Stories by Rod Bastanmehr

Rod Bastanmehr is a freelance writer in New York City with a passion for music, film and culture. Follow him on Twitter @rodb. subscribe to Rod Bastanmehr's feed

The Top 5 Most Islamophobic Reactions to Huma Abedin

Posted on: Aug 1, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Anthony Weiner's wife has stood by him in a baffling show of support - and the media, both mainstream and right-wing does not know what to make of it.

Gay Marriage Approval Continues Sweep Across the Country

Posted on: Aug 1, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Rhode Island and Minnesota become latest states to legalize same sex marriage.

George Zimmerman: Armed and Stopped for Speeding in Texas Is Allowed to Keep His Gun

Posted on: Aug 1, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Trayvon Martin's killer always seems to be packing.

Breaking: Russia Grants Snowden 1-Year Asylum

Posted on: Aug 1, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Russia becomes the first government to declare formal support to the NSA's public enemy.

Outrageous! DEA Agents Raid Legal Marijuana Dispensaries in Washington State with Guns Drawn

Posted on: Jul 25, 2013, Source: AlterNet

"They don't get to see the cancer patients," employee says.

Ice Caps Melt in the North Pole . . . Again

Posted on: Jul 25, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Earth's coldest spot wilts after a superheated July.

Deplorable: Fraternities Deny Accountability in Hazing Deaths Thanks to Money

Posted on: Jul 25, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Meet the FratPAC, a super PAC devoted to protecting Greek life's right to haze.

As Many as 27 Death Penalty Convictions Based on Forensic Errors? There Could Be More to Come

Posted on: Jul 18, 2013, Source: AlterNet

The discovery could be a major tipping point in the debate over the death penalty.

Tumblr Begs You to Make a New Password Because It Messed Up, You Guys

Posted on: Jul 18, 2013, Source: AlterNet

The problems with the Yahoo!/Tumblr merger begin to rear their heads as a major security breach scares users.

Surveillance State: Appeals Court Says Obama Administration Can Indefinitely Detain Americans

Posted on: Jul 18, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Yet another worrisome expansion of executive powers.

What's So Scary About Rolling Stone's Boston Bomber Dzokhar Tsarnaev Cover?

Posted on: Jul 18, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Cries for boycotts and censorship miss the point of journalism and shield us from the uncomfortable truth that terrorists can look just like us.

Royal Scandal: Saudi Princess Arrested on Counts of Human Trafficking

Posted on: Jul 11, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Kenyan woman claims abuse of labor

Absurd: Billionaire Koch Brother Claims Eliminating Minimum Wage Would Help the Poor

Posted on: Jul 11, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Charles Koch believes minimum wage is a pillar of our 'culture of dependency.'

House Republicans Block Overhaul of Immigration Bill

Posted on: Jul 11, 2013, Source: AlterNet

The 'Party of No' strikes again.