Friday, April 11, 2008

Vote for Stephen Now!

If this isn’t reason enough for you, I’ll have a much fuller argument on Monday. In the meantime, trust me, join me, VOTE FOR STEPHEN!

Broun likes nukes & english

Athens Georgia Congressman Paul Broun’s been getting little news blurbs here, there, and everywhere all week as he’s built up steam for the introduction of his “English-only” bill.

Well today he gone and done it! Who better to quote for the occasion than the American Family News Network’s One News Now out of Tupelo, Mississippi:

Rookie Congressman Paul Broun (R-Georgia) has introduced the “English the Official Language Act of 2008,” which states that “no person has a right” to receive federal documents or services in languages other than English. The legislation is identical to a companion Senate measure sponsored by Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Oklahoma).

Although Senator John McCain (R-Arizona) and every major Democratic presidential candidate voiced opposition to the legislation last June during debates on CNN, Broun contends there is widespread support for the bill across the country.

As if that wasn’t enough of a good day’s work, today he released the following statement regarding the plans to build new nuclear generating units in Burke County, GA:

“I am pleased to hear the news of Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power, MEAG, and Dalton with Westinghouse/The Shaw Group agreeing to build two new nuclear generating units at the Vogtle Electric Generating Plant near Augusta .

“While final review and certification will be performed by the Georgia Public Service Commission against competing bids for new electric generation, Georgia Power’s commitment to move ahead with this contract is good for the Tenth Congressional District and is good for the citizens of the state of Georgia.

“Nuclear power has operated safely in the United States for decades, and in Georgia since 1975, and now accounts for about 20 percent of our electric generation.

“Locally, this decision will be strong for our economy, adding needed jobs and spurring investment in our communities.  With Plant Vogtle already being a positive influence in our district, I welcome two new units – with new advanced AP1000 design technology – being added.

“This decision ensures that the energy needs of our growing state and district will continue to be met, and I applaud the decision to move forward.”

Meanwhile, AP is reporting:

Georgia Democrats have quietly assembled a group of five military veterans—including three fresh out of Iraq—to challenge Republican congressmen from around the state in November’s elections.

The candidates are criticizing the incumbents on domestic issues such as the sluggish economy, but they also say they have the moral authority to challenge their opponents for giving President Bush lockstep support on the five-year war in Iraq.

They are all long-shots, political newcomers in a conservative state that routinely elects Republicans. Bobby Saxon, 46, of Nicholson, GA, an Army veteran who served with the 3rd Infantry Division in Iraq and now runs a software consulting firm, is set to take on Broun.

I wish him well.

A Public Defender Visitors…

Click Here! Unavoidably, my link changed. Sorry for the inconvenience!

On Alan Abel’s sophisticated media criticism

It would be so wonderful if it turned out that yesterday’s Today Show nursing home predator problem segment was a hoax perpetrated as commentary on the shortcomings of our corporate media system, on the need for better funding and better policy around elder-care, and as a call for a more enlightened approach to the very serious problem of sex offenders in our society.

If Alan Abel had done it, that’s what it would be.

I fear that it was none of that. I fear that it was, instead, what passes today for serious journalism from “one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.”

Garbage in. Garbage out.

Alan Abel is an American prankster, hoaxter, writer, mockumentary filmmaker, provocateur and, I would say, a very sophisticated media critic famous for several hoaxes that became media circuses. He and his daughter were interviewed for On The Media recently. This is his description of what the media looks for in a story:

Well, you’re looking for perversions and calamities. Really, you want obscene, offbeat stories.

Here’s Jenny talking about her documentary Abel Raises Cain: