What is it with the Republican Party and its caucuses?

Is it any wonder the GNOP is obsessed with voter fraud?

These idiots can't even cover up the manipulating going on within their own party!

FR crew - nice tribute to Whitney Houston!

Whitney may be gone but she will never be forgotten!

Backhouse, well said. I listened to a priest Saturday on UP with Chris Hayes repeatedly speaking in terms of grevous, moral.... but as seen only in the eyes of unmarried males who think they are morally superior. It would be nice if those priests, bishops, cardinals could tell us where in the Bible it discusses contraceptives since they were non-existent at the time it was written, which means, that the Catholic doctrine on birth control was created out of whole cloth based on some male Pope's interpretation of a verse somewhere.

Very nicely done with your little tribute to Whitney Houston, First Read authors. Very nice.

Backhouse, terrific post. These Catholic Bishops are so far off the mark it's ridiculous. They should have zero to say when it comes to contraception and who should or shouldn't cover it.

Same goes for the males in the media. Kind of amazing to realize how they're willing to throw young women under the bus in order to bow down to the Catholic Bishops who are still living in the dark ages.

btw, Think Progress:

A majority of Catholic voters support President Obama’s new contraception policy, according to a poll released this weekend by the Coalition to Protect Women’s Health Care, which includes the Center for American Progress. Just 29 percent of Catholics polled opposed the policy, while 57 percent (and 59 percent of Catholic women) support it. An additional 5 percent wanted the policy to be stronger.

The Catholic Church would have a whole lot more credibility with me (a former member) if the formal requirements regarding contraception matched the practices of the majority of its members here in America. What troubles me more is its use of its tax-exempt property to encourage political action by its members.

Jody, That priest was hell-bent on saying that contraception it is not part of the healthcare plan and not a pathology - and that was his entire out.

But women have babies in hospitals - and birth is not a pathology either.

This is really about the economic and social equality of women, their ability to earn enough money, to pursue a career, choose the size of their family and feed it -- as equal citizens of this country.

99% of women use contraception, we know that. For any family, practical things like the spacing of children's births can be important.

Joe, where is your cut and paste job from Jim Vandehei this morning?

You know, the former aide to the disgraced, indicted, and convicted Speaker Tom Delay?

Bet you didn't know that little fact. Go on. Look it up.

Anyhow, I'd rather lose $3 Billion on trying to achieve something meaningful like solar energy than $600 Billion on a pointless War in Iraq. You won't get anywhere crying about $3 Billion considering the deficit the last President left us with. You know, George W. bush.

xxx

Hey fellow seniors and babyboomers:

Take a moment and Google: Romney's and Santorum's plans to cut Social Security and Medicare should they win the election.

Remember this come election time!

Albany Joe, good grief what a novel idea, the Friday night press dump. Except for one little point, there's been TV episodes referencing the Friday press release dump because it's been around for decades. Reagan, Bush, Bush, Clinton released "dirty little secrets" on Friday evenings as well, eh Joe? Hmmm, the oddest things that go bump in the night for the right-wing hysteria pushers.

What troubles me more is its use of its tax-exempt property to encourage political action by its members.

Over the weekend Cardinal George here in Chicago demanded his letter to the President be read at ALL masses!

If that isn't politics from the pulpit I don't know what is...

Yeah, Feisty, no wonder the Republicans favorite monster-under-the-bed is voter fraud. Takes one to know one! Seriously, they gotta have more balls than a bowling alley!

Hmmm, the oddest things that go bump in the night for the right-wing hysteria pushers.

Jody, It is their diet of 100% Greece...expect to hear about it all week.

$3 billion for green energy vs. the billions in Iraq to Haliburton. Which is potentially the better investment?

marlen see my post above, ask yourself is it sustainable? see events in Greece.

Pat, really great points. A clear majority of Catholic women support President Obama's new contraception policy.

How does making birth control available to all women take away (Boehner's or) anyone's "religious liberty?"

How does making birth control an OPTION - become Boehner's "assault on religious liberty".

Women's choice. Women's decision.

Thank you Backhouse. Why do we allow these men - these damned control freaks - who hand down these edicts to stand behind the ridiculous and indefensible "faith" justification?

When a non-believer dares to attack up the subject of a god who issues divine directives, he is singled out as a vicious hater of religion. Well, drag out your hate, because I've had it.

There is not a shred of proof that this invisible, omniscient, all-powerful being exists. NONE! The fact that science cannot provide indisputable evidence of an alternative explanation to this god being, does not lend a scintilla of proof to the assertion that a god exists. NONE. There is no proof of a god.

"Faith" in the existence of this being cannot be used as justification for denying anyone the right to live their lives free of the interference of people who profess to be "people of faith". There is no proof of a god.

For centuries, women have been suppressed, treated as chattel, as inferior to men with the spectacularly ignorant assertion that some sort of god wishes women to be subservient to men. There is no proof of a god.

To bring in the First Amendment as justification for state-approved discrimination is absurd, disgusting, and utterly devoid of logic. In no case is a person of faith's beliefs harmed by allowing another person to use contraceptives.

Didn't the omniscient god of love give the world contraceptives? Didn't that same god of love give the world atomic weapons? Where is the fervor among the people of faith demanding the abolition of atomic weapons?

Keep your religion. It is protected by the First Amendment. But dammit, keep it to yourself. I have no interest in sharing in your delusion.

The Energy Loan Guarantee program was written with a set aside of 10 billion to cover anticipated losses. Anticipated losses.

Issa wrote a letter on behalf of a green energy company in his home state for funds from the loan program.

Hypocrites and their faux outrage.

Feisty

It was truely a tribute befitting a great one. Whitney will always be loved and missed.

I only wished the Catholic church and the hypocrites on the right had come out swinging for those innocents that we're molested by catholic priests. We're still waiting for justice on some of the cases brought against them while the church keep shielding them.

Like Joe said on MTP, GOP will definitely get burnt by their hawkish behavior.

I'm sorry Republicans. but your candidate Romney is just to mechanical to watch and listen to. He's like watching an old silent movie with all the jerky pictures. And the voice, say three words, pause, then jerk again. How can you people stand to watch him? After about two minutes I feel like I'm getting seasick. Lots of luck with this "crowd pleaser".

Obama in 2012.

David Walker, terrific post.

I'm always struck by those on the right claiming their civil liberties are being trampled while they trample the civil liberties of others who disagree with their view. The GOP preaches moral superiority while preaching intolerance toward others.

@bucknakedsenior: Social Security IS sustainable.

Check out the following short video on how the billionaire Koch Brothers are actively working to destroy social security: www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFymBUsoNWY

Backhouse/David - well done. As to the poutrage proclaimed from high on behalf God, how is that the Catholic Church seems to be mute on the subject when it comes to almost all European countries that offer contraception/birth control via state the state run health care institutions. God must have one standard for America and quite another for Europe.

Naked - your analogy to Whitney and socialism is well, not only idiotic, but incredibly mean spirited. While we may mourn the loss of a great vocalist, few will mourn the loss of your vicious nastiest when your time at hand comes.

Albany - That devious socialist scheme to post weekly numbers by Obama on Friday (as if no other administration has ever done that) must be a complete drag on your weekends. You just show their is no way to please an Obama basher. You see, me must convert to green energy. Obama's version was to invest into companies to get that effort going. One would think that strategy would make conservatives happy, for if Obama had created a Dept of Green Energy with a NASA type mission to get us on green energy within a decade, conservatives would have yelled socialism. Oh wait, either way you yell socialism. Conservatives love to follow that misguided thought that free markets will drive us from oil to green alternatives. We know that is Maine style snow job - free markets will only get us to green markets when all the oil is depleted. Your poutrage over $3b loss is unjustified.

what about all the other financial commitments the federal govt is responsible for?

$3 billion for green energy vs. the billions in Iraq to Haliburton. Which is potentially the better investment?

____________________________________________________________

Over a 10 year period HAL would have been the better investment. It’s up about 450%.

http://data.cnbc.com/quotes/HAL/tab/2

Albany Joe:

Thanks for the investment information at 1.26. Doggone it, some times I just forget how profitable it is to kill people.

Invest in death and destruction. Let's get this economy moving again.

Over a 10 year period HAL would have been the better investment. It’s up about 450%.

Spoken like a true conservative - war is good because it creates profits for companies at the expense of debt for the government. There you have it folks, capitalism at its finest. Make war, not love.

Lies, damn lies-and anything that comes from the mouth of anyone associated with the Obama administration

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/fact-checker/post/jack-lews-misleading-claim-about-the-senates-failure-to-pass-a-budget-resolution/2012/02/12/gIQAs11z8Q_blog.html

Invest in death and destruction. Let's get this economy moving again.

David - want to make abortion/contraception palpable to conservatives, turn it into a money making HAL investment opportunity. They would do an about face in a New York minute.

I can see it now, "Stock Markets Rally: Abortions projected to rise by 80% next quarter".

DW: Invest in death and destruction. Let's get this economy moving again.

Planned Parenthood performs about 350,000 abortions a year at what they say costs $450 each. I guess the cost would depend on the trimester of the abortion, a later abortion would require more time to evacuate more "material" and probably cost a slight bit more. Or perhaps Or perhaps PP offered a coupon? Anyway, that's about $150 million in income from death and destruction.

Maybe PP will go public soon Mr. Walker, then you can invest your money in a cause you really can get behind.

I am constantly amazed at the ability of liberals to delude themselves.

In an article posted this Monday morning, the writers of this blog declare that the contraception debacle did not carry over to this week. Funny- it seemed to be a pretty big topic on yesterday's talk shows. I presume we must take their meaning to be that THEY are done with it. Seems their liberal posters did not take the hint.

Another delusion is that this is not a First Amendment issue. In point of fact, it WAS, but Obama has now changed it to a Fourth Amendment issue-violating the precision of "taking" without compensation.

Then, there are those liberals who believe themselves so knowledgeable- they call this an "employment issue". Thanks for bolstering the case- there have been many discrimination suits brought against religious organizations which perform secular duties- and the government has lost every single one. The most notable of these was a case brought against The Christian Science Moniter, which discriminates in hiring reporters. The Court held that, no matter the mission, the newspaper met the requirements of a religious organization, and was, thus, exempt from Title VII.

You'd think the former editor of Harvard's Law Review would have been more familiar with the case law- particularly in light of the nine to nothing smack down he just got in another case that attempted to dictate to a Chirch who it could, and could not, fire.

The 28 states that have mandates, my own included, all exempt religious organizations from them, so as not to violate the First Amendment.

Seems even Obama, although a little late to the party, recognized the problem. In addressing it, however, he stepped into another Constitutional crisis: the Fourth Amendment precludes the government from taking property without compensation. Therefore, health insurers have a pretty good lawsuit on their hands.

The best Obama can hope for is that the SCOTUS ends this debacle by declaring the whole thing unConstitutional.

Most people want it revoked- and this is just the latest example of what a lousy idea it was in the first place.

JAS, just to make sure I have it straight, you're saying war and abortion are moral equals?

Albany Joe, care to figure up how much that profit was per death in Iraq, not just per American military death but also per innocent Iraqi civilian--estimated at 100,000 but we'll never know for sure. Oh, yes, profit above life, that's a winning position. There were no deaths caused by investing in Solyndra.

OK all you good conservatives, time to dump your investments in pharmaceutical and medical equipment companies as they provide goods to PP.

The best Obama can hope for is that the SCOTUS ends this debacle by declaring the whole thing unConstitutional.

Most people want it revoked- and this is just the latest example of what a lousy idea it was in the first place.

We need to repeal obamacare to find out whats not in it.

JohnNY: JAS, just to make sure I have it straight, you're saying war and abortion are moral equals?

In the sense that death and destruction equals death and destruction.

Ah Solyndra has come up ... why the US is losing the race ... read it and weep conservatives.

www.france24.com/en/20110930-paris-launches-autolib-bluecar-bollore-all-electric-car-hire-scheme-velib

Thanks FR, for a nice tribute to Whitney Houston. Cleverly and expertly done.

This is a clear case where the Roman Catholic Church used a government-regulated function (health insurance) to impose its religious beliefs on both Roman Catholics who do not share that bit of invented modern dogma and non-Catholics alike. I can see exempting religious institutions themselves, but colleges and hospitals are stretching it into the business and education world. The primary difference is that the church has an opportunity to hire ONLY people who share their beliefs. Since the chursh is also exempt from EEO laws, they can get a pass. But if a Catholic college or university or hospital were to try to hire only those who shared these outdated pieces of Catholic legalism, they would have to close their doors tomorrow. There are simply not enough professionals and academics who share these beliefs to fill all the positions needed.

You have to realize that around 90% of all American women have used some form of birth control medicine or device at some time during their reproductive years (often without even their husband knowing.) But among Catholic women, the number goes up to 92% and the percentage whose husbands don't know is about triple that for non-Catholic women.

NoJo, I read your article from the Washington Post.

If Congress could have straight ahead votes on anything, the article might have some merit.

You know as well as I that that is never the case. All manner of riders, ammendments, changes, restrictions, additions to any bill, budget or proposal means that there is no chance anything but a super majority will be required to pass anything.

Keep your religion. It is protected by the First Amendment. But dammit, keep it to yourself. I have no interest in sharing in your delusion.

How very democratic of you David. You don't want to hear about religious beliefs from anyone, so no one should be allowed to talk about it . You are doing very well at upholding the principles of the democratic party. If you don't like something, do everything possible to thwart everyone else from doing it. If one or more persons are doing something you don't like or believe in, pass a law preventing everyone from doing it.

In the past week or so, in CA , if not the most liberal state in the Union certainly in the top five there are shinning examples of what I'm saying. Someone felt that throwing Frisbees on a public beach could cause harm to another. Now they want to make it a law that no one can throw a Frisbee on a public beach.

Someone or a group has decided that training whales and dolphins is a form of animal cruelty and now they want to put an end to anyone doing so in the future and to prevent public displays by the ones that have already been trained.

It is people like you David who want to control as many aspects of a persons life as possible when you make statements like that. If you don't like something prevent everyone else from enjoying it, practicing it or even talking about it. Forget the fact that are tens of million of secular believers on the left and in the middle. Put an end to it because republicans and supporters of their party speak of religion.

Keep going David. You and others from the democratic party who continue trying to make people feel uncomfortable about talking about their faith are moving us further away from the left and the democratic party.

So, because it falls outside of your narrative, fielden,the four Pinnochios mean nothing to you.

Allow me to state that, I have absolutely no hope of ever convincing any of you of the truth- its posted for those with actively functioning brains, and an ability to think.

Both are sadly lacking in cult members.

Mitt Romney Sings Whitney Houston's "Hearbreak Hotel"

You said you'd caucus by 9
Instead you took your time
You didn't think to call me now
Here I sit, tryin' not to cry
Askin' myself why, you do this to me

Since you're not supporting me
and you think I’m two faced
I'm writing you this letter
And this is what I have to say

All I really wanted was some of your votes
I started the primaries as a hero, now I’m one of the goats
What'd you do to me? Look what you did to me
I thought that you were someone who would do me right
Until you played with my emotions and you made Mitt cry
What'd you do to me? Can't take what you did to me

Now I see, what I’ve been doin' wrong
Playin voters all along and made a fool of you GOP
I got it all wrong to think that you wouldn't find out
That I was avoidin’ taxes, baby that’s what the facts is

Since you're not around for me
To tell you voters face to face
I'm writing you this letter
And this is what I have to say

All I really wanted was some of your time
I tried to cover up when Newt started to slime
What'd you do to me? Look what you did to me
I thought that I was a capitalist, you call me a vulture

I’m tryin to pander to the conservative culture
What'd you do to me? Can't take what you did to me

This is Heartbreak Hotel, Please Don’t ask, don’t tell

All I really wanted was some of your straw poll
To win the GOP nomination, that was my goal
What'd you do to me? Look what you did to me
I thought that you were someone who would see me on the right
But now you despise me, and call me Obama light
What'd you do to me? Can't take what you did to me

All I really wanted was to lead your nation
I have my own money, but I need your donation
What'd you do to me? Look what you did to me
I thought that you were someone who would show me decorum
Until you played with my emotions and supported Santorum
What'd you do to me? Can't take what you did to me

I ain't gonna take it, I ain't gonna take it no more
I ain't gonna take it GOP
I ain't gonna take it no more
Nobody’s gonna vote for Romney

I dont care if all these women use birth control and disagree with the catholic church, go pay for your own contraceptives. Why should anyone get it for free and force the employer to pay for it. Why is this a woman's rights issue? This is a clear attempt to pander to the female vote by giving something for free. Thats all the Obama administration does is figure out some way to give a voting bloc some goodie for free. There are plenty of medical choices that the government doesnt mandate employer's pay for that is really a lifestyle choice. When is he going to force employers to pay for botox, memberships to gyms so people dont get fat etc. I love how the progressives want to get women all up in arms when there is nothing preventing a woman from buying her own contraceptives.

Looks like a few of the regular FR lefty liberals got their panties all twisted up in knots over my post on HAL being up 450% over ten years. This article from CNBC.com should set their hair on fire.

The nerve of these evil corporations to be returning profits to their owners when they could just as easily be paying higher taxes to support Barry’s runaway spending addiction is incredible!!!! And those bastard stockholders’ only have to pay 15% federal tax on these dividends!!!!

LOL!!!

Dividend Payout Could Hit Record Amount This Year

Posted By: Patti Domm | CNBC Executive News Editor

CNBC.com

| 10 Feb 2012 | 03:23 PM ET

February is the busiest month for dividend declarations and increases, and this year, the biggest U.S. corporations may pay out a record amount, making up for some of the cash they withheld from shareholders during the financial crisis and earlier stages of the recovery.

The dividend rate, or the payout rate by S&P 500 companies, hit an all-time high in June 2008, but it fell sharply by August 2009.

It is now up 31.8 percent since then, but still lags the 2008 level by about 2.5 percent, according to Standard and Poor’s data.

For all of last year, S&P 500 companies paid out a total $241 billion, versus the $247.9 billion they gave shareholders in 2008. The payout rate fell to a trough of $196 billion in 2009, as companies increasingly hoarded record amounts of cash.

“I expect the index will retake that high later this year and hit a new record,” notes Howard Silverblatt, senior index analyst for Standard and Poor’s indexes. “I’m looking for $263 billion by the time this year is over.”

Pat Boston MA.

Backhouse, terrific post. These Catholic Bishops are so far off the mark it's ridiculous. They should have zero to say when it comes to contraception and who should or shouldn't cover it.

Your comment just goes to show how uninformed you really are. You see, those Catholic Bishops you wish to throw under the bus (to use your words) ALREADY HAVE NO SAY - Because it is not their call. They are following the law of the church as w set forth by the POPE!

You see, you either follow the rules of the church or you don't - But if you wish to toss them aside you should go find another church that more closely fits your needs and stop trying to make the Catholic church follow YOUR rules.

Nobody has yet explained why contraception is different from other long term drugs such as lipitor and insulin. Why are contraceptives being exempted from co-pays?

If I want to have sex and not take a chance of making a woman pregnant I can buy a condom. Or, I can pay for a vasectomy, covered by insurance but requiring a co-pay. I agree if the woman is poor then medicade could cover the full cost but why should everybody else get free contraceptives.

What is the rational for this decision?

BTW another myth perpetrated by this Administration is that preventative medicine is cheaper. In this case I don't know but I'm fairly sure that Insurance Companies have run the numbers and come up with their own answers. On a general basis preventative medicine costs more.

Sweeping statements about the cost-saving potential of prevention, however, are overreaching. Studies have concluded that preventing illness can in some cases save money but in other cases can add to health care costs.3 For example, screening costs will exceed the savings from avoided treatment in cases in which only a very small fraction of the population would have become ill in the absence of preventive measures.

http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp0708558

“excitement deficit” - sounds like B.S. to me..

You're telling me somebody really got excited over W. Bush?? Or even Sr. Bush for that matter? You're telling me a lot of people get excited over "Family Abandoning" Gingrich or even "Angry" Santorum??

Maybe they really did get excited over Rick Perry but that was before they realized he's a complete boob. Maybe this "excitement" idea is a hold over from then?

Hey Romney represents money, and a lot of it... maybe that's something to get excited about??

Why are contraceptives being exempted from co-pays?

Because it gets Obama votes. He's planning on $2,000 cash handouts to people that bought more house than they could afford.

It's absolutely shameless.

If this werent about pandering to voting blocs, I am sure that Obama would mandate that employers pay for all sickle cell anemia screening for all african americans but of course he has that voting block. What about free screening for all the ethnic jewish genetic diseases. Maybe he can create more rules for college kids and mandate that insurance cover and alcohol or drug abuse for free so they can feel good about their lifestyle choices.

The Rethug voters are getting sick and tired of caucuses and primaries already. Low voter turnout for most so far. But this is what happens when the crop of candidates are all duds, just no enthusiasm or excitement. All they really want now is for someone anyone to just pick a candidate so they don't have to strain their brains on making a decision. Their hate of the POTUS will allow them to vote for any dud! Duds, unfortunately are all they got.

Nobody has yet explained why contraception is different from other long term drugs such as lipitor and insulin. Why are contraceptives being exempted from co-pays?

Alan - this is the excellent question that should be argued, or even more appropriately, why should contraception for women be exempted from co-pays but not for men in the form of a vasectomy. Sound arguments can be made for either side. Unfortunately, the Catholic Church elected to make this an issue about religious freedom, so that is the national debate.

Now that religious freedom is the debate, why does the Catholic Church wage war on America health care and politics, but not on European health care and politics, where contraceptives are covered?

Obama - greatest Prez since FDR!!!

nomoresameo:

Your post at 1.42 is ridiculous in the extreme and devoid of logic. It is a pure attempt at deflection.

No one is denying you - or your fellow delusionals - your right to believe in beings whose existence cannot be proven. The issue here is the assertion on the part of right-wing Catholics, evangelicals, and others of that stripe they THEY have the right to impose THEIR religious views and/or their faith in the unprovable on other citizens.

I have suggested nothing in my post that infringes even remotely on your right to assemble peaceably with your fellow religious types. Nothing. You are even allowed to walk among folks who do not believe in invisible and all-powerful beings without fear of government interference. You are free to engage in missionary work and you may proselytize. By that same token, you are not allowed to ignore the laws of the land; in this case, labor law, and laws that forbid discrimination based on religion.

How much more ridiculous can you get than to compare throwing a Frisbee on a California beach with proscribing contraception measures to insured employees based on "religion". Where do you find this stuff? The Old Testament? The New Testament? Some truly twisted interpretation of Revelation?

You say people like me want to control others based on some silliness about Frisbees, dolphins, and whales. Forget delusional. You're completely irrational. The fact is, it is you and your ilk, who are telling women what they can and cannot do.

You open-minded person, you. I'll bet you have no problem with Muslims speaking of their faith. I'm sure you welcome discussions about faith in The Invisible Pink Unicorn or The Flying Spaghetti Monster - creatures whose existence you can neither prove nor disprove any more than your Invisoguy.

nomoresameo, interesting paragraph. Especially interesting since what you have described is the Republican mindset, not the Democratic.

Controlling all aspects of a person't life and refusing to entertain opposing points of view is and has been the Republican way.

Why does the right have such a problem understanding compromise? Why does the right have so much trouble with the meaning of choice? Choice means everyone gets to choose what they want and what is best for them.

This seems to be the problem....

http://www.alternet.org/story/154082/Conservatism_Thrives_on_Low_Intelligence_and_Poor_Information/

And grover said about the candidate; "WE DO NOT NEED ANYONE TO THINK"!

Good point in the article -- This religious wedge nontroversy will be used at the state level, particularly in red states and swing states, along with Super PAC money and negative ads. The states are where Teapublican debauchery is at it's worst. Dems and moderates -- prepare, fight, stop Tyranny of the Minority. Look at Virgina where there's already been a GOP/TP take-over via abuse of parliamentary procedure.

No but David, I assume you have no problem forcing Islamic or orthodox jewish employers to provide free pork to its employees under the guise that its healthier for you than red meat. You know this about Obama pandering for votes because no one is preventing any person from obtaining contraceptives for their lifestyle choice--they are completely free to obtain them and pay for them on thier own. You always complain about the social conservatives intruding on the decisons of women to deal with their body but you seem fine with the government intruding on religious organizations forcing them to pay for lifestyle choices against their religious tenets. They are not mandating that the employees cant have contraceptives just that they have to pay for it. Hypocrisy is such a strange concept to you isnt it

Ah, the pork/Jew/Muslim predicament. Oopsie, seems that Jews/Muslims are forced to pay for pork against their religious tenets after all. You see, that insurance they purchase for employees covers drugs, and it is the pharma industry that pays a portion of the cost of the FDA. Now is anyone forcing them to eat pork? NO. Are they paying for the cost of disease-free pork coverage? YES. Two weak arguments - but I'm sure worthy posting day-after-day.

Red dev--again you show a complete lack of understanding of just the basics. Its not about the employees its the employers. Your convoluted story is just so silly it defies logic. The starting point is that everyone should have to pay for their own lifestyle choices unless birth control is a medical necessity and then it should be covered no different than any other drug. This really is a simple issue and I actually give Obama credit for reversing course. I am not an idealogue like you blind loyalty supporters. I give kudos where deserved on either party and I am critical where they deserve it

Kirk-2957282

Red dev--again you show a complete lack of understanding of just the basics.

This is funny coming from you. Thanks for the laugh.

It's so cute to watch the regular righty minions trying to keep a fake controversy alive. I guess the word "compromise" has too many syllables for them to understand. Either that or it's the fact that the compromise was reached last week - far surpassing their ability to remember what happened even yesterday. Just more proof of right wing desperation.

One would think that any institution responsible for something as barbaraic and blood-thirsty as the Spanish Inquisition would be wise enough to keep their mouth shut regarding any concern over the "sanctity of human life." It's no surprise that the leaders of the Catholic church could care less about birth control...it's physically impossible to get an alter boy pregnant. Thankfully, the civilized United States government will always be around to keep those dirty old perverts in check.

Really True Patriot--why not show me since you are so far off the reservation on the facts prove me wrong.

Kirk:

Once again you have me questioning whether I don't have a touch of masochism in my make-up. What else could explain my opening up your post?

That has to be the most insipid, illogical post I have ever read. Only someone of your incredibly limited intellect could equate a discussion about contraception with forcing Muslims to eat pork.

Any number of illnesses are treated with birth control pills. Would you explain to us lesser mortals how an illness equates to a lifestyle choice? Are you ready to eliminate vasectomies from insurance coverage? Are you ready to refuse medical coverage for tubal ligations and hysterectomies.

A hospital is NOT a religious organization. It is not a house of worship. It is a business which deals in health care. The employees who work in that business are protected by labor law, and from the overreaching hands and weak minds of people who confuse religious beliefs with business decisions and discrimination based on religion.

Don't bother to respond. I swear I will never again respond to, nor read, your absolutely worthless posts.

True Patriot - I shoulda, woulda, coulda, mighta left it alone, but the idea of an argument that Jews and Muslims indirectly pay (through employer provided insurance) for my free-wheeling evil pork-devouring alternative other-white-meat lifestyle was simply to delicious to pass up.

I love some BBQ pulled-pork, ham is a favourite 2nd, pork tenderloin a close 3rd.

Of course it is all hog-wash, well except for my love of pork.

Kirk, YOU are the one that cannot comprehend the basics.

No one is forcing contraception on anyone. In fact, there are numerous exemptions to handle cases where there is a religious objection. But choice means choice for all of us, not just those with a religious conviction.

If an organization wants to operate in the public sector as a business, they are then subject to the laws of the secular world. That includes making available certain benefits. If said organization does not wish to comply, they are free to remain in the religious sector and not participate.

The secular world is accomodating the religious objections. The secular world is allowing freedom of choice. But the religious world is not reciprocating. In the religious world, there is no choice.

If you want your religious choice, fine, but not at the expense of my different choices.

RedDev, I'm with you! Too delicious...love it.

But you forgot bacon!

The latest bill introduced on contraception issues, if passed, could set precedent that leads to challenges being brought forth on other types of healthcare coverage included in insurance. What if one objects morally to covering ailments related to alcohol, obesity etc? Will exceptions be made for them as well?

What's next then.....an exception for those employers with a moral objection to even provide healthcare insurance altogether?

Although I supported the accommodation on the contraception issue and thought it reasonable I find the newest bill introduced on this issue to be far reaching and not without consequence. Doesn't the bill itself open up the opportunity to any and all challenges? Is this the purpose then to end employer based healthcare insurance?

Perhaps I'm wrong and maybe those in the legal field can address the why for me.

Shocked again you are stuck with making your own judgements of the church. I am not catholic and agree with you in that they are a criminal organization but if we took our own personal biases to established organizations then you are giving the social conservative right the ammunition to do the same. The government shouldnt be intruding into established religious institutions and trying to force them to fund lifestyle choices that are against their tenets. I doubt you want the government intruding into your lifestyle choices do you? Isnt that what progressive social policy is all about?

Fielden--what does any of your objections have to do with providing lifestyle drugs? I never said this issue was about employees or the taking of contraceptives because I could care less and quite frankly despise the catholic church. I find it offensive that the government is intruding into this issue by forcing us as taxpayers or employers to fund contraceptives period let alone religious institutions. I think this is pandering for votes. Why should women get free contraceptives forcing employers to pay for it? Dont Carry it all, this has nothing to do with insurance stopping medical benefit coverage--this is about lifestyle. Its the other way around. Its more about the government forcing employers to cover items that should be the voluntary cost of the employee? Why is it the employers responsibility to cover a person's sexual appetite or lack thereof?

I thought it was the progressive motto for the government to stay out of a woman's decisions regarding her body? But its ok when its a freebie?

Fielden--your arguments make no sense as if its about choice--you still have it and in fact I would argue that paying for it yourself is the ultimate choice you are looking for.

Ummm, bacon AND BBQ.

This nontroversy fails to address several issues including favoring one religion, Christianity, and in particular Catholicism. Where is the Vatican when Muslims are attacked, or heck Mormons? Or the right to have no faith at all and the right-wing attack on our "secular" government that is supposed to be secular (otherwise it would be a theocracy like Iran)?

Which brings me to the next point, which is that liberals are the first to protect freedom of religion. Just because we want Separation of Church and State, somehow we are attacking religion. NO, Christians cannot force kids of all faith (Jewish, etc.) or no faith to say Christian prayers, or to teach Christian creationism, or any religion in tax-paid public schools. This victim game is SO old.

And what's wrong with religion being private and even sacred anyway? This is a very personal thing, and just because you don't wear your religion on your sleeve doesn't mean you're evil.

Hahaha - the reason for taking the 'pill' is to deal with "a person's sexual appetite". I think that is what Viagra is for - he's good for a laugh!!

David, if you had read my previous posts, prescribing contraceptives for valid medical reasons relating to the medical condition or health is totally different than voluntary free condoms and is totally different than offering them for free to all employees to be funded by employers. To be honest, I probably would eliminate cosmetic surgeries like vasectomys too. Why should we all pay for elective lifestyle choices. Yes you really got me on that intellectual thing didnt you. Why is it when a progressive disagrees they personally attack rather than critically think about their own answers and logic.

Reddev, under your theory why shouldnt Viagra be given for free too? Its a lifestyle choice? I love that you guys cant answer the simple question and love to think you really are critically thinking but circle around it without answering. Its ok to get all worked up to protect a woman's choice to do with her body which she wants (I agree with that too) but you want the government to intrude to force an employer to provide contraceptives so you are against choice and for government intrusion for that? Can you explain to me again why they should be free in the first place versus any other free stuff?

Kirk...The Spanish Inquisition and the child molestation scandal and subsequent cover-up had nothing to do with my judgement, opinion or bias. Both happened quite independent of me or my influence.

If the church is going to lawfully employ Americans, they are bound to the labor laws set up by our government. If the Catholic leaders wish to turn a blind eye on priests that molest children, then, yes, I approve of our government stepping in to correct them. They are not above the law simply because they are a religious organization. I felt that a mature compromise was reached last week on the contraception issue even though 26 states already have laws that require religious institutions to provide for contraception and 8 states already require it of actual churches. Where was your indigination when those laws were passed, Kirk? Either you are really far behind the ball on this issue, or you are trying to spark a fake controversy...

There is something missing in the entire argument on contraceptives - they are used yes for birth control but also are important for women who have erratic menstraul cycles and to regulate excessive pain and bleeding

So gentlemen, contraceptives should not be spoken of as primarily "birth control", but an aid to bettering women's lives

But for the Republicans and the dear Bishops - the dirty words "BIRTH CONTROL" sounds so much better for their devisive purposes

Kirk - there is nothing to debate/argue when you claim that the 'pill' is prescribed to combat sexual appetite, Viagra is used to treat lifestyle preferences, and vasectomies are cosmetic surgery.

Perhaps a sex education class will help you sort out these basics. But hey, what do I know, according to you I don't understand the basics.

There is no "Free" - someone pays for it. The delusion that the insurance company pays for it is astounding. They just raise your premiums to pay for it. So it cost you $20-$50 Per month - in insurance - that would cost everyone $10 - $25 per month. or $120 - $300.

erratic menstrual cycles and to regulate excessive pain and bleeding

This practice is pretty ineffective. What it can do is help women with irregular cycle actually have a regular cycle.

Get religion out of my healthcare. Bishops, get back to doing your little choir boys. Yes, I understand you don't need contraception.

Kirk - Viagra is given for free at Planned Parenthood

The Bishops Exposed: Wolves in Sheep's Clothing

www.aclu.org

You guys continue to miss the point completely. Shocked--its not religious organizations complying with the law as there is no law. It was a regulation interpreted by the fed gov as a mandate under the new Obamacare. There is no law. Second, nobody is questioning contraceptives provided for health reasons and if so, they should be subject to the same copays and deductibles that lipitor is. Third, religion isnt intruding into healthcare, government is (exactly what you guys said you dont want when it comes to abortion so at least be consistent). Contraception is a lifestyle choice and you should have to pay for it yourself. Planned Parenthood isnt the government and its a supposedly charitable organization so the fact it gives free viagra is irrelevant Barbara but thanks for telling me that. I have no problem with Planned Parenthood giving out free contraceptives so I am not sure what your point is. Last reddev, I have 4 kids and I am completely aware of how it works. I dont see how non medically necessary contraception is any different than viagra so why shouldnt all of you pay for it if you want it. DB--it is free under the government mandate as they want the employers to pick up your extra cost. By the way, its no a pass through as employees via their premiums, co pays and deductibles only pick up 20% of the cost of medical care, the rest the employer pays.

A question for Mitt Romney... Would you please disclose your campaign bundlers to the electorate. Every presidential candidate (including W, Obama and Santorum) have disclosed their campaigns largest bundlers why have you not? Are you hiding something? Why does their largess grant them anonymity? Are you/they hiding their identities so that (god/allah/buddha/science help us) if you are elected president your giving them "bonuses" will not be public? We all know that they expect a return on their money which is not in the best interests of those who voted for you.

Kirk, your use of the right wing propaganda term "obamacare" insinuates that you are only capable of regurgitating force fed talking points.

Please go through your past posts on whatever boards and show all of us your objections when 26 states required religious institutions to offer contraception. Then, please, show us how you were up in arms each time one in eight states required the same of actual churches. Obviously, if you care so much, you will have a long, documented crusade of fighting this issue.

My guess is that you are just hopping on yet another right wing fake controversy band wagon. Please prove me wrong with your documentation (either that, or check in with your superiors. I'm sure Grand Wizard Rove has come up with a talking point to cover the fact that more than half of the country already requires what you are pretending to be so upset about...and why it's taken you so long to even bring up the topic...)

First off I am not right wing and dont have any talking points. I hate Bush and thought he was a horrible president. Loved Clinton and to be honest, didnt know that many other states had the same mandate until recently but those same states have the religious exemption too so not sure why you reference them. If this is a fake controversy then why did Obama retreat? By the way I applaud him for doing so. My history goes back to my previous employer in which I was in charge of the financial function including health insurance. I paid the bills and knew what percentage my employer paid and what the employee paid. And yes I protested that we would pick up the cost of contraceptives as a lifestyle choice because it was a clear ploy by the state politicians to pander for the female vote. Its no different now. This isnt a fake controversy as I hate pandering for votes by giving away free stuff by either party. Bush did it with the prescription drug plan for seniors even though seniors in the aggregate are the wealthiest segment in our population but we use taxpayer money from the working poor and middle class and redistribute it to our wealthier seniors. Obama is just pandering to the female vote by attempting to give them something free. As much as I hate the catholic religion, I really dont think government should mandate coverage of a lifestyle drug that is against their religsious tenets.

This isnt a crusade and its just another in a long list of financial decisions by Obama that I detest.

IR, great post.

GOP/Koch policies are bankrupt. All they have left is scare tactics = Make everybody afraid!

Keeping us in a panic and uninformed is their modus operandi.

Terrific post, IR. The GOP thrives only when it has a "boogeyman", it must have something or someone to fear.

I caught the end of a discussion on Morning Joe. Low and behold, the right-wingers were suggesting that social security and medicare are the cause of the debt. What causes the debt is the GOP policies of the last 30 years, what causes the debt is the GOP bowing to their King Grover Norquist; and their presidential wannabees plans are a disaster for budgetary fiscal discipline--they add trillions to the deficit and the debt.

What a great big pile of B.S. I'm no fan of either party, however both are equally responsible for the mess we are in. Both parties have spent more money than they take in. We could have a robust economy if our government didn't borrow so much money!!!

...however both (parties) are equally responsible for the mess we are in. Both parties have spent more money than they take in.

No, both parties are not equally responsible! Particularly in the last 10 years, one party has excelled at spending, excelled at waste and managed to trash a healthy economy - Republicans. Democrats, left with the failed legacy and existing bills of an incredibly stupid Republican administration, hamstrung by a contentious and uncompromising Republican party, seem to be taking a lot of heat for things that are not their fault!

Okay Diamond it's a great pile of B.S. Make your case. I've made mine. And remember inanities and suppositions don't count.

IR -

Another great Post as always. Keep them coming.

Obama 2012.

Here is another "boogeyman." At CPAC the VP of NRA said, "Obama wants

to outlaw guns in his 2nd term."

Diamond60, you're not allowed to rewrite the facts to make your case either. Bush 43 and the GOP took a budget surplus and in less than one year turned it into a trillion dollar budget deficit. Add not paying for two wars, not paying for an expensive Rx medicare plan plus NOT PAYING FOR ANYTHING--we have the mess we have. Democrats are called "tax and spend" because, except in extreme circumstances such as total economic collapse, they believe in paying for what they pass. Neither party is perfect but at least the democrats believe in sane tax policies instead of ones that create inequities, not just the deficit and debt but how those policies affect the middle and lower income wage earners. Those are the facts, your unwillingness to accept them is exactly what is wrong with Congress and the GOPTP.

Independentredneck, stop making sense the TEAtards will start crying about having a MIGRAINE,facts and teatarded thinking just don't mix!

It is against my religion to provide health care coverage to teabagger's migraines. They are self-induced by a lack of education, thus, they qualify as a 'life-style" choice issue". Can I get an exemption for that?

Independent Redneck Va.,

Never mind that the woes of some of Europe’s most economically embattled nations, Spain and Ireland, stem not from overspending (for many years before 2008, their budgets were balanced) but from a failure to regulate their banks.

Why don't we try this one on for size......

"The Long Demise of Glass-Steagall"

Looks to me that was Clinton signing away the last major roadblock to bank corruption that brought us the mess we are in now.

I particularly like the last quote of the article,

"You're buying the government?"

egilman,the republicans controlled the Senate at the the time and the legislation was pushed through by that great progressive PHIL Graham of the progressive state of TEXAS.I believe Mr. Clinton has some blame in this ,but only for not fighting and giving into the rabid REPUBLICANS and their desire to IMPEACH him.The country was started on this path by the Witch hunters in congress,and unfortunately Mr. CLINTON caved !

Jody - A month or two back Joe Scarborough said he also signed the Norquist pledge

Friday night I went to a Romney rally at Portland Yacht Services (sounds like an elitist venue, but it's really just an old warehouse where they hold the flower show.)

The warehouse is just down the street from where I work, and I asked two Republicans co-workers if they wanted to come, and they both said "nah." One of my co-workers said "I hate them all. I hate how they are attacking each other." The other co-worker said she quessed she supports Romney, but apparently not enough to walk three minutes in the cold to see potentially the next President of the United States. I also doubt she caucused for him.

Amy--tonight Santorum comes to Tacoma WA to hold a rally. I am tempted to go and see what it is all about. Somehow, I am not sure they would let me in!

"We have met the enemy and he is us!" Pogo by Walt Kelly--I go Pogo--Pogo for President!(makes as much sense as any of the TPGOP candidates, cartoon characters)

nurse---maybe if you wear a sweater vest they will think you are one of them!

Thanks for the hint Steeler--unfortunately, there are no sweater vests in this house. Maybe I should go to St. Vincent de Paul to see if I can find one!

"We have met the enemy and he is us!" Pogo by Walt Kelly

I think I'm going in Tacoma also just to see what tripe he's spouting now....

Good Morning Steeler Fan!

I ♥ it when we are on the same page!

Speaking of voices, I trust you had a great time Sat. night..? ;o)

Thanks, Feisty. We were thinking alike about the tax exempt status, I see. I understand the strong feelings that are on both sides of the issue but one of the reasons our country has always been so strong is the separation of church and state.

Thanks for asking---our medley of girl songs from the 60s was very well received at the fund-raiser.

Steeler Fan, good point about the GOP needed to stack the decks to win whether through the Voter ID con or their efforts to rig the sytem with gerrymandering.

As for the Iowa Straw Poll last summer, Romney wasn't desperate yet. Santorum hadn't emerged to rally the far-right extremists.

What's with all of the states and their non-binding caucuses?

......is the GOP so unsure that they build in the 'do-over'.

That works for me. I don't want another republican elected for anything. Why would you trust someone who is untrustworthy?

Romney has proved you can trust him to stand by his word only so long as takes for the statement to come out of his mouth.

Santorum wants to take your contraception away and call it freedom. All the republicans seem to think the fetus should have more rights than the mother while the Bible states that life clearly starts with the first breath.

Wrong Paul talks one way and votes another. Looks like a case of the Walker Syndrome.

Gingrich broke his vows he made to our government when he was sworn into office. He broke his vows to two wives already. Now there is a man to trust.

If you think America should be for more than the 1% you should be voting for Democrats and only Democrats.

Obama/Biden 2012

Wrong Paul speaks one way and votes another? Can you back that up with links, facts, etc? Didn't think so.

Ron Paul didn't cry at all. Simply pointed out that his strongest following hadn't been counted yet and when they are on the 18th, Ron Paul will be the winner in Maine. Time for him to start winning more. Ron Paul 2012! Our only Chance!

Ideology,

To your list, which I, may I add my 3rd grade teacher, a professor in creative writing, a British Lit teacher and a Music Comp & theory teacher. These unnamed, but important people had a great impact on my life.

Ideology ... after seeing your post the other day about Brimelow, I looked up the title of his seminar at CPAC ... "The Failure of Multiculturalism: How the pursuit of diversity is weakening the American Identity". Such a fitting way for the GOP to celebrate Black History Month, don't you think?

my upstairs neighbor is Black and she is pretty awesome :)

And then there are Barack and Michelle Obama.

Tired Old Guy

Brimelow left England because of it, failed in Canada because of it and saw within what has become the conservative movement in the US his opportunity to preach what I call social eugenics.

Amy there are no blacks in Maine, it is too cold.

Buck Naked Sr

Wow, it is only Monday and you have already earned the dumbest statement of the week award.

I was in Portland two weeks ago and I did not see one black person.

Buck, come to Canada where it is a lot colder ... you will get an eye full ... probably think you are in the deep south. Remember the underground train ... frigid freedom was better than simmering slavery.

I will add Alexander G. Clark, a black Iowa barber and woodcutter who became a lawyer and later the Ambassador to Liberia. Clark fought against segregated public schools in Iowa on behalf of his daughter, Susan. He sued the Muscatine School District which denied his daughter attendance. The Iowa Supreme Court decided the case on June 4, 1868--segregated schools in IA Iowa were outlawed; 86 years before the US Supreme Court ruled that separate but equal school facilities were unconstitutional.

If you receive IA PBS from Johnson County, at 9:30 PM tonight, there will be a segment about Alexander Clark. It's been running periodically all month.

The sound track of my youth includes a ton of songs by The Temptations and The Four Tops. I share my home town of Pittsburgh with August Wilson, one of America's great writers. One of the outstanding plays of the mid-60s was "The Toilet", written by Amiri Baraka under his birth name of LeRoi Jones.

Auntie---I didn't know you were from Pittsburgh! August Wilson is a treasure, for sure.

Langston Hughes--early innovator of jazz poetry, among many other things!

Great List-----Except Nina Simone should be near the top.

In sports, we must not forget Jackie Robinson.

So many great names leading the way for the next generation.

Meanwhile at CPAC in honor of black history.....Mr. Brimelow!...

How low can the TeaPeople go?.. Just when you think the race to the bottom has reach it's lowest.....they go sub-terrainium

Saw "Red Tails" over the weekend. I might add every one of the Tuskegee Airmen.

who is going to be the speaker in honor of white history?

Let's not forget Maya Angelou & Stevie Wonder...

Buck Naked Sr

"who is going to be the speaker in honor of white history?"

Whoever can whitewash it ... try Newt.

who is going to be the speaker in honor of white history?

You mean those other 11 months of the year? Sounded like CPAC did a pretty good job of it over the weekend.

Honoring white history....how about David Duke or any other white supremacist!...Take your pick!

I choose Kwame Kilpatrick.

Muhammad Ali...

Gil Scott Heron

Sam Cooke

Crispus Attucks

Nat King Cole

Holland Dozier and Holland

Berry Gordy

Langston Hughes

Ralph Ellison

Richard Wright

Samuel R Delany

Chris Rock

Bill Cosby

Richard Pryor

Paul Robeson

Billie Holiday...

Dangerfield ... thanks for Crispus Attucks ... for what I did not know and for what a great name.

Jody,

Did you do know that Ambassador Clark was a republican, also, the first Black ambassador (Liberia, Highest post ever awarded to an African American up to that point), the second was Fredrick Douglass (Haiti, also a republican) He also raised a regiment (60th Iowa infantry) during the Civil War and was it's Sergeant-major.

I, as a conservative, have no problem supporting Black History Month. If it wasn't for the Republican Party, Civil Rights would have taken a lot longer to get going in the U.S. And some of the greatest historical figures this country has are African American.

How about,

Della Reese, Louis Armstrong, Senator Gaines, Alex Haley, Virginia Hamilton, Langston Hughes, Quincy Jones, Sydney Poitier, Colin Powell, Sec of State Rice, Assoc. Justice Clarence Thomas, Warren Moon, the list can go on and on....

and we cannot ever never not forget BB King.....

Booker T Washington, Harriet Tubman, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Morgan Freeman, Flip Wilson, The Wayans Brothers etc.....

And here's my 2cents BuckWild "White" history dominates US written works. What I want to know is where is the NATIVE American history?

interesting betty,,,how about merit....the house of boehner gets there pay determined by their favorablilty rating which is 9% right now.....coupled with their days worked boehner schedule down to 109 from 169 days under pelosi...see if they sit on their assess then...

I'm with that Betty. Start them at the equivalent of E-1's, and make them pass an entrance exam too!

That's no intrusion by the government, unless the tea people GOP Kock brother republicans want to intrude in your life.

But forcing employers to pay for free contraceptives isnt government intrusion either right?

Look---over there------I see a pig flying by. That day has come when Nash and I have agreed with something Sarah Palin said.

I know Steeler Fan . . . nobody was more surprised than me! :o)

When even Sarah Palin can see it...

The republican party needs to stop running against Obama and find something to run for. And it needs to be something more than the tried and failed ideals of George W. Bush. Face it, they have already decided that George W. Bush doesn't exist, why do they continue to tout the same nonsense he used to trash this economy in the first place?

You know the GOP campaign is empty if Sarah Palin is begging for substance! Exactly, Nashville :)

I went to see Romney in person on Friday, out of curiosity, and I can attest: he's that bad.

I mean, I wasn't expecting to come out a Romney supporter, but I thought I would hear a coherent, persuasive argument for supporting him and the Republican agenda.

Instead, I heard a bunch of disjointed platitudes about the horrors of regulation, and government spending, followed by a call to increase military spending to bring us back to the level of being able to fight two wars at once. Romney said we need a bigger army to deter other countries from attacking us, skipping over the fact the size of our army did nothing to deter the 9/11 hijackers. And, that sending our big army into Iraq and Afghanistan is what put us into the hole we are in.

I was surprised, honestly, that Romney didn't seem that smart. I guess I share the common American belief in the exceptional-ism of extremely wealthy people. Sitting there, I couldn't help thinking, how did this guy get to be so rich? His thinking is boilerplate Republicanism, without a shred of originality, and his ability to connect with people makes Al Gore look personable. I mean, how can a former governor of Massachuttes and guy who summers in New Hampshire come off as a foreigner visiting these here parts? If he felt so alien in a Maine setting, I can only imagine how he'd play in the South.

Great post Amy . . . thanks for sharing your experience! :o)

The trouble is the tea people GOP kock brother republicans don't have any solutions to articulate, all they have are sound bites and talking points from Rove, Limbaugh, Fox (aka tea people GOP koch brothers republican propaganda machine) Luntz and don't forget the signed tax pledge to Norquist. None of them are smart enough to articulate anything except hate.

Palin talks in circles most of the time but she's right on one point: people want to hear those four candidates articulate their ideas to solve our problems. Running against someone and not FOR something is not a winning concept. The few ideas they express are Reagan's tired, worn out, failed policies of tax cuts for the wealthy and small government. Yet they never explain which parts of government they will eliminate except a general reference because if they explain they will eliminate public education, fire and police, roads and bridges, social security and medicare--it doesn't sit well with people including most republicans.

Amy, well said and thanks for sharing your Romney trek.

Amy,

thanks for the laugh... Like we would expect you to say you thought Romney was wonderful! Same old mindless Obama worship...

Your credibility: less than zero.

Your credibility: less than zero.

You of all people calling into question someones credibility is beyond hilarious!

So, tell us boob - why do you feel the need to have multiple Newsvine accounts?

Thanks for sharing your Romney encounter, Amy.

I think the other thing that is happening is that people are tired of the relentless negativism from the Republicans. Ever since 9/11 we have had so many hard times and people want to be optimistic about their future. The Republicans seem to offer only gloom and doom.

Big B-ob numbers, talk about a laugh--the credibility gap exists on your side. What has the GOP accomplished lately?

Amy, good for you for going to see Romney and thank you for your observations and opinions.

More of us, on both sides, should go to hear even those candidates whom we do not support. It helps to use ALL experiences to help form our opinions.

If the Dems have a "Credibility Gap", then the GOP has a "Credibility Canyon"!

my daughter uses this site for social studies project for school. I wish fiesty were present for me to explain her avater to a 12 year old. What about the Code of Honor? Oh I know it only applies to who they select.

and his ability to connect with people makes Al Gore look personable.

My thoughts exactly Amy.

That must have been like Chinese water torture listening to Mit.

Your account of Mit's speech sounded almost as bad as listening to a GW State of the Union Address.

Your credibility: less than zero.

So is yours Bob. Same old Obama hating drivel...

Amy stated a first hand account of what all of us have already figured out long ago, even you, that Mitt is an empty suit and a very boring one to boot.

Amy went to hear first hand what Mitt was like. Hats off to her for at least hearing what the opposition had to say unfiltered by the MSM.

Buck...I'm sure it is much easier to explain Feisty's avatar than it is to explain to your own daughter why you call yourself "buck naked sr"...and it must be even more difficult to explain how your posts shouldn't be considered crude or racist.

Amy! Should have gone to see Ron Paul! Your fellow statesman love him! And even you would have found yourself applauding him as you would have been amazed by the energy of his following. If he doesn't make it this year, His message is out and heard by many. In four years I expect to see Rand Paul following in his Dads footsteps......

naked is our last name and she calls me Dad.

Buck...if she does exist, she has my pity.

she is a hot milf though

More like a hot mess.

More like a hot mess.

LMAO! Best shot of the day! Well said TOG!

The sad part is that Palin sounds like the brains of the republican party, now that is scary.

No....Sally jesse rosie wasserman-Iseenothing shultz is a mess, and not even hot!

...is a mess, and not even hot!

You want her... You are like putty in her hands eh jolly?

Wow, buck...you're going to have an interesting time explaining what a "milf" is to your own daughter....

oh honey that is a typo it should have been milk

If "milk" means "Mother I'd Like to Kick", then Sarah fits the bill.

Most businesses are motivated by the bottom line cost, not morality in their health care coverage for employees. And if their female employees want contraception coverage, they'll provide it for them. How the Republicans think this issue is going to take root is beyond me.

Houston,

My sister was refused a job at a Baptist College 5years ago because she was not a "born again" Christian. Religious discrimination has been going on since the founding of this county.

Steeler Fan-380417

How the Republicans think this issue is going to take root is beyond me.

I've come to the conclusion that the Republicans have decided their attacks on Obama don't have to make any sense at all. They seem to believe that as it's good political strategy to keep up a loud, angry buzzing sound as a perpetual background noise in the media, kind of like having hornets nesting inside the wall of your living room.

Apparently, Republicans think people will subconsciously become convinced that Obama MUST be a terrible horrible president because if he were a good president, there wouldn't be this angry background noise of hysterical attacks against him.

Houston---you may be on to something. For years the conventional wisdom has been that the Democrats hold the left, the Republicans hold the right and whichever party can appeal to the folks in the middle will win. I wonder if the Republicans have given that up. They seem to be attacking the left, especially in voter issues and throwing more and more red meat to their base.

Houston, good points. The GOPers in Congress are now taking a position that is extreme and most people, including moderate republicans, will not agree. Once again the GOP had the paint and President Obama handed them the brushes and the GOPTP proceeded to paint themselves into a corner which is contrary to the views of most Americans. You'd think they'd learn that lesson by now but they cannot because their anti-Obama hatred does not allow them to see clearly. They are so opposed to anything Obama proposes, that they now take positions that are contrary to their own previously held ones. This may sell to the far right-wingers of the Santorum type but for everyone else, this is a lose lose for republicans and for the Catholic Church's male hierarchy.

Every time one of the tea people GOP Koch brother republican candidates wins he gets full of himself till the next primary when he's brought back to earth. Leroy Gingrich in SC, Willard Romney in Fl., Rick Santorm in Mo, Cl, and Mn. and now Willard again in Main. these guys are so self absorbed they stink.

Charisma is Greek, definition: a personal magic of leadership arousing special popular loyalty or enthusiasm for a statements or military commander. Charisma implies a sense of connection, a personalilty, an appeal to people that can't be clearly defined but that quality which is essential to lead people; it is a gift. It often defines the difference between a good candidate and a great candidate above and beyond the ideology or policies of the individual. It is not necessary to have charisma to be a good leader but liking that leader requires some level of likability.

Charisma defined John F. Kennedy from Richard Nixon. LBJ did not have it, neither did Gerald Ford. Reagan had it but not Bush 41 or Bush 43.

Jody---if charisma were for sale, Romney would have plenty!

Well put Jody. I was thinking about charisma, and Mitt's lack of, during the rally I attended on Friday.

I've had bosses who were thoroughly nasty but who had charisma, that is, a quality that set them apart from other people. It wasn't that they were likeable or "nice," but they could read people and knew how to lead. Shouldn't a President have at least as much charisma as the guy who gets promoted to shift leader because he can manage a crew?

You might even say Sarah Palin has charisma. You have to admire her skill at firing up conservatives. If Sarah had had the intellectual gifts to complete her term as governor, she might have developed into a real leader, instead, she can only inspire just a segment of her Party and the viewing audience of FOX.

The caucus in an area thought to be for Ron Paul was cancelled because of the threat of 3-4 inches of snow (that's nothing to Mainers) and then they release the results for the whole state anyway? Doesn't seem fair to me.

sdmom--It sounds like you are describing Mitt Romney- Only he is a half lock step behind the other imposters.

It's not about freedom of religion, it is about freedom of choice. NO ONE is forcing any person who objects to the use of contraceptives to use them; they are free to practice their faith regardless. However, one group's religious rights cannot be forced on those who do not share those same beliefs. That's what the First Amendment clearly established. The Catholic Church does not have the right to force its beliefs on anyone who believes differently or chooses not to believe at all. That's what Freedom of Religion is--it does not mean forcing religion and religious doctrine on everyone else.

sdmom - Sorry you feel that way as the good doctor says "take two aspirins and call me in the morning"

In the interim we will try to alleviate your anguish and get this country back to were we will all feel happy - Okay my dear?

sdmom - it is not about contraception or religious freedom. It's about making up fake controversies to deflect from the fact that your front-runner, your beloved Mitt, is a second rate candidate at best.

I've tried with others that have failed - perhaps you can help. I'd like to see documentation of your outrage when more than half the country (26 states) passed their laws requiring religious institutions to provide contraception to their employees...and I'm sure you have the documentation of your complete mortification when 8 states passed their laws requiring it of actual churches.

It would seem to me that you are only becoming upset over what you are being told to be upset about. Such a powerless position would explain your inability to overcome your depression.

And we will get four more years of this socialist backfire. Willard is what ever you want him to be. Today he's a conservative, tomorrow he'll be a tea people, the next day he'll be a Koch brother, the next day he'll be a republican, the next day he'll be a moderate, heck he'll even be a Liberal if he needs to be. So Willard has many faces, you just have to decide which face you like best.

backfire, I think you need to do some research on the definition of "socialism".

I actually used Marxist, but edited it for MSNBC. By the way watching the Campaigner in Chief live right now, he keeps using the word 'fair'. This word is not used once in either the Declaration of Independence or the U.S. Constitution, but it's founf over and over in the Communist Manifesto.

So, backfire, what you are saying is that every elected official who does not share YOUR VIEWS must be purged from government.

Sorry, but those who disagree with you find your statement to be anything but representative of democracy and it totally disregards the US Constitution. The majority of the people shall select elected officials including the President--no where does the Constitution say only right-leaning conservatives or republicans shall have the power at all times.

New ugly word alert ... FAIR!

Only words found in the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence may now be used or you shall be accused of being a Socialist/Marxist ... Fascist (something entirely different, but what the hell, if you don't like it, it must be Progressive or Liberal ... bad, bad, bad.)

USHonor - Santorum rode his scooter to DC and twelve years later left in a limo

He was Tom Delay's right hand man in founding K Street

Hey!

There you are booby!

When are you going to answer my question about your need for multiple accounts?

Remember little buddy, you can run but you can't hide! ;o)

Bob-1887910

Wasnt it a week ago that First Read told us the issue was trivial and meaningless and wouldnt even rate a headline?

I don't recall seeing that headline. You wouldn't be making stuff up, would you?

Thanks for your concern, Feisty! You are obviously worried my brilliant posts are hitting home here in Obama-land of MSNBC !

I was unable to log in a few days ago, must have been a liberal conspiracy, so I created a new account.....so if you want to report me to your liberal friends at First Read, and get me banned, please feel free to do so.

If there were no conservative posters here, you left wing zealots would be even more removed from reality...we help keep you libs somewhat sane.

I was unable to log in a few days ago

See how simple that was?

Makes people wonder then why you've been running around all weekend posting under both & refusing to offer an explanation...

I would suggest you delete your new found alter-ego, otherwise you don't have to worry about me getting you banned.

Newsvine will take care of it all on their own! ;o)

PS: The very last thing I worry about is a deceitful, impotent idiot on the junior varisity bench who goes by the name of 'boob'!

But, thanks for your concen! ;o)

Probably the most unjust is Santorum’s involment with Jack Abramoff in protecting the Tan family and their staggering array of human rights abuses on the Commwealth of Morthern Marianas Islands.

Pregnant Chinese women working in his sweatshops were forced to undergo abortions because pregnancy cuts down on productivity and profit. What good businessman wouldn't do the same if it weren't for Big Government intruding on free enterprise?

It's kind of ironic that culture warrior Santorum, was implicitly backing forced abortions while ranting publicly against not only abortion, but contraception. It just goes to show that while fertilized eggs may be precious human beings, the dollar is still almighty to conservatives, and Santorum worships it just like all the other hardcore extremist conservatives.

USHonor, Houston, well said, great points.

In other words, Rick Santorum is another empty religious spouting republican who talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk.

LMAO...... you guys make my day. Im home ill and feeling under the weather and instant sunshine! All I need to do is come here and read!

I can't remember much about corruption. I DO remember something about the Penn Hills school district paying 6 figures for cyber school for Santorum's kids, who were living in Washington.

USHonor - Santorum was cited as the third most corrupt politician in Congress by CREW

He arrived at Congress riding a motor scooter and in 12 years left in a limo - all his contacts in his pocket - helped establish "K" Street and entered the world of lobbyists

But the big problem I have with him is his connection to Opus Dei - he sent his two sons to their school in DC and listening to his rants on religion, cites their doctrines chapter and verse

Opus Dei is so far right of the accepted theology of the Catholic Church they seem to tip toe around them