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Subscribe to RSSPreviewing Obama’s speech on the Middle East and North Africa at 11:40 am ET… Change cannot happen overnight, but sometimes it occurs faster than anyone might think… The speech will likely have three planks: 1) an economic carrot for nations undergoing democratic transition, 2) a discussion of the Syrias and Saudi Arabias who aren’t undergoing transition, and 3) the tricky Middle East peace process… When in trouble on the 2012 trail, blame the media… Huntsman heads to NH… Dem group hearts Daniels on health care… DNC puts out video on the right’s new litmus test (Ryan’s budget plan)… And Coburn speaks.
*** Now this is change: When President Obama delivered his major foreign-policy address in Cairo in June 2009 (on the Middle East and the Muslim world), he mentioned something he's said many times before: "Change cannot happen overnight." But it sometimes happens faster than anyone might think. Nearly two years since that speech, Egypt's Mubarak and Tunisia’s Ben Ali are gone in the wake of the Arab Spring; civil war -- aided by the U.S. and NATO -- rages on in Libya; Syria has violently squashed popular protests; and Osama bin Laden is dead. Of course, other topics that Obama discussed in that Cairo speech haven't changed. Guantanamo Bay hasn't closed, as the president promised. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is far from over. And the war in Afghanistan continues even after bin Laden's death. But what the president called for in that speech was a new beginning. “I’ve come here to Cairo to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world.”
*** The economic carrot: At 11:40 am ET from the U.S. State Department, Obama delivers another speech -- billed by some as “Cairo II” -- on what comes next after this new beginning. Per senior administration officials, the presidential will announce economic aid to Egypt, Tunisia, and other Middle Eastern/North African nations in transition. “One of the most important areas for us to focus on is supporting positive economic growth that … can incentivize and reinforce those countries that are transitioning to democracy,” an administration official said on a conference call.” Interestingly enough, this economic aid is modeled after what the U.S. did in Central and Eastern Europe after the Soviet Union fell.
*** On the Syrias and Saudi Arabias: In addition to economic aid, another part of Obama’s speech will concern the nations that are not transitioning to democracy -- from the Syrias (which are squashing the popular protests) to the Saudi Arabias (which appear to be dragging their feet). Strikingly, one of the messages that Obama will deliver here is what he said in Cairo in ’09: Change doesn’t happen overnight. Yet here is also what the president said in that speech two years ago: “You must maintain your power through consent, not coercion. You must respect the rights of minorities, and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise. You must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party.”
*** On Middle East peace: A final plank of Obama’s speech, of course, will involve the Middle East peace process, especially with the president’s meeting tomorrow with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. From what we can tell, Obama will outline PRINCIPLES but not SPECIFICS or a TIMELINE for Middle East peace. As the Washington Post writes, “A more general statement would mark a victory for national security adviser Thomas E. Donilon and Vice President Biden, who have long professional histories with Middle East adviser Dennis B. Ross, a veteran of the Clinton administration’s peace efforts. Ross favors giving Israel more time to assess the region’s changing politics before adding new pressure to return to negotiations.” Here’s a reality: There is no incentive for either the Israelis or the Palestinians to cut a deal right now; Look at the instability in the countries that border Israel, and ask yourself if there would be domestic political will to cut a deal. Long term, it looks like it makes sense from the standpoint of the U.S. and Europe. But the peace process is not a global issue for the Israeli political system; it's local.
*** When in trouble, blame the media: Turning to the 2012 election… The excuse of last resort is always media bias. And that is precisely what Team Newt alleged yesterday after an incredibly rough last 72 hours. Gingrich spokesman Rick Tyler fired off this bizarre statement to Huffington Post: “The literati sent out their minions to do their bidding. Washington cannot tolerate threats from outsiders who might disrupt their comfortable world… They fired timidly at first, then the sheep not wanting to be dropped from the establishment’s cocktail party invite list unloaded their entire clip, firing without taking aim their distortions and falsehoods. Now they are left exposed by their bylines and handles.” But here’s a simple truth: The media that Team Newt needs to blame isn’t the so-called MSM; rather it’s the conservative echo chamber (Limbaugh, Krauthammer, FOX). Irony of ironies? The man who is perhaps the leading media critic on conservative circles, Brent Bozell, isn't exactly taking it easy on Newt in this column.
*** Focusing on Huntsman: Gingrich, by the way, makes five stops in Iowa today (Waterloo, Marshalltown, Ames, Carroll, and Atlantic). And the other major activity on the early 2012 campaign trail today comes from Jon Huntsman, who begins his debut trip to New Hampshire with an event in Hanover, NH. Politico previews Huntsman’s five-day swing through the Granite State. “[F]ive months after floating himself as a potential presidential candidate -- and several weeks after leaving his post in Beijing -- Huntsman remains a political cipher. He has scarcely spoken in public, delivering a single commencement speech and giving an extended interview to just one publication.” A Huntsman spokesman tells First Read that the former governor and ambassador will focus on getting the country’s fiscal house in order. “He knows how to do it: Utah was rated best managed, best state for business, best for tax policy,” the spokesman says. “They weathered recession growing jobs and maintaining a rainy day fund.”
*** Dems heart Daniels on health care? The other 2012 activity today comes from Mitch Daniels, who spoke this morning before the St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce breakfast in South Bend, IN. Speaking of Daniels, the Democratic-leaning group Protect Your Care -- which focuses on health care -- is highlighting how Daniels’ Indiana is implementing the health-care law and is accepting federal funds under the law. “Daniels’ assistance in implementing the Affordable Care Act is especially welcome when contrasted with the actions of Governors Perry, Scott and Jindal to block it at behest of the Tea Party,” said Protect Your Care spokesman Eddie Vale. Here’s more evidence – beyond Romney -- how Democrats are hoping to create friction in the GOP primary on health care.
*** More on the right’s new litmus test: As we wrote on Tuesday, the Ryan budget’s overhaul of Medicare has become the ultimate conservative litmus test. And after the flak Gingrich has received for opposing the Medicare overhaul -- and then apologizing for that opposition -- the DNC has released a video today seizing on this litmus test. Says a DNC spokesperson: “If there’s one lesson we learned from the ferocity with which Republicans attacked their supposed ‘ideas man’ and the speed with which he caved, it’s that dismantling Medicare is the new litmus test for any would-be Republican presidential nominee.”
*** Coburn speaks: Turning to Capitol Hill, Sen. Tom Coburn pens a Washington Post op-ed to explain (in part) why he walked away from the “Gang of Six” working on deficit reduction. “It is not realistic to expect six members to pull the Senate out of its dysfunction and lethargy. Some will ask why we should have more hope in an open, deliberative process, in which all senators are engaged, when a dedicated few did not succeed. The America I know comes together when tough times call for us to do so. It’s time for the Senate to earn its reputation as the world’s greatest deliberative body and help lead that effort.” But this is worth noting: Coburn’s op-ed does NOT pledge against any tax hikes; in fact, his praise of the Bowles-Simpson recommendations probably won’t make Grover Norquist happy.
Countdown to NY-26 special election: 5 days
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>> Here we go again. First it was the “Citizens United” decision by the SCOTUS (and the right wing fund raisers dressed as judges) that allowed unlimited and undisclosed money to enter into our political arena whereby any politician may be purchased by Millionaires, Billionaires and Big Business (Foreign or Domestic). It was ratified by the GOP when they filibustered the “Disclosure Bill” that was one or two votes short of the 60 needed.
Then it was the repeal of the HCR Law and now they are after repealing the Financial Reform Bill as well. From ThinkProgress yesterday:
[Source] http://thinkprogress.org/2011/05/18/eric-cantor-oil-speculators/
>> This is part of the reason why we are paying close to $4.00 per gallon of gas. It is also all about keeping gasoline and other commodity prices high rewarding those that paid for his election and using the inflated prices by the speculators to blame President Obama.
Also in the news Sunday, Newt Gingrich blasted Paul Ryan’s Medicare proposal calling it “right-wing social engineering” and “radical.” On Monday, he defended his remarks, blaming the liberal media for stoking a controversy by taking them “out of context.”
By yesterday afternoon, he was calling Ryan to apologize. Then last night, in a remarkable interview on Fox News, Gingrich argued that it was dishonest to quote anything he said two days ago. I guess this is another one of those not a fact fact. Like Kyl who claimed that Planned Parenthood’s business in over 90% abortions when in fact it is about 3% and is not funded by federal money (Hyde Amendment makes it illegal).
>> The reason he called Rep. Ryan was because Eric Cantor told him to in order to keep any support from the right. Was it too little too late?? People we have to keep the feet of these politicians in the fire. We cannot let them to continue to say one thing and then lie their way out claiming we all misunderstood or that really was not supposed be understood as a real fact. We understood very well what he said and the intent of his “Food Stamp” comment as well.
[As reported by Reuters]:
>> Rep. Boehner's claim is absolutely 100% true. With $1.5 trillion deficits projected for this year and next (ballooned in part by the $800 billion, two-year extension of the Bush tax cuts so beloved by the GOP), this summer's debt ceiling increase will have to be quickly followed by another.
If the Ryan Bill (that was passed recently by the House) were to pass it would add another $5.5 Trillion Dollars to the deficit in the next decade. This would require that the debt ceiling be increased as well. The GOP/TP is blowing smoke; the debt limit will have to be increased.
These guys (democrats and republicans) really have to start getting serious. Let the current tax rate go back to the Clinton era. I will gladly pay a few dollars more if, and this is the caveat, if the money is used to stimulate the economy and create an environment for JOBS in this country. That would reduce the deficit by $800 Billion as noted above, or about 50% reduction in the deficit. Add the other spending cuts I have written about and we can put one huge dent in this deficit and then start working on lower our overall debt. While we are at it, let the payroll tax reduction expire as well and increase the cap above the current $106,800 and lock the money up so other departments of the government cannot have any access to it at all, period. No need to change benefits or retirement age. Fix the fraud, waste, redundancy and failed programs in Medicare, Medicaid and the DOD.
These things can be done and more as I have written many times. We need to make some hard choices and they need to be shared by every single American, not just one selected group as the GOP/TP is promoting currently.
Looks like Ms. Bachmann is going to throw her hat in the ring. She said she would make up her mind in early June but now that the Newt has self destructed she may move that date up. 2012 is starting to shape up as a three ring circus and you better get your tickets early.
Eric Cantor's (R-VA) Extreme Assurance in Big Oil Barons Stiffened with Lack of integrity and Candor to the Working Class
Eric Cantor is cornered in a “jobs forum” and asked why Republicans claim to be focused on jobs but are really concerned about attacking women’s health, Planned Parenthood, and NPR
http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/cantor-lies-about-jobs-focus/65laete?from=
I really wished she had asked House Majority Leader Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) why he promises oil speculators those republicans will block financial regulations instead of helping the people or create jobs?
Or why the Senate Republicans filibustered a bill to cut tax break for the big five oil companies along with 3 Blue dog Democratic owned by the oil companies.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wcXJR7eZ_jQ
So, essentially the republicans do not want to follow the law of the land i.e. Dodd Frank.
http://banking.senate.gov/public/_files/070110_Dodd_Frank_Wall_Street_Reform_comprehensive_summary_Final.pdf
74% of American supports eliminating credits for Oil Barons and gas companies. It's probably more people now that gas prices have gone up/
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41876558/
6 Absurd Excuses Conservatives Make to Protect Greedy Oil Giants from Paying Their Taxes
Claims that taxes on Big Oil will kill the economy and that US drilling is our only solution to high gas prices defy logic. Here’s why...
http://www.alternet.org/environment/150983/6_absurd_excuses_conservatives_make_to_protect_greedy_oil_giants_from_paying_their_taxes
President Obama said "That's why I was so disappointed yesterday when Republicans in Congress voted to keep handing $4 billion a year in taxpayer subsidies to oil and gas companies at a time when they are making tens of billions of dollars each -- huge profits -- while you’re struggling to fill up your gas tank.
"It has to stop. We could take that money and instead of subsidizing yesterday’s energy, we should be investing in the energy of tomorrow. And we can clean up the planet in the process. That's the right thing to do."
http://townhall.com/tipsheet/elisabethmeinecke/2011/05/18/obama_slams_gop_on_oil_subsidies,_forgets_3_dems_voted_with_gop
BTW: House Majority Leader John Boehner is a crying shame and Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) is a joker. The crooks and LIARS on Wall Street caused the recession, pain, lose of jobs and homes. So, why oh why, should Americans leave Wall Street along to do more harm? Republican policies led to the death of thousands in unnecessary wars and the collapse of our country's economy. The Republican brand is suffering the biggest calamity one could conceive of. Oil prices should go down; but won't due to the role of speculators. They hate deregulation. The influence of Wall Street Barons pays off to republicans and some democratic flunkies.
Just go to open secrets to see the contributions from the Robber Barons to republicans and some democratic flunkies.
Expect the Christian right to go crazy when President Obama gives his Middle East speech. You know it’s close to the end of the world as we know; think: Mayan 2012 apocalyptic date will be the fulfillment of the anti-Christ meme. Of course now that the birther’s have had their say it’s time for these jacka@@es to speak out about President Obama how fits so perfectly into the Omega Code.
Omega Code
Ancient codes hidden within the Torah reveals the secrets of global events, past (i.e. Hitler, the Kennedy assassination, the Gulf War), present, and future. One man (York); wait I mean President Obama is after the Code, seeking the power to change the world as we know it...for the worse.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0203408/
After all, it’s President Obama’s policies that will destroy/threaten Israel, even if it doesn’t.. Plagued by the Anti-Christ America and Isreal are doomed. Tune into FOX NOISE for a complete count down of deep-rooted mutual suspicions daily.
Speaking of blaming the media - it was only a matter of time before the Quitter from Wasilla crawled out of her cave to chime in with her infinite wisdom! lol
Anyone who read this board knows I'm NO fan of Gotcha Gregory!
Having said that, I have to give him credit for poking the hornets nest! ;o)
Regarding Sarah's 'word salad', please hold the dressing!
While all of you people come on here day after day, obsessing about Mr. Trump’s hair or President Obama’s spending spree like a drunken retired Navy veteran, we have serious problems that our government is finally starting to take notice of!!!
THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE IS ALMOST UPON US!!!
These are not the cute and cuddly ZOMBIES you see in the movies and on TV!!! These are the real deal in all their flesh-eating, brain-sucking glory!!! Yes, the Illuminati’s plan for world domination includes a ZOMBIE horde that will prey on all of us unless we are prepared!!! Their plan will start innocently as a flu outbreak, similar to swine flu did a few years ago!!! But the strain released into the general public will be a mutant strain resistant to all known vaccinations!!! People will be horribly mutated into ZOMBIES and run rampant through the streets!!! It is coming and we are powerless to stop it!!!
But all is not lost!!! Amy B. has informed me that Maine already has an army of CYBORGS that they have developed to combat the ZOMBIE menace!!! The CYBORGS are making ROBO CALLS as you read this to prepare the citizens of Maine and the rest of the country to be prepared for the ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE!!!
Go here and prepare yourself:
blogs.cdc.gov/publichealthmatters/2011/05/preparedness-101-zombie-apocalypse/
WE CAN BEAT THE ZOMBIES AND EMERGE VICTORIOUS!!!
Bev:
Great post today. It was the CEO of Exxon/Mobil that said the speculators add 30-40% to the cost of oil. This translates into about $0.80 per gallon at the pump and Eric Cantor is on record as going to go to bat for these guys, promising them they will be able to keep gouging the American People.
Also there is no supply problem. We have more supply now than we had 2 years ago and the demand is lower today than 2 years ago. Also the new drilling will not lower the cost of gasoline here by very much if at all according to the experts. More smoke and mirrors to give freebies (profits) to the oil companies that are having another record profit year and many of them do not even pay taxes and get subsidies to boot.
This is silly I guess. But I was looking at the photographs this morning of President Obama's fundraiser in Boston last night. And I was struck by the photos, especially since this week was the 57th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education.
The photos show on stage basketball legend Bill Russell and Ray Allen - current Boston Celtics player; there is Deval Patrick, our current governor, and of course President Obama. The crowds diverse.
These photos spoke a millions words to me. This is America folks.
http://blackwaterdog.wordpress.com/2011/05/19/fox-news-poll-president-obama-at-55-fox-news-poll-headline-mixed-views-on-whether-bin-laden-raid-was-gutsy-call/#comments
Good Morning Pat:
Watched Lawrence O'Donnell last night talking about the Boston newspapers. Did both newspapers show up for the fundraiser? Your thoughts are appreciated.
I didn't see the photos you saw this morning, but American is changing every day; becoming more diverse. That's gotta scare some older Caucasian men from the South.
Good Morning Navy!
Thanks for bringing up the debt ceiling, it's provides the perfect segue way to morons in the media! lol
Want to bet the oxycontin addict attended the NJ nut jobs 'classes' on economics! ;o)
Pat -
I would never call you silly. Thanks for the link to the pictures. And if you haven't already done so, I would recommend reading Bill Russell's early autobiography "Go Up For Glory" from back in the mid-60's. I'm sure it's long since out of print, but I'm also sure you could still find it somewhere on line. Even the 76ers fan that I was admired him a lot back then, and I still do today.
Feisty:
GREAT follow up. Palin is still irrelevant and as stupid as ever. I would love to watch her in a debate with President Obama.
Ron, as far as the Boston Herald, it's a piece of dirt. Especially their front pages. But Lawrence was correct, as I said over at his blog. The Boston Herald wants respect, yet they give none. They aren't just an opposition to Democrats newspaper, they're trash.
Scott Brown is a star in their eyes. The same Scott Brown who will vote for the Ryan budget and voted with the GOP to continue with massive give-aways to the oil companies. I wonder, did the Boston Herald report on that? It ought to have been front page news here.
I don't understand Lawrence on his stance here, as I don't believe the Herald is real journalism. But....I guess President Obama shouldn't lock them out either.
I don't know.
Chris, Cranbury, NJ.
I sure hope so. But Mitch McConnel, Paul Ryan, and the other brain-eating zombies have already consumed the brains of nearly half the population. It will be a close call.
Thank you JoAnne. I read Russell's book many years ago. What I'm waiting for is the statute that is going to go up here in his honor. I believe President Obama had something to do with it.
I'm so looking forward to that moment.
I hope that the Democrats continue to hammer the Republicans-Tea People on the fact that they voted for the Ryan Bill and the Medicare voucher program that kills Grand Ma. Then keep up the heat on the fact of them letting big oil off the hook, and not to mention the fact that these Republicans-Tea People don’t want to raise taxes on the top 2%. Also, we can’t forget the games they are playing with the debt ceiling and social security. And still we can’t forget how they want to control women and their reproductive rights.
It’s all pretty simple, just keep nailing them on every front, because it’s a no brainer that the Republicans-Tea People are so bad for our country and their failed polices would destroy us.
Remember, these Republicans-Tea People just make up their own facts, to present to the low information voters, stuck on stupid.
Ron Indiana
Good Morning Pat:
Watched Lawrence O'Donnell last night talking about the Boston newspapers. Did both newspapers show up for the fundraiser? Your thoughts are appreciated.
I didn't see the photos you saw this morning, but American is changing every day; becoming more diverse. That's gotta scare some older Caucasian men from the South.
Here are some...
President Barack Obama talks with Christopher Dean, right, at the graduation ceremony for Booker T. Washington High School on Monday, May 16, 2011, in Memphis, Tenn. Dean introduced Obama before his address to the graduating class. After the school administration implemented educational changes, the graduation rate jumped from 55 percent in 2007 to nearly 82
http://3chicspolitico.com/2011/05/16/photos-president-obama-booker-t-washington-high-school-graduates/barack-obama-christopher-dean/
U.S. President Barack Obama leans in to comfort a student overcome with emotion upon meeting Obama after he spoke to the graduating class from Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, Tennessee on their commencement day May 16, 2011.
http://3chicspolitico.com/2011/05/16/photos-president-obama-booker-t-washington-high-school-graduates/u-s-president-barack-obama-talks-with-student-christopher-dean-during-a-commencement-ceremony-in-memphis-tennessee-2/
A student wipes away a tear after meeting US President Barack Obama as he spoke to graduating students before the Booker T. Washington High School graduation ceremony May 16, 2011 at the Cook Convention Center in Memphis, Tennessee. The school is the winner of this year's Race to the Top High School Commencement Challenge.
http://3chicspolitico.com/2011/05/16/photos-president-obama-booker-t-washington-high-school-graduates/a-student-wipes-away-a-tear-after-meetin-2/
U.S. President Barack Obama leans in to comfort a student overcome with emotion upon meeting Obama after he spoke to the graduating class from Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis
http://3chicspolitico.com/2011/05/16/photos-president-obama-booker-t-washington-high-school-graduates/booker-t-washing-graduate5-2/
You are correct Ron times are changing President Obama is a good role model. He gave these inner city kids hope and his program turned things around.
Where is Tavis Smiley and Dr. West and what have they done lately besides bad mouth POTUS?
What do those 2 hater think of SCHIP? I wonder.
P.S. Go Bulls
Retired navy Guy, I agree with everything in your post. My point is to start simple. Keep the oil tax breaks as the litmus test for all the politicians to see if they are really serious about deficit reduction. It is such simple first step. 74 % of people agree that the tax breaks for oil companies should be stopped.The GOP have their own litmus test "Ryan Medicare overhaul". Polls show that the majority of people are against this.
Again, start with the taking away the oil tax breaks. If 74% of people polled call their elected officials,they will get the message. If not, then vote them out. KEEP IT SIMPLE for these guys.
Beverly:
The Mayan calendar is WRONG! The world is supposed to end this Saturday, according to one radio preacher. I read a story in the paper about this morning, so it must be true!
But Lawrence O'Donnell has made a counter-prediction that the world won't end this Saturday. We shall soon see who is the true mystical seer into the future and who is the charlatan.
Fantastic posts to start the day. Remember, among Conservatives the ability of wealthy, elite speculators to steal $.80/gallon out of your wallet isn't a bug in the system, it's a FEATURE. It isn't something to protect the average American from, it's something to enable, and reward with preferential tax rates for the rich.
Meanwhile the debt limit talk is nothing but fiction on the part of the GOPTP. They've ALREADY voted to increase the debt through their endorsement of the draconian Ryan budget. They've ALREADY endorsed an explosion in debt caused by dramatic giveaways to the wealthy. They've ALREADY expressed their intention to destroy Medicare and Social Security as well as virtually every program that benefits Americans outside the top 2%.
Hi Navy,
So true. I also would love to see Sarah Palin in a debate with President Obama.
JOBLESS CLAIMS FELL MORE THAN EXPECTED
Initial claims for state unemployment benefits fell 29,000 to a seasonally adjusted 409,000, the Labor Department said on Thursday, continuing to unwind the prior weeks' spike.
Economists polled by Reuters had forecast claims dropping to 420,000. The prior week's figure was revised up to 438,000 from the previously reported 434,000.
"Clearly what it shows is an ongoing healing in the labor market. The recent data have been skewed by special factors like the Easter holiday and supply chain issues coming out of Japan," said Neil Dutta, a U.S. economist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in New York.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/19/us-usa-economy-idUSTRE7492P720110519
______________________________________________
Think Progress:
The Marietta Daily Journal reports that a “federal civil rights lawsuit claiming that two Cobb County police officers stopped a man because he is Latino and then broke the man’s nose during an arrest has been settled for $32,500.”
________________________________________________
However,
ThinkProgress:
Republicans say President Obama’s efforts to reform the nation’s immigration system are “doomed to fail.”
_______________________________________________
Hey Republicans, WE NEED IMMIGRATION REFORM!! NOT kissing the backsides of the freakin' rich. We're talking about people's lives here.
DO SOMETHING! THIS IS WHAT GOVERNMENT IS FOR!!!!
Notice that the Weeper of the House, and his side kick Can'tor have dropped the phrase The American People!
It is still valid:
The American People DO NOT want to cut MEDICARE/MEDICAID!
The American People DO NOT want to continue subsidies to big oil!
The American People DO want JOBS!
Where are the jobs?...The American People want JOBS!
Houston!
Beverly:
The Mayan calendar is WRONG! The world is supposed to end this Saturday, according to one radio preacher. I read a story in the paper about this morning, so it must be true!
Houston!
It doesn't matter to those brain dead zombies; they've been predicting the end of the world even before President Obama took office.
What they should be concentrating on is the debt ceiling since it has global economic catastrophes ahead if it is not raised.
Over at the Fear Factor Channel aka FOX NOISE a dumb bleached blond and that stupid Hannity were giggling about the debt ceiling and the date.
Prepare for the Omega Code. like I said it is a constant meme on Fox.
Obama bad for world and Israel.
You could witness the same thing by observing a slaughterhouse killing floor.
...did someone mention zombies, by the way? Do I get to whack them with my cricket bat?
Ron, here is the answer to your question
http://bostonherald.com/news/us_politics/view.bg?articleid=1339044&position=0
The Boston Herald was banned by the White House.
Banned.
Why? Because the White House objected to an article written by Romney. This on the heels of their threat to Hearst newspapers.
Shades of Nixon's enemies list.
I do not watch much television other than baseball, hockey, and movies, but if O'Donnell took this on, good for him.
Be nice to see some of the "professional journalists" on this site take umbrage at the clear violation of the rights of the Fourth Estate.
Northstar:
Thank you for the kind words and I agree with you. Northstar is appropriate because for centuries that is what sea going vessels steered by and some still use it as a reference point today.
Have a great week and come by more often.
Since the CDC has finally recognized the real and present danger of the Zombie Apocalypse (and it's about time) I think that should be our theme for today.
Speaking of the Walking Dead, how 'bout that Newt Gingrich and his team. If there ever was a political Zombie it's Newt. Blindly stumbling from one event to another, devouring the brains of his followers, creating more Zombies for Newt. It's tragic really. Very sad. To see this once powerful man reduced to the living dead shadow of his former self. Trying desperately to garner enough support to jump start his now defunct campaign. I almost feel sorry for him
Almost.
And then there is our Zombie Queen, Sarah "Brains" Palin. Like Zombie Newt, she blames the media once again for all her woes, real and imagined. Darn that CDC Sarah, how are you ever going to build that army of mindless ditto-Zombies if they publish warnings like they did this week. Just another government bureaucracy over-reaching itself. Another waste of tax payer money.
Poor Zombie Queen.
But seriously folks, like all good Horror and Sci-Fi, the "Zombie" is an allegorical character standing in for something real and dangerous. Rush, Glenn and Fox are the Zombie masters and their mindless ditto-head followers comprise the army of brainless Zombies they have created to take over the world. The Zombie Apocalypse is real, only we're really talking about the Tea Party, not the undead.
So, go out and rentd the movie ZOMBIELAND, watch the series THE WALKING DEAD only this time picture the Zombie's as Tea Party zealots and see if it doesn't send a chill down your spine.
And always remember....DOUBLE TAP!
BEV & FEISTY: THIS IS FOR YOU.
SEN. DURBIN DREW LINE IN THE SAND OVER MEDICARE CUTS
DailyKos:
Greg Sargent reports that Tom Coburn quit (or semi-quit?) the Senate's "Gang of Six" after Dick Durbin refused to accept Coburn's demand for $130 billion in Medicare benefit cuts on top of the $400 billion in savings already on the table.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/05/19/977213/-Report:-Durbin-drew-line-at-Coburn-demand-for-additional-Medicare-cuts?via=blog_1
Donna from Lincroft:
You have no credibility, therefore you have no notworthy answers.
OMG
Some of you people need to "Get a Room"
A BIG room!
:=)
Wow, you liberals must have all eaten your Wheaties this morning!
Thanks for sharing Pat! You already KNOW how PROUD I am of Senator Durbin! ;o)
@Ron - IGNORE the NJ nut job! If you notice the less attention she receives the nastier she becomes!
Poor Donna's got a terminal case of the green eyed monster! ;o)
From the sound of her, it's about time someone plugged her in (again)!
I ate a live buffalo with my BARE HANDS. IT WAS DELICIOUS. :D
Then I finished it all off with a BACON SMOOTHIE.
SMOOTHIE. OF. DEAD. PIG.
No lipstick. :o
Navy,
"Citizens United"? The scary little kootie bug in your sandbox that sends you crying everyday.
Obama wants to raise a BILLION dollars! Do you you really think he is going to get that BILLION from the piggy banks of little kids and the wrinkled up $5 bills from door knocking?
Nope. Last time he got the big Wall Street money by a 4-1 margin. You know that, why do repeat the same crap like an ignorant fool. The biggest richest banks supported Obama, you know that, why are you such a tool? Big union money - 91% went to Obama. Big corporations and cronyism like GE. The rich of Hollywood. Eight of the 10 richest zip codes in the country. The hedge fund guys ...... On and on ...... you have heard it all before - never refuted anything.
Citizens United was just an effort to level the playing field. Now Obama wants to change the rules.
If Obama is so great and so wonderful, has accomplished so much and is so popular, why does he need a BILLION dollars to win.
Why do you think he can't win with a level playing field and are so worried about the little kootie bug?
When are you going to put big boy pants on and grow up?
Citizens United "leveled" the playing field? Are you serious?
If it was to level the field, then why is there so much secrecy involved. If it was to level the playing field, then why is it so geared to the interests of big business?
Citizens United skewed the playing field. And now conservatives are upset because liberals decided to take the same advantage of the new rules? Who needs to grow up?
Skip Nicholson - So, go out and rentd the movie ZOMBIELAND, watch the series THE WALKING DEAD only this time picture the Zombie's as Tea Party zealots and see if it doesn't send a chill down your spine.
And always remember....DOUBLE TAP!
I understand your attempt to make a point about allegory but your last line was uncalled for. I don't think even in jest there should be any calls for violence.
It leveled the playing field by acting as a counter to the union money used by the democrats.
pleeze, i need deep diving gear, the B/S only gets DEEPER !!!.......
As usual, USN starts the morning spouting his liberal talking points of zero value with almost no factual backup....and it has nothing at all to do with the article.
Really?? Quoting an article from Think Progress (Obama's campaign committee)? Considering the source of your information, it isn't much of a surpise that you lack objectivity.
Then Feisty and Bev jump on with some inane link to some poor democrat that didn't get his/her way...also....nothing to do with the article written.
Let's see....you covered "tax the rich", "cooperations are evil" and "Sarah Palin" in the first three posts and not one mention of the billion dollars Obama is about to waste in Egypt...or spineless foreign policy of this leader. Nothing about a republican senator calling for transparency while the president that ran on that fact promotes closed door meetings with a "gang of six".
Great job libs...as usual...nothing of value to contribute
quick bev, feisty and retired get over to newsvine, Obama is getting pounded on the article about resetting relations in the mid east.
nojonobo
FALSE EQUIVALENCY ALERT!!!!
Sorry to confuse you with the facts, nojonobo, but:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nixon%27s_Enemies_List
Not inviting "journalists" from some tabloid rag to a political event is nothing like using the IRS and the courts to destroy the personal and professional lives of political enemies like Nixon did. .
IDIOT BIGOT ALERT!!!!!
Sheez, no joe said "shades" of Nixon ...... get a 4th grader to explain it to you.
Obama's bullying of the media is despicable.
It should also be a big story, except the tingle legged media has no sense of professionalism, journalism, courage, integrity, etc. ...... as no joe repeatedly, (thankfully), points out.
False equivalency, Houston?
Let's see- the IRS sends out threatening letters to those who contributed to 501(c)4 groups- no mention of who these people are, but one can bet none of them contributed to democratic groups.. .
Obama is threatening to sign an executive order forcing companies to reveal their PAST political contributions when bidding for government contracts-it is already against the law for companies doing business, or attempting to do business, with the government to make political contributions; this is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to reward their supporters and punish those who do not support him. . .
Threaten Hearst with a lock out for reporting that they locked out one of their reporters. . .
And lock out an unfriendly newspaper from the press pool.
Were Obama a republican, you would be outraged. So would I.
By the way- whoever is collapsing Navy's posts is also outrageous. I may disagree with the content, but there are no Code of Honor violations that I can see. Posting a rebuttal is the best way to counter his claims, NOT collapsing his posts.
Beverly in Chicago:
I must respond to your comment about the increased graduation rate. It is absolutely imperative for this nation's health that we understand the graduation rate is a completely meaningless statistic. It is worthless as an indicator of success or achievement. Indeed, it is used to hide the failure of school boards, administrators, some of the teaching profession, a substantial number of parents/guardians, and most importantly a stunning proportion of the student graduates themselves.
I am a big fan of statistical measures, but not the fraudulent graduation rate. If you want to look at numbers that count, check out how our nation's students measure up against other countries. Look at the incredible number of remedial classes offered at the collegiate level. For a real eye-opener look at the amount of money schools receive for keeping kids in school. That statistic does not speak to the learning of students, it speaks to a body count.
Not enough? Try this! A large number of Americans think Sarah Palin is intelligent. A large number think Donald Trump is Presidential material. Michelle Bachmann can completely re-write history and her slobbering followers have no idea she is clueless. Rick Santorum can weigh in on torture, even telling a torture victim he knows more about the subject than the victim. Rush Limbaugh has an audience of millions who actually believe what he says.
Take an objective look at this and you'll soon realize the graduation rate is a joke and that education - real education - is job one.
nojonob, trying a new line of attack:
What "threat" are you blabbering about? The administration is trying to find a way around the abomination known as the Citizens United ruling dumped on the country by the radical Robert Supreme Court to assist corporations in buying politicians. The same rules apply to all such organizations even LIBERAL ones. Only someone blinded by hatred of the president like nojonobo could compare requesting information from ORGANIZATIONS to attempting to ruin the lives of real people as Nixon tried to do.
Threat? Hilarious. Out of one side of their mouths Conservatives whine about the Administration's level of transparency not being as perfect as they demand. Out of the other side of their mouths they whine that attempts to increase transparency in the electoral process is a "threat." It's a threat all right--a threat to the desire of the GOPTP to hand over our nation to the wealthy elites.
Hypocrisy thy name is Conservative.
Careful what you wish for David. There is a bias among teachers and professors toward democrats, seeing that most are union and most are democratic liberals themselves.
Is it a surprise that the Obama commanded the uneducated, youthful vote in 2008? Not at all....the naive and un/undereducated are easily manipulated....and they lean democrat.
wow, college students are UNEDUCATED. Who knew?
Sorry Mark, it's from Zombieland, just trying to continue the Zombie Apocalypse theme.
The Tea Party takes over the GOP
There can be NO doubt now that the right wing conservatives have hijacked the Republican Party and this is not good for America. These people stand for repealing Medicare and Medicaid. They want to control Women’s Reproductive Rights. They want to gut over 50 Social Programs for the Middle Class and lower income Americans. They want to limit or deny your Civil Rights like your right to vote with these new voter registration laws that they have cloaked in “Voter Fraud” when there is no Voter Fraud problem, at least not at the face to face voting booth. Just lies to disenfranchise millions and millions of people who traditionally vote the democratic ticket from voting. They are against unions, teachers, fire fighter, education, medical research and law enforcement claiming they are responsible for all their spending problems ignoring the huge tax cuts they are giving the corporations and millionaires/billionaires. In fact they are using the spending cuts to fund the tax cuts leaving very little money left over to reduce their budgets period. “Bait and Switch” it what it is called and it is wrong.
I have been writing about the demise of the Middle Class and how I feel that the GOP has lost its way. This is not he same GOP Party of old and it now appears that the Old GOP Party is going down the same path as the Middle Class – the path to extinction. It is being replaced by the radical right wing people that are against the programs listed above. This is not good for this country and this ideology is totally incompatible with democracy as we know it. For example;
1. The Newt comes out with some very critical rhetoric about the proposed Ryan Bill. He gets hammered by the right and Rep. Cantor as noted in my previous post. It goers so far as now Newt says that what he said on MTP cannot be used as facts against him because he now calls them lies even though it is on tape for all to see. "Any ad which quotes what I said on Sunday is a falsehood. Because I have said publicly those words were inaccurate." Sorry Newt – No take backs. Why – Rep. Cantor told him to recant his position or he would loose all support of the GOP. He is dead in the water now anyway.
2. Scott Brown the same thing. Said he would not vote the Ryan Bill then recants because the New GOP says if he does not they will run somebody against him.
3. Tom Colburn pulls out of the gang of 6. He goes into a meeting and lays down an ultimatum that he wants 130 Billion in cuts to Medicare, period. No compromise, even though this is more than what is in the Ryan Bill. Why, because the New GOP knew this was unacceptable and it would not fly. So Colburn bails and the gang of 6 is now stalled and my friends, that was the agenda to begin with. Stall, Stall, kick the can down the road so to speak. This is repugnant.
4. And the GOP “Weeping Willow” Mr. Boehner tells the truth. Well we know how the New GOP handles the truth. They don’t. Now the Radical right is planning to run somebody against hem as well.
This party has turned into not only a party of radical even “DRACONIAN” ideology but also a Party of cowardly thugs where everything has to be their way or the highway. Just look at the response they give to any party member that now speaks out against the Ryan Bill. You either support this Bill110% or they are going to do everything within their party to throw you under the bus.
I see it every day in my job. I talk to many business people during the course of my business day and many are GOP people (they all have their little NFIB Stickers in the window). They are mad, they tell me they do everything that the New GOP says to do and they are still not getting ahead, in some cases it is worse. Really? What did you expect? If you are not Wall Street, a Big Business or a Millionaire/Billionaire they New GOP has nothing for you. Welcome to the 98% club.
US Navy Disabled Veteran - Retired
The Tea Party takes over the GOP
They want to limit or deny your Civil Rights like your right to vote with these new voter registration laws that they have cloaked in “Voter Fraud” when there is no Voter Fraud problem, at least not at the face to face voting booth
Navy, It was Newt Gingrich who said 2012 election biggest since 1860.
Poll taxes enacted in Southern states between 1889 and 1910 had the effect of disenfranchising many blacks as well as poor whites, because payment of the tax was a prerequisite for voting. By the 1940s some of these taxes had been abolished, and in 1964 the 24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution disallowed the poll tax as a prerequisite for voting in federal elections. In 1966 this prohibition was extended to all elections by the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled that such a tax violated the “equal protection” clause of the 14th Amendment to the Constitutio
Read more: poll tax — Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/history/A0839551.html#ixzz1MnuFHlgD
Since the T-baggers are mostly from red southern states I'd say they are stuck in the past.
BTW; they are not the only ones so is Dr.Cornel West:
Dr.Cornel West said “My dear brother Barack Obama has a certain fear of free black men”
I've said it before and I'll say it again Dr. West has blacked out. He is jealous of the President.
WHAT PROGRESSIVE ACTIONS HAS HE TO SHOWCASE SINCE 2008, EXCEPT GOING ON TEE VEE SPEWING NONSENSE ABOUT HOLDING POTUS ACCOUNTABLE?
Navy:
Excellent analysis of the data. You touched all the important points. Gonna make the right wing feel a bit...uncomfortable.
Ron:
They should feel that way. This is the 21st century and they want to take this country back a century to what they call the good old days. Good old days for whom?
Bev:
Yep, poll taxes, they want to go back to the old days of no unions, limited civil rights, women stay at home clean, cook and make babies, no jobs for you folk. Only the wealthy can go to college, own a home etc.
This is really getting nuts-ville.
Navy - great start of the day!
It's almost like the Tea Party is becoming more and more like Hamas.
Great One Navy.
Morning Bev!
I'm glad you mentioned Dr. West and his subsequent meltdown!
From everything I've read on it, I believe Jonathan Capehart summed it up brilliantly!
Jonathan Capehart:
Watching the degradation of the GOP fills me with weltschmerz. I can imagine how other sitting members of the Reichstag felt in the 1930's as more and more National Socialists gained seats with each successive election.
Brings to mind the Newt and his statement.....
......."right-wing social engineering"......yikes!
Really, Navy? Isn't it Obama who sees the future in 19th Century technology?
I must say that the strategy of running a completely negative campaign is an interesting one. So, Obama and his minions think that attacking "the other guy" is their best route to victory? Well, it remains to be seen- but, even I admit he cannot run on his record.
Other than repealing DADT, ( which is, sadly, controversial. I truly do not understand some people), and giving the order to get bin Laden, what, exactly is he going to run on?
HCR? Getting even more unpopular.
Unemployment? Not going there.
Cutting the debt? Nope.
Economic growth? Are you serious?
He will stick with the negativity and ridicule- including of the voters, who are "too dumb" to know how wonderful he is- that worked SOOO well in the mid terms.
ed3891
We are not allowed to mention Nazis and right-wing Republicans in the same post. It is verboten.
I think folks are finally figuring out that the Republicans have ben hijacked by the radical right. Lately there has been a lot of publicity, on a national level, about what is happening in regard to Medicaire, the deficit etc. I noticed over the past week that a lot of folks in the middle and left were almost celebratory about some of the gains by pres. obama and setbacks by the Repubs "reality TV" cast of presidential contenders. In the meantime, the repubs have been absolutely "kicking the middle and lefts backside" with legislation, at the state level. Voter repression laws, eliminating collective bargaining for state labor unions, and cutting monies for education and the disadvantaged have become the norm in many states, including my state, Ohio. The most radical changes to our govt. and society, since post WW 2 are happening right now, and they are happening fast .
Navy,
I am a republican and have been for 30 years and your analysis has some merit based upon your citations. However MOST republicans are sitting back and watching the SHOW being put on by the talking heads and NOT giving it much weight in their decisions with regard to who to nominate/elect.
I have to be honest the Tea Party is not as powerful as you make it out to be, but as with any group the loudest always get the attention which is why they are in the media so much as well as being PROMOTED largley by the media and the left. I see more folks from the left promoting Sarah Palin and the Tea Party than from the right. By folks constantly posting about them they are simply not going to go away soon enough, so if you want to see them gone simply do not give them the recognition (goodor bad) and they will fade into history.
The rest of us know right from wrong and do have somewhat of an idea what needs to be done and we do it in a respectful manner when we talk about it. Not calling people with opposing veiws names or accusing them of moving backwards. In a country of 300+ million we are bound to have extremism on both the right and left the key is to find a middle ground that works for everyone.
I enjoy reading your posts it keeps my mind open to a different perception and that keeps me grounded.
In this country we need to realize that we have exported all our middle class jobs out of the country. This is true for EVERYTHING. Manufacturing, Services, Finances and Food. Until we see that we have to make it affordable for corps to maintain factories in the U.S. we will not see jobs increase other than what we see now. We are not growing jobs in reality we are loosing jobs. Yes we do have particular times of the year where seasonal flucuations give the apearance of job gains, but then thay fall off once that particular season is over.
Our Politicians are not doing us any favors, they are focused on staying in office instead of carry out our wishes. Until that hat changes this country wil continue to repeat its cyles of economic ups and downs.
Thanks for the posts.
Journey:
It's almost like the Tea Party is becoming more and more like Hamas.
Well Journey, I thought you might actually be a rational Liberal that one could have a discussion with. Looks like you fit in with all the regulars here on First Read. Tea Party is Hamas? Really????
OXYMORON!
Well Navy - the collapse cowards are working overtime!
You really scare the crap out of them! ;o)
In the meantime, wander over to page 2 and check out the post by some scum bag named Chris calling President Obama a n****r & the right wing nitwits defending it!
The baggers & birthers who lurk around here can't get enough of THAT STUFF!
Where the F^&$ are the moderators?
True -
I thought somebody might catch that!
Gripohen02:
I thank you for your very astute and civil post. I hope you are right and that somewhere in spite of all this mess the GOP and the Dems can go back to doing what they used to do. Compromise and get the job done.
This New Order is a sure path to failure for this country. I remember the old days when both sides a screaming and a hollering did come up with a solution that had something in it for everybody. Nobody got all of what they wanted but everybody got enough so peace reign and they would move on to the next battle. In the end everything balanced out and we became the strongest country on the planet. The envy of the world.
I fear we have lost that vision and are heading for trouble.
Don't worry Feisty, the moderators will be along directly to protect you from all the vile language and disable those of us with any opposing viewpoint, they always are....lol
So, you and your 5 other propagandist keep going....post after post of the same, propping up each other, patting each other on the back....month after month of the same drival...your special haven will be protected from the real world....calm down!
White Collar Auto -
Feeling feisty this morning as the topics the last few days have been a little boring. Felt like a 'shot across the bow' would stir things up a little bit.
Griphen02: while I appreciate the statements that you, personally, are not affected by the talking heads on Fox or the endless chatter of daytime radio, many conservative voters do listen to those pundits. I find it amazing that Newt Gingrich had to do a total about face. He was correct, social engineering from the right of the left is not good. Why was he attacked, repeatedly, by virtually every conservative commentator ?
BTW: anyone who continues to listen to Rush Limbaugh truly must be an idiot. Limbaugh has advocated a US default as being good for the country's credit worthiness. And a shotgun blast under the chin will help you lose weight, you won't be able to eat as much with your mouth missing.
An interesting post Feisty, so any black who disagrees with the President is also a racist?
Still trying to spread the false equivalence between calling out racists for the cancer they are and ANY discussion that involves race, I see. Sorry to refuse the bait, but NO ONE on the left has said that all opposition to President Obama is racist. Repeating the lie is just...lying.
Safecracker, it is not about disagreeing with the President, most of us have some disagreement or other.
It is how the disagreement it is stated.
Professor West in using the 'blacker than you' theme, is what is considered a racist remark. If you disagree with the President, why bring color or subtle, artful phrases or words that could be interpreted as such to the discussion? The color of his skin is irrelevant or should be. To make it relevant to one's opinion or disagreement only shows at best, immaturity or at worse ignorant stupidity.
Back to back inane posts that have nothing to do with the article....just the usual democratic talking points without any merit....way to go USN.
US Navy Disabled Veteran - Retired
Really? Where did you get that from?
More nonsense. I suppose this is related to your rant the other day about Mitch denying basic health coverage to every woman in Indiana by not funding Planned Parenthood. I did notice you failed to respond to me pointing out that there are under 30 PP locations in the entire state and over 250 hospitals and clinics. Are these hospitals and clinics allowed to refuse service? That would be a new one.
Social programs for the middle class? Name one. I do agree that lower income programs do face cuts....and those cuts should be made. Why are my tax dollars going to provide illegal alien children with education? Why are taxpayers paying for their healthcare? Why are taxpayers responsible for their decisions?
Do you really defend the right to vote without ID? As with most democrats, you want unlimited civil rights but do not want to be burdened with any civic responsibility.
Absolutely. Unions provide nothing that isn't already there, with the exception of the ability to hold taxpayers hostage to their ridiculous benefits and wages, and supporting those that do not perform the aspects of their job.
Not sure where you get this from...unless you're just being redundant about the unions again.
Show me the Tea Party platform against fire fighters....or is the needle stuck on the union thing?
Once again...without basis. Is the Tea Party against wasting a ton of money on ineffective, useless, redundant administration costs....absolutely. Against education...I think not.
So you are continuing to say that taxpayers should pay for the medical research that private companies profit on?
Oh, do you mean like enforcing federal immigration law? Oh wait...that's the democratic party that's against that.
Ah there it is....all Obama's spending is entirely the fault of those with means not funding enough.
Bait and Switch huh? Sounds like another name for Hope and Change. Transparancy in government, yet everything is closed door meetings. No lobbyists in administration...oops....lie. Closing Gitmo, getting out of Iraq and Afganistan....elect me and I'll do these things (Bait).
I need more time to do these things (Bait).
Ummm, the budget that House Republicans PASSED.
http://www.thenation.com/article/159769/paul-ryans-plan-destroy-medicare
Contrary to your protest this one is true as well;
http://www.blueoregon.com/2011/02/republican-congress-attacks-womens-healthcare-again/
I can keep going if you insist, but for the time being I've already shown your post to be composed of a string of lies, Joe...which for you is the norm.
John....it can be equally argued that the Ryan plan (which I don't agree with or like either), saves Medicare. If you look at this years Trustees Report, medicare is in serious trouble. As far as solutions go, Ryan is the only person that has proposed one, albiet a radical, and probably ineffectual one.
I read your link to The Nation and it was very biased and didn't supply anything but the far left viewpoint. It seems like the democratic solution is something along the lines of a "single-payer" system...but until the focus shifts onto the source of the problem (the cost of care) it doesn't matter who the payer is. Medicare is a single payer system and it's proven to be terribly inefficient and is not controlling costs.
Eligibillity for Medicare needs some redefinition. The age does need to be increased, and for both social security and medicare, the definitions of disability need to be revised. I happen to know a person that's collecting SS and Medicare and the disability is alcoholism. I know another that has obesity as a disability. I'm sorry, these are personal responsibility issues, not taxpayer issues.
Your second link to Blue Oregon is another very liberalcentric blog that is only espousing one side. One thing that it fails to mention is that Obamacare's provisions will be taking the ability to have insurance premiums deducted on a pre-tax basis away starting 2014 (regardless of any abortion provision).
You mentioned that "..for you it's the norm". Let me clarify something, yes, I do lean very conservative fiscally, but I am pro-choice. I have the stance that it is a personal decision and not up to the government to legislate one way or another.
Planned Parenthood does provide an avenue for abortions and it will continue to do so. But having unprotected sex is a risk that is a personal choice (leave the rape aspect out please because that is an entirely different situation). Once again, taxpayer monies are being used to correct someone's personal decisions. Planned Parenthood not only provides for abortions, but it also pays for STD treatments and elective sexual reorientation. Once again, these are results of one's decisions and should not be a burden to the taxpayer.
A very reasonable response Joe, so I'll respond in kind. Thank you for that.
The polls show that the public doesn't see a voucher that's wholly inadequate to purchase private insurance as "saving Medicare", so I think the verdict is close to in on that point. I'll grant that Medicare has issues and needs attention...no doubt about it.
Yes, the sources cited in this case lean Liberal.
As far as Planned Parenthood services for birth control and health screening are concerned they're a proven money saver. That will continue to be the case as long as we continue to feel a societal responsibility to the "least among us." These things are proven to be cost-effective compared to the cost of supporting additional children to adulthood on welfare. If Libertarian-leaning forces within the Conservative Movement win out and we no longer recognize a necessity to keep people from starving that will no longer be the case.
For my part I think that's extreme and I'll fight it.
John, when it comes to medicare, I really don't put too much weight into any polls. I have been helping seniors with choices regarding medicare, medicare supplements, part D, claims issues and just about anything related for 15 years. I can tell you one thing, the entire medicare program is so complicated that very few understand it or the scope of benefits provided.
That is why I really feel that the voucher system would completely fail. By the way, there is some precedent to that (should you need more ammo to shoot down the Ryan plan)....Managed Care HMO Medicare policies were not unlike what the result of the voucher system would be. They have failed miserably for the consumers, the doctors and the companies that underwrote them.
Obamacare really did hurt the longterm viability of Medicare and went in the opposite direction of what needed to be done. The problem with medicare is the rising expenses. HCR adds benefits with no additional financial liability to the consumer. As far as reducing the doctor costs, that is also a mistake. Currently medicare pays the lowest negotiated rate out there (worse than HMO's). Lowering the rate that doctors and hospitals receive will shift other costs upwards, namely the cost to everyone not on medicare. I've seen two studies that show that about 20% of the medical cost increases the last 5 years are attributable to the deficit that medicare currently provides.
As far as the planned parenthood argument we will have to agree to disagree. Pulling taxpayer funding from Planned Parenthood does not mean that they won't still see patients, or provide an avenue for abortions....it just means that the person receiving the care will have to be financially responsible for it. The health screenings are a mute point. If someone is unable to afford health insurance, they qualify for Medicaid, and those screenings are covered. They would be covered at Planned Parenthood or any clinic (PP does take insurance last I checked).
While I don't feel the liberal "societal need to care for the least among us", I can understand it and realize that it isn't going to change. But, I do feel that the "least among us" has some responsibility to not provide additional burdens on that society that is supporting him/her.
Saw some clips of that damned-dumb Sarah Palin on Fox yesterday. Going on and on and on about ‘LAMEstream’ media, and the Gingrich dust-up. Then, I saw some other clips of Fox people, including Brett Hume, Juan Williams and others ripping….yep- Newt Gingrich. I guess she is calling her par ttime employer ‘LAME’, huh??
Does this ‘LAMEbrained’ zero have ANY credibility whatsoever?? And people still listen to her and hang onto every word, and then have the gall to knock President Obama for anything he says or does. Go figure.
If the shoe fits...
drive-by-observer
Saw some clips of that damned-dumb Sarah Palin on Fox yesterday. Going on and on and on about ‘LAMEstream’ media, and the Gingrich dust-up.
It was hilarious. Did you see the way she was smacking her lips?
She's gearing up for something. I doubt if it's the presidency.
I agree she is on par with Newti they are both QUITTERS.
I don't watch FOX, but naturally I know what she said about the Gingrich interview because the LAMEstream media covers Palin like white on rice.
Palin took issue with Gregory's question if Newt was being racist referring to President Obama as the Food Stamp President. I actually agree with Palin on this one (pause to notice sounds of ice cracing from underneath the ground), what made Gregory associate Food Stamps with Black people? I live in a 98% White state with one of the highest levels of food stamp use. I thought that was an odd question. Just goes to show how far removed the media is from ordinary people's lives. Reminds me of the debate where Charlie Gibson insisted two married firefighters would make $200,000 together, and therefore the proposed tax hikes on the wealthiest would hurt the "middle class." Yeah.
The Birther smear campaign, on the other hand, was totally racist.
Again today you have all out done your selves. More emails to the Independent base for invites to watch the quality posters on this blog and how they treat people with different opinions. Keep up the good work! Specially the name calling that shows the quality of your personalities. How do you people discuss these issues with your children, with the same vigor! One can only think you do!
By all means, keep up the great work there jolly!
PS: You're track record, when it comes to truthfulness, is right up there with the NJ nut job! ;o)
Lose the word 'often'. But- even these dorks know a loser when they encounter one (well, except in the case of a Sarah Palin). What else COULD they do?
jollyoldsoul1, I could not agree with you more. Simple and to the point. Thanks.
Amy, I agree with Palin, that question was out of line. As for the birther smear campaign, its embarrassing that people would make it an issue and some still do, but I not sure about labeling it racist. I feel there are some people who are uncomfortable with his agenda, and they are willing to do anything to get him out of office. It doesn't make it right, and I hope that its finally put to bed. No more distractions.
Jolly - How do you people discuss these issues with your children, with the same vigor! One can only think you do!
I can only speak for myself but as a parent of a middle schooler I do discuss current events and topics with my child. Whether it be regarding politics, history etc, I present my understanding of the facts and encourage him to express himself and ask questions. Most importantly in political matters I try not to direct/coach him to what I think should be the answer. As in other aspects of my life I would hope that he would see me as a good example and use that to formulate his beliefs and values.
Choice in developing their own political views and allowing them to rationalize and form their own associated values is one of the greatest opportunities we can give to our children. I am a liberal and take that to mean that I am open minded and free to discuss and appreciate other ideas.
And now comes theotas, and her selective outrage about namecalling, who is so grateful to JOS for pointing it out. I invite theotas to read the same poster at 6.9 and explain to us her hypocrisy. Or is it that in her naive and uninformed way it can only be namecalling when it is aimed at the neanderthals on the far right?
Well Navy - the collapse cowards are working overtime!
You really scare the crap out of them! ;o)
In the meantime, wander over to page 2 and check out the post by some scum bag named Chris calling President Obama a n****r & the right wing nitwits defending it!
The baggers & birthers who lurk around here can't get enough of THAT STUFF!
Where the F^&$ are the moderators?
Wow, These Republicans-Tea People collapse bast@rds are going at it hard today.
Boy, what a bunch of LOSERS.
Feisty, that second page is alarming. I did not realize that people who are that ignorant have access to computers.
Unbelievable isn't it NDD?
Talk about a cess pool!
Is there any wonder why the white trash wouldn't wallow in it?
Feisty or anyone of the regulars, Could you explain the "community collasped comments". I am new to this and don't know why Navy's comments this morning were out of line....???
thanks
Job1
Wow, These Republicans-Tea People collapse bast@rds are going at it hard today.
Boy, what a bunch of LOSERS.
Yes they are. They are a bunch of cowards, losers, and dim wits. They collapse because they are stupid enough to think doing so makes them appear to be winning. They are so delusional.
Repost from collasping Navy's column.
Beverly in Chicago
Eric Cantor's (R-VA) Extreme Assurance in Big Oil Barons Stiffened with Lack of integrity and Candor to the Working Class
Eric Cantor is cornered in a “jobs forum” and asked why Republicans claim to be focused on jobs but are really concerned about attacking women’s health, Planned Parenthood, and NPR
http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/cantor-lies-about-jobs-focus/65laete?from=
I really wished she had asked House Majority Leader Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) why he promises oil speculators those republicans will block financial regulations instead of helping the people or create jobs?
Or why the Senate Republicans filibustered a bill to cut tax break for the big five oil companies along with 3 Blue dog Democratic owned by the oil companies.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wcXJR7eZ_jQ
So, essentially the republicans do not want to follow the law of the land i.e. Dodd Frank.
http://banking.senate.gov/public/_files/070110_Dodd_Frank_Wall_Street_Reform_comprehensive_summary_Final.pdf
74% of American supports eliminating credits for Oil Barons and gas companies. It's probably more people now that gas prices have gone up/
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41876558/
6 Absurd Excuses Conservatives Make to Protect Greedy Oil Giants from Paying Their Taxes
Claims that taxes on Big Oil will kill the economy and that US drilling is our only solution to high gas prices defy logic. Here’s why...
http://www.alternet.org/environment/150983/6_absurd_excuses_conservatives_make_to_protect_greedy_oil_giants_from_paying_their_taxes
President Obama said "That's why I was so disappointed yesterday when Republicans in Congress voted to keep handing $4 billion a year in taxpayer subsidies to oil and gas companies at a time when they are making tens of billions of dollars each -- huge profits -- while you’re struggling to fill up your gas tank.
"It has to stop. We could take that money and instead of subsidizing yesterday’s energy, we should be investing in the energy of tomorrow. And we can clean up the planet in the process. That's the right thing to do."
http://townhall.com/tipsheet/elisabethmeinecke/2011/05/18/obama_slams_gop_on_oil_subsidies,_forgets_3_dems_voted_with_gop
BTW: House Majority Leader John Boehner is a crying shame and Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) is a joker. The crooks and LIARS on Wall Street caused the recession, pain, lose of jobs and homes. So, why oh why, should Americans leave Wall Street along to do more harm? Republican policies led to the death of thousands in unnecessary wars and the collapse of our country's economy. The Republican brand is suffering the biggest calamity one could conceive of. Oil prices should go down; but won't due to the role of speculators. They hate deregulation. The influence of Wall Street Barons pays off to republicans and some democratic flunkies.
Just go to open secrets to see the contributions from the Robber Barons to republicans and some democratic flunkies.
Expect the Christian right to go crazy when President Obama gives his Middle East speech. You know it’s close to the end of the world as we know; think: Mayan 2012 apocalyptic date will be the fulfillment of the anti-Christ meme. Of course now that the birther’s have had their say it’s time for these jacka@@es to speak out about President Obama how fits so perfectly into the Omega Code.
Omega Code
Ancient codes hidden within the Torah reveals the secrets of global events, past (i.e. Hitler, the Kennedy assassination, the Gulf War), present, and future. One man (York); wait I mean President Obama is after the Code, seeking the power to change the world as we know it...for the worse.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0203408/
After all, it’s President Obama’s policies that will destroy/threaten Israel, even if it doesn’t.. Plagued by the Anti-Christ America and Isreal are doomed. Tune into FOX NOISE for a complete count down of deep-rooted mutual suspicions daily.
#1.1 - Thu May 19, 2011 10:04 AM EDT
MN NICE it would be my pleasure!
In the bottom right hand corner of your comment box, there is a '!' if you click on it you will get a drop down menu of options to chose from.
You are correct in the fact, that in NO WAY were Navy's comments out of line.
We have a certain element of trouble makers who lurk around here who collapse just for the hell of it!
All it takes is 5 flags and the comment collapses regardless of how many votes it has!
Great system huh? Talk about letting the inmates run the asylum!
BTW: Good to see you on board - if you have any other questions just shout and we'll be happy to lend a hand! ;o)
Ditsy red, maybe if you and disabled headcase had something intelligent to say it wouldn't happen.
Keep up the good work people, sounds like ditzy's panties are bunched up today. And it makes it easy to skip over the BS.
Feisty: thanks for the explanation. I had no idea it only took 5 flags to get rid of a comment.
I actually thought there was someone who monitored the vine to make sure the nasty comments did not get out of hand. I thought the flags brought the comments to the monitors attention, who then would make an informed decision. (Thats how it should be, IMHO.) In that way, certain posters would not be ganged up on, repeatedly, and collapsed every time they post something the right or left does not like.
Personally, i think that unless the statements written attack the writer, are particularly nasty, obviously advertising or obviously racist (which is itself nasty) I don't think they should ever be collapsed. Further, collapsing the first comment also collapses the entire thread. Most of the responders did nothing wrong, why are those comments collapsed ?
MN NICE
To add to Feisty's description of the collapsing option, sometimes you will see a comment has actually been deleted. That happens when a bell rings in the dungeon where the moderator lives, alerting them to the fact the poster said something that would offend Hannibal Lector, then a shoot opens up that pulls the comment off the board, into a fiery pit of hell. Occassionally, the poster himself is banned from posting for a short time.
Basically, you and I and three other friends can collapse any post we want to, even if it's just because we disagree. The moderator can restore a collapsed post if someone emails him and asks nicely; for some reason people who abuse the collapsing function are never punished.
bob144............
You are still a despicable A$$. I have every right to post on this board that you do. I do not collapse posts because I want every body to see how despicable you clowns really are. I do not violate the CoH except right now in calling you an A$$.
You think it is cute and funny. To me it just shows me how impotent you really are and how terrified you are of the truth. People will read what I write collapsed or not and then they will read what you write and make up their own minds.
They will go and read the source material and other articles as well and see the lies unfold in front of them and you will be called out for them.
You guys have no rebuttals, you cannot defend the Ryan Bill or others so you try and deny us the right to free speech. Well it does not work that way. You just expose yourselves for what you really are and it is NOT AN AMERICAN.
Navy:
You talk a lot of shyt behind a keyboard. Maybe if you said something every now and then that people wanted to read, you would not get collapsed.
No one in here wants to read excerpts from another damn blog (ThinkProgress). That is ALL OPINION that I'm sure you and your minions agree with. WHen they start going after Democrats also maybe they will become credible to more than just liberal jackazzes.
No one has denied your dumb azz free speech. You are in here yapping.
You expose yourself daily with your so-called SOURCE MATERIAL...TP...lol....lol
Go back to sleep
ITM - I've read and posted on here a while now and will offer my opinion. I find it ironic that you say US Navy brings nothing to the table while you only present the following types of posts:
Post type #1. Ripping on another poster
Post type #2. Stating that all politicians are politicians and only care about re-election (True for most)
Post type #3. Declaring that another poster doesn't live somewhere and shouldn't care what is happening in that particular state.
Post type #4. Ridiculing everyone else's opinion but expecting folks to agree with your own.
Post type #5. Shouting to another poster, "Hey #$%, I wasn't talking to you."
I predict a #5 response but perhaps you will surprise me?
fiesty there are the jobs you were looking for, Obama will create them in the mideast; street vendors over dictators
I second that Navy. Bob is an A$$.
Navy's posts are well thought out and reflective, unlike the name calling posts of ITM-Tx and Bob, which are rants and raves against solid posters like Navy, Bev, Fiesty and the many other good posters here. If Bob disagrees with a position, that is great - post a well thought out reason why. For sure, quit the mudslinging. It simply makes you look idiotic.
ITM:
What I said about bob numbers goes 2X for you.
There is another change that's been going on... Who leads each Party. The Dems are not dictated to by Hate Radio entertainers such as Limbaugh, or former administration "strategery" gurus like Karl Rove, or AstroTurf leaders like Dick Armey and Grover Norquist. The actual leaders like Boehner or McConnell are not in charge of the GOP/TP, but rather control comes from outside the Party from individuals with no accountability (not elected) or even qualifications (e.g., Rush Limbaugh). I wonder why Republican voters don't find this to be unsettling, even alarming.
P.S. Regarding collapsed posts, that an entire thread is collapsed in the process is unfair. Also, I always click to un-collapse posts by those who I know contribute meaningful, well-written posts (like Navy and others). If there are more clicks to un-collapse a post than there were votes to collapse it, re-open it.
I only vote to collapse posts with personal attacks or proliferate one-liners that contribute no value (AKA trolling). If posts are not breaking any codes, but can still be collapsed because Haters have learned they can do so, this affects the integrity of this forum. I hope the moderators will give consideration to this problem.
You said it, True Patriot. The integrity of the forum is worth protecting.
 xxx
testing link:
“Cantor told the audience of speculators that his Republican caucus would “do our part” to block the implementation of financial reforms passed last year as part of the sweeping Dodd-Frank law. He even called out the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the regulators in charge of overseeing derivatives and energy speculation, and promised to stop regulations from going online”:
[Source] http://thinkprogress.org/2011/05/18/eric-cantor-oil-speculators/
Apparently, on Fox News, Newtie also said that any ad that uses what he said on MTP is a falsehood. What is the disconnect between Newt, taking ownership for what he says and does and truth? Tell me, Republicans is that demonstrating the "personal responsibility" that you are all so fond of? Newt's campaign is over, if it ever really started, and America (though we will lose some comic relief) is better off for it. On second thought, we will still get the comic relief, since Bachmann has delusions of Presidential grandeur as well.
Newt is a recycled has been and is pretty much DOA.
I disagree, NDD. I think it's important for America to hear a leading Republican voice criticize the right-wing attempt at social engineering that is Paul Ryan's Medicare dismantling plan. Republicans in Maine just passed a healthcare reform bill that taxes every Mainer with insurance $4.00 a month to pay for covering the sickest people in the state. I'm not saying this is bad or good, just that Republicans need to be honest about their solutions and their ideology.
I also think it is important, Amy, that there is some honesty on the right. My criticism is that Newt backpedaled so fast from what he said, not that he said it. That is disingenuous, and points up yet again, Newt's incredible disconnect from what he says and does and honesty. If he were a serious leader, and if he were serious about his criticism, he would stand by what he said.
NDD:
I hear you but Newt stepped on the tail of the TP folks and Cantor basically told him to recant or forget any support from the GOP. The bottom line is that if you want to run for anything in 2012 you MUST support the Ryan Bill 110% or the New GOP will not support you or even run somebody else against you. They just threaten Boehner with this and all he did was tell the truth, but then again the truth to the GOP is not in their dictionary. Ever since FOX won a court battle that allows lying to be legal this is what we can expect from now on.
Navy: it just points up what is true about the Republican field, Party before Country. Always.
The bottom line is that if you want to run for anything in 2012 you MUST support the Ryan Bill 110%
You are right of course, I guess what I am saying is, at least Newt put it out there that the Ryan bill is right-wing social engineering, and many average Republicans would not support it, if they really knew how it would affect our country. I don't think Democrats should be so quick to shut down Newt's campaign, when he is out there exposing the far right agenda.
I agree in that Newt is going to push as far as he can. Many of us said the GOP was going to have problems in controlling the TP folks and if not careful they would control the agenda. Looks like this is coming true. Both Newt and Boehner told the truth and both got hammered for it by their own party.
And we wonder why their is NO compromise possible. How can you when one party just will not accept anything other than the whole pie. They won't even take 60%, 75% or 90%. You cannot run this country for the benefit of ALL Americans when one party has that mind set. Just will never work and we will pay for it while they keep making money and grabbing more and more power. This is a dead end street.
Are the Democrats shutting down Newt's campaign, or is it the right wing that is doing it? I posit that it is the right wing of the Republican Party.
Hi NDD.....more and more I am convinced that ol' Newtie is suffering from some brain disorder. No two days are alike no two opinions on the same subject are the same. Reminds me of the adage,.... a liar needs a good memory.
It is fascinating to watch this scenario play and wonder, what are his advisers, especially his third wife, doing to encourage or correct him? Scary to think they think everything is OK with him.
Just two quick comments about today's First Thoughts;
You aren't crediting Barrack Obama with the revolution in Egypt are you? For if you are, that would be MEDIA BIAS which is exactly what you criticized Gingrich's people for claiming.
FIRST READ is absolutely THE LAST media outlet, that should critique someone for claiming media bias. You people did NOTHING but actively campaign for Obama in 2008, and you have done nothing but cheerlead for him since then.
Wow, really?
I just re-read the whole blog post and I have no clue where you would get that MSNBC is giving credit to President Obama for what happened in Egypt and Tunisia. I guess that's just you projecting your hatred of MSNBC and President Obama.
J. Merle Stanley====If you don't like MSNBC, why do you watch it? Don't torture yourself. I refuse to watch Fox News and have not watched it for over ten years. Don't cry about MSNBC, just don't watch it anymore if it upsets you.
Seattle Sue is right on. And if you don't like FR, find another website, I promise we will not miss you.
J. Merle- Remember: "the place for politics". 'K?
Not, "fair and balanced" or some other moniker. "the place for POLITICS". Piece o' cake.
Say, J. Merle, you never did tell us how that life size Hillary doll of yours is holding up?
Feisty,
Dang girl, you beat me to the proverbial punchline!
J. Merle, do you care to weigh in on how great Hilary is doing as Secretary of State?
J. Merle,
Please just say good bye.
And it just keeps getting better, your children must be a mess if you talk like this around them. Lil Feisty goes to school and her teacher asks..... What do your parents think of Newt Gingrich? Well my mommy says he is a di*kWad, muthF##*er that cant keep his pants zipped up. Way to go..... I dont like lumbaugers ending response "were taking america back" but you guys can have one too for this vile blog "Were giving america back"
RVZ
I'd like to think both Hilary and Bill would vomit at the thought of YOU defending their 'honor'.
But whatever,...J. Merle knows what Feisty and I are talking about - you might private message her to figure it out,...or not.
RVZ
you are making me giggle with your poutrage about Low Culture. Seriously?
your brand of humor is about as Low Culture as it gets, no?
RVZ
The Republicans-Tea People just make up their own facts, to present to the low information voters, stuck on stupid. These same people are the ones dumbing down America.
I dont have a problem with "common" Well any more than any rapper, remember I live smack in the middle of the hood in Detroit, so I am subjected to gangsta rap all the time. I wake up at night to thump thump thump all the time! it is what it is!
J. Merle Stanley-2759623
Just two quick comments about today's First Thoughts;
You aren't crediting Barrack Obama with the revolution in Egypt are you? For if you are, that would be MEDIA BIAS which is exactly what you criticized Gingrich's people for claiming.
Moment of opportunity'
Economic issues will not dominate Obama's speech; the White House says it will be a wide-ranging address focused on America's relationship with the Middle East.
"[This is] a real moment of opportunity for America," said Jay Carney, the White House press secretary. "In the last decade, our focus in the region was largely on Iraq, which was a military effort, and on the hunt for Osama bin Laden and the fight against al-Qaeda."
Administration officials have said little about how Obama will address the complex issues in that relationship, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His envoy to the region, George Mitchell, resigned last week, frustrated by stalled negotiations and fighting within the administration
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2011/05/2011518234843534607.html
FIRST READ is absolutely THE LAST media outlet, that should critique someone for claiming media bias. You people did NOTHING but actively campaign for Obama in 2008, and you have done nothing but cheerlead for him since then.
FOX NOISE AND Rupert Murdoch has lost millions trying to defeat President Obama and that cheerleading for the GOP/T-Baggers on FOX NOISE is still losing.
Feisty – are you shooting straight? Is there REALLY a life size Hillary doll?? OMG, is this a great country or what.
Ron – will you miss me when I'm gone? What if I promise to leave you and Feisty with a life size Mitch Daniels doll?
DOB – remember that time you told me to stick my head in a bucket of water three times and pull it out twice? I sure do, reminds me of the kind of people I'm dealing with when I drop by the echo chamber.
Clara -- speaking of echo chamber, how are you doing Miss Clara?
Sue – Fox has more diversity of opinion than any network I've ever watched. When folks like Juan Williams or Alan Colmes get in O'Reilly's face or Krauthammer's face, you're missing some really good stuff.
Bye-bye, until we joust again.
MY GOD!!!!!! I didn't know that people who watched MSNBC, or read FIRST READ must all get in lockstep with the high and mighty likes of Da Noide, Ron, JOB1, and Feisty Redhead. Seems in order to post here, without being personally attacked, one must sign the "pledge to Obama for life" pettition and promise not to say anything "not nice" about the all out BIAS shown on this board for Barrack Obama.
First off to Da Noid, it's either that you can't read, or have no capabaility forcritical thought. The partagraph to whcih I was referring startrs off by talking about the "change" that Obama promised, then cites the happenings in Egyopt and Tunisia as part of the change that's occured since his Cairo speech. No, it doesn't spcifically say he's to be credited for causing such "change". But, it certainly intimates, incinuates, and infers that he's responsibel for it, without coming rioght our and say it.
To Ron, and Job1, geeze, I'm sorry. I didn't know I had to check in with either one of you before I; a) formulate an opinion, b) log onto a political website, and c) express my opinion in writing on that website. Sorry BOYS. But, I don't agree with you, and I will continue to express my opinions where and when I please, in whatever venue I choose, and with or without your "consent." If you don't like that you can either choose to; a) ignore what I write, or b) kiss my @$$, or c) go **** yourself. I really don't care which of the three you choose.
And finally to Feisty.... I'm really glad you remember that I was a Hillary supporter in 2008. The misogyny and sexism that was directed towards her by Obama, his campaign staff, and by Obama followers in general is exactly the reason why I am no longer registered with the Democratic Party. Someone else in this blog mentioned that they noticed it too. I'm glad I wasn't the only one. I have a suspicion there a lot of other people who saw it too. But, who won't say it out loud for the sake of party unity.
Oh, and one more "shout out" to the two or three of you who mentioned Faux Noise. I don't watch or listen to Faux Noise. Never did, never will, so throwing that up in my face doesn't resonate.
You know, now that the 2012 election cycle has started, Iam considering for whom I should vote. My political philosophy is that of a moderate Democrat, so I was inclined to take a look at Obama's record and perhaps support him this time around.
But, you good people have given me a reminder of why I didn't and wouldn't support his candidacy the last time around. You cry "racism" towards anyone who disagrees with his agenda. But, then you verbally abuse, and harass anyone who asks for no more than fairness, and accuracy in reporting.
We'll see what the rest of the country does in 2012.
But THIS former Democrat will be seeking a third party candidate to support in 2012.....and I promise you there are MANY more like me who will do the same thing.
Be careful how you treat and speak to us, we COULD be the difference in the next elextion.
(wink)
Good comment J. Merle.
J.merle you have no idea. Its damn entertaining to watch the blog on days like this. Mr. Obama speech today will make this blog crazy!
J. Merle,
I was also a Hillary supporter and I voted for her in my state primary. I was even a member of Club Hillary. However, I like Hillary, have put the election behind me and I support the President just like her and Bill do.
Hopefully, she will had enough gas to give it a go in 2016.
J. Merle.......I really dont care if you come here or not, you may have been registered as a Democrat but you really are a DINO.
All thru the 2008 Democratic primaries you carried the Hillary standard, even when it became obvious she was not going to be the nominee. You then decided that you would write anything and everything you considered would show Barack Obama in a detrimental light, all the time proclaiming yourself as a Democrat. I didn't take you seriously then nor do I now. To me you are just like the other whiners who come on here, proclaiming how they hate liberals, yada yada.
If you came on here and said Hillary is doing a terrific job and President Obama picked the right person for SOS, I would think you are not the sore looser, full of sour grapes as you present yourself. Go play with nojo and the others who are beyond unreasonable.
Dear Gngerbread......and during that SAME election cycle, you wrote anything and everything negative that YOU could possibly write about Hillary, and her supporters; up to and including the use of the "racist" label, even well after Obama was named as the Democratic nominee.
Then, when you, and other ObaMANIACS were done with that, you moved onto Sarah Palin AND her family.
....Oh and YES I do think Hillary is doing an excellent job. So much so, that I want her to run for the Presidency in 2012. She won't do it, because of party loyalty and I respect that.
For some reason, you seem to think that we all have to get in line with you, and agree with everything you say. You think that nobody has a right to disagree with you, let alone express that disagreement in writing.
You also think that you have the god given right to insult other posters with impunity; to dehumanize and belittle their political positions by refering to them as "whiners."+
Well, I got news for you. There are a lot of other Hillary Democrats like myself who aren't completely satisfied with Obama, and who are prepared to vote for a third party candidate in 2012.
So watch yourself, and watch the way you treat us. We could keep your boy from getting a second term.
Do tell Merle, was steam streaming out of your ears, as you stomped you widdle feet while threatening us? LMAO@U
Job 1....would love to put it all the non-sense that went in 2008 to rest.
But, everytime I think of voters in two different states (Michigan and Florida) being disenfranchised by their own party; a party that I believed in so very much for more than 30 years...I just can't do it. What the DNC, and the Obama camp did to the primary voters in those two states in '08', was every bit as bad, perhaps even worse, than what the GOP did to voters in Florida back in 2000.
What's mopre there was the accusations of "racism" towards those of us who didn't support Obama. Accusations that STILL come out from people who just can't defend his presidency any other way. When in doubt, p[lay the race card, it always works.
Yes I am very bitter, and angry about that, and I just might vote accordingly.
Obama did a nice job getting Bin Laden.
But, his speech today, in which he stated that Israel should go back to the 1967 borders is just plain WRONG! A total of six (6) different countries amassed a half million troops on Israel's borders not once, but TWICE in a six year period, and attacked Israel both times.
Israel REPELLED those attacks, defended, and expanded her borders. Those borders are the spoils of a war that Israel didn't start, and didn't want. If Obama does not have the courage to stand along with Israel, then I'm sorry I cannot vote for him.
So, you can have your little love fest with the obaMANIACS. But, I will not support a US President who doesnt have the balls to stand with a longtime friend and ally, such as Israel.
Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL
Do tell Merle, was steam streaming out of your ears, as you stomped you widdle feet while threatening us? LMAO@U
Not at all Feisty Redc*** No stomping feet and no steam coming out of anywhere, except the hot air coming from your @$$.
However, there will be an independent or third party vote coming from my ballot in 2012.
Please note Feisty Redc***, that's NOT the way rto ask for the independent vote.
It's rather funny to hear someone says that they are sooo influenced by certain posters on a blog. They cry foul and in the next breath they are ripping into everyone.
I have seen both right and left have some rather interesting debate. I have also seen comments collapsed without reason. Both have called each others names, without reason except because they disagree with what you've said.
There are some who whine about name calling and someone disagreeing with them one minute and they do the same thing they are complaining about the next.
For the record. I thought this was a place where people would voice their opinions and expect someone to disagree. If everyone agreed it would be rather boring.
If you call out someone based on what they say or imply, they make excuses. eg. I have noticed and I am guilty of calling some a racist if they attack Obama, not for his policies, but just because they can come up with unsubstantiated claims, outright lies and personal attacks. When you respond by calling them racist since there seem to be no other reason for their actions, they claim that this is done because they 'disagree' with him. Not true. Everyone is allowed to disagree.
I have enjoyed this FR and the regulars posts are very informative. I also stay for the humor.
It is also rather interesting to see people who just wants attention and will say and do whatever it takes to get it. Their short post only serve to criticize and call others names. Yet they are the first to attack and point out who is calling others names.
J Mearl, you seem rather bitter. Asking people to treat you well while you attack, will not work I don't think.
I would like to suggest that if you want everyone to agree with you and say what you want to hear, write your own blog and block the ones that disagree with you. I just don't see the point where you go on Newsvine and complain about other peoples opinion. It's nice to be supported. But it's also nice to have a good argument.
I don't think anyone should let posters dictate their vote. We can read talk and make your own decision. The treat me nice or I wont vote for Obama is pointless.
ROTFLMFAO! ;o))))
When the tears subside, I'll have to clean off my computer screen!
Thanks Flecth - you have NO idea how much I needed a good laugh!
David Gregory must be dancing a jig in his office (pause to picture a 6'2" leprechaun dancing a jig), because MTP really seems to be promoting itself as a news-making Sunday show (they end their show re-capping the highlights of the previous hour, as reported by the AP.) So funny.
Are you suggesting that any time someone gives an "unartful" answer to a question it's the fault of the person who asked the question?
I'm just saying I bet the MTP staff are happy with the publicity. I watched the show. Gregory didn't ask anything remotely entrapment-like. Gingrich just spoke honestly and, afterwards, the Republicans trained a fire hose on him for saying the Ryan Medicare dismantling bill is right-wing social engineering.
Amy:
Well said, that is what he did. I am not a big DG fan as sometimes he lets too many comments go unchallenged but in this case he was right on point. I think Newt was honest and look what it got him. Rep. Boehner was honest and look what that got him.
In business I used to warn managers that you cannot lead by intimidation. A lesson that the TP should learn.
I personally think bringing up the "race" card is turning a lot of people off. Unless it is a clear and obvious case of racism, leave it alone. They are just reenforcing the rights view that the left cries racism at the drop of a pin.
Really mad independent? Read page two of this thread, and then come back and tell us about over using "racism".
The I'd say the Republican Party, as a political entity, is in dire shape if it cannot accept criticism from within its own ranks - especially when that criticism is coming from Newt Gingrich, the man credited with helping the GOP take back Congress after 40 years of Democratic control.
It's been mentioned time and again by several posters now that the Republicans as they are no longer represent the ideals of limited government, fiscal responsibility and privacy rights: they are almost entirely controlled by a far-right, near-fascist wing that pushes religiously-inspired social conservatism and globalization.
For those who do not understand why traditional conservatives continue to cast their votes for the GOP election after election rather than jump ship to the Democrats: I would venture that these voters, while they may be in ideological opposition to the prominent voice in the right-wing, are put off to a greater degree by the left-wing and consequently see themselves caught between a rock and a hard place.
I believe far too many elections (municipal, state and federal) put Americans in a position where they feel they're not making a choice for who best represents them, but a choice between the lesser of two evils.
Navy...Im sure that got you into good favor with your managers. I have seen many people let go for saying the exact same thing to employees. But I can see that in your personality.
Jolly:
I just do not believe rule (of any kind) by intimidation works. I have always found that identifying the problems root causes and then addresses them is the way to go. And I always told them to solicit what they called the general people thought about a solution to the problem may be. Amazing how the so called worker bees have a better handle on what is going on than the managers. Just like the American people have a better handle on our Country than the politicians do.
Nobody wants to listen, nobody wants to address the causes of our ills and they definitely do not want to act to correct the problem. They may bruise somebody's ego or it may cost a fw dollars to fix, whatever, so it gets worse and the people continue to suffer until something bad happens and then they are lost to understand why.
Palin, Huckabee, Newt, Trump and Bachmann are in it for fame and fortune. The media simply is reporting on all the stupid things they say and do. And in Newt and Trump's case, they say stupid things because they believe any press is better than no press. The others are simply simple.
A little off-topic, but I hope you'll indulge me.
It seems that Catholic scholars are taking issue with John Boehner's voting record as not reflecting the moral values of his own espoused religion:
http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/catholic-300982-poor-professors.html
And religious leaders in my own state are telling Scott Walker pretty much the same thing:
http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/grassroots/article_4986c7c6-81c0-11e0-a95a-001cc4c002e0.html
Now for all you conservatives who believe you have a lock on moral values, what does this tell YOU? Here's what it told the author of the first article:
You see, It turns out that morality, like truth, apparently has a left-wing bias.
The question I have Anna Molly, is this: Will Catholic leadership make those, who are so dismissive of their duties to the poor, ineligible for communion like they have with those who are pro-choice?
Good point. But why am I not holding my breath?
Me either, Anna Molly, but wouldn't if be refreshing if there was some attempt at true morality from that leadership?
Good Morning Anna Molly:
Somehow I don't believe John Boehner understands what his priests are telling him. "Caring for the poor" is too hard for him to understand, but I have no idea how to say it simpler.
Here's yet another example of the republican assault on the poor in this state:
http://www.wisbar.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=InsideTrack&Template=/CustomSource/InsideTrack/contentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=102330
So, apparently, Walker's plan is to lift Wisconsin up, right down to the level of Idaho.
Be proud, conservatives. Be proud.
Terrific post, Anna Molly. Your last sentence sums it up perfectly.
Amy:
Outstanding, touche'
"They have no bread. Let them eat cake. "
Great posts, Anna Molly. For years the obnoxious, selfish viewpoint of the Religious Right has claimed to represent ALL people of faith, while the majority politely ignores them. They've gone too far, plan too much more in the way of fundamental changes to America. We won't stand for it anymore. http://go.sojo.net/site/DocServer/Circle_of_Protection_Statement.full.pdf?docID=181
Anna Molly--do you think Speaker Boehner cried when he received the letter?
Conservative Christians have no excuse for being social conservatives. In fact, that directly opposes God's message from Moses through Jesus. If the church would do it's own business and the government did what it is supposed to do to "promote the general welfare", there would be no suffering by the disadvantaged or deprived. One political party talks about God a lot, the other stresses the work of God in legislation and ideology. Talk is cheap, but immoral and indefensible when it leads to no effort or action.
"Secular" and "socialism" are semantic excuses for negligence and selfishness. That is anti-Christian and unAmerican.
Anna Molly:
You are on a roll today. Great posts keep em coming.
US NAVY,
I'll pretend you meant
Outstanding, touche' for me, but I know you meant Anna Molly :)
Anna Molly, my church bulletin contained a rebuttal to our Tea Party governor's lies about welfare in Maine, compiled by the United Council of Churches in Maine. It was a very powerful statement from the faith community that will not allow single mothers and low income people to be scapegoated for political reasons.
Actually Amy:
I mean it for both of you. Your posts are tight and right on point.
touche' my friend and keep them coming. I read each one. As I do with just about every post here. A few I do not bother with since they never really say anything and I can see the same rhetoric over at FOX.
Wasn't it Barry Goldwater who said something about kicking Pat Robertson (and by extension I'd imagine, those like him) in the nuts?
Wow--I wish my church would acknowledge how the Republican-run state legislature is devasting our educational system with its drastic budget cuts--even when our "rainy day fund" is now up to $10 billion! (due to higher-than-expected revenues from sales taxes and oil prices). Governor Perry refuses to dip into the fund to help school districts, who will now have to RAISE property taxes in order to keep some semblance of order in the classroom. But, let's just balance our budget on the backs of our students and mortgage our future just so that we won't have to dip into the rainy day fund (no one's talking about draining it!). Here's the link: www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9N9FKP80.htm
tomorrow is mackeral smacking day!
"DGMTP" Catholics have been eating meat on Fridays since the late 60's. Only the Friday's in Lent are meatless. I haven't heard the term "mackeral snaper" and its varietations since the JFK was running for President.
I have to say this because no one else will. Never compare Utah to any other state. It simply does not have the same demographics (or barely the same political or business structure). It's the same as comparing Texas to New York or almost any other state. Texas has resources and climate which New York simply does not. It is luck of geography and native population that benefits these states, not their governors.
In exactly what way does Texas "benefit" from its resources and climate? It consistently ranks near the bottom in education, and lags WAY behind New York in personal per capita income, despite not having the burden of those nasty old public unions to drag the economy down. Don't believe me? Look it up.
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0104652.html
Despite all the braggadoccio that comes from Governor Perry, Texas, like every other state, has to rely on federal aid in times of crisis, like the recent wildfires, and then whines because it doesn't get enough aid.
http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/politics/Perry-White-House-Denies-Disaster-Status-for-Wildfires-121226234.html?dr
In fact, red states in general, for all their claims that they don't need federal government, are the biggest feeders at the federal trough. Don't believe me? Look it up.
http://taxprof.typepad.com/taxprof_blog/2004/09/red_states_feed.html
Why, if it has such superior resources and "native population," can't the superior state of Texas take care of its own doggone problems, and why isn't it doing better in education and in per capita income?
But Texas has a big disadvantage in that we have Governor Good Hair Perry. Never met a coyote he did't shoot.
Slick Rick Perry never mentions the almost 30 billion dollar deficit that Texas has......He just complains about the lack of Federal help for the wild fires. The Federal help that he smirked about that Texas does NOT need.
Texas has almost 30 military installations of all sorts.......a lot of Federal money pours into this state!
He took the stimilus money and applied it to the deficit by a slight of hand.....then went on the secession thingy!
Hypocrit!
Anna Molly & Chilled:
Donot forget that he just spent $250 Million for auto racing. Funny how the GOP/TP keeps crying to be broke then finds money for their pet projects.
Agree 100% WM .. you cannot compare Utah to any other state in the union. Its politics are run 100% by the Mormon church. Most all elected officials in politics are top Mormon officials. The heavy weights in business are typcially top Mormon officials. Sure, there are claims that politics and religion are separated, but in reality, that is not the case. The Mormon church are experts at veiling their control over government. A perfect example is Prop 8 in California, they were the single largest fund raiser by mailing their congregation telling them to contribute funds to the cause. Did they directly control the vote, no. Did they influence the vote, yes.
This is why I will never vote for a Mormon president candidate- unlike Kennedy who as a Catholic could separate church and state, any Mormon candidate cannot truly do that.
Well, I am late to this discussion about states and education, but as I posted above, the Republican-run state legislature is devasting our educational system with its drastic budget cuts--even when our "rainy day fund" is now up to $10 billion! (due to higher-than-expected revenues from sales taxes and oil prices). Governor Perry refuses to dip into the fund to help school districts, who will now have to RAISE property taxes in order to keep some semblance of order in the classroom. But, let's just balance our budget on the backs of our students and mortgage our future just so that we won't have to dip into the rainy day fund (no one's talking about draining it!). Here's the link: www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9N9FKP80.htm
There is even a commercial running right now with Tommy Lee Jones reminding us, sadly, that Texas ranks 47th among the states in its quality of education!!
Anna Molly:
If you'll entertain me for a moment and allow me a response to your assertions about Texas and the state of it's public education system, I believe I can offer you a ground-level perspective.
I haven't until fairly recently openly admitted to this board how young I am and, as a graduate of a Texas high school within this decade allow me to say thus: I think it neither fair, nor accurate, to imply that Texas lags behind in education standards and results because we are not reaping the benefits of either our climate or the availability of resources.
The problem with education in Texas, at least insofar as the metropolitan areas are concerned, is a problem of culture. Our cities are host to wildly diverse demographics of every ethnic and financial background you can imagine. The children of all these intermingle through 12 or 13 years of grade school; I will tell you that no matter what your benchmarks for performance may be, you simply CAN NOT educate someone who does not CARE to be educated him- or herself.
I witnessed kids who, early on, were slaughtering me on math and science tests - but by the time we all hit middle school and made that leap from 5th to 6th grade, many of those same students were more concerned about living out commonly-associated stereotypes. I saw kids I used to ask for help with homework slacking off, skipping class, picking fights, forming gangs, getting held back, suspended or sent off to the military campus. These kids were beginning to turn into their parents, perpetuating their behavior. Say what you will about the power of public education; say what you want about the will to power; there is NO greater influence on a child's life than life at home.
I was extremely lucky and extremely fortunate to have a parent that drug my brother and I to museums, concert halls, operas and theatre. I am extremely fortunate I was read to, involved in conversations at home, treated like I had an adult mind from an early age and aided, whenever I needed it, with school projects. Few people, I realized, benefitted from that - and it reflected very much in my high school when it came time to graduate: out of 1,200 seniors, only 900 or so graduated.
It is naive to think that the failure of a public education system is always due to teachers, principals, school boards or funding; though it is equally naive to think the failure of an education system is never due to those factors, as well. But Americans seem not to want to point the finger at parents in these debates; it is a taboo I cannot fathom.
I could name so many names of people I watched falter and fail, people I'd known since kindergarten, not because of a lack of effort by their educators, but because the culture engendered in their homes doomed them to failure.
Why doesn't Governor Slick Rick go ahead and secede from the Union like he has been threatening for some time now?
Get to steppin' and take some other Tez Partiers with you like Rand Paul who hates our government.
Why doesn't Governor Slick Rick go ahead and secede from the Union like he has been threatening for some time now?
Get to steppin' and take some other Tez Partiers with you like Rand Paul who hates our government.
Why doesn't Governor Slick Rick go ahead and secede from the Union like he has been threatening for some time now?
Get to steppin' and take some other Tea Partiers with you like Rand Paul who hates our government.
" A final plank of Obama's speech, of course, will involve the Middle East peace process, especially with the president's meeting tomorrow with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. From what we can tell, Obama will outline PRINCIPLES but not SPECIFICS or a TIMELINE for Middle East peace."
Nobody in his right mind would ever try to outline a TIMELINE for Middle East peace. I'm reminded of a review I read several years ago of the really bad remake they made of "The Time Machine" - not sure now who wrote it, but the line that stuck with me was something like "In this movie, a man travels 800,000 years into the future and what's the first thing he learns? That there still isn't peace in the Middle East".
Principles are about all any American President can put out there, along with guidance, support, and assistance with negotiations. The specifics and the timeline are up to the parties themselves. They have to WANT peace, above all other considerations, before they'll ever come close to achieving it.
I agree, JoAnne--I'm not sure it is our place to outline specifics or a timeline on Mideast peace---I think the outlining of principles we believe in and would support in a peace process is as far as we should go. When all the parties want peace, there will be peace.
The Jews and the non-jews of the middle east have been fighting over the same stretch of land for thousands of years. It all began when Joshua led the Isrealites to attack the existing cities and take over the land. It has been continuing ever since.
As Steeler Fan said, When all the parties decide that they want peace, there will be peace. The "Palestinians" say they were there first, while the Israelis claim a God given right to the land. Unless they figure out that peace is better than war, there will continue to be war.
FR:
Then Daniels has committed an unforgivable sin. He hasn't got a chance to get the Republican nomination. Huntsman is too close to Obama, and Romney has Romney care weighing him down. All but one of the rest of the Repub candidates are insane or pretend to be. Tim Pawlenty is the only suit empty enough to not arouse the wrath of the teabaggers and perhaps fool normal people into voting for him -- if he has a sufficiently competent PR team running his campaign.
Why are three wars still continuing? (THIS IS WHAT'S BUSTING THE BUDGET)
And who benefits?
The Arab monarchies that are so against democracy, are the very ones these wars were fought to protect, with the excuse of 9/11 used as a stimulus.
These very same wars that our intelligence promoted with "non-existent Weapons of Mass Destruction", are still continuing ten year later with no end in sight; while OPEC raises the gas prices sky high with the help of our own "Democratic" Oil Companies.
Maybe I got it wrong, everyone in a Democracy is suppose to be equal in potential; or maybe our Democracy is no longer a democracy, just as "FREE" markets are ones controlled by MONOPOLIES.
DEMOCRACY - secrets, lies, wars, free markets that aren't free - is that what we truly have?
What Price Freedom?
I've said it before and I'll say it again...most of the current GOP field is in the race just to keep relevant. I know the left would love Palin or Bachmann, but that's not going to happen. To me, this race is down to Romney, Huntsman, Daniels, and any undeclared governor who is off the radar and makes a jump into the race. Forget the rest. Newt has no chance. I knew all along Trump was in it to boost ratings for his show. Right now, my preferred order would be Huntsman, Daniels, Romney. The key for me is going to be electability...something that a lot of my fellow conservatives have dismissed lately. Selecting the most conservative nominee does us no good if he/she loses by 20 points!
be wary the 'off the radar' governor,...
it may just be a she-wolf in RNC clothing,...
just sayin'!
Good Morning Frank:
I'm always interested in your analysis and you are spot-on in terms of the top three...Except, I'm still not sure Daniels will run. It's that fire-in-your-belly thing that Daniels lacks. I'll still bet he won't. May want to put Pawlenty in Daniel's place. Tim would love to run.
Huntsman would be the best GOP candidate as I believe he is presidential material. Any running he does in 2012 is likely networking for 2016, and then I think he really has a chance.
Romney raised a bunch of money. Can't rule him out, unless the Tea Party does in the primaries.
So Frank---you are discounting Pawlenty? He at least seems like a normal person.
Daniels will also have to answer to his position on Planned Parenthood which he just defunded in his State even though PP does not use Federal Money for abortions. It is against the law (Hyde Amendment) and he knows it. About 9,000 women now have no place to go for even preventive care like PAP smears etc.
Rachael had a piece on how she compared this to the maintenance of your car. You go in for routine oil changes and inspections to head off a major problem and repair bill. Women need to have routine health care check ups and such to prevent a major health problem later on that will costs many many times more.
Even a low information voter should be able to grasp the analogy. Time will tell.
Admittedly, I kinda forgot about Pawlenty...I suppose he has a chance, but he doesn't seem to be catching much of a buzz right now.
Grimey: "Selecting the most conservative nominee does us no good if he/she loses by 20 points!"
Grimey, I suspect this will be taught in future political science classes as "The Christine O'Donnell Law". For your sake, I hope your party learns its lesson before their grandchildren are studying this in college. Of course, for my sake, I'd be more than happy to just sit back and watch history keep repeating itself!
Frank: T-Paw is pretty forgettable. He kind of reminds me of Jindal, he has no real "presence" and I don't think people listen to him much really because of that.
Frank: T-Paw is pretty forgettable. He kind of reminds me of Jindal, he has no real "presence" and I don't think people listen to him much really because of that.
Maybe they will throw Christie at you guys! OoOoOoo!
As long as I do not have to catch him.
Middle East peace and a USA role in engineering it requires justice for the Palestinians. Obama cannot expect respect and engagement with the many Arab populist movements unless he is willing to provide strong leadership in bringing freedom and independence to the Palestinians.
Israel is being surrounded by Arab populist movements that dislike Israeli treatment of Palestinians. The USA paid Egyptian and Jordanian leaders for years to accommodate Israel. It also paid Israel $6.0 billion annually. That squarely put the USA on the side of Israel and its terrorism against Palestinian Arabs. The USA can be viewed today as blindly pro-Israel complicit in the exploitation of Palestinian Arabs.
It is time for the USA to reevaluate its long-term support of Israel and neglect of the Palestinian Arabs. Israel has spied on the USA. Israel has engaged in internal politics in the USA undermining presidential strategies. Israel has drawn the USA into conflicts that have been costly to the USA in dollars and lives. Israel has shown disdain for USA peace efforts over and over. Israel has an arrogance that is insulting to any would-be new allies the USA might seek in the Middle East.
It is time for the USA to join with the Quartet (EU, Russia, UN and USA) in passage of a UN Security Council resolution to recognize a freed, independent Palestine with 1967 borders and the right of return. Such a resolution will pass in the UN General Assembly. There is no good reason why the USA should continue its blind allegiance to Israel at a devastating cost to USA relations with the emerging new Arab populist movements.
Nothing about the Mid-East. I thought you'd all be salivating at the prospect he's gong to let Israel twist in the wind.
Reality Check-1104333
Nothing about the Mid-East. I thought you'd all be salivating at the prospect he's gong to let Israel twist in the wind.
That's a dumba@@ question.
Israel can take care of herself. We know by Gods word that Israel will not and cannot be destroyed.
Israel Has Nukes, US Army Confirms
This is a big deal for two reasons: First, because the subject has been dodged forever by the US government, including President Barack Obama, who recently ignored the question when asked by White House correspondent Helen Thomas. And second, because to the Symington Amendment—which bans support to countries developing nuclear weapons—this may mean the end of US help to Israel.
Or maybe this just means that someone at the DOD will get fired and the report corrected with a big black marker.
http://gizmodo.com/5174640/israel-has-nukes-us-army-confirms
Nothing about the Mid-East. I thought you'd all be salivating at the prospect he's gong to let Israel twist in the wind.
Oops. Wrong place. Sorry.
So where is his "vision" for America? How about unemployment under 5%, a smaller government, a reduced national debt, funding for social security by reducing foreign aid, paying our debt back to China, securing our borders, etc.
So where are the GOP/TP people in trying to also help in these issues. President Obama cannot win the battle alone, the GOP/TP needs to step up and help. Provide some of that leadership they keep talking about but doing nothing about. As long as the GOP/TP keeps their "Obstructionist" attitude, their agenda of just making President Obama a failure and NO compromise, very few things you mentioned above will ever be addressed.
I honestly do not think we'll ever see unemployment under 5% ever again. More like 6% will be the norm.
Frank:
I think you are correct. Many of those jobs, especially in manufacturing, will never come back as they have been replaced by technology. Also, companies have learned how to get more production out of fewer people. We will need more business in this country to off set that.
Nice post, thank you.
Seems the last time we saw anything like a chance for this was during the Clinton presidency; before the Bush Tax cuts (which Democrats allowed themselves to be wrangled into extending for two years.)
I am glad to see the Republican litmus test center on Medicare--they cannot win elections on that basis.
Sadly, though, Guantanamo remains open, torturers have gone uncharged and the President is still in thrall to corporate interests (oil) and militarism. Restoring cuts to education, making infrastructure repairs and reducing the deficit could all take place if we reigned in military spending.
Every drone missile leaves another child behind.
Fancy This Too..
Restoring cuts to education, making infrastructure repairs and reducing the deficit could all take place if we reigned in military spending....
--------------------------------------------------------
Amid the dramatics and oversimplifications in this post, you make a valid point. There is billions of dollars in waste in military spending that even the Secretary Gates wants cut. I thought the shovel ready jobs the stimulus money was supposed to produce were targeted at infrastructure repairs but I have no clue as to what happened to that money. Education, we need to fund education. Contrary to popular belief, the US is NOT number one in education, particularly math and science. We're way down the list. Part of the reason corporations are hiring abroad is because their grads are smarter than ours. We're short changing our kids and their future as well as our country's future. if we don't address this problem. Stop the cuts to education, end tenure and let's keep the best teachers on the job.
Getting out of the wars will save of over 100 Billion per year. Some of the Stimulus Money sent to States were used to shore up their budgets and never reached what they were supposed to do. Some of this I blame on the Adminstration in that they gave the States the money but did not demand any accounting of what the money was used for.
I hope that this time around if they do a Infrastructure Bill let's say, that they make the States account for the spending of every single tax payer dollar and if they play games again then huge fines will be the penality.
US Navy Disabled Veteran - Retired
"the oil companies that are having another record profit year and many of them do not even pay taxes and get subsidies to boot."
...........................................................
My friend, the point you make about not paying taxes is totally fallacious. Oil companies, Exxon for example paid about $35 billion in taxes last year. The other big 4 also paid billions in taxes. This after what you call "subsidies" which we talked about yesterday. This are tax deductions and credits to offset drilling, exploration and other costs as an incentive to drill. I'm a day older and the memory isn't what it used to be but yesterday subsidies seemed to makes sense to you cause if they were eliminated the price of gas would certainly go up.
US Navy Disabled Veteran - Retired..
Money sent to States were used to shore up their budgets and never reached what they were supposed to do. Some of this I blame on the Adminstration in that they gave the States the money but did not demand any accounting of what the money was used for.
....................................................................
Some of the blame...that's all of the blame. Infrastructure in this country is in need of $14 trillion in repairs. An army of people could be put to work at good paying jobs that would last for years. There has been no investment by anyone for any substantial amount of money to fund this. This IS job creation and it is being ignored.
Sorry, if I seem grumpy. Real bad day at the office thus far. Using this to let off steam. Blame Spanky, he suggested it.
US Navy Disabled Veteran - Retired..
With respect to reporting, your comment was also incorrect.
These specific quidlelines were required by the feds from any state accepting stimulus money.
Funds had to be reported by recipient as they were distributed.
"The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is an effort by the Federal government to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Recovery and Reinvestment Act is an extraordinary response to a crisis unlike any since the Great Depression.
The Department of Accounts has created this website to provide state agencies and institutions with the latest guidance on the distribution and use of these funds. Agencies and institutions must ensure the following key risk mitigation processes are implemented to ensure accountability over ARRA funds:
IRA:
Check out Pawlenty, he took about 1/3 of the stimulus money and used it to shore up the budget. I seem to remember another one or two did not use the money appropriately either. You can google it. It was reported several times.
Currently I think the Infrastructure is about 3-4 Trillion and you are right, even that will create a lot of good paying jobs and secondary support jobs as well (the multiplier effect). The higher that number the greater the need for a Infrastructure Jobs Bill. Agreed.
Am I the only one to notice that no jo is gonna' be one sad and mad Repub today?
when she finds out Mitch Daniels is working WITH Obamacare,...well things are gonna' get UGLY fast,...
Wow. Who knew Michael F. cannon of the Cato Institute had so many democratic fans?
Clara, Until it is ruled unconstitutional, why wouldn't he work with it?
Just pointing out that no joe has stated that she believes Mitch Daniels will be the Republican Candidate for the 2012 Presidential Election and given how Gingrich has fared by 'taking on' Paul Ryan, Mitch has potentially shot himself ala Gingrich for any shot at that opportunity.
The bigger picture is that a Republican who works WITH the Obama Administration is now considered an evil traitor. From this article above:
"...“Daniels’ assistance in implementing the Affordable Care Act is especially welcome when contrasted with the actions of Governors Perry, Scott and Jindal to block it at behest of the Tea Party,” said Protect Your Care spokesman Eddie Vale..."
 BO must be planning to BK the US. Giving taxpayer money to foreign countries that hate us is an attempt at bribary, and is like rewarding a child for bad behavior. It simply perpetuates the situation. They don't want our money, but will use it to further the goals of Islam; world domination.
Obama's speech will join in to celebrate the "Arab Spring" ( Eliminate Israel ).
You know things are bad when the organizers of the event at AIPAC send out an email begging attendees NOT to BOO.
Unbelieveable.
What really irks me is the decision SCOTUS made with regards to corporations being "people". Here is a clipping from a message by William Howard Taft while addressing a joint session of Congress regarding the need for the 16th Amendment.
"...Upon the privilege of doing business as an artificial entity and of freedom from a general partnership liability enjoyed by those who own the stock."
Question: If this President, in 1909, viewed business as artificial, how is it that 100 years later they become real?
I thought generally accepted opinion carried more weight than some error by a court clerk or previous court case. I'm, thinkin' SCOTUS needs to review their decision and correct a grave error.
JTP:
Go look at some of my old posts on the Citizens United decision. I agree with you 100%. I wrote the post below on Dec 4, 2010.
Tomorrow is December 7th a “date that will live in infamy” (President Roosevelt – 12/07/1941). There is another date in American History that will also live in infamy – January 21, 2010. This is the date that the US Supreme Court sold this country out to the highest bidders (Foreign or domestic) with their “Citizens United” decision. It was later basically ratified by the Republican Party on September 23, 2010 when they successfully blocked the Disclosure Act with a vote of 59 YES and 39 NO. Every Senate Republican voted NO, with 2 not voting at all. Every Democrat and Independent voted yes. A minority vote of 40% was able to block the majority vote of 60% and has forever changed the political freedom of this Nation.
Historians will look at this date as that point in time where the United States of America had its political freedom and the very fabric of our democracy put on a “Time Clock”.
We have witnessed this last election cycle an unprecedented amount of undisclosed money being funneled by “Special Interest Groups” like the US Chamber of Commerce and a bevy of others to influence and buy elections. We have no way of knowing neither who is funding politicians any more nor what their agendas are. We do know that they are bought and paid for and once in office they will have to pay these contributors back with legislation that benefits their agenda, like repealing HCR, Financial Reform, farm jobs overseas, repeal regulations that protect Americans and employees. The list is endless.
While it is not the money per se, people have been buying elections from day one, it is the fact that the American People are being kept in the dark as to who is doing it and how much are they spending to buy these votes. Without knowing this we do not know what the possible agenda of the politician we are voting for is. If a Senator is being supported mostly by the Insurance Industry, for example, we have an idea of how he is going to vote on legislation – regardless of the rhetoric spitting out of their mouths.
The “Special Interest Groups” are already gearing up for the 2012 elections and this is going to prove to be another record in campaign contributions.
This must be stopped.
Two entrenched enemies of the American people include the decision you refer to, and the Federal Reserve Act. The three newest, but just as deadly to Americans, are Nixon's abandonment of the gold standard, Globalization, and Free Trade agreements.
I believe the Federal government has finally printed itself beyond the point of no return. The few options it does have, will have severe consequences for the American people, and most likely the rest of the world.
This Arrogant "Campaigner-in-Chief" is destroying America and now he has appointed (annointed) himself "President of the World".
Nothing left to do in this country! (except Print more money!)
Thank God he and Michelle Antoinette are going to Ireland, London, and Paris next week........adios!
Her clothes Designer must be exhausted!
I'm headed to K-mart today.....ha ha!
How is it, moderators, that Next to Last has not been banned for posting things that are this inflammatory? Do you have rules or not?
FR:
Do you guys ever bother to do your jobs in monitoring this site. Every day we have people here that keep on violating the CoH and you guys do nothing. DO WE HAVE RULES HERE OR NOT. If we do not then I will free to answer in the same vile way they do.
COME ON CLEAN UP THIS PLACE, IT STINKS@!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NDD- They know he's harmless, and couldn't whip sh*t with an egg-beater. His kind are like that. Yeah, they are.
But, this is really vile, DBO.
I tell you one thing Next to the last american president. You are nothing but a flat out birther racist.
You make up your own facts, to present to the low information voters, stuck on stupid. You are one who is dumbing down America.