Stories to Watch: 9/9/13

A disturbing new trend on the wingnut right: Vladimir Putin worship. The most obvious explanation is that it's Obama Derangement Syndrome amped up to eleven, since Putin often stands in America's (and therefore Obama's) way on the world stage. But consider the type of person Putin is -- a corrupt homophobe who serves the wealthy elite, has no use for voting or democracy, and props up brutal dictators. Hell, hang a few teabags off him and he's your average Republican.


But now that Obama and Putin have found potential common ground on Syria, I guess the right will have to start crushing on Bashar-al Assad.


A rightwing anti-immigration rally in Phoenix is violent, racist, and thankfully tiny.


The three most ridiculous members of congress -- Rep. Michele Bachmann, Rep. Louie Gohmert, and Rep. Steve King -- went to Cairo, where they announced a brand-new strain of 9/11 trutherism. No word on how they managed to get their clown car across the Atlantic.


George Zimmerman walks again. Or not.


Here's a shocker: Rush Limbaugh gets all racist.


Knowing their position on the issue is incredibly unpopular, House Republicans drag their feet on immigration reform, putting it off until the 2014 elections are safely over.


Fukushima is still proving that the label "safe and clean nuclear energy" is a load of horseshit.


Sen. Elizabeth Warren tells some truth about the Supreme Court.


John Kerry's not so great at talking tough.


Finally, congress tacked a rider onto a credit card bill that allowed guns in national parks. Tragedy reminds us of this fact, as a three-year-old girl dies after shooting herself with her dad's gun at Yellowstone. Congress: making sure there isn't a square inch of America where you can be safe from some fucking coward's gun.


[cartoon via USA Today]