By Laurie Baron
SAN DIEGO―President Obama appointed the American delegation to the Winter Olympics. To protest Russia’s laws against homosexuals, he included the openly gay tennis champion Billie Jean King and two-time women’s hockey medalist Caitlin Cahow in its ranks. To add insult to injury, he has recruited the Village People to sing “YMCA” instead of the “Star Spangled Banner” every time an American athlete wins a medal.
*
A & E suspended Phil Robertson from appearing on its reality series “Duck Dynasty” for homophobic and racist remarks he made in an interview for GQ magazine. When asked by reporters about his future plans, Robertson indicated that he hopes to produce a cooking show called the “Bigot’s Bistro” which will feature Paula Deen as the chef and Vladimir Putin as the maitre d’.
*
Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade was arrested in the United States for paying the housekeeper she brought from India less than three dollars per hour. The government of India is outraged that the United States treated her like a common criminal and violated her diplomatic immunity. Pro-immigration groups applauded the arrest and wondered when American sweat shop owners and produce growers will be similarly charged.
*
President Obama commuted the sentences of eight federal prisoners whose sentences for trafficking crack cocaine were considerably longer than the current drug law mandates. The grateful recipients announced their intention to apply for Canadian citizenship and run for mayor of Toronto.
*
Congress will examine whether Chris Christie may have abused his power by closing two lanes of the George Washington Bridge as a reprisal against the mayor of Fort Lee, New Jersey for refusing to endorse Christie in the state’s recent gubernatorial election. Congressional investigators boarded a plane from Washington, DC today, but were not allowed to land at Newark International Airport which was suddenly shut down.
*
Baron is professor emeritus of history at San Diego State University. He may be contacted at lawrence.baron@sdjewishworld.com