Saturday Open Thread [2.1.14]

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The NJ editorial this AM takes on the case of the subpoena to Peaceful Rioters (from Facebook). Frankly, I wished they would have called for all of the potential parties involved in this thing to cease and desist (I mean, who doesn't see Setting's claim of investigation the hateful material delivered to that Hokessin family as anything but a useful cover?). There are far too many Delaware Way hands who have their fingers in the pie here and I really hope that a judge gets to ask point blank exactly why Setting thinks there is a connection to Peaceful Rioters. Seriously, there are plenty of things for the AG to worry about -- not the least of which is the illegal trafficking of guns to Delaware; an unfinished implementation of the Crime-Free Rental Housing Program or even the serious conflicts of interest present in Connections employees being on Wilmington City Council. Right?
Gawker Answers Jason330’s Super Bowl Team Question

Gawker Answers Jason330’s Super Bowl Team Question

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In fact, I think they kinda copied Jason. Thus, as a lawyer, I will be preparing a lawsuit against Nick Denton's multi million dollar enterprise forthwith. On Jason's behalf of course. Jason, my cut is 33%. Here is what Jason said 11 days ago. Gawker, like Jason, initially found the matchup to be a draw, until digging deeper. Gawker went to the trouble to ask actual experts, who went with the Seahawks. Jason just went to his store of superior knowledge of the animal kingdom, and likewise found the Seahawk superior. 11 days ago.

Friday Open Thread [1.31.14]

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When Chris Christie Bridgegate scandal broke, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani was on air that weekend supporting the New Jersey Governor. Now Giuliani says it is "fifty-fifty" over whether Christie was lying and in fact knew about the bridge closures. Georgia Governor Nathan Deal (R) runs a clinic on how to response when you fuck up and are facing criticism: you accept responsibility and apologize rather than blame others and dodge accountability (the path Christie chose).
Deal "called for a top-to-bottom review of the government's response to the epic traffic jam in the aftermath of Tuesday's snowfall and he and the state's top emergency staffer apologized for failing to adequately prepare for the storm." Said Deal: 'I am not satisfied with the response. But I am not going to look for a scapegoat. I am the governor, and the buck stops with me.'"
Those that follow Deal's example tend to survive crisis, and those that follow Christie's path don't.

Thursday Open Thread [1.30.14]

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We have a lot a polling goodness for today's Open Thread. First, a new Pew Research poll shows Americans perceive Republicans as the fringe uncompromising petulant radical party that no one wants to invite to a party for fear they will show up drunk and start a fight. Meanwhile, Democrats are seen an more willing to work with the other party, by a margin of 52% to 27%. The Democratic agenda, as espoused by President Obama in his State of the Union Address, is thoroughly enjoyed and approved of by the American people. 1. Ending the Afghanistan War after 12 long years. Republicans sat on their hands and refused to clap when the President said this. 66% of Americans stood, cheered and clapped with the Democrats. 2. Congress shouldn't shut down government or threaten the full faith and credit of the United States. Republicans sat on their hands and refused to clap when the President said this. 80% of Americans stood, cheered and clapped with the Democrats. 3. Congress should repeal tax breaks for Big Oil. Republicans sat on their hands and refused to clap when the President said this. 74% of Americans stood, cheered and clapped with the Democrats. 4. Congress should restore unemployment insurance that it let expire at the end of the year. Republicans sat on their hands and refused to clap when the President said this. 58% of Americans stood, cheered and clapped with the Democrats. 5. Women deserve equal pay for equal work. Republicans sat on their hands and refused to clap when the President said this. 90% of Americans stood, cheered and clapped with the Democrats. 6. Nobody who works full time should have to raise a family in poverty, so Congress should raise the minimum wage to $10.10. Republicans sat on their hands and refused to clap when the President said this. 71% of Americans stood, cheered and clapped with the Democrats.
General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Thurs., Jan. 30, 2014

General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Thurs., Jan. 30, 2014

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Brother, can you spare a dime a gallon for a $500 million boost to Delaware's economy? A jobs creator and a massive infrastructure upgrade? House Majority Leader Val Longhurst has already said she won't do it, regardless of the number of constituents in her district who will earn meaningful wages for their families. I hope she is in the minority. I hope that the unions who previously supported her are paying attention. With a gallon of gas well north of $3 a gallon, let's be honest here. That additional 10 cents should hardly be a deal-breaker. But we shall see. The General Assembly has a minimum of six weeks, starting at the end of today's session, to consider whether a $500 million boost to the state's economy is in the economic interests of the people who live and try to work here. It's all about the jobs, as far as I'm concerned. By far the biggest issue facing the General Assembly this term. Here is what happened in Dover since my last post. The Box Bill passed the House by a 31-8 margin. None of the no votes will surprise you.  The bill now goes to the Senate. The minimum wage hike bill got plenty of love from the Business Lapdog Committee this time, and made it to the floor. 6 favorable, one on its merits, and 3 unfavorable. Amazing what six months of reflection can do. Come inside for more...