In the News

Here is some stuff in the news today...

[Content Note: Racism] I don't even know, y'all: "Missouri Highway Patrol Captain Ron Johnson, the highway patrol captain placed in charge of security in Ferguson Missouri, was photographed making hand signs that some quickly thought were gang signs. The thing is, they were actually hand signs for the black fraternity Johnson has been part of, Kappa Alpha Psi." I mean, this is the level of absurd racism we're dealing with: The black patrol captain is a secret gang member. For fuck's sake.

[CN: Fracking] Welp: "Oklahoma's Geology Survey recorded an unprecedented 20 small earthquakes across the state on Tuesday, highlighting the dramatic increase of seismic activity that has occurred there as the controversial process of hydraulic fracturing—otherwise known as fracking—has spread across the state." Just a coincidence. Nothing to see here. Move along.

[CN: Transphobia; misgendering] Michelle Duggar, the matriarch of the Duggar Clan, made famous by TLC on their reality series "19 Kids and Counting," has voiced a robocall opposing an LGBT anti-discrimination bill in Fayetteville, Arkansas, which regurgitates just the most heinous lies about trans* women being male predators: "Hello, this is Michelle Duggar. I'm calling to inform you of some shocking news that would affect the safety of Northwest Arkansas women and children. The Fayetteville City Council is voting on an ordinance this Tuesday night that would allow men—yes, I said men—to use women's and girls' restrooms, locker rooms, showers, sleeping areas and other areas that are designated for females only. I don't believe the citizens of Fayetteville would want males with past child predator convictions that claim they are female to have a legal right to enter private areas that are reserved for women and girls. I doubt that Fayetteville parents would stand for a law that would endanger their daughters or allow them to be traumatized by a man joining them in their private space. We should never place the preference of an adult over the safety and innocence of a child. Parents, who do you want undressing next to your daughter at the public swimming pool's private changing area?" This is fucking reprehensible.

[CN: Homophobia] Republican Indiana Governor Mike Pence has been scolded by a judge for "bold misrepresentation" after the leaked memos on same-sex marriage "clearly contradict his prior representations to the court" about his belief that he doesn't have or claim the "authority to enforce" marriage law. Whooooooops! You're busted, jerko.

[CN: White privilege; drunk driving] Frederick Couch, father of Ethan Couch—the 16-year-old wealthy white Texas teenager who received probation after killing four people while drunk driving, because he suffers from "affluenza"—has been arrested for impersonating a police officer. What a neat family.

Republican Texas Governor Rick Perry had his mugshot taken yesterday, and it's obviously terrific. Although I did my best to improve upon it.

And finally! Mr. Pepper is really happy to be on the bed! (Video shows a tiny dachshund running around in gleeful circles on the bed.) It's a day! On the bed!

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