We’ve Come A Long Way?

Ken AshfordRaceLeave a Comment

Anyone (or any group of justices — yeah, I mean you, SCOTUS) who thinks we have come a long way in terms of race just needs to turn the comments section of any local newspaper on any article dealing with Zimmerman/Martin. No, we still live in a racist cesspool. Also, this:   Hayward: Woman allegedly attacks 73-year-old musician on stage … Read More

Zimmerman Found Innocent

Ken AshfordGun Control, Race, Racial HomicidesLeave a Comment

I don't have much to say about this, although I find abhorrent the dancing on Trayvon Martin's grave that the rightwing blogosphere is engaging in. I thought Zimmerman would be found innocent — not because of any nefarious reasons (like a racist jury or anything like that), but simply because the burden of proof is so high and there were … Read More

As Intended

Ken AshfordWomen's IssuesLeave a Comment

The busiest abortion clinic in Virginia has been forced to close because of stringent new state regulations. Coming soon to your red state.

“The Newsroom”: S2E1 Review

Ken AshfordPopular CultureLeave a Comment

*SPOILERS ABOUND. ALERT. * Pity Aaron Sorkin.  People expected so much from "The Newsroom" and many didn't get what they wanted.  Critics found the show preachy.  Others, like my girlfriend, found the women characters especially vapid.  We were told they were brilliant and/or "the best in the business" although we didn't really SEE them being particularly brilliant.  And in relationships, … Read More

Common Sense

Ken AshfordRacial HomicidesLeave a Comment

Can't argue with this thoughtful editorial… I am saddened to say that if the teen had been white I doubt anyone would seriously consider that a man carrying a loaded handgun could be innocent of killing with that gun a white teen armed only with Skittles candy. But, because the teenage boy was black, the defense has sought to create … Read More

Before The Verdict

Ken AshfordGun Control, Racial HomicidesLeave a Comment

I haven't been following the Zimmerman trial closely in part because I have a job, and in part because I believe the controversy surrounding Trayvon Martin's death has been resolved.  By that I mean, that there was a moment in time where it looked like Zimmerman wasn't going to stand trial at all, and that had me concerned.  Now, of … Read More

RIP Toshi Seeger

Ken AshfordIn PassingLeave a Comment

Toshi-Aline Ohta Seeger, wife of folk music icon Pete Seeger, passed away overnight on Tuesday, July 9th. She was a mother, an organizer, an activist and filmmaker … and an essential part of all of her husband’s work. She was 91. As much as Pete is a consummate dreamer and optimist, Toshi had a strength and brilliance that was at … Read More

Moments Later….

Ken AshfordGun Control, Rightwing Extremism/Violence1 Comment

Gun nut libertarian loads a gun within blocks of the White House and uploads the video on YouTube   Then… Police searched the Northern Virginia home of activist Adam Kokesh Tuesday evening and took him into custody on a charge of being in possession of hallucinogenic mushrooms while also having a gun, authorities said. Kokesh, a former Marine, was held overnight at … Read More

More GOP Hanky Panky With NC Abortion Laws

Ken AshfordLocal Interest, Women's IssuesLeave a Comment

Last week, while much of the country was focused on the July 4th holiday, Republicans in North Carolina's state Senate launched a legislative ambush – they took a bill related to Sharia law, of all things, amended it to include sweeping new restrictions on reproductive rights, and then rammed the bill through a day later on July 3rd. With the bill pending … Read More

Discouraged

Ken AshfordLocal Interest, RepublicansLeave a Comment

Light blogging lately, and that's in part because I'm very discouraged about the state of things politically.  It seems that conservatives have done a very good job at the local level of ruining this country, and doing so while cheating.  The recent Supreme Court decision striking parts of the Voting Rights Act has caused many states to roll out voter … Read More