.
Jonathan's piece opposing John Edwards' prosecution has stirred a real debate at The Recovering Politician. Tomorrow, you will hear from a few more contributing RPs, including a former federal prosecutor and a former federal prisoner. (Hmmm… I wonder who that is?)
In addition, our own RP staffer, Kristen Hamilton, debuts her first full essay on her pet passion — the politics of fashion. Read how Michelle Obama makes...
The RP's Weekly Web Gems: The Politics of Film
The Politics of Film
I love Quintin Tarantino. If you like movies, you probably do too. His last film, Inglourious Basterds, was the first film in which Michael Fassbender really shined. Fassbender is in the new X-Men film out now, and is fantastic in the film. Rumor has it that he will join up with Tarantino again in Tarantino's next picture: Django Unchained. Color me excited. [The Movie Blog]
The blog Film Junk has a nice rundown of the box office from last weekend with a few interesting ...
