Where’s the Outrage?

Where’s the Outrage?
May 2005*

A huge showdown is brewing in the Senate over President Bush’s judicial appointments. Senatorial tensions over this process are especially pronounced since it is very likely that later in the summer at least one member of the Supreme Court will be stepping down. This type of thing happens almost weekly in the House, but the 100-person Senate has always been more collegial. Compromise has been the hallmark of the Senate for over two hundred years. Now, it is looking as though High Noon is approaching. [Read more →]

Tags: Domestic Issues, Legal, Newsletter by ecthompson
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Where’s the Outrage?*
April 2005

Pope John Paul II has died. I believe the passing of this extraordinary man of God is an opportune moment for all people, including a Methodist like me, to reflect on his life, his actions and his faith. John Paul made the papacy relevant once more on the world stage. He was truly a world leader. He helped to inspire changes in his native country that led to Polish independence. He spurred similar developments in Chile (1). Some historians have even given Pope John Paul credit for the fall of the Soviet Union. Besides having a hand in political events, the pontiff was a champion for the poorest and most oppressed souls on our planet, an inspiring friend to young people, and a serious environmentalist. But, paradoxically, he chose to turn his back on women, and he discouraged activist priests. Worst of all, he did not act quickly to rid the American Catholic church of child-molesting priests or their apologist-protectors such as Cardinal Law of Boston. Why didn’t he say, “If you molest a child, we will defrock you immediately and make sure you go to jail?” For these reasons, I am a bit bewildered by this great man. But I hope and pray that he rests in peace. [Read more →]

Tags: Civil Liberty, Domestic Issues, Newsletter, Pakistan by ecthompson
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It was more than money, good looks and charm.  Lamont did it the old fashion way, he earned it.  He went house to house.  He put in the time and effort to grow a grassroots campaign.  Lunches, teas, cookouts - he was there for all of them.  Yes, the netroots were helpful but Lamont didn’t use the net as he only source of support.  He tapped into the anti-status quo feeling in America. 

He also got help from Lieberman.  Lieberman did everything he could to lose.  He was not humble.  He NEVER said that the war was a mistake until the very end.  He announced that he would run as an independent.  On one hand he is saying that he is a good democrat in spite of his support for Bush on the other hand he will run as an independent if he loses?  Lieberman was the perfect opponent for someone to come out of the Blue (pun intended) and defeat.

Tags: Media, State and Local Politics by ecthompson
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