The 62 Project: #’s 21 and 41

The 62 Project: #’s 21 and 41

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When I started the 62 Project, I had Pete Schwartzkopf ranked 13th on my initial list. That was largely because I thought that he, as House Majority Leader, effectively pushed through key progressive bills, including civil unions. He also was able to get the at-the-time controversial 'revenue enhancement' package through a fractured House. This helped balance the budget during the early Markell years. He wasn't afraid to use legislative power to get things done. While I didn't always admire his tactics, I respected the results. The role of House Majority Leader requires tough tactics in tough times. However, as Speaker of the House, Schwartzkopf has governed as if he were still Majority Leader. Aided and abetted by an equally-enthusiastic, though far less skilled, arm-breaker, Valerie Longhurst. Pete not only handpicked Longhurst to be his successor, he insisted that they both be elected as a team or he would not serve as Speaker. Uh, I wonder if he'd be willing, or in any position, to make the same demand today. Put simply, Pete Schwartzkopf is in danger of being a one-term Speaker, and not because the D's are in any way facing the loss of the House chamber.

Federal Court Says Texas’ Gay Marriage Ban Is Unconsitutional

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Oh yes, I just wanted to write that headline! Remember that a court striking down Texas' anti-sodomy laws brought us Lawrence V Texas too -- invalidating the remaining anti-sodomy laws on several states' books. From TPM:
{Judge Orlando} Garcia, a Bill Clinton appointee, wrote in his decision that Texas' constitutional ban on same-sex marriage violates equal protection rights under the Fourteenth Amendment. “Texas’ current marriage laws deny homosexual couples the right to marry, and in doing so, demean their dignity for no legitimate reason," he wrote. "Accordingly, the Court finds these laws are unconstitutional and hereby grants a preliminary injunction enjoining Defendants from enforcing Texas’ bans on same-sex marriage.”
The Mania for Austerity Finally Hits the Military

The Mania for Austerity Finally Hits the Military

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You've been hearing this week about SecDef Chuck Hagel's proposed budget for the DOD for FY15. This budget reduced the number of active duty troops, reduces the number of reserve troops, reduces salary increases, requires uniformed staff to contribute more to their health care, reduces retirement benefits and focuses growth in cybersecurity and in Special Forces. It looks to re-orient the Pentagon's focus on being prepared for two land wars to dealing with current threats of terrorism. And this budget looks as though it accomodates some continued sequestration as well as real spending reduction. Remember as you hear more about this budget that if the US gets out of Afghanistan at the end of this year (as planned), the US won't be engaged in regular ground wars anywhere. From the WaPo:
Shorter Dick Cheney: Bombs are still free and Obama is still black

Shorter Dick Cheney: Bombs are still free and Obama is still black

If there is a person alive who is more evil than Dick Cheney, I've never heard of them. He was the guy who was supposed to be the adult in the room during the caretaker Presidency of George Bush's idiot son. Instead, to the non-surprise of many, he turned out to be a bloodthirsty sociopath. Well, now he is back talking to Fox News because he is such an expert on the military or something.
How to test if your RELIGIOUS FREEDOM!!! is really being infringed upon…

How to test if your RELIGIOUS FREEDOM!!! is really being infringed upon…

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The current excuse for the evil bigotry the Republican Party has displayed and advanced with respect to gays and marriage equality is that state action recognizing gay marriage and banning discrimination against gays infringes the religious freedom of those who oppose gays on religious grounds. The Reverend Emily C. Heath of the United Church of Christ has published a wonderful test to determine whether a person's religious freedom is truly being violated. Let's take it together, shall we?
This Week In Republican Outreach And Re-Branding

This Week In Republican Outreach And Re-Branding

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Let's see how things are going with the Republican wooing of gays, minorities and women. First up, the LGTB Republican love letter - that the Arizona legislature has passed (and sealed with a kiss) and the only thing that may stop Jan Brewer from signing it into law is the threat of losing the super bowl.  Priorities, people.  Anderson Cooper delivered the ultimate smack-down to Arizona state Sen. and gubernatorial candidate Al Melvin.  Seriously, watch the video.  Melvin isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but it seems Arizona is full of tools.

Tuesday Open Thread [2.25.14]

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"I think we got off that track when we allowed our government to become a secular government, when we stopped realizing that God created this nation, that He wrote the constitution, that's based on biblical principles." -- Former Rep.Tom DeLay (R-TX), in an interview on Global Evangelical Television. The sound you hear is our Founding Fathers, and most notably Thomas Jefferson, rolling over in their graves. "Once a child does exist in your womb, I'm not going to assume a right to kill it just because the child's host (some refer to them as mothers) doesn't want it." -- Virginia State Sen. Steve Martin (R), quoted by Slate. And that's how Republicans view women. As receptacles and hosts. Not as humans and mothers. “There are several possible explanations for why Republicans would not denounce Nugent and his statement in unqualified terms. One is that they aren’t all that offended by what Nugent said. A second is Nugent is on their “team” and therefore needs to be treated with kid gloves. A third explanation is that they fear that in denouncing Nugent they will upset elements of the GOP base. Any of these explanations is an indictment,” – Pete Wehner, Commentary.
Markell v. Arizona

Markell v. Arizona

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If only the socially progressive Governor Markell was also the economically progressive Governor Markell. Well, I will enjoy the former...
Delaware Gov. Jack Markell (D) spoke out against the controversial anti-gay bill in Arizona Monday, stating that if Gov. Jan Brewer (R) signs it into law, the state should not be allowed to host the Super Bowl next year in Glendale. "It seems to me if they pass this law and if she signs it, the NFL may be looking, or maybe should be looking, to move the Super Bowl out of that state. There are so many places around the country that are welcoming to everybody," he said in an interview on MSNBC with host Ronan Farrow.