Another reason that Republicans suck...
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Obama Appoints Four New Ambassadors : NPR
It'a absolutely ridiculous that the President had to wait until recess to appoint some of his selections for ambassadors. The Republican were blocking EVERYTHING! I wonder how things will go in 2011? Not good...
Alaska Sen. Murkowski's Victory Certified : The Two-Way : NPR
Okay Joe Miller, it's time to concede now. Face it, you lost. Game over...
Reports: Feds Probing Christine O'Donnell's Use Of Campaign Funds : The Two-Way : NPR
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
CBC News - Politics - GG praises Canada's effort in Afghanistan
Yes, "...peace and education are the key to rebuilding family life in Afghanistan." This is a comment from Canadian Governor General David Johnson. And it is right on the point! I surprised that other see this too. Progress! Yes, progress!
CNN Poll: Plurality say Obama’s policies will likely fail – CNN Political Ticker - CNN.com Blogs
Ugh, 51% think that Republican control of the House is good for the county? The electorate was duped...
I think Democrats will have to expose the Republicans for who they are. The tax cuts for the top 2% is just a start. We will see what they are really up too. Thank you America for f'ing up the county...
Georgia Schools Offer Lesson In Living With Cutbacks : NPR
And cutting Education make sense? If the Republican establishment is looking for cuts, education and health care should not be in the mix. These public programs impact us all. Making sure our kids have the leadership skills for the future (and Yes! art and music ARE PART OF THE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE!), having quality school districts helps the home values, quality health care for all Americans. When will the American public WAKE UP and see the lies the Republicans and Tea Party freaks are giving us. These programs can't afford cuts right now. Lets evaluate that sacred defense budget...
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Slashing $100 billion from the budget: Can the GOP do it? - Dec. 27, 2010
One of my biggest wishes for 2011 is for the Democratic Congressional Senators and Representatives and the President is to expose the lies that the Republicans spouted during the 2010 campaign. So, you are going to cut $100 billion but you have already said tax cuts for the über-rich. You will not cut the defense budget. Hmm - cuts to education, health care, housing and urban development. In a recession? Really? Education has already been gutted. I think there is a lot more pork in that defense budget that you would like to acknowledge...
Is this some of the pork?
Monday, December 27, 2010
Alaska's Miller Won't Block Murkowski's Certification, But Challenge Will Go On : The Two-Way : NPR
Quit wasting tax payer money on this. Joe Miller - you lost. Get over it already. Are you that much of a sore loser? Or are you just classless?
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Female Suicide Bomber Kills 45 In Pakistan : NPR
Again, the Taliban is pure evil. Bombing of a public aid facility? Really? This is despicable. The only way of peace in the area is the eradication of the Taliban and Al Qaida. But military force alone will not do this. It's education and rebuilding that will take decades to fix...
Saturday, December 25, 2010
365-165: Merry Christmas! « Fat Cat Images
Merry Christmas everyone! We will still take a time out from the political banter. Here is a image from my photography blog. Enjoy!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Official NORAD Santa Tracker
Okay. For a few days, I guess we can stray away from the political banter. Here is the official Santa Tracker from NORAD. Happy Holidays!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Not such a lame-duck session: What Congress passed, Obama signed in week – This Just In - CNN.com Blogs
Here is a listing of all the accomplishments over the past few weeks from Congress. Ladies and gentlemen... good job!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
The new census data may favor Republicans, but long-term demographic trends favor Democrats. - By Christopher Beam - Slate Magazine
Thank you to Mr. Cromartie (a fellow blogger on this site) for sharing this link. Just as I suspected that the census fear scare on the population numbers and the so called "shift" to red states. Those red states are now a little more purple...
For Obama And Democrats, Christmas Came Early : It's All Politics : NPR
Way to go lame duck Congress. Way to go President Obama. Way to go! A lot of wins over the past few weeks for progressivism. This may be the last of those wins for a long time. Sadly, I fear the next Congress...
There are genuinely good people in the world...
So, this is a post off the beaten path a bit. I went to call my brother to ask him a question and someone I do not recognize answers the phone. It was the shop owner or clerk at Marino's Beverage Depot in Sylvania, Ohio. He asked if I knew the owner of this phone. I said yes and he said it was found at the beverage mart and he has it. I gave my brother a call and he did not realize that he had lost his phone. He was going to go to the Depot to pick it up. But how nice and responsible the person at the beverage mart was. Remarkable in fact, that people take the time out of their day to help their neighbor. It is heartwarming that good still exists. People still help their neighbors. And that is what we should do.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
GOP sees good news in census numbers - CNN.com
I'm not quite sure. Yes, the population is moving but liberals are moving too. Some of these districts could be a bit more progressive. Or I'm just smoking something really weird...
Obama Secures Votes To Pass Nuclear Arms Treaty : NPR
All this activity. I'm still a little surprised by this. It's good, yes. But why all this activity now? I know, I've been saying this for a few days now. But a September or October passing of all this activity could have cut the losses a bit. I'm just sayin'...
Monday, December 20, 2010
Senate Democrats Confident They'll Have The Votes To Ratify START Treaty : NPR
They better. Again, what I have been saying. Why all this activity now? What was wrong with the summer or September or October? While I applaud the progress, the timing is less than desirable...
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Ending Military's Gay Ban Lets Obama Fulfill Another Clinton Promise : It's All Politics : NPR
Maybe Obama is on a roll. It's good that this has finally passed. If the START treaty passes in the next few days, that would be good too. I wonder why all this activity did not happen in September or October? Would that have changed the November outcome a little? Food for thought...
Friday, December 17, 2010
Obama, Like GOP, Wins, Loses In Tax-Cut Deal : It's All Politics : NPR
I think more of a loss for everyone. But it is only a two year plan. We will see what happens in 2012. Hopefully this can be a good campaign tactic for liberals in less than two years from now...
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Study Confirms That Fox News Makes You Stupid | Media and Culture | AlterNet
This is what I knew all along. Finally, the truth is out!
Procedural snag delays House vote on tax deal - CNN.com
I have to agree. The deficit-exploding giveaway to the rich is unnecessary. Especially when we are looking to cut the deficit. I think we should hold out for a better plan...
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
House passes 'don't ask, don't tell' repeal - CNN.com
It's good that the House of Representatives passed this legislation. Now on to the Senate (again). Hopefully the Senate can do the right thing and pass this too? Why would you not want patriotic Americans serving in your armed forces regardless of sexual orientation. Especially when the ranks of those willing to serve have worn thin...
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Holbrooke's 'Af-Pak' Structure Likely To Survive Without Him : The Two-Way : NPR
This is kind of comforting news following the death of Richard Holbrooke. The rebuilding effort of Afghanistan is paramount to our success in the war. Hopefully this diplomatic legacy will live on...
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Controversy Heats Up On GOP Members’ Choice of “Prince of Pork” Hal Rogers to Lead Appropriations | DCCC
Nice one GOP. Nice one. I really don't know why voters were blind to this crap in November. Same old, same old from the GOP...
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Family, friends gather to honor Elizabeth Edwards | freep.com | Detroit Free Press
This speaks volumes about the type of person Elizabeth Edwards was. Something that the current leaders both Democratic and Republican can learn from. An openness that doesn't require any quieting of Wikileaks. A true breath of fresh air, to allow all to participate. To allow all to hear and see all...
'So it may be a little messy getting folks in the church,' but that's how she would have wanted it, Palmieri said."
Friday, December 10, 2010
Life among U.S. enemies: Embedded with the Taliban - CNN.com
This video shows the human side of the Taliban. Although I still consider them evil, this video reminds us that the enemy is human too. This is the sad element of war. Both sides see there role as just and one side will ultimately fail. There still is a human element to war. That's why bombs and bullets alone do not win the struggle. There has to be belief in the people fighting and I think the Americans may be losing on this front. It's scary, I know, but this struggle is much deeper than we would like to acknowledge. We need to win the human element too. That's the hard part, convincing the Afghan people that our side is just. Especially when we are occupying their country...
9/11 responders bill defeated by Senate GOP filibuster - CNN.com
Really GOP? Are you that stubborn to not support a patriotic measure like this? The GOP really disgusts me right now. Shame on you Republicans...
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Maybe... but I am still not convinced
I'm still not sold on the Obama compromise. I think he could have held out longer...
http://www.freep.com/article/20101207/NEWS07/101207048/1285/news15/Obama-Tax-cut-deal-is-best-Dems-can-hope-for
http://www.freep.com/article/20101207/NEWS07/101207048/1285/news15/Obama-Tax-cut-deal-is-best-Dems-can-hope-for
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Elizabeth Edwards Succumbs To Cancer : NPR
America lost a remarkable leader today. We pause today to honor her courageous life.
Monday, December 6, 2010
AlaskaDispatch.com: What's Joe Miller's motivation?
I wonder too. He is not making any sense and I read the comments at the Anchorage Daily News. They are not good for Mr. Miller. He is on a slippery slope downhill. He's being called a cry baby and sore loser in his own state. Way to kill your political future dude...
Obama And Republicans Agree On Tax Cut Extension : NPR
I know some people state the President does not have any negotiating savvy and I would have to agree. I think the President caved way too soon about this. Especially when this adds $700 billion to the deficit. And we thought the Republicans were about fiscal responsibility... Right...
Yes, we needed the extension of unemployment benefits but do we want the Republicans running the show? Is this really how things will go for the next two years? I certainly hope not...
Gin and Tacos: Turntables (An Ode to Macomb County)
If the site Gin and Tacos isn't a part of your daily reading, it most assuredly should be. Today's entry summarizes quite nicely the rhetoric of economic warfare used by the Republican Party to turn us against each other over the last 35 years, with each party pointing the finger at the other as the primary culprit in the economic decline of our country while someone, somewhere, is laughing all the way to the bank at our expense. (It turns out that there are a lot of people laughing, actually, but that's another story).
The entire article is worth your read, but the summary line, near the end, is particularly poignant:
We know that Americans are politically ignorant and selfish enough to be OK with whatever negative things happen as long as it happens to someone else.
I've thought about that a lot as I've traveled North America over the last decade or so as a part of my career where I have, in turn, interacted with so many workplaces that I've lost count.
But I grew up here, and still live here, and so I carry the sadness of the death of the local economy with me. I remember vividly taking a wrong turn in Manchester, MI one morning and ending up in a four square block area that consisted of nothing but eight small factories closed and for sale. I remember a couple of Christmases ago sitting with my 65 year old mother and listing off the two dozen factories (in a town of 30,000) that employed her parents and older siblings that are now razed and forgotten.
Occasionally, I'll stop and shop at a development near downtown Cleveland called Steelyard Commons, a series of big box and strip stores developed on land that was once devoted to churning out steel. The jobs are at least marginally better than nothing, I suppose, but if you find the quality of jobs satisfactory in this example of "creative destruction", then I'd question whether you have much in the way of morals, or a conscience at all. Economists aren't known for their soul for a reason.
And that leads me back to 1980, when the Reagan Democrats, so many of whom lived and worked in Macomb County, fearful for their jobs and deluded by the Reagan Revolution into thinking that the poor (minority) people were coming to take away their lives and lifestyle, pulled the lever and pressed the accelerator on the end of their lifestyle, willfully, ignorantly violating the cardinal rule that should guide every parent and every generation; to leave the world and the economy in a better place than they had it.
The reality of their decisions from that point forward is that the lifestyle they had, and the one they should have seen to it that would be passed on to their children and their children's children, is gone. Gone because of their willful participation in the political process that ruined it. The unemployment rate in Macomb County stands at 13.4% this holiday season. A significant percentage of those people the children and grandchildren of those people who pulled the lever all those years ago. Do you suppose the people responsible for it have enough self awareness to look in the mirror and understand the consequences of their inactions?
Probably not. Candice Miller, who worked with Tom DeLay to attempt to bribe former congressman Nick Smith for his vote on the Medicare Perscription Drug Bill, was easily re-elected this fall.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Living Without Work: The Long-Term Unemployed : NPR
Are tax cuts to the top 2% of earners in America really going to create jobs? No - not if there isn't a demand for goods and as long as unemployment is above 9.5% there is a lot of people pinching pockets and lessening demand. Extending unemployment benefits actually helps demand a bit. Exetnding tax cuts for the über-rich really does nothing other that make the rich more rich.
On Wikileaks and the Reaction
The hand wringing by Baby Boomers on both sides of the aisle about the recent series of diplomatic cables leaked by the Wikileaks site would be entertaining in it's hypocrisy were it not depressingly indicative on both the state of contemporary media and contemporary politics.
From a generational perspective, Boomer era media blowhards have two darling examples of their own greatness they like to bask in: the Pentagon Papers, a critical piece of leaked documentation that crystallized opposition to Vietnam, embarrassed the Johnson Administration, damaged the people's faith in their government and ultimately led to a timely withdraw from an unwinable war; and Watergate, a story fed mostly by anonymous leaks and stolen files that was used to bring down a morally corrupt hack of a President.
So to hear so many of their ilk, mired in a fading medium with which the public has lost confidence, decry the outrage of leaked information, it's contents, and their potential adverse impact on diplomatic and military operations, sounding exactly like their parents and grandparents did 35 years ago is high comedy.
But things are different now. Setting aside that exact phrase was what people used to justify the Iraq invasion (and you'd really ought to check yourself before uttering that phrase, because things are never truly unique if you pay attention to your history) in this case this statement is actually true. Things are worse. Much worse. The fourth estate, or what's left of it, serves as either a house organ for the Republican Party (Fox, any AM radio station), a special interest channel by and for white people ages 45-64 (any network news program), ambulance chasing and infomercials disguised as news (your local news affiliate), or the marketplace for talking heads to scream past each other context free (everyone else).
Honest, detailed, comprehensive investigative reporting, the kind of which that would have kept us out of Iraq, for instance, is few and far between. There's only one Seymour Hersch. Mother Jones doesn't have that many subscribers. So it falls on organizations like Narco News and Wikileaks to do the work that, once upon a time, our now hobbled, co-opted and largely worthless domestic fourth estate does for us. And that may be uncomfortable. But it's necessary and, much to the chagrin of bleating boomer columnists, the future of journalism.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
More than 600 unemployed Washtenaw County workers could lose benefits this month without an extension - AnnArbor.com
And yet the GOP thinks that extending tax cuts to those over $1 million in income will create jobs. Guess what, it does not. Extending unemployment benefits until that does occur helps though. Hmm. Again, is the GOP really creating policies that are aligned with the success of the American public as a whole?
Democratic procedural votes on extending Bush tax cuts fail in Senate - CNN.com
No big surprise here. I think the Republicans are actually working AGAINST the American public. This is the kind of partisan politics that the GOP displays time and time again. Even when the American public wants compromise and working together. Instead they get the same old. See what you voted for America. You get what you deserve...
TRENDING: Palin book signing a tightly controlled operation – CNN Political Ticker - CNN.com Blogs
Again, why Sarah Palin will not be a viable candidate for the U.S. presidency. We learned from the Bush administration that closed door policies are not the best interest for Americans. Let the media in Sarah to your book signings so they can evaluate the type of candidate you really are...
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Proposal For Religious Theme Park Officially Unveiled - Cincinnati News Story - WLWT Cincinnati
Any tax incentive for such a theme park are just wrong. You can NOT use public funds to promote ANY religious agenda. This is what our first amendment protects against. This proposal disgusts me...
Contact Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear that NO TAX INCENTIVES should be given to a project such as this. This is unacceptable... http://www.governor.ky.gov/contact/contact.htm
Contact Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear that NO TAX INCENTIVES should be given to a project such as this. This is unacceptable... http://www.governor.ky.gov/contact/contact.htm
House OKs Middle-Class Tax Cuts : It's All Politics : NPR
Well - at least the House Democrats make sense. I see this as low hanging fruit. If we want to cut the deficit and lower the debt then why would we not want to save over $700 billion? If you are in the top 2% wealthiest Americans, then this tax cut really doesn't impact you. The Republicans' smoke and mirrors campaign has already started...
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
New Reports Offer Liberal Alternatives On How To Reduce Deficits, Debt | The New Republic
Interesting alternative approach to reduce the federal deficit...
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Tax Cuts Panel May Handle Jobless Benefits After Senate Blocks Reauthorization
Okay. It's okay to extend the tax cuts to the top 2% of the American public but not extend unemployment benefits for those out of work? What is wrong with the GOP and why do people not get it? Why don't more people see the smoke and mirrors platform of the Republican party. This kind of crap makes me sick...
Gates To Senate: End 'Don't Ask' Before Courts Do : NPR
If there are 14,000 men and women who want to serve this country, then why? why? would we deny them?
Monday, November 29, 2010
Book Recounts Terror Inside And Outside Captivity : NPR
If you listen to the story from NPR's All Things Considered, David Rohde says something remarkable. Even though he was held captive by the radical Taliban in Pakistan for seven months and feared for his life, he still recognizes that not all Pakistanis or Afghans are as radical as the Taliban. There are moderate Muslims. Those who helped Mr. Rohde escape. Those who want peace just as badly as we do. It is refreshing to hear someone state that being Muslim is not the issue. It's the radicalization of the faith and the very few people that follow it to such a violent extreme that terrorize the world. The Taliban is evil; al-Qaida is evil. Muslims are not...
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Sarah Palin (Lame)bastes the Media: Happy Thanksgiving!
This is exactly why Sarah Palin can not even be taken seriously...
Saturday, November 27, 2010
TRENDING: Palin delivers a gaffe-filled message – CNN Political Ticker - CNN.com Blogs
Well... um... the reason why, Sarah Palin, that your mistake is so publicized is that well... you are a dumbass. You don't have the intellectual capacity or better yet the curiosity to be even considered an eventual leader of the free world. Most of us know not to mix up North Korea with South Korea. This is why you will never be taken seriously by the media or thank goodness, the American public...
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thanks. : Krulwich Wonders… : NPR
Life is precious. We all have gifts to give. This video was emotionality touching tribute to the brother that was senselessly killed in Oakland...
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Who Brought The Turkey? The Truth About The First Thanksgiving : Krulwich Wonders… : NPR
Happy Thanksgiving! We will take today off of the usual political banter. Enjoy the holiday. We all have things to be thankful about and reflect upon. Today is a good day to do that...
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Jury Convicts Tom DeLay In Money Laundering Trial : NPR
Wow! I guess I am surprised. There are some Texans that actually make sense...
Alaska Politics Blog : Coleman: Miller should end his challenge of the election results | adn.com
Give it up Joe Miller. You lost. Get over it and concede now! You are just a cry baby who pouts when he doesn't get his way...
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Liberals Pounce On GOP Congressman Who Wants His Health Care : Shots - Health News Blog : NPR
Good catch! This is why the GOP and the Tea Party is nothing but hot air. The petition to tell GOP congresspeople to "forgo their taxpayer-funded health care coverage before trying to repeal health insurance reform for hardworking Americans" can be found here.
Sign the petition!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Born In The U.S.A.? Some Chinese Plan It That Way : NPR
Okay, this is completely permissible through the fourteenth amendment. Whether you are here legally (like these Chinese visitors) or illegally, you are under the jurisdiction of the United States. As long as you are within the U.S. jurisdiction and you have a child here, that child will be naturalized. This goes for illegal immigrants too. For once they are found here illegally, guess what? They are under the United States jurisdiction at that point. That's why a constitutional amendment to not give naturalization to a child of an illegal immigrant does not make sense. Once they are born, they are just as American as the rest of us... Think about it.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Bob Inglis: A Republican Swamped By The GOP Wave : NPR
The one thing I really find strange about the Tea Party is their refusal or admittance to anything positive about bi-partisan cooperation. Why would they demolish the party on spite for finding common ground for advancement of the country as a whole? Their practices are very destructive to public policy...
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Election Forecasts - FiveThirtyEight Blog - NYTimes.com
Interesting. I know Sarah Palin is an exciting choice for those ultra-conservatives but I don't think she could win against Barack Obama. She was one of the reasons John McCain did not have a chance in 2008. She still lacks the intellectual capacity to comprehend complex domestic and international issues. This is something that will not change in 2012. I don't really see her as a viable candidate for the mainstream. That is unless the mainstream goes completely insane. Then I might have to think of emigrating to Canada...
Friday, November 19, 2010
So That Senior Vote...
One can respect one's elders without necessarily thinking they're very smart, right? I mean, when you analyze the midterm elections, it's pretty clear that the over 65 set voted almost 60/40 in favor of their neighborhood Republican, and that this is what tipped the balance of the House so strongly in their favor. (I tweeted exit poll results on this yesterday).
The same neighborhood Republican that wants to cut and gut Social Security. Like they tried to do in 2006.
And then there's our old friend Grover Norquist who promises this time, Republicans can actually benefit from shutting down the government. Because Fox News is around to explain to seniors, veterans and the disabled why their checks aren't coming, according to him.
I don't normally ascribe to the destroy-the-village-to-save-it theory, but perhaps, like 1995, a shutdown would get the point across to at least some of these voters. And make sure Senator Jim DeMint(R) is front and center. 25% of South Carolina's economy comes courtesy of federal funding. If the tap is cut off long enough, perhaps it might motivate that backwater* to do some thinking about who they elect to public office.
When you shut down the government in the name of an issue that only 4% of Americans consider a priority, it doesn't end well, even if you have a television network that's nothing but a continuous PR arm for your party. When you vote against your own self interests for a party that makes it clear you aren't a priority, you get what you deserve, not what you expect. A live lesson that some of us learn at earlier ages than others, apparently.
But by all means, Republicans, try it.
*With apologies to Charleston.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
More Of This, Please
For many years, one used to reasonably assume that, if a story was written by an Associated Press writer, it was pretty close to the truth.
At least, that was, until Ron Fournier took over as Washington Bureau Chief in 2008. Fournier, who was outed as a Bush supporter in 2004 didn't last long at this particular job. A particularly racist push poll he authorized and "analyzed" in September 2008 earned him a reprimand and left him neutered. Ultimately, he left for a job at the National Journal in July of this year.
If you're like me and have some degree of interest in how your media sausage is made, what Ron Fournier has done is interesting reading, and Al Giordano's work on Fornier on his website The Field is quality web advocacy reading as well, that links you onward to better detail than I'm providing here.
But I digress, as I've come not to bury the AP, but to praise it.
The hot topic of the news cycle is the intrusive TSA body scanners and pat downs one must face to fly over the forthcoming holiday weekend. Not everyone is happy about the procedure. I must admit, I tend to fly out of airports that are smaller and don't have the full on invasive photographic machinery and, frankly, if you feel the need to see a clothes free image of me more than once you have a fetish a shrink may need to address anyway. I stand by George Carlin's opinion on the issue, which is that the whole process is nothing but theater and doesn't really do much good.
But I digress, because this isn't really about the TSA either.
Instead, it's about the bleating of Congressman John Mica (R) of Florida who is an advocate of riding us of the TSA altogether, and allowing private security guards do the work instead, and why he's an advocate of said position.
Because of the AP, we know that Mica is essentially on the take and, for a change, the former gatekeeper of our media, AP, takes pains to tell us so by working into the story which companies would benefit from privatization, and how much they donated to Mica's campaigns.
Would private security guards not be as invasive? Nope. They'd have to use the same equipment and procedures as TSA. So really, all you're doing in Mica's world is trading surly public employees for surly private employees from whom he profits personally. So Mica has no point, really, he's just acting in the self interests of those corporations who donated to his campaign by attempting to obfuscate TSA people with TSA policy. The payoff:
Companies that provide airport security are contributors to Mica's campaigns, although some donations came before those companies won government contracts. The Lockheed Martin Corp. Employees' Political Action Committee has given $36,500 to Mica since 1997. A Lockheed firm won the security contract in Sioux Falls, S.D. in 2005 and the contract for San Francisco the following year.
Raytheon Company's PAC has given Mica $33,500 since 1999. A Raytheon subsidiary began providing checkpoint screenings at Key West International Airport in 2007.
FirstLine Transportation Security Inc.'s PAC has donated $4,500 to the Florida congressman since 2004. FirstLine has been screening baggage and has been responsible for passenger checkpoints at the Kansas City International Airport since 2006, as well as the Gallup Municipal Airport and the Roswell Industrial Air Center in New Mexico, operating at both since 2007.
Since 2006, Mica has received $2,000 from FirstLine President Keith Wolken and $1,700 from Gerald Berry, president of Covenant Aviation Security. Covenant works with Lockheed to provide security at airports in Sioux Falls and San Francisco.
This is the type of journalism we thought we had as a nation at one point in time, a fourth estate that laid bare the motivations of people and politicians that pushed advocacy positions. For once, AP saved the blogosphere the effort of doing the research and exposing someone pushing a needless tangential issue because he has a financial interest in doing so. We need more of this, please.
The New Republic: Missing The Compassionate GOP : NPR
It is scary to think that the Bush years were actually better than this new wave of conservatism. Who would have thought?
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Last Chance to Pass the DREAM Act
So there is good news to report, both from a strategic/tactical perspective and morally.
Among the items that will be discussed in the upcoming lame duck Senate session are the DREAM Act and the overdue repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
I'll defer discussion on the latter, though I certainly have no problem with those who meet the mental and physical qualifications for serving the country doing so, regardless of sexual orientation, because it's the former that's more interesting.
First, even with Rasmussen doing it's customary scale tipping, a clear majority of Americans support the DREAM Act as a means for people who have entered this country illegally to carve out a path to citizenship either by obtaining higher education or serving in the armed forces. (Most polls show support significantly higher than the story to which I have linked you; in some cases as high as 80% for those immigrants who volunteer to serve in the military).
Second, and here's the real interesting part for me; historically the DREAM Act, which also has Department of Defense support, has had wide bi-partisan support. And yet, despite being introduced in various forms and fashions since 2001, it has yet to pass. Why?
Well, let's start with this glance at the increasing trend of Latino voters in states in the American Southwest. It's already turned New Mexico, Nevada and Colorado into swing states (though a large influx of Californians who cashed out before the housing bust and moved to Denver helped) and kept California solidly blue.
But what I find more interesting is the analysis of this poll conducted the last time the DREAM Act was introduced. Though Latino voters, like most voters, still voted their pocketbooks (and shouldn't most of us, really?), the high unfavorables the Republican Party continues to rack up among Latinos (not helped by the 2006 anti-immigration referendums and the rhetoric among Tea Party candidates like Sharon Angle) continue to grow.
And that, rather than any of the other quasi or outright discriminatory rhetoric that the Republican Party continues to throw out about the act by bleating about the travesty of amnesty and how it impacts the availability of financial aid for citizens (non-citizens in this position don't qualify for PELL Grants, so that one really doesn't hold much water) is what's really at stake here.
If you assume that at least some in the Republican Party are able to think strategically, rather than just utilizing the short term tactical thinking in which they specialize, you can assume that allowing a Democratic majority to pass the DREAM Act would be yet another blow to a party that has hemorrhaged votes among a demographic that provided significant support to Bush the Younger. What is at stake is likely a growing generation of younger Latino voters, one that would likely be lost, in large numbers, should this act pass.
So look for Republicans to filibuster the DREAM Act during the upcoming lame duck session of Congress, and for us to repeat the theater of the last two years, where we have to hunt down one or more Republicans with consciouses to overcome said filibuster. Outgoing Utah Senator Bob Bennett would be one Republican who would vote to end the filibuster, he's stated previously that he would vote yes on a standalone bill and is said to have re-asserted this stance recently.
Orrin Hatch had supported it previously, though I'm not holding my breath for him to do so this time, unless he's interested in meeting the same fate as Bennett did in Utah's crazy Republican primary system. Scott Brown is apparently still opposed, as is outgoing Ohio Senator George Voinovich. I'm hard pressed to find vote 60, unless one of the ladies from Maine once again stands up to their party and does the right thing, or a Republican who is simply not worried about a Tea Party primary opponent (likely because they're retiring or running for a different office) takes a stand.
For some fine lunchtime reading on the Act's likely impact, in raw numbers, download this position paper on the issue.
In Afghanistan, Can NATO's 'Security Bubbles' Last? : NPR
I personally think it will take longer than 2014 for this to work out correctly. I believe it will take decades of work in Afghanistan to create a stable functioning democracy. It's like having children in a bitter divorce. You play nice with each other for the kids. For now and for the future...
It was a short sided vision that got us into the mess and we are now here for the long haul...
Joe Miller is a sore loser....
Joe Miller, give yourself some respect and concede now! It's over...
http://www.adn.com/2010/11/16/1557873/murkowskis-lead-more-than-10000.html ADN
http://www.adn.com/2010/11/16/1557873/murkowskis-lead-more-than-10000.html ADN
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
A Nugget of Wisdom From the Usual Dreck
One of my favorite sayings (and it actually originates from me, as far as I know) goes as follows:
If you ever wake up one morning having found yourself with renewed faith in the intellect of your fellow citizens/residents/man, just spend a few minutes reading the comments on your local newspaper's website and you'll have that faith sucked out of you by the time you finish your cereal.
Earlier today I tweeted an article on how one in four Americans now receives some measure of food assistance from the government. Inevitably, the conservative 'blame the victim' crowd came out to blame the fat/lazy/stupid defrauders eating away "their" tax dollars. But from under the pile of non-constructive dreck that made up the comments on this article came this gem from a user named gentil77 that was both eye opening and worthy of applause:
You didn't get mad when over 200,000 US Citizens lost their lives because they had no health insurance.You didn't get mad when we gave people who had more money than they could spend, the filthy rich, over a trillion dollars in tax breaks.You didn't get mad when lack of oversight and regulations from the Bush Administration caused US Citizens to lose 12 trillion dollars in investments, retirement, and home values.You didn't get mad when we didn't catch Bin Laden.You didn't get mad when Bush rang up 10 trillion dollars in combined budget and current account deficits.you didn't get mad when we let a major US city, New Orleans, drown.You didn't get mad when the Supreme Court stopped a legal recount and appointed a President.You didn't get mad when Cheney allowed Energy company officials to dictate Energy policy and push us to invade Iraq..You didn't get mad when the Patriot Act got passed.You didn't get mad when we illegally invaded a country that posed no threat to us.You didn't get mad when we spent over 800 billion (and counting) on said illegal war.You didn't get mad when Bush borrowed more money from foreign sources than the previous 42 Presidents combined.You didn't get mad when over 10 billion dollars in cash just disappeared in Iraq .You didn't get mad when you found out we were torturing people!!!!You didn't get mad when you saw the horrible conditions at Walter Reed.you didn't get mad when Bush embraced trade and outsourcing policies that shipped 6 million American jobs out of the country.You didn't get mad when the government was illegally wiretapping Americans.You didn't get mad when as a result of of the reckless BUSH administration massive harm to the country, we migth never be able to recover from this one..No.....You finally got mad when a black man was elected President and decided that people in America deserved the right to see a doctor if they are sick!.A bit long, but it kind of sums the last decade or so of Republican supporter thought up nicely, doesn't it?
Shameful Joe Miller, shame on you...
If the voter intent is there, why would you want to deny many voters of their right? This is disgusting. Joe Miller should concede now. This quote is ugly and shameful and quite un-American!
"... Miller spokesman Randy DeSoto said he still thinks the court challenge could get enough votes thrown out for Miller to win.
"The race is far from over," DeSoto said."
Alaska's Lisa Murkowski Passes Joe Miller In Senate Vote Count NPR
"... Miller spokesman Randy DeSoto said he still thinks the court challenge could get enough votes thrown out for Miller to win.
"The race is far from over," DeSoto said."
Alaska's Lisa Murkowski Passes Joe Miller In Senate Vote Count NPR
Monday, November 15, 2010
Unbelievable...
The amount of Islamophobia that persists through this county is frightening. I can't believe that a Oklahoma state representative who voted against this constitutional amendment from appear on the ballet because "He considered the idea unnecessary, since the First Amendment already bans state-imposed religion." Exactly! And these so called "activist" liberal judges recognize this too. The first amendment protects us from religion being part of our government. The really scary thing from this article was the last line "“America was founded on Judeo-Christian principles — that’s the basis of our laws, and people try to deny it,” said State Representative Mike Reynolds, a Republican who was an author of the bill. “I believe there is an awakening of people concerned about Christian values in our nation, and they are starting to express themselves.” That is not appropriate either...
Oklahoma Surprise: Islam as an Election Issue
By JAMES C. McKINLEY Jr.
Published: November 14, 2010
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/15/us/15oklahoma.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=politics
If you want, please send Oklahoma state representative Mike Reynolds a note and tell him this IS NOT OK!
mikereynolds@okhouse.gov
The End of Media As We Knew It
If you haven't had the chance to read Ted Koppel's Op-Ed in Sunday's New York Times about the devolution of media, I strongly recommend it. It simply reinforces what's been mentioned here previously, and what was predicted over a decade ago. It also greatly offended, apparently, Keith Olbermann, who has stated he'll have a commentary in response on tonight's show.
I'm more or less with Koppel, however, I will take issue with one statement:
The transition of news from a public service to a profitable commodity is irreversible.
The St. Petersburg (FL) Times clearly shows the way that media, and newspapers in particular, can re-make themselves as non-profits. This seems a reasonable path to survival for what's left of your local newspaper, in my opinion, but more on that to come.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
AP-GfK Poll: Public backs GOP on taxes, not health - Yahoo! News
This goes along with Daniel Cromartie's link on out Twitter feed (@majorprog). It's good to see America wake up and realize the benefits of the new health law...
Tea party groups have wide range of goals for new champions in Congress
A couple of things from this article.
1. Exactly. "Funding should be cut unless it affects me." Hmm. I don't think it works that way.
Here is the quote: "Toby Marie Walker, a leader of the Waco Tea Party, has applauded the use of federal stimulus money to expand the Interstate 35 bridge in the busy central Texas corridor and wants to see the federal government finish the job. Cut spending elsewhere, she said."
2. Um as I seem to recall, it was DEREGULATION that caused the housing crisis. And well Detroit, um I hate to say this but Chrysler was bad. GM not much better. Both were mismanaged companies. I live here in Detroit and know...
Quote # 2: Julles Rodgers, a member of the Nebraska Tea Party, takes a harder line.
"Taxes, taxes, taxes. Lord, the tax burden we have is out of this world!" said Rodgers, owner of the Liberty Inn motel in Aurora, Neb. "They are killing the economy with the rules and regulations. It's the government telling Detroit how to make cars that made Detroit go belly-up. It's the government telling the mortgage companies how to make loans that caused the housing crisis."
3. Bring on a third party. I've been wishing for this all along!
Quote # 3: Looking ahead, newly elected Republicans will have two years to prove their tea party mettle, said Rodgers, the Nebraska activist.
"If these guys don't deliver on their promises, then I expect by 2012 a third party could emerge," she said. "For Republicans . . . it's their last shot. They better perform."
On The Media, Part 1 - The Corrupt Versus the Non Corrupt
This is Jon Stewart's recent interview with MSNBC's Rachel Maddow.
In fairness, it isn't one of Stewart's more coherent interviews. Perhaps he and Maddow didn't gel. But I think it's mostly on Stewart, personally. If you have the time, dig up his pre-rally appearance on Larry King. Much funnier and much more succinct.
He does manage to make some salient points, however. First and foremost is his position that the real conflict that media, specifically cable news media, is not that of left versus right, but that of corruption versus the non-corrupt. He asks, and it's never really effectively answered, why this focus is so pervasive in what passes for our modern day news media.
Fortunately, this question is easy to answer. Investigation of corruption is expensive and time consuming. It also returns results that can be extremely complicated for the viewer to understand. (Enron, for example).
What is not cheap, not time consuming, and fills a great deal of time (and with a 24 hour news cycle we have nothing but time) is the idea of arguing. Within the cable news paradigm, all one has to do is choose a side and watch the arguments unfold, within the backdrop of a marginally credible "news" network, and you're off and running.
You might suggest that CNN's iReports and Al Gore's Current TV are attempts to work around this model. And you'd be partially right. These two concepts rely on people to send in live streams of events as they happen. But these don't really qualify as investigative reporting either. It's free content provided by self selecting eyewitnesses. Like the arguments that take place on tv, largely moderated by a useless host such as Wolf Blitzer, they depend on the viewer to make an accurate interpretation of what's being said.
In the past, we could rely on newspapers to make the investment in investigative reporting to pick up the slack. Watergate was driven by the Washington Post. The Toledo Blade won a Pulitzer Prize investigating Vietnam atrocities (and deserved a second for it's Tom Noe investigation). More recently, the Cleveland Plain Dealer did terrific work untangling the corruption rampant in Cuyahoga County government.
But, for reasons I'll elaborate on in another entry, newspapers no longer have the money or the patience to make large scale investments in investigative reporting.
And even if a publication does make an effort to focus on investigative reporting, those who find themselves on the short end of the partisan side of the results of these investigations simply accuse the publication of bias. Mother Jones (which is usually well worth your time and money) and The Nation (which kind of isn't) are not the same publication. Both are painted with the liberal brush.
Local news organizations aren't usually much help either. Just this week, I was enlightened to the fact that there is apparently an epidemic of people who have never had sex with each other getting married (and then not having sex with each other), and that another station has exclusive photos that prove ghosts are real.
For the record, I like Maddow, and do make an effort to catch her program. Her program with Chuck D of Public Enemy was without question the most entertaining thing about Air America.
And Jon Stewart is right as well. At the beginning of the last decade, we had multiple forms of media that audited the media. Brill's Content, Inside.com and the Media Studies Journal were three publications that served as excellent, non-partisan watchdogs that audited the media we consumed. All three are now gone. With the financial and content free state of our media today, we are worse off for it.
Some Thoughts on Trains, and Public Transportation
This particular post started as a response to our Cat Daddy's posting of a story on how Wisconsin and Ohio are about to return federal funding for High Speed Rail, but I thought I had enough thoughts on the issue that I'd turn it into a full entry.
I'm not, in general, opposed to high speed rail. And, like our Cat Daddy, I understand that our time horizon for oil is not infinite. However, the Ohio plan (which is the only one I can speak to) was not well thought out, would have been underfunded, would have shared tracks with CSX and Norfolk and Southern freight traffic, been at least partially subservient to freight traffic and, for the foreseeable future, would not have been self sustaining.
First and foremost, the Ohio plan would have created a rail system that would have been slower than actually driving among any two of the three c's. And while there would have been economic benefits to upgrading the existing tracks for freight, the trains and the tracks were not equipped to handle high speed rail as it exists in Japan or Europe. At best, there would be portions of the trip that would hit 90 miles per hour for brief periods.
And, because this is state administered, this supposes there are minimal stops and that smaller cities such as Mansfield and Wooster don't manage to wrangle stops out of the system, further eroding the system's speed and efficiency.
For Ohio, the US Government is ready to award approx. $400 million in funding. At best, this creates a rail system that is more time consuming than the not terribly difficult drive down I-71. While people still have a choice, their choice will be to drive.
For true high speed rail, speeds exceeding 90 mph, connecting the three Cs requires an entirely new rail infrastructure with new tracks and an adequate right of way that, if California's pricing is to serve as the model, would cost approximately $14.5 billion dollars. And this doesn't include any consideration for the "Other Ohio": Dayton, Toledo, Youngstown, and the Southeastern part of the state.
On the one hand, the issue really truly is the perfect (high speed rail on other continents) being the enemy of the kind of good( this proposal). And if you can't come up with $400 million for this version of high speed rail, where are you going to find $14 billion for the real thing? You have to start somewhere, right?
Personally, I think the administration's approach is wrong on the issue, in the sense that awarding funding by state is the mistake. Any rail system proposal needs to be thought out and funded regionally, rather than state by state. If profitability is to be a factor in the operation of a high speed passenger rail system, and it will need to be at some definable point on the horizon, the first question that needs to be answered involves determining routes and destinations to which one would prefer to neither drive nor fly due to cost of fuel or inconvenience. If I live in Cleveland, I would drive to the other two Cs, Detroit, or Pittsburgh. I would gladly take high speed rail to Chicago, Indianapolis or Philadelphia (at which point I could transfer to the Acela). Beyond Minneapolis or Louisville, given a choice, I'd probably prefer to fly.
Trusting each state to create a patchwork network of high speed rail lines without any real thought as to how they interconnect is a recipe for failure, and that's what we're seeing now. And perhaps, for now, the administration might consider taking that funding and offering it to those companies that haul freight on those systems instead.
Kabul By Skateboard: A Love Story Amid Destruction : The Two-Way : NPR
An amazing video. A touch of sadness and a touch of hope...
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Nazis Were Given ‘Safe Haven’ in U.S., Report Says - NYTimes.com
Definitely this is an amazing story and needs to be told. This is disgusting...
Alaska's Murkowski-Miller Race A Win For Penmanship : It's All Politics : NPR
I think it is awesome that Joe Miller is losing. Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!
Not So Fast: Future For High-Speed Rail Uncertain : NPR
I'm opposed to this action of turning down federal funding for high speed rail. With both the congestion and security requirements from airports and the environmental effects of more cars on the roads, America needs an alternative to both of these regional travels options. Plus, we would help reduce our dependency on foreign oil. The infrastructure would be built. The benefits would not only help this generation but many to come. We are far behind the rest of the civilized world in high speed rail. Why can't it happen here?
Friday, November 12, 2010
Issue
Okay - I have an issue with Ms. Lopez' argument. If the universal health coverage is to not exclude anyone for any condition, then her argument doesn't carry any weight. Since abortion is a legally permissible medical procedure and the intention of universal health care is to not deny coverage for ANY pre-existing condition - the abortion procedures still will get federal funding...
http://www.npr.org/2010/11/04/131073245/memos-to-the-president
Fourth leter down:
Kathryn Jean Lopez
Please join John Boehner in making the Hyde Amendment permanent and universal.
No federal taxpayer funding of abortion, period.
You and I don't have to agree on the morality of abortion to keep my money out of it.
You would be getting us beyond the contentious appropriations debate we have every year, talking past one another.
It would show you respect the moral consciences of many Americans — and that you don't view us as enemies.
Thank you, Mr. President.
http://www.npr.org/2010/11/04/131073245/memos-to-the-president
Fourth leter down:
Kathryn Jean Lopez
Courtesy of Kathryn Jean Lopez
Kathryn Jean Lopez is the editor-at-large of the National Review Online.
Dear Mr. President,Please join John Boehner in making the Hyde Amendment permanent and universal.
No federal taxpayer funding of abortion, period.
You and I don't have to agree on the morality of abortion to keep my money out of it.
You would be getting us beyond the contentious appropriations debate we have every year, talking past one another.
It would show you respect the moral consciences of many Americans — and that you don't view us as enemies.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Battle Lines Drawn Over Medicaid in Texas - NYTimes.com
The quoted comment below sickens me. It's this kind of mentality and generalizations that the right uses all the time. But I fail to see where they give ANY facts to their generalized comments. Why do these heartless, gutless, half-witted people keep getting elected into office?
GOP Takeover May Speed Anti-Hunger Bill : It's All Politics : NPR
I think it is interesting that lawmakers are concerned about this anti-hunger bill passing after the new Republican majority takes hold of the House of Representative in January. Does this mean Republican are less compassionate? Or is it that those struggling to survive do not tend to vote Republican and therefore are ignored?
Refinancing Plan
An interesting article on the mortgage crisis and a possible solution. Whatever solution is proposed for this crisis, it should be available to all households...
http://www.npr.org/2010/11/10/131223118/economic-woes-spur-interest-in-refinancing-plan?ps=rs
http://www.npr.org/2010/11/11/131249862/refinancing-plan-could-face-political-hurdles
part 1
Economic Woes Spur Interest In Refinancing Plan
http://www.npr.org/2010/11/10/131223118/economic-woes-spur-interest-in-refinancing-plan?ps=rs
part 2
Mass-Refinancing Plan Has Doubters
http://www.npr.org/2010/11/11/131249862/refinancing-plan-could-face-political-hurdles
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Let us remind ourselves of our purpose...
I thought Franklin D. Roosevelt's words from June 14, 1942 still holds much credence today. Whether it's extending unemployment benefits in those in need. Whether it's extending health care for all. Whether it's fighting the injustices of the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan. We strive to make this world a better place. A better place for us and our neighbors. To help our neighbors. To help humanity.
"Our earth is but a small star in the great universe. Yet of it we can make, if we choose, a planet unvexed by war, untroubled by hunger or fear, undivided by senseless distinctions of race, color, or theory. Grant us that courage and foreseeing to begin this task today that our children and our children's children may be proud of the name of man.
"The spirit of man has awakened and the soul of man has gone forth. Grant us the wisdom and the vision to comprehend the greatness of man's spirit, that suffers and endures so hugely for a goal beyond his own brief span. Grant us honor for our dead who died in the faith, honor for our living who work and strive for the faith, redemption and security for all captive lands and peoples. Grant us patience with the deluded and pity for the betrayed. And grant us the skill and the valor that shall cleanse the world of oppression and the old base doctrine that the strong must eat the weak because they are strong.
"Yet most of all grant us brotherhood, not only for this day but for all our years- a brotherhood not of words but of acts and deeds. We are all of us children of earth—grant us that simple knowledge. If our brothers are oppressed, then we are oppressed. If they hunger, we hunger. If their freedom is taken away, our freedom is not secure. Grant us a common faith that man shall know bread and peace-that he shall know justice and righteousness, freedom and security, an equal opportunity and an equal chance to do his best, not only in our own lands, but throughout the world. And in that faith let us march, toward the clean world our hands can make. Amen."
The whole speech is here...
http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=16276
Face it Joe Miller, you lost...
The federal lawsuit by Joe Miller does not make any sense. Really? Do you expect every voter to correctly spell a write in candidate's name? If the voter intent is there, reasonable misspellings of the name should count. If the election officials can determine the voter intent, then it should count. Sorry Joe Miller, you are just a sore loser...
Alaska Starts Counting Write-In Vote For Senate Seat
by Frank James
Alaska Starts Counting Write-In Votes For Senate Seat
Alaska Starts Counting Write-In Vote For Senate Seat
by Frank James
Alaska Starts Counting Write-In Votes For Senate Seat
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Just as I thought...
Sarah Palin is all talk and no substance...
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/09/war-of-words-between-palin-and-the-wall-street-journal/#more-134564
TRENDING: War of words between Palin and the Wall Street Journal
November 9th, 2010 04:57 PM ET |
Environmental Change
Just what does the House takeover mean for progress on Climate Change? Nothing positive, that's for sure.
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/11/gop_takeover_in_the_house_may_spell_doom_for_obamas_environmental_policies.php?ref=tn
GOP Takeover In The House May Spell Doom For Obama's Environmental Policies
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/11/gop_takeover_in_the_house_may_spell_doom_for_obamas_environmental_policies.php?ref=tn
Andrew Shirvell fired from job at Michigan Attorney General's Office - AnnArbor.com
This kind of hatred should never be tolerated. The Michigan attorney general made to correct choice in firing Andrew Shirvell...
Andrew Shirvell fired from job at Michigan Attorney General's Office
By: David Jesse
AnnArbor.com Staff
AnnArbor.com Staff
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