I Comment on Today's Headlines, Third in an Occasional Series

Kamala Harris at the convention last night.

Last month I came up with the brilliant idea of posting some of the day's headlines from various news sources and following them with comments that were either pithy, snarky, wise or brilliantly on point (or a combination thereof). The response was so overwhelming (thank you Endora Picklepuss of Yazoo City, Mississippi) that I offered readers a second edition on August 1. Since no protests ensued I've decided to grace readers with yet another edition and many more may come.

From the New York Times:

Kamala Harris Takes the Spotlight, a Moment for Her and History

The really significant moment in history will be if she is elected. Harris is the third female VP on a major party ticket and of course there's been one woman atop the ticket. None have won. Here's hoping that Harris can truly make history. I've little doubt that she'll make an excellent vice president. Besides, it's high time we had a San Francisco Giants fan in the White House.

Fires, Blackouts, a Heat Wave and a Pandemic: California’s ‘Horrible’ Month

As those of you not in a coma know, it's been pretty bleak these last few months. Yesterday bad went to worse when I stepped outside yesterday morning and breathed in the smell of smoke. The air quality was so bad we had to keep our windows closed. On a hot day. All we need now is an earthquake. I'm already prone to depression, so all the horrors of daily life in 2020 getting worse was not what I needed.

Why Are Senate Republicans Playing Dead?

Because morally and ethically, they are. It's no act. Such a bunch of thieving scoundrels this country has rarely seen.

From the BBC:

Thom Brennaman: Cincinnati Reds Suspend Broadcaster for Homophobic Slur

He used the word "fag" which virtually every story I've read on the incident has been loathe to mention. It's an ugly word, deriving from faggots which were the sticks of wood used to start fires. Today the word's primary purpose is to insult, demean and degrade people for their sexual preference. According to stories I've read, Brennaman has apologized profusely. That's about all he can do now besides go away. He's got a very long rode back and indeed it's doubtful he'll return to broadcasting. No great loss.

Alexei Navalny: Russian Opposition Leader 'Poisoned'

For all of the problems with the United States both today and throughout its history, I don't recall anyone in a minority party being poisoned (although we shouldn't be giving Trump any ideas). In fact, we're pretty good about not killing or even jailing politicians merely because they hold opposing viewpoints. So there's that.

Flint Water Crisis: Michigan 'Agrees to Pay $600m

Well, it's a start.

From the Washington Post:

Ex-Trump adviser Bannon Indicted on Conspiracy Charges in Alleged Border Wall Fundraising Fraud

I'm reminded of Louie in Casablanca who is "shocked" to discover that there is gambling in Rick's. So you're telling me a former member of Trump's inner circle engaged in illegal activities. Here's hoping they're all rounded up and locked up, culminating with the boss himself who should be due for a trip to the slammer around January 21, 2021.

Judge Rejects Trump’s Latest Bid to Shield his Tax Records from Manhattan District Attorney

See above. The cheating, lying bastard is going to be fully exposed to all manner of criminal charges including malfeasance. Throw away the key.

If Colleges Prioritize Football over Academics During this Pandemic, their True Sickness will be Revealed

God I'm going to miss college football this season. Specifically my trips to Memorial Stadium here in Berkeley to see the University of California Golden Bears. I never miss a home game and it makes my hurt ache that this autumn will be bereft of football. The Pac-12 conference, of which Cal is a member, has postponed football until the Spring, though an outright cancellation of the season seems likely. Other conferences have postponed football too. However, in the Deep South and parts of the Midwest football will continue because in those part of the world football is not only more important than academics, it's also more important than the health of the players or the community. Madness.

From SF Gate:

Woman Filmed Hurling Racist Insults, Denying COVID in SF

I'm sick to death of these morons.  I'm certain that a large percentage of COVID-deniers are also bigots, just as climate change deniers are. How do you combat this kind of reckless stupidity?

Apple Reaches $2 Trillion Market Value as Tech Fortunes Soar

Okay, fine, let's invest some of that money into our communities. Let's rebuild our crumbling infrastructure, let's prop up our struggling schools, let's make sure everyone has enough to eat and that medical bills can't send anyone into bankruptcy. So a bunch of fat cats are getting rich. I'm okay with that. But when they get super rich while people are starving, I say it's time for a revolution. Hopefully a peaceful one will work.

College Students Raise Alarm by Packing Bars, Avoiding Masks

I thought you had to be smart to get into college. Used to be the case.