Michele Bachmann

How Medicare Became a Thieves' Bazaar

In Dallas and across the country, hospitals, doctors and dealers have made Medicare the nation’s sweetest crime. The feds are now trying to shutter the door.

The 10 Weirdest Members of Congress

Revisionist Historian David Barton's Book Yanked For Inaccuracies. Will He Still Choose Texas' Social Studies Textbooks?

NPR ran a story on Wednesday about David Barton, the Aledo-based pseudo-historian who has built a career arguing that America was established on Christian principles. It found that his claims aren't particularly hard to debunk. For one, Barton has only a bachelor's in Christian education from Oral R ... More >>

America's Petro-Terrorists

How greedy speculators bought politicians and drove up the price of oil.

The Mayor's $20 Million Plan for Southern Dallas is Just Another Drop in the Bucket.

Constantine Maroulis Goes Mean and Green in Alley Theatre's Comic Book Musical Toxic Avenger

Former American Idol finalist Constantine Maroulis has turned into one of Broadway's favorite leading men. It was announced in January that he'll star as both title roles in the New York revival of Frank Wildhorn's musical Jekyll & Hyde in 2013. Maroulis was a Tony nominee a few years ago as the lea ... More >>

Victoria Jackson, Tea Party Princess

Victoria Jackson went from the big leagues of comedy to the rabid right of modern politics.

Gooey Love for Toxic Avenger

From Houston to Broadway on a trail of slime.

Wiping the Sheen off Conservative Rich Guys' Morality

​Today, a commenter on a previous blog item of mine about GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain suggested it was mighty mysterious that President Obama doesn't have any sexual peccadilloes in his closet when so many Republican presidential contenders seem to. "Joshua," the commenter, suggest ... More >>

Verbal Sparring Between Romney and Perry Highlight GOP Debate, But Three Bachmann Quotes Prove She Needs to Go Home

If you missed last night's CNN Western Republican debate in Nevada, the clip above is the best example of why the GOP is seriously screwed no matter who they choose. The two supposed front-runners -- Mitt Romney and Rick Perry -- acted like a couple of high schoolers, barking and interrupting each ... More >>

After Six Months in Iowa, a Sarah Palin Mega-Volunteer Comes Back to North Texas

​After months of suspense, and after the other Republican hopefuls hired staff, began campaigning and participated in seven debates, Sarah Palin finally announced last week she wouldn't be running for president after all. Upon hearing the news, Michelle McCormick and a few of her friends did what ... More >>

Rick Perry's Manufactured Miracle

Rick Perry's Texas is a job-making, low-taxing oasis of prosperity. It's also pure fantasy.

It's Good to Be White...

...But let's not get cocky and blow it with anti-voting laws.

Whitt's End: 8.19.11

​Whether you've reached the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End:Talked to the family of Shannon Stone for next week's Observer column. Wait until you hear their other sad story involving a souvenir ball from a Rangers' game. Sorry, you have to wait.Not ... More >>

Now That Tim Pawlenty's Out of the Race, Everyone Wants to Date Ray Washburne

​In mid-May, Ray Washburne explained his attraction to former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty thusly: "He's got a great story to tell." This was in a Wall Street Journal piece about how Pawlenty was attracting big-money men such as Washburne -- co-founder of Mi Cocina, owner of the Highland Park Villa ... More >>

Rick Perry Chickens Out By Ducking Iowa Straw Poll? Where's True Grit When You Need It?

​Maybe I just had the wrong impression of Rick Perry. I guess I was remembering that time he shot a coyote with his .380 laser-sighted Ruger loaded with hollow-points. He said, "Don't attack my dog or you might get shot." Now that's some macho cowboy stuff right there. I don't approve of it ... More >>

Running Perry, Leppert Up UT/Texas Trib's Poll

Photo by Sam Merten​If anything, the results of an already outdated University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll posted this morning -- outdated in that it features three would-be GOP presidential candidates who've said they aren't running -- more than likely reveal that at least 800 registered-to-vote ... More >>

Debbie Georgatos Does Not Want Dallas County to Become a "Super-Massive Blue Hole"

At several points last night I was distracted from election results by the video you see above, sent again and again and again by Friends of Unfair Park amazed and astonished at its content. As you will see, Debbie Georgatos emerges not necessarily as the front-runner in the race to become chair of ... More >>

Kosher Pork? One In a Series of Items About Flushing Money Down the Trinity River.

​Last week Friend of Unfair Park Shaggy predicted that the Tea Party will get over its aversion to congressional earmarks in however long it takes for the Triple R's (Really Really Rich People) to get Dick Armey to convey the new post-election marching orders down to the tri-cornered-hat persons: ... More >>

Stars and Stripes Go On Forever Among the Downtrodden at the Texas GOP Convention

A Few Do's and Don'ts Learned During the 2010 Republican Party of Texas Convention

Photos by Patrick Michels​Happy Sunday, Friends! While you were out having a nice, relaxing weekend full of neighbors and sun and beers and loveliness, I was at the 2010 Texas Republican Party Convention having a blast talking about 'Murka and stuff. It was a fun- and camo-filled two days, but I'v ... More >>