Progress For A More Perfect Union

On To The Next One

2010-07-04T18:30:00.001-07:00

We're moving!

This page has been pretty inactive for quite a while. ProgressForaMorePerfectUnion.com is coming and it's going to rock.

Until then, keep up with us on Facebook (link on the right side of your page).

Stay tuned!

We The People vs Wall Street

2010-05-01T10:29:00.000-07:00

"I promise to use every tool at my disposal to see these reforms enacted: to ensure that the bill I sign into law reflects not the special interests of Wall Street, but the best interests of the American people." — President Obama

(The following text is from Organizing For America's Wall Street Reform Info)

President Obama has proposed a series of reforms with two main objectives:

1) Create the strongest consumer protections in history so that Americans always get the information they need to make smart financial decisions

2) Rein in Wall Street abuses, hold the big banks accountable, and ensure that taxpayers never again have to bail them out

Consumer Protections:

To ensure that consumers have the protection they deserve, the President’s plan will consolidate the consumer protections now spread across seven government agencies into one single Consumer Financial Protection Agency. The CFPA will be tasked with preventing predatory practices and making sure consumers get the clear information they deserve before signing for a mortgage, loan, or credit card.

Big banks and credit card companies will be required to provide consumers with clear and transparent terms, ensuring Americans have all the information they need to compare mortgage and credit card rates and make the right financial choices for their families.

The CFPA will be responsible for protecting consumers from unfair and deceptive practices like ballooning mortgage payments or credit card rate hikes.

Consumers will be provided with clear disclosure regarding the consequences of their financial decisions, and clear identification of costs, penalties, and risks.

Reining in Wall Street:
The President’s reforms will guarantee that Americans never again end up holding the bag for the bad decisions and greed-driven policies of big banks and credit card companies – protecting consumers and taxpayers alike. Wall Street reform will protect taxpayers and investors by making the financial system more stable for everyone.

In the recent crisis, millions of American families saw their retirement savings or their children's college funds fall dramatically. The President’s plan will help to make financial markets safer for investors by closing regulatory gaps and loopholes.

Wall Street reform will require tough new rules and greater transparency from investment advisors, financial brokers and hedge funds – holding them accountable while protecting investors and businesses.

The President’s plan will strengthen oversight and aggressively pursue financial fraud, conflicts of interest and manipulation of the system that benefits the special interests at the expense of American families and businesses.

Reform will put in place tough new capital requirements, rigorous standards and supervision to ensure that no financial institution is capable of bringing down the economy, and that taxpayers are never again forced to bail out big banks because they are "too big to fail."

Stand with President Obama on Wall Street Reform: http://www.my.barackobama.com/page/content/wallstreetsignon?source=issuepage

Yes We Can

2010-04-04T20:32:00.000-07:00

Democrats vs Chief Justice Roberts

2010-03-10T20:28:00.000-08:00

Things have been (rightfully) tense between Democrats and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court since the Court's controversial decision on corporate campaign finance.

Most famously President Obama chastised the Court for its decision during his State of the Union Address. On Tuesday, Roberts responded by saying the scene at President Obama's first State of the Union address was "very
troubling" and that the annual speech to Congress has "degenerated into a
political pep rally."

From Huffington Post:
Roberts said anyone is free to criticize the court and that some have an
obligation to do so because of their positions.

"So I have no problems with that," he said. "On the other hand, there is the
issue of the setting, the circumstances and the decorum. The image of having the
members of one branch of government standing up, literally surrounding the
Supreme Court, cheering and hollering while the court – according the
requirements of protocol – has to sit there expressionless, I think is very
troubling."

---

Today Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid hit back with remarks of his own.

Also from Huffington Post:

On Wednesday Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said he was "so
disappointed" with the Court's swing vote -- Justice Anthony M. Kennedy -- for
enabling the court's rightward, corporatist tilt. As for Chief Justice John
Roberts, the majority leader castigated him as being out of touch and completely
detached from political reality.

"Do you think John Roberts knows or cares how people get elected?" he said,
referring to the role the chief justice played in crafting the court's Citizens
United decision.

Insisting that the court was engaged in "activism" for allowing corporations
to spend unlimited amounts of money on congressional campaigns, the Nevada
Democrat insisted that the time had come to stop appointing judges to the bench.

"I think we've had enough of them," he said. "I think what we need are people on
that bench who have been legislators, people who are lawyers, people who are
academics. You look at our Supreme Court and all these people, all they know is
working with people in black robes. We have got to change that."
---

President Obama's remarks on the Court's decision during his State of the Union Address

The full article on Chief Robert's comments
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/09/john-roberts-scene-at-oba_n_492444.html

The full article on Senator Reid's comments
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/10/harry-reid-slams-supreme_n_493532.html

CPAC Civil War: The Fight For the Soul of Conservatism

2010-02-21T08:22:00.000-08:00

Conservatives seemed to be in disarray at this year's CPAC Convention, with a full blown war being waged for the soul of the Conservative movement. The fight was between the ultra-conservative, take no prisoners, cultural warriors club led by the likes of Glenn Beck, Dick Cheney, and Sarah Palin against the more moderate, "independent", big tent faction led by Ron Paul and Bob Barr.

The division and uncertainty was on full display in the CPAC Presidential Straw Poll, where the attendees voted on their 2012 presidential hopefuls. In a surprise to everyone, Ron Paul won the poll with a whopping 31%. Mitt Romney came in second with 22% and Sarah Palin came in a distant third with only 7%.

Here are the full results from the poll:

Texas Rep. Ron Paul - 31 percent
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney -- 22 percent
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin -- 7 percent
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty - 6 percent
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich - 4 percent
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee -- 4 percent
Indiana Rep. Mike Pence - 5 percent
South Dakota Sen. John Thune -- 2 percent
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels -- 2 percent
Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum -- 2 percent
Mississippi Gov. Hailey Barbour - 1 percent
Other - 5 percent
Undecided - 6 percent

However, it has been reported that upon announcing Ron Paul as the winner the crowd erupted in to a chorus of "boos".

In his speech at the conference, Ron Paul, essentially a libertarian, rallied against government over reach but also against the dangers of neoconservatism. This seemed to be in direct conflict with the keynote speaker, Glenn Beck's, speech.

In his highly anticipated keynote speech Beck blasted fellow Republicans (including John McCain and Teddy Roosevelt) and called for purity in the Republican ranks. In fact, most of the major Republican speakers-Cheney, Armey, Bachmann, Coulter-not only stuck to their normal vicious and partisan attacks, but actually seemed to even up the ante. Why? The widespread pandering to the Tea Party movement that has been on display in the Republican party throughout 2010, not to mention the venom that courses through neoconservative veins at the mere thought of President Obama.

So which is it going to be, conservatives? The "big tent, independent" style of Ron Paul or the "take no prisoners, purity" approach of Beck and Palin?

Honestly, I think it has already been decided. All of the major, mainstream, best known Republican speakers-Beck,Cheney,Coulter-embraced the radical style and talking points of the paranoid, conspiracy theorist, anti-Obama fringe. The representation of the more libertarian conservatism would probably be met with "Oh yeah, I remember you. You're still around?" (Ron Paul) or "Who the hell are you?" (Bob Barr) by the average Fox News follower. The star power of the conservative movement seems to be drifting even further towards the fringe and taking the whole Republican Party with it.

Media Matter's full coverage of the CPAC event, with videos from about every important speaker:
http://mediamatters.org/search/tag/cpac_2010

The Insanity of Beck:

Beck calls President Warren Harding's death "divine providence"

Beck: "Rush [Limbaugh] is a hero of mine"

Keith Olbermann's coverage of CPAC:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

There's Something in the Tea

2010-02-15T22:20:00.000-08:00

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

The Hypocrisy of Sarah Palin

2010-02-09T14:40:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, at the first official Tea Party convention, Keynote Speaker Sarah Palin was caught with notes written on her hand during her big speech. Now, this wouldn't be so bad, except in that very same speech (and countless times before) she mocked Obama for using a teleprompter.

Silly Palin, your hypocrisy is matched only by your stupidity.

Now, if I was president, and I had to give a 40+ minute speech live to the entire country, I think I would want a prompter too (it's not like you can be standing up there with note cards). The funny thing about Palin was she only had a few vague words on her hand (such as "energy" and "budget cuts"). So it's not like she was worried about tripping over a few lines or getting flustered: she apparently was worried she was going to forget all of her morals and talking points by the time she hit the stage.

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs has some fun with the crib note controversy, or "Palmgate", as some have dubbed it.

We the Corporations

2010-01-23T18:38:00.000-08:00

By a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court on Thursday rolled back restrictions on corporate spending on federal campaigns. The decision could unleash a torrent of corporate-funded attack ads in upcoming elections.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/21/supreme-court-rolls-back_n_431227.html

The Supreme Court's ruling is a green light for a new stampede of special interest money in our politics, giving their lobbyists even more power in Washington.

President Obama vows to take action against the Supreme Court's ruling.

"As long as I'm your President, I'll never stop fighting to make sure that the most powerful voice in Washington belongs to you."

Stand with President Obama:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/fairelections/?source=HQBlog

Sign Rep. Grayson's Petition
http://salsa.mydccc.org/o/30019/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=4&tag=012009_email

Sign the Move to Amend motion... See More
http://www.movetoamend.org/we-corporations

Watch the full "Corporation" movie
Full movie: http://freedocumentaries.org/theatre.php?filmID=102

An answer?

From Newsweek:

What's the remedy? A constitutional amendment is tempting, but tampering with the First Amendment is a bad idea. The best option is Sen. Dick Durbin's ingenious campaign-reform bill. The idea, which already works well in New York City and other localities, is to set up a public-financing system that rewards candidates who attract small donors. House candidates, for example, who raise at least $50,000 in donations of $100 or less would be eligible for $900,000 in public money. The president must move the bill to the center of his agenda and mobilize his 13 million 2008 contributors to pressure Congress to enact it.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/232147

From Congressman Alan Grayson (FL-8):

Unlike you and me, corporations don't eat, drink, get married, vote, or bathe. And they never sleep. Which is why they have already launched another attack on our democracy, due to hit ground zero tomorrow, Wednesday, January 27, at 9:30 a.m.

Last week, it was the Citizens United case. That case not only permits unlimited campaign spending by huge multinational corporations, but it also says that any law to curb such spending is a violation of those corporations' "constitutional rights."

Now, it's the SpeechNow case. This new case would extend the newfound "rights" of multinational corporations to billionaires. Yes, the SpeechNow case would give billionaires the "constitutional right" to pollute political campaigns to any degree that they see fit.

We have to fight back. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit will hear "arguments" on the SpeechNow case at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow in Washington.

Let's show them what "freedom of speech" really means. We'll speak and, for a change, they'll listen.

Click here to send a message to the court and show your support for real free speech! http://salsa.mydccc.org/o/30019/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=6&tag=012610_email_court

You can also call the clerk's office at 202-216-7300.

Over 90,000 of us have signed the petition at SaveDemocracy.net. Please -- PLEASE -- ask your friends to sign up, and keep watching for ways that we can save democracy.

Courage,

Alan Grayson
Member of Congress

http://salsa.mydccc.org/o/30019/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=6&tag=012610_email_court

In Memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

2010-01-18T18:35:00.000-08:00

Quotes from Dr. King

“Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.”

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”... See More

“The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.”

“Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.”

“Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men.”

“The question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be... The nation and the world are in dire need of creative extremists.”

“Life's most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”

“That old law about 'an eye for an eye' leaves everybody blind. The time is always right to do the right thing.”

“When you are right you cannot be too radical; when you are wrong, you cannot be too conservative.”

“It may be true that the law cannot make a man love me, but it can keep him from lynching me, and I think that's pretty important.”'

“A man who won't die for something is not fit to live.”

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

To Battle (2010)

2010-01-06T12:26:00.000-08:00

(Terry's note: I feel this is the most important message I've posted on the site. I know it is a little long, but please find the time.)

2009 was a crazy year, wasn’t it? It is hard to fathom, but it was only a year ago that the nation stood in united excitement and pride over the popular and historic new president-elect. Despite everything that had happened in 2008; the financial collapse, the two seemingly endless wars, the bitter and heated election season, the country somehow seemed stronger at the end of the year. I don’t think I only feel that way because I supported Barack Obama. I guess I could be naïve, or just wrong, but judging by his high approval and favorability ratings at the time, not to mention just the buzz and excitement that seemed to run through everything that January, I think a large majority of the country was ready to start in a new direction. We were ready for change.

What a difference a year makes. As anyone reading this knows, the honeymoon faded fast, and gave way to one of the most brutal and partisan atmospheres since….well, since George Bush was in office. In political terms, not much has changed. The minority party is entrenched deep in their bunkers, only peering out to throw the occasional verbal grenade or political obstruction. The majority party increasingly leans towards the disposition that due to the moral inferiority of the minority, it is appropriate to turn a deaf ear and leave them out. The lines have been repainted in bright new paint. It is political warfare in America, from the Hill, to the blogs, to the dinner table.

Now here we are at the dawning of a new year, a congressional election year, and pedestrians to pundits have already declared it the “Year of the elephant” (GOP). Us on the left are peering in to 2010 with a mixture of apprehension, anxiety, and even dread. And we probably should be.

2009 saw the resurgence of the Republican party, a party that just at the beginning of that year had been declared dead, somewhat reverently by the media and gleefully by the Democrats. After the train wreck of the Bush years, the divisiveness of Sarah Palin, and the Democratic takeovers of Congress and the White House, the Republicans seemed to be gasping their last breath with no way forward. The very tectonic plates of American culture, race, sexuality, status quo, climate change belief, secularity, and more seemed to be shifting against the Grand Old Party.

As we all know, that is not what has happened. At the beginning of 2010, the Republicans stand stronger (in political terms) than any time since perhaps the 1994 takeover of Congress under the Clinton Administration. While obviously the GOP had significant power under the Bush Administration (especially the first four years), I don’t think they dominated the day to day narrative as much at that time. While there have been reports already of in fighting between the tea parties and the Republican party, and even the tea parties themselves, the conservative doctrine is undeniably receiving a significant boom through it all.

What is interesting, and note worthy for those of us on the other side of the political wrestling ring, is that they did it without any true leadership in the sense of a visionary politician or exciting new candidate. Sure, there was the rise of Glenn Beck. Not only in his smash hit Faux TV show, but also in his best selling books, Beck definitely was a major player in the conservative movement in 09. We have always had these controversial magnetic pundits in politics though, from Buckley to Limbaugh, so that can’t be all there is to it. There was also the Michelle Bachmans in the party who tried to latch themselves on to the tea parties and be perceived as their leader, but I don’t think any of those people are responsible for their current momentum. Also, Sarah Palin undeniably had a good year despite her stepping down from office, which a sane person would see as a setback. Nonetheless, her book has predictably sold like crazy, she had a successful tour off of it, and being in the spotlight another year has, in the twisted world of casual politics, made her appear more credible. (Despite the fact she has done NOTHING of actual substance in said year to bolster credibility).

There are two factors that are attributable to the GOP’s winning year in 2009. The first, (bear with me on this), is the people. It is true that more average people are fired up in the name of conservatism in their everyday lives and interactions in a way that they had previously not been. Some of them are legitimately opposed to the Democrat’s agenda and are feeling far away enough from the Bush years to come out from under their rock. Others have been caught up in a trend, a frenzy, the same way that the Obama campaign had its uninformed, the following the moment fan base. This is inevitable in politics, which is all about grabbing a theme, getting the ball rolling, and attracting uninformed and naïve voters on the sidelines.

There is another side, a darker side, to the so called “grassroots” uprising, namely “special interests”. In the contentious battlefields of health care, cap and trade, and financial reform, untold sums of money are being pumped from interest groups in a full frontal assault on the progressive agenda. The money makers on top have decided it’s not worth reforming and fixing these broken systems if it is going to cost them a few extra dollars off of the next profit report. They are throwing everything they have in to opposing the legislation that is going to better serve the American people.

In short, the swelling of everyday American’s militant conservatism is coming from their blindness to the unseen fat cat forces (or in the case of one particular “news” network, masked force) that is whispering in their ear while simultaneously digging a grave for them. It is amazing the effectiveness these powers have shown at turning low income, working people against the very things being put forth to work on their behalf. I don’t mean to sound like a conspiracy theorist, but if you don’t believe there are big money interests working on their own behalf alone, out of the public eye, you are either delusional, blind, or naïve.

So what can we on the left do to prepare for the congressional war of 2010? Organize, inform, and motivate, on every possible level. Basically, we have to be involved. Those of us already involved need to recognize we are going to have to push it in to an even higher gear, perhaps by breaking outside of the blogosphere and organizing events and rallies on a local scale. Do work at the schools, parks, and hospitals in affiliation with your local democratic forces (or just start your own).

Those of us with one foot in, on the sidelines but not in the game, reading and being attentive but not personally actively involved, need to dive in the deep end. First and foremost, find yourself as many sources you trust as you can. When you read a news story or opinion article that impacts you, pass it on, through a personal message to a like minded friend or open minded skeptic. Post your finds on your Facebook, Twitter, blog, or Myspace. Use your social networking to direct as many of your peers as you can to being attentive and having a seat at the table. Also, take up conversations on network posts and discussion boards. The more people you bounce your beliefs and ideas off of, the stronger they will be and the more comfortable you will be with crafting a narrative for them. Democracy only works for us if we work for it.

I want to directly address my generation, the people my age, the 18-25 crowd. We have to step up. We have to pull our heads out of the MTV society. Nobody is going to work on our behalf except ourselves, and there are plenty of powers working against us. We are inheriting an unprecedented world, a world of globalization, terrorism, and too big to fail economics. I know plenty of young people who will loudly state their beliefs against war, in favor of gay rights, or for bottom up economics, but very few who are actively participant on a significant scale. In the same way as it is easier to play Guitar Hero than be a rock star, it is easier to boast about your beliefs than it is to inform yourself on them and fight for them. Carving out your political identity and informing yourself is part one, taking your message to others and encouraging them to do the same is part two.

All of us on the left can’t wait around for President Obama to get everything done, for our talk show hosts to beat back every attack, or for others in general to fight all of our battles. Part of the message of President Obama’s election was that we have to take an active role in our politics, government, and in our future. In 2010, we have to summon the same determination and fight that we had just a little over a year ago to support and reinforce our demand for change and progress.

(P.S.- Start now. Pass this message on.)

National Security Under the Obama Administration

2010-01-03T18:48:00.000-08:00

President Obama's weekly address. In this address the President talks about the failed Christmas day terrorist attack and national security:

From the Washington Post:

"Critics have set up a straw Obama, a weak and naive leader who allegedly takes terrorism lightly, thinks that playing nicely with terrorists will make them stop, and fails to understand the threat that the United States faces from violent extremists. Mr. Cheney said that the incident had made "clear once again that President Obama is trying to pretend we are not at war." Likewise, Republican Study Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-Ga.) called on Mr. Obama to "recognize that we are at war with a murderous enemy who will not relent because we heed political correctness, acquiesce to international calls for deference or close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay." Rep. Peter Hoekstra (R-Mich.), the ranking Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, said that Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano "and the rest of the Obama administration view their role as law enforcement, first responders dealing with the aftermath of an attack. And we believe in a forward-looking approach to stopping these attacks before they happen."

There are two ways to show how baseless these attacks are: examining Mr. Obama's words and examining his actions.

Words first. "Evil does exist in the world," Mr. Obama said in accepting the Nobel Peace Prize. "Negotiations cannot convince al-Qaeda's leaders to lay down their arms." In his weekly radio speech Saturday, he disposed of the war-vs.-law-enforcement canard, pointing out that in his inaugural address he made it clear that "0ur nation is at war against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred and that we will do whatever it takes to defeat them and defend our country, even as we uphold the values that have always distinguished America among nations."

But actions speak louder, and Mr. Obama's actions -- often at the cost of enraging his party's liberal base -- have also demonstrated tenacity and pragmatism blended with a necessary reassessment of the flawed policies of his predecessors and a recommitment to the rule of law. He wants to close the Guantanamo Bay prison, which is all to the good given its stain on the national character, but he has delayed that goal until acceptable alternatives can be found. He has brought criminal charges against some terrorists, but he has also sent others to be tried by military tribunals. He has invoked the authority of the executive to have lawsuits dismissed because they risk exposing state secrets. In addition to the new troop deployments, he has aggressively used predator drones to strike at terrorists, including outside Afghanistan. Even before the failed attack, his administration has been working aggressively with Yemeni authorities to deal with extremists there."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/29/AR2009122903379.html?hpid=topnews

Republicans obviously don't agree.

Also from the Washington Post:

"Since before Obama was sworn into office, Republicans have been building a case that he is weak on national security, and in the wake of the intelligence and security failures that led to last week's incident, they think that narrative might stick. Congressional Republicans and GOP pollsters said they believe the administration's response to the failed attack on a Detroit-bound plane -- along with Obama's decisions on the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and the intelligence lapses connected to November's massacre at Fort Hood, Tex. -- damage the Democratic brand.

The nation's economy and health-care reform are sure to be dominant themes. But if the public remains concerned about the safety of air travel and about international terrorism, the Republican attacks on Obama could be "very influential," said Andrew Kohut, a veteran pollster and president of the nonpartisan Pew Research Center.

"I don't know if it has legs, but it certainly has potential if it has legs," Kohut said.

As the GOP seeks a path out of the political abyss in the 2010 elections, its leaders seem to be turning to the issue of terrorism, which worked for them in the 2002 congressional midterms and in President George W. Bush's 2004 reelection.

"They just don't get it," Rep. Peter Hoekstra (Mich.), the ranking Republican on the House intelligence committee, wrote in a fundraising letter for his gubernatorial campaign. "These are the same weak-kneed liberals who have recently tried to bring Guantanamo Bay terrorists right here to Michigan!"

White House Senior Adviser David Axelrod responds:

"They can run on rhetoric," Axelrod said in an interview Tuesday. "We will run on our record when the time comes. . . . The president's record, I think, is very clear and very strong. This president has taken the fight to al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, in Pakistan, in Somalia, in Yemen. He has focused on the threat in a way that it hasn't been.'"

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/29/AR2009122903379.html?hpid=topnews

President Barack Obama's top counter terrorism adviser, John Brennan, said Sunday that former Vice President Dick Cheney's criticism of the Obama administration's approach to the Christmas Day terror attempt is misinformed or intentionally false.

The White House also hit back on Cheney's remarks with an official statement:

"To put it simply: this President is not interested in bellicose rhetoric, he is focused on action. Seven years of bellicose rhetoric failed to reduce the threat from al Qaeda and succeeded in dividing this country. And it seems strangely off-key now, at a time when our country is under attack, for the architect of those policies to be attacking the President."

The non-partisan Politifact organization gave Cheney's remark their dubious "pants on fire" award.

(here)-
http://politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2010/jan/03/cheney-claim-obama-earns-pants-fire/

Senate Passes Health Reform

2009-12-24T10:30:00.000-08:00

Fluff For the Holidays Pt. 2

2009-12-23T20:26:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, happy holidays.

2009 Misinformer of the Year

2009-12-21T16:30:00.000-08:00

Media Matters names their Misinformer of the Year.

"No one in 2009 peddled more hate, stirred more groundless fears, or spread more lies".

Some fluff for the holidays

2009-12-21T16:18:00.001-08:00

Keith Olbermann vs Conservative Media

2009-12-19T21:13:00.000-08:00

Olbermann single handedly takes on pretty much every conservative pundit.

Lieberman the Puppet

2009-12-18T10:08:00.001-08:00

Kill the bill?

2009-12-16T20:58:00.000-08:00

The fight for health care has erupted in to total chaos. No one even seems to know what side they are on or what they are fighting for anymore. A growing force on the left is saying the bill has been hijacked by insurance companies and unfairly held hostage by Joe Lieberman, and argues that without the public option or medicare buy-in, the bill doesn't work the same and isn't worth passing.

Keith Olbermann fuming over the current state of health reform. Pleads with Obama to take action:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Howard Dean opposes the current health care bill-

"If I were a senator, I would not vote for the current health-care bill. Any measure that expands private insurers' monopoly over health care and transfers millions of taxpayer dollars to private corporations is not real health-care reform. Real reform would insert competition into insurance markets, force insurers to cut unnecessary administrative expenses and spend health-care dollars caring for people. Real reform would significantly lower costs, improve the delivery of health care and give all Americans a meaningful choice of coverage. The current Senate bill accomplishes none of these."

Read his full argument-

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/16/AR2009121601906.html

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs hit back on Howard Dean's assessment-

(From the Huffington Post)

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs strongly hit back at former DNC Chairman Howard Dean for criticizing the Senate health care bill, suggesting, at one point, that Dean was being irrational and didn't understand the contents of the legislation.

"I don't know what piece of legislation he is reading," said Gibbs.

"I would ask Dr. Dean, how better do you address those who don't have insurance: passing a bill that will cover 30 million who don't currently have it or killing the bill?" he added. "I don't think any rational person would say killing the bill makes a whole lot of sense at this point."

Asked if Dean was acting irrationally, Gibbs replied: "I can't tell what his motives are, to be honest with you."

(Read more)-
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/16/gibbs-lashes-back-at-dean_n_394596.html

Nate Silver's analysis of the current Senate health care proposal. He welcomes criticism of the numbers.

Read how he came up with the numbers here-
http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2009/12/why-progressives-are-batshit-crazy-to.html

As if health care reform wasn't enough of a war zone already.

Terminator Now (Pt. 2)

2009-12-10T22:32:00.000-08:00

The breakthroughs in robotics are not limited to ground warfare. While the Navy has invested in to the technology, mainly in the realm of artificial intelligence for defense systems, it is the air force that has perhaps vested the most interest in to the field. The Predator, a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) or drone plane, has been in operational use since the late 1990s.

As the technology has advanced, so has the military’s dependence on it. As of March 2009 there were a reported 195 Predators in the Air Force’s arsenal. Another report shows Predators firing missiles 244 times in Iraq and Afghanistan between 2007 and 2008. (Wikipedia) In 2009, President Obama cancelled funding for the overpriced and impractical F-22 fighter jet, and approved the Unmanned Aerial System Flight Plan, which places a heavier focus on the development of unmanned aircrafts. At $4.5 million, one could buy eighty-five Predators for the cost of one of the F-22 jets. (Singer, Wired for War)

A lot of people are at least aware of the existence of the Predator drone planes. These twenty-seven feet long, 1,130 pound planes are known as UAVs. (Singer, Wired for War) This means that the plane is pilot less and is flown by a “pilot”, usually on the other side of the ocean, via satellite communication. In his book, Wired for War, P.W. Singer likens the control panels for the drone planes to an arcade video game. After a day in one of these consoles, flying a satellite controlled robotic plane over the mountains of Afghanistan and attacking enemy targets, the “pilot” gets to go home and have dinner with his family around the kitchen table.

There are other advantages to having a plane without a pilot. The Predator can spend twenty-four hours in the air, at heights of twenty-six thousand feet, before it needs to refuel. (Singer, Wired for War) It goes without saying that would be impossible with a human pilot, who needs to eat, sleep, and go to the bathroom. Also, the controller receives satellite imagery from cameras attached to the plane that can see through clouds, smoke, and dust, something a human pilot would not be able to do. Since the Predator was originally created for surveillance, the cameras can also reportedly identify something as small as a license plate from two miles up.

The Predator is now one of the most lethal tools in the militaries arsenal. Although designed as a surveillance plane, Predators are now armed with laser-guided Hellfire missiles. The general populace started becoming familiar with Predators after some high profile attacks on the Pakistan border in 2008, but the truth is that as far back as between June 2005 and June 2006 Predators carried out a reported 2,073 missions, flew 33,833 hours, and surveyed 18,490 targets. (Singer, Wired for War) As noted before, the Air Force has been drifting towards the unmanned approach for some time.

The Predator has received some press and is more widely known than anything else in its robotics family currently on the battlefield. The Global Hawk, affectionately referred to as the Predator’s big brother, has stayed surprisingly in the shadows for something so big. The Hawk is forty feet long and is used to patrol entire regions of land, not just particular targets like the Predator. The Hawk flies autonomously after being put on a set course, which basically means it flies itself and doesn’t even have a pilot in an arcade console controlling it. It can stay in the air for up to thirty-five hours at altitudes of sixty-five thousand feet so the Global Hawk primarily serves the purpose of surveillance. (Singer, Wired for War) Think of it as the equivalent of the Star Destroyers in the Star Wars films, with the Predators being the smaller and more numerous TIE Fighters.

The Predators are not the smallest drone in the robotics chain though. There are UAVs even smaller that are launched and controlled by soldiers on the ground. One of these is the Shadow, which is about the size of a model airplane. The Shadow is used almost exclusively to patrol neighborhood sized areas. Its noisy nature, due to its propeller flying system, makes it incapable of being used for stealth surveillance missions.

For those missions that the Shadow cannot do, there is the Raven. The Raven is thirty-eight inches long, weighs four pounds and can fly for ninety minutes at up to four hundred feet. (Singer, Wired for War) In addition to being used for stealth surveillance on the ground, the Raven is also ideal for ground soldiers because it can be used to see over hills, walls, or buildings that may be obstructing their view. In effect, the ground military now has its own air support.

This is the present state of the robotic revolution. These wonders of technology that were once confined to the pages of science fiction are now being used daily on the battlefield and in civilian homes. Whether they are fighting our wars or cleaning our pools, the age of robots has arrived. But this is all just the beginning.

The peak, the ultimate goal, of robotic research is the sentient humanoid robot. These robots will be much like the ones in movies like Terminator, capable of independent thought and decision making, and humanoid in form and action. Steps towards this evolution have already been made. For years, iRobot has been researching animatronic facial expressions and responsive and expressive robotic software. (Wikipedia) In addition, scientists have been working on complicated networks of software with intricate ethic and judgment systems. The age of Terminators may be a lot closer than anyone realizes.

Another much talked about robot of the future is the Wasp. The Wasp, sometimes described to be a mini metallic robot beetle and other times a robotic moth, is the pinnacle of stealth surveillance technology. These tiny bug sized robots carry microscopic cameras and would (ideally) be completely silent; the literal fly on the wall.

All of this, these limitless possibilities of robotic technology, is where the questions of ethics begin to arise. Should robots be able to make decisions on their own? Should we license them to be able to make life or death decisions? Is the microscopic camera robot too much? In 2008, there were reports of several sightings of these “Wasp” spy robots at political events; claims that are widely regarded to be paranoid conspiracy babble, but it does put in to perspective the terrifying prospect of the power of such tools.

Ultimately, humans have nothing to fear from the robot revolution, except for maybe the prospect of the complete deficit of self sufficiency. All technological revolutions bring about their own problems, questions, and obstacles. Inevitably, they are always exaggerated and inflated by the human race’s crippling fear of change. The technology and lack of responsibility already exist in the world’s atomic bomb supplies to destroy this planet ten times over. Comparatively, what threats do robots pose?

For even though there are legitimate and sizable complications in the transition to a robotic age, it will always be us humans in control of the direction of progress. The biggest fear in some circles is that al-Qaeda, or any enemy organization, could disable and capture a robot and then reprogram it to work under their orders. Already, the human race is its own biggest obstacle and enemy in this new field of development. When the Terminator arrives, it may just be that it has more to fear from us than we ever could from it.

Sources
Antal, J. (2009, July). I Fight the Body Electric! . Military Technology
Engdahl, S. (2008). Artificial Intelligence. Contemporary Issues Companion
Knight, G. (2009, March). March of the Terminators. Daily Mail (London)
Singer, P. (2009). Wired for War. Penguin Pr.

iRobot. Wikipedia. Retrieved (2009, December ) from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irobot

Terminator Now (Pt. 1 of 2)

2009-12-06T10:27:00.000-08:00

Abstract

I decided to write “Terminator Now” because I feel that the advancement of robotic technology has been neglected by the mainstream media, and as a consequence there are many who are totally oblivious to what is happening in the field. Robots and autonomous technology are the future of military conflict. We are right now only in the beginning stages of this transition, and it is important these breakthroughs don’t sneak up on us. I have tried to concentrate primarily on technology already in use or in development. The rise of the robots is inevitable, so what actions we as humans take is really inconsequential. My purpose in this writing has simply been to inform on the subject so that the reader can begin to anticipate and better prepare for this new age.

Terminator Now

To the general populace, the current wave of military technology developing in all three branches of the United States military is the stuff only possible in science fiction. Most of the million dollar contracts currently funded by the Pentagon are invested in technologies straight out of the Terminator movie series or a H.G. Wells novel. It has been dubbed the era of “robots at war”. The future is here.

When the tank and the bomber plane made their debut they seemed like works of fantasy; strange, alien inventions of a new age. Today too the breakthroughs occurring in military test fields and scientific labs seem to be the work of fiction. Artificial intelligence programs capable of making decisions through complex software judgment systems; Robotic planes equipped with missiles and state of the art surveillance technology that are controlled by pilots on the other side of the world via satellite controls; Soldier droids that can be equipped with machine guns and grenade launchers. The age of robots arrived without anyone even realizing it.

The Prometheus of robotic technology is a company by the name of iRobot. (The company was named after the book “I, Robot” by Isaac Asimov, which was recently adapted in to a Will Smith movie). iRobot was founded in 1990 by Rodney Brooks, Colin Angle and Helen Greiner who were all students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. iRobot originated with several small government contracts and to make service robots for individual sale on the public market. The Roomba, an autonomous vacuum cleaner robot was their most successful model. A range of robots for other home chores such as the Looj, a gutter cleaning robot, and the Verro, a swimming pool cleaning robot, soon followed.

It didn’t take long for the military to begin aggressively funding research at iRobot. In 1998 iRobot formed a contract with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Soon after, what is perhaps at this time the world’s most famous robot, the PackBot, would appear.

The PackBot weighs forty-two pounds and, in the words of P.W. Singer, is about the size of a lawnmower. It is controlled via remote control, and in some instances have even been controlled using rigged Playstation and Xbox video game controllers. The PackBot essentially looks like a small metal box with tank treads on either side, and with two large metal poles on top, one with a camera attached, and another with a “gripper” hand. The tank treads are made of a special polymer patented by iRobot that allow it to travel over rocks, snow, mud, and even under water while moving at speeds of up to five miles per hour.

Most critically, the PackBot has eight payload bays and hookups that allow for interchangeable tools such as a mine detector or chemical weapon sensor. (Singer, Wired for War) The PackBot has been serving the United States in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2002, primarily by disarming IEDs (improvised explosive device) in the war on terror. However, there are already reports of the robots being field rigged, with everything from claymore mines to a shotgun, to be the first combat robot model.

One PackBot costs about $150,000, which may sound like a lot, but is significantly cheaper than the costs that go in to training and then caring for a human soldier to do some of the same jobs. (Singer, Wired for War) Of course, there is also the obvious benefit of being able to send a robot in to a possible danger area to disarm an explosive than a human soldier. The military also obviously realizes these benefits as evidenced in the $286 million dollar contract awarded to iRobot in 2008.

iRobot is not the only company making history through robotic invention. Foster-Miller, a perhaps better known name due to the diversity in their products, has been providing for the military for almost as long. The company has essentially its own version of the PackBot, called the Talon, but its true gem is the SWORDS (for Special Weapons Observation Reconnaissance Detection System), the robot that could be called the first Terminator.

The SWORDS is not a humanoid android robot, it essentially looks like a little tank. It is, however, the first robot created specifically for combat. In place of a gripper like on the PackBot, the SWORDS has a gun mount. Everything from a M-16 to an antitank rocket launcher can be equipped to the mount in less than a minute.

Unlike the PackBot, which has a small amount of artificial intelligence, the SWORDS can only be operated through manual control via remote. Still, the robot interface has its advantages. In addition to not endangering the troops operating it, the SWORDS is a lethal sucker. In military tests, the SWORDS hit the bull’s-eye seventy out of seventy times. For everything it can do, at $230,000 per unit, the SWORDS seem like a bargain. (Singer, Wired for War)

To be continued...

(Not much of a cliffhanger, I know, but I wrote this as a paper for school, not a blog)

President Obama On Jobs

2009-12-05T11:35:00.001-08:00

Religious Leaders Protest Beck

2009-12-04T17:25:00.000-08:00

Church groups were upset at Beck's use of Christian imagery and
Christmas as a way to disseminate what they call his largely hateful
message. They believe the way Beck addresses women, people of color and
immigrants is incompatible with the Christian ethic.

The Way Forward in Afghanistan

2009-12-01T19:40:00.000-08:00

Sorry, my (most) liberal friends: I support the President's decision to send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan. Yes, I am aware that we have been there for over eight years. Yes, it is true that al-Qaeda is mainly based in Pakistan. Yes, it is also true that Afghanistan has never been (and can never be) a fully functioning democratic nation state. And yes, our "partners", the Afghanistan government run by Karzai, could not possibly be any more corrupt or worthless.

But no, none of that is reason enough to risk a premature withdraw from the region, if for nothing else but for security's sake. I don't care what Michael Moore says. Afghanistan started as a war of necessity, after the attacks on 9/11 by al-Qadea who were based in Afghanistan at the time. It is true that they might be primarily based in Pakistan now, but they continue to launch attacks and have influence in Afghanistan. If we left now, you can bet they would regain control of the already destabilized region before anybody even knew better.

What I think is interesting is the political fall out of the President's approach. For once, in the first time since the Inauguration, the Republicans are actually vocally standing behind the President and supporting him. (Except for the vampire Dick Cheney who apparently operates on an island of his own).

In contrast, it is now the Democrats losing their heads and grumbling about the next election cycle. That is even after Obama threw the left a bone by announcing a withdraw plan for Afghanistan beginning in 2011 (so for accuracy sake, the plan is a temporary surge followed by a timed withdraw). All I have to say to these Dems, is if the President has a plan to start getting us out of the region in 2011 (which will be about the 10 year mark in the war), why not just let him and the generals have the troops they think they need to do it? Honestly, don't pretend like you know more about strategic military decisions than the people at the top of the chain of command. Remember when Cheney accused Obama of "dithering?" The President spent weeks, almost months, on this decision. It was not made lightly. There were debates and deliberations between some of the sharpest minds of these subjects the entire time. There is something in this plan for both sides. A troop increase for Republicans and a timed withdraw for Democrats. So far there has been a lot bigger of a fuss on the left.

It just goes back to the saying that in politics, when you drive down the middle of the road you get hit by traffic on both sides.

In short, I support the troop increase because I think our attention and focus has been negligent in Afghanistan since pretty much the start of the Iraq war and needs to be made up for. I support the timed withdraw, because we should not be occupying Afghanistan, or trying to turn it in to something it can never be (a fully functioning democratic nation state). And hopefully, as the idea goes, the time line will make not only our only military actions more efficient, but make our partners in the Afghanistan government wake up and actually do something.

So for this blogger, another home run for President Obama.

*EDIT* Next day update: Republicans are suddenly turning against the President's plan in waves. Big surprise.

The American Conundrum

2009-12-01T15:01:00.000-08:00

Bob Englehart. more here : http://blogs.courant.com/bob_englehart/

What's Wrong With Glenn Beck

2009-11-29T10:09:00.001-08:00

The following is clipped from a conversation I was having with an ideological opponent, so if it seems short, crude, or incomplete, that is why. Still a good summary of my feelings on the subject:

...it is a sad testament to Beck that despite watching his show, having heard his radio show, and reading his book (Common Sense), I can't actually argue against any of his political positions, because he doesn't really have any, which is what my problem with him in short boils down to. He admits himself to being a rodeo clown entertainer, and if that is all he was worth, I wouldn't even care about him. Unfortunately, he presents himself and some perceive him to be a credible news source or a fair and legitimate pundit opinion.

Let me get to it with some examples-Beck is fond of saying that health care reform is a government take over, is going to lead to a socialized state, and is Obama's way of getting back at whites for slavery (yes, he actually said that), yet he presents NO ideas, alternatives, or solutions of his own. (This is where that party of "no" stuff comes in). Even if they don't agree how to do it, a majority of Americans support health care reform and recognize the system is broken. Steeping your speech in anti-government rhetoric and hate is not tantamount to offering a solution or alternative. The same goes for him on the bailouts and the stimulus, which he railed against, cried about, said all kinds of offensive and crazy things and generally lost his mind over without offering any ideas or alternative to how to save American jobs, companies, and savings. Just saying "no" or "less government" does not address or solve any of the problems facing President Obama and America. It's easy to sit on the side lines and shout how the plays should be done, anyone can do it. Doesn't mean it's worth anything. But in addition to having no ideas or substance, he is also just a hate-mongering, possible racist, that plays to and amps up people's irrational fear for his own selfish reasons of book sales and ratings. That is why I not only don't like Glenn Beck or agree with him on anything, I don't have any respect for him.

Beck on Palin

2009-11-28T09:33:00.000-08:00

While talking about the possibility of being on Palin's ticket in the 2012 election on his radio show, Glenn Beck said:

"No, no I'm just saying -- Beck-Palin, I'll consider. But Palin-Beck -- can you imagine, can you imagine what an administration with the two of us would be like? What? Come on! She'd be yapping or something, and I'd say, "I'm sorry, why am I hearing your voice? I'm not in the kitchen."

Get the F*** Out

2009-11-27T13:20:00.000-08:00

From the Huffingtonpost-

In a little-noticed blog post published on the White House website in September, President Obama's special counsel for ethics and government reform Norm Eisen announced that the administration no longer wanted federally-registered lobbyists appointed to agency advisory boards and commissions.

These appointees to boards and commissions, which are made by agencies and not the President, advise the federal government on a variety of policy areas. Keeping these advisory boards free of individuals who currently are registered federal lobbyists represents a dramatic change in the way business is done in Washington.

As has been reported, the President has made a commitment to close the revolving door that has in the past allowed lobbyists and others to move to and from full-time federal government service. In furtherance of this commitment, the President issued Executive Order 13490, which bars anyone appointed by the President who has been a federally-registered lobbyist within the past two years from working on particular matters or in the specific areas in which they lobbied or from serving in agencies they had lobbied. The aspiration we are announcing today builds on this commitment. While the letter of the President's Executive Order on Ethics does not apply to federally-registered lobbyists appointed by agency or department heads, the spirit does and we have conveyed that to the agencies who are responsible for these appointments.

On Friday, the Washington Post reported that the move "may turn out to be the most far-reaching lobbying rule change so far from President Obama," resulting in "hundreds, if not thousands, of lobbyists" being ejected from federal advisory panels.

http://bit.ly/6qqQtH

Why People Love Sarah Palin

2009-11-25T17:18:00.001-08:00

From New Left Media at http://www.newleftmedia.com

They also had this posted, in response to any potential criticism of partisanship:

THERE ARE UNINFORMED OBAMA SUPPORTERS, TOO
It has been said in comments that we would find similarly talking point-driven, substance-less supporters at an Obama rally, and we agree. But no politician has emerged on the national stage as ... See More undefined and unqualified as Sarah Palin, and her public persona--which is anti-intellectual by definition--discourages substance. Instead, we get winking. One could hardly imagine her giving a complex speech about race in America, or speaking eloquently about our country's relations with Islam. Not just because she couldn't write such a speech (Obama has speech-writers, of course) but because she wouldn't--such necessarily academic discussion is antithetical to the persona she's created for herself and that her supporters have come to love.

Are You Smarter Than a Politician?

2009-11-25T10:19:00.000-08:00

Lou Dobbs is reportedly talking about running for the Senate, as an intermediate step to running for the White House. There has been talk about Glenn Beck running for office. Some still consider Sarah Palin a serious nominee.Has reality TV really already effected people's brains this much? You've always had to have a celebrity appeal, they call it charisma, to run for office. All three of them do. But you use to be required to actually know something too. Is everybody else as frightened by the prospect of having celebrity "face" politicians, who have a television smile, but literally know nothing more than what their advisers just briefed them on? I shudder for us, Facebook generation.

An Open Letter To A Delusional Reader

2009-11-22T21:01:00.000-08:00

From Mario Piperni, at www.mariopiperni.com

A reader from Tennessee writes in response to the current health care system.

“I have never in my 58 years of life known anyone first hand, or even second or third hand that has experienced the difficulties you mention. While I am certain there are exceptions, I don’t think it is nearly as rampant as the left/libs want us to think. I think a lot of the “hysteria” concerning shortcomings of the Health Care System are a healthy dose of “Chicken Little”.”

To him I say, check this link from a View from a Stall. (http://shar.es/aikXH) Former health insurance executive, Wendell Potter talked about dropping into…

“…a three-day charity program at a county fairgrounds to provide medical care for patients who could not afford doctors. Long lines of people were waiting in the rain, and patients were being examined and treated in public in stalls intended for livestock.”

You sit wherever the hell it is you sit surrounded by the possessions of your comfortable life and doubt that there is real suffering out there. You talk about “exceptions”. You try to make people who speak of the suffering and death caused by a broken health care system appear as if they are delusional and hysterical.

No, my friend, it is you who are not only delusional, but blind. I think you honestly believe your own words and that makes you the most dangerous and pathetic type of American. You believe that with some tinkering, whatever minor problems there might be within the current system, they would be fixed and everyone would shut up and stop complaining. You are one who judges everything by the manner in which they themselves are affected. If it isn’t raining over whatever part of Tennessee you’re at, then it just isn’t raining. Or, should someone convince you that it is indeed raining in California or New York, then you have no problem assigning blame to the individuals who are getting wet. It is their fault. It is always their fault.

Read more at mariopiperni.com

http://shar.es/aikX1

Democrats Get It Done

2009-11-21T19:49:00.000-08:00

I have to say, I am legitimately shocked and impressed. The Dems actually move the ball down the field.

In a way you can neither overstate or understate the importance of this vote. On one hand, yes, it was only a procedural vote that just allows the legislation to enter in to the real debate and actual vote. The Dems will still have to break another Republican filibuster attempt to close the debate. If they can do that, all they need is a simple majority vote (51), which they have easily.

But on the other hand, this is an effort that some critics have labeled dead for months. The Democrat's incompetence and impotence is something of legend. Three Democratic senators were on the fence until today. Republicans were in a full uniformed united effort to filibuster the bill and kill it before it reached the floor and could be debated on. Not a single Republican voted to allow the legislation to even reach the floor.

In the end, the Democrats secured all 58 members of their caucus and brought in both Independent votes to reach the needed 60 votes to break a filibuster. For now at least, our sometimes friend/ sometimes foe Joe Lieberman came through.

Good on you, Joe.

From CNN.com-

"Health care reform backers won a key victory Saturday night as the Senate voted to move ahead with a floor debate on a sweeping $848 billion bill.

The 60-39 vote to prevent a Republican filibuster against the start of debate on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's legislation broke down along strict party lines. All 58 Senate Democrats -- along with independent Sens. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut and Bernie Sanders of Vermont -- supported bringing the measure to the floor.

Thirty-nine of the 40 Senate Republicans opposed the motion. Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, didn't vote.

"Tonight's historic vote brings us one step closer to ending insurance company abuses, reining in spiraling health care costs, providing stability and security to those with health insurance and extending quality health coverage to those who lack it," White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said in a statement."

http://shar.es/aiYWc

Senate Health Care Vote

2009-11-20T17:22:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow there will be a vote on whether or not to allow the Senate Health Care Bill to move on to the Senate floor (where the real vote on the actual legislation takes place). Every single Republican senator is united in a filibuster attempt to block the legislation from even having a chance to be properly debated on.
(Why they are so afraid of a fair vote beats me).

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid needs every Democrat in the Senate to be united in this vote tomorrow.

Call your senator, now!

And especially call if you have a Republican senator and let them know you are paying attention and not happy with their actions.

Organizing for America | BarackObama.com

"We're in the final sprint toward reform, and the next challenge is already here. It's critical for constituents to weigh in right away, and for senators to hear quickly and unmistakably: Move forward! Please call your senators now.

We need to thank those who have fought so hard to get us this far, and remind them all that their constituents support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and want a fair and honest debate without delay."

Jon Stewart vs Lou Dobbs

2009-11-19T10:28:00.001-08:00

While having some border line fringe positions, I don't think Dobbs is as bad off as a Beck or Hannity. While I believe Stewart is the clear winner, it was a good debate for both men. An important conversation.

Round One:
Exclusive - Lou Dobbs Extended Interview Pt. 1

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Crisis

Round Two:
Exclusive - Lou Dobbs Extended Interview Pt. 2

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Crisis

Round Three:

Exclusive - Lou Dobbs Extended Interview Pt. 3

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Crisis

Your winner, by TKO in the third round, Jon Stewart!

Gone Rogue

2009-11-19T09:43:00.000-08:00

Daily Show: The Rogue Warrior

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Crisis

Senate Health Care Reform Bill (Reid Delivers)

2009-11-18T20:25:00.000-08:00

From CNN.com-

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid unveiled a sweeping health care bill Wednesday that would expand health insurance coverage to 30 million more Americans at an estimated cost of $849 billion over 10 years.

Reid and other Senate Democrats cited an analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office for the coverage and cost figures.

In addition, they said at a news conference, the budget office estimated that the proposal would reduce the federal deficit by $127 billion over the next 10 years and by more than $600 billion in the following decade.

Reid, D-Nevada, needs 60 votes in the 100-member Senate to overcome a certain GOP filibuster attempt and open the chamber's debate on the bill. It would take another 60 votes to close debate that could last for weeks, while final approval of the bill would only require a simple majority.

A public option with an optional state opt out is included in the bill.

President Obama's statement-

"From day one, our goal has been to enact legislation that offers stability and security to those who have insurance and affordable coverage to those who don't, and that lowers costs for families, businesses and governments across the country. The Senate proposal meets those principles."

Read more-
http://bit.ly/SY3Bz

Going Rogue

2009-11-17T16:36:00.000-08:00

Thought I would post this again in light of all the talk about Palin and her book.

Deeply funny stuff.

President Barack Obama at Town Hall in China

2009-11-16T09:14:00.000-08:00

President Obama begins his prepared remarks at about the 9 minute mark. The really interesting part is when he starts the "town hall" question segment, at about the 25 minute mark, which (keep in mind this was broadcast on TV and the internet) is something that is unprecedented in heavily censored China. (In China, Facebook and Twitter along with many other sites are blocked on the internet by the government).

Read the prepared remarks here-

http://shar.es/az0a6

America Hates Immigrants!

2009-11-16T07:52:00.000-08:00

Moves kind of slow at first but it's worth it. Funny stuff.

As an advisory, it's worth noting I don't actually share the sentiments of the "Anti-Columbus" crowd (I don't know if they even do or if it is just a symbolic protest), but think it's appropriate that the Anti-Immigration crowd got a taste of their own medicine. We are all immigrants to this land and it's not a nice feeling to have people accusing you of crime, disease, and the disintegration of communities while shouting for you to leave.

I saw this on http://www.brilliantatbreakfast.blogspot.com

Originally from http://www.idonthateamerica.com

Copenhagen=Epic Preemptive Fail

2009-11-15T16:58:00.000-08:00

From Time.com-

"Confirming doubts that had been growing for months, the world leaders in attendance at APEC... announced on Sunday morning that a legally binding deal on climate change would be impossible to achieve at the U.N. summit on global warming in Copenhagen next month.

Instead, in Copenhagen, diplomats will aim to reach a less aggressive — and much less specific — "politically binding" agreement, with the hope that hard numbers and legal obligations to reduce climate change would be added soon, in a two-step approach.

The reason is simple: the deadlock between developed nations and developing ones. Developing nations refuse most responsibility for climate change, arguing that warming is primarily the fault of rich industrialized countries, and want the developed world to take on strict short-term emissions reduction targets. Developed nations, led by the U.S., argue that fast-growing developing nations like China and India will emit the vast majority of future carbon emissions, and that any deal that exempts them from action — as the Kyoto Protocol did — is a farce. Despite months of negotiations in Barcelona, Bangkok and other world cities, that gap remains vast.

Read more: http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1939573,00.html#ixzz0WyoNGVhK

Epic fail.

President Obama Speaks on the Future of U.S. Leadership in Asia Pacific Region

2009-11-14T20:00:00.000-08:00

The Tea Party Hypocrisy

2009-11-14T19:53:00.000-08:00

From a fellow liberal blog here on blogspot, Brilliant at Breakfast. http://www.brilliantatbreakfast.blogspot.com

"If you're a liberal and the President is a Republican, your protest is penned in a mile away from where the president is. If you're a teabagger and the President is a Democrat, you can take a loaded gun to the place where the president is appearing.

If you were a lefty activist in the 1960's and you advocated armed revolution, you might find yourself on an FBI watch list for the rest of your life and ended up going to jail for conspiracy. For that matter, if you are an adviser to the president and you ever used the "r" word, you're hounded out of your post by teabaggers. But if you're a conservative teabagger in 2009, you can advocate revolution and get paid millions of dollars by a corporation to use the public airwaves to do so. You can even be a United States Congresswoman."

Read the full blog-

Brilliant at Breakfast

FOX News Is Full of Crap

2009-11-11T08:51:00.000-08:00

If that hasn't been evidenced enough already, here is Jon Stewart blowing it open-

Sean Hannity Uses Glenn Beck's Protest Footage

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Crisis

FOX News=opinion journalism masquerading as news.

Happy Veterans Day

2009-11-11T08:34:00.000-08:00

Thanks and respect to those who have served and those who continue to serve America.

The Greatest Country

2009-11-11T05:21:00.001-08:00

"According to a study released by the Harvard Medical School, 2,266 veterans under the age of 65 died last year as a result of not having health insurance. Researchers emphasize that "that figure is more than 14 times the number of deaths (155) suffered by U.S. troops in Afghanistan in 2008, and more than twice as many as have died (911 as of Oct. 31) since the war began in 2001."

http://bit.ly/38eaKl

Congressional Steel Cage Match

2009-11-10T09:38:00.000-08:00

The Men Who Stare at Votes

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Crisis

Shit On Rupert Murdoch

2009-11-10T08:24:00.000-08:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Gay Marriage Should Not Be Legal

2009-11-10T07:48:00.000-08:00

I originally saw this on http://www.brilliantatbreakfast.blogspot.com It is originally from http://www.modernfabulousity.blogspot.com

THE TOP TEN REASONS WHY GAY MARRIAGE SHOULD NOT BE LEGAL

1. Being gay is not natural. Real Americans always reject unnatural things like eyeglasses, polyester, and air conditioning.

2. Gay marriage will encourage people to be gay, in the same way that hanging around tall people will make you tall.

3. Legalizing gay marriage will open the door to all kinds of crazy behavior. People may even wish to marry their pets because a dog has legal standing and can sign a marriage contract.

4. Straight marriage has been around a long time and hasn’t changed, like many of the principles on which this great country was founded: women are still property, blacks still can’t marry whites, and divorce is still illegal.

5. Straight marriage will be less meaningful if gay marriage were allowed; the sanctity of marriages like Britney Spears’ 55-hour, just-for-fun marriage would be destroyed.

6. Straight marriages are valid because they produce children. Gay couples, infertile couples, and old people shouldn’t be allowed to marry, because our orphanages aren’t full yet and the world needs more children.

7. Obviously gay parents will raise gay children, since straight parents only raise straight children.

8. Gay marriage is not supported by religion. In a theocracy like ours, the values of one religion are imposed on the entire country. That’s why we have only one religion in America.

9. Children can never succeed without a male and a female role model at home. That’s why we as a society expressly forbid single parents to raise children.

10. Gay marriage will change the foundation of society, and we could never adapt to new social norms. Just like we haven’t adapted to cars, the service-sector economy, or longer life spans.

For A Smile

2009-11-08T13:54:00.001-08:00

Hilarious.

Health Care Reform TODAY

2009-11-07T09:15:00.001-08:00

"The House is poised to vote today on comprehensive health reform legislation — and we expect it to be very close. But with only hours left before the vote, the insurance industry and their allies are putting extraordinary pressure on every representative to defeat it.

So we need to make sure representatives' phones are ringing off the hook with constituents supporting reform."

Here is what you can do now-

Organizing for America | BarackObama.com

The website gives you the telephone number for your local representatives based off of your zip code, and even gives you some tips on what to say. Here is pretty much all that needs to be said-

"Hello, my name is __________ and I'm a constituent calling from __________ (city or town).

I'm calling to ask you to vote for the House health reform bill."

The official House health care bill-

http://shar.es/akHEc

Fort Hood

2009-11-06T19:05:00.000-08:00

Thoughts are with the families and those others effected by the Fort Hood tragedy.

Glenn Beck, go to hell

2009-11-04T15:31:00.000-08:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

"Beck, you and the 9/12ers have the nerve to exploit 9/11 for your lousy TV raitings? You cannot make light of 9/11, nor bandy about as if your petty political grievances are comparable to it and still be an actual, patriotic American. In short, Glenn, 9/12ers, if you're invoking 9/11 just to oppose health care reform, go to hell."

Maher: Is this as good as it gets from Obama?

2009-11-04T14:39:00.000-08:00

"It's still too early to lose hope in a guy as smart and talented as Barack Obama. But I would counsel him to remember: If you're going undercover to infiltrate how Washington works, so you become one of them for a while, to gain their confidence, well, it can be just like all those movies where a cop goes deep, deep, DEEP undercover with drug people and -- fuck, he's a drug addict, too!"

Read the full blog here-

http://bit.ly/NYmPT

Nov. 3rd Elections

2009-11-03T22:04:00.000-08:00

If you've missed it, the big story in politics right now is the Republicans sweeping hotly contested elections for governor in New Jersey and Virginia. Republicans are, of course, claiming this is a referendum on the entire Obama agenda.

The Huffington Post-

"Conservative Republican Bob McDonnell's victory in the Virginia governor's race over Democrat R. Creigh Deeds and moderate Republican Chris Christie's ouster of unpopular New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine was a double-barreled triumph for a party looking to rebuild after being booted from power in national elections in 2006 and 2008."

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/03/virginia-governors-race-2_n_344576.html

The Republicans won some governor positions. Congratulations. But as to this being a referendum on President Obama?

CBS News-

A majority of voters in both states said they are worried about the direction of the nation’s economy over the next year. 85 percent of Virginia voters said they are worried, as are 90 percent of voters in New Jersey. These percentages were similar on Election Day in 2008.

In both states the economy topped the list of issues that mattered most to voters in their choice for governor – in Virginia health care was second, while in New Jersey the second choice was property taxes.

Still, majorities of voters in both states (55 percent in Virginia and 60 percent in New Jersey) said President Obama was not a factor in their vote today. Those who said Mr. Obama was a factor in New Jersey divided as to whether their vote was a vote for the president (19 percent) or against him (20 percent). In Virginia, slightly fewer voters said their vote was for Mr. Obama (18 percent) than against him (24 percent).

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/11/03/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5514455.shtml

Also, in other news, the so called Conservative candidate in the New York congressional race that forced the RNC endorsed Republican candidate out of the race lost to Democrat Bill Owens. The story was significant because after the Republican party officially endorsed the Republican candidate Dierdre Scozzafava, Sarah Palin went rogue and endorsed the Conservative candidate Doug Hoffman (the Conservative candidate was essentially a representative of the tea party factions, as it has been explained). After all the drama, the Democrat won anyway.

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/03/bill-owens-leads-doug-hof_n_344776.html

Obama: Dropping the ball?

2009-11-01T00:09:00.000-07:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

For the record, I would be fine with a "trigger" or the state opt-out currently present in the Senate bill. I agree with Ed, however, that President Obama is not pushing hard enough for the public option or putting enough pressure on Republican legislators.

Democrats Suck Pt. 2

2009-10-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

In the last minute, Jon Stewart nails why Democrats are incompetent gutless fools.

Public Option Limited

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Crisis

What You Can Do For Health Care Reform NOW

2009-10-27T18:06:00.001-07:00

The most important thing at this stage any one can do is to remind crucial members in the Senate that the public option is what America wants, and to put pressure on them by letting them know that we are watching where they stand on it.

Forget Olympia Snowe, she's a lost cause. Here are the people you need to email, at least once, to tell them you want the public option and you want them to support it-

(It doesn't matter AT ALL if they are not from your state. In fact, that is the point. To let these Senators know that all of America is watching their stance on this issue.)

(Do not be afraid to do this!!! Every representative has their contact information posted on their site for a reason-they are suppose to hear from the people. That is how they know how to do their job.)

Senator Joe Lieberman (Connecticut)-

http://shar.es/aqADp

If you are only going to contact one person, make it Senator Lieberman. He is the only Independent in the Senate, and with his vote all the Democrats would need to do is secure all of the Democratic seat votes. Today, Lieberman said he would join the GOP in a filibuster against the public option. Tell him that is not acceptable and the American public demands the public option.

Senator Evan Bayh (Indiana)-

http://bayh.senate.gov/contact/email/

Senator Ben Nelson (Nebraska)-

http://bennelson.senate.gov/email-issues.cfm

We have to do this. The fate of the public option is in the hands of these Senators, and without pressure saying that America wants the PO and is watching, they will probably be cowards and be content to duck away from the fight. Don't let them weasel out of this.

If you are unsure of what to say or are just shy, feel free to copy this message (it applies to all of them), that I wrote, especially for you:

"Dear Senator,

I am writing to inform you of my support for the public option. America wants the public option in health care reform and is counting on you to do the right thing in supporting it."

Short, simple, and to the point. All that needs to be said.

Take action. Be involved. Shape history.

Tea Parties, Dick Cheney, and the Public Option

2009-10-26T11:50:00.001-07:00

Sorry it has been so long since the last update. I have been (and continue to be) sick.

Three major new blogs coming in the next week though. Stay tuned.

Until then, some thoughts on a host of issues-

Conservatives-Sorry, but it is not the 1700's anymore. We are not a thirteen state agricultural country. In a country as big as America, in this globalized world, we cannot afford to NOT have a strong federal government. (Full blog on this coming later).

**

Tea Parties=sensationalism. Why did the Tea Parties, and now the "Tea Parties 2", receive twice as much coverage as the gay rights march even though the movements had the same number of people? And, on top of that, the Tea Parties have been proven to be politically organized by former Republican legislators like Dick Armey.

**

In 2002 Dick Cheney said "The Taliban regime is out of commission [in Afghanistan], permanently." Obviously, this guy knows what he is talking about. /sarcasm. (This had to be right around the infamous "Mission Accomplished" scene...). Now, the Dick is chastising Obama for taking time to make a deliberate decision about sending more troops in to a war zone. Please, Mr. Penguin, shut the hell up.

**

60% of Americans want a public option. At least 53 Senators are behind it. The White House is behind it. Three different House Committees have passed bills with it. Fuck the obstructionist, this needs to get done. Do it, Harry Reid, do it.

Jesus is a Liberal

2009-10-15T12:37:00.000-07:00

In the 21st century, many see the Republican Party as the political arm of Christian faith. I find this odd, because I think the Democrats, the party which has historically been more involved in social justice and helping the least among us, are more in line with the teachings of the Bible. Many times in the Bible it says to “love thy neighbor”; a code Republicans tend to forget about if their neighbor is black, poor, or gay.

There is also a passage in the Bible that states “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven”. This philosophy seems to conflict with the Republican message of “Get a lot of money, to hell with everyone else”, or in the case of the majority of already rich Republicans, just “to hell with everyone else”.

Somehow I don’t think Jesus would find “They didn’t work hard enough” or “It’s mine!” a rightful response to people who are poor, sick, or in need. Jesus wouldn’t rationalize living in extreme posh and luxury while others are starving and homeless by saying “I deserve it better”. Jesus wouldn’t let millions get sick, go broke, and die because they have a “pre-existing condition” and can’t pay out of pocket for treatment.

So why is the Republican Party synonymous with Christian morals and belief? A lot of it stems from the issue of abortion. Most Christians are pro-life and for many this single issue dominates their political perception and persuasion. Gay marriage has also been a divisive issue as of late but mainly it comes from Republicans being better at playing the “I’m just like you!” political game. (This was Sarah Palin’s entire resume).

None of this explains how Jesus became Captain Capitalist to rural Republican voters. Many, for some inexplicable reason, think that the Bible advocates free market principles. It doesn’t; and for the record, neither does the constitution. The wide spread belief of both of these myths is actually just a testament to the political powers of Republicans like Karl Rove, a prominent force in the politicization of religion and using it in elections.

The GOP is at its core a political party, not a governing or legislative one. Typically, Republicans fair much better in sound clip wars and television ads than they do in substantive policy debates. The manner and effect in which they have framed the ideological debate, and more so how many people they have got to believe their story, is impressive in political terms. For many in the South and Mid-West, the Republican Party, free market ideals, and Christianity are one in the same while the inner city Democrats are a bunch of elite, godless, out of touch, communist monsters here to destroy America. There irony is that if Jesus was here today and he had a choice between helping the poor, impoverished and sick or supporting big business and their endless quest for higher profit, I know whose side he would be on.

Fox News Hates Gays

2009-10-14T20:14:00.000-07:00

Queer and Loathing in D.C.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Ron Paul Interview

Why We Need the Public Option

2009-10-13T13:12:00.000-07:00

For just a minute, lets forget about the big, obvious reasons of why America needs a public option (like people losing their jobs, thus losing their health care they have through their employer, and going broke from being sick. Or people with serious medical conditions who can't receive coverage because of greedy insurance companies with small print loopholes about "pre-existing conditions" and "rare afflictions") and focus in on something not many sources have brought up:

With or without a public option, health reform will pass this year. Most politicians will say they support health reform (although the validity of some of their sentiment is in question, to say the least), some just say they will not support a public option. Part of any health reform will be an insurance mandate. This means you will HAVE to purchase some kind of health care. That's a good thing. Your health is the most important thing you have and there is a time in everybody's life when they will need health treatment.

Now, the public option is suppose to exist to provide an option to the lowest income families, but also to force the health insurance companies to be competitive and play fair. If health reform passes without a public option, we will all be forced to buy insurance plans from the same insurance companies that we are trying to reign in and reform. The same companies that have been raising premiums, denying coverage, and gouging people financially. Health reform without a public option will be rewarding them.

Why isn't that covered anywhere?

Tell your representatives you want REAL health reform-

http://shar.es/1wjRi

Rush Limbaugh Is Not A Racist!!!

2009-10-12T13:30:00.000-07:00

Rush says the fevered, uncompromising opposition he has to President Obama isn't based on race.

Here is Mr. Limbaugh's feelings on slavery:

"I mean, let's face it, we didn't have slavery in this country for over 100 years because it was a bad thing. Quite the opposite: Slavery built the South. I'm not saying we should bring it back. I'm just saying it had its merits. For one thing, the streets were safer after dark."

and this is another pearl of wisdom on race from Rush:

" You know who deserves a posthumous Medal of Honor? James Earl Ray [the assassin of Martin Luther King]."

http://shar.es/1l9Pe

The fact that this man dominates radio is, to say the least, disturbing. He is an unhinged, racist pig and the only thing as disgusting as his existence is that there are those out there who connect with his fascist, hate laced dribble.

White House > Insurance Companies

2009-10-12T13:10:00.000-07:00

Today the White House responded sharply to insurance lobbyist's bogus claims:

AHIP CLAIM: Health reform will cause health care premiums to rise faster than they would under the current system.

REALITY: The Congressional Budget Office and other analysts confirm that the current Senate Finance Committee (SFC) health reform proposal will lower health care premiums in the exchange and make health insurance more affordable for families. AHIP’s study reaches its flawed conclusion for at least three reasons:

(read the three reasons on the White House website)-

http://bit.ly/4y7Cz0

Who Needs the Earth When You Got $?

2009-10-12T13:06:00.000-07:00

The argument against cap and trade legislation is that companies have the right to rape the world we are going to inherit for their profits.

GOP vs America

2009-10-10T09:35:00.000-07:00

The three most vocal opponents of President Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize were al-Qaeda, Iran, and Rush Limbaugh. What a winning team. Pretty telling Rush can agree with Osama Bin Laden before the President of the United States.

Rush says this is just evidence of a vast global left-wing conspiracy.

Yeah, having a dramatic positive impact on our international image, setting the withdraw from Iraq, working through combustible situations with Iran and North Korea without military incident, cooling our relations with Russia, working towards nuclear disarmament and peace in the Palestine area and building international support in diplomatic movements on Iran really isn't worth all that much I guess...

Not to mention being the first black President and inspiring people of every country, race, and creed around the globe.

Forget all that. Must of been his backroom leftist buddies!

President Obama For the Win

2009-10-09T12:33:00.001-07:00

President Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize.

The Offical Nobel committee statement-

“The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 is to be awarded to President Barack Obama for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. The Committee has attached special importance to Obama’s vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons.”

“Obama has as President created a new climate in international politics. Multilateral diplomacy has regained a central position, with emphasis on the role that the United Nations and other international institutions can play. Dialogue and negotiations are preferred as instruments for resolving even the most difficult international conflicts. The vision of a world free from nuclear arms has powerfully stimulated disarmament and arms control negotiations. Thanks to Obama’s initiative, the United States is now playing a more constructive role in meeting the great climatic challenges the world is confronting. Democracy and human rights are to be strengthened.”

“Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world’s attention and given its people hope for a better future. His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world’s population,” the citation said.

“For 108 years, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has sought to stimulate precisely that international policy and those attitudes for which Obama is now the world’s leading spokesman. The Committee endorses Obama’s appeal that “Now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility for a global response to global challenges.”

Republicans cheered when we lost the Olympics and booed when we won the Nobel Peace Prize. I guess country only comes first when they feel like it's theirs. Real patriotic.

Moore vs Hannity

2009-10-07T21:17:00.000-07:00

The whole showdown. If this was a boxing match, it would of been stopped early.

TKO by Moore.

The Politics of Spite - NYTimes.com

2009-10-05T18:56:00.001-07:00

"If Republicans think something might be good for the president, they’re against it — whether or not it’s good for America."

Op-Ed Columnist - The Politics of Spite - NYTimes.com

Contact House Republican Leader John Boehner

2009-10-04T10:18:00.000-07:00

House Republican Leader John Boehner says he has "yet to meet an American who wants the public option." (Which is pretty amazing since in polls a majority of HIS DISTRICT supports it). Write Rep. Boehner and tell him you support President Obama's health reform policies and the public option.

http://gopleader.gov/contact/

Capitalism: A Love Story

2009-10-03T21:29:00.000-07:00

The new Michael Moore film, Capitalism: A Love Story is a must see. Whether you are a Republican or Democrat, Obamamaniac or Bushite, if you care at all about America (or people in general), you have to see this movie. It is profound, infuriating, and eye opening.

A message from Michael Moore on his website-

"...For those of you waiting till next week to see it, I can't say this strongly enough: Do not put off going to see "Capitalism: A Love Story." It is not just a movie. It is a referendum that is being closely watched by the CEOs of America. Let me tell you bluntly, the suits on Wall Street are closely watching to see how this movie does this weekend. So, too, are the members of Congress. If "Capitalism" has a huge opening, it will send shivers down their corporate spines, telling them loud and clear that the American people are mad as hell and are not into taking it any more. It will put all the bosses on notice that the vast Obama-voting majority has awoken from its silence and are out in full force.

But if the attendance is just "ok" or "so-so," then they will be relieved knowing that there is not a popular groundswell of opposition out there -- and then they can go about their business as usual. I'd like to send them a different message."

You can read the full article here-

http://shar.es/1hgDd

GOP Celebrates America's Defeat

2009-10-03T21:21:00.000-07:00

Roland Martin introducing some common sense.

"...So, to all the critics happy about us losing the 2016 games, turn in your flag lapel pins and stop boasting of being so patriotic. When an American city loses, like New York did in the the last go-round, we all lose. And all you critics are on the same level as the America haters all across the world.

You should be shouted down for not backing your own country. The next time any of you bang out a press release about "Buy American" or "Support our troops," remember this moment when your cynical, callous and small-minded brains happily rejoiced when America lost the 2016 Olympic Games."

Read the full article here-
http://bit.ly/diLYS

Rep Grayson Stays at the Plate

2009-10-02T07:14:00.000-07:00

"America is sick of you, Republican party, you are a lie factory, that is all you ever do."

Thanks to Brilliant at Breakfast for the video.

Democrats Suck

2009-10-01T11:18:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I can almost connect with the Republican stereotype of trusting your talk show hosts first. Because legislators suck.

Democratic Super Majority

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Ron Paul Interview

Thank you, Jon Stewart

Also, a good one from Stephen Colbert-

Send Your Medical Bills to Max Baucus

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

www.colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

Michael Moore

And this from the Huffington Post-

"An investigation conducted by the Sunlight Foundation and the Center for Responsive Politics found that networks of lobbyist bundlers are funneling money to key members of Congress, including self-appointed health care reform leader Sen. Max Baucus.

Baucus, chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, collected contributions from 37 bundlers -- outside lobbyists who collect contributions from others and direct money to a particular candidate -- representing Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), and 36 others representing drugmaker Amgen, from January 2007 to July 2009.

All together, Baucus received extra donations from 11 major health and insurance firms through 10 or more outside lobbyists, according to the Sunlight Foundation."

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/01/baucus-other-lawmakers-ta_n_306193.html

http://bit.ly/Z14yV

http://www.thedailyshow.com

http://www.colbertnation.com

Be on TV!

2009-10-01T10:54:00.000-07:00

Add your name to a list in support of the public option that will appear in TV commercials in Washington D.C. and target states. You can also donate to help air the ad.

www.WeWantThePublicOption.com

This is a previous airing of the commercial-

Rep. Alan Grayson Gets in the Ring

2009-09-30T22:55:00.000-07:00

I'm not typically a fan of this sort of politics but sometimes you have to fight fire with fire. Rep. Alan Grayson (D-Fla.)takes the gloves off.

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/30/alan-grayson-republicans_n_303996.html

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Jon Stewart vs Sean Hannity

2009-09-30T22:49:00.000-07:00

Where the Riled Things Are

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Ron Paul Interview

White House Calls Out Fox And Glenn Beck On Olympics

2009-09-30T22:46:00.001-07:00

If you need any more proof that Glenn Beck is a moron...

White House Calls Out Fox And Glenn Beck On Olympics

Short excerpt-

"BECK SAID VANCOUVER LOST $1 BILLION WHEN IT "HAD THE OLYMPICS." Glenn Beck said, "Vancouver lost, how much was it? they lost a billion dollars when they had the Olympics." [Transcript, Glenn Beck Show, 9/29/09]

REALITY: VANCOUVER'S OLYMPICS WILL NOT TAKE PLACE UNTIL 2010. Vancouver will host the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games from February 12 - 28, 2010 and March 12-21, 2010, respectively."

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/30/white-house-calls-out-fox_n_305428.html

Senators Reject Pair of Public Option Proposals - NYTimes.com

2009-09-29T21:02:00.001-07:00

Senators Reject Pair of Public Option Proposals - NYTimes.com

65% of Americans Favor Public Option

2009-09-28T13:08:00.000-07:00

A new poll by CBS/New York Times shows that 65% of Americans favor a public option in health care reform while only 26% oppose-

http://shar.es/179Zt

The President's Address to the United Nations

2009-09-27T23:08:00.000-07:00

"We could be remembered as a generation that chose to drag the arguments of the 20th century in to the 21st. That put off our choices, refused to look ahead
Failed to keep pace because we defined ourselves by what we were against instead of what we were for".

President Obama's Weekly Address-U.N. Edition

2009-09-27T20:07:00.000-07:00

"Sadly, anytime a racist criticizes the president somebody cries racism"

2009-09-27T13:06:00.000-07:00

Stephen Colbert rocks.

The Word - Blackwashing

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

www.colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Protests

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/250386/september-24-2009/the-word---blackwashing

I Think We Can!

2009-09-26T13:03:00.000-07:00

http://bit.ly/7F8F6

A small excerpt from Bill Maher's New Rule-

"...I do want to know what happened to "Yes we can." Can we get out of Iraq? No. Afghanistan? No. Fix health care? No. Close Gitmo? No. Cap-and-trade carbon emissions? No. The Obamas have been in Washington for ten months and it seems like the only thing they've gotten is a dog.

Well, I hate to be a nudge, but why has America become a nation that can't make anything bad end, like wars, farm subsidies, our oil addiction, the drug war, useless weapons programs - oh, and there's still 60,000 troops in Germany - and can't make anything good start, like health care reform, immigration reform, rebuilding infrastructure. Even when we address something, the plan can never start until years down the road. Congress's climate change bill mandates a 17% cut in greenhouse gas emissions... by 2020! Fellas, slow down, where's the fire? Oh yeah, it's where I live, engulfing the entire western part of the United States"

Courtesy of the Huffington Post

The Death of America

2009-09-23T23:02:00.000-07:00

I've heard a lot today about Obama's "inability to get anything done". I can't keep up with the conflicting narrative. Is he doing and changing too much or not doing anything at all? It can't be both ways.

I'm starting to become convinced that the 24/7 news cycle and it's constant appetite for a story and hysteria is going to be the death of America. That might sound hyperbolic or exaggerated but I'm not sure that the average person just tuning in to catch the headlines takes the time to consider the media as a business entity and what their motives are. This is a dangerous situation.

Remember a few months ago when the complaint was that the media could only praise and worship Obama? Well, there might have been some truth to that but not because of the "liberal media" bullshit. It's because that was the story people wanted to hear at the time. Likewise, the emerging story now seems to be that this young administration is stumbling. On everything. This narrative coincidentally only emerged after the Tea-Party express and the runaway success of Glenn Beck.

It's like that line in the "Spider-Man" movie where his enemy, the Green Goblin, says "The only thing people love more than a hero is to see a hero fail". (Yes, I just quoted Spider-Man for political purposes).

Just remember you are getting your news from businessmen.

Not All Shit Sticks to Walls

2009-09-22T18:34:00.000-07:00

A town hall in Kansas laughs off a Republican representative's lie.

From The Huffington Post.

Those Poor Insurance Companies

2009-09-22T16:57:00.000-07:00

Protect Insurance Companies PSA from Will Ferrell

From Funny or Die.

"Country and Western"

2009-09-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

An excerpt from an excellent new article by James Poniewozik on Time.com-

"Fox News, I wrote, is like the bar in The Blues Brothers that has "both kinds of music: country and western." That is, it does so well in part because it brings under one umbrella several different kinds of conservative. There's Neil Cavuto's Wall Street, big-business conservatism, Mike Huckabee's religious conservatism, Sean Hannity's party-line Republicanism, Bill O'Reilly's grouchy reactionariness—and now, touching a hot-button in the year of budget stimuli, Glenn Beck's conservative (and paranoid) libertarianism."

Read the full article at Time.com-

Beck to Couric: Obama Better Than McCain, Hillary Better Than Both - Tuned In - TIME.com

Joel Stein on Twitter

2009-09-22T12:56:00.000-07:00

"We already have death panels; they just prefer to go by the name insurance companies."-Joel Stein

Overexposed?

2009-09-21T23:50:00.000-07:00

Just finished watching the president on the Late Show.

I think the talk about him being overexposed is strange. I think it's a good thing to hear from the decision maker on what the decisions before us are, why we have to make them, and where he stands on them. I'm pretty sure these are things I would be interested in hearing even if I disagreed with him, maybe especially so.

But that would require actually listening to the man. Can't have that. It only takes five minutes for his oratorical spell to brainwash you in to his socialist indoctrination. Better to just tune out and have Glenn Beck tell you what he said tomorrow.

Health Care Reform in Four Minutes

2009-09-21T22:16:00.000-07:00

Questions on health care reform? Confused by all the noise? Watch this four minute video.

"It's about what kind of country you want to be".

2009-09-21T17:53:00.000-07:00

After having to watch old people nation wide seize control of the debate it is refreshing to finally see some signs of life in the youth.

Some Real Patriots...

2009-09-21T12:51:00.000-07:00

Because the Tea Party Protests weren't fueled by irrational fear, hate, racism or misinformation at all....

Yeah, right.

John Wellington Ennis: Liveblogging Glenn Beck's 9-12 D.C. Parade Signage