Rep. Paul Ryan (Wis.) said today that if Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were president, the nation's fiscal crisis would have been averted. “Look, if we had a Hillary Clinton presidency, if we had Erskine Bowles as chief of staff of the White House or president of the United States, I think we would have fixed this fiscal mess by now," Ryan said to NBC's David Gregory on "Meet the Republicans. These guys are hilarious! A couple days ago they're blaming her for Benghazi, now they think she's a magician.
He went on to say, “We have to expand our appeal to more people and show how we'll take the country's founding principles and apply them to the problem of the day, solutions to fix our problems. We have to show our ideas are better at fighting poverty, better at solving health care, how our ideas are better at solving problems that people experience in their daily lives. And that's a challenge we have to rise to, and I think we're up for it."
Who is he kidding? The American people saw what he and the Republicans had to offer in November and soundly rejected it, except for those who actually believe Fox is real news. They want to appeal to more people? Really? By jamming a transvaginal ultrasound probe up a woman’s privates when she seeks a legal procedure. By trying to prevent minorities from voting? By passing laws where discriminating against gay people is ok. Republicans want to fight poverty? How, by putting more people in poverty so they can lower the threshold of what's called poverty? By crushing unions with right-to-work for less, thereby lower everyone’s standard of living. They want to solve healthcare? By repealing the Affordable Care Act, voucherizing Medicare, privatizing Social Security and raising the retirement age so you’ll be dead before you get to use any of those programs. He claims they’re better at problem solving. Considering he and 16 other Republicans met on the night of President Obama’s first inauguration night, to plan on how they would destroy his presidency, his words run shallow.
Here's the deal, if Hillary runs in 2016, I'm with her. However, if the Teathugs still have power in the House or Senate, we're still screwed. The right wing wants to destroy the New Deal, the Great Society and the ACA, widely known as Obamacare. They will not be satisfied until we have given every last dime that we’ve worked for to the billionaires who are pulling the strings in Washington. I do not see Hillary adopting Paul Ayn Rand Ryan's plan which will ensure America’s seniors are in poverty, die young, eat cat food and end up homeless.
Showing posts with label republicans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label republicans. Show all posts
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
The GOP War on Women is Alive and Well
Did these guys not read the elction results? After watching the GOP debacle with women over the past couple years, whether it be abortion, birth control or fair pay, it's pretty clear: The GOP does not view women as capable of making their own decisions, but now what's even more clear, is they've taken steps to ensure women have no rights if they find themselves in a violent relationship.
The John Boehner led Republicans have let expire, the Violence Against Women Act, first introduced in 1994 and reinstated without fanfare until the teabagger coalition got to town. What were their major complaints? It actually covered gays, immigrants, and Native Americans. Can you believe it? Those sneaky Democrats actually think that those women need protection too. Commie bastards! In case you're curious as to what it did, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), increased federal penalties for domestic violence and provided funding for groups and services that aid victims of domestic abuse. The bill was once a bipartisan sweet spot of being both tough on crime and oriented toward women's rights. But that was then.
In case the election blunders about legitimate rape and rape pregnancies being a gift from God, binders full of women, etc... didn’t clue you in to the GOP’s gender issues, this should. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), the Democratic point person on VAWA, called the move “inexcusable” in a statement. “But this seems to be how House Republican leadership operates.”
Read more at MaddowBlog
The John Boehner led Republicans have let expire, the Violence Against Women Act, first introduced in 1994 and reinstated without fanfare until the teabagger coalition got to town. What were their major complaints? It actually covered gays, immigrants, and Native Americans. Can you believe it? Those sneaky Democrats actually think that those women need protection too. Commie bastards! In case you're curious as to what it did, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), increased federal penalties for domestic violence and provided funding for groups and services that aid victims of domestic abuse. The bill was once a bipartisan sweet spot of being both tough on crime and oriented toward women's rights. But that was then.
In case the election blunders about legitimate rape and rape pregnancies being a gift from God, binders full of women, etc... didn’t clue you in to the GOP’s gender issues, this should. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), the Democratic point person on VAWA, called the move “inexcusable” in a statement. “But this seems to be how House Republican leadership operates.”
Read more at MaddowBlog
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
No Cliff Hanger Afterall
I have to say, I'm not sure how to feel about the so-called "fiscal cliff" agreement. As someone pretty far to the left, I have to drag my pragmatic side out of the moth balls once in a while. Here's what's been rolling through my brain:
I'm not particularly concerned that the agreement went from income above $250K to $400K on individuals. Would I have preferred the $250K?. Sure. However, we got personal exemptions knocked back to those making above $250K. The estate tax was a joke. Republicans won. Their top rate went from 35% to 40%, after the first $5M. Big whoop. Capital gains and dividends went from 15% to 20%. Another GOP win. They were set to go back to 39.6% The alternative minimum tax was a Democratic win. The middle class is protected from getting jacked on it moving forward. It was originally designed to ensure that the wealthy did not avoid owing taxes by using loopholes. We do have a five year extension on expansions of the child tax credit, the earned income tax credit, and an up-to-$2,500 tax credit for college tuition. Also extended for one year is the accelerated "bonus" depreciation of business investments in new property and equipment, a tax credit for research and development costs and a tax credit for renewable energy such as wind-generated electricity. Long term unemployed got a one year extension, which was one I was concerned about. I guess it's a win for Democrats, but not a strong one as we'll still have a GOP led House a year from now. I'm not unemployed, however if you can't find a job, you end up on the street. The GOP thinks someone who lost a $75K per year job should just pick up a couple shifts at Walmart or McDonalds and all their problems will be solved. Well, not if you have a mortgage. The Social Security payroll tax cut is a short term loss for workers, but at the same time, if we're not paying in now, it won't be there when we retire. And no, I don't believe for a minite Social Security is in trouble. It's biggest problem is that's where most of our borrowing has come from and the DC politicians do not want to pay it back...excluding Bernie Sanders.
Here's what I really don't like. Democrats did not get the debt ceiling raised in this deal...for at least two years. We are going to be going through all this baloney again in 2 or 3 months. President Obama says he will not negotiate with the hostage takers again, but his track record says otherwise. We'll see soon enough. I was actually ok with going over the cliff as it was the only way to cut the damn over-bloated military budget. Now we're going to have to listen to Republicans, led by John McCain and Lindsay Graham insist that the military can not be touched , but we need to decimate Social security and Medicare. I'm worried about wobbly kneed Democrats buying into it.
I'm not particularly concerned that the agreement went from income above $250K to $400K on individuals. Would I have preferred the $250K?. Sure. However, we got personal exemptions knocked back to those making above $250K. The estate tax was a joke. Republicans won. Their top rate went from 35% to 40%, after the first $5M. Big whoop. Capital gains and dividends went from 15% to 20%. Another GOP win. They were set to go back to 39.6% The alternative minimum tax was a Democratic win. The middle class is protected from getting jacked on it moving forward. It was originally designed to ensure that the wealthy did not avoid owing taxes by using loopholes. We do have a five year extension on expansions of the child tax credit, the earned income tax credit, and an up-to-$2,500 tax credit for college tuition. Also extended for one year is the accelerated "bonus" depreciation of business investments in new property and equipment, a tax credit for research and development costs and a tax credit for renewable energy such as wind-generated electricity. Long term unemployed got a one year extension, which was one I was concerned about. I guess it's a win for Democrats, but not a strong one as we'll still have a GOP led House a year from now. I'm not unemployed, however if you can't find a job, you end up on the street. The GOP thinks someone who lost a $75K per year job should just pick up a couple shifts at Walmart or McDonalds and all their problems will be solved. Well, not if you have a mortgage. The Social Security payroll tax cut is a short term loss for workers, but at the same time, if we're not paying in now, it won't be there when we retire. And no, I don't believe for a minite Social Security is in trouble. It's biggest problem is that's where most of our borrowing has come from and the DC politicians do not want to pay it back...excluding Bernie Sanders.
Here's what I really don't like. Democrats did not get the debt ceiling raised in this deal...for at least two years. We are going to be going through all this baloney again in 2 or 3 months. President Obama says he will not negotiate with the hostage takers again, but his track record says otherwise. We'll see soon enough. I was actually ok with going over the cliff as it was the only way to cut the damn over-bloated military budget. Now we're going to have to listen to Republicans, led by John McCain and Lindsay Graham insist that the military can not be touched , but we need to decimate Social security and Medicare. I'm worried about wobbly kneed Democrats buying into it.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Limbaugh: Democrats Are Not "Just Simple Opponents; They're Also The Enemy"
Rush Limbaugh continues to do his part to pit neighbor against neighbor so his tax rate doesn't go up 4%. The false equivalency that the left does it too is baloney. Maybe there's a marginal lefty talker out there talking smack, but none of our main stream liberal voices are preaching to their audience that the "opponent is more than that, they're the enemy." I say this on Media Matters Facebook page earlier today, but what actually flabbergasted me are the ignorant, hateful posts by Rush's fans. They really think we, on the left are more dangerous than the Koch Brothers or the DeVos family who are leading us towards fascism. This man, along with Glenn Beck are truly dangerous. These guys make it scary for someone with Massachusetts tags to drive through South Carolina. They don't care, they're making millions spreading fear and hate. A thirty year boon to the wealthy in this country on our backs isn't enough for these greedy gasbags. Republicon, Teabagger, Con voters are a scared little bunch of crybabies who are afraid of their own shadow and actually believe that they're going to hit the big one and live on easy street. They're willing to allow Republicons to strip away social safety nets because they listen to asshats like this guy who make them believe anyone can be a millionaire. Right wing media has wrecked the country's psyche and I think it's beyond repair. The public seams sufficiently dumbed down.
Check out this photo which was taken at a Nascar race. You know this fool listens to Limbaugh. He's got his bigotry on the tailgate, his racism on the rear window, and his ignorance on his parking spot. The only thing missing is a God Hates Fags bumper sticker.
Check out this photo which was taken at a Nascar race. You know this fool listens to Limbaugh. He's got his bigotry on the tailgate, his racism on the rear window, and his ignorance on his parking spot. The only thing missing is a God Hates Fags bumper sticker.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
No Jobs Bills, But Anti-Women Legislation Continues To Dominate House Teapublican Policy
Obviously it's been quite a week for national security so this was probably missed by most Americans since it was buried on the news. However, on Tuesday, 251 Members of Congress voted to "redefine rape." Extremists in House of Representatives voted to approve an anti-choice bill that would significantly restrict women's access to abortion services and "redefine rape." The final vote was 251 - 175.
Before the vote, Mother Jones reported that even though Republicans removed controversial language from the bill which would have "redefined rape," the House executed a backdoor maneuver that would allow them to deny federal funding for abortion even in a case involving incest and statutory rape. Extremists were able to pass this bill in the House, but it is unlikely even to make it to the floor in the Senate. What's more, President Obama has indicated he would veto the bill should it get to his desk.
House Passes "Redefining Rape" Bill, H.R.3
H.R. 3 would sharply reduce access to safe, legal abortions for women in this country by virtually eliminating insurance coverage for abortions. The redefinition of rape could be used to block women who were victims of incest involving statutory rape from using Medicaid to pay for an abortion. And in some cases, the bill would force women who were sexually assaulted into the hellish scenario of proving to IRS agents that they were victims of "forcible rape" or incest.
Let's be clear about what the anti-choice supporters of H.R. 3 want. They want to "redefine rape." They want to make it impossible for low-income women to have access to abortion services. They want to force women whose pregnancy is causing major health risks short of death (such as blindness) to go through with the pregnancy. And they want to eliminate insurance coverage for abortion in order to make reproductive care unaffordable for women.
The Republican bill -- which was supported by 16 anti-choice Democrats -- represents a vicious assault on women's rights. "The No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act" or H.R. 3 goes far beyond any other anti-choice measure that has been proposed in the House, including the Stupak Amendment that passed the House last year. If you're a Democrat and anti-choice, you're not really a Democrat. We know Republicans want to repeal womens right to vote, but here are the 16 so-called Democrats who supported this regressive bill.
Altmire, Boren, Costello, Critz, Cuellar, Donnelly, Holden, Kaptur, Kildee, Lipinski, Matheson, McIntyre, Peterson, Rahall, Ross, Shuler.
So, where are all the so-called independent voters who put these asshats in office? Not one jobs bill has been introduced by the Republicans, but they've blocked jobs bills by Democrats. No surprise, they want Obama to look like a failure, country be damned. However, if you want to see what they've been up to, look no further than their relentless attack on womens rights since they took over the House majority in January. While I have absolutely no idea how anyone can vote Republican (unless you're a white male millionaire), I am baffled by any woman who would vote for politicians who see them as nothing more than an incubator or a vessel for mens needs. It's actually nauseating.
Before the vote, Mother Jones reported that even though Republicans removed controversial language from the bill which would have "redefined rape," the House executed a backdoor maneuver that would allow them to deny federal funding for abortion even in a case involving incest and statutory rape. Extremists were able to pass this bill in the House, but it is unlikely even to make it to the floor in the Senate. What's more, President Obama has indicated he would veto the bill should it get to his desk.
House Passes "Redefining Rape" Bill, H.R.3
H.R. 3 would sharply reduce access to safe, legal abortions for women in this country by virtually eliminating insurance coverage for abortions. The redefinition of rape could be used to block women who were victims of incest involving statutory rape from using Medicaid to pay for an abortion. And in some cases, the bill would force women who were sexually assaulted into the hellish scenario of proving to IRS agents that they were victims of "forcible rape" or incest.
Let's be clear about what the anti-choice supporters of H.R. 3 want. They want to "redefine rape." They want to make it impossible for low-income women to have access to abortion services. They want to force women whose pregnancy is causing major health risks short of death (such as blindness) to go through with the pregnancy. And they want to eliminate insurance coverage for abortion in order to make reproductive care unaffordable for women.
The Republican bill -- which was supported by 16 anti-choice Democrats -- represents a vicious assault on women's rights. "The No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act" or H.R. 3 goes far beyond any other anti-choice measure that has been proposed in the House, including the Stupak Amendment that passed the House last year. If you're a Democrat and anti-choice, you're not really a Democrat. We know Republicans want to repeal womens right to vote, but here are the 16 so-called Democrats who supported this regressive bill.
Altmire, Boren, Costello, Critz, Cuellar, Donnelly, Holden, Kaptur, Kildee, Lipinski, Matheson, McIntyre, Peterson, Rahall, Ross, Shuler.
So, where are all the so-called independent voters who put these asshats in office? Not one jobs bill has been introduced by the Republicans, but they've blocked jobs bills by Democrats. No surprise, they want Obama to look like a failure, country be damned. However, if you want to see what they've been up to, look no further than their relentless attack on womens rights since they took over the House majority in January. While I have absolutely no idea how anyone can vote Republican (unless you're a white male millionaire), I am baffled by any woman who would vote for politicians who see them as nothing more than an incubator or a vessel for mens needs. It's actually nauseating.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Republicans Weighting the Scale To Get What They Want
Rachel Maddow discusses all the hurdles and obstacles Republicans are making law to;
A.) Try to keep President Obama off the 2012 Presidential ballot and B.) Dissuade likely Democratic voters from showing up for the Presidential election in 2012. This is another example that the Republicans can not win with their 1920 ideas so they have to "put their thumb on the scale" to tilt the election. Keep an eye on those tricky electronic voting machines as well. There's not a doubt in my mind that the right wing is working behind the scenes to pull off another 2000 or 2004. Otherwise, all these hugely unpopular policies from the new teapublican Governors in the midwest or the hugely unpopular kill social safety nets policies in DC would not be moving full steam ahead. They are NOT concerned about the voters. Heck, maybe they'll just hold back until a county doesn't go their way and have 14,000 votes miraculously appear! Thanks for the heads up Wisconsin! Check this: Programmer under oath admits computers rig elections. Also don't forget Karl Rove's IT Guru Mike Connelly's "mysterious" plane crash just before he was to testify in 2008.
A.) Try to keep President Obama off the 2012 Presidential ballot and B.) Dissuade likely Democratic voters from showing up for the Presidential election in 2012. This is another example that the Republicans can not win with their 1920 ideas so they have to "put their thumb on the scale" to tilt the election. Keep an eye on those tricky electronic voting machines as well. There's not a doubt in my mind that the right wing is working behind the scenes to pull off another 2000 or 2004. Otherwise, all these hugely unpopular policies from the new teapublican Governors in the midwest or the hugely unpopular kill social safety nets policies in DC would not be moving full steam ahead. They are NOT concerned about the voters. Heck, maybe they'll just hold back until a county doesn't go their way and have 14,000 votes miraculously appear! Thanks for the heads up Wisconsin! Check this: Programmer under oath admits computers rig elections. Also don't forget Karl Rove's IT Guru Mike Connelly's "mysterious" plane crash just before he was to testify in 2008.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Another Example of the Arrogance and Stupidity of Republicans
A Southwest Airlines flight flying from Phoenix to Sacramento made an emergency landing in Yuma after the roof ripped open. Luckily only a flight attendant received minor injuries. The FAA reported pilot made a controlled descent from 34,400 feet to 11,000 feet after the hole opened. Here's what's scary, the 15-year-old plane underwent a routine safety inspection on Tuesday. Reports say a tear along a riveted "lap joint" shows evidence of extensive cracking that hadn't been discovered during routine maintenance — and probably wouldn't have been unless mechanics had specifically looked for it. Call me cynical, but it seems like this is the kind of thing inspectors should be specifically looking for, especially on older planes. Southwest is in the process of retiring the Boeing 737-300's and have halted flying the other 79 until further more detailed inspections have taken place. But there are over 1000 still in service world-wide with many carriers.
Meanwhile, the Republicans have vowed to cut $4 Billion from the FAA budget. These cuts would force the layoff of hundreds of workers, including safety inspectors, and would delay modernization of the nation's air traffic system, which is needed to accommodate forecasted increases passengers and flight without nightmarish congestion. Much of the rest of the world is either using satellite-based air navigation and air traffic control or planning to upgrade to GPS technology. Not us, not when the rich don't give a damn about anything except their wallet.
This isn't new territory of stupidity for the GOP. Don't forget, they also voted to cut a reported $126 million from the National Weather Service, about 30 percent of agencies total budget. In all, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration would have its budget cut by $454 million. In the context of the disastrous earthquake northern Japan and the resulting tsunami, it's not hard to see what effect those cuts might have had on our ability to monitor the tsunami heading towards our shores. But the Republicans just don't care! They said the disaster in Japan changes nothing in their budget plans. All they want is tax cuts for the rich! All they care about is money and power. The people who listen to their lies are fools. Democrats scared to make a stand are cowards. Reaganomics and the military industrial complex are the reasons we're being dragged down. The fact that they've masterfully turned every argument in this country into left vs. right is the reason we will not overcome. The oligarchy has won with brilliant strategy.
Meanwhile, the Republicans have vowed to cut $4 Billion from the FAA budget. These cuts would force the layoff of hundreds of workers, including safety inspectors, and would delay modernization of the nation's air traffic system, which is needed to accommodate forecasted increases passengers and flight without nightmarish congestion. Much of the rest of the world is either using satellite-based air navigation and air traffic control or planning to upgrade to GPS technology. Not us, not when the rich don't give a damn about anything except their wallet.
This isn't new territory of stupidity for the GOP. Don't forget, they also voted to cut a reported $126 million from the National Weather Service, about 30 percent of agencies total budget. In all, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration would have its budget cut by $454 million. In the context of the disastrous earthquake northern Japan and the resulting tsunami, it's not hard to see what effect those cuts might have had on our ability to monitor the tsunami heading towards our shores. But the Republicans just don't care! They said the disaster in Japan changes nothing in their budget plans. All they want is tax cuts for the rich! All they care about is money and power. The people who listen to their lies are fools. Democrats scared to make a stand are cowards. Reaganomics and the military industrial complex are the reasons we're being dragged down. The fact that they've masterfully turned every argument in this country into left vs. right is the reason we will not overcome. The oligarchy has won with brilliant strategy.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
GOP Finds Uterus Offensive
Hey, it at least explains all the closeted Republicans getting caught with their pants down!!! Seriously, I saw this article today and just shook my head, then thought, "What's next?" At the Florida House during last week's discussion about a bill that would prohibit governments from deducting union dues from a worker's paycheck, state Rep. Scott Randolph, D-Orlando, used his time during floor debate to argue that Republicans are against regulations -- except when it comes to the little guys, or serves their specific interests. He was chastized for his language because he suggested that his wife "incorporate her uterus" to stop Republicans from pushing measures that would restrict abortions. Evidently the party that has been talking non-stop about abortion for three months is now concerned that "the kids" may hear the word uterus being discussed and, gee wiz willickers, that's going to corrupt the kids! Evidently discussing a body part that 52% of the population has is offensive! Who knew?!
I'm just going to repost this article from Mother Jones written by Adam Weinstein.
GOP: You Can't Say "Uterus" on Statehouse Floor— By Adam Weinstein
Thu Mar. 31, 2011 12:12 PM PDT. Clearly having seen my roundup yesterday, and hoping to outdo it, the Florida GOP offered us another precious moment today. From the St. Petersburg Times:
At one point [Rep. Scott Randolph, D-Orlando] suggested that his wife "incorporate her uterus" to stop Republicans from pushing measures that would restrict abortions. Republicans, after all, wouldn't want to further regulate a Florida business.
Apparently the GOP leadership of the House didn't like the one-liner.
They told Democrats that Randolph is not to discuss body parts on the House floor.
"The point was that Republicans are always talking about deregulation and big government," Randolph said Thursday. "And I always say their philosophy is small government for the big guy and big government for the little guy. And so, if my wife's uterus was incorporated or my friend's bedroom was incorporated, maybe they (Republicans) would be talking about deregulating.
"It's not like I used slang," said Randolph, who actually got the line from his wife.
Wait. Uterus? What's wrong with uterus? It's a pretty common medical/anatomical term, right? A House GOP spokeswoman explained that Randolph's comment lacked "decorum" and could pervert the kiddies:
...the Speaker believes it is important for all Members to be mindful of and respectful to visitors and guests, particularly the young pages and messengers who are seated in the chamber during debates. In the past, if the debate is going to contain language that would be considered inappropriate for children and other guests, the Speaker will make an announcement in advance, asking children and others who may be uncomfortable with the subject matter to leave the floor and gallery.
You know what I say to that? Take a long fallopian walk off a short doggoned uterus, you sigmoid colonoscopes!
Sorry, that was a little over the top...Oh dear, hope I don't get fired.
I'm just going to repost this article from Mother Jones written by Adam Weinstein.
GOP: You Can't Say "Uterus" on Statehouse Floor— By Adam Weinstein
Thu Mar. 31, 2011 12:12 PM PDT. Clearly having seen my roundup yesterday, and hoping to outdo it, the Florida GOP offered us another precious moment today. From the St. Petersburg Times:
At one point [Rep. Scott Randolph, D-Orlando] suggested that his wife "incorporate her uterus" to stop Republicans from pushing measures that would restrict abortions. Republicans, after all, wouldn't want to further regulate a Florida business.
Apparently the GOP leadership of the House didn't like the one-liner.
They told Democrats that Randolph is not to discuss body parts on the House floor.
"The point was that Republicans are always talking about deregulation and big government," Randolph said Thursday. "And I always say their philosophy is small government for the big guy and big government for the little guy. And so, if my wife's uterus was incorporated or my friend's bedroom was incorporated, maybe they (Republicans) would be talking about deregulating.
"It's not like I used slang," said Randolph, who actually got the line from his wife.
Wait. Uterus? What's wrong with uterus? It's a pretty common medical/anatomical term, right? A House GOP spokeswoman explained that Randolph's comment lacked "decorum" and could pervert the kiddies:
...the Speaker believes it is important for all Members to be mindful of and respectful to visitors and guests, particularly the young pages and messengers who are seated in the chamber during debates. In the past, if the debate is going to contain language that would be considered inappropriate for children and other guests, the Speaker will make an announcement in advance, asking children and others who may be uncomfortable with the subject matter to leave the floor and gallery.
You know what I say to that? Take a long fallopian walk off a short doggoned uterus, you sigmoid colonoscopes!
Sorry, that was a little over the top...Oh dear, hope I don't get fired.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Teapublicans Call Emergency Session to Defund NPR
In my opinion, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) is a true up-and-comer in the Democratic Party. His biting sarcasm of the stupidity of Republican causes and the courage to not stand down gives me hope for Democrats moving forward. Here he takes Republicans to task for calling an emergency session to defund NPR, based on creepy fright-wing, Allen Funt wannabe, James O'Keefe's heavily edited video. Even Glenn Beck's website, The Blaze said NPR representative Ron Schiller did nothing controversial, but the video was edited so heavily, it made him look guilty of saying things he never said, nor implied. If even Beck's website called him out, you know it's bad. Faux Newz as a whole, on the other hand are probably having orgy.
We need more like Weiner and fewer like Evan Bayh (D-IN) who vacated his senate office last year because Washington "had became too partisan" --- so he joined "fair and balanced"
Faux Newz. I'm not kidding.
We need more like Weiner and fewer like Evan Bayh (D-IN) who vacated his senate office last year because Washington "had became too partisan" --- so he joined "fair and balanced"
Faux Newz. I'm not kidding.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Shame Felt As Koch's Republican Puppets in WI Thwart Democracy
So wacky Wednesday got even worse after my initial post...
A visibly upset Michael Moore appeared on the Rachel Maddow Show this evening, shortly after news broke that the Wisconsin Republicans pulled a stunt to remove collective bargaining from the budget bill, so they wouldn’t need a quorum to vote on it. The bill passed 18-1. It’s amazing how they argued all along that this was all about the budget, suddenly it’s not? Moore states in no uncertain terms that this is a class war that's been leveled against the working people of this country. The polls clearly show that the people are against this loss of bargaining rights. And wait until you see the manner in which they went about it!
The outrage felt throughout Wisconsin and to anyone concerned about the working class in this country has reached a level not seen in my lifetime. I hope this rage and anger at the Republicans who are trying to turn our country into a fascist dictatorship stay with us into November 2012. Elections DO have consequences so for anyone who stayed home this past November and is bitching now, stop it. Donate to your Democratic representatives and get off your ass in 2012 so we can try and right the ship!
I’m proud of Michael Moore, Rachel Maddow and Ed Schultz for standing shoulder to shoulder with the working class of America. Yes, they may all do very well financially at this point in their lives, but they have not forgotten their humble roots and dare I say, they have empathy.
A visibly upset Michael Moore appeared on the Rachel Maddow Show this evening, shortly after news broke that the Wisconsin Republicans pulled a stunt to remove collective bargaining from the budget bill, so they wouldn’t need a quorum to vote on it. The bill passed 18-1. It’s amazing how they argued all along that this was all about the budget, suddenly it’s not? Moore states in no uncertain terms that this is a class war that's been leveled against the working people of this country. The polls clearly show that the people are against this loss of bargaining rights. And wait until you see the manner in which they went about it!
The outrage felt throughout Wisconsin and to anyone concerned about the working class in this country has reached a level not seen in my lifetime. I hope this rage and anger at the Republicans who are trying to turn our country into a fascist dictatorship stay with us into November 2012. Elections DO have consequences so for anyone who stayed home this past November and is bitching now, stop it. Donate to your Democratic representatives and get off your ass in 2012 so we can try and right the ship!
I’m proud of Michael Moore, Rachel Maddow and Ed Schultz for standing shoulder to shoulder with the working class of America. Yes, they may all do very well financially at this point in their lives, but they have not forgotten their humble roots and dare I say, they have empathy.
Monday, March 7, 2011
GOP War on Women - It's Not Just Me
I wanted to share this article written by Melissa Harris-Perry which I saw on Alternet via The Nation. She has articulately written a fabulous article about the GOP's War on Women...something I've been whining about for weeks. She makes the case that the Tea Party small government claims that ushered them into office in November was just a facade to bring back the culture wars with a new crop of eager regressives excited about putting women "back where they belong". She makes many wonderful points about all the anti-woman legislation and its ultimate goals. She points out how since the inception of the pill, white women are marrying later (if at all) and producing less children, how their education soared and earning potential has improved. She believes the GOP agenda is to make it difficult for women to control their fertility, thereby making it more difficult to compete with their male counterparts for degrees and jobs. Then there's the bonus of more white babies since those brown one's are outnumbering them and the "white power party" can't stand that fact. Can't have that trend continue in 'merika. She expresses that in Republicans’ future America, women will be encouraged to marry younger, to stay in difficult marriages and to rely on the "man of the house". She points out how Theodore Roosevelt thought that the best thing a woman could provide her country, was bearing and raising children. He called a woman who avoided motherhood "a creature who merits contempt as hearty as any visited upon the soldier who runs away in battle." Perry is absolutely correct in her conclusions that the current Republican party feels exactly the same way. Think about the disdain for childless women or women that have a child out of wedlock that the Republicans hurl towards them, even from conservative women (yet ironically excludes Palin's daughter). This is a fight that women must understand and push back on. I hope there's enough women paying attention before it's too late. If they get their way, it will take generations to repair the damage. Our country has already been down this road.
I've given some lowlights, but please read this fabulous well written article:
GOP War on Women: Conservatives Are Intent on Curtailing Our Rights and Freedoms
I've given some lowlights, but please read this fabulous well written article:
GOP War on Women: Conservatives Are Intent on Curtailing Our Rights and Freedoms
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Obama To Play Kissy Face With Republicans Again
"We need to come together, Democrats and Republicans, around a long-term budget that sacrifices wasteful spending without sacrificing the job-creating investments in our future. My administration has already put forward specific cuts that meet congressional Republicans halfway. And I'm prepared to do more." said Obama.
Seriously Barack, grow a set! I'm really tired of this. Bill Clinton called these b*stards bluff 17 years ago...and won. WTF is wrong with you? If you've already met them halfway, but are willing to do more, that means you will go at least three-quarters their way because they won't budge, they never do. I root for this guy, but he continues to do things that make me want to bang me head against a tree. Everytime Republicans set a goal, he moves towards it so they move the goal line further to the right...and he chases it. How many times does Charlie Brown allow Lucy to pull the football away before he kicks grass in her face? I hope to God he doesn't try to use, "Change We Can Believe In" again. Is the 2012 ballot going to look like this? Barack Obama (R), Mitt Romney (I), John Edwards (D),
Ron Paul (C).
The democratic base that put him in office has some basic ideas: Cut the damn military budget! Stop the war machine. That will save billions in a very short period of time. This man's biggest selling point was getting us out of Iraq and Afghanistan. 50,000 so-called peacekeepers are still in Iraq and he escalated Afghanistan by 40,000 troops. Legislatively, on many fronts, he's been magnificent, but damn it, he could've been a true game-changer. Yet he caved and continues to at nearly every turn. At one time I believed he was playing chess and everyone else was playing checkers. Now I don't even know if he's interested in the game. He seems to just go with the easiest flow. The folks on the right will never accept him, never. My concern about him in 2008 was he didn't have enough D.C. experience. I knew he was a smart guy and I loved his speech at the 2004 DNC. However, his lack of relationships in regard to the arm twisting needed to get anything done has become crystal clear. He should've served at least a full term as Senator before going for the big boy's chair.
I close with my own personal pet peeve: I'm sick and tired of hearing the "shared sacrifice" comments from him and other Democrats. The wealthy and the corporations haven't sacrificed a thing. Where exactly is the sharing? Please read this Reuters article. Every single cut is coming at the expense of the middle class and the poor. They've since added a $1.7 billion cut to the Social Security Administration.
I feel beat down, disillusioned and depressed about our future. If this guy couldn't deliver, who can?
Seriously Barack, grow a set! I'm really tired of this. Bill Clinton called these b*stards bluff 17 years ago...and won. WTF is wrong with you? If you've already met them halfway, but are willing to do more, that means you will go at least three-quarters their way because they won't budge, they never do. I root for this guy, but he continues to do things that make me want to bang me head against a tree. Everytime Republicans set a goal, he moves towards it so they move the goal line further to the right...and he chases it. How many times does Charlie Brown allow Lucy to pull the football away before he kicks grass in her face? I hope to God he doesn't try to use, "Change We Can Believe In" again. Is the 2012 ballot going to look like this? Barack Obama (R), Mitt Romney (I), John Edwards (D),
Ron Paul (C).
The democratic base that put him in office has some basic ideas: Cut the damn military budget! Stop the war machine. That will save billions in a very short period of time. This man's biggest selling point was getting us out of Iraq and Afghanistan. 50,000 so-called peacekeepers are still in Iraq and he escalated Afghanistan by 40,000 troops. Legislatively, on many fronts, he's been magnificent, but damn it, he could've been a true game-changer. Yet he caved and continues to at nearly every turn. At one time I believed he was playing chess and everyone else was playing checkers. Now I don't even know if he's interested in the game. He seems to just go with the easiest flow. The folks on the right will never accept him, never. My concern about him in 2008 was he didn't have enough D.C. experience. I knew he was a smart guy and I loved his speech at the 2004 DNC. However, his lack of relationships in regard to the arm twisting needed to get anything done has become crystal clear. He should've served at least a full term as Senator before going for the big boy's chair.
I close with my own personal pet peeve: I'm sick and tired of hearing the "shared sacrifice" comments from him and other Democrats. The wealthy and the corporations haven't sacrificed a thing. Where exactly is the sharing? Please read this Reuters article. Every single cut is coming at the expense of the middle class and the poor. They've since added a $1.7 billion cut to the Social Security Administration.
I feel beat down, disillusioned and depressed about our future. If this guy couldn't deliver, who can?
Monday, February 14, 2011
Jess McIntosh Discusses Boehners' America - Men Folk Know Better
EMILY's List Spokesperson, Jess McIntosh appeared on MSNBC today to discuss the GOP's bait-and-switch with American voters. The House Republicans are trying to restrict women's access to health care rather than focusing on job creation as they had pledged to do. I wasn't particularly impressed with Tamron Hall's line of questioning either. Very weak interview.
How can any self-respecting woman or any evolved man vote for anyone in the Neanderthal Party? This non-stop attack on womens rights since the regressives took over the majority of Congress in January is sickening. I find it appauling that middle-aged dudes on viagra are dictating womens reproductive rights. C'mon liberals, fight back before they successfully take us backwards!
How can any self-respecting woman or any evolved man vote for anyone in the Neanderthal Party? This non-stop attack on womens rights since the regressives took over the majority of Congress in January is sickening. I find it appauling that middle-aged dudes on viagra are dictating womens reproductive rights. C'mon liberals, fight back before they successfully take us backwards!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Scott Brown Showing His True Color - Yellow
Seven week Senator Scott Brown (R-MA) has apparently taken an anonymous "tweet" and run amok with fear. The false rumor is that the Democrats are trying to lure Rachel Maddow into opposing him for the Massachusetts Senate in November of 2012. Way to be different and get things done Scotty; cast one vote and start running for a new term...against someone not even running who you clearly view as a legitimate threat. Maddow made it clear that she is not running against him in 2012, but he hasn't let that little fact get in his way for fundraising. Rachel used humor on Tuesday evening to dispute his endeavor, but by Wednesday she seemed aggitated by the ongoing lie that Brown won't let die!. In typical Republican cowardice, he won‘t come on her show to talk about this situation and his Senate office is refusing to even return TRMS phone calls. And they are apparently not going to retract the letter that they‘ve sent out all over the country that says saying Rachel would be bad for the country (which I obviously don't think is true) even though it is not factually true. Who wouldn't be genuinely aggitated by someone trying to make money off your name, especially from other states?! Here's the fundraising letter he sent to supporters yesterday:
Friends,
It’s only been a couple of months since I’ve been in office, and before I’ve even settled into my new job, the political machine in Massachusetts is looking for someone to run against me. And you’re not going to believe who they are supposedly trying to recruit — liberal MSNBC anchor Rachel Maddow.
Rachel lives in western Massachusetts, and recently it was reported that the chairman of the state Democratic Party had apparently tried to reach out to her in an attempt to coax her into a race against me. You can read about it here.
The political season never ends, which is why I need your continued support. While my opponents strategize on how to defeat me in 2012, I’m going to continue to speak out against higher taxes, more spending and greater government control in our lives.
I relish being an independent voice in Washington, one that doesn’t march in lockstep with the rest of the Washington crowd. The Democratic Party bosses in Massachusetts disagree. They want a rubberstamp who will vote for their plans to expand government, increase debt and raise taxes. Someone like Rachel Maddow. I’m sure she’s a nice person — I just don’t think America can afford her liberal politics.
Rachel Maddow has a nightly platform to push her far-left agenda. What about you? I’d like to encourage ordinary American citizens concerned about the future of their country to get more involved in our government. I hope you were encouraged by my victory to become more politically active, maybe even become a candidate for office yourself. We can continue to push our movement forward by running for office, joining in rallies and petitions that challenge President Obama and Nancy Pelosi’s healthcare legislation, supporting campaigns against the tax-and-spenders or by donating time and money to office-holders and candidates who will restore the principles of our founders.
I’m grateful you are with me. Thanks again for whatever support you can provide me, and I look forward to joining in further victories with you down the line.
Sincerely,
Scott Brown
United States Senator
UPDATE: MARCH 26, 2010
MSNBC took out a full-page ad in the Boston Globe for a letter from Rachel Maddow to her fellow Massachusetts citizens in response to Scott Brown's unfounded claims while trying to raise out-of-state money for his 2012 re-election bid.
UPDATE: MARCH 27, 2010
Friends,
It’s only been a couple of months since I’ve been in office, and before I’ve even settled into my new job, the political machine in Massachusetts is looking for someone to run against me. And you’re not going to believe who they are supposedly trying to recruit — liberal MSNBC anchor Rachel Maddow.
Rachel lives in western Massachusetts, and recently it was reported that the chairman of the state Democratic Party had apparently tried to reach out to her in an attempt to coax her into a race against me. You can read about it here.
The political season never ends, which is why I need your continued support. While my opponents strategize on how to defeat me in 2012, I’m going to continue to speak out against higher taxes, more spending and greater government control in our lives.
I relish being an independent voice in Washington, one that doesn’t march in lockstep with the rest of the Washington crowd. The Democratic Party bosses in Massachusetts disagree. They want a rubberstamp who will vote for their plans to expand government, increase debt and raise taxes. Someone like Rachel Maddow. I’m sure she’s a nice person — I just don’t think America can afford her liberal politics.
Rachel Maddow has a nightly platform to push her far-left agenda. What about you? I’d like to encourage ordinary American citizens concerned about the future of their country to get more involved in our government. I hope you were encouraged by my victory to become more politically active, maybe even become a candidate for office yourself. We can continue to push our movement forward by running for office, joining in rallies and petitions that challenge President Obama and Nancy Pelosi’s healthcare legislation, supporting campaigns against the tax-and-spenders or by donating time and money to office-holders and candidates who will restore the principles of our founders.
I’m grateful you are with me. Thanks again for whatever support you can provide me, and I look forward to joining in further victories with you down the line.
Sincerely,
Scott Brown
United States Senator
UPDATE: MARCH 26, 2010
MSNBC took out a full-page ad in the Boston Globe for a letter from Rachel Maddow to her fellow Massachusetts citizens in response to Scott Brown's unfounded claims while trying to raise out-of-state money for his 2012 re-election bid.
UPDATE: MARCH 27, 2010
It didn't take long for Scotty's little independent streak to go away, did it?
Monday, March 22, 2010
If all Americans can get health insurance, life as we know it will never be the same...oh, wait
A funny thing happened this morning...the sun rose like it always has, there was no armegeddon overnight and since the religious zealots haven't mentioned anything, I guess it's pretty safe to say that hell didn't freeze over. Why is this so shocking? Because the Health Care Reform bill passed in the Congress last night with a gavel strike by *gasp* Speaker Nancy Pelosi! I've been mostly quiet about this because it's a very complex issue with complicated language, daily changes and with all the posturing from both sides, I wasn't comfortable putting my thoughts on the blog without complete confidence that all my facts were lined up. One thing I am sure about, when private insurance companies start randomly raising rates by as much as 40%, it was clear that the situation needed to be addressed. Today, a list of the top 18 immediate changes were listed on Huffington Post and I think it's important to point them out since Republicans are already promising to repeal this law once they regain power. After reading these new laws, I hope the GOP really is dumb enough to run on that platform. I think it's a bit misleading for them to keep pointing out that 52% of the country is against this bill. Statistically, that might be true, but at least half of those don't think the bill went far enough, not that we didn't want to see changes to the status quo. And because I've listened with interest to Wendell Potter, the former Cigna executive-turned-whistleblower and Dr. Howard Dean who managed to get universal coverage for children in Vermont under his Governorship, that this at least gets our foot in the door I would say our 26% + the already established support from 48% gives the Dems a 74% to 26% advantage!
- Health Insurers cannot deny children health insurance because of pre-existing conditions. A ban on the discrimination in adults will take effect in 2014.
- Businesses with fewer than 50 employees will get tax credits covering up to 50% of employee premiums.
- Seniors will get a rebate to fill the so-called "donut hole" in Medicare drug coverage, which severely limits prescription medication coverage expenditures over $2,700. As of next year, 50 percent of the donut hole will be filled.
- The cut-off age for young adults to continue to be covered by their parents' health insurance rises to the age 26.
- Lifetime caps on the amount of insurance an individual can have will be banned. Annual caps will be limited, and banned in 2014.
- A temporary high-risk pool will be set up to cover adults with pre-existing conditions. Health care exchanges will eliminate the program in 2014.
- New plans must cover checkups and other preventative care without co-pays. All plans will be affected by 2018.
- Insurance companies can no longer cut someone when he or she gets sick.
- Insurers must now reveal how much money is spent on overhead.
- Any new plan must now implement an appeals process for coverage determinations and claims.
- New screening procedures will be implemented to help eliminate health insurance fraud and waste.
- Medicare payment protections will be extended to small rural hospitals and other health care facilities that have a small number of Medicare patients.
- Non-profit Blue Cross organizations will be required to maintain a medical loss ratio -- money spent on procedures over money incoming -- of 85 percent or higher to take advantage of IRS tax benefits.
- Chain restaurants will be required to provide a "nutrient content disclosure statement" alongside their items. Expect to see calories listed both on in-store and drive-through menus of fast-food restaurants sometime soon.
- The bill establishes a temporary program for companies that provide early retiree health benefits for those ages 55‐64 in order to help reduce the often-expensive cost of that coverage.
- A two‐year temporary credit (up to a maximum of $1 billion) is in the bill to encourage investment in new therapies for the prevention and treatement of diseases.
- The Secretary of Health and Human Services will set up a new Web site to make it easy for Americans in any state to seek out affordable health insurance options The site will also include helpful information for small businesses.
- A ten percent tax will be imposed on indoor tanning services. This tax, which replaced the proposed tax on cosmetic surgery, would be effective for services on or after July 1, 2010.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Quick Thoughts on a February Friday
President Barack Obama has concluded after the Health Care Summit yesterday, accord between Democrats and Republicans may not be possible. In other news, the sun will rise in the east, Lassie was a collie, Neil Armstrong was the first man to set foot on the moon and Michael Jackson is dead.
Paulding County, Georgia lost its State House representative, Glenn Richardson, to a familiar political demon last year -- the extramarital affair. On Tuesday voters chose his replacement, Daniel Stout, a 29-year old banker from Dallas, someone who boldly touts himself as a "Christian, a Conservative, and a Republican," and a man who has had to overcome the fact that had an extra-marital affair with his then-mother-in-law 10 years ago. Stout had an affair with his first wife's mother while his first wife was pregnant with their daughter. Stout and his first wife subsequently divorced. Stout later claimed that "the relationship was stopped short of sex." Seriously? This guy's a bigger scumbag than the guy he's replacing. But hey, at least he's not {gasp} gay!
Last night, the Canadian women's hockey team accepted their gold medals and waved to the excited home crowd. And then the real celebration began. The players came back from the locker room after all the fans had left and staged a party on ice – swigging from bottles of champagne, drinking beer and smoking cigars. The IOC is going to investigate the "behavior." Give me a break. These kids just won the gold medal in their home country -- something that's never happened in hockey and they decided to celebrate. That whole role models argument (they're trying to use) is moot, because the fans had left. If not for the photographer, no one would've even known. Furthermore, no one was complaining about the Yankees champagne, beer and cigar celebration last November. Why do we sweat the small stuff when there's such bigger issues to concern ourselves with?
Bill O'Reilly appeared on "Good Morning America" Thursday with George Stephanopoulos and said, "Sarah Palin needs to go to college. Political college, world affairs college, and she is. She's hired a bunch of advisers and they're giving her a whole bunch of tracks to learn, because it is a sophisticated deal." OK, call me crazy, but at age 46 after already being a governor and after already running for Vice President (thisclose to the red button with old man McCain) she has just now decided she should hire 'tutors'? I still want proof she went to high school. I wonder if Canada would be ready for the influx of new Canadians if this wingnut ever got elected?
Speaking of the Wasilla Hillbilly, she will headline the National Rifle Association's annual meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina this May. Will Saracuda arrive in a helicopter and kill some endangered wolves? Or maybe she will give a demonstration on how to field dress a moose, then cook a big batch of Sarah Moose Stew for the adoring crowd.
On a serious and sad note. On Wednesday, an Orca whale attacked and killed veteran trainer Dawn Brancheau in front of a horrified audience at the Orlando SeaWorld show "Believe". SeaWorld spokesman Fred Jacobs confirmed the whale was Tilikum, one of three orcas blamed for killing a trainer who lost her balance and fell in the pool with them in 1991 at Sealand of the Pacific in Victoria, British Columbia (which later closed). Tilikum was also involved in a 1999 death, when the body of a man who had sneaked by Orlando SeaWorld security was found draped over him. The man either jumped, fell or was pulled into the frigid water and died of hypothermia, though he was also bruised and scratched by Tilikum. Talk-radio callers, bloggers and animal activists said Tilikum should be released into the ocean or put to death like a dangerous dog. Brancheau's older sister, Diane Gross, said the trainer would not have wanted anything done to the whale. "She loved the whales like her children. She loved all of them," said Gross, of Schererville, Ind. "They all had personalities, good days and bad days." Chuck Tompkins, chief of animal training at SeaWorld parks, said that Tilikum would not survive in the wild because he has been captive for so long, and that destroying the animal is not an option either, because he is an important part of the breeding program at SeaWorld and a companion to the seven other whales there. I went to the "Believe" show in Seaworld a few years back and it was spectacular...there's no other way to describe it. This tragedy is a reminder that no matter how well these animals are trained, they're still wild animals. I guess my question is, why was Tilikum still being allowed to perform and be within close human contact? He obviously has an agressive nature. Apparently he's the biggest whale in captivity. That's fine, put him in a giant aquarium where he can be admired from a distance. Here's some pictures I took at the show on June 6, 2006 (I don't know if any are of him, but Orca's are quite impressive):
Paulding County, Georgia lost its State House representative, Glenn Richardson, to a familiar political demon last year -- the extramarital affair. On Tuesday voters chose his replacement, Daniel Stout, a 29-year old banker from Dallas, someone who boldly touts himself as a "Christian, a Conservative, and a Republican," and a man who has had to overcome the fact that had an extra-marital affair with his then-mother-in-law 10 years ago. Stout had an affair with his first wife's mother while his first wife was pregnant with their daughter. Stout and his first wife subsequently divorced. Stout later claimed that "the relationship was stopped short of sex." Seriously? This guy's a bigger scumbag than the guy he's replacing. But hey, at least he's not {gasp} gay!
Last night, the Canadian women's hockey team accepted their gold medals and waved to the excited home crowd. And then the real celebration began. The players came back from the locker room after all the fans had left and staged a party on ice – swigging from bottles of champagne, drinking beer and smoking cigars. The IOC is going to investigate the "behavior." Give me a break. These kids just won the gold medal in their home country -- something that's never happened in hockey and they decided to celebrate. That whole role models argument (they're trying to use) is moot, because the fans had left. If not for the photographer, no one would've even known. Furthermore, no one was complaining about the Yankees champagne, beer and cigar celebration last November. Why do we sweat the small stuff when there's such bigger issues to concern ourselves with?
Bill O'Reilly appeared on "Good Morning America" Thursday with George Stephanopoulos and said, "Sarah Palin needs to go to college. Political college, world affairs college, and she is. She's hired a bunch of advisers and they're giving her a whole bunch of tracks to learn, because it is a sophisticated deal." OK, call me crazy, but at age 46 after already being a governor and after already running for Vice President (thisclose to the red button with old man McCain) she has just now decided she should hire 'tutors'? I still want proof she went to high school. I wonder if Canada would be ready for the influx of new Canadians if this wingnut ever got elected?
Speaking of the Wasilla Hillbilly, she will headline the National Rifle Association's annual meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina this May. Will Saracuda arrive in a helicopter and kill some endangered wolves? Or maybe she will give a demonstration on how to field dress a moose, then cook a big batch of Sarah Moose Stew for the adoring crowd.
On a serious and sad note. On Wednesday, an Orca whale attacked and killed veteran trainer Dawn Brancheau in front of a horrified audience at the Orlando SeaWorld show "Believe". SeaWorld spokesman Fred Jacobs confirmed the whale was Tilikum, one of three orcas blamed for killing a trainer who lost her balance and fell in the pool with them in 1991 at Sealand of the Pacific in Victoria, British Columbia (which later closed). Tilikum was also involved in a 1999 death, when the body of a man who had sneaked by Orlando SeaWorld security was found draped over him. The man either jumped, fell or was pulled into the frigid water and died of hypothermia, though he was also bruised and scratched by Tilikum. Talk-radio callers, bloggers and animal activists said Tilikum should be released into the ocean or put to death like a dangerous dog. Brancheau's older sister, Diane Gross, said the trainer would not have wanted anything done to the whale. "She loved the whales like her children. She loved all of them," said Gross, of Schererville, Ind. "They all had personalities, good days and bad days." Chuck Tompkins, chief of animal training at SeaWorld parks, said that Tilikum would not survive in the wild because he has been captive for so long, and that destroying the animal is not an option either, because he is an important part of the breeding program at SeaWorld and a companion to the seven other whales there. I went to the "Believe" show in Seaworld a few years back and it was spectacular...there's no other way to describe it. This tragedy is a reminder that no matter how well these animals are trained, they're still wild animals. I guess my question is, why was Tilikum still being allowed to perform and be within close human contact? He obviously has an agressive nature. Apparently he's the biggest whale in captivity. That's fine, put him in a giant aquarium where he can be admired from a distance. Here's some pictures I took at the show on June 6, 2006 (I don't know if any are of him, but Orca's are quite impressive):
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Anthony Weiner Tells the Truth and Republicans Demand Retraction!
Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY): “Make no mistake about it, every single Republican I have ever met in my entire life is a wholly owned subsidiary of the insurance industry!” When Weiner took them on today on the House floor, Rep. Dan Lungren (R-CA) objected. Bravo! We need more Democrats like this guy and Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL). They are fed up and are not sitting by quietly anymore. Elected Democrats by and large need to understand that we approve of them fighting back! The fact that these men are targets from the right tells me, they're doing something right! This was a very satisfying video to watch!
At the end of the debate, the House voted 406-19 the House to strip health insurance firms from an antitrust exemption Congress granted them 65 years ago. Well done, Mr. Weiner.
All nay votes came from Republicans: Reps. John Boehner (R-OH), Steve Buyer (R-IN), Todd Tiahrt (R-KS), Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI), Paul Ryan (R-WI), Tom Price (R-GA), Ron Paul (R-TX), Jerry Moran (R-KS), John Linder (R-GA), Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Steve King (R-IA), Lynn Jenkins (R-KS), Jim Jordan (R-OH), Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Trent Franks (R-AZ), Paul Broun (R-GA), Kevin Brady (R-TX), Todd Akin (R-MO), and Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA).
At the end of the debate, the House voted 406-19 the House to strip health insurance firms from an antitrust exemption Congress granted them 65 years ago. Well done, Mr. Weiner.
All nay votes came from Republicans: Reps. John Boehner (R-OH), Steve Buyer (R-IN), Todd Tiahrt (R-KS), Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI), Paul Ryan (R-WI), Tom Price (R-GA), Ron Paul (R-TX), Jerry Moran (R-KS), John Linder (R-GA), Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Steve King (R-IA), Lynn Jenkins (R-KS), Jim Jordan (R-OH), Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Trent Franks (R-AZ), Paul Broun (R-GA), Kevin Brady (R-TX), Todd Akin (R-MO), and Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA).
Monday, February 22, 2010
Brown, Boehner and Bipartisanship...oye vey
I seriously have to ask, do we ever learn? Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.
Today, Scott Brown (R-MA) broke rank with fellow Republicans and supported a Democratic jobs bill in an important procedural vote. Brown says the bill is not perfect but he will support it. I hope people don't read too much into this vote. This is a soft toss that the Republicans will look foolish fighting. Since Brown's election was largely a protest vote, he can't walk lock step with the party of no. Expect him to act like a moderate on these types of votes. Wait until Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy expire, or ending DADT comes close to fruition, or closing Gitmo becomes reality. Don't get suckered. This boy supports Bush policies and only supports enough moderate positions to get him elected in Massachusetts.
House Minority Leader John Boehner (the orange Republican ventriloquist from OH) said the President has crippled the credibility of this week's summit by proposing the same massive government takeover of health care based on a partisan bill the American people have already rejected. Yeah, ok "Boner", Republicans have garnered so much credibility on this topic. Obama made his own 11 page health care proposal public on Monday morning, giving participants three days to examine them before the meeting. Obama has asked that the summit be televised. It's rumored that he will add one or two Republican-backed measures to the legislation as a show of bipartisanship. These steps satisfy previous GOP demands...which means they'll have new one's. This bipartisan outreach is really getting old, it's not going to happen! Saying no to everything is working for them. It is why Democrats are getting killed in the polls. ENOUGH ALREADY! Get something good done so the public can see that Democrats can govern. Let's see, what is the Republicans idea of HCR? Tort reform, tort reform! Sorry, I'm not buying into something that adds less than one half of one percent to the cost of health care coverage, but will limit people's ability to sue incompetent doctor's as beneficial across the board. I agree that someone shouldn't be awarded $10K for a scar on their finger, but someone who has the wrong kidney removed (happened in CA last fall) should not be limited to damages. The good news? In this case the doctor apologized for the error after surgery. I guess Republicans think that's enough. Hey, shit happens! The other thing they want is to allow private health insurance companies to sell across state lines. My first reaction to that is, "Yeah, that'll work. I'm sure they won't all be in cahoots to keep premiums high!" However, after doing a little research I found that states have regulated health insurance since the 1945 passage of the McCarran Ferguson Act, which forbids interstate sale of insurance. What Republicans are suggesting would require a federal law that replaces state regulation of insurance with federal regulation. This is an odd policy for Republicans to pursue since they generally claim to reject federal regulation in favor of state independence. They're a confusing little bunch of whiners.
Today, Scott Brown (R-MA) broke rank with fellow Republicans and supported a Democratic jobs bill in an important procedural vote. Brown says the bill is not perfect but he will support it. I hope people don't read too much into this vote. This is a soft toss that the Republicans will look foolish fighting. Since Brown's election was largely a protest vote, he can't walk lock step with the party of no. Expect him to act like a moderate on these types of votes. Wait until Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy expire, or ending DADT comes close to fruition, or closing Gitmo becomes reality. Don't get suckered. This boy supports Bush policies and only supports enough moderate positions to get him elected in Massachusetts.
House Minority Leader John Boehner (the orange Republican ventriloquist from OH) said the President has crippled the credibility of this week's summit by proposing the same massive government takeover of health care based on a partisan bill the American people have already rejected. Yeah, ok "Boner", Republicans have garnered so much credibility on this topic. Obama made his own 11 page health care proposal public on Monday morning, giving participants three days to examine them before the meeting. Obama has asked that the summit be televised. It's rumored that he will add one or two Republican-backed measures to the legislation as a show of bipartisanship. These steps satisfy previous GOP demands...which means they'll have new one's. This bipartisan outreach is really getting old, it's not going to happen! Saying no to everything is working for them. It is why Democrats are getting killed in the polls. ENOUGH ALREADY! Get something good done so the public can see that Democrats can govern. Let's see, what is the Republicans idea of HCR? Tort reform, tort reform! Sorry, I'm not buying into something that adds less than one half of one percent to the cost of health care coverage, but will limit people's ability to sue incompetent doctor's as beneficial across the board. I agree that someone shouldn't be awarded $10K for a scar on their finger, but someone who has the wrong kidney removed (happened in CA last fall) should not be limited to damages. The good news? In this case the doctor apologized for the error after surgery. I guess Republicans think that's enough. Hey, shit happens! The other thing they want is to allow private health insurance companies to sell across state lines. My first reaction to that is, "Yeah, that'll work. I'm sure they won't all be in cahoots to keep premiums high!" However, after doing a little research I found that states have regulated health insurance since the 1945 passage of the McCarran Ferguson Act, which forbids interstate sale of insurance. What Republicans are suggesting would require a federal law that replaces state regulation of insurance with federal regulation. This is an odd policy for Republicans to pursue since they generally claim to reject federal regulation in favor of state independence. They're a confusing little bunch of whiners.
Friday, February 12, 2010
A Dysfunctional Institution: The U.S. Senate
"In the 71 years since Hollywood filmed 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington', the aim of the filibuster has been turned completely upside down." - Tom Harkin (D-Iowa)
The haggling over possible Senate rules changes has begun and understandably so. I'm as annoyed as any other observer, but let's not shoot ourselves in the foot either. The rules of the filibuster certainly need to be amended, but I don’t think it should be abolished. Can you imagine what would happen the next time Republicans have all three branches of government if they couldn't be kept in check? Unquestionably, the stall in the senate over the past year by the Republicans is unprecedented and it needs to stop. They have filibustered 139 bills to date! There are over 200 bills that have passed "the House" that are residing in senate-no-man's-land because Republicans want the public to interpret that Democrats can not govern. 14 months ago, voters wanted change. Now, those same voters are disenchanted with Democrats for not fulfilling promises when in fairness, they really haven’t been given full opportunity. Don't worry, I'm not forgetting the Blue Dogs who are just Republicans in disguise. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) has authored a bill that would change the rules of the filibuster. The Harkin bill would require a series of staged votes to cut off a filibuster: the first motion known as cloture would take sixty votes, then fifty-seven, then fifty-four and finally a simple majority--so if a bill survives debate, it can become law. According to Harkin, "At issue is a fundamental principle basic to our democracy -- rule of the majority as a legislative body, [] "Elections should have consequences. Yet the Senate's current rules allow for a minority as small as one to make elections meaningless." He’s right and something must be done. In my opinion and as I’ve written before, they should also bring back the rules in which the party/senators blocking a bill has to stand on the floor and actually explain their position. That'll be another step in putting a stop to this nonsense. Just the threat of the filibuster is where it ends currently. This system is irrevocably broken!
I don’t know all the inner workings or possibilities in D.C., but if Harkin’s idea’s are upsetting to some on “The Hill”, why not try something like this: Only allow "x" amount of filibuster uses in each congressional session. That way regardless of which party is in power, the minority will have to think about which battles are really worth fighting and not just obstruct every single bill for sport. It's ridiculous to watch this process and listen to Republicans say Democrats can't get anything done. They've already more than doubled the amount of 'threatened' filibusters ever used in any one given session, it's ridiculous.
"The Senate is just a pain in the ass to everybody in the world as far as I can tell." - Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY)
I rarely disagree with Rachel Maddow, but in this segment, she and Howard Dean discuss the possibility of terminating the filibuster. As I wrote previously, I completely understand why. However, just this week Republicans once again announced they want to privatize social security and end Medicare, replacing it with vouchers so seniors will have to shop for their coverage through private insurance companies. If not for the filibuster, George W. Bush would've privatized social security in 2005 just before the crash. Imagine where we'd be now? Good ol' Republicans, make sure people get less than they deserve at a higher cost so their stock portfolios can keep rising. As for the Democrats? Like Howard Dean says in this video, "We're not tough enough. [] We need a spinal transplant in the Democratic party to play hardball." I like this guy more and more, he tells it like it is. I wonder if he'll give running for President another shot at some point. Sadly, Rachel actually needs to update her chart. The 112 is now 139...and counting.
For anyone who thinks my only point is that Republicans suck, it isn’t…although they do. Just to prove a point that 41 is the real majority, Republicans have filibustered legislation to provide low-income energy assistance; efforts to strengthen the Consumer Product Safety Commission to ensure children are not exposed to unsafe toys; and efforts to ensure that women are guaranteed equal pay for equal work. Last year Republicans forced cloture votes on a bill to extend unemployment benefits, then ultimately agreed to approve the bill on a 98-0 vote. Really? 98-0 vote after a filibuster. No, no political gamesmanship there. Gee, maybe the fact that Republicans suck was my only point!
The haggling over possible Senate rules changes has begun and understandably so. I'm as annoyed as any other observer, but let's not shoot ourselves in the foot either. The rules of the filibuster certainly need to be amended, but I don’t think it should be abolished. Can you imagine what would happen the next time Republicans have all three branches of government if they couldn't be kept in check? Unquestionably, the stall in the senate over the past year by the Republicans is unprecedented and it needs to stop. They have filibustered 139 bills to date! There are over 200 bills that have passed "the House" that are residing in senate-no-man's-land because Republicans want the public to interpret that Democrats can not govern. 14 months ago, voters wanted change. Now, those same voters are disenchanted with Democrats for not fulfilling promises when in fairness, they really haven’t been given full opportunity. Don't worry, I'm not forgetting the Blue Dogs who are just Republicans in disguise. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) has authored a bill that would change the rules of the filibuster. The Harkin bill would require a series of staged votes to cut off a filibuster: the first motion known as cloture would take sixty votes, then fifty-seven, then fifty-four and finally a simple majority--so if a bill survives debate, it can become law. According to Harkin, "At issue is a fundamental principle basic to our democracy -- rule of the majority as a legislative body, [] "Elections should have consequences. Yet the Senate's current rules allow for a minority as small as one to make elections meaningless." He’s right and something must be done. In my opinion and as I’ve written before, they should also bring back the rules in which the party/senators blocking a bill has to stand on the floor and actually explain their position. That'll be another step in putting a stop to this nonsense. Just the threat of the filibuster is where it ends currently. This system is irrevocably broken!
I don’t know all the inner workings or possibilities in D.C., but if Harkin’s idea’s are upsetting to some on “The Hill”, why not try something like this: Only allow "x" amount of filibuster uses in each congressional session. That way regardless of which party is in power, the minority will have to think about which battles are really worth fighting and not just obstruct every single bill for sport. It's ridiculous to watch this process and listen to Republicans say Democrats can't get anything done. They've already more than doubled the amount of 'threatened' filibusters ever used in any one given session, it's ridiculous.
"The Senate is just a pain in the ass to everybody in the world as far as I can tell." - Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY)
I rarely disagree with Rachel Maddow, but in this segment, she and Howard Dean discuss the possibility of terminating the filibuster. As I wrote previously, I completely understand why. However, just this week Republicans once again announced they want to privatize social security and end Medicare, replacing it with vouchers so seniors will have to shop for their coverage through private insurance companies. If not for the filibuster, George W. Bush would've privatized social security in 2005 just before the crash. Imagine where we'd be now? Good ol' Republicans, make sure people get less than they deserve at a higher cost so their stock portfolios can keep rising. As for the Democrats? Like Howard Dean says in this video, "We're not tough enough. [] We need a spinal transplant in the Democratic party to play hardball." I like this guy more and more, he tells it like it is. I wonder if he'll give running for President another shot at some point. Sadly, Rachel actually needs to update her chart. The 112 is now 139...and counting.
For anyone who thinks my only point is that Republicans suck, it isn’t…although they do. Just to prove a point that 41 is the real majority, Republicans have filibustered legislation to provide low-income energy assistance; efforts to strengthen the Consumer Product Safety Commission to ensure children are not exposed to unsafe toys; and efforts to ensure that women are guaranteed equal pay for equal work. Last year Republicans forced cloture votes on a bill to extend unemployment benefits, then ultimately agreed to approve the bill on a 98-0 vote. Really? 98-0 vote after a filibuster. No, no political gamesmanship there. Gee, maybe the fact that Republicans suck was my only point!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Obama Finally Has His Mojo Working ... I Hope It's Not Too Late
It’s been quite a week! I have to say, as much as it still bothers me that Tea Party Express candidate Scott Brown won the Massachusetts special election to fill the remainder of Senator Ted Kennedy’s term, maybe something good will come out of it. Maybe it was the dose of reality that President Obama needed to see instead of relying on Rahm Emanual’s continuous poor advice. Massachusetts wasn’t lost because residents were against a national health care policy like conservative media is playing it. It was lost because the public option was removed, but the mandate remained. Massachusetts already has RomneyCare so it would’ve been a double-dip. When the public option was still in, so were 70% of Mass residents. On January 19th, 52% of our voters were fed up with the deal making encouraged by Emanual and they supported the guy with the truck…and five homes. Since the election, much has been written as to “what happened?” As bad of a campaign as Martha Coakley ran, the disgust with the numerous sellouts is what really happened.
One more thing about the Brown election. The loss of the super majority never bothered me because Democrats never really had it. Yeah, it looked good on paper and even on paper you were counting Joe Liebermann. He can’t be counted on for anything except serving his own ego. The reality is, those 60 votes included a bunch of conservative senators who really had no interest in voting with the majority of the Democrats on much of anything. Their little myth of 60 reliable votes led the Democrats to draft policies in a way that they thought maybe could get all of those 60 votes. Just look at the health care reform debacle. Maybe now, with that nonsense out of the way, they can actually craft bills that make sense. If senators want to filibuster, let them. Make them stand on the floor and explain why they’re against any number of policies that might come forward including a strong health insurance reform bill. Let them explain their positioning with the health insurance industry instead of tax paying Americans...who vote. The good Democrats need to stop worrying about the "threat" of the filibuster. Call their bluff and let them do it, damn it!
Now, the good part! This week, for the first time since he took office, I'm seeing the fire in Obama that most of us had hoped for initially. On Wednesday night, he took charge of the room during the State of the Union address. Granted, he said a few cringe worthy things, but I guess he felt he needed toss some bones to the conservatives. Just to jog your memory, he mentioned off-shore drilling, capital gains cuts, business tax cuts, the spending freeze, so-called “clean coal --- all Republican talking points that will do very little besides antagonize progressives. He dinged the Senate on several occasions for holding up progress. However, when he called out the senate Republicans for being obstructionists by demanding a filibuster-proof majority for every single bill, I just hoped America was listening. By the way, before someone suggests that it’s always been like this, no it hasn’t. According to the Senate historical office, the number of Senate cloture votes, which require a supermajority of 60, more than doubled — from 54 to 112 — from the 109th Congress (2005-2006) to the 110th (2007-2008). I also enjoyed him looking at the Democrats and telling them they still have a huge majority and “not run for the hills.” Of course many of the Republicans just sat there chuckling throughout because saying no and distorting facts has been working for them. I think it was very telling that the only time Republicans rose to their feet in applause was when pro-business related ideas were mentioned. Anything domestic was scoffed at. Many of the domestic ideas Obama laid out are things that working Americans want to see. On the top of my list was the fees he wants to impose on the big banks that got bailout money, but decided to give mega bonuses to their executives instead of paying taxpayers back. That's a very populist idea. The look on Republican faces said it all. Then there was his shot at the Supreme Court's disasterous decision that I wrote about last week. "With all due deference to the separation of powers, the court last week reversed a century of law that I believe will open the floodgates for special interests - including foreign corporations - to spend without limit in our elections." The statement prompted Justice Samuel Alito to mutter, "simply not true." Right on Barack! How sad and broken are our politics when the President of the United States has to scold everyone in the room.
Then on Friday, Obama headed to the Republicans turf. He appeared at their retreat in Baltimore to take questions and give answers. He kicked ass! He did so well, Fox News discontinued coverage part way through as he destroyed talking points and their lies. By the way, since he's often mocked for his use of a teleprompter, I want to point out that there was none. The man showed them all who the smart guy in the room was. Republican aides later admitted that they shouldn't have agreed to let the cameras roll throughout. One of the senators I dislike most based on various interviews I've seen with him is Mike Pence of Indiana. He asked the first question, actually several all rolled into a statement which Obama handled masterfully. Pence said Obama was trying to defend "a so-called stimulus that was a piecemeal list of projects and boutique tax cuts." In part, Obama replied, "When you say they were boutique tax cuts, Mike, 95 percent of working Americans got tax cuts. This notion that this was a radical package is just not true." I did see a replay of the event last night and while not all the Republicans looked like complete fools, none of them had command of the very subject they asked about the way Obama did. Here's a good one: When it was over, orange House Republican leader tan-in-a-can John Boehner of Ohio issued a statement saying Obama "acknowledged the fact that House Republicans have offered better solutions over the last year." Oh my God, can these guys get any more delusional?
If you missed the Q & A, find 66 minutes of your time. It is well worth it:
Quick Thoughts: North Carolina Representative Virginia Foxx (R) said "Obama lectured us, but I got his autograph." Wowee! She got the autograph of a man she thinks is a Kenyan. In addition, for anyone who doesn't know what else this witch stands against, here you go: Last year she vehemently argued against the The Matthew Shepard Act, which expanded the 1969 United States federal hate-crime law to include crimes motivated by a victim's actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. She claimed those who say Matthew Shepard was murdered in Wyoming for being gay are perpetrating a "hoax" on the American people. She claimed he was accidentally killed in a robbery gone wrong. She ended up apologizing to Shepard's mother who was at the hearings. Typical homophobic imbecile in denial who can't or won't read. The New York Times reported in 1998: "According to the local police and prosecutors, the two men lured Mr. Shepard out of a bar by saying they were gay. Then, the Laramie police say, the pair kidnapped Mr. Shepard, pistol-whipped him with a .357 Magnum, and left him tied to a ranch fence for 18 hours until a passing bicyclist spotted Mr. Shepard, who was unconscious." He later died from the injuries.
The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama on October 28, 2009
Way to go North Carolina. Is this really the best you can do?
One more thing about the Brown election. The loss of the super majority never bothered me because Democrats never really had it. Yeah, it looked good on paper and even on paper you were counting Joe Liebermann. He can’t be counted on for anything except serving his own ego. The reality is, those 60 votes included a bunch of conservative senators who really had no interest in voting with the majority of the Democrats on much of anything. Their little myth of 60 reliable votes led the Democrats to draft policies in a way that they thought maybe could get all of those 60 votes. Just look at the health care reform debacle. Maybe now, with that nonsense out of the way, they can actually craft bills that make sense. If senators want to filibuster, let them. Make them stand on the floor and explain why they’re against any number of policies that might come forward including a strong health insurance reform bill. Let them explain their positioning with the health insurance industry instead of tax paying Americans...who vote. The good Democrats need to stop worrying about the "threat" of the filibuster. Call their bluff and let them do it, damn it!
Now, the good part! This week, for the first time since he took office, I'm seeing the fire in Obama that most of us had hoped for initially. On Wednesday night, he took charge of the room during the State of the Union address. Granted, he said a few cringe worthy things, but I guess he felt he needed toss some bones to the conservatives. Just to jog your memory, he mentioned off-shore drilling, capital gains cuts, business tax cuts, the spending freeze, so-called “clean coal --- all Republican talking points that will do very little besides antagonize progressives. He dinged the Senate on several occasions for holding up progress. However, when he called out the senate Republicans for being obstructionists by demanding a filibuster-proof majority for every single bill, I just hoped America was listening. By the way, before someone suggests that it’s always been like this, no it hasn’t. According to the Senate historical office, the number of Senate cloture votes, which require a supermajority of 60, more than doubled — from 54 to 112 — from the 109th Congress (2005-2006) to the 110th (2007-2008). I also enjoyed him looking at the Democrats and telling them they still have a huge majority and “not run for the hills.” Of course many of the Republicans just sat there chuckling throughout because saying no and distorting facts has been working for them. I think it was very telling that the only time Republicans rose to their feet in applause was when pro-business related ideas were mentioned. Anything domestic was scoffed at. Many of the domestic ideas Obama laid out are things that working Americans want to see. On the top of my list was the fees he wants to impose on the big banks that got bailout money, but decided to give mega bonuses to their executives instead of paying taxpayers back. That's a very populist idea. The look on Republican faces said it all. Then there was his shot at the Supreme Court's disasterous decision that I wrote about last week. "With all due deference to the separation of powers, the court last week reversed a century of law that I believe will open the floodgates for special interests - including foreign corporations - to spend without limit in our elections." The statement prompted Justice Samuel Alito to mutter, "simply not true." Right on Barack! How sad and broken are our politics when the President of the United States has to scold everyone in the room.
Then on Friday, Obama headed to the Republicans turf. He appeared at their retreat in Baltimore to take questions and give answers. He kicked ass! He did so well, Fox News discontinued coverage part way through as he destroyed talking points and their lies. By the way, since he's often mocked for his use of a teleprompter, I want to point out that there was none. The man showed them all who the smart guy in the room was. Republican aides later admitted that they shouldn't have agreed to let the cameras roll throughout. One of the senators I dislike most based on various interviews I've seen with him is Mike Pence of Indiana. He asked the first question, actually several all rolled into a statement which Obama handled masterfully. Pence said Obama was trying to defend "a so-called stimulus that was a piecemeal list of projects and boutique tax cuts." In part, Obama replied, "When you say they were boutique tax cuts, Mike, 95 percent of working Americans got tax cuts. This notion that this was a radical package is just not true." I did see a replay of the event last night and while not all the Republicans looked like complete fools, none of them had command of the very subject they asked about the way Obama did. Here's a good one: When it was over, orange House Republican leader tan-in-a-can John Boehner of Ohio issued a statement saying Obama "acknowledged the fact that House Republicans have offered better solutions over the last year." Oh my God, can these guys get any more delusional?
If you missed the Q & A, find 66 minutes of your time. It is well worth it:
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Quick Thoughts: North Carolina Representative Virginia Foxx (R) said "Obama lectured us, but I got his autograph." Wowee! She got the autograph of a man she thinks is a Kenyan. In addition, for anyone who doesn't know what else this witch stands against, here you go: Last year she vehemently argued against the The Matthew Shepard Act, which expanded the 1969 United States federal hate-crime law to include crimes motivated by a victim's actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. She claimed those who say Matthew Shepard was murdered in Wyoming for being gay are perpetrating a "hoax" on the American people. She claimed he was accidentally killed in a robbery gone wrong. She ended up apologizing to Shepard's mother who was at the hearings. Typical homophobic imbecile in denial who can't or won't read. The New York Times reported in 1998: "According to the local police and prosecutors, the two men lured Mr. Shepard out of a bar by saying they were gay. Then, the Laramie police say, the pair kidnapped Mr. Shepard, pistol-whipped him with a .357 Magnum, and left him tied to a ranch fence for 18 hours until a passing bicyclist spotted Mr. Shepard, who was unconscious." He later died from the injuries.
The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama on October 28, 2009
Way to go North Carolina. Is this really the best you can do?
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