Stay Classy National Review

"Unfortunately, there’s not a good shorthand term for the psychology behind this kind of behavior. “Racism” doesn’t, I think, capture it. But there’s this deranged fascination with walking up to the line and dancing around there in hopes of getting called on it. Then you get to become indignant. Because, again, the contemporary right’s main view on race is that actual racism against non-white people is only a tiny problem compared with the vast social crisis that allegedly exists around people being vigilant against racism." - Matt Yglesias

Salon has more on this classy cover.

As Andrew Put It: Know Hope

Longterm prisoner and torture victim from Yemen does a spectacular varial 180 in a promotional video for Activist, the new skate- and streetwear brand from Amnesty International
h/t Andrew Sullivan

Obama in Cairo

h/t Oliver Willis

This video from the White House reminds us just how many Muslim Americans we have. It's a must watch, but I'm sure there will be those on the right who it scares mightily. Today President Obama is giving his big speech to the "Muslim World." Michael Scherer at Time sets the scene in Cairo. The NY Times tells us the goal of the speech. Ben Smith also previews the speech. Bin Ladin is threatened by Obama and thus threatens the U.S. You can watch it live streaming now. Full speech is available here. Mark Ambinder gives highlights here.

Oh Snap, John Cole.

I was just telling Oliver the other day how much I love Balloon-Juice. John Cole is fast becoming one of my favorite bloggers on *the left,* though I'd hardly call him a lefty. He's representative of the Democratic Party I'd like to belong to.

This rant against another of my favorites, Andrew Sullivan, captures Cole's skill of cutting through the b.s perfectly. A must read.
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Now playing: J Dilla - Blood Sport (feat. Lil' Fame Of M.O.P.)

Biggie Smalls Will Always be the Illest

I know I've already waxed nostalgia on Biggie and the disappointing biopic. But Spencer Ackerman reminds us that Christopher Wallace would have been 37-years-old today. What a shame.

Always will be Brooklyn's finest.

Photo of the Day 05/21/09

h/t and article "The Meaning of Michelle Obama" at Time Magazine

Headline of the Day 5/21/9

Twin Boys Have Different Fathers

Crazy!