From the Guardian:
BP’s behaviour in the Gulf is appalling. But our thirst for oil is the real issue
“As this piece is written, act one of the Gulf of Mexico tragedy continues, agonisingly, to unfold. We, the people of the region, keep hoping to leave behind the terrifying explosions and ghastly loss of human life, the dread invoked by black jets billowing endlessly from below and the floating oil spreading over an ever-growing area.
(snip)
At this point, three weeks into the calamity, BP had yet to release any video images of the oil gushing from the stricken well. Pressure from journalists eventually pried loose a single, 30-second clip, along with a statement from BP professing surprise that anyone was even interested and the certainty that no one looking at the images could possibly tell what the flow rate was. Not so, it turned out.
Several scientists were able to estimate flow rates at between 40,000 and 100,000 barrels a day. Suddenly a great many people were highly interested in video and other information. Threat of congressional subpoena – a very powerful writ in our system – forced BP to produce more video and eventually the live feed from the bottom we can now see at bp.com. The gusher video went viral.”
—
From ABC News:
BP’s Top Kill Effort Fails to Plug Gulf Oil Leak
“The most ambitious bid yet to stop the worst oil spill in U.S. history ended in failure Saturday after BP was unable to overwhelm the gusher of crude with heavy fluids and junk. President Obama called the setback “as enraging as it is heartbreaking.”
The oil giant immediately began readying its next attempted fix, using robot submarines to cut the pipe that’s gushing the oil and cap it with funnel-like device, but the only guaranteed solution remains more than two months away.”
—
From Global Research:
Ten Things You Need (But Don’t Want) To Know About the BP Oil Spill
“How the owner of the exploded oil rig has made $270 million off the disaster, and nine other shocking, depressing facts about the oil spill.
It’s been 37 days since BP’s offshore oil rig, Deepwater Horizon, exploded in the Gulf of Mexico. Since then, crude oil has been hemorrhaging into ocean waters and wreaking unknown havoc on our ecosystem — unknown because there is no accurate estimate of how many barrels of oil are contaminating the Gulf.
Though BP officially admits to only a few thousand barrels spilled each day, expert estimates peg the damage at 60,000 barrels or over 2.5 million gallons daily. (Perhaps we’d know more if BP hadn’t barred independent engineers from inspecting the breach.) Measures to quell the gusher have proved lackluster at best, and unlike the country’s last big oil spill — Exxon-Valdez in 1989 — the oil is coming from the ground, not a tanker, so we have no idea how much more oil could continue to pollute the Gulf’s waters.
The Deepwater Horizon disaster reminds us what can happen — and will continue to happen — when corporate malfeasance and neglect meet governmental regulatory failure.”
—
From Raw Story:
Energy expert: Nuking oil leak ‘only thing we can do’
“As the latest effort to plug the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico meets with failure, the idea of nuking the immediate area to seal the oil underground is gaining steam among some energy experts and researchers.
One prominent energy expert known for predicting the oil price spike of 2008 says sending a small nuclear bomb down the leaking well is “probably the only thing we can do” to stop the leak.
(snip)
His idea echoes that of a Russian newspaper that earlier this month suggested the US detonate a small nuclear bomb to seal the oil beneath the sea. Komsomoloskaya Pravda argued in an editorial that Russia had successfully used nuclear weapons to seal oil spills on five occasions in the past.”
—
The blunders and profit of this disaster are so disheartening. Might nuclear power save the spill? I can’t imagine it working and yet I’ve read several stories of Russia doing this successfully. Still it’s hard to wrap my head around. If only Hunter S. Thompson were still alive-I like to think he’d write a hilarious, dark story about this disaster.
Posted by Vixen as News at 11:47 PM CDT
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“Thanks for speaking to a lonely, confused pervert.”
-regular client
Posted by Vixen as Quote Book at 11:20 AM CDT
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From this gallery.
Posted by Vixen as Sexy Sensations at 11:12 PM CDT
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From NZ Herald:
Sex work healthier - but not problem-free
“Sex workers are safer, healthier and more willing to go to police since prostitution was decriminalised, but the stigma remains a problem, according to a book on the changing industry.
The book, which draws on the views of 772 sex workers, suggests more changes are needed to discourage underage people from going into the industry, and raises concerns about the vulnerability of immigrants working illegally.”
Excellent news though it’s not surprising. A sex worker named Joyce says, “For the last couple of years, the police have been really good, really on to it. Now they actually care. Before … if a worker [got] raped or anything like that … there wasn’t much they could do.”
—
From Salon:
“Don’t ask, don’t tell” repeal vote coming this week
“It looks like the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” compromise drawn up by activists, the White House, and Congress yesterday is officially going forward. According to the deal, Congress will vote this week to (hopefully!) repeal the policy, but the Pentagon is not required to act until they’ve finished their year-long review, in December.
(snip)
In addition to allowing the Pentagon to delay repeal until their study is complete, the legislation seems to give them leeway to put off repeal indefinitely. (But they wouldn’t do that, right?)”
From America Blog Gay:
Text of DADT repeal legislation
“After talking to a number of sources, it seems that what was proposed by the Hill, and agreed to by the White House, is the following - I’m summarizing the document above, which is the latest version of the compromise being discussed
The House and Senate will pass legislation this year that provides that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” will be considered repealed if and when the following happens:
1. The Secretary of Defense receives the “study.”
2. The President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs certify that:
- They have considered the recommendations in the study
- DOD has prepared the necessary policies and regulations needed to implement a repeal
- The implementation of the repeal is consistent with the standards of military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion, and recruiting and retention.
Current policy will remain in place until the above conditions are satisfied. And if the above conditions are never satisfied, the current DADT policy will remain in place.
There is nothing in the legislation that says the repeal must happen.”
You can read the text of the legislation at the link above. The sad thing is if this legislation passes politicians who voted for it will declare it a victory for GLBT rights while DADT might not even get repealed.
—
From ABC News:
Anger over Customs porn checks
“The Australian Customs Service says that since late last year people arriving in Australia have had to declare whether or not they are carrying pornography, just as they have to do with other restricted items like medicine or weapons.
It says the aim is to prevent the importation of pornography that includes children, extreme violence or other material that violates Australian law.
(snip)
In a statement to AM, Customs said including an express reference to pornography is intended to enhance the interception of prohibited material at the border.
If travellers declare pornography and it is not illegal they will keep it. Illegal pornography will be confiscated and fines or charges may be laid.”
This is crazy, just crazy. Looking at legal porn shouldn’t be a reason to get harassed.
—
From LA Weekly’s blog:
Texas Lingerie Store Forced To Get Food Permit For Selling Edible Underwear
“That’s an issue Rosemary Benitez, owner of San Antonio-based Shades of Love lingerie store, was faced with when the health department knocked on her door. While Benitez’s store isn’t a restaurant, the health department requires it to have a food permit because it stocks and sells items like edible underwear (e.g. candy g-strings), sexy mints and other, um, bedroom desserts.
(snip)
Initially (and incorrectly) thinking the health department’s visit was part of an elaborate practical joke, Fox News reported that “Benitez told San Antonio’s KENS5 TV station she believes the permit, which costs about $230 a year, and the routine health department inspections that come with it are completely unnecessary.”"
A food permit for edible undies? Sounds like they’re just shaking her down for money to me.
—
From The Nation:
Irony Alert: Another Advocate for Abstinence Quits Congress After His Failure to Abstain is Revealed
“As the House’s chief champion of abstinence education, Souder regularly informed his colleagues that: “The fact remains that the only fully reliable way young people can protect themselves from pregnancy or STDs is by abstaining from sex until in a committed, faithful relationship with a partner who is also free of STDs.”
(snip)
Souder announced last Tuesday that he is quitting the House after it was revealed that he was having an affair with a female staffer. Amusingly, it is being reported that the staffer helped Souder produce pro-abstinence videos.
The comedy quotient of the whole affair spiked when, in admitting to the affair and announcing that he would leave the House Friday, Souder said he was doing so at least in part because he thought critics might ridicule his pro-abstinence campaigning.”
He’s having an extra-marital affair with the staffer who helped him produce pro-abstinence videos?!? The article makes the excellent point that at least he’s quitting his job unlike Vitter and Gibbons.
Posted by Vixen as News, Sex Workers at 10:21 PM CDT
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From Global Research:
Haitian Farmers to Burn Donated Monsanto Seeds
““A new earthquake” is what peasant farmer leader Chavannes Jean-Baptiste of the Peasant Movement of Papay (MPP) called the news that Monsanto will be donating 60,000 seed sacks (475 tons) of hybrid corn seeds and vegetable seeds, some of them treated with highly toxic pesticides. The MPP has committed to burning Monsanto’s seeds, and has called for a march to protest the corporation’s presence in Haiti on June 4, for World Environment Day.
In an open letter sent of May 14, Chavannes Jean-Baptiste, the Executive Director of MPP and the spokesperson for the National Peasant Movement of the Congress of Papay (MPNKP), called the entry of Monsanto seeds into Haiti “a very strong attack on small agriculture, on farmers, on biodiversity, on Creole seeds…, and on what is left our environment in Haiti.”[1] Haitian social movements have been vocal in their opposition to agribusiness imports of seeds and food, which undermines local production with local seed stocks. They have expressed special concern about the import of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).”
Thanks to K for sending me this story. I say good for the farmers for rejecting the seeds.
What’s so bad about Monsanto you may ask? Plenty.
From Walletpop:
Monsanto: The evil corporation in your refrigerator
“Anyone who can read a label knows that corn, soy and cotton can be found in just about every American food product. Upwards of 90% of all corn, soybeans and cotton are grown from genetically engineered seeds, also known as genetically modified organisms (GMOs). These genetically enhanced products appear in around 70% of all American processed food products. And Monsanto controls 90% of all genetically engineered seeds. In other words, Monsanto controls — and owns patents on — most of the American food supply.
(snip)
Recently, a study by the International Journal of Biological Sciences revealed that Monsanto’s Mon 863, Mon 810, and Roundup herbicide-absorbing NK 603 in corn caused kidney and liver damage in laboratory rats. Scientists also discovered damage to the heart, spleen, adrenal glands and even the blood of rats that consumed the mutant corn. A “state of hepatorenal toxicity” the study concluded.
(snip)
Because Monsanto claims that its GMOs create higher yields and therefore comparatively higher revenues per acre for struggling American farmers, they’re certainly a tempting option. On the surface, that is. Monsanto controls its seeds with an iron fist, so even if you happen to own a farm next to another farm upon which Monsanto seeds are used, and if those seeds migrate onto your land, Monsanto can sue you for royalties.”
Posted by Vixen as News at 10:06 PM CDT
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From the Global Post:
Where the Haiti earthquake is on everyone’s minds
“Four months after the earthquake that pounded Haiti into rubble, the story has fallen off of newspaper front pages, replaced by this month’s hot news: an enormous oil spill, a Times Square bombing averted, the Dow’s mysterious gyrations.
But the earthquake aftermath remains the top story of the day, the month and likely the year at the Haitian station Radio Soleil in Brooklyn’s Flatbush neighborhood. Indeed, among the tens of thousands of Haitians in Brooklyn, the earthquake is on everyone’s mind, every day.
(snip)
In Haiti itself, more than 1 million Haitians still reside in crowded tent camps made even more dreadful by an impending flood season. Meanwhile, the U.S. military operation in Haiti has dwindled from a high of 22,000 troops immediately after the quake to just 1,300 today. And the international community still squabbles about a master plan for the country’s recovery.”
—
From MSNBC:
Haiti still struggling 4 months after quake
“Haiti is still struggling to provide homes, sanitation and basic health care to hundreds of thousands affected by the earthquake four months ago, the country’s top Red Cross official said Thursday.
(snip)
The Red Cross movement has received $800 million in funds and material contributions for Haiti, where it expects to be providing emergency aid for an unprecedented 12 months.
In most disasters, the emergency period is set between three and six months.”
—
From Boston.com:
Haiti leader vows to step down with ‘calm heart’
“Surrounded by waving banners of blue and red, Haitian President Rene Preval pledged Tuesday to step down as scheduled next year, rebuking critics who say he is using the post-earthquake emergency to hold onto power.
Preval told thousands celebrating Flag Day in the seaside town of Arcahaie that he will step down at the end of his term, Feb. 7. The two-term leader sparked protests this month when he adopted a decree that would extend his term by up to three months if a planned presidential election is not held by the end of November.”
Posted by Vixen as News at 10:16 PM CDT
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From Wikipedia:
Urolagnia
“Urolagnia (also urophilia, undinism) is a paraphilia in which sexual excitement is associated with the sight or thought of urine or urination. The term has origins in the Greek Language (from ouron, urine, and lagneia, lust).
Those who enjoy urolagnia may enjoy urinating on another person or persons, or being urinated upon. Some participants may drink the urine; this practice is known as urophagia, though uraphagia refers to the consumption of urine regardless of whether the context is sexual. Urolagnia enthusiasts may participate in urolagnia as part of a domination and submission scene, though not all sexual activity involving urine is so.
These activities are often described with the slang terms golden showers, water sports, or piss play. Urolagnia is sometimes associated with omorashi, though in Western culture, omorashi is typically distinguished from urolagnia, with terms such as bladder desperation or panty wetting.”
I never knew the official term for a golden shower fetish was “Urolagnia”.
I’ve done my share of golden showers during in person sessions. There’s something funny about standing over someone to pee. It’s like I get stage fright and just can’t go. Out in nature I can pee without a moments hesitation. If I’m wearing a skirt and no panties I like to do it standing up to feel buff. But when there’s two eyes staring up at me I have trouble relaxing. To get over this I just I drink a lot of water until I feel bloated. With a very full bladder I get the guy in position and let the floodgates open so to speak. Drinking green tea beforehand is the best way to do it. Years ago a client with a diaper fetish told me it’s a natural diuretic and I’ve used it sometimes during sessions.
Typically I have the guy lie down in a tub so I don’t get piss on the carpet. Usually they like to shower off afterward so this position works well. Most guys like to be pissed on their chest or crotch. Those with a strong fetish like me to aim for their mouth.
In person the fetish is lived out in a matter of minutes. On the phone though it can last awhile. Some piss drinkers are shy about the subject. They’ll want to talk about licking my pussy first. When they emphasize that they love all of my juices I take the hint and introduce golden showers. Then we focus on their real fetish.
All of the Piss Drinkers I’ve talked to have been submissive. For the fantasy I’ll tie PD up and piss all over him, coating his hair, face, chest, cock and balls and even his legs in it. In Erectionland my bladder can hold a lot more urine than in real life. Naturally all of my friends are sexy mistresses who love to come over and help me dominate PD. I’ll describe elaborate mistress parties where PD gets to serve as house toilet.
I’ll place PD under a bondage toilet box. There’s a normal lid on top that his head rests underneath. He’ll lay there for hours waiting for another mistress to come in and release her bladder. To switch it up I’ll release him from the toilet box and have him kneel in the center of the living room. A funnel is put into his mouth and the mistresses take turns pissing into it. This fantasy can easily morph into scat play but that’s a fetish post for another day.
Fetish Fridays
Fetish Fridays: Sploshing
Fetish Fridays: Robot Sex
Fetish Fridays: Humiliation
Fetish Fridays: Glory Holes
Fetish Fridays: Shoe Fetish
Fetish Fridays: Achoo!
Fetish Fridays: Tickle Fetish
Fetish Fridays: Doggy Boy
Fetish Fridays: Smoking Fetish
Fetish Fridays: Latex Love
Fetish Fridays: Furries
Fetish Fridays: Exhibitionism
Fetish Fridays: Chastity
Fetish Fridays: Pony Play
Fetish Fridays: Hirsutism
Fetish Fridays: Sploshing Revisited
Fetish Fridays: Interview With A Sissy
Fetish Fridays: Teabagging
Fetish Fridays: Financial Submission
Fetish Fridays: Kidnapping
Fetish Fridays: Blackmail
Posted by Vixen as PSO Confessions, Fetish Fridays at 10:20 PM CDT
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“You look kinda artistic.”
-regular client
Posted by Vixen as Quote Book at 12:34 AM CDT
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Reposted from my $pread blog post:
From Cameryn Moore’s site:
“Hey, there. … I’m doing real well, how’re you doing? …. Oh, yeah? I think I can help you with that. … Well, hang out with me for an hour and I will rock your fucking world. … It doesn’t matter what I’m wearing, honey. The question is, what are you wearing for me?
Truth and taboo collide in Phone Whore, an intimate, one-hour visit with a phone sex operator. Listen closely: she may change your views on sex forever.
A gripping, slice-of-life comedy/drama, Phone Whore invites audiences in for an unflinching look at taboo, fantasy, and the place of “deviant” desires in society today. Playwright and performer Cameryn Moore wrote the play during downtime between calls, and drew extensively on her work experiences at a no-taboo company to flesh out both the absurdities and difficult truths that pervade the world of phone sex.
It’s not all drama on the 17-city tour of Phone Whore this summer and fall: Cameryn will be making multiple appearances at comedy clubs and adult toy stores along the way. A phone whore needs work stability, just like anyone else, so even while on tour Cameryn will continue to fill regular shifts at the phone sex company where she has been working for more than a year.
Phone Whore is playing in the following cities this summer and fall:
Boston * Montreal * Ottawa * Toronto * Chicago * Winnipeg * Calgary * Edmonton * Seattle * Portland * San Francisco * Los Angeles * Las Vegas * Albuquerque * Indianapolis * Washington DC * Baltimore * Philadelphia * Asbury Lanes, New Jersey * New York City * Providence
And lots of other stops along the way! For more details about the show and tour, please visit www.camerynmoore.com.”
Posted by Vixen as Sex Workers at 10:35 PM CDT
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From this gallery. I’ve made chain mail jewelry before. It’s not hard but it’s incredibly tedious. I only used plain metal. But neowadays chain mail comes in all sorts of colors. I love it.
Posted by Vixen as Sexy Sensations at 11:50 PM CDT
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From Mediatite:
This Exists? New Reality Show Plans To Sell Virgins To The Highest Bidder
“This has all the makings of a great media hoax, though so far, it appears to actually be real. Australian filmmaker Justin Sisley is currently producing a reality TV program that alleges to “sell off” three virgins to the highest bidder. According to a casting notice, the show calls for “our camera (to) follow the principal cast as they shed their virginity to a complete stranger in front of a worldwide audience.” The Australian production recently relocated to the state of Nevada, where prostitution is legal.”
I can see auctioning off one’s virginity. Why not? However, one would have to be well grounded to do it without negative side effects. But to have the process filmed? I can’t see doing that.
—
From CNN:
Two men arrested in popular principal’s slaying
“The District of Columbia principal who was found shot to death in his home last month met his alleged killers on a phone chat line, authorities said at a news conference Monday where they announced arrests in connection with the slaying.
(snip)
Betts’ body was discovered in his Silver Spring, Maryland, home, on April 16 after he didn’t show up for work at Shaw Middle School. At Monday’s news conference, Police Chief J. Thomas Manger said “one or more of the suspects was connected with Betts after he (the victim) used a phone chat line.” Manger said it was a “sex line” and that the call was made on the night of Betts’ death.”
Oh, that’s a sad one. I wonder if the killers tricked him into thinking it was a sexual rendezvous.
—
From NY Daily News:
Top anti-gay Christian activist and minister, George Alan Rekers, linked to gay escort
“A “general” for the Christian right — and vocal advocate for gay-to-straight conversion-therapy — has been accused of gallivanting around Europe with a gay hooker.
Baptist minister George Alan Rekers, a co-founder in 1983 with James Dobson of the right-wing Family Research Council, was spotted leaving Miami International Airport on April 13 with a 20-year-old he met on a gay escort site, the Miami New Times reports.
(snip)
He also is a board member of NARTH, a group that argues homosexual desires can be “cured” with therapy, and the author of “Growing Up Straight: What Families Should Know About Homosexuality.”"
This doesn’t surprise me in the least. I have several Christian anti-gay clients whose fantasies involve me “forcing” them to suck and fuck cock.
—
From Ms. Magazine’s blog:
Babes in Scandal-land
“What I am concerned about is a sexist double standard which regards female sex workers by definition as vulnerable victims in need of rescue, while male sex workers are simply guys who have sex for money.
The case of Jo-Vanni presents a particularly striking instance of this double standard, especially when compared with the way the media treated Dupre. Where are the lurid details explaining how this sweet young boy was waylaid into a life of sexual exploitation? Where is the hand-wringing over the conscription of another promising young man into a life of prostitution? And where is the outrage that Jo-Vanni is a mere lad of 20—not even old enough to drink alcohol legally in this country (though he is allowed to drive, vote, enlist in the military and, of course, administer nude massages.)”
Excellent post. I couldn’t agree more.
—
From CBS 4:
Men Take On Pole Dancing For Their Own Good
“The moves to pole dance require a lot of strength. For years it has caught on as a kind of exercise for women, but now the men are doing it too. Guys are taking the leap of faith and turning to pole dancing for exercise at Crunch Fitness on South Beach.
(snip)
“It takes a lot of work. It is not easy being a stripper on a stripper pole,” joked Schmidt, who now knows just how hard the Pole Dancing workout really is for anyone who tries it.”
There’s a short video at the above link. There’s something fun about watching guys pole dance.
Posted by Vixen as News at 11:28 PM CDT
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From Bloomberg Businessweek:
Missouri passes restrictions on sexual businesses
“No nudity. No touching. No alcohol. No minors. And no business after midnight.
Missouri lawmakers gave final approval Thursday night to a long list of new “no’s” for sexually oriented businesses that would segregate them from the community and keep scantily clad employees separate from patrons.
(snip)
Supporters argued that strip clubs and adult video stores are a scourge on society — contributing to seedy behavior, demeaning women, causing divorces and driving down property values.
(snip)
The Missouri legislation would apply to strip clubs, adult video and book stores and other businesses of a sexual nature, including semi-nude model studios.
It would ban full nudity, alcohol, anyone younger than 18 and touching between semi-nude employees and customers. To ensure strippers are off-limits, the bill requires semi-nude employees to remain on a stage at least 18 inches high and at least 6 feet from customers in a room of at least 600 square feet.
The bill also requires sexually oriented businesses to close at midnight and prohibits them from locating within 1,000 feet of homes, schools, churches, libraries, parks, day cares or other sexually oriented businesses.
(snip)
A lobbyist for Missouri’s adult entertainment association declined to comment Thursday about the legislation. But supporters and opponents alike predicted the bill would face a legal challenge.”
—
I don’t buy that scourge on society argument. One could argue that churches are a scourge on society-they contribute to repression, sexual oppression and discrimination, can causse marital strife and possibly affect property values. If you have young children would your really want to live next door to a Catholic church after the abuse scandal broke out? But nobody’s outlawing churches anytime soon.
If the business is in an industrial type area of town how can they legally dictate when a club closes? I mean big box stores are often open 24 hours right?
When Mr. Radical ym’d me this article my first response was-Well, it’s nice to know that Missouri’s economy and crime levels and other assorted problems have all been solved so they can focus on such issues as adult businesses. It’s rich on sarcasm but I think the point is sound. Let’s hope the legal challenge is successful.
Posted by Vixen as News at 9:13 PM CDT
2 Comments »
Doug Stanhope is one of my favorite comics. He’s hilarious and his political commentary is right up my alley. The Onion’s AV Club did an interview with him last month that I’ve been meaning to blog.
From the AV Club:
Doug Stanhope has a great fist-fuck joke for you
“Striking a tone somewhere between ironic bemusement and outright disgust, comedian Doug Stanhope traffics in the sort of caustic social commentary plied by George Carlin and Bill Hicks—though neither Carlin nor Hicks ever incited actual riots, as Stanhope has been known to do.
(snip)
He’s puts his money where his foul mouth is, whether it’s seriously considering a 2008 presidential run or offering $25,000 toward an abortion for Bristol Palin.”
Stanhope was recently on The Alex Jones show. It’s pretty funny but if you’re a fan of either it’s hilarious. He even got Alex to talk about pleasant things which was surprising. He also riles him up some which is enjoyable. You can watch it on YouTube here.
If you get a chance to see Stanhope in person I recommend it. I have and loved it! His fans are pretty rowdy and he’s usually drunk on stage. But that just makes the whole show better somehow.
Posted by Vixen as Musings at 11:01 PM CDT
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What’s your thoughts on Kagan’s SCOTUS nomination? Here’s what I’ve been reading:
From the BBC:
Profile: US Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan
“President Barack Obama’s nomination of America’s first female Solicitor General, Elena Kagan, to the US Supreme Court has surprised few in Washington DC.
(snip)
Ms Kagan is widely considered a moderate pick, neither particularly exciting to liberals nor antagonising to conservatives.
Having never been a judge, she has no rulings to critique, so senators will largely have to rely on her testimony before the Judiciary Committee and her academic writings to determine her judicial philosophy. That could prove either a blessing or a curse.”
This is a good introduction article in case you need a good starting point.
—
From Talk Left:
Kagan In 1995: Judicial Nominees Must Answer Questions
“The Senate confirmation hearings for the Supreme Court have become “a vapid and hollow charade,” a Chicago law professor complained, because the nominees are not forced to say what they think about disputed issues such as abortion, affirmative action and privacy.”
That Chicago law professor was Kagan. Interesting quote considering she’ll soon be in confirmation hearings herself.
—
From AlterNet:
The Great Kagan Supreme Court Debate
“Elena Kagan’s nomination has divided progressives in part because so little is known about her judicial views. Her nomination sparked a heated debate between two noted legal commentators: Harvard Law professor Lawrence Lessig and constitutional law attorney and Salon blogger, Glenn Greenwald. Glenn first appeared on Democracy Now! last month making his case against Kagan’s nomination. Then on Monday, he was on our show again and then interviewed by Rachel Maddow that night on MSNBC. Right after Greenwald, Maddow interviewed Lawrence Lessig, who criticized what Greenwald had to say. This led to them both penning articles criticizing each other, defending their position on Kagan’s nomination.
(snip)
Glenn Greenwald: Well, it’s interesting. I’ve been arguing for essentially a month now that the principal problem with her is that it’s impossible to know what she thinks about virtually anything. She has a few law review articles she’s written, a couple of snippets of opinions she’s expressed, but, by and large, she’s a blank slate. We don’t know what she’s going to do on the Court. We have no clue.”
Amy Goodman conducted this debate. Excellent reading.
—
From InfoWars:
Elena Kagan: Wall Street’s SCOTUS Pick
“Kagan sat on a Goldman Sachs advisory council between 2005 and 2008. It was her job to offer “analysis and advice to Goldman Sachs and its clients.”
Obama mouthpiece Robert Gibbs and the Justice Department are now engaged in frenetic damage control over Kagan’s Goldman connection. Kagan’s role working for the “great vampire squid wrapped around the face of humanity” (as Matt Taibbi described Goldman) should not be dismissed lightly. Kagan will obviously serve the interests of the banksters if she makes it to the Supreme Court (adding to the corporatist influence already well entrenched there). Republicans need to hammer Kagan on this during her confirmation hearing. But then Republicans are the right hand on the zombie One Party grocery clerk known as Congress. Difficult questions will not be asked.)
But it is not merely Goldman. It’s also Kagan’s connection to Larry Summers, the former Undersecretary for International Affairs in the Clinton administration and chief economist at the notorious loan sharking and poverty creation machine, the World Bank. Summers also worked in 2006-2008 for a derivatives firm, D.E. Shaw and was paid around five million dollars.”
There’s several links in this article to read as well. I find the Kagan/Goldman Sachs/World Bank connections deeply troubling.
—
From Raw Story:
Kagan supported detaining terror suspects indefinitely without trial
Elena Kagan, President Obama’s selection for the next Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, says she supports holding terror suspects without trial — indefinitely, in some cases.
(snip)
Both President Obama and former President George W. Bush have backed holding some suspected terror combatants without trial. In the case of Guantanamo Bay detainees, the Obama Administration has said they would hold prisoners without trial in some cases because the evidence against them has been tainted by suspects’ harsh treatment at the hands of their US jailers and would be inadmissible in a trial.
Kagan’s comments on indefinite detention seem to have new relevance after comments Sunday by Attorney General Eric Holder, in which he declared that even US citizens don’t need to be read their rights if they’re suspected of being involved in terrorism.”
Remember when liberals got upset at Bush over his belief in holding suspects indefinitely without trial? Me too. Those were the days. Where are they now? Grr!
—
From Reason:
The Bounds of Silence
“Last month New York Times legal writer Adam Liptak said two recent Supreme Court cases “suggest that the Roberts Court is prepared to adopt a robustly libertarian view of the constitutional protection of free speech.” Elena Kagan, President Obama’s nominee to replace retiring Justice John Paul Stevens, was on the losing side in both.
As solicitor general, of course, Kagan has an obligation to defend federal laws against constitutional challenges. But her pro-censorship positions went beyond the call of duty. Together with some of her academic writings, her arguments in these cases provide grounds to worry that she will be even less inclined than Stevens, who has a mixed First Amendment record, to support freedom of speech.”
A Supreme Court Justice nominee that’s pro-censorship?!?! Did I accidentally wake up in Bizarro World?
Posted by Vixen as News at 11:49 PM CDT
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