Making Guns Uncool, Anti-Muslim Protests Planned In 20 Cities, and Why Incompetent Men Become Leaders

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October 8, 2015

Top Stories


Why McCarthy’s Terrible Start Is Making A Governing Crisis More Likely

The Gist: The succession drama comes just as Congress is facing some make-or-break moments on the budget.

Armed Anti-Muslim Activists Plan Mosque Protests In 20 Cities This Week

The Gist: This weekend, anti-Islam activists will hold a “Global Rally for Humanity” outside mosques and Islamic centers across the nation.

The Dark History Of The Right’s Graphic, Misleading Abortion Images

The Gist:  Carly Fiorina is part of a long tradition of anti-abortion advocates who lie about what abortion is and what it looks like to advance their agenda.

From The Reporter’s Notebook


Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson defended his comments about the Oregon community college shooting Wednesday and said that he wouldn’t become a “vanilla” envelope to avoid making so-called gaffes. As TPM’s Sara Jerde pointed out, when asked for a recommendation to avoid mass shootings, Carson suggested arming retired police officers and “certain” teachers.

Agree or Disagree?


Michael Maiello suggests that America “make gun ownership uncool” like we did with smoking. “Sometimes, when legislative action is difficult or downright impossible, a cultural approach works to curtail dangerous behaviors.

Say What?!


“Ben and Candy Carson are terrific. What about a real black President who can properly address the racial divide?”

-News Corp boss Rupert Murdoch suggested Barack Obama doesn’t qualify as a “real black president.”

BUZZING: Today in the Hive


From a TPM Prime member: “We now bend over backwards to assure hunters we won’t outlaw their guns, as if hunting is some kind of unquestionably acceptable, even commendable behavior that needs to be protected above all else. When President Obama spoke after the Oregon massacre he also, even in his anger, went out of his way several times to reassure hunters. Does the constitution guarantee a right to kill animals with guns, just for fun? Why are we afraid to say that this is immoral, abhorrent behavior?”

Related: Josh Marshall says there is no political logic for liberals to accepting piecemeal gun reform

Have something to add? Become a Prime member and join the discussion here.

What We’re Reading


Chelsea Manning writes about what it’s like to transition in a military prison (Medium).

The Director of the FBI thinks the lack of data on police shootings is “embarrassing” (Washington Post).

Why do so many incompetent men become leaders? (Harvard Business Review)


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