E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSSObama expected to embrace Senate deal… The reason Obama is headed to Las Vegas: No state has better epitomized the power of the Latino vote… The Kabuki dance… On Rubio selling reform to the conservative base… On Schumer becoming the Democrats’ dealmaker… And Senate is set to confirm John Kerry as secretary of state.
*** Obama to embrace Senate deal: When President Obama delivers his immigration speech at 2:55 pm ET today in Las Vegas, he will hug the principles that the bipartisan group of senators outlined yesterday. “POTUS will applaud the bipartisan Senate agreement that is very consistent with his long-held view and lay out his vision for immigration reform,” top White House aide Dan Pfeiffer just tweeted. Obama also will call on the Senate to act on the legislation soon. While one publication is reporting that the White House has developed its own immigration-reform plan that’s more liberal than the bipartisan Senate outline, that information is outdated. Had the bipartisan senators NOT acted yesterday, you likely would have seen Obama offer his own plan. But the senators did act, and their plan is the plan. The last thing the White House wants to do is blow up this fragile coalition. As we reported yesterday, the White House floated the idea of doing a more liberal or progressive bill during a meeting with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus last week, as a counter to what was being offered in the Senate, and the CHC shot the idea down. The CHC’s advice to the White House was let the Senate work its will – at least for now. That said, the White House insisted last night to reporters that if the Senate coalition falters and if bill shows signs of dying, the president will step in with his own legislation.
Related: Obama’s vs. Senators’ immigration reform plan: 6 points on what overlaps, what differs
Larry Downing / Reuters
President Barack Obama speaks in the State Dining Room of the White House, Jan. 24, 2013.
*** Vegas, baby: So why is the president giving his speech in Las Vegas? There is no state that better epitomizes the power of the Latino vote in American politics than Nevada. In 2010, Harry Reid won 69% of Latinos in his race against Sharron Angle, according to the exit polls, saving his Senate seat from a GOP that was convinced was theirs for the taking. And two years later, Obama won 71% of that vote -- matching what he received nationwide. The three states that have moved the most dramatically in presidential contests since 2004 have been Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico, and it’s due primarily to the Latino vote in all three states. (New Mexico is not even remotely a purple state anymore.) In Nevada, in particular, Latinos make up 27% of the state’s population and 19% of the voters in the 2012 election. Translation: The Latino influence in the state has even more room to grow.
*** Kabuki dance: While Obama will embrace the bipartisan Senate framework today, one Republican senator who’s part of the deal -- Sen. Lindsey Graham -- was criticizing Obama on FOX last night. “In 2008, he promised comprehensive immigration reform in the first year of his presidency, and it took all the oxygen out of the room,” Graham said. More: “In 2007, when we were trying to do immigration reform, he folded like a cheap suit because labor, the AFL-CIO, got mad at the bill to allow temporary workers... So I don't need a lecture from Barack Obama about bipartisanship; he was never very good at it in the Senate.” Moreover, top Marco Rubio staffers last night tweeted that Obama was “to oppose security and enforcement triggers,” even though the article that was cited never explicitly said that; it simply said Obama “does not favor linking legal status to border security.” So what’s going on here? This is all Kabuki theater to show that these Republicans aren’t in bed with the White House. The best way some Republicans privately believe they have to get more folks on board (or at least to convince some groups not to be overly aggressive AGAINST this plan) is to not look like they are “giving” the president a “win.” Politico also makes this point: “Whether he likes it or not, the president’s top legislative priority rests in the hands of McCain, his former 2008 rival, and Rubio, one of the GOP’s leading candidates to take back the White House in 2016.”
*** On Rubio selling reform to the conservative base: That said, this is an important test for Marco Rubio. He has spent the last several days selling comprehensive immigration to conservatives. And today, he speaks with Rush Limbaugh, who has criticized the bipartisan Senate framework. (“This immigration bill that everybody’s touting on TV is essentially the Bush immigration bill that was beat back in 2007,” Limbaugh said yesterday.) One of Ronald Reagan’s great talents was selling compromise to his party -- and declaring victory. Can Rubio pull this off, especially on an issue that base conservatives have opposed in the past two presidential elections? Rubio’s job with Limbaugh isn’t to convince him to sign on; we’re not sure that’s possible. What Rubio’s goal is today is to convince Limbaugh not to aggressively be AGAINST what he’s doing. If he can pull this off, it will be quite the feather in his hat as we get closer and closer to 2016 -- and perhaps show Rubio has some Reagan-like political skills.
*** On Schumer becoming the Democrats’ dealmaker: For those who closely follow American politics, Chuck Schumer is an easy target to mock. The running joke, for years, has been that the most dangerous place in DC is to be between Schumer and a TV camera. Perhaps lost in this caricature, however, is that Schumer has become the Democrats’ mover and shaker on key legislation -- dare we say the most effective dealmaker on the Democratic side of the aisle right now. On immigration, he’s reaching across the aisle to work with John McCain, Lindsey Graham, and Marco Rubio. And on guns, the legislation that has the best chance of passage is Schumer’s (on universal background checks) where he just might MIGHT convince Republican Tom Coburn to come on aboard his bill. What made Ted Kennedy a lion of the Senate was that he had influence with his Democratic colleagues (if he was backing something, they had cover to get on board) but also the ability to reach across the aisle. And so it’s worth asking: Is Chuck Schumer the closest thing to that right now? And we haven’t even touched on how relentless (and effective) Schumer has been the Senate Democrats’ de facto political director. Is there anyone better at candidate recruiting and clearly primary fields right now than Schumer?
*** Senate set to confirm Kerry: In non-immigration news, U.S. Senate today is expected to vote on John Kerry’s nomination to be secretary of state, and he’s a sure bet to win an easy confirmation. As one of us reported yesterday, if Kerry is confirmed and if his letter of resignation is received tomorrow, Massachusetts will set the special general election for June 25 -- with the primaries to take place on April 30. Also, Gov. Deval Patrick (D) is expected to announce his pick of an interim senator to fill the seat until the special election.
Click here to sign up for First Read emails.
Text FIRST to 622639, to sign up for First Read alerts to your mobile phone.
Check us out on Facebook and also on Twitter. Follow us @chucktodd, @mmurraypolitics, @DomenicoNBC, @brookebrower
Leave a Comment:
ragequitter
These pilots will be replaced by computers as technology advances in the near future. They might be able to land a job monitoring some of the computers.
#1 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 5:33 AM EST
IRESPOND-2315268
How many pilots do you need? Unless we are thinking in replacing the whole army with drones!
That actually would be nice!
#1.1 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 6:06 AM EST
Urban Roman
I'm laughing at your ignorance when I should be crying. You are a fine example of the failed public school system. Good thing for you they have Internet in La La Land, because your 1/2 bubble off plumb.
#1.2 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 6:20 AM EST
FedupwithFed
Well that's comforting....(rolls eyes)
#1.3 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 6:25 AM EST
IRESPOND-2315268
Boy! You are early insulting people. If I am an example of ignorance in Public Schools, you are an example of what is WRONG with people in this country: Instead of explaining things, resources to insult and name calling, thinking that nobody else is worthy.
I go back to my bubble if you back to the place where people like you exist. Think: Heaven for flies!!!!
#1.4 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 6:58 AM EST
Ranman87
Yes, because ad hominem attacks are the basis of rational arguments, right?
#1.5 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 7:12 AM EST
lee-936758
What's next? A class on the New Progressive Constitution? THIS IS WHY OUR 2nd AMENDMENT IS NECESSARY!
#1.6 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 7:28 AM EST
Max^108
I hope they start the domestic drone program by using it to patrol the border with Mexico.
#1.7 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 7:50 AM EST
JohnBrowning
It's good to see that someone is profiting from our loss of liberty in this brave new world.
#1.8 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 7:59 AM EST
C-1059824
I hate poachers but the thought of thousands of drones whirling around spying on all of us all the time seems awfully 1984'ish, even if it is done by civilian companies versus the government. That sounds terrible, I hope that never happens.
#1.9 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 8:03 AM EST
Bryan-2698455
@ Ranman87 Yay! Fallacy check! I enjoyed that.
@ lee Benjamin Franklin written that the Constitution was just for beginning of the New Country and one should be generated every 10 to 15 years. The Constitution when created was nothing more than a rewrite of 12th century Magna Charta.
@ max They have been using drones to patrol our border for almost a decade.
Unmanned vehicles are becoming more and more popular for actual practical purposes than killin bad guys and peeking in your windows. I am excited to hear about these programs becoming available.
#1.10 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 8:08 AM EST
Dick-2100935
America leads the way again! Congratulations to all in the Drone technology field.
#1.11 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 8:35 AM EST
had-enough-470242
I would take this as a grain of salt and do more research before jumping in. Private contractors working with the military in a war zone will always pay good. Hell, even truck drivers are easily making 80-120k tax free over there.
#1.12 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 8:58 AM EST
Jo Ann-666954
This should bother every American citizen. Sadly, the majority of Americans are too stupid to realize the danger in this.
The program will not be used for the borders. They will say it is but its only a cover. Open your eyes. It's going to be used on us, the American citizens.
#1.13 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 9:16 AM EST
smittyg
Yeah, teaching people to fly drones to spy on and kill your fellow Americans, what a douche.
#1.14 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 9:19 AM EST
Sgation
I don't know what to say anymore. Damn Internetz
#1.15 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 9:30 AM EST
Max^108
It is amazing to see US government outsourcing jobs that used to be done by low paid US soldiers to private contractors with salaries in six figures. That seems to be the only reason we wage these stupid wars - to siphon money from the Treasury into the pockets of Washington insiders who own and run these 'service' companies. US 'defense' sector (it is actually always 'offense') = biggest scam in the world.
#1.16 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 9:41 AM EST
kaybeetoys
Please explain. That sounds somewhat paranoid from my perspective.
#1.17 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 9:46 AM EST
sandmantruth
Money before country; this is what our Congress is and what we have become. The drones will be operated by the World Government's "contractors" to make sure any Americans attempting to restore American sovereignty are held in check. There are sellouts in every country and they just buy them out with money since they print the money. This should be considered treason.
There is no reason to operate 10,000 drones here. How is a drone operated remotely going to make Americans any safer than a local police officer? In addition, how do we know that American citizens will be operating the drones as well? Sounds like one way to make more people unemployed if you are going to cut back on the police force as a result.
#1.18 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 9:47 AM EST
lee-936758
smittg:
Obama and Assad think the same! These drones will be used for spying (and killing) Americans....
#1.19 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 9:50 AM EST
Bruce-308647
It will start with patrolling the borders and tracking forest fires, but will slowly and steadily morph into an all-country surveillance program where you could be watched and tracked at any time. I find it interesting that Roe V Wade is based on a constitutional "right to privacy", and yet in no other areas of life (and law) do we seem to have this same sacred right to privacy. Cameras are in stores, parking lots, intersections, etc. The administration just sold their mailing lists to leftist activist groups. Gun owners are pinpointed on a map....
My question is simple... Do we or do we NOT have a constitutional right to privacy?
#1.20 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 9:56 AM EST
moonbeamracer
Drone On! ... Privacy ... What Privacy ? ... Lol ... just a buzzzzz word used to imply something that is becoming non existent as technology pushes the envelope ..
You don't really believe our forefathers thought we should be protected by a Constitution with a Bill of Rights do you?
Just imagine ... one day soon you'll look up & see a bee or a dragoon fly sitting looking in your window wondering if it's real or a drone spying on you .. and of course, next they will become "Killing Machines" ... oHHhhhhh I forgot ... they already are .. we use them daily to destroy our adversaries ..
I want my property to be made a "No Fly Zone" ... I guess all of us will need to own SAM's just to defend ourselves ... maybe mini SAM's will catch on to defend your home .. "Drone Killer" for your home ..
STOP the insanity .... before you destroy everything that this country stood for ....and humanity as well ..
#1.21 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 10:26 AM EST
Dick-2100935
In your imagination Obama is waiting for Drones to kill Americans. Don't you know if that was his intention he could use F16's and every other weapon the military has currently available to him. You know those weapons that an armed group of people will stop with their assault weapons so they can take over an intrusive government, as they imagine it also.
#1.22 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 10:43 AM EST
Smitty-4183671
lee @ post# 1.19 Please tell all of us where you got your information.
#1.23 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 11:16 AM EST
RalphH
The use of drones is a cowardly way to fight.
The people who have contol of the drones in America, will have control of the new world order they are seeking.
#1.24 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 11:17 AM EST
Mike S.-2262427
This actually sounds like a really fun job. Makes me want to rethink my choice of college when I get done with my 2 year degree. :p
#1.25 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 12:02 PM EST
Debi-1314897
The article seems to leave off a few other possible applications; such as, spying on citizens, arming the drones, and disbanding Constitutionally provided peaceful protests. One invisible and unseen drone should be able to control large populations. Law enforcement is biting at the bit in anticipation of playing god without even getting a hair out of place. That little California rolling stop you make when you think no one is around and you're the only one on the road, will land you a surprise ticket in the mail, courtesy of a drone. Hopefully someone will invent a way to remotely screw up their electronics.
Jo Ann:
You're 100% accurate. One need look no further than our "border" checkpoints, set up miles inside any U.S. border. All illegal border crossers know they're there and avoid them; only citizens who are travelling on those roads and must pass through them are the ones forced to comply with their less than Constitutional interrogations and searches.
sandmantruth:
I live in a city with a population of approximately 180,000, not the streets of big, bad Detroit and we own a police helicopter. It is absolutely overkill, expensive and annoying at 3:00am to hear this damn rust bucket swirling over and over again over my home. Just as using a drone, the helicopter is a wasted status symbol and our taxpayer funds would be much better spent elsewhere.
Bruce:
Our Constitutional rights have been lost to the New World Order.
#1.26 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 12:17 PM EST
It is time
It is true there could be and are some very good uses for drones and I'm glad to see they are trying to focus on the benefits of them. However, that doesn't change the negative aspects which are primarily invasion of privacy and spying on people. Before (not after) any licenses or rules to allow drones are okay'd privacy laws and strict restrictions need to be put in place to ensure no misuse. If this can't be done and current track records of lack privacy concerns are going to continue to be the norm then I'd have to say sorry charlie no dice and they don't need to be allowed. Until we put an end to the privacy invasion and keep handing over rights in the name of safety (ie large parts of patriot act) and have the right rules in place we will have to forgo the uses of this tech that could actually benefit us. Though I doubt this will happen but IMO that's at least how it should be done.
I agree with the other comments, why are we not using military personal to fly these? Or at very least pay a reasonable amount? 80-100K + in this case to watch a video feed? Give me a break. The private contractor nonsense is just one other reason why we have such a bloated DOD budget yet continue to get less for our money. Maybe hire the guy as a trainer but certainly have no need for 10 or 15 civilians flying these or watching video feeds at that price, and even then the military should be able to train one of theirs to become a trainer. So screwed up.
Back to the story at hand, I know probably a waste of time but I really do hope our elected ones we do what is right and get the right laws in place so this tech doesn't get abused.
It is time
#1.27 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 12:45 PM EST
Enneagram1
I wonder how that would work from several feet in the air.
#1.2 Urban Roman: Behave yourself and don't be rude to people, if that's possible. Your insults are juvenile and unwarranted.
#1.28 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 12:56 PM EST
JR-3053574
I find it funny somebody is going to go pay for collage for drone flying. When kids are playing it on video games now for free.
#1.29 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 12:56 PM EST
Debi-1314897
It is time:
You cannot hope or have any expectations for the government to do the right thing. Citizens have no right to privacy as witnessed by the facility built in Utah by our federal government to monitor and record ALLelectronic communications; i.e., your emails, cell phone calls, home phone calls if connected by internet, etc. For those that argue for the impossibility to sort through all that information, they are currently perfecting the software to do just that.
This is not the "land of the free" you, myself and every other school kid were/are dutifully propagandized into believing.
#1.30 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 12:58 PM EST
spider-737231
Oh my gawd, stupid is alive and well. First, we have somebody predicting that computers will eventually replace the drone "pilots"; uh, the drones are flown by computers now!....the "pilots" are in an office, at the keyboard.
Second, what the hell are all of you folks doing that you so fear the government spying on you? If you're that paranoid, just stay indoors....the drone cameras can't see through walls!
#1.31 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 1:10 PM EST
It is time
Debi - sad isn't? I hate to think that way too and like to hope it doesn't come to that and we can turn it around but unless we as American citizens come together and make a stand, don't see it having much of a chance in a realistic sense.
#1.32 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 1:22 PM EST
Jo Ann-666954
@kaybeetoys, I'm not a paranoid person at all. I just know how Obama works and these are baby steps. What I laugh about is the double standard.
Obama just announced that he is sending $155 million dollars in aid to Syria. US tax dollars being thrown away. This is something Obama & the left criticized Bush for doing. I remember during the 2008 campaign Obama saying we have problems that need to be dealt with at home in the criticism towards Bush.
Yet somehow all we hear is silence on the left when Obama is the one throwing away our money, money that should stay here to help with our problems. Silence from the left with this drone issue too.
#1.33 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 1:28 PM EST
Debi-1314897
spider:
I don't know what is worse; your ignorance or the government. Educate yourself and become part of the solution instead of the problem:
#1.34 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 1:37 PM EST
Frosty-3060541
At present, there are many problems with this technology, both physical and sociological.
These drones/U.A.V.s/flying cameras, etc., whatever one wishes to call them are being flown by young foot soldiers, that are earning nowhere near the salaries quoted in the article, given to civilian contractors. (I even have two small helicopters I bought in the local mall for my grandson and grandaughter to play with, and they are good at it.) The thing about these small units is they have such a short range, and air time endurance/weather endurance is very limited, as opposed to the large "killer" drones emplyed by the CIA and our military services, which are more like small to medium sized aircraft. A big problem outside of the exorbitant cost of the units and the contractors, is they take two people to operate them, not including the support staff to monitor every aspect of the flight, both electronically, and personally. One to actually do the flying, the other to man and control the video units. Nowhere is there an individual with a rotating neck/head to actually focus their binocular vision on possible collision possibilities, sitting in a cockpit to watch for other flying objects.
Right now, I'm waiting to hear of a mid air collision between one of these pieces of hardware/software and some civilian airliner, causeing massive loss of life. The government, in its infinite wisdom, is supposedly working on this problem, by limiting the airspace for civilian planes, all in the name of "National Security." Of course, it doesn't affect them, as they have the FAA declare "No Fly Zones" whereever they happen to be. Planes are not allowed anywhere near those bigshots, except MANNED, and armed, U.S. military aircraft.
This is an ongoing problem with our "national" leadership. They seem to think technology can defeat any enemy. One thing they constantly overlook is the ingenuity and deviousness of human kind, especially when it feels threatened. Look at the problems in every war in the last decades. The bigshots in Washington came up with all kinds of "smart" bombs, fighter planes with no guns, various other technology. In every single case, they have been delayed in gaining their objectives, and defeated, until they put "boots on the ground" in those conflicts.
And the enemy is just as smart as those politicians, if not smarter, in a lot of cases.
#1.35 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 1:50 PM EST
DaveyJonesDeetroit
Wow! Where-oh-where to begin?
DUAL USE TECHNOLOGY
ABUSE OF TECHNOLOGY
HUMAN NATURE
ROBOTICS
CIVIL LIBERTIES
JUDGEMENT DAY (as in the Terminator movie series)
Hmmm. How 'bout something that didn't get mentioned in the article, unless I missed it. We can use drones to monitor forest fires, sheep herds, law enforcement/public safety, as well as spying on U.S. Citizens going about their lives. HOW 'BOUT THE FREAKIN' 2000 mile BORDER with our neighbor to the south?? Nope, can't go there. Too many potential Democrat voters streaming in--whether or not they ever get citizenship and therefore legally vote. Gotta continue to ignore them to ensure the completion of the demographic shift that will ensure decades if not centuries of one party rule. Nope, no perverse incentives here...
How about CIVIL LIBERTIES??? Does ANYONE on the right or left of the so-called political spectrum trust that, given the opportunity, powerful people won't abuse another powerful technology to maintain their own power? "Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely." Lord Acton [www_lpboulder_com/quotes] Giving a government that knows no restraint, and does not abide by the law or the constitution to begin with now, new tools that allow it to have ever more power over its citizens, is there anything stopping an overwhelming totalitarian tyranny? You may not be paranoid, but that doesn't guarantee they aren't out to get you. Drones watching us? Wonder where the ACLU stands on this one? Civil Liberty advocacy groups, anyone? <<crickets chirping>>
How about the MOVIES??? Once command-and-control over the drones is given to networked computers, what would stop an enemy, or the computer network itself, from doing things with the drones we might not appreciate? The H-Ks (Hunter-Killers) of the Terminator series of movies comes to mind. As we increase our power over our environment and each other, do we have the wisdom (ethics, self-restraint and legal framework) to keep up with our new "toys?" Our "knowledge of good and evil" and culpability increases geometrically with each successive bite of the apple. Wonder if this is where Steve Jobs got his idea for his company's logo...
I want to have technology that helps us live, and I'm all for the peaceful use of dual-use military technology. Employing the unemployed is a laudable goal. Me thinks if you have reservations about how this technology has been used on the battlefield, you'll LOVE how it gets used on you.
#1.36 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 2:11 PM EST
Advertise | AdChoices
BlackandGold-1513340
Don't worry, in the very near future all these jobs will go to "undocumented workers" under the new immigration reform. It will give illegals the chance to show their patriotism.
#2 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 5:42 AM EST
IRESPOND-2315268 Comment collapsed by the community
Oh Please! give it a break! The last time I looked, Universities and colleges were there for everybody that WANTED to get an education!.
If illegal aliens wish to pursue an education, all the lazy US citizens that do not want to pursue a degree in math and science deserve to be REPLACED, either by drones or illegals.
#2.1 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 6:09 AM EST
James-964528
IRESPOND, you seem to imply that the only education worth having is math and science. History might help a little, with a dose of morals and ethics, and maybe a little common sense. Drones are the first step to a police state. Its amazing how Americans are so obsessed with their 2nd Ammendments right but don't have sense enough to see how the real slippery slope argument applies to privacy. In 10 years, the only liberty will be to liberty to have a gun and that won't do a lot of good in a police state when your every move is under surveillance.
#2.2 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 7:50 AM EST
Bryan-2698455
@ Irespond agreed. I am in the middle of my computer science degree and I am maybe one of 3 US citizens in all of my advanced classes. I am embarassed but it keeps me motivated because apparently we are representing our whole country.
@ James I wanted a History major (I really enjoy History) but the job market sees the focuses of the degrees you have mentioned as lazy and oversaturated.
I know I cannot speak for the entire country, this is just my personal experience of being an old f**t trying to finish my degree.
#2.3 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 8:18 AM EST
Dick-2100935
Does this mean we will no longer have a corporate state where the corporation is "Big Brother?"
#2.4 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 8:32 AM EST
ProFreedom-5130956
Sorry, but providing illegals opportunities to go to school and jobs isn't fair to the citizens and those who entered this country legally.
Big Brother is watching you!
#2.5 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 9:10 AM EST
Dawgfan-4710266
Irespond,
Illegals need to pay out of state tutition. Why should an illegal take a spot of a Natural Born US Citizen, and then pay in-state-tutition because they lied on the applications about their legal status?
#2.6 - Tue Jan 29, 2013 9:38 AM EST
lee-936758
A single shot shotgun will bring one down...........
Will you knock that sh!t off... My Finger is getting tired of scolling thur whatever it is you posted... I sure am not going to read it.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Five surgeons from big cities are discussing who makes the best patients to operate on.
The first surgeon, from New York, says, 'I like to see accountants on my operating table
because when you open them up, everything inside is numbered.'
The second, from Chicago, responds, 'Yeah, but you should try electricians!
Everything inside them is color coded.'
The third surgeon, from ...Dallas, says, 'No, I really think librarians are the best,
everything inside them is in alphabetical order.'
The fourth surgeon, from Los Angeles chimes in: 'You know, I like construction workers...
Those guys always understand when you have a few parts left over.'
But the fifth surgeon, from Washington, DC shut them all up when he observed: 'You're all wrong.
Liberal politicians and their constituents are the easiest to operate on.
There's no guts, no heart, no balls, no brains, and no spine.
Plus, the head and the a ss are interchangeable.'
@Izamyt, got that last quote from the doctor wrong. He said conservative politicians. Why lie about a frigging joke? Yeesh.
Why does Fisty Redhead think that every story is about guns?
He/She/It is an idiot.
Roach:
She can't help herself.. She is a PAID Blogger and can only post the things she is told to post... I don't even read her crap anymore.
She has to make her hero look good....
if obama is going along with the senate plan, why is he flying to vegas on our dime again?.......obama is an ass...
I was thinking the same thing. I guess he loves being in the spot light and we have to pay for it. I wish he would just go golfing.
Some posters blow smoke like a conservative politician, always trying to cloud over reality and rationalize their biased self-serving positions. To miss that Obama's support was mostly small contributions from millions of people while the Republicans contributions were mainly millions from single individuals making large contributions ($1M and up, like Adelson who even promised up to $100M) who seek to buy and control the party for their own interests, is simply ridiculous and self-defeating naiveté.
Even now, with their changed heart on immigration, whether right or wrong, they again clearly demonstrate how their political ambitions are all that matter. The people are who should matter, the needs of the majority is what should motivate them, what is right or wrong for the 98% should be the issue but today's Republicans have come to be concentrated only on their political ambitions at any cost to the people and on just conning the people, to use and abuse them. They attempt to use the power, money and influence provided them by "the money", their strong supporters and masters, and just manipulate public opinion with their persistence and their propaganda - it didn't work with the hispanic voters so now the Republicans are changing their tune for them. That should be a lesson for the majority, to not be controlled or divided by the organized efforts like with the manipulation of the "conservative" Christian, the Swift-boat propaganda and the Tea Party movement, all initiated, paid for and directed efforts to move voters in the same single direction.
I don't advocate that the Democrats are without fault and being an ex-long-term Republican, never a Democrat, I would like to see a return of the Grande Ole Party with a conscience and concern for the people but I realize the only way that will ever happen now, is when they are firmly and totally rejected and then that the dominate control "the money" has over them proves ineffective - maybe the hispanics have started that movement.
Don't get too excited about the GOP's newly found "compassion" Re: immigration. As Sen McCain stated yesterday, the GOP must change or "we'll lose the Latino vote again"....At least the old goat is honest and doesn't sugarcoat the issue. He flagrantly walked away from his position in immigration a couple of years ago in order to keep his seat and is willing to support it anew for political purposes and not for humanaitarian reasons.
Can you believe these people? Three months ago, the Republicans and their bastard son, the Tea Party , wanted to deport, jail or execute undocumented immigrants
Yhbua
And Pray tell... Are you saing OBAMA DID NOT use these same people?
McCain wants the workers for his wifes business. Maybe Arpaio should raid the distributership that she owns and see how many illegals get caught
Execute? How do you slobbering Left Wing lunatics ever get use of a computer in an asylum?
Careful, you'll make him have to think!
BOB:
Once they become Legal... where's the crime in that?
If they are here illegally they have already comitted a crime so no amnesty or citizenship. Why punish the ones trying to get here legally by letting the illegals take there place.
Time to start a White Congressional Caucus everyone else has one going
Bob -2089091
That would be Racist... Don't you know, only WHITE people can Be Racist, well that is all White People EXCEPT Lib-Loons
Bob, you better, soon you'll be a protected minority. Then you'll kiss Affirmative Action ass big time!
Do you hear that giant flushing sound? It's the sound of the teabagger republicans swirling down the toilet to join the Whigs and The Know Nothing Party in the sewage of history.
Actually it's Obama flushing our kids futures down the drain. And, your not wise enough to see it!
Jeff, how's that?
I'm not excited about either side right about now, they are whoring themselves for votes, plain and simple. H3ll with what we the American people think....
He don't like their plan because it calls for closing the border.
now the dicator obama can stay in the us
Five surgeons from big cities are discussing who makes the best patients to operate on.
The first surgeon, from New York, says, 'I like to see accountants on my operating table
because when you open them up, everything inside is numbered.'
The second, from Chicago, responds, 'Yeah, but you should try electricians!
Everything inside them is color coded.'
The third surgeon, from ...Dallas, says, 'No, I really think librarians are the best,
everything inside them is in alphabetical order.'
The fourth surgeon, from Los Angeles chimes in: 'You know, I like construction workers...
Those guys always understand when you have a few parts left over.'
But the fifth surgeon, from Washington, DC shut them all up when he observed: 'You're all wrong.
Liberal politicians and their constituents are the easiest to operate on.
There's no guts, no heart, no balls, no brains, and no spine.
Plus, the head and the a ss are interchangeable.'
izamyt
Why do they call Liberals Flies? Because the eat Sh!t and Bother Humans
LMAO!
Well Obamarama and and oblivious Biden have done a stellar job of getting more Americans to buy rifles; seems we all ought to meet on the border and start taking our country back as the government isn't fulfilling it's most important role "protection of it's citizens" !!!
Folks, There needs to be CONTROLS. GUNS ARE A PRODUCT THAT KILLS. It is just like TOYS that KILL, or for that matter any PRODUCT that KILLS TO MUCH. Get rid of that PRODUCT. GUNS ARE NO DIFFERENT FOLKS.
Lets all get a life and a perspective. Be reasonable, and put things in their place.
Immigration REFORM was and has been way over due. Time the KKK Repukes and TEA CRAPPERS lighten up and get with the NATIONS PROGRAMS that the CITIZENS WANT. Not what they the POLITICIAN WANTS !!!!
Since when is this article about gun control?
You do know the KKK was started by democrats right? By the way when slavery was abolished 100% of the republicans were for it and only 67% of the democrats were for it.
I guess it's some kind of rule, where every story has to be about gays and guns.
Duh?
Does the path to citizenship require learning to shoot skeet?
Thats the best you got? Skett shooting? What an a hole.
No sense of humor is a typical liberal trait!
I guess having a president that lies through his teeth is OK as long as he is a democrat!
izamyt... I don't see you complaining about the BS team on the right?
izamyt
And Shoots skett
Problem is you are not joking.
You actually think you have some sort of skeet shooting conspiracy.
You are a moron.
President Obama is not a liar.
Its actually hilarious for a Republican to call anyone a liar.
Thats the joke.
Talk about the understatement of the year and we haven't even gotten into February yet....
I call anyone who doesn't tell the truth a liar left or right! You guys know obama lied about shooting skeet but would never admit it even if obama did!
Easy way to get the truth with a few simple questions but that will never happen!
So is Independence Day going to be replaced with Cinco De Mayo?
Which reminds me. I need to start thinking about St Patrick's Day. Or did that replace Independence Day?
Awww, St. Paddy's Day, tis the luck of de Irish.....
The Americans With No Abilities Act
President Barack Obama and the Democrat-led Senate are considering sweeping legislation that will provide new benefits for many Americans. The Americans With No Abilities Act is being hailed as a major legislative goal by advocates of the millions of Americans who lack any real skills or ambition.
"Roughly 50 percent of Americans do not possess the competence and drive necessary to carve out a meaningful role for themselves in society," said California Sen. Barbara Boxer. "We can no longer stand by and allow People of Inability (POI) to be ridiculed and passed over. With this legislation, employers will no longer be able to grant special favors to a small group of workers, simply because they have some idea of what they are doing."
In a Capitol Hill press conference, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid pointed to the success of the U.S. Postal Service, which has a long-standing policy of providing opportunity without regard to performance. Approximately 74 percent of postal employees lack any job skills, making this agency the single largest U.S. employer of Persons With No Ability.
Private-sector industries with good records of non-discrimination against the inept include retail sales (72 percent), the airline industry (68 percent), and home-improvement warehouse stores (65 percent). At the state government level, the Department of Motor Vehicles also has an excellent record of hiring Persons with No Ability (63 percent).
Under the Americans With No Abilities Act, more than 25 million mid-level positions will be created, with important-sounding titles but little real responsibility, thus providing an illusory sense of purpose and performance.
Mandatory non-performance-based raises and promotions will be given to guarantee upward mobility for even the most unremarkable employees. The legislation provides substantial tax breaks to corporations that promote a significant number of Persons of Inability (POI) into middle-management positions, and give a tax credit to small and medium-sized businesses that agree to hire one clueless worker for every two talented hires.
Finally, the Americans With No Abilities Act contains tough new measures to make it more difficult to discriminate against the non-abled, banning, for example, discriminatory interview questions such as, "Do you have any skills or experience that relate to this job?"
"As a non-abled person, I can't be expected to keep up with people who have something going for them," said Mary Lou Gertz, who lost her position as a lug-nut twister at the GM plant in Flint, Mich., due to her inability to remember righty tighty, lefty loosey. "This new law should be real good for people like me. I’ll finally have job security." With the passage of this bill, Gertz and millions of other untalented citizens will finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Said Sen. Dick Durbin: "As a senator with no abilities, I believe the same privileges that elected officials enjoy ought to be extended to every American with no abilities. It is our duty as lawmakers to provide each and every American citizen, regardless of his or her inadequacy, with some sort of space to take up in this great nation and a good salary for doing so."
That is absolutely brilliant and very funny.
The reading handicaped are missing the best post of the day.
In schools in California students were sent home for wearing Shirts with the American flag on them. So, they wouldn't upset the Mexicans. Can you say, idiots?
Can u say. who cares? proof?
I would have to say anyone who has a family member who has ever served honorably in the military, that's like slapping their face with the blood that has been shed for Ole Glory.....
You should care this is America!
California Students Sent Home for Wearing U.S. Flags on Cinco de Mayo
By Joshua Rhett Miller
Published May 06, 2010
FoxNews.com
Administrators at a California high school sent five students home on Wednesday after they refused to remove their American flag T-shirts and bandannas -- garments the school officials deemed "incendiary" on Cinco de Mayo.
The five teens were sitting at a table outside Live Oak High School in Morgan Hill, Calif., on Wednesday morning when Assistant Principal Miguel Rodriguez asked two of them to remove their American flag bandannas, one of their parents told FoxNews.com. The boys complied, but were asked to accompany Rodriguez to the principal's office.
The five students -- Daniel Galli, Austin Carvalho, Matt Dariano, Dominic Maciel and Clayton Howard
It's hard to imagine that the Mexicans would be offended by the symbol of freedom, but go figure.
Sneak in illegally, take the jobs and then burn the flag.
In just about every latino rally I've ever seen regarding immigration, they're taking to the streets waving around Mexican flags gang signs.
....and Obama is met with a rock star response in Las Vegas....he is absolutely loved in Nevada and by real Americans everywhere!
Then why has his VCI dropped 20 points since the election?
It hasnt thats why?
thanks for the misinfo.
You mean useful idiots.
So, the people in Nevada aren't real Americans?
They love Harry Reid too. If that's not insanity I don't know what is.
Deport Republicans. Problems solved.
Big problem. Who would want them?
Who in the world would fund welfare for you to buy your dope with doopster??
If you deport them who will do the work now?
A couple of Republicans with blinders completely glued to their faces...lol.
Makes sense since he parties like one.....next....
He partys like one?
Dont be an a hole.
He certainly does not over indulge in "partying".
If he did you republican douchebags would be all over him.
Nice to know someone who doesn't agree with The King is either labeled a republican, a douchebag, a teabagger, etc....
At least he is doing something right? Because he sure isn't helping the country.
Well when you spew blatant lies about the President you are indeed a douchebag.
You may not agree with everything he does but to attack him with rediculous lies makes you an a hole.
Plain and simple.
Shoe fits
Thats because he hasn't really done anything yet except campaign for 3.5 years!
Why should I "spew" blantant lies about the President, he does fairly well making a fool of himself with Jester Biden by his side.....
He beat your butts twice.
Obama 2 RWNJs 0
He had some help from the useful idiots.
Amnesty is amnesty no matter how it is packaged and it is wrong! Reagan found that out years ago and was sorry he ever stepped into that swamp. Unless the borders are really secured, all any amnesty program will do is encourage more people to enter the U.S. illegally. Oh, yes. And it will buy the democrats more minority votes. After all, votes is all politicians think about any more. None seem to care about doing what is best for the nation.
Ask yourself why the GOP people are so desparate that a tycoon like Ailes would buy (1996) and run (CEO) a major TV station Fox News and pretend to be honest and unbiased but at any given moment is in fact bashing the democrats and the Obama white house as frankly Fox is political spin disguised as "news". Why are GOP leaders like Romney and Ryan so desparate they would speak and debate using pointless obfuscation (bs) that did not even apply to the real plan they held to, which was a clone of Bush's last presidency? Romney even had the people from Bush's cabinet lined up and ready to run the white house.
It's because the GOP has given up on democracy and in fact most admit they hate democrats in general. Do you think the GOP believe this is still a nation "by the people, for the people"? No, if given a chance GOP will lie themselves into office then take power from the people rather than provide for the needs and wishes of the people that gave them that office. In Ohio where when a completely GOP legislature was voted in they embarassed themselves by legislating away the power of the state's unions and it took a grass roots petition from hundreds of thousands of regular citizens to reverse that act of law.
We need to make it clear that "news" should be straight forward, unbiased, and factual, and "news" services that continue to persue political gain with direct attacks (bashing) and lie to the public will be held criminally accountable and will potentially banned nationally from any and all circulation. Fox News won in a Florida court (2003-2004) an appeal that undid a conviction that the questionable "news" show lied and in effect got a "license to lie" from the government, under the guise of the 1st ammendment, the right to "free speech". We need to follow the state of Hawaii's lead and provide legislation that stops this nonsense and limits the "right to lie" to individuals and not businesses. After all what is lieing in a "news" program if not "false advertising". If a diet product makes clearly false claims it's crossed the line and is acting criminally, attempting to "scam" the public. What if anything was Fox News doing if not "scamming" the public when they repeatedly proclaimed and defended the idea that the Obama and Romney election would be a close race? Fella if yer polls call it close when it turns out about 200 Romney vs about 300 Obama I suspect your poll people never got past the first grade, or are deliberately lieing.
Also the GOP needs to recognize two things:
1. The obvious political campaign and political spin show that is Fox News is no longer a secret stealth weapon, the cat is out of the bag. In fact GOP should know by now the American people are not nearly as stupid as the GOP thinks, having rejected with a resounding beating (200 to 300 loss for Romney) the R&R campaign of lies and Obama bashing. "We the people" are in fact smart enough to know when we are being lied to, the 2012 election proves it.
2.The disrespect and torrent of lies they introduced into the political process goes both ways. If they think that when they manage to get a GOP president elected somehow the rest of us will respect that like we have respected presidents in this great country's history like those featured at Plymoth Rock, they are sadly mistaken. GOP dragged this country into the political mud pit and sewer and the gloves are off, where it's normal on any given day to hear things like "I wanted to punch the vice president in the face" by a commentator on a major news network, or "Obama does his shuck and jive". You GOP think you have a patent on lieing and slinging mud you are sadly mistaken. The GOP opened pandora's box here with the introduction of this idea that repeating a lie with conviction will eventually win over the opposition. Well as 2012 shows it just makes you look stupid.
Can u imagine A republican calling anyone a liar after the Romney/Ryan ticket?
Thats funny
Cough.....Benghazi......cough.
Cough.....Fast & Furious....Cough
Exactly Holder will give guns to illegals but American citizens cant own them????????
You GOP people can't be so stupid that you don't fact check what Fox is and Rush are telling you, are you? Nah, no one is that dumb.
GOP disrepecting officials giving a brow beating we did not deserve made the whole review process was a waste of time. Another GOP waste of government money. The whole point McCain makes is that the people were not told the full truth. Well we already know when an investigation is ongoing police and FBI have the ability to withold or use misleading information, and typically do so in early press releases to aid the investigation and catching those responsible. The decision to mislead was done by the investigating party and it was not even Rice's call, it was made clear Rice was handed what to read and presented exactly that. If the idea that lieing to the American people is so hienous then how come none of the Bush people got sent to Fed prison for starting the Iraq war over the false claim Iraq had (or was even working on) weapons of mass destruction? About 4000 US service men and women lost thier lives in that action, so why with literally one thousand times more reasons (dead americans) are we not discussing Iraq instead of this embassy? We all knew no one would be impeached or sent to prison about this embassy tragedy so why all the political song and dance other than to discredit a potential future presidential opponent of the GOP like Hillary, possibly directly opposite McCain himself. Nah when people say Benghazi needs some accounting I say it's a thousand times more important we first throw our Bush WMD people in prison so that we never start a war on a lie again. GOP is only on this like a pig raping a presidential political spin piglet.
ATF Agent in charge Bill Newell ran "wide receiver" in the Bush years and was also in charge of "fast and furious" later. Interesting how these things can break down and become an embarassment during a term in which a president you don't like is in office.
I'd like to point out at this time that folks that repeatedly make personal offensive attacks should be banned from all nbcnews.com discusson. Contribute to the discussion and reply to the issues but don't attack the people making them. In short, discuss, don't vent.
"GOP people" I heard that the GOP membership was dwindling but to consist of a single person so that "personal attacks" can be made of it? Anyone wanting to be believed here should use a real name as a user name instead of a phrase as well.
Fox News (?) fired Sarah Palin. OUCH!
If the rest of the people were smart enough we would fire the potus for dereliction of duty.
Bull crap. You morons were ready to make Sarah the VP.
Talk about naive
Look what we have now. More idiots voted to keep the one we got. Useful idiots.