A gay Zionist friend in Florida, who spends a lot of time doing drugs and listening to Hate Talk Radio, sent me this note earlier: "I went to read your story about the Orlando shooting, are you going to post one? Do you see these Muslims should not be protected by the left?
The headlines were that the Democrats didn't win back the Virginia state Senate. They needed a net of 1 vote to give Gov. Terry McAuliffe a working majority. In the House, though, the GOP's gigantic advantage was narrowed down-- to the point where they have lost their veto-proof majority-- with Democrats picking up 2 Northern Virginia seats where Republicans Tom Rust and David Ramadan retired
Jefferson Beauregard Sessions will never be on a U.S. postage stamp and never be on the same page as Barbara JordanIn 1999 People for the American Way honored me with a Spirit of Liberty Award. Being a longtime admirer of the organization's work-- not to mention of the founders, Norman Lear and Barbara Jordan-- I was thrilled. Lou Reed and KRS-One did the honors.
Wednesday night at the Museum of the Moving Image, Norman will also be signing copies of his book. I know from Howie how hard he worked on it, and how much it mattered to him. I wouldn't be surprised if I pick up a copy at the museum bookshop.by KenFor a lot of us, Norman Lear is twice a hero. First, and most conspicuously, he changed the face of television.
We've been talking about the race in MA-05 to replace Ed Markey for some time now. It's just a month away and there are 7 Democrats running. Six of them are garden variety Dems and one, state Rep. Carl Sciortino, is a proven, dedicated progressive leader, which is why we endorsed him-- and why progressive organizations from People for the American Way, Progressive Mass and Mass Equality to the Human Rights Campaign and Grey2kUSA have also endorsed him. This week-- starting today-- we're launching a fundraising drive to help Carl pay to run his amazing TV ad (up top).
Republican House Whip Kevin McCarthy used to be in a safe Central Valley red seat. CA-23 shares Bakersfield with Republican David Valadao, Lancaster with Republican Buck McKeon and Visalia with Republican Devin Nunes. Valadao and McKeon are likely to be serving their last terms as Members of Congress now and the demographic changes in their districts have already started changing McCarthy's as well.
If you're not a reader of the Hollywood Reporter you probably missed Thursday's brilliant OpEd by actress and activist Kathleen Turner: I've Had Enough. I serve with Kathleen on the board of People For the American Way and have found her to be an inspiration for many years. Her passion for equality is infectious and uplifting.
There are a number of garden variety Democrats-- and worse-- running for Ed Markey's old House seat (MA-05), but there is only one strong progressive in the race: state Rep. Carl Sciortino, who was endorsed by Blue America last February.
