Well, as usual, long time no me, but-like it says above-I'm "Saving the world whenever I can show up, just like you." (The laundry simply must be done!)
Today I'm going to try to highlight an issue that has been going around about having Hollywood stars read the Senate Health Care Bill to somehow stick it to the GOP for their vicious obstructionist tactics.
I received an e-mail from my friend Matt Saroff-a magnificent advocate for "The Democratic Wing of The Democratic Party" whose great blog can be found here:
On this specific issue he writes:
"As you no doubt are aware, any US Senator can demand that the full text of the legislation be read on the floor. I think it's almost certain that they will use this tactic to slow things down.
For a bill that long, doubtless, they would use multiple readers, and there is now a meme going around the internet suggesting that, for an hour
or so, instead of speed readers, we allow some celebrities to read the text of the bill.
Specifically, it has been suggested that William Shatner, Christopher Walken, and Jack Nicholson be recruited to read the bills, each in their own unique verbal styling.
It is thought that this would provide for a piece of absolutely stunning video on CSPAN, while simultaneously making the Republicans look like jerks, so it's a win-win."
With respect, I deeply disagree. It could be a "lose-lose. I don't think it would be a good idea to use Hollywood folks. As a matter of fact, I think it's a bad idea that could seriously backfire on us
It could make us look silly and give the Great Right Wing Lie Machine much fodder about "Hollywood Elites, our being frivolous about the issue, disrespecting the 'Heartland' and all those wonderful 'Teabaggers' who are the only really true Americans' and much, much more.
It would be a serious mistake to give them an opening like this.
What I think should be done by the Democrats is to have folks, perhaps children, who have serious illnesses and no health insurance take turns reading the bill.
That, that would really stick it too them. Stick it too them with no risk of hearing from the right except for their usual whining about "Exploiting People." People who everybody knows the right has no interest in helping at all anyway.
However, we must protect these people from the Wing Nuts and their possible violence.
Michelle Malkin and other deranged whack jobs actually stalked the children who survived because of the SCHIP insurance program and then testified about it before Congress.
Michelle Malkin literally went and looked in the windows of 12-year-old Graeme Frost's home, in order to decree that his family was clearly too well off to qualify for SCHIP. Of course conveniently overlooking the fact that his dad is a carpenter, and has been fixing up the house with his own hands for a decade.
I think that with health care reform, which would likely condemn Republicans to more than 20 years in the wilderness, we most likely see some of the advocates, even children, KILLED, so we simply must protect them. Perhaps going so far as to hire private security for them during the reading and for the period after while the Brown Shirts throw their predictable tantrum.
Below is the link to Matt's blogging about this matter, and I recommend bookmarking and regular reading of his site for the many, diverse issues he raises.
"40 Years In The Desert"
I humbly think my idea has more potential punch. Now let's see if we can make this happen!
Be seeing you!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Saturday, October 31, 2009
What's behind what's going on.
I saw the tears of the oppressed-
and they have no comforter;
the GOP was on the side of their oppressors-
and they have no comforter.
Ecclesiastes 4:1
Friday, September 25, 2009
Where is Sarah Palin going?
I don't know what the wonder is.
It's elemental.
Sarah Palin is going to Fox News.
Good night again,
Old Pinko
It's elemental.
Sarah Palin is going to Fox News.
Good night again,
Old Pinko
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
I'm a fairly lousey blogger
Hello,
Well, I'm back. I don't have much to put in here, but wanted to show up even if to just to say "Hello" to anyone who may happen by.
I've had a rather long stretch of awful life circumstances starting in July 2008 that hasn't quite ended yet. I hope that when I get to the other side of this, I'll be able to come here more often and more productively. I'm afraid I'll never be a good computer user, though.
That being said, A President Was Killed the Last Time Right-Wing Hatred Ran Wild Like This.
That being John F. Kennedy, who was gunned down in Dallas, of course.
Keep up the fight and have a good night.
Old Pinko
Well, I'm back. I don't have much to put in here, but wanted to show up even if to just to say "Hello" to anyone who may happen by.
I've had a rather long stretch of awful life circumstances starting in July 2008 that hasn't quite ended yet. I hope that when I get to the other side of this, I'll be able to come here more often and more productively. I'm afraid I'll never be a good computer user, though.
That being said, A President Was Killed the Last Time Right-Wing Hatred Ran Wild Like This.
That being John F. Kennedy, who was gunned down in Dallas, of course.
I've been thinking a lot of Kennedy and Dallas as I've watched the increasingly violent rhetorical attacks on Obama be unfurled. As Americans yank their kids of class in order to save them from being exposed to the President of the United States who only wanted to urge them to excel in the classroom. And as unvarnished hate and name-calling passed for health care 'debate' this summer.
Link to Truthout:
Of course it's much worse today with Fox and Fiends spreading hate all over the country.
Keep up the fight and have a good night.
Old Pinko
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Thank Whoever Runs The Nuthouse!
Well, surprise surprise! I must say I am deeply grateful to George W. Bush!
I never thought I'd ever say that! However after research I've fully understood that it was Bush who stopped Dick Cheney and John Yoo's attempt to use active military troops to arrest people on US soil in complete violation of the Constitution and the Posse Comitatus act-just to see if they could get away with it!
Why Bush did this is immaterial to me. However, when he did this, the climate in the country was rife with fear. Fear mostly stoked by Bush himself and his numerous media and other allies along with a supine Congress eager to shower more powers on our "War President."
That he did it is enough, because they could most likely have gotten away with it.
Thanks George. That's exactly one.
Jim Bunning leaving the Senate will open another opportunity for Democrats, but not a very good one. Kentucky's still a hard row to hoe for the Blues. Still, I can dream.
Nice to see all that lovely Red infighting spreading further out and out. As Chris Matthews would say: "Sends a shiver up my leg!"
Sarah Palin has finally quit quitting and has quit those oh so tedious duties, details and meetings that she oh so ardently promised the people of Alaska to ""Faithfully Carry Out and Execute." And, still, some will applaud wildly.
Let's call this "The Weathergirl's Revenge" for a great play on several concepts. Ted Baxter in a dress also comes into play.
She's obviously channeling Spiro Agnew. Agnew and a real long line of right wing demagogues.
Scripted, they’re just Jim Dandy. Alone, the current version’s no Spiro Agnew.
I remember Spiro Agnew. I cut my teeth on Spiro Agnew.
Spiro Agnew, no matter what you thought of him, knew a fair amount of policy. Before he was Vice President, he was the Governor (crooked it turns out) of Maryland. He was considered a Moderate Republican at the time. He knew both domestic and foreign policy even if you didn’t like his conclusions.
Sarah Palin doesn’t know either and doesn’t want too. She’s too lazy for that.
She knows she’ll be welcomed into the Right Wing Echo Chamber and make millions from the shrinking red meat base the Republican Party is inextricably enmeshed with without ever having to seriously bone up on policy, or economics, or science, or facts of any kind for that matter.
She can always go to any number of Right Wing “Think Tanks” for pre-packaged opinions, advisers, staff, “opinion leaders” and paid opinion followers to back her up.
They don’t call it an “Echo Chamber” for nothing. The Right’s been building it up at least since Goldwater’s defeat by the sane in nineteen sixty four.
She sure can still run again and get the GOP nomination next time.
She’s mastered Spiro’s vitriolic style with an admixture of her own traits enough to pull that off
Make no mistake; I’m really totally rooting madly for Sarah Palin. I’m hoping she continues to energize those who think that they really won last time. If not that, that it was stolen from them for whatever reason.
You know like, that Obama was born in Kenya or on DENEB IV. That he’s “really a Moslem.” As if that were illegal. Better yet, that he’s an accomplished time traveler who went back to plant his birth certificate and birth announcement then came back and took over the country! Or that “The South Will Rise Again” or whatever.
Really, I don’t care what they believe. (I know why they believe-see “Echo Chamber” above.) I just so want her to be the GOP’s next nominee in my very bleeding heart of bleeding hearts.
She’ll lose in a landslide and hopefully destroy the GOP so that we can get on with the business of having a civilization.
The GOP is never going to be able to kick the religious nuts, racists, neo-confederates, dictatorial billionaires and the rest of the crazies it's in bed with to the curb.
The GOP knowingly and lovingly wrapped it’s legs around all of these groups right after Goldwater’s deserved defeat in sixty four.
It's been humping them madly ever since while promising each and every group hellacious progeny and bloody total vengeance upon its foes until it reached the point that it could launch us into an illegal war, soil our reputation, imperil our constitution while totally devastating our economy and our lives.
They are the GOP. It's all that's left.
Government by a fanatical, ignorant but well heeled Right Wing minority at it's best.
Like all the other noxious bubbles we’ve seen of late, it’s time to pop this one and stop coddling it's practitioners..
Some other party will rise to take the GOP’s place when it doesn’t reform itself.
Hopefully, it will be the Greens, but more likely it will be some cleaned up version of conservatism which will, slowly and over time, reach out for the same corrupting elements that conservatism always reaches out for. Since conservatism is derived from worshiping absolute power in the form of the French King’s ass, this cycle has repeated many times before.
Some point out that there is a slim chance that Palin could win the Presidency. To them I point to the bumper sticker that’s already out there: “Palin for President 2012-2013+1/2”
The Echo Chamber at full bloom marches on.
I never thought I'd ever say that! However after research I've fully understood that it was Bush who stopped Dick Cheney and John Yoo's attempt to use active military troops to arrest people on US soil in complete violation of the Constitution and the Posse Comitatus act-just to see if they could get away with it!
Why Bush did this is immaterial to me. However, when he did this, the climate in the country was rife with fear. Fear mostly stoked by Bush himself and his numerous media and other allies along with a supine Congress eager to shower more powers on our "War President."
That he did it is enough, because they could most likely have gotten away with it.
Thanks George. That's exactly one.
Jim Bunning leaving the Senate will open another opportunity for Democrats, but not a very good one. Kentucky's still a hard row to hoe for the Blues. Still, I can dream.
Nice to see all that lovely Red infighting spreading further out and out. As Chris Matthews would say: "Sends a shiver up my leg!"
Sarah Palin has finally quit quitting and has quit those oh so tedious duties, details and meetings that she oh so ardently promised the people of Alaska to ""Faithfully Carry Out and Execute." And, still, some will applaud wildly.
Let's call this "The Weathergirl's Revenge" for a great play on several concepts. Ted Baxter in a dress also comes into play.
She's obviously channeling Spiro Agnew. Agnew and a real long line of right wing demagogues.
Scripted, they’re just Jim Dandy. Alone, the current version’s no Spiro Agnew.
I remember Spiro Agnew. I cut my teeth on Spiro Agnew.
Spiro Agnew, no matter what you thought of him, knew a fair amount of policy. Before he was Vice President, he was the Governor (crooked it turns out) of Maryland. He was considered a Moderate Republican at the time. He knew both domestic and foreign policy even if you didn’t like his conclusions.
Sarah Palin doesn’t know either and doesn’t want too. She’s too lazy for that.
She knows she’ll be welcomed into the Right Wing Echo Chamber and make millions from the shrinking red meat base the Republican Party is inextricably enmeshed with without ever having to seriously bone up on policy, or economics, or science, or facts of any kind for that matter.
She can always go to any number of Right Wing “Think Tanks” for pre-packaged opinions, advisers, staff, “opinion leaders” and paid opinion followers to back her up.
They don’t call it an “Echo Chamber” for nothing. The Right’s been building it up at least since Goldwater’s defeat by the sane in nineteen sixty four.
She sure can still run again and get the GOP nomination next time.
She’s mastered Spiro’s vitriolic style with an admixture of her own traits enough to pull that off
Make no mistake; I’m really totally rooting madly for Sarah Palin. I’m hoping she continues to energize those who think that they really won last time. If not that, that it was stolen from them for whatever reason.
You know like, that Obama was born in Kenya or on DENEB IV. That he’s “really a Moslem.” As if that were illegal. Better yet, that he’s an accomplished time traveler who went back to plant his birth certificate and birth announcement then came back and took over the country! Or that “The South Will Rise Again” or whatever.
Really, I don’t care what they believe. (I know why they believe-see “Echo Chamber” above.) I just so want her to be the GOP’s next nominee in my very bleeding heart of bleeding hearts.
She’ll lose in a landslide and hopefully destroy the GOP so that we can get on with the business of having a civilization.
The GOP is never going to be able to kick the religious nuts, racists, neo-confederates, dictatorial billionaires and the rest of the crazies it's in bed with to the curb.
The GOP knowingly and lovingly wrapped it’s legs around all of these groups right after Goldwater’s deserved defeat in sixty four.
It's been humping them madly ever since while promising each and every group hellacious progeny and bloody total vengeance upon its foes until it reached the point that it could launch us into an illegal war, soil our reputation, imperil our constitution while totally devastating our economy and our lives.
They are the GOP. It's all that's left.
Government by a fanatical, ignorant but well heeled Right Wing minority at it's best.
Like all the other noxious bubbles we’ve seen of late, it’s time to pop this one and stop coddling it's practitioners..
Some other party will rise to take the GOP’s place when it doesn’t reform itself.
Hopefully, it will be the Greens, but more likely it will be some cleaned up version of conservatism which will, slowly and over time, reach out for the same corrupting elements that conservatism always reaches out for. Since conservatism is derived from worshiping absolute power in the form of the French King’s ass, this cycle has repeated many times before.
Some point out that there is a slim chance that Palin could win the Presidency. To them I point to the bumper sticker that’s already out there: “Palin for President 2012-2013+1/2”
The Echo Chamber at full bloom marches on.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
"Them Marrying Gays"
You can share this with anyone you like, just leave the copyright and name as we all like recognition for our efforts and, er, should anyone not notice, this is a parody.
Sing to the tune of the "Gary Owen" also known as “Custer's 7th Cavalry Theme” (How wonderfully apt!)
"The Factory’s closing and moving away
The jobs are all gone way south to stay
I’ll be losing my home in a couple of days
But at least I’m protected from them marrying gays!
And a daughter with kids lives in a hole in the ground
My mother eats dog food on most of the days,
But at least I’m protected from those marrying gays!
I worship Jesus, it’s right on my arm,
and if you don’t salute, you'll come to great harm,
I love my Lord Jesus. Bless His Sweet Breath.
And if you disagree well we’ll stomp you to death.
I love my country with my heart of hearts
And believe in the Bible-except the soft parts
Pat Robertson’s club’s on the TV all day
Telling me I’m protected from those marrying gays!"
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Republican Sex (and other) Crimes and Criminals! Read All About IT!
There's been almost four decades of Right Wing Bull Sh*t about their "Moral Values" and almost four decades worth of ample proof that it is just that: Right Wing Bull Sh*t.
The latest paragon to admit being less than the Godly Superman advertised is John Ensign (R. NV) who admitted to an extramarital affair with a staffer.
Not being a sexually repressed person myself, I don't think that private, non-criminal sexual actions belong on the front page-unless they expose the public hypocrisy of the perpetrator as in this case.
This clown voted to impeach Clinton for what he now admits to doing. Then again, so did Newt Gingrich, Henry Hyde and a "Heavenly" host of these pygmies.
Still, extramarital affairs have no party label. John Edwards disgraced himself while running for the Presidency and a search throughout history will turn up many others of many parties.
However, for crime, the "modern" GOP seems to be pushing for the "All Time Champions" trophy.
Let's look at a few, somewhat overlapping, lists.
GOP sex crimes?
Go here:
GOP graft?
Go here:
And to become overwhelmed with perfidy, go here and here and here and here.
There are lots more lists out there about these people including those showing their cowardice regarding military service.
A full listing of their manifest culpability in bringing on The Second GOP Depression will have to wait.
First GOP Depression.
However for a discussion of their dishonesty since the election go here.
Have a good day and I hope the following amuse.
The latest paragon to admit being less than the Godly Superman advertised is John Ensign (R. NV) who admitted to an extramarital affair with a staffer.
Not being a sexually repressed person myself, I don't think that private, non-criminal sexual actions belong on the front page-unless they expose the public hypocrisy of the perpetrator as in this case.
This clown voted to impeach Clinton for what he now admits to doing. Then again, so did Newt Gingrich, Henry Hyde and a "Heavenly" host of these pygmies.
Still, extramarital affairs have no party label. John Edwards disgraced himself while running for the Presidency and a search throughout history will turn up many others of many parties.
However, for crime, the "modern" GOP seems to be pushing for the "All Time Champions" trophy.
Let's look at a few, somewhat overlapping, lists.
GOP sex crimes?
Go here:
GOP graft?
Go here:
And to become overwhelmed with perfidy, go here and here and here and here.
There are lots more lists out there about these people including those showing their cowardice regarding military service.
A full listing of their manifest culpability in bringing on The Second GOP Depression will have to wait.
First GOP Depression.
However for a discussion of their dishonesty since the election go here.
Have a good day and I hope the following amuse.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Thoughts on torture.
Nothing is more stirring than watching American troops liberating people from tyranny’s yoke in the film record of World War's One, Two and in Korea
(Even in the open sore that was
Showers of flowers, hugs and kisses greeted them everywhere.
This was because they’d chased the people who tortured out of town. They weren’t just bringing in new ones.
The pride our veterans have in this universal recognition of their decency is well deserved.
Over the years, while the
Not any more. Thanks to conservatism with it’s built in lust for absolute authority.
There is never a “ticking time bomb” scenario either. Terrorists usually only know of the one plot they’re involved in-and not much of that one either.
Even if there were a ticking time bomb, the enemy who had the knowledge of it would just lie until it went off. They'd be giving up all sorts of addresses in Des Moines right up until Buffalo blows up.
Also, as Americans, many of us would rather take this risk then become vile, evil thugs who torture. We’d rather die than become them.
Until Bush, until the GOP, until conservatives and conservatism showed their true colors as incompetent, cowardly, lying Anti-American thugs.
After all the psychotic shifting of rationales for their pre and post 9/11 crimes up to and including the crime of attacking Iraq, the conservatives and their media sycophants have finally come up with one that at least sparks of truth: cowardice and panic.
The Chicken Hawks admit that they were wetting their pants, and flailed about wildly trying to hide their abject failure to prevent 9/11 and ignorance about how to react. They were terrified,
But we now know that they’re still lying about why they tortured. As true as the admission that they were cowardly incompetent fools is, they were also criminals in that they tortured only to make their false case for the completely unneeded war on
This, at bottom, fundamentally is about pride. Being proud of the actions of our past veterans in liberating people from tyranny, inspires a deep, abiding desire to be among their numbers.
As Americans we always were deeply proud of our conduct during war. The conduct that provoked those flowers, hugs, bottles and kisses. It’s our deepest hope that we’ll always be that kind of America and Americans.
We were always proud, until Bush and the GOP defined us as the torturers, the ones people are afraid of when we show up.
We will reap the bitter harvest for these anti American people and acts for a long, long time.
They should be held to account.
They should be sent to prison.
There’s a project whose fruition will restore our pride in ourselves for removing tyrants, thugs and oppressors and then punishing them.
Let’s do it.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Right wing terrorism spree-NO film at eleven.
Well, friends, today this Conservative, James W. von Brunn (No doubt "a man of deep, deep faith”) has fired on the Holocaust Museum
Meanwhile, remember how Janet Napolitano apologized for the DHS report on right wing extremism after being hammered relentlessly by the Limbaughs and Hannitys. How long before right wing talkers try to blame liberals for even mentioning their hate speech?
Sure, the despicable attack on a military recruiter in
Then again,what do you know: Yet another shooting of police officers by an angry and paranoid man with a military background. And just like the last one, this one believed Obama was going to come get his guns.
Will this be treated as Terrorism by the Conservative controlled media? Hell no!
We'll get more Chris Matthews, who tonight had to screech his loud way back to Lee Harvey Oswald over and over as a "man of the left" in a clumsy attempt to cobble together a variant of the "moral equivalence" nonsense it's mandatory for the media to trot out.
If you're listening for any regrets being expressed by those who's hate inspiring public rants against Liberals encourage these terrorists? Well that vast, cold, empty non-sound you hear is the sound of their souls.Life is sacred to these people? Remember, to them, when life is sacred, life is cheap.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
I'm back with good news.
My time in "Computer Hell" is almost over. I still have to invest more (too much more) by buying more up to date hardware, but at least things are getting better.
The good news is that Arlen Specter has announced he's becoming a Democrat! This is great news and will help us dig out of the mess the Phants have nearly buried us in.
Link
Till next time.
The good news is that Arlen Specter has announced he's becoming a Democrat! This is great news and will help us dig out of the mess the Phants have nearly buried us in.
Link
Till next time.
Monday, March 2, 2009
I am languishing in PC Hell!
I recently got techno-bombed by the cretins who substitute doing this for sex lives and so am almost totally off line.
I'm in the process of paying lots in repairing and replacing this mess while dreaming of having a few unsupervised hours with those who blessed me with this experience.
When this is over, I'll get back to my intermittent saving of the world.
Until then, support our party, president and country-and bury the GOP they deserve it.
Old Pinko
I'm in the process of paying lots in repairing and replacing this mess while dreaming of having a few unsupervised hours with those who blessed me with this experience.
When this is over, I'll get back to my intermittent saving of the world.
Until then, support our party, president and country-and bury the GOP they deserve it.
Old Pinko
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Chris Matthews again!
Welcome friends!
After viewing President Obama eloquently defending and promoting the stimulus and recovery plan in strong and cogent terms, Chris Matthews tonight had the nerve to ask Lawrence O'Donnell "what's this deal with the Teleprompter?" Implying sneeringly that it is somehow radically exceptional that President Obama needs one to more effectively communicate!
When, when-in the long stygian nightmare of the last eight years, did Matthews ever even mildly mock Bush's use of sorely needed speaking aides? Master reader Reagan? Anyone? And, what's that he's reading from anyway?
Disgusting but typical.
Then, then he again shrilly advances his latest menopausal obsession. Get this! He's been pushing this for several days now!
"That Obama and Biden's pick of Pittsburgh over Arizona in the Superbowl was a coldly partisan move because the Democrats will never carry Arizona! They were sending a message, see.
He intruded this in several conversations with actual adults.
Of course, no one braced him on all his sillyness.
Yes, it's still called "Hardball!"
'Ain't life wonderful?
After viewing President Obama eloquently defending and promoting the stimulus and recovery plan in strong and cogent terms, Chris Matthews tonight had the nerve to ask Lawrence O'Donnell "what's this deal with the Teleprompter?" Implying sneeringly that it is somehow radically exceptional that President Obama needs one to more effectively communicate!
When, when-in the long stygian nightmare of the last eight years, did Matthews ever even mildly mock Bush's use of sorely needed speaking aides? Master reader Reagan? Anyone? And, what's that he's reading from anyway?
Disgusting but typical.
Then, then he again shrilly advances his latest menopausal obsession. Get this! He's been pushing this for several days now!
"That Obama and Biden's pick of Pittsburgh over Arizona in the Superbowl was a coldly partisan move because the Democrats will never carry Arizona! They were sending a message, see.
He intruded this in several conversations with actual adults.
Of course, no one braced him on all his sillyness.
Yes, it's still called "Hardball!"
'Ain't life wonderful?
Monday, February 2, 2009
This lives the expression "It's About Damn Time!"
(HT to: "40 Years in the Desert")
"Dems To Leadership: Cut GOP Loose"
"Rank-and-file Congressional Democrats had been willing to give Republicans the business tax cuts and other provisions they wanted in the stimulus. That is, up until every single one voted against the bill on the House floor Wednesday.
Bi-partisanship is one of those lofty ideals that everyone talks about as being able to move the country forward, but in history and practice? Results, not so much.
We've tried too. No bites on the carrots, big carrots, lots of carrots. None! Turned up noses, even. Multiplying, more unified, vehemently turned up noses-with snuffles too!
Snuffles? Snuffles.
Well, funny thing, in that pesky way democracy has, the Democrats handily won the recent elections for the House, Senate and Presidential elections. Won with a thumping majority in the House, with a thumping majority in the Senate, and-with a thumping victory-took back the White House with an openly, un-apologetically Liberal agenda.(1)
Thumping's the word, you know, like thumping with a stick?
We won the elections thumpingly based on what we said we were going to do. If bi-partisanship means doing everything the GOP wants and nothing we campaigned on, why have elections at all?
To say that things like building schools, railroad upgradesa new energy grd and other infrastructure should be stripped out as non-jobs creating or taking too long is silly. Those projects will keep the economy going while the private sector heals from it's self inflected wounds.
As a matter of fact, they are too small a part of the package considering the need.
We need to take them out, repeal the Bush tax cuts, and let them know there is a political price to pay for partisan obstructionism.
It's time for the stick. Snuffles, hm?
Thumping yes, thumping indeed.
(1) Call it Progressive or Left Wing if you really must.)
(HT to: "40 Years in the Desert")
"Dems To Leadership: Cut GOP Loose"
"Rank-and-file Congressional Democrats had been willing to give Republicans the business tax cuts and other provisions they wanted in the stimulus. That is, up until every single one voted against the bill on the House floor Wednesday.
Now, in both the House and the Senate, angry members are lobbying Democratic leaders to yank those tax breaks back."
Link:Bi-partisanship is one of those lofty ideals that everyone talks about as being able to move the country forward, but in history and practice? Results, not so much.
We've tried too. No bites on the carrots, big carrots, lots of carrots. None! Turned up noses, even. Multiplying, more unified, vehemently turned up noses-with snuffles too!
Snuffles? Snuffles.
Well, funny thing, in that pesky way democracy has, the Democrats handily won the recent elections for the House, Senate and Presidential elections. Won with a thumping majority in the House, with a thumping majority in the Senate, and-with a thumping victory-took back the White House with an openly, un-apologetically Liberal agenda.(1)
Thumping's the word, you know, like thumping with a stick?
We won the elections thumpingly based on what we said we were going to do. If bi-partisanship means doing everything the GOP wants and nothing we campaigned on, why have elections at all?
To say that things like building schools, railroad upgradesa new energy grd and other infrastructure should be stripped out as non-jobs creating or taking too long is silly. Those projects will keep the economy going while the private sector heals from it's self inflected wounds.
As a matter of fact, they are too small a part of the package considering the need.
We need to take them out, repeal the Bush tax cuts, and let them know there is a political price to pay for partisan obstructionism.
It's time for the stick. Snuffles, hm?
Thumping yes, thumping indeed.
(1) Call it Progressive or Left Wing if you really must.)
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Rod Blagojevich the big Ho Hum and Other Mean Things.
Let's face it, the Rod Blagojevich media circus is the Nicole Smith circus of the political world.
Frankly, who cares? The guy's allegedly a crook who abused his office.
He got impeached for this and for other long standing issues. So?
We've found monumental crooks all over the financial, banking and business world, yet we focus on this pathetic side show?
It only shows you that the media can always be counted on to try to shift our attention onto a chump change side show-with a Democrat in it.
This instead of keeping their eyes on the mega crooks who've driven us into this ditch while still self righteously paying themselves bonuses while still asking us for some more no-strings attached dole continue to abuse.
Shameful, but typical.
As for the Republicans opposing, in Zombie fashion the stimulus package that President Obama bent too far over backwards to make pleasing in your eyes, the party's over boys.
The jig is up.
Let me get this straight, it's the Democrats fault that the Republicans let the Republicans steal all the money and if the Democrats try to stop the Republicans from stealing even more money, the Republicans say it will lead to the Republicans being able to steal even more money?
Is that what you're telling me Mr. McConnell?
Well, bunky, I ain't buying it, and neither is anyone else anymore.
Goodnight to right wing solutions and "bipartisanship" that means we bend over and hike up our skirts.
We gave you a chance to help, you refused. Now, get out of the damn way!
Frankly, who cares? The guy's allegedly a crook who abused his office.
He got impeached for this and for other long standing issues. So?
We've found monumental crooks all over the financial, banking and business world, yet we focus on this pathetic side show?
It only shows you that the media can always be counted on to try to shift our attention onto a chump change side show-with a Democrat in it.
This instead of keeping their eyes on the mega crooks who've driven us into this ditch while still self righteously paying themselves bonuses while still asking us for some more no-strings attached dole continue to abuse.
Shameful, but typical.
As for the Republicans opposing, in Zombie fashion the stimulus package that President Obama bent too far over backwards to make pleasing in your eyes, the party's over boys.
The jig is up.
Let me get this straight, it's the Democrats fault that the Republicans let the Republicans steal all the money and if the Democrats try to stop the Republicans from stealing even more money, the Republicans say it will lead to the Republicans being able to steal even more money?
Is that what you're telling me Mr. McConnell?
Well, bunky, I ain't buying it, and neither is anyone else anymore.
Goodnight to right wing solutions and "bipartisanship" that means we bend over and hike up our skirts.
We gave you a chance to help, you refused. Now, get out of the damn way!
Chris Matthews once again.
This is going to be a short one that may be followed by another post, but this just needs to stand alone.
Chris Matthews once again showed tonight that he is a complete zit.
Throughout tonight's program, he pretended not to know the difference between campaign contributions from individuals and groups who like your stances, and a quid pro quo..
It was so insulting to watch. Of course, guest after guest. Much more intelligent than Matthews never sought to school the screamer in this easy to understand distinction.
If you stand for working people, worker's rights, woman's gay, disabled and minority rights, the people interested in supporting them too will send you money. Just like the NRA, The Business Roundtable, the Chamber of Commerce, Eagle Forum, Right to Life groups and others and right wing billionaires will send money to Conservative Republicans.
However, when you say-no matter what party-that you will or will not vote for something contingent on getting a contribution, home repairs, a blow job or anything else, it's a crime.
Our Hero Chris, though, the one who deigns to lecture any and everyone who he decides to scream at, pretended to not be able to discern this simple difference.
Disgusting.
He also had the nerve to ask an Illinois legislator "How can a guy this smart get into a situation like this!" This question in the face of the entire Wall Street, Chicago Boy Economics club, Trickle Down, Investor Class, "Cream of the Crop" looting the economy and paying themselves bonus's to do so?
It's no longer a question of what planet he comes from, it's what galaxy.
It's still called "Hardball" too.
Chris Matthews once again showed tonight that he is a complete zit.
Throughout tonight's program, he pretended not to know the difference between campaign contributions from individuals and groups who like your stances, and a quid pro quo..
It was so insulting to watch. Of course, guest after guest. Much more intelligent than Matthews never sought to school the screamer in this easy to understand distinction.
If you stand for working people, worker's rights, woman's gay, disabled and minority rights, the people interested in supporting them too will send you money. Just like the NRA, The Business Roundtable, the Chamber of Commerce, Eagle Forum, Right to Life groups and others and right wing billionaires will send money to Conservative Republicans.
However, when you say-no matter what party-that you will or will not vote for something contingent on getting a contribution, home repairs, a blow job or anything else, it's a crime.
Our Hero Chris, though, the one who deigns to lecture any and everyone who he decides to scream at, pretended to not be able to discern this simple difference.
Disgusting.
He also had the nerve to ask an Illinois legislator "How can a guy this smart get into a situation like this!" This question in the face of the entire Wall Street, Chicago Boy Economics club, Trickle Down, Investor Class, "Cream of the Crop" looting the economy and paying themselves bonus's to do so?
It's no longer a question of what planet he comes from, it's what galaxy.
It's still called "Hardball" too.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Grand Obstructionist Poltroons GOP forever at it.
Here we go forever again. Conservatives have only a few ideas-bad ideas that they are forever wedded to and that only benefit the same greedy few people they are forever indebted too.
Frankly, I'm already sick to death of "bipartisanship." Screw bipartisanship.
Conservatives can only dig holes for other people's lives and then bury them, making a buck each way.
Since Reagan was elected in 1980, we've battened them, fattened them, wined and dined them on tax cut after every conceivable kind of tax cut.
An orgy of Conservative tax cuts and savage deregulation has brought us to this low estate, yet-ever and forever-they cry out for "MORE!"
Like an an army of antithetical Oliver Twists, bowls ever in hand, elbowing their way to the front of the line-again, they want "more, more, ever MORE!"
John Boehner ( R-Obstructionist) has announced his opposition to Obama's stimulus plan-even though it's overloaded with more ineffective business tax breaks. "MORE!" Boehner wants, and says his band of zombies will obstruct in lock step until they get "MORE!"
Sen. Senile McCain says the major flaw in the stimulus plan is that it was written by the majority party.(You know, the one's who won the election based on the public comparing GOP solutions to the economy-and everything else-versus the Democrat's solutions!!?) and doesn't have "MORE!"
Isn't the definition of insanity doing the same destructive, stupid thing over and over while expecting a different result?
Bipartisanship? Sick of it yet?
There is no pay off for the American People in bipartisanship unless it is to discredit the Conservatives forever.
We need a New New Deal here. Not only in it's orientation but in it's single minded burial of the ideas that brought them their and us our current misery. Our current misery with more misery to come.
The New Dealers not only ushered in an era of unprecedented financial security and economic expansion, but also cemented in the general public the knowledge that Conservatism and unregulated capitalism is a recipe for the kind of disaster we're in now.
Sure, let's try to peal off the Ladies from Maine and the Great, Cowardly Blowhard from Pennsylvania, but beyond that, why bother placating knuckleheads?
Some more evidence of obstructionism:
"Clyburn on GOP Stimulus Opposition: We Won, Now Move On"
" . . . Democrats are scoffing at some of the demands of their Republican brethren."
Link:
"Limbaugh and Hannity, the True Faces of Conservatism: Impotent, Irrelevant."
By David Neiwert Friday Jan 23, 2009 9:00am
Link:
"Taking Responsibility"
By Scott Lilly
( This guy expects Conservatives to take responsibility for their crimes!!!? Oh well, it's a good read. )
"Since the Republican Conference of the U.S. House of Representatives is largely made up of individuals who believe their party lost the 2008 elections because they did not run far enough to the right, it is not surprising that their leaders are now attempting to block efforts to clean up the mess their far right philosophy created. There appears to be no factoid or morsel of misinformation they are unwilling to utilize to make the case to do nothing other than provide still more tax cuts to their business friends."
Link:
Last but not least, we must remember that to Conservatives bipartisanship means you pay for the meal and they still get to rape your daughter.
"Obama's Right Wing Dinner Friends Rip His Stimulus Package: Worst Bill In 'Galactic History'"
Several days before taking office, President Obama traveled to George Will’s home to dine with a handful of conservative media elites. The beltway conventional wisdom suggested that Obama’s aim was to “neutralize potential adversaries” by way of a “charm offensive.” After the dinner, Bill Kristol explained on Fox and Friends that while “no one’s mind was changed,” he would “end up supporting [Obama] on some things.” Charles Krauthammer joked about Obama’s apparent goals, “I am brainwashed entirely. I’m in the tank.”
Let's bury these creeps. We did win, or did I forget something?
Frankly, I'm already sick to death of "bipartisanship." Screw bipartisanship.
Conservatives can only dig holes for other people's lives and then bury them, making a buck each way.
Since Reagan was elected in 1980, we've battened them, fattened them, wined and dined them on tax cut after every conceivable kind of tax cut.
An orgy of Conservative tax cuts and savage deregulation has brought us to this low estate, yet-ever and forever-they cry out for "MORE!"
Like an an army of antithetical Oliver Twists, bowls ever in hand, elbowing their way to the front of the line-again, they want "more, more, ever MORE!"
John Boehner ( R-Obstructionist) has announced his opposition to Obama's stimulus plan-even though it's overloaded with more ineffective business tax breaks. "MORE!" Boehner wants, and says his band of zombies will obstruct in lock step until they get "MORE!"
Sen. Senile McCain says the major flaw in the stimulus plan is that it was written by the majority party.(You know, the one's who won the election based on the public comparing GOP solutions to the economy-and everything else-versus the Democrat's solutions!!?) and doesn't have "MORE!"
Isn't the definition of insanity doing the same destructive, stupid thing over and over while expecting a different result?
Bipartisanship? Sick of it yet?
There is no pay off for the American People in bipartisanship unless it is to discredit the Conservatives forever.
We need a New New Deal here. Not only in it's orientation but in it's single minded burial of the ideas that brought them their and us our current misery. Our current misery with more misery to come.
The New Dealers not only ushered in an era of unprecedented financial security and economic expansion, but also cemented in the general public the knowledge that Conservatism and unregulated capitalism is a recipe for the kind of disaster we're in now.
Sure, let's try to peal off the Ladies from Maine and the Great, Cowardly Blowhard from Pennsylvania, but beyond that, why bother placating knuckleheads?
Some more evidence of obstructionism:
"Clyburn on GOP Stimulus Opposition: We Won, Now Move On"
" . . . Democrats are scoffing at some of the demands of their Republican brethren."
Link:
"Limbaugh and Hannity, the True Faces of Conservatism: Impotent, Irrelevant."
By David Neiwert Friday Jan 23, 2009 9:00am
Link:
"Taking Responsibility"
By Scott Lilly
( This guy expects Conservatives to take responsibility for their crimes!!!? Oh well, it's a good read. )
"Since the Republican Conference of the U.S. House of Representatives is largely made up of individuals who believe their party lost the 2008 elections because they did not run far enough to the right, it is not surprising that their leaders are now attempting to block efforts to clean up the mess their far right philosophy created. There appears to be no factoid or morsel of misinformation they are unwilling to utilize to make the case to do nothing other than provide still more tax cuts to their business friends."
Link:
Last but not least, we must remember that to Conservatives bipartisanship means you pay for the meal and they still get to rape your daughter.
"Obama's Right Wing Dinner Friends Rip His Stimulus Package: Worst Bill In 'Galactic History'"
Several days before taking office, President Obama traveled to George Will’s home to dine with a handful of conservative media elites. The beltway conventional wisdom suggested that Obama’s aim was to “neutralize potential adversaries” by way of a “charm offensive.” After the dinner, Bill Kristol explained on Fox and Friends that while “no one’s mind was changed,” he would “end up supporting [Obama] on some things.” Charles Krauthammer joked about Obama’s apparent goals, “I am brainwashed entirely. I’m in the tank.”
Just one week later, Obama’s right-wing acquaintances have already shown the futility of engaging in a good-faith dialogue with them. While Obama pushes his vision for the economic recovery package — his first real battle against the conservative establishment — the dinner’s attendees are on a no-holds-barred offensive against it:
Link:Thursday, January 22, 2009
Let's look around some more, shall we?
Good day folks!
We are in the first blush of a new, legal administration and the landscape is rapidly changing for the better. It should be fun to look around to see what we can find of interest that reflects this or the foot dragging of the right wing nuts.
In no particular order, we have . . .
Hay, "Mortgage Ads are puffery" didn't you know?
Of course ads are puffery and you shouldn't believe what you read or watch or hear on the radio or TV from Corporations that took Billions from us to restart the financial system. You're just stupid if you believe them.
Link:
With that out of the way . . .
Obama Should Act Like He Won
Link:
Then there's the latest gift to the nation from Texas Sen. John Cronyism
"Watch Out for John Cornyn: He's the New GOP Elephant in the China Shop"
Link:
( OK so I really don't have the text size thing down yet! I'm trying though. )
Now, to continue, here's a big fat non-surprise!
GOP attack machine Kicks Into Gear!
Link:
Well, that is enough for now. I'm sure you can come up with many that are better so have a good day.
We are in the first blush of a new, legal administration and the landscape is rapidly changing for the better. It should be fun to look around to see what we can find of interest that reflects this or the foot dragging of the right wing nuts.
In no particular order, we have . . .
Hay, "Mortgage Ads are puffery" didn't you know?
Of course ads are puffery and you shouldn't believe what you read or watch or hear on the radio or TV from Corporations that took Billions from us to restart the financial system. You're just stupid if you believe them.
Link:
With that out of the way . . .
Obama Should Act Like He Won
Link:Then there's the latest gift to the nation from Texas Sen. John Cronyism
"Watch Out for John Cornyn: He's the New GOP Elephant in the China Shop"
Link:
( OK so I really don't have the text size thing down yet! I'm trying though. )
Now, to continue, here's a big fat non-surprise!
GOP attack machine Kicks Into Gear!
Link:
Well, that is enough for now. I'm sure you can come up with many that are better so have a good day.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A Legitimate Government Once Again.
I just finished watching our first President since 2000 take the oath of office.
Ah! Finally an freely elected legitimate government.
It will admittedly take many baths to get the stench off, but-with effort-we'll be able to overcome and thrive again.
Goodbye you thieving, incompetent bums!
Ah! Finally an freely elected legitimate government.
It will admittedly take many baths to get the stench off, but-with effort-we'll be able to overcome and thrive again.
Goodbye you thieving, incompetent bums!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Bush the Lie.
I watched Bush’s farewell speech. Just to fulfill my worst expectations of him, I watched Bush’s last attempt to bully or bullshit us all into thinking he’s anything near being a competent human.
Self satisfied frat boy to the end, surrounded by the cabana boys and umbrella girls who toadied up to and milked him at everyone else' expense since their days as the second best children of the reactionary power elite idly waiting assignment to yet another family show job, Bush smugly recounted his "success's" and "steadfastness" not realizing that the country had long ago gotten over his confusion of glossy photo ops and churlish stubbornness.for actual achievements.
George Bush, unprosecuted, unpunished, unrepentant and totally unaware of his dumblatude and stupidicide-to use words he might grasp-will sail off on the oil of his own unexamined hubris to bask in the shiny accolades given freely by that same small circle of those he fattened at great cost to the rest of the world.
It is not so much that Bush lies, and lies a lot; it is that he is a lie, completely self sufficient compartmentalized, fiction swaddled from infancy by the money, effort and misery of others.
An afterlife will have to be called up to envision any just reckoning for such inhumane indifference to others.
History too will have it’s say; pity though, we all know he’s too lazy to read it and too dull to comprehend it.
Good riddance.
---------
Ms. Huffington agrees.
"Thursday night's valedictory speech was quintessential Bush: delusional from beginning to end."
Link:
---------------
Who's Gonna Build Your Wall by Tom Russell
---------------
In closing, we all must remember that Republican Conservatives never, ever change.
Here's a little ditty from the last Conservative Republican Great Depression to remind us.
"America Ain’t America Any More (1937)
Lyrics by Leo Rifkin, Dave Shaw and Frank Tarloff
Music by Jennie Fogel
America ain’t America any more.
That’s what this committee’s meeting for.
The foreigners from the other side are driving us to ruin.
We’d better be more careful or they’ll own the country soon.
What used to be a melting pot is now an old spittoon –
America ain’t America any more.
It started back in 1776 –
We lost the country to the Bolsheviks.
It wasn’t quite so bad then, considering how things went.
We had our Huey Longs and they were really heaven sent.
But ever since a certain guy became the president,
America ain’t America any more.
Interlude:
If you see un-Americans
Snooping far and near –
Just Alkalize with Martin Dies
And they will disappear.
Yes, Alkalize with Martin Dies
And they will disappear.
Verse:
This country’s really getting out of joint.
The WPA’s* a case in point.
The “W’s” for the wagrants whom we have wined and dined.
The “A” is for the aliens who should have stayed behind.
The “P”?
The “P” must stand for something, but it somehow slips my mind.
America ain’t America any more.
Repeat Interlude
America ain’t America any more.
Communism’s knocking at our door. (Knock, knock)
You’ll find them in he AFL and in he CIO –
They might turn up in any place, just where you’ll never know.
And Karl Marx has three brothers doing work for RKO!
America ain’t America any more.
Repeat Interlude"
-------
Good night. It's only four more days 'till we de-schmuck the country.
Self satisfied frat boy to the end, surrounded by the cabana boys and umbrella girls who toadied up to and milked him at everyone else' expense since their days as the second best children of the reactionary power elite idly waiting assignment to yet another family show job, Bush smugly recounted his "success's" and "steadfastness" not realizing that the country had long ago gotten over his confusion of glossy photo ops and churlish stubbornness.for actual achievements.
George Bush, unprosecuted, unpunished, unrepentant and totally unaware of his dumblatude and stupidicide-to use words he might grasp-will sail off on the oil of his own unexamined hubris to bask in the shiny accolades given freely by that same small circle of those he fattened at great cost to the rest of the world.
It is not so much that Bush lies, and lies a lot; it is that he is a lie, completely self sufficient compartmentalized, fiction swaddled from infancy by the money, effort and misery of others.
An afterlife will have to be called up to envision any just reckoning for such inhumane indifference to others.
History too will have it’s say; pity though, we all know he’s too lazy to read it and too dull to comprehend it.
Good riddance.
---------
Ms. Huffington agrees.
"Thursday night's valedictory speech was quintessential Bush: delusional from beginning to end."
Link:
---------------
Who's Gonna Build Your Wall by Tom Russell
---------------
In closing, we all must remember that Republican Conservatives never, ever change.
Here's a little ditty from the last Conservative Republican Great Depression to remind us.
"America Ain’t America Any More (1937)
Lyrics by Leo Rifkin, Dave Shaw and Frank Tarloff
Music by Jennie Fogel
America ain’t America any more.
That’s what this committee’s meeting for.
The foreigners from the other side are driving us to ruin.
We’d better be more careful or they’ll own the country soon.
What used to be a melting pot is now an old spittoon –
America ain’t America any more.
It started back in 1776 –
We lost the country to the Bolsheviks.
It wasn’t quite so bad then, considering how things went.
We had our Huey Longs and they were really heaven sent.
But ever since a certain guy became the president,
America ain’t America any more.
Interlude:
If you see un-Americans
Snooping far and near –
Just Alkalize with Martin Dies
And they will disappear.
Yes, Alkalize with Martin Dies
And they will disappear.
Verse:
This country’s really getting out of joint.
The WPA’s* a case in point.
The “W’s” for the wagrants whom we have wined and dined.
The “A” is for the aliens who should have stayed behind.
The “P”?
The “P” must stand for something, but it somehow slips my mind.
America ain’t America any more.
Repeat Interlude
America ain’t America any more.
Communism’s knocking at our door. (Knock, knock)
You’ll find them in he AFL and in he CIO –
They might turn up in any place, just where you’ll never know.
And Karl Marx has three brothers doing work for RKO!
America ain’t America any more.
Repeat Interlude"
-------
Good night. It's only four more days 'till we de-schmuck the country.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
What do you mean there's no one to blame?
January 20th can't come soon enough for most people.
I find myself wondering at the niceness and concern being shown to conservatives and Republicans during this time, but someone pointed out that no one wants to set Bush off on any world destroying tantrums while he still has the power to make us all suffer.
With that, let's take a stroll around and see what we can find.
------------
---------------------
simply cannot abide a misspent dime.
-----------------------
Can Labor Revive the American Dream?
The financial markets are in tatters, consumer spending is anemic and the recession continues to deepen, but corporate America is keeping its eyes on the prize: crushing organized labor. The Center for Union Facts, a business front group, has taken out full-page ads in newspapers linking SEIU president Andy Stern to the Rod Blagojevich scandal. The Chamber of Commerce is capitalizing on the debate over the Big Three bailout to claim that "unions drove the auto companies off the cliff," while minority leader Mitch McConnell and other Republican senators insist on steep wage cuts. A December 10 Republican strategy memo revealed their central obsession: "Republicans should stand firm and take their first shot against organized labor," the memo read. "This is a precursor to card check"--a clear reference to the Employee Free Choice Act.
----------------------------
Incoming Democrats to put a stop to GOP greed and theft of bailout money.
Link:
By Caren Bohan and David Lawder
Washington - President-elect Barack Obama and a key Democratic lawmaker revealed plans on Friday to overhaul the government's $700 billion financial rescue fund as a way to aid struggling homeowners and speed the flow of credit.
***
U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, said he was planning to require money be devoted to housing. Aides said Frank's legislation, which would also tighten restrictions on the use of TARP funds by recipients, would demand about $40 billion for foreclosure relief.
***
Frank's bill lays out some key conditions for the program.
I find myself wondering at the niceness and concern being shown to conservatives and Republicans during this time, but someone pointed out that no one wants to set Bush off on any world destroying tantrums while he still has the power to make us all suffer.
With that, let's take a stroll around and see what we can find.
------------
Unfinished business
by Gene Lyons
Excerpt:
No sensible person wants to see the United States become the kind of country
where "regime change" means flinging the party out of power into dungeons.
That said, it's nothing short of pathetic to observe pundits who urged Clinton's impeachment for lying about a private sexual matter rending their garments over the prospect of holding Bush administration insiders responsible for war crimes including kidnapping, torture and even murder.
Excuse me, make that "extraordinary rendition," "enhanced interrogation" and a series of regrettable accidents. Or something. Even the Bush administration seems not to have invented a bureaucratic euphemism for prisoners found beaten to death in solitary confinement. --------------------------
Hypocrisy From the Party of Pork
by Joe Conason
Excerpt:
As the government contemplates spending very large sums of money, it is reassuring to know that somebody still worries about waste. Or it would be reassuring, if only that somebody were not Mitch McConnell, the Senate minority leader, who promises that he and his fellow Republicans
will "protect taxpayers against the rush to spend their money."
This loud pledge of thrift and transparency by the GOP leadership might be more persuasive coming from people who had displayed such inclinations anytime before last year's election. But these are the same politicians who squandered astronomical amounts when they controlled the federal budget.
And today, at a moment when economists of all stripes agree that we must spend big and spend fast to forestall a depression, the timing of the Republican conversion is as dubious as its credibility.
To delay the Obama stimulus spending for the sake of partisan posturing is to risk disaster.
simply cannot abide a misspent dime.
-----------------------
Can Labor Revive the American Dream?
By Esther Kaplan
Link:The financial markets are in tatters, consumer spending is anemic and the recession continues to deepen, but corporate America is keeping its eyes on the prize: crushing organized labor. The Center for Union Facts, a business front group, has taken out full-page ads in newspapers linking SEIU president Andy Stern to the Rod Blagojevich scandal. The Chamber of Commerce is capitalizing on the debate over the Big Three bailout to claim that "unions drove the auto companies off the cliff," while minority leader Mitch McConnell and other Republican senators insist on steep wage cuts. A December 10 Republican strategy memo revealed their central obsession: "Republicans should stand firm and take their first shot against organized labor," the memo read. "This is a precursor to card check"--a clear reference to the Employee Free Choice Act.
----------------------------
Incoming Democrats to put a stop to GOP greed and theft of bailout money.
Link:
By Caren Bohan and David Lawder
Washington - President-elect Barack Obama and a key Democratic lawmaker revealed plans on Friday to overhaul the government's $700 billion financial rescue fund as a way to aid struggling homeowners and speed the flow of credit.
***
U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, said he was planning to require money be devoted to housing. Aides said Frank's legislation, which would also tighten restrictions on the use of TARP funds by recipients, would demand about $40 billion for foreclosure relief.
***
Frank's bill lays out some key conditions for the program.
These require the Treasury to develop foreclosure relief plans for owner-occupied homes by March 15 and start committing TARP funds to it by April 1. The plans can include government guarantees for modified loans, paying down second liens and outright loan purchases to bring down payments.
The measure also would toughen executive compensation rules and make some of them retroactive for banks that have already received funds.
"If they don't like it, they can give the money back," Frank, a Massachusetts Democrat, told reporters on Capitol Hill.
-------------------------
I like Baryey Frank!
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