Why Oklahoma Lawmakers Want to Ban AP US History -- NYMag →

This is just downright scary.

Representative Dan Fisher, who introduced the bill, lamented during Monday's hearing that the new AP U.S. History framework emphasizes "what is bad about America" and doesn't teach "American exceptionalism." 

I'm proud of my country and believe we've done more good than harm over our short history, but that doesn't mean we're always above reproach. It certainly doesn't mean we can't have our kids casting a critical eye on our past, not to mention present and future.

Krieger complained that the [AP] framework portrays the Founding Fathers as "bigots" and suggests that Manifest Destiny was "built on a belief in white racial superiority and a sense of American cultural superiority," rather than "the belief that America had a mission to spread democracy and new technology across the continent," as he put it.

Nope, Mr. Kreiger, the AP framework is closer to being right.

Let's allow our kids to learn from the past (even the bad stuff) so they don't repeat our mistakes.

Why do these targets still exist if we know where they are?

A few days ago, Egypt launched air strikes against ISIS targets in Libya, striking weapons caches and training camps. The strikes were in retaliation for the execution style murders of Egyptian Coptic Christians.

A few weeks ago, in revenge for the murder of a Jordanian pilot, Jordan conducted an air campaign against "ISIS's weapon depots, training centres, warehouses and military barracks."

The United States has been conducting an air campaign against ISIS since last Fall.

Why are there any worthwhile ISIS targets left?

I think it's time ISIS ceased to exist as a viable military force. Yes, I know defeating them and retaking the ground they have conquered will take more, preferably International, military and diplomatic efforts. We will ultimately need to deal with the situation that encouraged dangerous religious fanaticism to grow. BUT, there is no reason we can't wipe their traditional military capability off the map.

NYPD Officers Turn Their Backs On Bill De Blasio; Police Unions Say Mayor Has 'Blood' On His Hands

I don't know how widespread the opinion among New York police officers, but saying that Mayor De Blasio has blood on his hands for the tragic murder of two NYPD officers is neither helpful to anyone, nor correct.

It's certain that any time any group is under pressure, they tend to "circle the wagons" and lash out. The NYPD is mourning and also offended by Mayor De Blasio's previous statements of lukewarm support and his plans to increase training for the NYPD in wake of the death of Eric Garner.

What's wrong with more training? I don't how anyone can objectively and rationally watch the videotaped take down of Eric Garner and his accidental death due to the choke hold applied by a police officer AND NOT believe that the situation could have been handled better. More patience and wisdom -- such as might come from better training -- would probably mean that Eric Garner would be alive and in police custody today with neither the suspect nor law enforcement suffering injury.

Support for the brave men and women in law enforcement does not mean blindly unquestioning their policies, techniques, and training level. Better policing IS safer policing.

“It’s unfortunate that in a time of great tragedy, some would resort to irresponsible, overheated rhetoric that angers and divides people. Mayor de Blasio understands this is the time when we must come together to support the families and friends of those brave officers New York City lost tonight — and the entire NYPD community.”

— NY Mayor De Blasio's office

The Nation's hearts go out to the families of the fallen officers and the entire NYPD who feel like they are under attack but inflammatory rhetoric and blind, misplaced, unquestioning support have no place in the discussion whether you are supporting the police or minorities.

News from major US cities

Protests, police brutality, looting, rioting, and in Portland they're putting hand-knit sweaters on public statues. Let's keep Portland weird.

Immigrants

There was a group of immigrants who moved in. They had no useful skills and hoped to just get rich quick. They were fairly lazy and sponged off their neighbors. Fortunately the locals did help out and so that first year, they started Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving to newcomers and natives alike.