Marc Comtois

Obama’s Supporters: Oh the Contortions You’ll See

By Marc Comtois | June 22, 2008 |

I mentioned that local progressives were taking Congressman Langevin to task for voting for FISA. I wondered what they’d do once they found out that Senator Obama agreed with Langevin. ANSWER: Give him a pass. Apparently “Obama had a legitimate political reason for supporting the ‘Democratic’ compromise on FISA….Congressman Jim Langevin did not” and “Obama…

2008 GA Tally Sheet

By Marc Comtois | June 22, 2008 |

The ProJo provides a helpful list of what passed and what didn’t in the General Assembly this session. PASSED $6.9 billion state budget 24-hour gambling weekends and holidays Automatic destruction of certain criminal records Repeal mandatory minimum drug sentences Early prison release Pre-voter registration by teens Renewable energy bonus to National Grid Close teen-drinking loophole…

State Employee Unions to Vote on Contract Compromise

By Marc Comtois | June 21, 2008 |

Governor Carcieri and his administration is remaining tight-lipped concerning a potential state worker contract proposal negotiated with several union leaders. Instead, we’re finding out the information from union leaders who don’t like the plan. According to the ProJo: The agreement was reportedly negotiated by Council 94 executive director Dennis Grilli, AFL-CIO secretary treasurer George Nee…

Langevin Takes the Progressive Heat over FISA, will Obama?

By Marc Comtois | June 20, 2008 |

Apparently Congressman Langevin has voted in favor of FISA. Local progressives are apoplectic, throwing around the DINO label (what kind of Democrat is pro-life!). It also seems that the fact that Congressman Langevin is Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee (Cybersecurity and Emerging Threats) is not so much indicative of his familiarity with the issue…

The Baby-Mama Witches of Gloucester

By Marc Comtois | June 20, 2008 |

Cross-posted at Spinning Clio. The first thing I thought of when I read the story about the 17 wanna-be baby mamas of Gloucester, Massachusetts were the teenage girls who lay at the center of the Salem Witch Trials. No doubt, this was probably because of the proximity of Gloucester to Salem Village (now Danvers, Mass.).…

House Debate on Article 38 (Education) Of the Budget

By Marc Comtois | June 18, 2008 |

The House debated Article 38, Sub A of the Budget this evening. Below is my liveblog of the debate, for the record. (I see Matt covered it too, including a list of who voted how–wonder how he got the list so fast?).

It’s Time to Legalize Same-Self Marriage

By Marc Comtois | June 18, 2008 |

After reading Justin’s post, it hit me: why couldn’t I marry myself? So, I am here to ask that you join me in advocating for Same-Self marriage (SsM). It’s too late for me, but I’m going to fight for those of you who love yourselves more than anyone else and want to spend the rest…

Mayoral Academies Jump Another Hurdle

By Marc Comtois | June 17, 2008 |

Cumberland Mayor Dan McKee’s plan to start up a mayoral academy in Blackstone Valley received the endorsement of the House Finance Committee last week. After initial opposition, the Rhode Island League of Charter Schools has come on board, the ProJo reports. And support for the plan is growing amongst Democratic politicians: “It’s time to think…

Tim Russert

By Marc Comtois | June 13, 2008 |

Via Dan Yorke, the New York Post (and MSNBC confirms) that “Meet the Press” host Tim Russert died of a heart attack today. MORE: Needless to say, this is simply a shock, especially to those of us tuned into the world of politics and punditry. No one can dispute that Russert was one of, if…

Charter School Offers Freedom for Students and Teachers

By Marc Comtois | June 9, 2008 |

The ProJo had an excellent piece over the weekend on the Learning Community charter school in Central Falls. It showed the sort of problems faced by today’s educators in an urban community and also highlighted the sort of innovative thinking it takes to get results. And that’s all that most parents want: results. If the…