"When thirty Republicans lined up against an amendment that would have required defense contractors to allow their employees access to U.S. courts in cases of rape or sexual assault, Jon Stewart ripped them to pieces.
"I understand we're a divided country, some disagreements on health care. How is ANYONE against this?" he wondered.
It's a question, it turns out, best addressed to the White House.
The vote against the amendment has sparked outrage at the all-male, all-white bloc of thirty Republican senators. HuffPost readers have been particularly infuriated by the GOP opposition and have regularly posted the names of the offending thirty in the comment section of even unrelated stories. A mock website - www.republicansforrape.org -- has sprung up."
They do say not all Republicans have a dysfunctional moral compass, but most batshit Coulter-crazy politicians tend to be white, male Republicans. How bad could you possibly look voting against this one... In true GOP style, North Carolina GOP Sen. Richard Burr took a simple vote that would provide rape victims greater access to legal action against their employers and those involved in sexual abuse, and painted it as a "cynical attempt by the trial lawyers to eliminate arbitration agreements, which limit their fees, behind the guise of protecting women."
Of course, Franken's amendment does not limit contracted companies' rights to use arbitration as so many of the 30 white, male Rebulicans make out. But rather provides employees the right to bring their case to an open court. It'd be lazy to simply believe the 30 men who voted against this amendment are morally corrupt as to condone rape. But the motivation behind their no-vote still remains elusive to me. But whatever their reasons, it had better be a damn good one because the price you pay is looking like a complete tool on TV.
And speaking of TV, it's most certainly well worth watching the Jon Stewart report on this story (Thursday episode. UK viewers only. Available only until tomorrow.)
"... there's a growing urban legend that he won't have a Christmas tree.
The White House Historical Association has been receiving calls and emails about an alleged Obama decree that the Christmas trees in the White House would now be known as "holiday trees." And artists submitting designs for ornaments on the Blue Room tree were not allowed to depict Christian themes.
"It's strange," said Maria Downs, the historical association's spokeswoman. "They're almost saying, 'Are you aware of this?'""
In other news, the White House Christmas planners are relieved to hear they had not accidently purchased Muslim trees. Damn those chain-emails! I'm still waiting for my
If you're really really bored that is.
ITEM #1
TRAMPOLINE CAUSES FREEWAY CRASH
"A FLYING trampoline has caused a crash between a car and a truck on a freeway in Melbourne's southeast.
Paramedics say the trampoline blew off the roof of a car transporting it along the Princes Freeway at Narre Warren shortly after 8pm (AEDT) yesterday.
The trampoline then flew into the windscreen of the car behind.
That car was then struck from behind by a semi-trailer.
Ambulance Victoria advanced life support paramedic Jamie Watkinson said a 29-year-old man suffered swelling, a cut on the forehead and pain in his eyes and chest from the collision.
He was taken to the Dandenong Hospital in a stable condition.
A 22-year-old woman from the same car suffered minor injuries and was also taken to Dandenong Hospital in a stable condition.
The truck driver was not injured. "ITEM #2
MAN KILLED IN DRUNK GAME OF CHESS!
"According to police, the two men were drinking and playing chess when they began fighting. Christian apparently killed Steward by putting Steward's neck between Christian's legs and squeezing until Steward died, according to police.
Christian also received a fine of $1,000, which was suspended, and was ordered to pay $150,000 to Steward's estate or heirs.
"I am sick of myself and I am sorry I have caused so much hurt of those who loved Mike," Christian said. "I will carry my shame ... for my remaining days.""I'm glad that Steward shows remorse for his actions. But did he ever think about the embarassment that Christian now has to carry into his after-life for having been killed in one of the slowest, most non-violent activities in the world? No, sir.
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