In the News

Here is some stuff in the news today...

Yesterday, I tweeted: "Who is going to be the prominent office-holding Republican to have the courage and decency to repudiate Trump and endorse Clinton? Bueller...?" And we now have our answer, if you ignore the "prominent" part and pretend it doesn't matter that Rep. Richard Hanna is saying this as he walks out the door for his retirement: "I have long held the belief that the Republican Party is becoming increasingly less capable of nominating a person who is electable as president. The primary process is so geared toward the party's political base, which ignores the fact that we have largely alienated women, Hispanics, the LGBT community, young voters and many others in general. Thankfully gerrymandering does not protect candidates in a national election. If I compare the life stories of both candidates I find Trump deeply flawed in endless ways. ...For me, it is not enough to simply denounce his comments: He is unfit to serve our party and cannot lead this country. ...While I disagree with her on many issues, I will vote for Mrs. Clinton. I will be hopeful and resolute in my belief that being a good American who loves his country is far more important than parties or winning and losing. I trust she can lead." Thank you, sir. May you be a model for the rest of your party.

On the same topic, the New York Times editors don't hold back, in an editorial titled "Mr. Trump and Spineless Republicans," which ends thus: "The truth is, it’s time for Mr. McCain and other Republican leaders to set an example for their party by withdrawing support for Mr. Trump." Yup.

[Content Note: Police shooting; guns; violence; death; child endangerment] I don't even have words: "Police Fatally Shoot Woman Holding 5-Year-Old Boy in Her Lap." And they shot the child, who survived. There are lots of people out in force defending this shooting, because the woman, Korryn Gaines, was, according to police, holding a shotgun. Baltimore County Police Chief James Johnson "said police tried to talk to Gaines for several hours before things turned deadly around 3 p.m. At that time, Gaines said she would kill the police if they didn't leave. One of the cops fired a single shot at Gaines, in response. When the woman fired back, officers gunned her down, striking the child in the leg as well." Police were trying to arrest Gaines for traffic violations. And they shot at her because she threatened them, instead of just retreating, regrouping, and figuring out another strategy. Even if this really went exactly the way police say it did, it was entirely wrong.

[CN: Police shooting; guns; death] Meanwhile, in Chicago: "Footage from police dashboard cameras and body cameras helped lead to the swift sidelining of three officers involved in the latest fatal shooting by Chicago police, but officials acknowledged Monday that the shooting itself was not captured on video. Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said the department is investigating why the body camera worn by the officer who fatally shot 18-year-old Paul O'Neal failed to show those critical moments." It's funny, ahem, how body cameras keep failing in critical moments of deadly shootings.

[CN: Voter disenfranchisement] Good: "A federal judge on Monday blocked North Dakota's voter identification law after a group of American Indians said it unfairly burdens them—the latest court ruling against voting laws that critics say disproportionately affect minorities. U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland issued a temporary restraining order... 'The public interest in protecting the most cherished right to vote for thousands of Native Americans who currently lack a qualifying ID and cannot obtain one, outweighs the purported interest and arguments of the State,' Hovland wrote. He added: 'There are a multitude of easy remedies that most states have adopted in some form to alleviate this burden.' ...In three separate rulings Friday, a federal appeals court blocked North Carolina's law requiring photo ID, a federal judge in Wisconsin ordered changes to make it easier for voters to get a valid ID, and a Kansas judge said the state must count thousands of votes from people who didn't provide proof of citizenship when they registered. Earlier in July, a federal appellate court ruled that Texas' voter ID law was discriminatory."

Of course: "Military mom booed at Mike Pence rally for asking about Donald Trump's remarks on Capt. Khan." And check out the audience in that video, demonstrating their principles. They boo the woman, then, when Pence tells them they shouldn't, they clap. They have zero principles except to follow the orders of an authoritarian leader.

"Trump blasts New York Times: 'They don't write good'." Sounds about right.

Vice-President Joe Biden married two White House staffers. "Proud to marry Brian and Joe at my house. Couldn't be happier, two longtime White House staffers, two great guys." ♥

They are remaking Splash. NO! "In this version, Channing Tatum will actually play the mermaid." OKAY!

And finally! "Dog Invents His Own Game at Public Fountain, and Draws a Big Crowd." Oh dogs, lol.