Is it “the economy, stupid” or is it just that the economy makes people stupid? Either way Matt Yglesias, ThinkProgress.org blogger extraordinaire , believes the economy is what’s driving conservative furor over the “Ground Zero Mosque.” On MSNBC’s August 9 broadcast of “Countdown,” Yglesias did his best to psychoanalyze people that are upset a mosque is being built in the shadow of Ground Zero, where over 2,600 people died in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. According to Yglesias, whose blog, ThinkProgress.org, is a function the George Soros-funded Center for American Progress, opposition to the plan had nothing to do with sensitivities but instead economics. The anti-mosque sentiment, he believed, couldn’t exist without masterminds like former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich whipping conservatives against the mosque into a frenzy. “Well, it seems to me that there is or at least there – it’s much more visible than it used to be because we’re seeing it stoked by sort of the leads in the conservative movement, by Sarah Palin, by Newt Gingrich, by others, in a way that we never had before 9/11,” Yglesias said. “And I think what’s happening is that when the economy goes down, people become anxious, you see, historically, a lot of increase in xenophobia, in fear and in sort of intolerance . And we’ve got the conservative movement leaders, very opportunistically trying to take advantage of that, try to play on people’s anxieties, and build this kind of anti-Muslim hysteria in a way that President Bush never did in 2001 and 2002.” Yglesias, who also saw nothing wrong with his participation in Ezra Klein’s JournoList, a listserv that left several members of the liberal media intelligentsia embarrassed for their downright angry, conspiratorial and mean-spirited comments from it that have come to light, then went for a historical analogy. He compared the current anti-illegal immigration sentiment to President Herbert Hoover, Depression-era United States deportation of as many as 500,000 Mexicans, regardless of legality . “I think it’s really part of an interconnected series of rising xenophobic and anti-foreign sentiment,” Yglesias said. “In particularly with immigration, every time there’s a major economic downturn, you see new anti-immigrant measures. In 1929, President Hoover launched what he called the Mexican Repatriation Initiative where they sort of swept around the American southwest pretty indiscriminately, finding people of Mexico origin and kicking them back. And this is what happens when the economy goes down – people get more worried about people who are different from them. And politicians who are unscrupulous, you know, really to play on that instead of trying to address the underlying problems in the country.” It’s not known if Yglesias is aware of the problems in Arizona because of the wave of illegal immigrants coming across the Mexican border , but in his view this is nothing more than people wanting jobs and not other issues that come with unfettered movement across international borders. “Well, the idea is that when jobs are scarce, you know, maybe if you round some people up and kick them out, and their jobs will come to other people,” Yglesias said. “Of course, the economy doesn’t really work that way. If 10 percent of the population vanished tomorrow, it would be economic chaos, not extra jobs. But, you know, that’s the kind of zero sum thinking that people get into when they become nervous about things they’re seeing in their life and in their community. And we had in the 1880s as well. That’s when we shut the door to immigrants from China and Japan.”
Read more from the original source:
Ground Zero Mosque Backlash a Symptom of Economy Says Think Progress Blogger
Posted in Hollywood, Hot Stuff, News
Tagged Cbs, celeb news, economy, good morning america, House, levi johnston, life, psych, Sarah Palin
Teasing an upcoming story in the 7:30AM ET half hour on Tuesday’s CBS Early Show, co-host Harry Smith cheerfully promoted Levi Johnston’s pitch for a reality show in Alaska: “He’s going to star in a new reality show and it’s all about him running for mayor of Wasilla. That’s right, he’s gunning for his would-have-been mother-in-law’s old job.” Later, Smith further teased: “Johnston’s quest to follow in Sarah Palin’s foot steps and hold political office.” Introducing the report, fill-in co-host Erica Hill remarked how Johnston would “be chasing Sarah Palin’s legacy.” Correspondent Priya David-Clemens discussed the show as if it was about to go on the air: “He’s inked a reality show deal that will be all Levi and no Bristol. The new show, called ‘Loving Levi: The Road to the Mayor’s Office,’ will follow the young father as he campaigns for the top job in his hometown of Wasilla, Alaska.” In fact, as the New York Times reported , the show is simply an idea being pitched by Johnston and producers but has not been picked up any network yet. David-Clemens touted a description of the proposed show: “In a statement to ‘Us Weekly,’ the show’s executive producer said, quote, ‘he’ll give us a real inside look into who he is as a father, a skilled hunter, an avid dirt biker, and, of course, his journey down the road of small town politics, right after he gets his high school diploma.'” Following the story, Hill noted: “And he [Johnston] was asked at one point what his ideas for Wasilla are. The answer, ‘you’ll have to wait for the show.'” Smith remarked: “I wonder where his – where his politics are? Left, center, Right?” Hill responded: ” I am absolutely intrigued.” In contrast to the Early Show, ABC’s Good Morning America only offered a 15-second news brief to the topic in the 8:00AM ET hour, instead of a three-minute segment. GMA news reader JuJu Chang reported: “And finally, looking to extend his moment in the spotlight, Palin family nemesis Levi Johnston is jumping into politics. Johnston’s manager says he’s planning to run for city council or mayor in his hometown of Wasilla. All that for a new reality show.” NBC’s Today skipped the story. Here is a full transcript of the August 10 Early Show segment: 7:30AM TEASE HARRY SMITH: And on a much lighter note, Levi Johnston isn’t letting his second breakup with – in case anybody’s keeping score – with Bristol Palin slow him down. He’s going to star in a new reality show and it’s all about him running for mayor of Wasilla. That’s right, he’s gunning for his would-have-been mother-in-law’s old job. Did I get that right? ERICA HILL: Which came first, the show or the campaign? SMITH: Oh, I wonder? 7:41AM TEASE SMITH: Coming up next, Levi Johnston’s quest to follow in Sarah Palin’s foot steps and hold political office. 7:45AM SEGMENT ERICA HILL: Just one week after Bristol Palin dumped Levi Johnston because, as she said, he was obsessed with the limelight, it turns out, well, he’s got his own reality show. Only this one has a Wasilla twist. He’ll be chasing Sarah Palin’s legacy. Correspondent Priya David-Clemens has more. [ON-SCREEN HEADLINE: “Loving Levi;” Johnston Runs for Mayor, Gets Reality Show] PRIYA DAVID-CLEMENS: When Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston announced their engagement- BRISTOL PALIN: He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. DAVID-CLEMENS: -rumors of a reality show quickly followed suit. BONNIE FULLER [EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, HOLLWOODLIFE.COM]: Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston are a perfect example of new reality stars. They already have a little fame as a result of being related to Sarah Palin. DAVID-CLEMENS: The two recently went their separate ways. Bristol says Levi’s hunger for the spotlight was partly to blame. Now he’s inked a reality show deal that will be all Levi and no Bristol. The new show, called ‘Loving Levi: The Road to the Mayor’s Office,’ will follow the young father as he campaigns for the top job in his hometown of Wasilla, Alaska. In a statement to ‘Us Weekly,’ the show’s executive producer said, quote, ‘he’ll give us a real inside look into who he is as a father, a skilled hunter, an avid dirt biker, and, of course, his journey down the road of small town politics, right after he gets his high school diploma.’ He’s part of the latest reality in reality TV. People trying to cash in and create industries based solely on their stints on these shows. The most successful example, Kim Kardashian. She’s built a brand that earns more than $5 million a year. UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN: Like what is the point of this? KIM KARDASHIAN: What do you mean what is the point of this? You want to know what your boyfriend’s up to. DAVID-CLEMENS: But if Levi hopes to replicate Kardashian, he’ll have to make small town politics into big time TV. FULLER: The new reality stars are like ‘come on in, come take my picture, come in my house. See what I look like without my clothes on.’ DAVID-CLEMENS: Given his track record of photo shoots, that’s something Levi may not have a problem with. Priya David-Clemens, CBS News, Los Angeles. HILL: There’s a lot going on in this story. Two of my favorite tidbits. HARRY SMITH: Yes? HILL: They approached him with the idea. So at first he said ‘I don’t really know about this’ and then he thought ‘maybe I’ve got something here.’ SMITH: Okay, right. HILL: And he was asked at one point what his ideas for Wasilla are. The answer, ‘you’ll have to wait for the show.’ SMITH: I wonder where his – where his politics are? HILL: I am absolutely intrigued. SMITH: Left, center, Right? HILL: Well, he calls himself half Hollywood, half redneck, so I don’t know what of marriage that gets you. SMITH: And avid dirt biking. HILL: Avid, not just a dirt biker. SMITH: That’s right, that was what jumped out at me. Because if you’re putting in a political resume, if it just said dirt biking, I mean, why would you vote for a guy like that? HILL: But if it’s avid- SMITH: I think that’s- JEFF GLOR: When you’re avid about it- HILL: I think there is more to Levi Johnston than meets the eye. We’ve seen just about all we can. [LAUGHTER] SMITH: No mas.
More here:
CBS ‘Early Show’ Promotes Levi Johnston Pitch for Reality Show
Posted in Hollywood, Hot Stuff, News
Tagged Associated Press, Cbs, early-show, good morning america, harry smith, Hollywood, House, hung, ideas, levi johnston, Sarah Palin, TMZ, today, writer
If you thought Brody Jenner’s mohawk was crazy, wait until you see the dude’s latest hair-raising maneuver and tribute to punk-pop princess girlfriend Avril Lavigne. The Hills star and his woman, who have been dating since early 2010, hit the streets of L.A. with the hunk sporting an “A” shaved on the side of his dome. If he did that for every celebrity he’s dated, he could pretty much write out the whole alphabet. Or at least L, C, K, N and J, and probably more we missed. Anyway, we can support the move on at least one level – while his Avril Lavigne tattoo is there to stay, at least he can just grow his hair back if needed … Brody Jenner is smitten and covered with declarations of love for Avril Lavigne. Is it cool to see a guy express himself like that, or is he just lame? [Photos: Fame Pictures] Brody Jenner’s latest declaration of love is …
See the rest here:
Brody Jenner Shaves Love For Avril Lavigne
Posted in Celebrities, Gossip
Tagged avril-lavigne, back-if-needed, bennyhollywood, brody-jenner, Gossip, Hollywood, hollywood update, hollywood-news, levi johnston, office, shaved-head, stars, the hills
Before his second broken engagement with Bristol Palin in as many years, there were whispers that Levi Johnston was planning a new reality show with her. Those rumors were half true. Bristol will be nowhere insight, but the former Playgirl cover model will soon be starring in a new show entitled Loving Levi: The Road to the Mayor’s Office . The premise: Levi Johnston is running for mayor of Wasilla, Alaska – the post famously held by Bristol’s mother, Sarah Palin, before she became Governor! No word if Brittani Senser will help him campaign, but it looks like his for office is actually happening. Executive producer Canaan Rubin says in a statement: “The docu-soap will follow the ever controversial, headline making, matinee idol, handsome father of one as he embarks on a run for mayor of Wasilla, Alaska.” “It will chronicle a ‘no-holds-barred’ period in Levi’s tumultuous life; co-raising his son Tripp, looking for love, and taking care of business for fellow Wasillians.” “He will give us a real inside look into who he is as a father, a skilled hunter, an avid dirt biker, and of course his journey down the road of small town politics.” ” Levi Johnston thinks he can take the office by representing the real citizens of Wasilla.” The statement ends: “If elected, Levi promises to serve his full term.” That’s a shot at Sarah Palin, who resigned Alaska Governor last summer to become a professional celebrity. Tank Jones will serve as Levi’s campaign manager. Shooting is underway: “They shot pre-production on the pilot today on Rodeo Drive [in Beverly Hills].” Ooh, the real Wasillans aren’t gonna like that one bit . Would you elect Levi Johnston mayor?
See more here:
Levi Johnston to Run For Mayor of Wasilla, Alaska; Reality Show to Document Campaign
Filed under: Bristol Palin , Levi Johnston , Break-ups Just days after announcing their engagement to the world — Bristol Palin claims she has officially broken things off with Levi Johnston after Levi told her that he may have knocked up another woman. Bristol told People.com that Levi — father of their… Read more
Here is the original post:
Bristol Palin Pulls Out of Engagement to Levi
Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hot Stuff
Tagged announcing-their, break-ups, bristol-palin, celeb news, engagement, johnston, levi johnston, the-world, world
Filed under: Levi Johnston , Bristol Palin , Sarah Palin , Break-ups TMZ has learned Bristol Palin has already moved back in with her parents in the wake of her split with her baby daddy Levi Johnston … but we’re told Levi thinks the whole thing is a giant “misunderstanding.” According to Levi’s manager, Tank Jones ,… Read more
See the original post:
Bristol Palin Moves Back in with Mom
Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hot Stuff
Tagged Bristol, bristol-palin, celeb news, johnston, jones, levi johnston, Sarah Palin, split, stars, t m z, the-wake, TMZ, wake
“It’s over. I broke up with him.” – Bristol Palin on Levi Johnston After shocking most observers, her own family included, by getting back together with the father of her 19-month-old son, the daughter of former GOP V.P. candidate Sarah Palin confirms that she’s broken it off with the dude again. They are now 0-for-2 at the whole engagement thing. Bristol Palin says that the relationship soured on July 14, the very same day they announced their marriage intentions to the world via Us Weekly . As luck would have it, that was the day she learned: That he might have fathered a baby with Lanesia Garcia (he didn’t) That Levi may also have been putting it to Briana Plum (unclear) BRIEFLY HAPPY TIMES : Failed engagements of 2010 and 2008, respectively . In any case, Palin tearfully told People about feeling heartbroken, humiliated and trapped while Levi acted cool . “There was no remorse,” she says. “The final straw was him flying to Hollywood for what he told me was to see some hunting show but come to find out it was that music video mocking my family,” she says. “He’s just obsessed with the limelight and I got played.” That will do it every time. Bristol Palin has already moved back into her parents’ home in Alaska. For her part, Sarah Palin said in a statement: “I wish for Bristol to be able to move forward in life with her same forgiving, gracious, optimistic spirit, but from henceforth she’ll know to trust but verify. Bristol is strong, she is independent, and she knows what is right for her son.” Bristol says she’s not giving up hope of two-parent home for Tripp … but this is most likely the last chance she’ll give that jackass Levi. “I have faith that I’ll find it. I know I need a man who’s going to be completely honest with me, someone who loves me and Tripp and wants to be with him all the time. I also want someone who has religious beliefs and a good family.” Ouch, that’s gotta hurt if you’re the son of a drug dealer. Levi may still be in denial over the whole thing, according to reports. TMZ claims Levi thinks the whole thing is nothing but a big “misunderstanding.” According to Levi’s manager, Tank Jones, Bristol doesn’t have her story straight and Levi believes that the two simply broke up over “misinformation.” Jones says Levi is definitely not the father of an illegitimate baby (well, a second one) and that he did not shoot a music video “mocking” the Palins. As for their 19-month-old son Tripp, Tank says that Levi Johnston will continue to co-parent with Bristol and “take care” of his financial obligations. Tank also notes that Levi is “not happy” about the split
Posted in Celebrities, Gossip
Tagged breaking-dawn, celebrity break-ups, Family, family-included, father, financial, Hollywood, hollywood update, lanesia-garcia, levi johnston, louisiana, palin, Sarah Palin, tripp
Filed under: Bristol Palin , Levi Johnston , Sarah Palin , Politix Sarah Palin ain’t blowing off her daughter’s wedding to former Playgirl model Levi Johnston — according to the family’s lawyer, rumors that Sarah is “boycotting” the ceremony are 100% bogus. A Palin family lawyer tells TMZ, “The story asserting that… Read more
Read the rest here:
Sarah Palin — I’m Not ‘Boycotting’ Bristol’s Wedding!
Posted in Celebrities, Gossip, Hot Stuff
Tagged bennyhollywood, celeb news, Family, family-lawyer, johnston, levi johnston, News, playgirl, sarah, Sarah Palin, story-asserting, the-family, TMZ
Last month, Miley Cyrus made one of the most confusing, ridiculous comments on record, saying there’s a double standard at work between the negative reaction she receives on stage and the praise heaped upon Zac Efron in movies. However, Miley also showed love for the former High School Musical star, telling Billy Bush: “Zac has a special place in my heart. If it wasn’t creepy and he wasn’t my friend, I would have posters of him on my wall.” After being shown this interview, Efron had the following to say to Access Hollywood about Cyrus: “I’ve known her since she was a little girl. It’s amazing what she’s done. She’s blossomed into this beautiful lady and taking the world by storm. I’m so proud of her.” In other words: Zac is the anti-THG when it comes to Miley Cyrus. As he tours the country in promotion of Charlie St. Cloud , meanwhile, Efron stopped by the Mall of America in Minnesota yesterday. Over 7,000 fans came out to meet and greet this handsome actor. Check out a trio of photos from the event below:
Excerpt from:
Zac Efron is "So Proud" of Miley Cyrus
Posted in Celebrities, Gossip
Tagged celeb news, double-standard, efron, Hollywood, johnston, levi johnston, media, miley cyrus, Music, Sarah Palin, stars, wedding, words
Breaking Sports Video
Pac-12 NCAA Sports
Justin Bieber Fan Site Breaking News
