Clipmarks | wiccantexan's clips

McCain, Obama Ready to Rumble

Sun, 11 May 2008 22:15:56 GMT

clipped by: wiccantexan
clipper's remarks: Note Obama's words, "substantive issues."

The McCain campaign is eager to engage in a series of unconventional joint forums with Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., as soon as June if Obama emerges as the Democratic presidential nominee.

Charles Black, an advisor to Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., suggested a number of town hall-style debates with the candidates sharing the stage and fielding questions from voters in the audience. The events would not necessarily involve a moderator or taking questions from reporters as has usually been the format for the dozens of Democratic and Republican debates over the last year.

The New York Times reported Sunday that the idea was "floated" by the McCain campaign. Black said he was not sure how it came up or who brought it but. Obama said Saturday it was a "great idea."

if I have the opportunity to debate substantive issues before the voters with John McCain, that’s something I’m going to welcome."

Tags: politics, obama, mccain, debate

Clinton: 'It's Not Over Until the Lady in the Pantsuit Says It Is'

Sun, 11 May 2008 22:13:00 GMT

clipped by: wiccantexan

Clip Source: blogs.abcnews.com

Sen. Hillary Clinton spoke in Grafton, W.Va., on Mother’s Day with her daughter by her side. Clinton read a few messages from supporters who urged her to continue her bid for the presidency.

"'Keep strong,' she said. 'It's not over until the lady in the pantsuit says it is,'" Clinton said, reading what she said was her favorite message.

Another one she read said: "Keep fighting. No matter what the outcome may be, the fact that you stood throughout the constant ups and downs of this race -– one things is sure –- you never wavered and you never gave up."

Clinton thanked women who came before her and spoke about being a young trial lawyer. She later appealed to the audience, saying, "I am asking for your support so I can continue to fight for you."

Tags: politics, clinton, campaign, futile, women

Gay movement looks for welcoming church

Sun, 11 May 2008 16:00:32 GMT

clipped by: wiccantexan

Clip Source: www.mysanantonio.com

San Antonio mom Della Nagle thought it would be a simple task: Go to some of the nation's largest churches, visit with members and prove to them that she and her wife — yes, wife — can be part of a Christian family, too.

But with the first church visit scheduled today in Houston, Nagle and her lesbian partner, Ruth Pinkham, whom she married in Canada, are facing a rude awakening.

The movement was to continue until Father's Day, with gay families and their clergy supporters visiting megachurches throughout the country from California to Maryland to promote “meaningful dialogue” about homosexuality and Christianity.

the group was essentially asking churches: Can you show hospitality to strangers with whom you disagree?

But just getting a chance to talk has proven difficult.

“Pray these churches will be girded up, each member protected from unclean spirits and false doctrine,” states a council-written prayer.

Tags: gay, lesbian, marriage, church, christian

Court backs artist over naked goddess

Sun, 11 May 2008 06:03:04 GMT

clipped by: wiccantexan

Clip Source: entertainment.timesonline.co.uk

Criminal charges levelled against India's leading living artist for an allegedly obscene depiction of a Hindu goddess have been quashed in a ruling that says religious extremism risks pushing the country into a "pre-Renaissance era".

Maqbool Fida Husain, 92, a Muslim who has been dubbed "the Picasso of India", was served with seven private criminal complaints by Hindu groups for the painting Bharat Mata (Mother India), a work representing the nation as a nude woman. The Delhi High Court judged that the picture, for which Mr Husain has apologised, carried no religious content and could not be construed as offensive.

Akhil Sibal, Mr Husain's lawyer, told The Times that the ruling was an important step, "ensuring artistic freedoms are not made victims at the hands of extremists".

Tags: goddess, art, artist, hindu, muslim, religion, legal

In the name of goddess!

Sun, 11 May 2008 06:01:08 GMT

clipped by: wiccantexan

Clip Source: www.deccanherald.com

There are interesting customs and traditions in Nepal among which is the practice of choosing a living goddess. Vimala Murthy goes further on these practices and wonders if these customs would stay since monarchy is shown the door by the people.

The tradition of the ‘The Living Goddess,’ the practice of venerating a young virgin girl, Kumari, as the incarnation of goddess Taleju Bhavani, adds an air of mystery to the image of Nepal. And as one tourist guide put it, it is the unique selling point of Nepal as a tourist destination. For centuries, the Nepalese royalty have been using these living goddesses to lend legitimacy to their rule.

With the advent of the historic elections in Nepal putting the Maoists in command, it is curtains down for monarchy in Nepal. The question being asked is, is it curtains down for this centuries old tradition too? The Nepalese, both Buddhists and Hindus, are deeply religious people and it may not be easy for them to give up age old customs and traditions.

Tags: india, goddess, culture, tradition, royal, hindu, buddhism, religion