I admit I'm in a political hangover ... actually ... I'm pretty damn disappointed in how things have been shaping up for the country. I know a lot of other liberals feel the same way because there was all the talk about change -- about making a difference and finally taking back the government while restoring some sense of sanity to it.
Well now I'm just trying to figure out what happened.
No. I'm not going to jump off the cliff like every conservative yip who thumbs up their nose going: "told ya', told ya', neener neener..." No need to address that kind of petulance ... but it has become the Republican way of doing things....
So what happened? Why did the Democrats just FOLD? Leaving the Republican juvenile antics aside ... is it possible that there are too many independent thinkers in the democratic party? Is it possible that the Dems have aligned themselves with too many conservative democrats that have conflicting points of view?
The Problem -- with the democratic party is its lack of cohesion and lack of a unified course for this country. They couldn't agree on health care reform, so we get a watered down thing that kinda resembles reform. They couldn't agree on controlling Wall Street ... so we get something that will still leave gaping holes and allow companies to continue to exploit the "rules" for the sake of their own personal greed.
The Problem -- is that this country have gotten SO INCREDIBLY DIVISIVE on the issue of money and power. There's a growing apathy of "saving your own ass" at the expense of what it's doing to the world around you. "Not my problem" is the running creed these days and that's seen from both parties. There's no common sense, common decency between our various segmented populations except for a great deal of resentment and animosity.
Look at what's happening in the Gulf right now. BP wants to settle for pennies for something that will affect OTHER industries along the gulf shores. Guess what folks: OIL ISN'T THE ONLY THING THAT COMES FROM THE GULF..... and yet there's a vocal segment of our population that thinks we need MORE drilling.... which makes absolutely no sense when those that continually RAPE the profit every quarter wants a free pass on their OWN cleanup.
The Problem -- is that we've gotten so used to blaming everybody ... and no one wants to try to take responsibility for their part. Politicians on both aisles are incredibly guilty of this -- and yet the teflon coating remains..... It would be sad and tragic if it weren't so immoral and criminal.
So while we could - for awhile - blame the Republican party for their egregious behavior ... now it's the Dems turn to shoulder the blame for their own inaction and reign in the party. If that means losing seats, fine.
Americans have demanded change for the last 4 years when they voted Democrats to be in power. Americans demanded change in November 2008 when they elected President Obama and unless they have turned off their hearing aids ... democrats should be listening once again to the cries and please for change in the upcoming 2010 election.
Rahm Emanuel recently said that the spirit of bipartisanship is over ... which really comes as a shock to most of us that thought that the spirit of bipartisanship ended when Dems were given the mandate to enact change.
What's it going to be dems?
Monday, June 21, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
The Stupak Problem....
I've been hearing Rachel Maddow and others come out scathingly against Bart Stupak and the abortion issue with the upcoming health care reform bill that's slated to be voted on soon. At first - I'm like: "yeah yeah, Bart bad bad guy..."
Then ... a couple of nights ago - Rachel had the night off and we watched Chris Hays (who did a great job - but please do something about the pen!) ... and he had on Diana DeGette from the U.S. House of Representatives on the program.
Now Rachel's contention is that there is no mention of abortion in the pending legislations ... that - Democrats didn't want this to be a sticking point for anyone in order to pass health care reform. The concept was to keep things "status quo." Which in my opinion makes perfect sense and what not.
Except.
When Diana was on the program with Chris - towards the end of the segment, she began to articulate the position a bit more differently. I'm paraphrasing, but she said that the way the current system is, a woman who has bought private insurance can be covered under her plan to receive services associated with having an abortion.
THEN, Diana DeGette stated: "We want to make sure that this feature is also available in a government created market" when health care reform passes.
Wait, wait, whoa. Huh?
Technically, there is no change or provision for abortion, HOWEVER ... When Diana articulated that she wants to have the government negotiate plans in this special health care market - that would include the same provisions as the woman who would be opting for private health care insurance ... a light bulb went off.
I think I understand Bart's contention here.
Abortion is still a very very very divisive issue as it always has been.
But it's disingenuous to portray the abortion reference as being just "status quo." It's not really. Even if the bills out there do not expressly say: "government mandated abortion options," it does say government will negotiate plans for the public just like the ones a woman can get in private ... which is technically *not* status quo anymore.
Keep in mind that this has nothing to do with the right of a woman to choose - as much as it is the coverage options and negotiations initiated by the government which I can see from Bart's perspective as being a step forward in the pro-choice column. In Bart's mind a huge step forward is my guess.
Not that I'm against that -- because I *am* pro-choice and believe that a woman should hold that decision for herself. I do think women should be allowed to get treatment and that's my personal belief and opinion. But the Bart Stupak position contemplates the overall goal for health care reform.
UPDATE: As of this entry - I noticed tonight on Rachel's program that there's little that can be done for Bart's amendment - because the Senate bill has to be passed in its entirety anyway so Bart's efforts are all for not.
But I'm disappointed a bit in Rachel - for spending so much time attacking Bart, without being a bit more credible in her reporting about what Bart's position was. There *is* a difference when you put out all the pieces on the table - and whether you're pro-life or pro-choice, one needs to remain objective when observing that there *is* a difference in the approach. Regardless of your politics - having an honest discussion is better than trying to carry on a bias-slanted one that's based on a half-truth.
C'mon Rachel - you're better than that.
Then ... a couple of nights ago - Rachel had the night off and we watched Chris Hays (who did a great job - but please do something about the pen!) ... and he had on Diana DeGette from the U.S. House of Representatives on the program.
Now Rachel's contention is that there is no mention of abortion in the pending legislations ... that - Democrats didn't want this to be a sticking point for anyone in order to pass health care reform. The concept was to keep things "status quo." Which in my opinion makes perfect sense and what not.
Except.
When Diana was on the program with Chris - towards the end of the segment, she began to articulate the position a bit more differently. I'm paraphrasing, but she said that the way the current system is, a woman who has bought private insurance can be covered under her plan to receive services associated with having an abortion.
THEN, Diana DeGette stated: "We want to make sure that this feature is also available in a government created market" when health care reform passes.
Wait, wait, whoa. Huh?
Technically, there is no change or provision for abortion, HOWEVER ... When Diana articulated that she wants to have the government negotiate plans in this special health care market - that would include the same provisions as the woman who would be opting for private health care insurance ... a light bulb went off.
I think I understand Bart's contention here.
Abortion is still a very very very divisive issue as it always has been.
But it's disingenuous to portray the abortion reference as being just "status quo." It's not really. Even if the bills out there do not expressly say: "government mandated abortion options," it does say government will negotiate plans for the public just like the ones a woman can get in private ... which is technically *not* status quo anymore.
Keep in mind that this has nothing to do with the right of a woman to choose - as much as it is the coverage options and negotiations initiated by the government which I can see from Bart's perspective as being a step forward in the pro-choice column. In Bart's mind a huge step forward is my guess.
Not that I'm against that -- because I *am* pro-choice and believe that a woman should hold that decision for herself. I do think women should be allowed to get treatment and that's my personal belief and opinion. But the Bart Stupak position contemplates the overall goal for health care reform.
UPDATE: As of this entry - I noticed tonight on Rachel's program that there's little that can be done for Bart's amendment - because the Senate bill has to be passed in its entirety anyway so Bart's efforts are all for not.
But I'm disappointed a bit in Rachel - for spending so much time attacking Bart, without being a bit more credible in her reporting about what Bart's position was. There *is* a difference when you put out all the pieces on the table - and whether you're pro-life or pro-choice, one needs to remain objective when observing that there *is* a difference in the approach. Regardless of your politics - having an honest discussion is better than trying to carry on a bias-slanted one that's based on a half-truth.
C'mon Rachel - you're better than that.
Monday, February 22, 2010
The Teflon is starting to flake off....
Outright lies is the way of Washington politics.
...which is why so many Americans are put off by our elected representatives -- and for good reason.
But there has been an aggressive campaign by the right to completely fabricate, lie or enjoy their own rolls in the mud. Each time they roll around in the mud - remarkably, almost impossibly - the GOP comes away scot free ... amazing! No dirt, no problem and they can launch salvo after salvo at Obama and the Democrats and have absolutely no accountability....
But something has changed.
Now - there finally seems to be some accountability.
The Teflon the GOP has worn for several generations is finally starting to flake off a bit. If you're going to be against Obama's stimulus plan, but you're going to take credit for it - FINALLY - someone is going to call you out on it. Even within their own party people are finally starting to take notice.
Never mind the other incredibly blatant attacks of late of "fiscal responsibility" while protecting Bush for 8 years. Or the sudden concern about terrorist rights when Bush was doing the exact .... same .... thing..... Even Colin Powell has no idea what the GOP is doing.
But then the GOP had their big confab this week ... the CPAC where they are supposed to hone in their message and get back on track. One of their headliners is no stranger to obscuring and obfuscation ... Mitt Romney delivered his speech which had about as many holes as a board riddled with termites.
This isn't some "vast left wing media conspiracy..." No. These are the hometown papers and the Wall Street Journal that's calling out the GOP for their .... "mistakes." Now comes the moment of atonement ... because I do believe this is nothing more than a strategy ploy to help re-define the Republican Party for 2010 and 2012. As long as we have the likes of Fox News, Rush and Beck coming to their aid to help them correct their mis-deeds ... the Republican Party will keep living by their teflon lies and hypocrisy.
...and the sad song and dance continues.....
...which is why so many Americans are put off by our elected representatives -- and for good reason.
But there has been an aggressive campaign by the right to completely fabricate, lie or enjoy their own rolls in the mud. Each time they roll around in the mud - remarkably, almost impossibly - the GOP comes away scot free ... amazing! No dirt, no problem and they can launch salvo after salvo at Obama and the Democrats and have absolutely no accountability....
But something has changed.
Now - there finally seems to be some accountability.
The Teflon the GOP has worn for several generations is finally starting to flake off a bit. If you're going to be against Obama's stimulus plan, but you're going to take credit for it - FINALLY - someone is going to call you out on it. Even within their own party people are finally starting to take notice.
Never mind the other incredibly blatant attacks of late of "fiscal responsibility" while protecting Bush for 8 years. Or the sudden concern about terrorist rights when Bush was doing the exact .... same .... thing..... Even Colin Powell has no idea what the GOP is doing.
But then the GOP had their big confab this week ... the CPAC where they are supposed to hone in their message and get back on track. One of their headliners is no stranger to obscuring and obfuscation ... Mitt Romney delivered his speech which had about as many holes as a board riddled with termites.
This isn't some "vast left wing media conspiracy..." No. These are the hometown papers and the Wall Street Journal that's calling out the GOP for their .... "mistakes." Now comes the moment of atonement ... because I do believe this is nothing more than a strategy ploy to help re-define the Republican Party for 2010 and 2012. As long as we have the likes of Fox News, Rush and Beck coming to their aid to help them correct their mis-deeds ... the Republican Party will keep living by their teflon lies and hypocrisy.
...and the sad song and dance continues.....
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The Blame Game #7,846
The fingers and thumbs and words have been all a flurry the last few days. Folks blaming Coakley for being on vacation, for not being aggressive enough, her campaign firing back saying that they didn't get the support they needed in Massachusetts ....
....but if anyone was really TRULY listening to the voters, you would've found the REAL reason why Coakley lost....
Folks stayed home and didn't vote.
Why?
Because they do not feel Obama has been aggressive enough on Wall Street and Health Care Reform ... imagine that!!! The populist rage still loves Obama -- would rather see him in office versus any Republican ... but it's the policies set forth by this party that has stymied reform in two central aspects that really matter to the American people.
Independents and Democrats didn't CARE if Coakley went on vacation ... they cared that the current political approach in Washington isn't working, despite having a fillibuster proof majority....
So what happened?
It rests on the President's shoulders I'm afraid. Because he did something so incredibly admirable that no one in Washington really truly understood: let's come together, let's make it right for everyone. But if not for the incredibly old and decrepit party of "NO!" ... they simply are resigned to say no that the sky is blue or that the earth is round. In fact, they will say anything contrary to this President - even if he's right.
As incredibly selfless and fantastic as it would've been if someone was brave enough to meet Obama halfway ... who could see that the real America is not represented by an ass or a pompous elephant ... but by people from all walks of life, all cultures, all backgrounds and experiences. The days of "can't we all just get along" has become something of a parody in these times.
As well intentioned as this President was in his gracious and tireless efforts to make this a middle of the road kind of deal ... the voters of Massachusetts sent out their warning: "we don't want the middle ground." Good or bad, positive or negative - President Obama now has to decide which course he's going to choose as a result of this special election of some incredibly suave doofus poised to sell off his daughters to the highest bidder.....
...because the folks of Kennedy's home state just may have lit the warning torches of all Democrats: Shape Up, or Ship Out....
Obama was awarded a mandate .... and the American people demanded change. Enough with this party of "no" - and start legislating like you mean it Democrats .... or suffer the same Republican defeat of 2006 and 2008.....
....but if anyone was really TRULY listening to the voters, you would've found the REAL reason why Coakley lost....
Folks stayed home and didn't vote.
Why?
Because they do not feel Obama has been aggressive enough on Wall Street and Health Care Reform ... imagine that!!! The populist rage still loves Obama -- would rather see him in office versus any Republican ... but it's the policies set forth by this party that has stymied reform in two central aspects that really matter to the American people.
Independents and Democrats didn't CARE if Coakley went on vacation ... they cared that the current political approach in Washington isn't working, despite having a fillibuster proof majority....
So what happened?
It rests on the President's shoulders I'm afraid. Because he did something so incredibly admirable that no one in Washington really truly understood: let's come together, let's make it right for everyone. But if not for the incredibly old and decrepit party of "NO!" ... they simply are resigned to say no that the sky is blue or that the earth is round. In fact, they will say anything contrary to this President - even if he's right.
As incredibly selfless and fantastic as it would've been if someone was brave enough to meet Obama halfway ... who could see that the real America is not represented by an ass or a pompous elephant ... but by people from all walks of life, all cultures, all backgrounds and experiences. The days of "can't we all just get along" has become something of a parody in these times.
As well intentioned as this President was in his gracious and tireless efforts to make this a middle of the road kind of deal ... the voters of Massachusetts sent out their warning: "we don't want the middle ground." Good or bad, positive or negative - President Obama now has to decide which course he's going to choose as a result of this special election of some incredibly suave doofus poised to sell off his daughters to the highest bidder.....
...because the folks of Kennedy's home state just may have lit the warning torches of all Democrats: Shape Up, or Ship Out....
Obama was awarded a mandate .... and the American people demanded change. Enough with this party of "no" - and start legislating like you mean it Democrats .... or suffer the same Republican defeat of 2006 and 2008.....
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Democrats deserve it....
Disappointment doesn't even come close to expressing how I feel about the Democratic Party right now. When I look at the headlines, hear the news accounts and wonder exactly what happened to the party that was supposed to LEAD us from the plight of the Ott years ... into a new decade.
This party has done EVERYTHING to take itself out of contention in 2010 and even 2012 because there's no unity. There's no consensus and the American people can sense this. So when this party faces its potential doom on Tuesday with the Brown v. Coakley race in Massachusetts -- I have to shake my head and say that the Democrats deserve it.
For 10 months they fought and rallied behind the man that would become their leader ... and everything this President wanted to do, every senator, every representative, every official was absolutely standing behind it ....
.... until they actually were confronted that this President was ACTUALLY going to do the things he set out to do. And then the floor began to fall out of this "super majority" which now looks like some sort of comical keystone cops convention....
It's been frustrating for this President, who thought he had every ally in alignment, in agreement, in forward thinking about health care ... only to find that he has a splintered party that supports (literally) both sides of the debate. HOW these elected representatives can side with the insurance industry is nothing short of shocking. It's unfathomable if not inherently against the ideals of the Democratic party.
That's why the Republican party is licking its lips come Tuesday. They can sense the door swinging harshly back in their favor at a time when it's surprising anyone would trust a Republican these days.
So what happened?
I do believe this President abandoned his vision for a better, stronger, more resilient America. I believe his party is a rag-tag bunch of individuals all vying for whatever political capital and cover they can get. The problem is - when they lose their majority, progress in this political climate will come to a standstill and Obama will fatefully be called a lame duck in his first term....
...thus making the Republicans look like prognosticators when all they did was muck and mire the entire process knowing full and well that the Democrats would only shoot themselves in the foot.
Well - the Republicans called that play right ... because it's pretty apparent that the Democratic majority has several self-inflicted gunshot wounds in their foot....
Independents see that weakness and they get less enthused for the President. I can't really blame them except to say that the alternative is NOT going to make this country better. But the Democratic party ultimately did this to themselves. The Republicans, in all their collective flailing about still had zero chance of overtaking the momentum.....
As he approaches his State of the Union address on the 27th - his party is in shambles. You can thank the likes of Grassley, Nelson, Landrieu, and others who completely let their blindness consume them for the greater good. What these idiots so truly don't understand is that they are NOT well liked by either party .... and hence the "once in a century" opportunity to improve a failing health care system falls squarely on these misinformed jackasses.
So I can't really say anymore except: "Good job Dems ... you got what you deserved..."
This party has done EVERYTHING to take itself out of contention in 2010 and even 2012 because there's no unity. There's no consensus and the American people can sense this. So when this party faces its potential doom on Tuesday with the Brown v. Coakley race in Massachusetts -- I have to shake my head and say that the Democrats deserve it.
For 10 months they fought and rallied behind the man that would become their leader ... and everything this President wanted to do, every senator, every representative, every official was absolutely standing behind it ....
.... until they actually were confronted that this President was ACTUALLY going to do the things he set out to do. And then the floor began to fall out of this "super majority" which now looks like some sort of comical keystone cops convention....
It's been frustrating for this President, who thought he had every ally in alignment, in agreement, in forward thinking about health care ... only to find that he has a splintered party that supports (literally) both sides of the debate. HOW these elected representatives can side with the insurance industry is nothing short of shocking. It's unfathomable if not inherently against the ideals of the Democratic party.
That's why the Republican party is licking its lips come Tuesday. They can sense the door swinging harshly back in their favor at a time when it's surprising anyone would trust a Republican these days.
So what happened?
I do believe this President abandoned his vision for a better, stronger, more resilient America. I believe his party is a rag-tag bunch of individuals all vying for whatever political capital and cover they can get. The problem is - when they lose their majority, progress in this political climate will come to a standstill and Obama will fatefully be called a lame duck in his first term....
...thus making the Republicans look like prognosticators when all they did was muck and mire the entire process knowing full and well that the Democrats would only shoot themselves in the foot.
Well - the Republicans called that play right ... because it's pretty apparent that the Democratic majority has several self-inflicted gunshot wounds in their foot....
Independents see that weakness and they get less enthused for the President. I can't really blame them except to say that the alternative is NOT going to make this country better. But the Democratic party ultimately did this to themselves. The Republicans, in all their collective flailing about still had zero chance of overtaking the momentum.....
As he approaches his State of the Union address on the 27th - his party is in shambles. You can thank the likes of Grassley, Nelson, Landrieu, and others who completely let their blindness consume them for the greater good. What these idiots so truly don't understand is that they are NOT well liked by either party .... and hence the "once in a century" opportunity to improve a failing health care system falls squarely on these misinformed jackasses.
So I can't really say anymore except: "Good job Dems ... you got what you deserved..."
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Repeal Taxes Now!!!!!
We had stop off at Walmart on an errand and as we were going in, I noticed a pair of women outside doing a petition to cut taxes. I didn't say anything, neither did Darby. But I just shook my head and went into the store. And I was a very good boy until we came out of the store.
That's when one of the women asked if we were registered voters. Darby said yes and kept moving (actually directing me) to our car because she knew what was going to happen if she got my attention. The woman than asked if we would be interested in paying lower taxes and that was the end of me being a good boy....
I politely walked over there and asked her what this was about.
She pointed to the back of her clipboard and there are three bills that they want to get petitioned to scale back the taxes we pay.
Maybe this woman hasn't bothered to read the headlines of late or maybe she doesn't care -- but fortunately for all three of us standing around her table, I'm pretty up on the news and ramifications of such a thing. I asked her if she knew that the state was in bad financial shape at the moment.
That's when she pointed again to the back of her clipboard saying that this wouldn't go into effect until 2011.
2011?
What difference is it going to make if it's 2011, 2012, or 2020?
I explained to her that I'm all for paying lower taxes, but at the cost of getting rid of programs and laying off overworked employees who have already been asked to sacrifice -- and then I said:
"You do realize that prisons are going to let their inmates out if there's no funding, surely you don't think that would be a good idea, do you?"
"No, that wouldn't be good." she said in the most meekish of tones.
Which is really the point. If we're going to cut state revenues then essential programs are already being targeted. Essential services would have to be cut. Are we comfortable with a maxed police department - which in some cities can barely keep up with the log of stuff because they are so overwhelmed. Are we comfortable by over extending our fire deparments in the same stroke of the brush?
What gets me is that these folks have no concept for how things get paid to do projects in this nation. Our roads, our bridges, our new pipelines, not to mention the core of the education system is largely funded by local and state government money. At a time when these agencies and institutions are having a very difficult time resolving their budget crises -- do we really want them to break in half, go bankrupt or diminish to the point of negative returns?
The states getting most of the headlines these days are California and Michigan. California is on the brink of bankruptcy and Michigan has over 18% unemployment and 22% drop of revenue. The governor of Michigan has said that the government will have to shutdown because it does not have enough money to stay open.
Which is EXACTLY what has been done to Colorado state workers for the last 5+ years in the form of substantial cuts, furloughs and mandatory time off. You never hear about it though because they can't say anything on their behalf. So as a matter of principle -- I felt compelled to address the issue and hopefully educate.
Unfortunately I don't believe it mattered. Darby mentioned how she was placating me - and deep down I knew that. But if you're going to invite people into the discussion, you may want to be prepared for what may come up.
I don't know how many people signed her petition -- I only saw a small handful of signatures on one page, but I hope some folks do stop, think and consider both ends of the debate before affixing their signature to something that could be potentially damaging in the long run.
Does Colorado really want to look like California in 3 years?
That's when one of the women asked if we were registered voters. Darby said yes and kept moving (actually directing me) to our car because she knew what was going to happen if she got my attention. The woman than asked if we would be interested in paying lower taxes and that was the end of me being a good boy....
I politely walked over there and asked her what this was about.
She pointed to the back of her clipboard and there are three bills that they want to get petitioned to scale back the taxes we pay.
Maybe this woman hasn't bothered to read the headlines of late or maybe she doesn't care -- but fortunately for all three of us standing around her table, I'm pretty up on the news and ramifications of such a thing. I asked her if she knew that the state was in bad financial shape at the moment.
That's when she pointed again to the back of her clipboard saying that this wouldn't go into effect until 2011.
2011?
What difference is it going to make if it's 2011, 2012, or 2020?
I explained to her that I'm all for paying lower taxes, but at the cost of getting rid of programs and laying off overworked employees who have already been asked to sacrifice -- and then I said:
"You do realize that prisons are going to let their inmates out if there's no funding, surely you don't think that would be a good idea, do you?"
"No, that wouldn't be good." she said in the most meekish of tones.
Which is really the point. If we're going to cut state revenues then essential programs are already being targeted. Essential services would have to be cut. Are we comfortable with a maxed police department - which in some cities can barely keep up with the log of stuff because they are so overwhelmed. Are we comfortable by over extending our fire deparments in the same stroke of the brush?
What gets me is that these folks have no concept for how things get paid to do projects in this nation. Our roads, our bridges, our new pipelines, not to mention the core of the education system is largely funded by local and state government money. At a time when these agencies and institutions are having a very difficult time resolving their budget crises -- do we really want them to break in half, go bankrupt or diminish to the point of negative returns?
The states getting most of the headlines these days are California and Michigan. California is on the brink of bankruptcy and Michigan has over 18% unemployment and 22% drop of revenue. The governor of Michigan has said that the government will have to shutdown because it does not have enough money to stay open.
Which is EXACTLY what has been done to Colorado state workers for the last 5+ years in the form of substantial cuts, furloughs and mandatory time off. You never hear about it though because they can't say anything on their behalf. So as a matter of principle -- I felt compelled to address the issue and hopefully educate.
Unfortunately I don't believe it mattered. Darby mentioned how she was placating me - and deep down I knew that. But if you're going to invite people into the discussion, you may want to be prepared for what may come up.
I don't know how many people signed her petition -- I only saw a small handful of signatures on one page, but I hope some folks do stop, think and consider both ends of the debate before affixing their signature to something that could be potentially damaging in the long run.
Does Colorado really want to look like California in 3 years?
Friday, August 21, 2009
Teflon Thinking....
The polls conducted this past week are nothing short of incredibly ... stupid.
Fifteen percent of Republicans polled DO NOT believe that Medicare is a government program. Fifteen percent! When you take the other health care reform myths that are out there - the Republicans have been biting at things hook, line and sinker. The poll took into consideration where these folks get their news from ....
....Fox News of course.
Which ties into an amateur video we found recently where they interviewed people outside the Grand Junction town hall -- where they are adamant that Fox News is fair and balanced.
Unbelievable.
But the other night we watched the Rachel Maddow show when she had Bill Maher on. I must say, Bill is spot on with why Republicans continue to think the garbage that is being dished out to them. Even in the face of fact after fact -- they continue to tow the conservative anchor with them.
Bill's rationale? Republican-minded folks aren't interested in facts, they're interested in things that FEEL RIGHT. For example:
- No weapons of mass destruction
- No connection between Iraq and Al Qaeda
- Even an admittance that the charges of WMD were trumped up
- Even disavowing every soul that tried to lend credibility to the discussion
- Even discounting and dismissing those specialists who are leaders in their field
- Even blatantly ignoring the incredible interrogation techniques by Saddam's CIA handler
You STILL have Republicans who are adamantly CONVINCED that not only was there a link between Saddam and Bin Laden, but there were weapons of mass destruction when there was absolutely nothing found before or after.
Even when confronted with indisputable facts -- Republicans insist on siding with "what feels right" because they can't stand to be wrong. It's not in their programming. Bush couldn't admit it. Cheney never will, nor will Rove. And in the eyes of the punditry like Hannity and Limbaugh, it's gospel. Every talking point feeds their insatiable appetite because if it comes from their puppet-master of choice - then "by golly, it has to be true."
Republicans simply can't accept how far out of touch they are - and yet - they insist the sky is green and the grass is blue because someone told them so. I guess that's why there's such a diverse way of thinking in the liberal side of things because we are smarter and don't need to be hand-fed the talking points that come from a self-absorbed entertainer. We are free-thinkers with a lot of different ideas and for that - we're able to make smarter decisions rooted in reality than trying to trump up some ridiculous lie such as Palin's "death panels."
With as many lies that the Republicans weave -- it's no surprise to me to hear about Tom Ridge's claim that he was pressured to elevate the threat level at key times during the 2004 Presidential race. Of course the Bush fellas deny such a thing happened - but then this is coming from the same troupe that said that there was a link between Bin Laden and Saddam Hussein.
Yeah - wash your hand with THAT bar of soap Republicans....
*sighs*
I fail to see how having such a disconnect with the truth gets Republicans anywhere. The "feel good" candy they're biting down on - is bound to disappear someday. But I guess those who keep selling snake oil to their Republican base has that challenge of how else to manipulate their party.
Who knows - maybe they'll start saying we're due for an invasion from the Klingon Empire.....
Fifteen percent of Republicans polled DO NOT believe that Medicare is a government program. Fifteen percent! When you take the other health care reform myths that are out there - the Republicans have been biting at things hook, line and sinker. The poll took into consideration where these folks get their news from ....
....Fox News of course.
Which ties into an amateur video we found recently where they interviewed people outside the Grand Junction town hall -- where they are adamant that Fox News is fair and balanced.
Unbelievable.
But the other night we watched the Rachel Maddow show when she had Bill Maher on. I must say, Bill is spot on with why Republicans continue to think the garbage that is being dished out to them. Even in the face of fact after fact -- they continue to tow the conservative anchor with them.
Bill's rationale? Republican-minded folks aren't interested in facts, they're interested in things that FEEL RIGHT. For example:
- No weapons of mass destruction
- No connection between Iraq and Al Qaeda
- Even an admittance that the charges of WMD were trumped up
- Even disavowing every soul that tried to lend credibility to the discussion
- Even discounting and dismissing those specialists who are leaders in their field
- Even blatantly ignoring the incredible interrogation techniques by Saddam's CIA handler
You STILL have Republicans who are adamantly CONVINCED that not only was there a link between Saddam and Bin Laden, but there were weapons of mass destruction when there was absolutely nothing found before or after.
Even when confronted with indisputable facts -- Republicans insist on siding with "what feels right" because they can't stand to be wrong. It's not in their programming. Bush couldn't admit it. Cheney never will, nor will Rove. And in the eyes of the punditry like Hannity and Limbaugh, it's gospel. Every talking point feeds their insatiable appetite because if it comes from their puppet-master of choice - then "by golly, it has to be true."
Republicans simply can't accept how far out of touch they are - and yet - they insist the sky is green and the grass is blue because someone told them so. I guess that's why there's such a diverse way of thinking in the liberal side of things because we are smarter and don't need to be hand-fed the talking points that come from a self-absorbed entertainer. We are free-thinkers with a lot of different ideas and for that - we're able to make smarter decisions rooted in reality than trying to trump up some ridiculous lie such as Palin's "death panels."
With as many lies that the Republicans weave -- it's no surprise to me to hear about Tom Ridge's claim that he was pressured to elevate the threat level at key times during the 2004 Presidential race. Of course the Bush fellas deny such a thing happened - but then this is coming from the same troupe that said that there was a link between Bin Laden and Saddam Hussein.
Yeah - wash your hand with THAT bar of soap Republicans....
*sighs*
I fail to see how having such a disconnect with the truth gets Republicans anywhere. The "feel good" candy they're biting down on - is bound to disappear someday. But I guess those who keep selling snake oil to their Republican base has that challenge of how else to manipulate their party.
Who knows - maybe they'll start saying we're due for an invasion from the Klingon Empire.....
Saturday, August 08, 2009
The Erosion of America
This isn't a nation I recognize.
In a selfish pit of "me" - we've emerged into a society that makes it all about the profit. We've lost our humanity as a nation.
So - when I hear about our "patriots" that go to our town hall meetings only to incite discourse, it reminds me again at how pathetic we are as a nation when it comes to doing things that matter.
On a solitary issue alone - universal health care - I don't think I have to wonder how low we can go:
- We've got comparisons to Hitler
- We've got fear mongering
- We've got distortions of truth
- We've got outright lies
So it shouldn't come as a surprise that once again - the Republican party is leading a personal crusade on the issue of health care. When you combine the putrid nature of the health insurance lobby - with the Republican shills -- well, we have an entire different level of immorality.
That's why it's painful to watch the erosion of America.
The really sad part is: America was ready for change.
But what completely boggles the mind is how the uneducated, uninformed and those that insist on perpetuating the boldface lies and distortions - insist on seeing through to Rush Limbaugh's promise that he hopes that Obama fails.
When you have such acid in your bloodstream, it's beyond comprehension exactly what your feeble view of the United States should be. Perhaps if this collective of mindless twits had the audacity to have an honest discussion about their contribution to the erosion of America - then maybe they could stop for a second and realize that what they are doing is hurting our country.
That's never going to happen though.
Not when the likes of Limbaugh, Beck, Dobbs and every other hateful soul out there believes that politics is above everything. When you have that kind of soulless mentality working on your behalf -- who needs terrorists?
In a selfish pit of "me" - we've emerged into a society that makes it all about the profit. We've lost our humanity as a nation.
So - when I hear about our "patriots" that go to our town hall meetings only to incite discourse, it reminds me again at how pathetic we are as a nation when it comes to doing things that matter.
On a solitary issue alone - universal health care - I don't think I have to wonder how low we can go:
- We've got comparisons to Hitler
- We've got fear mongering
- We've got distortions of truth
- We've got outright lies
So it shouldn't come as a surprise that once again - the Republican party is leading a personal crusade on the issue of health care. When you combine the putrid nature of the health insurance lobby - with the Republican shills -- well, we have an entire different level of immorality.
That's why it's painful to watch the erosion of America.
The really sad part is: America was ready for change.
But what completely boggles the mind is how the uneducated, uninformed and those that insist on perpetuating the boldface lies and distortions - insist on seeing through to Rush Limbaugh's promise that he hopes that Obama fails.
When you have such acid in your bloodstream, it's beyond comprehension exactly what your feeble view of the United States should be. Perhaps if this collective of mindless twits had the audacity to have an honest discussion about their contribution to the erosion of America - then maybe they could stop for a second and realize that what they are doing is hurting our country.
That's never going to happen though.
Not when the likes of Limbaugh, Beck, Dobbs and every other hateful soul out there believes that politics is above everything. When you have that kind of soulless mentality working on your behalf -- who needs terrorists?
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Wanda Sykes.....
I love the White House Correspondence Dinners... For one - it brings a small moment of levity in times where levity might not be possible. For two - it's almost like a Washington Roast ... with all the fixings. We loved it when Colbert was there (and the "scaled back performance" of Rich Little the year after) ... and the hilarity that comes with it.
Now tonight, we watched it on MSNBC - which is always slammed for being so liberal-left on things -- and the wrap up afterwards would leave one to believe that they just watched something on Fox News... Which is fine - I don't have any problem with anyone really coming out and saying that Wanda said something inappropriate or wrong....
....but then I have to start thinking of all the right wing trash that constantly attacks the democrats and liberals IN THE EXACT SAME LIGHT .... oh - the pity that the Republicans are being (mockingly) "victimized" despite being unable to wash their own hands in their same mud....
And the likes of Pat Buchannan being mysteriously quiet about ... yet condemning Wanda's performance was being "over the top...." Right Pat -- call a spade a spade for once.
What Wanda did is bring out and expose the Republican hypocrisy for what it is. It's okay to chant "kill Obama" from the crowd, but you can't wish for some flamboyant talk show host's kidney to fail......
What Wanda did - was to expose the Republicans by handing them a mirror. Look at yourself - and see how ugly you make your party out to be. Wanda slapped the right side of the aisle in the same petulant stroke they've been dishing out for the last two years. In my humble opinion - the Republicans deserved to be seered tonight and their flaws need to be exposed for what they are.
If the Republicans can't handle what they dish out -- then maybe they need to find a different soup line....
Now tonight, we watched it on MSNBC - which is always slammed for being so liberal-left on things -- and the wrap up afterwards would leave one to believe that they just watched something on Fox News... Which is fine - I don't have any problem with anyone really coming out and saying that Wanda said something inappropriate or wrong....
....but then I have to start thinking of all the right wing trash that constantly attacks the democrats and liberals IN THE EXACT SAME LIGHT .... oh - the pity that the Republicans are being (mockingly) "victimized" despite being unable to wash their own hands in their same mud....
And the likes of Pat Buchannan being mysteriously quiet about ... yet condemning Wanda's performance was being "over the top...." Right Pat -- call a spade a spade for once.
What Wanda did is bring out and expose the Republican hypocrisy for what it is. It's okay to chant "kill Obama" from the crowd, but you can't wish for some flamboyant talk show host's kidney to fail......
What Wanda did - was to expose the Republicans by handing them a mirror. Look at yourself - and see how ugly you make your party out to be. Wanda slapped the right side of the aisle in the same petulant stroke they've been dishing out for the last two years. In my humble opinion - the Republicans deserved to be seered tonight and their flaws need to be exposed for what they are.
If the Republicans can't handle what they dish out -- then maybe they need to find a different soup line....
Friday, January 30, 2009
The End of Racism...
I caught a couple quick hits from sources that proclaimed after the inauguration of the first African American President that "racism is finally over."
When I first heard that bit -- I contemplated for about 4 seconds and then shock my head in disbelief. While there's a LOT to be said for the first African American President, we are still a very long ways off by officially calling racism over. One definitive clear sign was the whole "Barack, the magic negro" insensitive race-laden fiasco that they tried to pass it off like it was some kind of "joke." Well, I didn't laugh then, nor do I laugh now. Nor do 99% of African Americans that would find that little "parody" to be funny.
That's where the wheels start coming off the whole "racism is finally over" bit. Merely achieving "the first African American President" or being the "first African American (insert job title here)" has absolutely no relevance on the levels of by which we can accurately measure racism in this country.
That said - the election and inauguration of President Obama does remove one more barrier, one more obstacle. It truly is a momentous occasion given our incredibly violent and morally reprehensible racial history over the tenure of our country. From slavery to the White House - we've made progress, wonderful progress. But we still see racial divides when it comes to our neighbors, our court system, our schools, our society.
But in the era of personal responsibility, President Obama is a beacon that social change doesn't come from the outside in -- but from the inside out. Thus he is calling out every American - not just black, white, brown or red - to be better. To do better. To work better. To learn better. To make better decisions. To be responsible. To care. To take pride. To take come together for a common goal of being better.
It's still a color issue in this country when minority children still have a difficult time getting the education they need to make it in society. It's not always the school's fault - because most all of this starts at home, with our families and inside ourselves. Because we are in control of our destinies. We need to embrace what we can do - and continue to remove the obstacles and barriers that have held this country back from greatness.
The inauguration of President Obama was a first and very necessary step on that path - and we've come a long way, but we still have a ways to go.
When I first heard that bit -- I contemplated for about 4 seconds and then shock my head in disbelief. While there's a LOT to be said for the first African American President, we are still a very long ways off by officially calling racism over. One definitive clear sign was the whole "Barack, the magic negro" insensitive race-laden fiasco that they tried to pass it off like it was some kind of "joke." Well, I didn't laugh then, nor do I laugh now. Nor do 99% of African Americans that would find that little "parody" to be funny.
That's where the wheels start coming off the whole "racism is finally over" bit. Merely achieving "the first African American President" or being the "first African American (insert job title here)" has absolutely no relevance on the levels of by which we can accurately measure racism in this country.
That said - the election and inauguration of President Obama does remove one more barrier, one more obstacle. It truly is a momentous occasion given our incredibly violent and morally reprehensible racial history over the tenure of our country. From slavery to the White House - we've made progress, wonderful progress. But we still see racial divides when it comes to our neighbors, our court system, our schools, our society.
But in the era of personal responsibility, President Obama is a beacon that social change doesn't come from the outside in -- but from the inside out. Thus he is calling out every American - not just black, white, brown or red - to be better. To do better. To work better. To learn better. To make better decisions. To be responsible. To care. To take pride. To take come together for a common goal of being better.
It's still a color issue in this country when minority children still have a difficult time getting the education they need to make it in society. It's not always the school's fault - because most all of this starts at home, with our families and inside ourselves. Because we are in control of our destinies. We need to embrace what we can do - and continue to remove the obstacles and barriers that have held this country back from greatness.
The inauguration of President Obama was a first and very necessary step on that path - and we've come a long way, but we still have a ways to go.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
The Dawn of a New Era
This past week - we witnessed history.
This past Tuesday, both Darby and I got up early so that we could watch the celebrations festivities all day long. We weren't disappointed. The TV remained on until the President and the First Lady finally called it a night - returning to their new home and the beginning of what is destined to become the change that America has been demanding.
Our credibility took a major step forward to being restored.
What President Obama accomplished during the first week of his brief tenure was to help restore our international credibility that had been victimized and abandoned by the previous administration. We returned to our core principles established by our founding fathers and restored our place as what a civilized society actually looks like.
In the midst of this transformation, we witnessed a President who articulated the structure of what he wants to do, how he intends to get it done while shoring up support from both sides of the aisle to try and make it happen. A true case for bi-partisanship -- and signs that the GOP will be nothing more than petty obstructionists as our lingering crises worsen.
So much for that ol' republican mantra: "Country First" ....
For those that continue express their disdain and pompous arrogance -- wishing for President Obama to fail -- let's just say that those folks continue to spout their poisonous perspective on deaf ears. The majority of Americans, by an overwhelming margin -- are ignoring the naysayers, hypocrites and punditry. That's because they can finally understand that the venomous hatred they have been ingesting all of these years has finally been weened from their bodies.
Change is finally upon us -- and the majority of Americans are very thankful that it's arrived.
So when President Obama made his case to the GOP by uttering the simple two word phrase: "I won" -- it wasn't because he was showing off or being flippant. That's what we would've expected from the last administration. No. President Obama was sending the GOP a clear message: "The American people have spoken - and they want change now."
But the task and list facing this new administration is incredibly long. The inefficiency and corruption widely ignored by the Bush administration is going to take a very long time to undo. But we have a President who is not only keen on making a difference, but he's getting traction to getting things done.
A completely refreshing change after just a mere 5 days in office.
We have a man of vision...
A man of dedication and ...
A man who is willing, able, realistic and energetic about the problems he's facing.
This country has been in complete neglect for the last 8 years -- and it's going to take a lot more than a can of paint to fix her. Those that blindly supported and followed the previous administration as it irresponsibly led this country to the pit we're finding ourselves -- maybe it's time for you to seriously reconsider the company you're keeping, or the punditry you keep subscribing to -- as they are the complicitors to this disaster. Simply subscribing to the bottom denomination is not what this country needs. I don't care how plain spoken or how much you identify with your candidate of choice -- we need someone smart, competent and has a healthy sense of morality.
The air has been changed America -- may the new dawn emerge better than what we've endured the last 8 years.
This past Tuesday, both Darby and I got up early so that we could watch the celebrations festivities all day long. We weren't disappointed. The TV remained on until the President and the First Lady finally called it a night - returning to their new home and the beginning of what is destined to become the change that America has been demanding.
Our credibility took a major step forward to being restored.
What President Obama accomplished during the first week of his brief tenure was to help restore our international credibility that had been victimized and abandoned by the previous administration. We returned to our core principles established by our founding fathers and restored our place as what a civilized society actually looks like.
In the midst of this transformation, we witnessed a President who articulated the structure of what he wants to do, how he intends to get it done while shoring up support from both sides of the aisle to try and make it happen. A true case for bi-partisanship -- and signs that the GOP will be nothing more than petty obstructionists as our lingering crises worsen.
So much for that ol' republican mantra: "Country First" ....
For those that continue express their disdain and pompous arrogance -- wishing for President Obama to fail -- let's just say that those folks continue to spout their poisonous perspective on deaf ears. The majority of Americans, by an overwhelming margin -- are ignoring the naysayers, hypocrites and punditry. That's because they can finally understand that the venomous hatred they have been ingesting all of these years has finally been weened from their bodies.
Change is finally upon us -- and the majority of Americans are very thankful that it's arrived.
So when President Obama made his case to the GOP by uttering the simple two word phrase: "I won" -- it wasn't because he was showing off or being flippant. That's what we would've expected from the last administration. No. President Obama was sending the GOP a clear message: "The American people have spoken - and they want change now."
But the task and list facing this new administration is incredibly long. The inefficiency and corruption widely ignored by the Bush administration is going to take a very long time to undo. But we have a President who is not only keen on making a difference, but he's getting traction to getting things done.
A completely refreshing change after just a mere 5 days in office.
We have a man of vision...
A man of dedication and ...
A man who is willing, able, realistic and energetic about the problems he's facing.
This country has been in complete neglect for the last 8 years -- and it's going to take a lot more than a can of paint to fix her. Those that blindly supported and followed the previous administration as it irresponsibly led this country to the pit we're finding ourselves -- maybe it's time for you to seriously reconsider the company you're keeping, or the punditry you keep subscribing to -- as they are the complicitors to this disaster. Simply subscribing to the bottom denomination is not what this country needs. I don't care how plain spoken or how much you identify with your candidate of choice -- we need someone smart, competent and has a healthy sense of morality.
The air has been changed America -- may the new dawn emerge better than what we've endured the last 8 years.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Free Speech -- quashed....
I was reading an article online tonight that made be cringe a bit. Apparently a student authored an email or some other posting wherein she expressed her displeasure about a decision made by her administrators on a project. The administrators ultimately stripped her of her position as school secretary -- and forbade her to include her name on the ballot for the next school year. The student was ultimately elected as a "write-in" candidate, but administrators forbade her from accepting office.
The Burlington School district lauds the Judges ruling as this case has been going on for the last two years.
The question of whether or not the student authored the posting on campus or not -- was summarily dismissed by the Judge because of today's technology that can immediately notify people when postings are made. (huh?)
Whether the student had any merit to her "douche bag" comment or not -- doesn't make any difference. The right to free speech is not singled out whether or not it was a right of popular opinion or not. In fact, our freedom of speech protects us to say as we want, what we want, however we want -- regardless of its popularity, its vulgarity or its content.
If the opinion was housed on school servers, websites, boards and the like -- then administrators are within their right to remove such postings that are inviolate of the terms and use agreement. But if the student did it from home -- then the school appears to be in violation of her 1st amendment constitutional rights.
The Burlington School district lauds the Judges ruling as this case has been going on for the last two years.
The question of whether or not the student authored the posting on campus or not -- was summarily dismissed by the Judge because of today's technology that can immediately notify people when postings are made. (huh?)
Whether the student had any merit to her "douche bag" comment or not -- doesn't make any difference. The right to free speech is not singled out whether or not it was a right of popular opinion or not. In fact, our freedom of speech protects us to say as we want, what we want, however we want -- regardless of its popularity, its vulgarity or its content.
If the opinion was housed on school servers, websites, boards and the like -- then administrators are within their right to remove such postings that are inviolate of the terms and use agreement. But if the student did it from home -- then the school appears to be in violation of her 1st amendment constitutional rights.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
"Mr Burris, party of one, your seat is ready..."
What in the hell are Democrats thinking?!?
They put on one theatrical showing at the Capitol by denying Burris the Illinois seat -- and then the next DAY they say now they're going to seat him. The overreaching argument made by Diane Feinstein is nothing short of laughable. Believing that the Burris situation would underscore every other gubernatorial appointment is incredibly out of the context of the charges and possible impeachment facing Blagojevich and the "highest bidder" scheme he allegedly was focused on. Diane -- to the best of my knowledge, no other governor is under such scrutiny linked to a Senate seat -- so your argument falls flatly in the face of reason.
This is crazy!!
Admittedly - I haven't done my homework on Mr. Burris' background, but from my twitter friend @verucablue's impressionable statement Roland simply isn't fit the bill and doesn't sound like the best person for the vacant Senate seat. So I had to ask "why him?" and the answer came back to me lightning fast: because no one else wanted a tainted seat like this.
It's the equivalent of playing political Russian Roulette -- because the likelihood of Blagojevich being removed from office is incredibly great. Thus anyone who accepted the appointment is also going to be tainted.
The defense of Mr. Burris relies in the "letter of the law" which is accurate. There are no current mechanisms to deny the likes of Blagojevich (or any other governor by the sounds of it) to appoint someone while under criminal investigation for selling a U.S. Senate seat. The "letter of the law" doesn't have any immediate remedy to stop Blagojevich from appointing anyone he saw fit. The only remedy would be weeks or months away as the Illinois state house and senate are proceeding with their impeachment proceedings for the embattled governor.
It's a gaping hole in the Illinois Constitution that I suspect will be remedied at some point in the coming year. Because if there's no mechanism in place to stop a Governor from invoking some very wild ideas while looking at his political death-clock.
I do believe that Blagojevich will be removed from office and any recognizable form of his political career will effectively be over ... but the repercussions of his actions will remain in place. If in fact Mr. Burris was pulled from the mid-to-lower deck of qualified applicants to serve the people of Illinois -- then it's the people of Illinois who have every reason to be upset.
The issue isn't about race, but whether or not the best qualified person is in the position to do the best possible job for the people of Illinois. It's a stain that will remain on him for the rest of his political career. Mr. Burris doesn't seem like the best option for Illinois as much as he was possibly their only option with the tainted mess Blagojevich has made here.
They put on one theatrical showing at the Capitol by denying Burris the Illinois seat -- and then the next DAY they say now they're going to seat him. The overreaching argument made by Diane Feinstein is nothing short of laughable. Believing that the Burris situation would underscore every other gubernatorial appointment is incredibly out of the context of the charges and possible impeachment facing Blagojevich and the "highest bidder" scheme he allegedly was focused on. Diane -- to the best of my knowledge, no other governor is under such scrutiny linked to a Senate seat -- so your argument falls flatly in the face of reason.
This is crazy!!
Admittedly - I haven't done my homework on Mr. Burris' background, but from my twitter friend @verucablue's impressionable statement Roland simply isn't fit the bill and doesn't sound like the best person for the vacant Senate seat. So I had to ask "why him?" and the answer came back to me lightning fast: because no one else wanted a tainted seat like this.
It's the equivalent of playing political Russian Roulette -- because the likelihood of Blagojevich being removed from office is incredibly great. Thus anyone who accepted the appointment is also going to be tainted.
The defense of Mr. Burris relies in the "letter of the law" which is accurate. There are no current mechanisms to deny the likes of Blagojevich (or any other governor by the sounds of it) to appoint someone while under criminal investigation for selling a U.S. Senate seat. The "letter of the law" doesn't have any immediate remedy to stop Blagojevich from appointing anyone he saw fit. The only remedy would be weeks or months away as the Illinois state house and senate are proceeding with their impeachment proceedings for the embattled governor.
It's a gaping hole in the Illinois Constitution that I suspect will be remedied at some point in the coming year. Because if there's no mechanism in place to stop a Governor from invoking some very wild ideas while looking at his political death-clock.
I do believe that Blagojevich will be removed from office and any recognizable form of his political career will effectively be over ... but the repercussions of his actions will remain in place. If in fact Mr. Burris was pulled from the mid-to-lower deck of qualified applicants to serve the people of Illinois -- then it's the people of Illinois who have every reason to be upset.
The issue isn't about race, but whether or not the best qualified person is in the position to do the best possible job for the people of Illinois. It's a stain that will remain on him for the rest of his political career. Mr. Burris doesn't seem like the best option for Illinois as much as he was possibly their only option with the tainted mess Blagojevich has made here.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Revised: Roland Burris
Yesterday I blogged about someone I never heard of and never heard speak before.
But last night on the Rachel Maddow Show I got my first take on the former Illinois Attorney General.
Let's just say there was a bit of a let down...
*sighs*
All during the interview, Mr. Burris defended his credentials, his experience, dedication and service for the people of Illinois. What Rachel tried to point out in a very subtle way is that Roland seems to miss the fact that no one is disputing anything about him ... that the focus of the story was not on Roland himself, but on Mr. Blagojevich and the subsequent political and legal mess he's finding himself in.
Instead of being in the "Impossible Situation" as I mentioned yesterday -- Mr. Burris instead took the take head, bury head in sand, la-la-la-la-la approach to the problem. Seemingly blind to the fact that the appointment of ANY person, regardless of credentials is going to be met with absolute anger by the Senate of the United States.
As I was telling Darby last night -- it doesn't matter if it was Mr. Burris, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln or Jesus himself that Blago appointed -- no matter WHOSE name that gets put into that hat and tossed into the ring ... that person is going to be met with the angst of both parties because of the insistent calls by all parties concerned that Blagojevich must resign and tender the responsibility of appointing a replacement Senator in the hands of the people of Illinois.
If Mr. Burris has any inkling of responsibility to the people of Illinois - it rests squarely in the fact that the person who just appointed you is not serving the best interests of the people of Illinois by the appearance of impropriety by selling the seat to the highest bidder. Mr. Burris, your appointment is nullified by the nature surrounding the charges the governor is facing. Even in the light of virtually no (initial) impropriety done by Mr. Burris in the current situation -- the appointment is incredibly irresponsible.
The was but one proper course for the Illinois governor -- which would be to step aside and let the investigation complete itself. If in fact Mr. Blagojevich is innocent -- then the politically, socially and professionally responsible thing to do would be to let the process resolve itself until you are vindicated. The behavior we're witnessing is nothing short of calamitous to the sanctity of the high office of Governor. It's a dis-service to the people of Illinois to allow such behavior to continue unabated because at this rate - we have no idea if Roland Burris paid, not paid or otherwise made promises to Blagojevich with strings attached. Only a moron would've done such a thing -- but then Blagojevich has proven anything but being a smart person in this process.
He's taken a wrecking ball to his party and to the people of Illinois and for that Mr. Burris -- for you to stand there and condone the process -- as a former Attorney General -- you should know better. It speaks volumes of your foresight for the people of Illinois and that is truly sad. Everything you have built over the last couple of decades is now washed in the same pond water that Blagojevich has been swimming in since the victory of the President Elect.
I'm sorry I gave you the benefit of a doubt Mr. Burris, but after last night's barrage of opportunities missed ... you simply do not see the forest for the trees.
But last night on the Rachel Maddow Show I got my first take on the former Illinois Attorney General.
Let's just say there was a bit of a let down...
*sighs*
All during the interview, Mr. Burris defended his credentials, his experience, dedication and service for the people of Illinois. What Rachel tried to point out in a very subtle way is that Roland seems to miss the fact that no one is disputing anything about him ... that the focus of the story was not on Roland himself, but on Mr. Blagojevich and the subsequent political and legal mess he's finding himself in.
Instead of being in the "Impossible Situation" as I mentioned yesterday -- Mr. Burris instead took the take head, bury head in sand, la-la-la-la-la approach to the problem. Seemingly blind to the fact that the appointment of ANY person, regardless of credentials is going to be met with absolute anger by the Senate of the United States.
As I was telling Darby last night -- it doesn't matter if it was Mr. Burris, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln or Jesus himself that Blago appointed -- no matter WHOSE name that gets put into that hat and tossed into the ring ... that person is going to be met with the angst of both parties because of the insistent calls by all parties concerned that Blagojevich must resign and tender the responsibility of appointing a replacement Senator in the hands of the people of Illinois.
If Mr. Burris has any inkling of responsibility to the people of Illinois - it rests squarely in the fact that the person who just appointed you is not serving the best interests of the people of Illinois by the appearance of impropriety by selling the seat to the highest bidder. Mr. Burris, your appointment is nullified by the nature surrounding the charges the governor is facing. Even in the light of virtually no (initial) impropriety done by Mr. Burris in the current situation -- the appointment is incredibly irresponsible.
The was but one proper course for the Illinois governor -- which would be to step aside and let the investigation complete itself. If in fact Mr. Blagojevich is innocent -- then the politically, socially and professionally responsible thing to do would be to let the process resolve itself until you are vindicated. The behavior we're witnessing is nothing short of calamitous to the sanctity of the high office of Governor. It's a dis-service to the people of Illinois to allow such behavior to continue unabated because at this rate - we have no idea if Roland Burris paid, not paid or otherwise made promises to Blagojevich with strings attached. Only a moron would've done such a thing -- but then Blagojevich has proven anything but being a smart person in this process.
He's taken a wrecking ball to his party and to the people of Illinois and for that Mr. Burris -- for you to stand there and condone the process -- as a former Attorney General -- you should know better. It speaks volumes of your foresight for the people of Illinois and that is truly sad. Everything you have built over the last couple of decades is now washed in the same pond water that Blagojevich has been swimming in since the victory of the President Elect.
I'm sorry I gave you the benefit of a doubt Mr. Burris, but after last night's barrage of opportunities missed ... you simply do not see the forest for the trees.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
The Impossible Situation
As Blagojevich continues to shrug and disavow any potential wrong-doing ... he named a successor to President elect Obama's Illinois Senate seat: Roland Burris.
Let's keep in mind that Democrats and Republicans have been very animate towards Blago to resign and to relinquish any possibility he has to naming Barack's successor for the U.S. Senate -- which he refuses to even acknowledge. So while I can continue to blog about Blago -- I'm really feeling sorry for Roland Burris in this process.
We don't know much about Roland.
He was the Attorney General for Illinois and like so many people -- he gave Blago money when he was making his gubernatorial run. Roland and others clearly wouldn't have given Blago the time of day - much less invest in his future run for the Senate had they known how much of a crook he was going to be.
Hindsight is always 20/20.
But Roland is in the most impossible situation right now. He has come out against Blagojevich - publicly condemning the "seat for sale" approach to politics. And he now finds himself named for the seat any rational person would want in Mr. Burris' position. The seat has been tainted by Blago's antics and now Roland has to quietly walk away from the possibility of becoming the next Illinois Senator -- or he can choose to fight to keep what has been given to him on a heavily stained platter.
I have no doubt that Mr. Burris is a man of integrity - and that's why he has my most sincere condolences for being put in the position he's in. As Harry Reid pointed out -- this has nothing to do with Roland -- because it's entirely possible that Mr. Burris would have been the best possible choice to succeed the President Elect.
Blago has done everything he can to screw the Democrats in his state -- and the most likely scenario is that there would be a special runoff election being held -- and if that happens, the Democrats may find themselves in big trouble if they can't retain the seat because of one person's mired self-absorbed dreams of this mad man ... the effects could be felt nationally as well.
Instead of doing the right thing -- Blago continues to thumb his nose at the system while even self-admitting it was him in the recordings. This isn't what the democratic party stands for -- and Blago should be ousted as quickly as humanly possible. While I would expect this kind of nonchalant attitude from the Republicans ... I'm not afraid to call out the members on this side and telling them they need to step down.
And to Mr. Burris -- I'm deeply sorry for the situation you find yourself in. I do hope that it corrects itself and you can be the voice of reason for the people of Illinois.
Let's keep in mind that Democrats and Republicans have been very animate towards Blago to resign and to relinquish any possibility he has to naming Barack's successor for the U.S. Senate -- which he refuses to even acknowledge. So while I can continue to blog about Blago -- I'm really feeling sorry for Roland Burris in this process.
We don't know much about Roland.
He was the Attorney General for Illinois and like so many people -- he gave Blago money when he was making his gubernatorial run. Roland and others clearly wouldn't have given Blago the time of day - much less invest in his future run for the Senate had they known how much of a crook he was going to be.
Hindsight is always 20/20.
But Roland is in the most impossible situation right now. He has come out against Blagojevich - publicly condemning the "seat for sale" approach to politics. And he now finds himself named for the seat any rational person would want in Mr. Burris' position. The seat has been tainted by Blago's antics and now Roland has to quietly walk away from the possibility of becoming the next Illinois Senator -- or he can choose to fight to keep what has been given to him on a heavily stained platter.
I have no doubt that Mr. Burris is a man of integrity - and that's why he has my most sincere condolences for being put in the position he's in. As Harry Reid pointed out -- this has nothing to do with Roland -- because it's entirely possible that Mr. Burris would have been the best possible choice to succeed the President Elect.
Blago has done everything he can to screw the Democrats in his state -- and the most likely scenario is that there would be a special runoff election being held -- and if that happens, the Democrats may find themselves in big trouble if they can't retain the seat because of one person's mired self-absorbed dreams of this mad man ... the effects could be felt nationally as well.
Instead of doing the right thing -- Blago continues to thumb his nose at the system while even self-admitting it was him in the recordings. This isn't what the democratic party stands for -- and Blago should be ousted as quickly as humanly possible. While I would expect this kind of nonchalant attitude from the Republicans ... I'm not afraid to call out the members on this side and telling them they need to step down.
And to Mr. Burris -- I'm deeply sorry for the situation you find yourself in. I do hope that it corrects itself and you can be the voice of reason for the people of Illinois.
Friday, December 26, 2008
How did we miss it??
Thankfully someone did some more reading and actually caught this:
"7. 32 Important Words The Media Missed
Back when Henry Paulson wrote up the proposed $700 billion bailout package, it contained this part called "Section 8," whose thirty-two words basically precluded any or all efforts to hold anyone involved in the disbursement of these monies accountable:
"Decisions by the Secretary pursuant to the authority of this Act are non-reviewable and committed to agency discretion, and may not be reviewed by any court of law or any administrative agency.""
link
WHAT?!?!?
You mean that Paulson actually managed to skirt around the wishes of the Democrats who called for oversight -- and snuck in this kind of language that all but guaranteed that he could do whatever he wanted with the funds??
I understand that the initial bill grew exponentially to get the attention of the Republicans who voted against the trimmed down -- just get to the facts part of the bill. It took a lot of "sweet sprinkles" before the GOP signed up -- being the wasteful electorate they are....
So how did Paulson keep in play? Especially now that we know that banks have refused to reveal how they're using it despite the fact that they were the ones begging for money for this supposed bailout.
Something stinks royally -- and it's coming from the Bush and his prized Paulson. This should've never been included in the final passage and whoever included it -- should be held completely responsible. I wish this got a lot more airplay in main stream media because someone lied in the process and it's OUR money and should have some say in it...
"7. 32 Important Words The Media Missed
Back when Henry Paulson wrote up the proposed $700 billion bailout package, it contained this part called "Section 8," whose thirty-two words basically precluded any or all efforts to hold anyone involved in the disbursement of these monies accountable:
"Decisions by the Secretary pursuant to the authority of this Act are non-reviewable and committed to agency discretion, and may not be reviewed by any court of law or any administrative agency.""
link
WHAT?!?!?
You mean that Paulson actually managed to skirt around the wishes of the Democrats who called for oversight -- and snuck in this kind of language that all but guaranteed that he could do whatever he wanted with the funds??
I understand that the initial bill grew exponentially to get the attention of the Republicans who voted against the trimmed down -- just get to the facts part of the bill. It took a lot of "sweet sprinkles" before the GOP signed up -- being the wasteful electorate they are....
So how did Paulson keep in play? Especially now that we know that banks have refused to reveal how they're using it despite the fact that they were the ones begging for money for this supposed bailout.
Something stinks royally -- and it's coming from the Bush and his prized Paulson. This should've never been included in the final passage and whoever included it -- should be held completely responsible. I wish this got a lot more airplay in main stream media because someone lied in the process and it's OUR money and should have some say in it...
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Republicans and conservatives continue their spiral...
I came across an op/ed piece about the Sacramento Bee cartoonist who also capitalized on the shoe-flinging experience that Bush had in Iraq recently. (read here)
As Rob points out the comments were nothing more than humorous if not completely out of touch:
"Conservative readers have dropped it in droves. Young liberals don't read, and thus can't pick up the slack."
Young liberals don't read??
It's poison like this that conservatives continue to dish out, but have absolutely no basis for. Given that most conservatives are in those "red states" that have a lower education rate. Unlike the coward that posted such trash -- I can at least back it up with substance:
- Look at the top 10
- Look at the bottom 10
1.) Vermont (OBAMA)
2.) Mass. (OBAMA)
3.) Conn. (OBAMA)
4.) New Jersey (OBAMA)
5.) Maine (OBAMA)
6.) Virginia (OBAMA)
7.) Montana (MCCAIN)
8.) Wisconsin (OBAMA)
9.) Iowa (OBAMA)
10.) Pennsylvania (OBAMA)
as opposed to:
41.) Georgia (MCCAIN)
42.) Hawaii (OBAMA)
43.) New Mexico (OBAMA)
44.) Louisiana (MCCAIN)
45.) Alabama (MCCAIN)
46.) Alaska (MCCAIN)
47.) California (OBAMA)
48.) Mississippi (MCCAIN)
49.) Nevada (OBAMA)
50.) Arizona (MCCAIN)
So it would seem that our uninformed midget of a poster would rather mud-sling with lies and fact-less bull crap, than to address the reality that Bush deserves the tainted marks in history. This entire process of trying to make sure he can walk away unscathed is nothing less than criminal -- not after how the Republicans filleted and crucified Clinton for what he done. Oh no, my little elephant friends -- you don't get the pass you're trying to create.
Because the shoe flinging episode is completely appropriate given the symbolic meaning and social implication it carries in the Middle East. Now Republicans conveniently dismiss anything this President has done -- assuming that there's absolutely nothing wrong with killing innocent people in a baseless war in the wrong country. It's horribly unreasonable to have this President trying to re-write his own history that paints the world he wanted to leave, but simply couldn't because he messed it up so incredibly bad.
And that's what the Anonymous mouse doesn't understand or get. Instead of realizing the meaning behind the cartoon - and commenting on the validity of relevance of how this is going to be in history -- he would rather tout some phony line that "young liberals don't read" as some boldface lie in order to deflect and dodge the overriding issue.
It's the standard Rush Limbaugh approach to the conservative party -- and I'm thankful for Rush for having the lack of intelligence to see what it ultimately did to his party of choice. Americans are incredibly pissed off with Republicans and how they've guided our nation into one of the biggest messes most all of us have never seen. They've seen through his smear and factual irrelevancies to really see how much the Republican party cares about the nation.
They'd rather tend to their profits at the cost of American lives than see any of the resounding reasons that led us down this sordid path that we've been on. It started a lot earlier than the Democrats taking control of the Congress -- but that's not what your Republican Faithful will say. They seem to glaze over the fact that the economy was already in trouble with a skyrocketing national debt and unthinkable tax cuts for the rich having any effect except how much it was going to line their portfolios.
Look where that got us.
...and thankfully Americans saw the light as well.
I refuse to let this President "save face" so that any form of his legacy is protected. A real President, a real man -- doesn't care so much about his ego, but cares about every single decision he makes so that it serves his country at its best. That's what makes Obama much more appealing because you get the sense he really does care and can see the big picture.
Bush has been a failure - and he has a lot of fingers to point to -- but it has to start with himself and I don't see that happening anytime in the rest of his lifetime.
As Rob points out the comments were nothing more than humorous if not completely out of touch:
"Conservative readers have dropped it in droves. Young liberals don't read, and thus can't pick up the slack."
Young liberals don't read??
It's poison like this that conservatives continue to dish out, but have absolutely no basis for. Given that most conservatives are in those "red states" that have a lower education rate. Unlike the coward that posted such trash -- I can at least back it up with substance:
- Look at the top 10
- Look at the bottom 10
1.) Vermont (OBAMA)
2.) Mass. (OBAMA)
3.) Conn. (OBAMA)
4.) New Jersey (OBAMA)
5.) Maine (OBAMA)
6.) Virginia (OBAMA)
7.) Montana (MCCAIN)
8.) Wisconsin (OBAMA)
9.) Iowa (OBAMA)
10.) Pennsylvania (OBAMA)
as opposed to:
41.) Georgia (MCCAIN)
42.) Hawaii (OBAMA)
43.) New Mexico (OBAMA)
44.) Louisiana (MCCAIN)
45.) Alabama (MCCAIN)
46.) Alaska (MCCAIN)
47.) California (OBAMA)
48.) Mississippi (MCCAIN)
49.) Nevada (OBAMA)
50.) Arizona (MCCAIN)
So it would seem that our uninformed midget of a poster would rather mud-sling with lies and fact-less bull crap, than to address the reality that Bush deserves the tainted marks in history. This entire process of trying to make sure he can walk away unscathed is nothing less than criminal -- not after how the Republicans filleted and crucified Clinton for what he done. Oh no, my little elephant friends -- you don't get the pass you're trying to create.
Because the shoe flinging episode is completely appropriate given the symbolic meaning and social implication it carries in the Middle East. Now Republicans conveniently dismiss anything this President has done -- assuming that there's absolutely nothing wrong with killing innocent people in a baseless war in the wrong country. It's horribly unreasonable to have this President trying to re-write his own history that paints the world he wanted to leave, but simply couldn't because he messed it up so incredibly bad.
And that's what the Anonymous mouse doesn't understand or get. Instead of realizing the meaning behind the cartoon - and commenting on the validity of relevance of how this is going to be in history -- he would rather tout some phony line that "young liberals don't read" as some boldface lie in order to deflect and dodge the overriding issue.
It's the standard Rush Limbaugh approach to the conservative party -- and I'm thankful for Rush for having the lack of intelligence to see what it ultimately did to his party of choice. Americans are incredibly pissed off with Republicans and how they've guided our nation into one of the biggest messes most all of us have never seen. They've seen through his smear and factual irrelevancies to really see how much the Republican party cares about the nation.
They'd rather tend to their profits at the cost of American lives than see any of the resounding reasons that led us down this sordid path that we've been on. It started a lot earlier than the Democrats taking control of the Congress -- but that's not what your Republican Faithful will say. They seem to glaze over the fact that the economy was already in trouble with a skyrocketing national debt and unthinkable tax cuts for the rich having any effect except how much it was going to line their portfolios.
Look where that got us.
...and thankfully Americans saw the light as well.
I refuse to let this President "save face" so that any form of his legacy is protected. A real President, a real man -- doesn't care so much about his ego, but cares about every single decision he makes so that it serves his country at its best. That's what makes Obama much more appealing because you get the sense he really does care and can see the big picture.
Bush has been a failure - and he has a lot of fingers to point to -- but it has to start with himself and I don't see that happening anytime in the rest of his lifetime.
Monday, December 15, 2008
The GOP continue to disintegrate
The lull in posting here doesn't mean that I haven't been keeping up with the political pot stirring that has been going on. However, there hasn't been much stirring of the pot -- even with all of the news. How come? Because over 70% of Americans think that Obama is doing a great job and he's NOT even President yet!!!
When you cycle those numbers next to the current President dodging shoes in Iraq -- well, let's just say that the Republican Party continues its downward spiral.
Palin continues to try to take the headlines -- but when you read the quotes from other Republicans BESIDE HER and they really don't take her seriously. That's rather astounding when you consider that she almost became the Vice President -- "a heartbeat away" from the Presidency. Even McCain has been quoted recently as to saying that he's not going to automatically fall in line in support of her potential bid in 2012. It speaks volumes in a way - because while she may have been seen by some on the right as being their "savior" - she's proven that she doesn't have a lot of substance. Charisma gets you in the door, but if you can't make the pitch strong and clear -- people are still going to shut you out. She has 3 years to craft that -- and it would be very foolish to write her off.
The delusions by this administration continues to impress. The past couple of weeks have been marked by certain quotations that are supposed to be designed to solidify the legacy left by this Presidency. What makes this delusional is how both Bush and Cheney have declared that Obama has inherited a safer country and he will appreciate what we've done here ... all completely absent of reality. Unless there is some gigantic encyclopedia of classified info that we don't know about regarding the "successes" of this administration, I don't think their resumes are particularly strong. In fact, I think history is going to judge them extremely harsh in the coming years.
The last nail in this "legacy" talk has to be about the economy Bush let sour on his watch. It's convenient that he was one of the leading advocates that we need to further deregulate certain industries and businesses -- and yet we're witnessing a catastrophic collapse of our economy that enjoyed incredibly lax regulations and oversight. Even when the fabled "bailout" of the banks was approved -- the administration and the GOP balked at the idea of providing any sort of oversight into these bailout programs....
Well now it would appear that Bush actually sought to preserve the CEO spending sprees -- while thousands of workers are being forced from their jobs. Where does it make sense that CEO salaries should continue unabated, without oversight -- when hundreds of thousands of Americans are unemployed and businesses are having a tough time pulling it together.
It's ironic that the GOP casually blindly ignored that oversight over $700 billion, but are making such grand overtures about bailing out the auto industry for a paltry 3.5% of the total bank bailout -- where the banks are hoarding the cash instead of making loans like was intended to do in the first place.
Way to go GOP.... As if the sugar sprinkles weren't enough -- you should be ashamed of yourselves and exposed for the frauds you've become. If Americans are going to bailout anyone then sufficient oversight and FOLLOW-THROUGH isn't unreasonable. It's MY money and if they aren't going to be using it wisely -- then I want it back -- thankyouverymuch.
The hypocrisy of the GOP will be its eventual undoing. Obama's crest is just starting to emerge and he has a lot of momentum following him .... is this something you're really ready for, Republicans?
When you cycle those numbers next to the current President dodging shoes in Iraq -- well, let's just say that the Republican Party continues its downward spiral.
Palin continues to try to take the headlines -- but when you read the quotes from other Republicans BESIDE HER and they really don't take her seriously. That's rather astounding when you consider that she almost became the Vice President -- "a heartbeat away" from the Presidency. Even McCain has been quoted recently as to saying that he's not going to automatically fall in line in support of her potential bid in 2012. It speaks volumes in a way - because while she may have been seen by some on the right as being their "savior" - she's proven that she doesn't have a lot of substance. Charisma gets you in the door, but if you can't make the pitch strong and clear -- people are still going to shut you out. She has 3 years to craft that -- and it would be very foolish to write her off.
The delusions by this administration continues to impress. The past couple of weeks have been marked by certain quotations that are supposed to be designed to solidify the legacy left by this Presidency. What makes this delusional is how both Bush and Cheney have declared that Obama has inherited a safer country and he will appreciate what we've done here ... all completely absent of reality. Unless there is some gigantic encyclopedia of classified info that we don't know about regarding the "successes" of this administration, I don't think their resumes are particularly strong. In fact, I think history is going to judge them extremely harsh in the coming years.
The last nail in this "legacy" talk has to be about the economy Bush let sour on his watch. It's convenient that he was one of the leading advocates that we need to further deregulate certain industries and businesses -- and yet we're witnessing a catastrophic collapse of our economy that enjoyed incredibly lax regulations and oversight. Even when the fabled "bailout" of the banks was approved -- the administration and the GOP balked at the idea of providing any sort of oversight into these bailout programs....
Well now it would appear that Bush actually sought to preserve the CEO spending sprees -- while thousands of workers are being forced from their jobs. Where does it make sense that CEO salaries should continue unabated, without oversight -- when hundreds of thousands of Americans are unemployed and businesses are having a tough time pulling it together.
It's ironic that the GOP casually blindly ignored that oversight over $700 billion, but are making such grand overtures about bailing out the auto industry for a paltry 3.5% of the total bank bailout -- where the banks are hoarding the cash instead of making loans like was intended to do in the first place.
Way to go GOP.... As if the sugar sprinkles weren't enough -- you should be ashamed of yourselves and exposed for the frauds you've become. If Americans are going to bailout anyone then sufficient oversight and FOLLOW-THROUGH isn't unreasonable. It's MY money and if they aren't going to be using it wisely -- then I want it back -- thankyouverymuch.
The hypocrisy of the GOP will be its eventual undoing. Obama's crest is just starting to emerge and he has a lot of momentum following him .... is this something you're really ready for, Republicans?
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Obama Upstaging Bush?? Oh, gosh no....
I was a bit tickled when I read this headline on Drudge:
"Mr. Co-President? Obama upstages Bush on economy."
Here's the link to the story.
Now -- when you read the headline, it really looks negative on Barrack. After all, he's not in the White House yet -- even though he's gotten MORE respect and notice from virtually everyone on the planet than the Lame Duck has. So the term "upstage" -- to draw away from ... is a curious adjective to describe Obama.
Consider the quote in the article: " The Democratic president-elect, who kept a low profile for three weeks after his White House win, has swung into action with a series of economic pronouncements and cabinet selections that have overshadowed President George W. Bush.
If financial markets are clamoring for more leadership, Obama got the message.
"There is a leadership vacuum. If Obama doesn't fill it, more panic will result in (the) short run, and the problem will become greater by the time he officially takes office," said Stephen Wayne, professor of government at Georgetown University."
.....
hmmmm....
There's a leadership vacuum. Financial markets are clamoring for more leadership.
This doesn't sound anywhere close to being an "upstaging" moment -- as much as it's a competence moment where the incoming commander in chief is sounding MORE presidential than our current commander in chief.....
Bush had his chance at trying to fix the economy. If anything, he's proven not only is he inept at it -- but willing to drive it into the face of the earth because it just doesn't matter to him. With some much that this President has done to our nation -- it's a shame that Obama can't go to work any earlier than what the Constitution allows.
"Mr. Co-President? Obama upstages Bush on economy."
Here's the link to the story.
Now -- when you read the headline, it really looks negative on Barrack. After all, he's not in the White House yet -- even though he's gotten MORE respect and notice from virtually everyone on the planet than the Lame Duck has. So the term "upstage" -- to draw away from ... is a curious adjective to describe Obama.
Consider the quote in the article: " The Democratic president-elect, who kept a low profile for three weeks after his White House win, has swung into action with a series of economic pronouncements and cabinet selections that have overshadowed President George W. Bush.
If financial markets are clamoring for more leadership, Obama got the message.
"There is a leadership vacuum. If Obama doesn't fill it, more panic will result in (the) short run, and the problem will become greater by the time he officially takes office," said Stephen Wayne, professor of government at Georgetown University."
.....
hmmmm....
There's a leadership vacuum. Financial markets are clamoring for more leadership.
This doesn't sound anywhere close to being an "upstaging" moment -- as much as it's a competence moment where the incoming commander in chief is sounding MORE presidential than our current commander in chief.....
Bush had his chance at trying to fix the economy. If anything, he's proven not only is he inept at it -- but willing to drive it into the face of the earth because it just doesn't matter to him. With some much that this President has done to our nation -- it's a shame that Obama can't go to work any earlier than what the Constitution allows.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Playing Chess
Obama came riding into history touting real change in Washington.
While I'm still an adamant Obama supporter, I don't blindly follow everything he's going to do. Unlike a lot of the Bush apologists out there -- I'm pretty reasonably educated and capable of some independent thought processes. So that's why I'm a little taken aback that the best person for the job of Secretary of State -- is turning out to be Hillary. And while that sounds like an ultimate "diss" on Hillary -- it's not. I come from a very well skewed view of foreign relations -- as I don't believe in Reagan's "cowboy diplomacy" or Bush's "Darth Vader" approach to the world stage.
Colin Powell had it.
Madeline Albright had it.
James Baker even had it at times.
There's a certain gravitas that they bring to the international community. Not trying to grab the international spotlight. Not trying to thumb their nose at their adversaries or behave in some sort of insolent manner, but you build alliances and solidify your friendships to reach your common goals. Bush has vigorously RIPPED those alliances to the point where no one considered the United States to be much of an ally.
All that changed the moment Obama was elected and the world leaders responded in kind -- even some that wanted to deal directly with him instead of the Lame Duck still quacking in the Oval.
If Hillary is his only choice -- then I really wished that he would've had Joe Biden tapped for Sec. of State instead. The man gets foreign policy and while I have every reason to believe Joe will do great things from the V.P. -- Hillary would've made a great V.P. as well, but not as good in Sec. of State. She's a bit too flamboyant for the job -- and the international scene may not take too kindly to that.
I do hope she proves me wrong. Because while I do believe that this position is one of those "highly heralded" type positions in any administration. It's a cornerstone in how you're going to interface with the rest of the world and it would've been wonderful to see the likes of a "no non-sense" position for Colin Powell, but I guess it wasn't meant to be. I can't blame Colin though - not after what he endured under this last regime.
Several critics have come out against Obama's choices for various positions citing that there's no real change coming if he keeps appointing from the "greatest hits" from the Clinton years. If Barack is listening (and I know he visits Spoonsrant all the time) -- "Americans demanded change, not a revisit of the 1990's."
While I'm still an adamant Obama supporter, I don't blindly follow everything he's going to do. Unlike a lot of the Bush apologists out there -- I'm pretty reasonably educated and capable of some independent thought processes. So that's why I'm a little taken aback that the best person for the job of Secretary of State -- is turning out to be Hillary. And while that sounds like an ultimate "diss" on Hillary -- it's not. I come from a very well skewed view of foreign relations -- as I don't believe in Reagan's "cowboy diplomacy" or Bush's "Darth Vader" approach to the world stage.
Colin Powell had it.
Madeline Albright had it.
James Baker even had it at times.
There's a certain gravitas that they bring to the international community. Not trying to grab the international spotlight. Not trying to thumb their nose at their adversaries or behave in some sort of insolent manner, but you build alliances and solidify your friendships to reach your common goals. Bush has vigorously RIPPED those alliances to the point where no one considered the United States to be much of an ally.
All that changed the moment Obama was elected and the world leaders responded in kind -- even some that wanted to deal directly with him instead of the Lame Duck still quacking in the Oval.
If Hillary is his only choice -- then I really wished that he would've had Joe Biden tapped for Sec. of State instead. The man gets foreign policy and while I have every reason to believe Joe will do great things from the V.P. -- Hillary would've made a great V.P. as well, but not as good in Sec. of State. She's a bit too flamboyant for the job -- and the international scene may not take too kindly to that.
I do hope she proves me wrong. Because while I do believe that this position is one of those "highly heralded" type positions in any administration. It's a cornerstone in how you're going to interface with the rest of the world and it would've been wonderful to see the likes of a "no non-sense" position for Colin Powell, but I guess it wasn't meant to be. I can't blame Colin though - not after what he endured under this last regime.
Several critics have come out against Obama's choices for various positions citing that there's no real change coming if he keeps appointing from the "greatest hits" from the Clinton years. If Barack is listening (and I know he visits Spoonsrant all the time) -- "Americans demanded change, not a revisit of the 1990's."
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