Rowdy's Roundup - Identifying Adversaries

SCOTUS hopeful Judge Sonia Sotomayor has been attacked by right-wingers for saying that the appeals courts are "where policy is made."  Anonymous Liberal isn't surprised that conservatives are getting heart palpatations over this.  Nevertheless, he patiently explains what was actually meant by Sotomayor's rather innocuous statement.  (A.L. is a seasoned legal scholar and knows whereof he speaks.)

The Clear Channel is laying off thousands of hardworking employees while it lines the pockets of Rush Limbaugh to the tune of $38 million a year.  The wily  Madfloridian connects those dots.

Jason Bellini interviews filmmaker Kirby Dick about his new film Outrage which examines the hypocrisy of closeted politicians who vote against gay rights.  (Kirby's comments about Governor Charlie Crist make this a must-see video.)

Senator John McCain, out of touch as ever, today told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos that the military's Don't Ask Don't Tell policy has "been working" and "I think it's been working well."  Satyam Khanna has the rundown on Think Progress.

The fundies at World Net Daily, in desperation overdrive, have started referring to the recently-passed hate crimes legislation as the "Pedophile Protection Act."  Pam Spaulding chews this up and spits it out.

Crack-smoking city councilman (and ex-mayor) Marian Barry declared himself a "moral leader" during an anti-Marriage Equality rally at the nation's capital.  Bigot Bishop Henry Jackson was on hand comparing marriage between gay couples to marriage between close relatives or between "a man and a three-year old."  (Right-Wing Watch has the story.)

Over at Mother Jones, Kirk Nielsen writes about a scary fainting experience he had and the anxiety involved in deciding whether or not to let EMS personnel take him to the hospital.  He was afraid he might be dying, but there was a $2500 deduction to be considered.  (This is a choice Americans with modest insurance coverage shouldn't have to make.)

Nicole Belle on Crooks and Liars delineates the importance of our citizen journalists, with some choice words for governments that want to repress the flow of information.

Sarah Palin's daughter is now making media appearances for an outfit called "Candie's Foundation."  Ben Horowitz at the Star-Ledger thinks young Bristol might not be the best ambassador for this particular cause.