Politics
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Obama's Legitimate Call for Economic Patriotism
Conservatives refuse to admit that it has often been politically expedient (and beneficial) to knock President Obama at every turn, regardless of whether the criticism has merit for something other than political sport. This Republican tactic in the media and in Washington — even for ardent conservatives — has become a BORE (Bash Obama, Repeat…
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'Egypt Will Never Be the Same'
After this morning’s announcement of Hosni Mubarak’s resignation and the massive celebrations taking place in Tahrir Square and throughout Egypt, President Obama made a statement that was congratulatory and hopeful, saying, “Egyptians have inspired us. They have done so by putting the lie to the idea that justice is best gained through violence. For in…
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Obama to Propose Solutions for Reducing Government Support of Mortgage Market
The Associated Press is reporting that the Obama administration will release long-awaited proposals for reducing government support of the mortgage market, but Congress will choose the path for reforming financially teetering mortgage finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The Treasury Department is scheduled to release a report Friday that lays out three choices for…
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Egypt: Unrest Spreads as Bus Drivers Strike
The Associated Press is reporting that bus drivers and public-transport workers in Cairo joined thousands of state employees on strike Thursday in spreading labor unrest that has pumped further strength and momentum into Egypt’s wave of anti-government protests. With its efforts to manage the crisis failing, the government warned of the potential for a coup.…
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Historic Visit: Michelle Obama Talks Politics and Tater Tots on the 'Today' Show
First lady Michelle Obama talked candidly with Matt Lauer on the Today show, her first on-set appearance on a morning show. The first lady had praise for her husband, refusing to discuss his viewpoints on policy, but saying that she supports his decisions on different issues ranging from Egypt, unemployment and, of course, nutrition. When…
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Egyptians Are Not My Brothers
Only now am I becoming able to make peace with something that has nagged at me lately: I don’t think of the protesters in Egypt as my brothers and sisters. There, I said it. I am heartened daily by their victories. If someone asked me to help in some way, I would do all I…
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Black Businesses Grew at 3 Times the National Rate
Between 2002 and 2007, the number of black-owned businesses in the United States increased by 61 percent to 1.9 million. It was a growth rate more than triple the 18 percent rate for all businesses. Black-owned firms also saw their receipts rise 55 percent to $137.5 billion during those years. It is a great snapshot…
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Finally! Obama Has Given Up Cigarettes
The AP is reporting that with the help of a little gum, President Obama has sworn off cigarettes once and for all. The first lady (who must be so relieved) made the announcement: “Yes, he has,” the first lady told reporters at the White House when asked whether her husband had finally done what millions…
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Documentary to Explore Double Life of Civil Rights Photographer and FBI Informant
He shot some of the most compelling photographs of the civil rights movement, but Ernest Withers was also a paid informant for the FBI. Documents discovered after his death suggest that he was part of the FBI’s official “Ghetto Informant Program.” CNN anchor and special correspondent Soledad O’Brien will tell the story of his secret…
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Egypt Reform Continues: Mubarak Forms Committees
The Associated Press is reporting that President Hosni Mubarak’s regime set up a committee Tuesday to recommend constitutional changes that would relax presidential eligibility rules and impose term limits. Mubarak’s decrees were announced on state television by Vice President Omar Suleiman, who also said that Mubarak had announced the creation of a separate committee to…