Yesterday I was away at a meeting for most of the day, missing half of my sleep time, and I spent the rest of the day watching the video of the speech and digging into the details of the plan. I’m current with replies. Tomorrow I have errands to run and volunteer work to do.
Jig Zone Puzzle:
Today it took me 3:02 (average 4:24). To do it, click here. How did you do?
Short Takes:
From Think Progress: The United States Army has officially announced tomorrow’s repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, indicating that “gay and lesbian Soldiers may serve in our Army with the dignity and respect they deserve.” The letter concludes, “It is the duty of all personnel to treat each other with dignity and respect, while maintaining good order and discipline throughout our ranks.
It became official at 12:01 AM.
From UPI: The United States is "deeply concerned" about alleged human rights abuses in North Korea, U.S. envoy Robert King said in Seoul Monday.
I have no doubt whatsoever that there is valid reason for concern, but to have the moral authority for those concerns to matter, we must deal with our own human rights issues like capital punishment and refusal to prosecute Bush, Cheney, et al.
From TPM: The Justice Department said Monday that Texas’ state House and congressional redistricting plans didn’t comply with Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA), indicating they thought the maps approved by Gov. Rick Perry (R) gave too little voting power to the growing Latino population in the state.
Republican racism here.
Cartoon:
13 Responses to “Open Thread–9/20/2011”
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4:15
What! Rick Perry didn’t follow the rules? Golly gee. Who woulda thunk it?
You beat the average!!
Riiiiiiight!! 🙄
A historical note on the death of DADT. It was Vietnam veteran Sgt. Leonard Matlovich who was the first to fight the ban of gays serving in the military – and the first openly gay to ever be on the cover of Time magazine. In honoring his fight for equality, I thought it fitting to share the inscription on his headstone:
And a photojournal treat for TC through Portland’s very own Woodstock Farmers’ Market: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/09/20/1018472/-Closing-Out-Another-Portland-Summer:-A-Farmers-Market-Photo-Diary?via=siderecent
Thanks for that Nameless. What an appropriate tribute.
What she said!
Woo-hoo! DADT is dead!
Agreed, but it’s not like NK hasn’t cut it self off from the world all by themselves. And our history on that front hasn’t been so great either.
Ha! Perry got smacked in the face on that one. I hope it comes back to bite him in the ass in the primaries and debates.
Yep, that’s what we’re all going to look like if something isn’t done fast.
That’s the lead I’m about to post.
True!
Amen to that!
Sadly, it is.
4:12 Republicans suck!
You came in third!
They do!
3:35 You’re right. I had my work cut out for me and I did not work hard enough. I am 81 out of 263 (308).
Today you get an open door.
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell — Finally! This is long overdue and should allow LGBT soldier to live an authentic life. There have always been LGBT soldiers but few knew who they were. There may have been suspicions and gossip, but now, if someone wants to come out they can. Unfortunately, the Army can legislate actions but it cannot change beliefs. The same is true on Main Street. It is up to each and every person to respect others.
Also what a telling epitath, but until now so true.
North Korea — NK has one of the worst human rights records in the world. But people in glass houses should not throw stones. In North American, we are guilty of human rights abuses against aboriginal peoples; against some immigrants; against some members of our societies. That’s why we have Human Rights tribunals (at least Canada does and I would think the US also). But there is still work to do at home. For one, in the US, Baby Bush, his puppet master Cheney, and Rumsfeld for starters need to be taken before the International Criminal Court in the Hague to answer for war crimes. Until these things are dealt with, the stones should remain on the ground lest someone be cut by flying glass.
Redistribution — So Scary Perry has shown his colours again. Since he didn’t comply with the act, I trust that the DOJ can undo his treachery and amend the maps.
The Cartoon — Excellent! The first time I was out of work, I thought I would end up on the street and I was scared. With all that is going on in the global economy, a lot more could be on the street. I do think that we will see a revolution that governments will not like, especially Republican type governments.
I fully agree. See the lead post.
Yes but the aboriginal abuse was long ago. The US has modern issues.
No, but they can make him do it.
Sorry it’s apt.