Thursday, August 27, 2020

One more time on Michelle Morgan's book The Girl

 As promised, from Ava and C.I.'s "Media: The hatred of women runs deep -- even at NPR, even in print:"

 

Apparently, it's okay to take the American people's tax dollars and use them to foster sexism.


So many people foster it. Take Michelle Morgan.


She's an 'author' who wrote a book entitled THE GIRL: MARILYN MONROE, THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH, AND THE BIRTH OF AN UNLIKELY FEMINIST.  We cringed when we read it.  We thought about being nice.  Then Rebecca's "michelle morgan's 'the girl'" and Marcia's "The Girl by Michelle Morgan" went up.  They both found the book problematic but noted it covered some new ground so they recommend it.

 

We don't recommend the book.

 

We give it a thumbs down because Michelle Morgan does cover new ground -- new ground as in ground she's made up.  Or maybe she's just too stupid to write a book on a topic she herself chose. In the midst of discussing 1954, and pondering whether Marilyn might have wanted to direct, Morgan writes:


Should she have gone down that road eventually, Marilyn would likely have been taken eve less seriously than she was already.  All searches for "female director" and "women film director" in film magazines and newspapers come up with only a handful of results and all were printed before 1943.  Dorothy Arzner was the exception in the otherwise male-dominated industry.  She started as a typist at the Famous Players-Lasky Corporation (later Paramount), but through hard work and determination had managed to become a director.  By 1932, she was working independently, and in 1936 was said to be the only female director in Hollywood.  In 1937, Arzner told the Los Angeles Times that as a lone female director, she must never raise her voice on set or act in what some might consider an unreasonable way.  According to her, society still expected her to be feminine, and swearing was totally out of the question.  By 1938, the Motion Picture Herald told readers that not one female director was under contract to any of the top fifteen producers, and by 1943, Arzner had directed her last movie.

In Great Britain, the situation was not better.  The British Newspaper Archive shows no results for "female film producer" and only two listings for "female film director.'' Both articles are from the 1940s.  Those women who dared to try their luck in the industry were met with sarcasm of disdain by the British Press.  An article in the Dunee Evening Telegraph in 1940 bore the headline "They're Doing A Man's Job" and announced that Mrs. Culley Forde was the only woman associate producer in the entire British movie industry.  She could not enjoy her success alone, of course.  Instead, the newspaper made sure to mention that she was with wife of director Walter Forde. 

A piece in the Sketch from 1946 is even worse.  Entitled "We Take Our Hat To Miss Jill Craigie," the newspaper celebrated Craigie's stats as the only female film director in England. 

 

 

Betty Box.

 

It's a name Michelle Morgan ignores or never learned of in her 'research.'

 

From 1945 to 1970, Betty Box produced (associate produced, executive produced, etc) over 50 films -- these films include the popular DOCTOR movie series. the popular 1959 remake of THE 39 STEPS, MIRANDA and the notorious bomb THE IRON PETTICOAT which teamed up Bob Hope with Katharine Hepburn.


Elinor Glyn would be another British female producer (she produced three films).  More to the point, listed or not in the sources or 'sources' Morgan checked, Elinor Glyn directed two films -- 1930's KNOWING MEN and 1930's THE PRICE OF THINGS.

 

And what's a producer?  Mary Field, for example, was the executive producer for RANK's CHILDREN'S FILM DIVISION from 1944 to 1950.  Or, back in the US, what about Joan Crawford? She didn't wait for films to come to her.  She found Edna Sherry's novel SUDDEN FEAR and took it to Joseph Kaufman, she was executive producer (uncredited but that was her status, check IMDB), she hired Lenore Coffee to write the script, she hired Charles Lang for cinematography and Gloria Grahme for the second female lead and she auditioned many actors (and tried to audition Marlon Brando who turned her down via his agent stating that he wasn't interested in making any mother-and-son pictures). That was 1952.  And Katharine Hepburn?  She also didn't grab the credit but was a producer on the films PHILADELPHIA STORY and WOMAN OF THE YEAR.  Bette Davis produced 1946's A STOLEN LIFE.

 

But if we're talking the year 1954 and an actress directing, where the hell is Ida Lupino's name?  Ida did that.  Her directing career began in 1949 when the director of NOT WANTED had a heart attack.  She was already a producer on that film and a co-writer and she became the director. NEVER FEAR, also in 1949, was the first film she was credited onscreen for directing -- and she also co-produced and co-wrote.  In 1950, she directed (and co-wrote and co-produced) OUTRAGE. Among her other films would be 1953's film noir classic THE HITCH-HIKER.  In 1953, she directed THE BIGAMIST -- and she co-starred in the film (with Joan Fontaine) -- years before Warren Beatty, Barbra Streisand or Kevin Costner were directing themselves. Ida Lupino's film directing career would end on the career high note of THE TROUBLE WITH ANGLES -- a moneymaking classic that's still aired and streamed today.  She also directed TV shows but Michelle Morgan avoids TV.

 

This allows her to ignore Paula Weinstein's mother.  Paula produces films today (A DRY WHITE SEASON, ANALYZE THIS, MONSTER-IN-LAW, etc).  Her mother Hannah Weinstein created and produced THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD, a TV series that ran from 1955 to 1959.  Before 1960 dawned, she had produced four other TV shows.  

 

TV was in its golden age and its infancy -- maybe that's why Morgan ignored it.  But why did she ignore the theater?  The book's all about Marilyn's move to New York, her studying at The Actors Studio, her preparing scenes, her marriage to playwright Arthur Miller.  Why is the the theater not a place to discuss women behind the scenes?

 

Cheryl Crawford co-founded The Actors Studio.  In 1951, she directed NIGHT MUSIC on Broadway.  In 1938, she got her first Broadway producer's credit and the plays she produced included PORGY AND BESS, ONE TOUCH OF VENUS, BRIGADOON, THE ROSE TATTOO, PAINT YOUR WAGON, SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH . . .  

 

Or what of Irene Selznick?  In 1954, Marilyn went east, leaving Hollywood.  Irene, the daughter of MGM boss Louis B. Mayer and the wife of film producer David O. Selznick, left that life behind to go east in 1947 where she would become a Broadway producer (credits include A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE and BELL, BOOK AND CANDLE as well THE CHALK GARDEN which garnered Irene a Tony nomination).  

 

Theresa Hellburn's another name that should have appeared in the book.  She directed on Broadway, she produced on Broadway.  Her credits include MOURNING BECOMES ELECTRA, THE PHILADELPHIA STORY, WITHOUT LOVE, OKLAHOMA!, OTHELLO, CAROUSEL, THE ICEMAN COMETH, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, AS YOU LIKE IT, COME BACK, LITTLE SHEBA, SAINT JOAN, THE MILLIONAIRESS, PICNIC, THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL . . .

 ,

Again, we could go on and on.

 

But we're not writing a book.  Michelle Morgan thought she was writing a book so why did she render all these women -- and many more we don't have the time to list -- invisible?

 

More to the point, Morgan wants to make the argument that Monroe was a feminist not on Marilyn's many trailblazing accomplishments but on this or that confidence Marilyn shared with a woman.  Why this British actress defended Marilyn and that one did this and . . .

 

British actress?  It only reminded us that Joan Collins isn't in the book.  She should be.  Why?






That interview appeared on TV, watched by millions.  The video later posted online and has over three million views.  That's not the first time Joan Collins has shared the story of being new in Hollywood, attending a party at Gene Kelly's home and encountering Marilyn Monroe, already a star, who warned her about the men who would harass women and try to destroy their careers.  

 

You're writing a book arguing that Marilyn Monroe is a feminist and you don't even include that monumental moment?  That's sisterhood.  How do you ignore it?


You don't like women, that's how.  You either know about it but you don't really care and that equals you don't like women.  Or you don't know about it because you don't think women are important enough -- certainly not women who existed before you were born -- to actually do the research required to write the book you described -- described but never actually produced.



 

 

Here's C.I.'s "Iraq snapshot:"

 

 Wednesday, August 26, 2020.  Human Rights Watch calls out the targeting of Iraqi activists, Turkey bombs to death two Iraqi civilians and we take a look at the RNC and at a very xenophobic response to one speech.


The Republican convention continues this week.  Last night Malania Trump spoke.



CNN offers this transcription:

Good evening, it seems like just yesterday that we were at our first convention, where my husband accepted the Republican nomination and then became our 45th president of the United States. He had the energy and enthusiasm for (someone) who should lead this nation. It's real today as it was four years ago. I know I speak for my husband and the entire family when I say we have not forgotten the incredible people who were willing to take a chance on the businessman who has never worked in politics. We know it was you who elected him to be commander in chief. And we know it is you who will carry us through again. We were humbled by the incredible support then and we are still grateful today.
I want to acknowledge the fact that since March, our lives have changed drastically. The invisible enemy, Covid-19, swept across our beautiful country and impacted all of us. My deepest sympathy goes out to everyone who has lost a loved one and my prayers are with those who are ill or suffering. I know many people are anxious and some feel helpless. I want you to know you are not alone. My husband's administration will not stop fighting until there is an effective treatment or vaccine available to everyone. Donald will not rest until he has done all he can to take care of everyone impacted by this terrible pandemic. I want to extend my gratitude to all of the health care professionals, front line workers and teachers who stepped up in these difficult times. Despite the risk to yourselves and your own families, you put our country first and my husband and I are grateful. I have been moved by the way Americans have come together in such an unfamiliar and often frightening situation. It is in times like this that we will look back and tell our grandchildren that through kindness and compassion, strength and determination, we were able to restore the promise of our future. Businesses stepped up, and volunteers stepped in. People were eager to share ideas, resources, and support of all kinds with neighbors and strangers alike.
It has been inspiring to see what the people of our great nation will do for one another, especially when we are at our most fragile. Speaking of strength and determination, we recently celebrated the 100 year anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment. Yesterday, on the north lawn of the White House, we unveiled an exhibit dedicated to women's suffrage. The exhibit called on children from across the country to send art honoring the meaning of this important time in women's history. When I was judging the entries, I reflected on the impact of women's voices in our nation's story, and how proud I would be to cast my vote again for Donald this November. We must make sure that women are heard and that the American dream continues to thrive.
Growing up as a young child in Slovenia, which was under communist rule at the time, I always heard about an amazing place called America — a land that stood for freedom and opportunity. As I grew older it became my goal to move to the United States and follow my dream of working in the fashion industry. My parents worked very hard to ensure our family could not only leave and prosper in America, but also contribute to a nation that allows for people to arrive with a dream and make it reality.
I want to take the moment to thank my mother and father for all that they have done for our family. It is because of you that I am standing here today.
I arrived in the United States when I was 26 years old. Living and working in the land of opportunity was a dream come true, but I wanted more. I wanted to be a citizen. After 10 years of paperwork and patience, I studied for the test in 2006 and became an American citizen.
It is still one of the proudest moments in my life, because with hard work and determination I was able to achieve my own American dream. As an immigrant and a very independent woman, I understand what a privilege it is to live here and to enjoy the freedoms and opportunities that we have. As first lady, I have been fortunate to see the American dream come true over and over again. I have met many inspiring women, children, parents, and families who have overcome life-changing issues that include addiction, homelessness, family members who are ill or have passed away, abuse of all kinds and many other challenges that would make most people give up. The past 3-1/2 years have been unforgettable. There are no words to describe how honored, humbled and fortunate I am to serve our nation as your first lady.
After many of the experiences I've had, I don't know if I can fully explain how many people I take home with me in my heart each day. From brave soldiers who give up so much so that we can be free to children of all circumstances, who I have met around the world. Thank you for inspiring me. It is my greatest honor to serve you. When I speak to members of the military, despite sacrificing time with their families, (experiencing) the fear of war or suffering loss, they have no regrets about serving our country. The same goes for their families and the families of first responders, who often watch their loved ones walk out the door, not sure if or when they will come home. When I speak to families who have lost someone, the pain mixed with pride I hear in their voices is something I think about often. So thank you to all who serve our country in the military and as first responders. And thank you to the families who wait for them, you are all heroes in your own right. I have also been moved by the many children and families I have spent time with at hospitals, schools and other locations around the world. Children who are dealing with pain or illness that would break even the strongest adult. Parents who are grateful to wake up every day and see that their child is still alive. These families are a testament to what faith and medicine, strength and science can do.
On my first international trip as first lady, my husband and I visited places of great significance to the three major religions. Islam, Christianity and Judaism, one special memory from the trip is of a young boy. I had the privilege of visiting him while at Bambino Gesu hospital in Rome, Italy. While there I read the little boy a story and learned that he and his family had been waiting for a heart for a very long time and he had a grim prognosis. His situation brought my staff and me to tears and we spoke of little else as we flew to Belgium for the next part of our trip. Upon landing just a few hours later, we learned that a heart had been donated and would be going to the little one. I think about him often. Along with so many amazing and strong young patients across our own country. More profound and sadly unavoidable examples of our country's strength and character have occurred in the communities that have been impacted by natural disasters. Hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding must show the ugly side of mother nature but in their aftermath they can show us a beautiful side of humanity. My husband and I have visited many places that have been affected by natural disasters and we are deeply moved by the strength of the people who have lost everything and the kindness of neighbors and communities. The common thread in all of these challenging situations is the unwavering resolve to help one another.
I recognize the stories I just told about people who survive extraordinary circumstances. But Donald and I are also inspired by the millions of Americans who wake up each day with a simple yet courageous goal of providing for their families and keeping them safe. You are the backbone of this country. You are the people who continue to make the united states of America what it is, and who have the incredible responsibility of preparing our future generations to leave everything even better than they found it.
Just as you are fighting for your families, my husband, our family, and the people in this administration are here fighting for you. No matter the amount of negative or false media headlines or attacks from the other side, Donald Trump has not and will not lose focus on you. He loves this country and he knows how to get things done. As you have learned over the past five years, he is not a traditional politician. He doesn't just speak words. He demands action and he gets results. The future of our country has always been very important to him, and it is something that I have always admired.
In fact, it is to help ensure a better future for our next generation that I launched Be Best -- my initiative to help children achieve their fullest potential. Be Best has one simple goal: teaching youth about the importance of their well-being, both mentally and physically. This also includes understanding online safety and the dangers of opioid and drug abuse. Through Be Best, my office and I have been able to highlight people and organizations that are doing extraordinary things in our country and around the world. I continue to believe that by shining a light on these positive examples others across the country will be inspired to do their part or our next generation. Helping children is not a political goal; it is our moral imperative.
When I think back to a defining moment of Be Best, my mind goes to a trip I took to Africa. On that vast and beautiful continent, I was able to visit the countries of Ghana, Malawi, Kenya and Egypt. One of those visits in particular had a profound impact on me. Ghana, on the coast of West Africa, was the first stop on my trip and I experienced first-hand its warm people and their traditions. While there, I visited the Cape Coast Castle and learned more about the beginning of a cruel, and often deadly, journey in the era of the slave trade. I was horrified when I listened to the guides tell me so many inhumane stories and I gained new perspectives. This time in our history, we must never forget so that we can ensure that it never happens again.
Like all of you, I have reflected on the racial unrest in our country. It is a harsh reality that we are not proud of parts of our history. I encourage people to focus on our future while still learning from our past. We must remember that today we are all one community comprised of many races, religions and ethnicities. Our diverse and storied history is what makes our country strong, and yet we still have so much to learn from one another.
With that in mind, I'd like to call on the citizens of this country to take a moment, pause, and look at things from all perspectives. I urge people to come together in a civil manner, so we can work and live up to our standard American ideals. I also ask people to stop the violence and looting being done in the name of justice, and never make assumptions based on the color of a person's skin. Instead of tearing things down, let's reflect on our mistakes. Be proud of our evolution and look to our way forward. Every day let us remember that we are one nation under God, and we need to cherish one another.
My husband's administration has worked to try and affect change when it comes to issues around race and religion in this country. He is the first president to address a special session of the United Nations General Assembly to call upon countries across the world to end religious persecution and honor the right of every person to worship as they choose. He has made substantial investments in our historically black colleges and universities. This president also continues to fight for school choice, giving parents more options to help their children flourish. My husband knows how to make a real change. From the day that I met him, he has only wanted to make this country the best it can be.
For many years, I watched him grow concerned and frustrated, and I'm so proud to see the many things he has done in such a short time. America is in his heart. So while at times, we only see the worst of people in politics on the evening news, let's remember how we come together in the most difficult times. And while debate rages on about issues of race, let's focus on the strides we have made and work together for a better tomorrow for everyone.
Our administration has also devoted historic resources and produced life-saving results by raising awareness around opioid addiction and drug abuse, especially for children. When so often the headlines are filled with gossip, I want to take this moment to encourage the media to focus even more on the nation's drug crisis. This disease is one that affects everybody. It pays no attention to race, age, or socioeconomic status. Addiction has touched every part of our society in some way. And now, more than ever, we have programs and medicine to combat it.
We just need to talk about it openly, and you the media have the platforms to make that happen. To the media industry and as a country I ask that we all commit to helping in our fight against drug addiction by talking about even more. Especially as we battle the Covid pandemic we need to remember that suicides are on the rise as people who are struggling with loneliness and addiction feel they have nowhere to turn. Parents, please talk to your children. Teachers and caregivers pay attention to signs of addiction. Lawmakers, pass legislation that allows those who ask for help to do so safely and without fear and to provide resources for organizations that help people impacted by addiction. When the stigma is removed, people will no longer be ashamed to ask for help and lives will be saved. And if you are struggling with addiction, there is no shame in your illness. Please seek help, you are worth it. In my next four years as first lady, I will continue to build upon "Be Best" and work with individual states to back legislation to take care of our most vulnerable. I plan to continue the work I have started with children in foster care. As well as the minority community and tribal nations. I want to ensure children are protected and communities have the resources needed to combat drug addiction and child neglect or abuse. Like my husband and the administration I will continue to encourage education that supports a child's individual needs.
It is vital that children are given the building blocks to succeed. I also look forward to continue my work to restore the people's house, which is a lasting symbol of pride for our nation. I believe this iconic home needs to be care for and preserved so it can be enjoyed by the people of this country and visitors from around the world for years to come. I am passionate about this beautiful house, the grounds and all they represent.
And now, I have a special message for the mothers of this country. This modern world is moving so fast, and our children face challenges that seem to change every few months. Just like me, I know many of you watch how mean and manipulative social media can be. And just like me I'm sure many of you are looking for answers, how to talk to your children about the downside of technology and their relationships with their peers.
Like every parent in this country, I feel there is so many lessons to teach our son and the responsibilities as his mother but there are just not enough hours in the day to do it all. I remind myself that I am more fortunate than most and still have days that I look for wisdom and strength to do the very best I can for him. I am more fortunate than most and still have days that I look for wisdom and strength to do the very best I can for him. To mothers and parents everywhere you are warriors. In my husband, you have a president who will not stop fighting for you and your families. I see how hard he works day and night. And despite the unprecedented attacks from the media and opposition he will not give up. In fact, if you tell him it can not be done he just works harder. Donald is a husband who supports me in all that I do. He has built an administration with an unprecedented number of women in leadership roles and has fostered an environment where the American people are always the priority. He welcomes different points of view and encourages thinking outside of the box. I know I speak for my husband and the family when I say we are so grateful that you have trusted him to be your president. We will be honored to serve this incredible country for four more years.
As you have heard this evening, I do not want to use this precious time attacking the other side because as we saw last week, that kind of talk only serves to divide the country further. I am here because we need my husband to be our president and commander in chief for four more years. He is what is best for our country. We all know Donald Trump makes no secrets about how he feels about things. Total honesty is what we as citizens deserve from our president, whether you like it or not, you always know what he is thinking. And that is because he is an authentic person who loves this country and its people and wants to continue to make it better. Donald wants to keep your family safe, he wants to help your family succeed. He wants nothing more than for this country to prosper and he doesn't waste time playing politics.
Almost four years ago, we went into election day completely underestimated. Despite what is being said again this year, I know, just as you do that Americans will go to the polls and vote on the behalf of their families, our economy, our national security and our children's futures. To vote for those ideals, is not a partisan vote, it is a common sense vote. Because those are goals and hopes that we all believe in. I believe that we need my husband's leadership now more than ever in order to bring us back once again to the greatest economy and the strongest country ever known. God bless you all, your families, and god bless the United States of America.


We are noting the speech because there are things I do not tolerate.  Those things would include attacking someone because they have an accent.  

Malania's English is fine, possibly perfect.  She has subject-verb down, for example. This is not her native tongue.  So great job learning English -- one of many languages that she speaks.

If she didn't speak English well, it would be understandable and nothing to mock, but she speaks English very well.  

I've not dealt with Malania here and I've only really noted her in a piece Ava and I did in 2016 about a comedy show -- one we had been looking forward to -- thought the way to represent Malania Trump was to mock her accent.  This was done by a woman of color, a woman who herself had been mocked, a woman we know.  And we were grossly disappointed in that woman.

Last night, Bette Midler chose to mock Malania.

I don't like Bette, I never have.  I will give her credit when she does something right (she was excellent in season two of THE CANDIDATE, for example) but she's always been too rough and too much of a liar.  I have always spoken out for LGBTQ so it amazed me, for example, when Bette's career was resurrected by DISNEY, Bette pretended not to know any gay people.  She didn't know what went on in those baths she was performing in, for example.  There's a VANITY FAIR cover story of Bette that resulted in everyone laughing at her and hastening the end of her film career as a leading lady.  It was so many lies.

Bette's hard and she's rough and she's street and she's tacky.  And she demonstrated it last night with her Tweet.  She should be ashamed of herself.

The United States is a nation of many immigrants.  Bette spat on every one last night.  What Malania had to say didn't matter to Bette.  She just wanted to mock Malania.  

Bette looks hard, tough and mean-spirited.  It's a look she's known for in the industry.

Ruth covered the Tweet last night.

There was no need for it.  Elaine noted Jonathan Turley on two adults terrorizing a small child because he had a MAGA hat.

Where is Joe Biden?

These are his supporters.

Joe and his campaign are at war.  I was asked about that hat incident.  I said get Joe in front of the camera, have him speak to the fact that it was wrong, have him say it's wonderful when any child in America knows who the president is and that we can support who we want in this country.  None of that would have been hard for him or out of character for him.  They attempted to talk him into doing it.  At one point, he was going to and then he decided no, he wouldn't.  It's a shame.  It would have made him seem a lot more caring.  Americans would have applauded it because, outside of the Bette Midlers, who's going to be so low as to support adults terrorizing a child.  (I hope both women are sent to prison, that's what should happen.  They are old enough to know better and they have no excuse for what they did.)

Joe claims he would restore the tone if he were president.  Taking on that incident, calling it out, would go a long way towards backing up that claim.  He probably won't call out Bette Midler's nonsense either. 

What she did was hideous.  Not criminal, but it was hideous.  She made a lot of people question themselves -- "Do people think that about me when I speak?"  

There is nothing wrong with an accent.  

And anyone that has come to the US speaking another language and has learned English needs to be applauded because they learned a foreign language.  Many born in the US know only one language.  

There is no excuse for the bias and hatred aimed at immigrants and it's appalling whether it comes from someone on the right or someone on the left.  

Barry Grey (WSWS) calls Malania out with the following:

In an overt appeal to racism, his wife declared, “They’re not satisfied with spreading the violence and chaos into our communities, they want to abolish the suburbs altogether, by ending single-family home zoning. This forced rezoning would bring crime, lawlessness and low-quality apartments into now thriving suburban neighborhoods… So, make no mistake, no matter where you live, your family will not be safe in the radical Democrats’ America.”


Whether you agree with his analysis or not, please note that Barry took on the speech itself, he did not attack an immigrant for having an accent.

What Bette did was vile.  

No immigrant deserved that.  It's amazing the xenophobia and racism that Bette and so many others have gotten away with.

I hope I'm making it clear how offensive that was.  In case I'm not, this is from Ava and my "TV: MAYA & MARTY" from June of 2016 and we're referring to Lorne Michaels in the first sentence below:


Maybe a non-elderly man who wasn't cloistered in Manhattan would've realized last week's skit mocking Melania Trump was crossing a line?

Melania Trump, for those who do not know, is the latest woman unfortunate enough to be married to Donald Trump.

For some reason, she was mocked by Maya Rudolph in a skit whose 'humor' revolved around the fact that Melania has an accent because she was born in Slovenia.

That's progressive humor?

Mocking someone because of their accent?

Turning them into "the other"?

It's amazing how often, on the left, we drop our beliefs if we think it will help us.  It's why so many will quickly traffic in racism (hello, David Brock) or sexism (Keith Olbermann, you are never forgotten) to attempt a takedown 'from the left.'

It was a disgusting moment.

It was also a puzzling one.

If you needed to do political -- and we honestly do not believe a summer variety show needs to -- skit, last week it would have made more sense to do a skit about Hillary Clinton's e-mails since all of her public statements were rebuked by the report from the State Department's Inspector General.

So a skit on that would have at least passed for timely.

Even stranger still, the skit featured Kate McKinnon.

That would be the same McKinnon whose been getting laughs this year and last on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE for her impersonation of candidate Hillary Clinton.

But McKinnon didn't play Hillary.

She just participated in a tasteless skit making fun of the fact that a foreign-born person had an accent.


It was offensive and it wasn't funny -- not even in a so-crudely-offensive-you-laugh-in-shock manner.


Four years later and we're still putting up with this nonsense?  

Better days are coming but not fast enough.  As Cass sang, "There's a new world coming." 


May we all live to see that new world.


Turning to Iraq, the Turkish government continues to terrorize the Iraqi people.  Yesterday, their bombings left two civilians dead.  Over the weekend, Maya Carlin (JERUSALEM POST) offered:

 

Although Turkey’s military incursions targeting Kurds in Iraq are not new, Baghdad’s response to its latest round of hostilities is unprecedented. Iraq’s newly instated prime minister, Kadhimi, has pledged to reexamine some of Baghdad’s regional relationships. Kadhimi’s political platform centers on the prioritization of Iraq’s sovereignty and condemnation of foreign intervention in the country. He has consistently denounced Iran’s interference in Iraq’s political sphere, as well as the scope of US military presence on the ground.

Although Kadhimi views Turkey’s military presence in Northern Iraq as a threat to its sovereignty, he will likely stop at diplomatic measures to counter Ankara’s violations. Kadhimi is currently grappling with escalating US-Iranian conflict on Iraqi soil, economic collapse, the spread of coronavirus and rebuilding his citizens trust in government. The prime minister cannot afford to completely cut off ties or to wage military action against its neighbor amid this uncertainty. Ankara’s surge in military action in the Iraq’s northern districts is likely intended to test the prime minister’s resolve in countering foreign presence. In fact, Turkey’s foreign ministry announced it would sustain its cross-border operations against Kurds in northern Iraq as long as Baghdad continues to “overlook the militants’ presence in the region.”


Does the prime minister have the strength to defend Iraq's national sovereignty?  He doesn't appear to have the strength to defend Iraqi activists at present.  This morning, Human Rights Watch's Belkis Wille Tweets:

#Basra gunmen killed 2 activists, wounded 4- situation in Iraq has reached point where armed groups can shoot members of civ society in streets with impunity. Not sure whether federal gov is even able to rein in violence or ensure justice for victims hrw.org/news/2020/08/2
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1:22 AM · Aug 26, 2020


Among the activists killed was Dr. Reham Yacoub.

#البصرة ، ناشطة ومتظاهرة.
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12:50 PM · Aug 19, 2020


Anas Bakhash devotes an episode of his program AB TALKS to Iraqi women (there is closed captioning in English).

New content at THIRD:




The following sites updated:








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