‘As when they are still alive, I don’t think we necessarily need to forgive the recently deceased their failings, but neither should we let that keep us from praising their accomplishments. In this case, the best we can do is to continue to fight narrow-minded thinking, and at the same time continue to show others the joys and wonders of the Universe around us. I strongly suspect the two are not completely unrelated.’ - Phil Plait
Bill Smee, Slate V executive producer: Obama
‘In 2008, I explained my vote with a haiku. This time, I’ve written a sonnet:’
Ode to the Shape Shifter
Shall I compare thee to the president?
Thou seem reasonable and moderate:
A Republican without precedent.
But campaigns doth bring out the desperate.
Those who say this, then that, really anything,
While revealing almost nothing about
What they’d do, why they deserve to be king.
Beyond a five-point plan and sowing doubt.
Face it: we are far better off today
Than when Obama came in amid huge fears
Saddled with cards no person could parlay
Into a winning hand in just four years.
You say we can’t afford four more of the same,
Yet offer nothing to back up that claim.
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2012/11/slate_votes_2012_why_we_chose_obama_over_romney_stein_and_johnson.single.html
http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2012/06/05/if_you_believe_sex_is_sinful_then_policies_that_increase_teen_pregnancy_and_std_rates_are_a_success_.html - Amanda Marcotte
‘At a certain point, you have to stop assuming it’s an accident when you see politicians who, when given the choice between improving sexual health outcomes and punishing girls for sex, always choose the latter.’
‘…..the only fair conclusion is poor sexual health outcomes is the point, because they believe that if kids won’t stop having sex, they should at least be doing the time for their “crimes.” If you start with the assumption that sex is sinful and it should have negative consequences for those who disobey your sky god’s orders, then really, the Texas anti-sex policies can be considered a smashing success. ‘
