At over 350 small coffee shops across the country today, Americans are witnessing the birth of a new movement. It's not Democrat or Republican, it's not progressive or conservative, it's not young or old. It's not about issues so much as a new way of seeing politics. It's not even the Coffee Party (full disclosure: I am a lifelong tea drinker); as someone said this morning, "We're the Coffee, Tea and We Party."
I attended the first organizing event of the nascent Coffee Party at an ungodly hour of a rainy morning in the welcoming Busboys & Poets coffeeshop in downtown Washington, DC. I had persuaded my friend Mary Panke to go with me, believing in her ability to think positive thoughts and to see creative solutions in every issue. I attended mostly out of curiousity and the cynical fear that the Coffee Party was attempting to copy the Tea Party's tactics.
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March 13, 2010
Why I Filed to Run for U.S. Senate
Today, I filed papers to become a candidate for the United States Senate.
I have no special beef with the incumbent, Senator Boxer. She is a state-of-the-art Democrat. But to be "state-of-the-art" in our party is not such a good thing anymore.
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I have no special beef with the incumbent, Senator Boxer. She is a state-of-the-art Democrat. But to be "state-of-the-art" in our party is not such a good thing anymore.
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St. Patrick’s Day Chicago 2010: Parade, Events, Specials And Parties To Celebrate Irish Holiday
Chicago has one of the largest Irish populations of any city in America. Along with holding elected office, our Irish-Americans know how to party, and St. Patrick's Day is the day it all goes down. Although the actual holiday is Wednesday, we celebrate it on Saturday so as to fully appreciate its rich cultural history...and because we don't have to work the next day.
Check out a few of our favorite events, shows and deals around town. For more events, consult the Sun-Times, NBC Chicago, and TimeOut Chicago lists.
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Check out a few of our favorite events, shows and deals around town. For more events, consult the Sun-Times, NBC Chicago, and TimeOut Chicago lists.
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March 12, 2010
Defending “Terrorists”: What Would the Founders Do?
In the midst of all the "Tea Party" chatter these days, it is a tad surprising that the anniversary of another significant Boston event went largely unnoticed last week. It was, after all, 240 years ago on March 5, 1770, that the Boston Massacre took place.
And what was the "Boston Massacre," class?
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And what was the "Boston Massacre," class?
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Gut Check Time for GOP on Immigration
There is a quiet battle underway within the Republican Party that may soon break out into the open - and it will heavily impact whether the GOP can continue as a national political party in the decades ahead.
The conflict is over how the Party will position itself with respect to the question of immigration reform - and just as importantly - the fastest-growing demographic group in country: Hispanic Americans.
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The conflict is over how the Party will position itself with respect to the question of immigration reform - and just as importantly - the fastest-growing demographic group in country: Hispanic Americans.
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March 11, 2010
Sarah Jessica Parker Parties With The Real Housewives (PHOTOS)
Sarah Jessica Parker joined the 'Real Housewives' at Bravo's 2010 Upfront Party at NYC's Skylight Studio Wednesday night. Sadly she did not pose with them on the red carpet. Also in attendance were Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves, who gave birth to their second child in January.
Bethenny Frankel showed off her baby bump and Kandi Burruss showed off her body.
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Bethenny Frankel showed off her baby bump and Kandi Burruss showed off her body.
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Glenn Beck and Michael Moore Agree: 10 Reminders for the Ruling Parties
Glenn Beck and Michael Moore agree on one thing: If we could just beat the Republicans AND the Democrats this November, maybe we'd have a shot at solving the enormous challenges we face.
But since that's not likely, I would like to offer ten reminders to each party, to help them avoid some of the failings of their past and present.
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But since that's not likely, I would like to offer ten reminders to each party, to help them avoid some of the failings of their past and present.
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March 10, 2010
You And What Armey?
Former House majority leader and presumed head of the Tea Party movement Dick Armey should perhaps be congratulated for excommunicating the anti-immigrant zealot Tom Tancredo. When I talked several weeks ago with Freedom Works, the group Armey leads that is behind much Tea Party activity, a representative authorized to speak for Armey expressed similar sentiments, telling me that they were "worried about Tom Tancredo" who could alienate the "libertarian branch" of the movement.
The spokesman contrasted the failed candidacy of the (very) culturally conservative gubernatorial candidate Ken Blackwell in Ohio in 2006 to the surging (by his account) campaign of the (very, like eliminate the state income tax) fiscally conservative John Kasich. The implication is that Tea Party candidates will succeed if they can focus attention on so-called pocketbook issues, such as cap-and-trade, the stimulus package, and earmarks. But if attention turns to divisive cultural issues, of which immigration is presumed to be one, the Tea Party will shatter like so many delicate teacups.
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The spokesman contrasted the failed candidacy of the (very) culturally conservative gubernatorial candidate Ken Blackwell in Ohio in 2006 to the surging (by his account) campaign of the (very, like eliminate the state income tax) fiscally conservative John Kasich. The implication is that Tea Party candidates will succeed if they can focus attention on so-called pocketbook issues, such as cap-and-trade, the stimulus package, and earmarks. But if attention turns to divisive cultural issues, of which immigration is presumed to be one, the Tea Party will shatter like so many delicate teacups.
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Frack You: The Self-Aggrandizing Dishonesty of Eric “The Groper” Massa
Yesterday, I called Eric Massa the Worst Democrat of the Day for a variety of reasons.
Well, Massa went to Glennbeckistan last night and admitted to having "groped" and "tickled" a male staffer at his 50th birthday party:
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Well, Massa went to Glennbeckistan last night and admitted to having "groped" and "tickled" a male staffer at his 50th birthday party:
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How To Use Google Profiles — Shelly Palmer
Today's most interesting stories in technology, media and entertainment:
Sony is coming late to the 3DTV party, but they think the new technology will account for 10% of their television business. This is a big gamble, since, at the moment, there is no consumer demand. However, Sony does have a secret 3D weapon. They are planning to modify their PS3 video game consoles to work with their new 3DTV sets. Gamers could easily drive 10% of future TV sales.
Facebook is hoping on the location sharing bandwagon. The social network announced that it intends to introduce a new location sharing tool in April. While users may worry about their privacy on FB, the company insists that it has been testing the service for over a year and that the location-based apps will not alarm privacy advocates. We'll see!
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