Frank Antenori’s war on the poor – the sequel
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: Last session, SB1380, a bill to require random drug testing for recipients of food stamps and welfare programs was sponsored by Sen. "Don't make me angry" Frank Antenori, R-Tucson. It passed the Senate with unanimous Republican support but died in the House. Advertisement Antenori is promising to scare the villagers again in January … Read more
The GOP war on organized labor leads to political realignment
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: Despite what you have been lead to believe by a lazy media, not all labor unions are Democratic leaning. In particular, police and fire association unions have tended to support Republicans over the years. But with the GOP war on organized labor in state legislatures across the country this year, there has … Read more
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Policy Ends Tuesday
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: Earlier this year, President Obama certified the end to the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy in the United States Armed Forces. Repeal of DADT certified – ends September 20, 2011. Tuesday marks the final end of this policy. Subtle changes mark end to military gay ban: Nightlong celebrations will mark the final … Read more
More on Arizona’s new education “empowerment savings accounts”
by David Safier I've written before about Arizona's new and dangerous "empowerment savings accounts," which put money for children's education into individual "savings accounts" — a ploy Republican legislators hope will get around the problem vouchers have had in the courts. By my lights, it is the most dangerous incarnation I have seen of the … Read more
In Memoriam: Eleanor Mondale and Kara Kennedy
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: Sad news to report today with the passing of Walter "Fritz" Mondale's daughter Eleanore Mondale, and Edward "Ted" Kennedy's daughter Kara Kennedy. Eleanor Mondale, Daughter of Former Vice President, Dies at 51 – NYTimes.com: Eleanor Mondale, the daughter of former Vice President Walter F. Mondale who carved out a reputation as an … Read more
Imagine Charter Schools failing in Missouri, Georgia
by David Safier Imagine Schools is the largest charter school organization in the country: over 70 schools, including 18 in Arizona. It's based on the corporate expansion model — grow or die. Quantity is more important than quality, so it's OK to take much-needed funds from one charter school to help open another. Imagine's growth … Read more
The new Political Roundtable
by David Safier Arizona Public Media’s Political Roundtable is back with Jim Nintzel as host. The debut show features Republican strategist Jonathan Paton, Democratic strategist Rodd McLeod and reporter Andrea Kelly.
