...and not one reference that I could see to the 14th amendment which defines citizens as "all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof". As such both Obama and McCain were born on US soil, as are many children of illegal immigrants, and thus natural-born citizens. One becomes a citizen either by birth or by naturalization and citizenship is also required to serve in the Senate. Since neither Obama nor McCain were naturalized before becoming citizens, the assumption must have been that they were natural-born citizens all along. McCain was born in the Panama Canal Zone, at the time "subject to the jurisdiction" of the United States. As such he's just as American as if he were born in Arizona.

Who'da thunkit?

I'm pretty sure it was Winston Churchhill who made the comment about being sober in the morning.

He pursued an ill-advised policy, but that does not make him evil. There will be time to analyze his legacy, but for crying out loud, his body isn't even cold yet!

Also, single-sex education might have made sense in an age with more defined gender roles, but now the real world is coed and thus so too should be the schools. This not only ensures that boys and girls are taught the same things, but gives both sexes practice socializing with and relating to each other in a professional environment as grown men and women.

...in terms of your rights to mutual inheritence, hospital visits, custody, powers of attorney, etc. Without it you're just roommates as far as the law is concerned. As for clergy if I were in that position, I would probably let the couple decide if they wanted me to sign the license or not. I personally could go either way, but I don't want to deny couples the traditional method. I also think this overlap of church and state functions doesn't ultimately harm anyone, and it's more convenient to seek out a cleric or a judge, without needing both. It's freedom of religion, not freedom from religion and allowing clergy to sign licenses neither establishes religion nor prohibits free exercise, provided that there is a judicial option for those who seek it.

I think it does make sense to live together during engagement as a trial period, but that should not be the long term plan, especially if starting a family is in the cards. The morals per se don't concern me so much, but I think the commitment should be legally recognized. It doesn't require either religion or money to be married by a JP.

Now the thing to do is get yourself back to the States, get a WH press credential, and start asking them directly. I'm not convinced your sniping from Brazil does much good.

...that disfavoring Obama's plan means prefering something the GOP might offer. Many of us are less than thrilled because he's not going all the way and pushing single payer. The polls should ask those who disapprove of his plan whether it's because of concern over government involvement or because they think he's not going far enough.

...often complain that pro-lifers want to force their morality on the rest of us. We risk the same accusation directed at us if we insist that abortion be taxpayer funded. Only rape and emergency situations should lead to publicly funded abortions. Other than that we should do everything in our power to encourage that the real choice be made BEFORE getting pregnant.

You can't make this stuff up! Vitter is the first do step up to defend conservative values? Do said values include his liaison with a DC madam?

I hope someone lets him know that there actually HAS been a bit of improvement under Obama. The theme of his columns always seems to be that Obama is no different from Bush.

Yes, really.

The evidence he chooses to show would seem to make that case. I've always suspected that there was another side or counter examples to Mr. Greenwald's conclusions.

If this is increased ratings for the programs how was that not good for their respective parents?

is frankly not a great press secretary in my opinion. He seems to have a hard time making his point and I find his press briefings painful to watch. The President is definitely much better at being his own spokesman.

...that as a teenage actress grows up she has to flaunt her sexuality? Very often I do think we overreact, but I think its societal pressure (not to mention double standard as the same would not be written about young men) that makes girls do this. Why not stick to actual talent of acting, singing, dancing, etc. Even adult performers can dress modestly and be very good at what they do.

Don't the Democrats have majorities in the House and Senate? Harry Reid especially needs to grow a spine!

...where the US was being harsh on Israel. As far as I'm concerned we're still a strong supporter of Israel's, as we should be. True friends, however, nudge each other to do the right thing. In this case I think that means cease building settlements on disputed territory.

(Nothing but good of the dead)

It would be nice if people adhered to this old Roman saying while the body is still warm. I never agreed much with him either, but the vitriol is embarassing and inappropriate.

...or did the wingnuts come out in stronger force than usual on this thread?

The rightwing goal is to shrink government to just the right size it can fit through your bedroom door!