In The News

Here is some stuff in the news today!

[Content Note: Harassment; racism; misogyny.] Here is Mikki Kendall (@Karnythia) talking about the hashtag she started, #SolidarityIsForWhiteWomen, and how it has illuminated that "feminism as a global movement...has failed at one of the most basic [global responsibilities]: it has not been welcoming to all women, or even their communities."

Good News: "The California Supreme Court refused Wednesday to revive Proposition 8, ending the last remaining legal challenge to same-sex marriage in the state."

[CN: Sexual assualt] In May, President Obama said that sexual offenders in the military ought to be "prosecuted, stripped of their positions, court-martialed, fired, dishonorably discharged," and now lawyers in dozens of military assault cases have filed motions that his "words as commander in chief amounted to 'unlawful command influence,' tainting trials and creating unfair circumstances for clients as a result," which has resulted in some judges dismissing charges against accused rapists because the President has made it impossible for them to have a fair trial. In an effort to combat this bullshit, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has "sent out a directive" that I trust reads: "The President was making a political statement. Stop using his expressed desire to hold rapists accountable to NOT HOLD RAPISTS ACCOUNTABLE, you fucking assholes."

[CN: Rape culture; misogyny] Russell Simmons' YouTube channel released a completely horrendo video that suggests (for fun! because it's so ha ha hilarious!) Harriet Tubman sexually blackmailed her master "into letting her run the Underground Railroad." There has been great discussion about this on Twitter this morning. Go see, for a start: @NanticokeNDN, @mychalsmith, @NewBlackWoman, @carolynedgar, @Blackamazon, and @OHTheMaryD.

[CN: Death; political oppression] Egypt's Health Ministry reports that more than 500 people have been killed and nearly 4,000 injured in crackdowns on supporters of deposed president Mohamed Morsi.

The GOP is scared that if Hillary Clinton runs for president and is immediately anointed her party's nominee (why does everyone think this will happen? that was supposed to happen last time, and HI PRESIDENT OBAMA!), it will be terrible for them, because they have so many people who want to run in their party. Yes, a long primary can be bad for an eventual nominee (Mitt Romney), but it can also be good for an eventual nominee (Barack Obama). I think the Republicans' bigger problem is that they have a lot of people who want to run and ALL OF THEM ARE TERRIBLE.

Do you want Bryan Cranston to play Lex Luthor? Do you not care who plays Lex Luthor? I BARELY CARE who plays Lex Luthor, but if Bryan Cranston were playing Lex Luthor, I would care a nearly imperceptible smidgeon more!