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
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
More GOP Hanky Panky With NC Abortion Laws
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
GOP Giving Up On Latinos
A good article by Benji Darlin suggests that the GOP is experiencing a backlash and revision when it comes to wooing the Latino vote. After Romney lost last year, almost every Republican politician and pundit suggested that the GOP needed to woo Latinos if it was going to remain a viable party. After the past few weeks, and with an … Read More
Behind The Times
GOP Rep introduces constitutional amendment banning gay marriage on the same day that a new poll shows that an unprecedented 55% of Americans say marriages between same-sex couples should be recognized by law as valid, with the same rights of traditional marriage — a new high.
Ohio Budget Bill, Signed Into Law, Is Darconian on Wonen’s Health and Rights
* Rape crisis centers will operate under a state-imposed gag order — rape-crisis counselors will face new restrictions when telling impregnated rape victims that they can legally terminate their pregnancy. * The budget effectively defunds Planned Parenthood clinics in the state. * There's a provision to require women seeking legal abortions to undergo a state-mandated, medically-unnecessary ultrasound — even if … Read More
The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same
An openly gay state representative was silenced by his colleagues on the Pennsylvania House floor Thursday when he tried to comment on the Supreme Court's ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). State Rep. Brian Sims' (D) remarks during a part of the House session where representatives are allowed to speak openly were cut off almost immediately by a … Read More
DOMA and Prop 8 Decisions
Pretty much like I predicted: DOMA overturned, and Prop 8 booted because plaintiffs lacked standing. What happens next: Since the Court ruled that the federal government cannot discriminate against same-sex marriages under the Equal Protection Clause, all the remains is for that same reasoning to be applied to the states. After all, states cannot violate the federal constitution either. So … Read More
That Didn’t Take Long
TPM: Texas is wasting no time capitalizing on the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Voting Rights Act. Shortly after the high court issued a sweeping 5-4 decision Tuesday striking down a centerpiece of the historic 1965 law, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott vowed to immediately implement a controversial voter ID law in the Lone Star State that was blocked last year by the now-gutted … Read More
Supreme Court Cuts Voting Rights Act of 1964
Today, the Supreme Court in a 5-4 ruling, struck down key provisions of the Voting Rights Act. Basically, they eliminated the requirement that jurisdictions with a history of discrimination pre-clear election and voting law changes to ensure they do not disenfranchise minority voters. While the remaining provisions will still ban outright racial discrimination, those states and localities previously covered will now be … Read More
DOMA and Prop 8: A Prediction
This week — probably Thursday — the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) will release its opinion on two cases dealing with same-sex marriage. One case challenges the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Section III of DOMA prevents the federal government from treating same-sex couples (those legally married under state law) as "married" for the purpose of … Read More
SCOTUS Punts on Changing Affirmative Action
Big week for SCOTUS this week, with most eyes awaiting the DOMA and Prop 8 decisions. Nothing happened with those today. The Court scheduled more opinions for tomorrow (although I suspect there will be one more day after tomorrow, and that's when we'll get the gay marriage cases). Interest was also high on what the Court would do regarding affirmative action in … Read More
Republican Legislatures Still Stupid About Women’s Bodies
On Sunday night as the Texas legislature pushed through a series of stringent restrictions on abortion and women’s health. Typical of conservative state legislatures, the event was filled with myths about abortion and women's health. One of the most egregious examples? One state representative tried to argue on the State House floor that rape kits are a form of abortion. Texas … Read More