1) Many Senators and Representatives are wealthy - therefore voting in favor of tax cuts for the rich benefits THEM. Is this a conflict of interest? And if they are so damned concerned about the deficit, why don't they take a 20% cut in staff allotment, pay, benefits?
2) After ten years of tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, the economy exploded ... and not in a good way! Bush's job creation legacy is in the minus column.
3) America boomed in decades where the richest Americans payed high tax rates, the 1950s, 60s 70s. GI's could return from service to country and buy a house AND go to college! Then came Ronald Reagan - he helped us replace worship of God with worship of the almighty dollar. Now many vets have no health care and are homeless - forget college! And the rich got richer while the poor got poorer. Cain asked God, :Am I my brother's keeper?"
4) In this sacred season, the Republicans have scrapped and slashed aid and will continue to slash and scrap aid to families like Jesus, Mary and Joseph - poor, dispossessed - and are fighting like mad to pile more wealth on folks like King Herod. Merry Flipping Christmas and a happy New Year!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Tea Party Candidate Darlings are big ass nutburger sandwich
What in the hideous Hades has happened to the GOP? (Goofy Odd People) candidates across the United States are acting and sounding like buffoons, spouting wildly inaccurate descriptions of “The Constitution”; swearing to tear down Social Security and Medicare; and wallowing like cockroaches in excrement in the glory of their seemingly increasing states of ignorance and wide eyed naïveté. Every time they open their eyes, they see a brand new world … and embrace a brand new set of crazy-ass platform planks.
Dr Rand Paul down there in Kentucky claims to be a “Board Certified” ophthalmologist. Except of course, HE founded that particular medical Board. Is that ethical? He has said he does NOT "necessarilly" agree with the Voting Rights Act or the Americans with Disabilities Act or that any business should be forced to abandon racism in its common practice. Hey, if somebody wants to refuse service to blacks, gays, crippled war vets, the blind or midgets – that’s his prerogative and their tough luck. He calls it Libertarianism and swears he’s a “strict constitutionalist.” That means he’d revoke the vote for women if only he could.
Delaware’s own Repub Senate candidate Christine O’Donnell, that witchiest of women, refutes that a separation of church and state exists in the First Amendment. She assures that condoms don’t protect against HIV-Aids, contradicting the CDC and World Health Org – but what do they know?. She also dismisses evolution out of hand (in her case, she could be right) and would insist that Creationism be taught instead. Megan McCain has called the anti-self-sex champion a “joke” a “nut job” and “an embarrassment.” GOP Partee Head Michael Steele and Megan’s daddio, Sen John (that OTHER McCain), have both expressed a belief that O’Donnell is qualified to serve in the US Senate. Well, let’s not forget that addled and cantankerous John McCain picked a running mate whose foreign policy experience, by her own admission, sprang from the fact that she could see Russia from her Alaskan back yard … a person who couldn’t name a Supreme Court Case she disagreed with … like the one regarding the Exxon-Valdez disaster which took place in … ALASKA!
And leave us not omit Nevada Senate runner Sharron Angle. She would eradicate Social Security, Medicare and the Departments of Education and Energy. Interestingly, she has been endorsed by the Church of Scientology, many of whose beliefs she has espoused in the past. Most recently, she attempted to copyright all her previous policy statements so they couldn’t be used in ads against her by her opponent, Harry Reid.
Colorado’s Ken Buck would require any little girl who was raped by her father or Uncle or other family member to bear a child if she became pregnant from this abuse. In fact, Ken Buck would like to see a time when that little girl, that poor dear rape victim, would be criminally prosecuted for having an abortion.
This Fearsome Foursome represent the tippy top of the scariest ice berg to threaten America since the sinking of the Titanic.
America – look closely at your election options and VOTE FOR SANITY on November 2.
Dr Rand Paul down there in Kentucky claims to be a “Board Certified” ophthalmologist. Except of course, HE founded that particular medical Board. Is that ethical? He has said he does NOT "necessarilly" agree with the Voting Rights Act or the Americans with Disabilities Act or that any business should be forced to abandon racism in its common practice. Hey, if somebody wants to refuse service to blacks, gays, crippled war vets, the blind or midgets – that’s his prerogative and their tough luck. He calls it Libertarianism and swears he’s a “strict constitutionalist.” That means he’d revoke the vote for women if only he could.
Delaware’s own Repub Senate candidate Christine O’Donnell, that witchiest of women, refutes that a separation of church and state exists in the First Amendment. She assures that condoms don’t protect against HIV-Aids, contradicting the CDC and World Health Org – but what do they know?. She also dismisses evolution out of hand (in her case, she could be right) and would insist that Creationism be taught instead. Megan McCain has called the anti-self-sex champion a “joke” a “nut job” and “an embarrassment.” GOP Partee Head Michael Steele and Megan’s daddio, Sen John (that OTHER McCain), have both expressed a belief that O’Donnell is qualified to serve in the US Senate. Well, let’s not forget that addled and cantankerous John McCain picked a running mate whose foreign policy experience, by her own admission, sprang from the fact that she could see Russia from her Alaskan back yard … a person who couldn’t name a Supreme Court Case she disagreed with … like the one regarding the Exxon-Valdez disaster which took place in … ALASKA!
And leave us not omit Nevada Senate runner Sharron Angle. She would eradicate Social Security, Medicare and the Departments of Education and Energy. Interestingly, she has been endorsed by the Church of Scientology, many of whose beliefs she has espoused in the past. Most recently, she attempted to copyright all her previous policy statements so they couldn’t be used in ads against her by her opponent, Harry Reid.
Colorado’s Ken Buck would require any little girl who was raped by her father or Uncle or other family member to bear a child if she became pregnant from this abuse. In fact, Ken Buck would like to see a time when that little girl, that poor dear rape victim, would be criminally prosecuted for having an abortion.
This Fearsome Foursome represent the tippy top of the scariest ice berg to threaten America since the sinking of the Titanic.
America – look closely at your election options and VOTE FOR SANITY on November 2.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Women Priests for Catholic Church?
Why does the Catholic Church continue to prohibit women from being ordained priests?
There are references to women disciples in the New Testament. Mary Magdalen was certainly a noted friend and follower of Jesus of Nazareth and showed up numerable times when the male followers were cowering in fear, and denying their Lord.
Pope Benedict XVI recently likened ordaining women priests to "the sin of pedophelia."
A lack of priests in general here in the US has certainly contributed to lessening attendance. How much religious guidance or pastoral support can you get from a man who is saying five masses in three different cities on any given Sunday, as is happening in eastern Idaho?
And yet the current pope compares ordaining women to "the sin of pedophelia?"
The Catholic Church canon law was written in centuries - or even millennia past - when women were considered property; when women couldn't vote; when women couldn't inherit or own property in their own name; when war lords and kings sealed political bargains through marriage or traded cows and wheat for a bride.
Maybe His Holiness should try life in the 21st century and ordain women to the priesthood. God created no second class citizens and is not responsible for and certainly doesn't encourage second class thinking.
There are references to women disciples in the New Testament. Mary Magdalen was certainly a noted friend and follower of Jesus of Nazareth and showed up numerable times when the male followers were cowering in fear, and denying their Lord.
Pope Benedict XVI recently likened ordaining women priests to "the sin of pedophelia."
A lack of priests in general here in the US has certainly contributed to lessening attendance. How much religious guidance or pastoral support can you get from a man who is saying five masses in three different cities on any given Sunday, as is happening in eastern Idaho?
And yet the current pope compares ordaining women to "the sin of pedophelia?"
The Catholic Church canon law was written in centuries - or even millennia past - when women were considered property; when women couldn't vote; when women couldn't inherit or own property in their own name; when war lords and kings sealed political bargains through marriage or traded cows and wheat for a bride.
Maybe His Holiness should try life in the 21st century and ordain women to the priesthood. God created no second class citizens and is not responsible for and certainly doesn't encourage second class thinking.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
GOP = tax cuts for the rich: why?
Many Republican senators and congressional representatives - and a few democrats - feel impelled to fight for extending the Bush tax cuts for the richest folks in America - millionaires and billionaires. This idea of rewarding the already wealthy originally became the government's fiscal version of the Nicene Creed under President Ronald Reagan. Some sanity prevailed during the Clinton years and then ... all hell broke lose under "W."
Republicans will swear to you that we must protect our millionaires and billionaires (the Ronald Reagans and George Bushes of the world) so that they can continue their hiring practices that so stimulate the enconomy.
Except the super rich DON'T stimulate the economy by spending or hiring nearly as much as one might think. They buy lavishly to a point. But with their extra money, they save, buy stock, buy real estate. They don't hire another chauffeur or maid or butler where one will suffice. They don't invest in making widgets, they invest in trust funds for their children and grandchildren.
Ordinary folks like the rest of us don't HAVE extra money. When we get a little more than we need for food, fuel and rent, we usually spend it on something frivolous ... like braces for our 12-yer old or a warm winter coat that actually fits the 14-year old that shot up 6 inches last year - or even a few more fresh vegetables during the weekly marketing trip.
These purchases do stimulate the economy because the money is circulating from hand to hand and not sitting quietly in an account somewhere.
In the past two decades or so, the wealthiest 2% of Americans have seen their bottom line rise by over 200%!!! Income levels for the poor and middle class have only risen from 8% to 16%.
We have subsidized the rich's increasing success through OUR INCREASED TAXES to the tune of thousands of dollars per person.
This is called the trickle down theory. Has it been working for YOU and YOUR FAMILY?
Remember in November!!!!
Republicans will swear to you that we must protect our millionaires and billionaires (the Ronald Reagans and George Bushes of the world) so that they can continue their hiring practices that so stimulate the enconomy.
Except the super rich DON'T stimulate the economy by spending or hiring nearly as much as one might think. They buy lavishly to a point. But with their extra money, they save, buy stock, buy real estate. They don't hire another chauffeur or maid or butler where one will suffice. They don't invest in making widgets, they invest in trust funds for their children and grandchildren.
Ordinary folks like the rest of us don't HAVE extra money. When we get a little more than we need for food, fuel and rent, we usually spend it on something frivolous ... like braces for our 12-yer old or a warm winter coat that actually fits the 14-year old that shot up 6 inches last year - or even a few more fresh vegetables during the weekly marketing trip.
These purchases do stimulate the economy because the money is circulating from hand to hand and not sitting quietly in an account somewhere.
In the past two decades or so, the wealthiest 2% of Americans have seen their bottom line rise by over 200%!!! Income levels for the poor and middle class have only risen from 8% to 16%.
We have subsidized the rich's increasing success through OUR INCREASED TAXES to the tune of thousands of dollars per person.
This is called the trickle down theory. Has it been working for YOU and YOUR FAMILY?
Remember in November!!!!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
"Dove" preacher endangers USA, will burn Holy Bible
Pastor Terry Jones of the Dove World Outreach Center said he plans to go forward with the burning of the Quran (Koran)this Saturday, the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Gen. David Petraeus commented in an email to AP that this move would incite violence against the US military overseas and that images of a burning Quran would help our enemies recruit new followers.
Isn't the dove a symbol of Peace?
Isn't Pastor Terry a Christian church leader? Would Jesus make this move?
Does Pastor Terry even realize that the New Testament is part of the Quran ... as is the Old Testament? Or is he ignorant of the fact that in order to burn the Muslim holy book, he will also be burning the Gospel according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John along with the Pentateuch.
What percentage of Islamic faithful was responsible for the World Trade Center bombing? .003? Or less? So why defame an entire race of people? Is he a white supremacist?
Is Pastor Terry anti-American military? On the side of terrorist recruitment? Where was he born? What seminary did he graduate from?
Does the Republican leadership support this move? Pat Robertson, where are YOU?
America deserves answers to these questions.
Over but never out, Scud Downing
Gen. David Petraeus commented in an email to AP that this move would incite violence against the US military overseas and that images of a burning Quran would help our enemies recruit new followers.
Isn't the dove a symbol of Peace?
Isn't Pastor Terry a Christian church leader? Would Jesus make this move?
Does Pastor Terry even realize that the New Testament is part of the Quran ... as is the Old Testament? Or is he ignorant of the fact that in order to burn the Muslim holy book, he will also be burning the Gospel according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John along with the Pentateuch.
What percentage of Islamic faithful was responsible for the World Trade Center bombing? .003? Or less? So why defame an entire race of people? Is he a white supremacist?
Is Pastor Terry anti-American military? On the side of terrorist recruitment? Where was he born? What seminary did he graduate from?
Does the Republican leadership support this move? Pat Robertson, where are YOU?
America deserves answers to these questions.
Over but never out, Scud Downing
Friday, August 27, 2010
Glenn Beck, denigrates Dr. King, gets rid of O'Reilly
Why would Glenn Beck, aka King Fear, schedule a rally of any kind on the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech? On the exact same site? Beck SWEARS this is a "coincidence" and that he was totally unaware of the date's significance.
How could he and everyone else employed by his 24/7 publicity machine not be aware of the anniversary of one of the greatest speeches ever made? Unless of course he is totally ingnorant of recent American history in general, or of the recent accomplishments of non-white Americans in general ... Dr. King's oration is still an exemplar of powerful,inspiring, purposeful, helpful and enlightening, even soaring rhetoric at it's finest.
Could the Terror Tyrant possibly be THAT clueless?
Or maybe he DID know and cleverly plotted to display his well known contempt for blacks, as commonly demonstrated by his references to President Obama as a racist or his continual and continuous denigration of prominent African Americans, to an adoring Tea Party and Mrs. Palin while generating scads of publicity for all the wrong reasons.
Even fellow Fox banalist Greta Van Susteren remonstrated that Beck's booking an event on this date at this location was like Muslims wanting to build a cultural center five blocks from Ground Zero - perfectly legal but not "sensitive." Another Fox idealogue, Bill O'Reilly, has pooh-poohed Beck estimates of 300,000 people attending. Bill even promised to give up his own show if more than 100,000 folks showed up.
Hmmmmm
Fox often hugely over-estimates attendance at Tea Party rallies and substitues video from a different venue, making certain gatherings appear much more well populated than they actually are. This confluence of circumstances could lead Bill into retirement! And Beck could wind up getting rid of his biggest competitor while sullying a great day in American history.
Wow.
Over but never out,
Scud Downing
How could he and everyone else employed by his 24/7 publicity machine not be aware of the anniversary of one of the greatest speeches ever made? Unless of course he is totally ingnorant of recent American history in general, or of the recent accomplishments of non-white Americans in general ... Dr. King's oration is still an exemplar of powerful,inspiring, purposeful, helpful and enlightening, even soaring rhetoric at it's finest.
Could the Terror Tyrant possibly be THAT clueless?
Or maybe he DID know and cleverly plotted to display his well known contempt for blacks, as commonly demonstrated by his references to President Obama as a racist or his continual and continuous denigration of prominent African Americans, to an adoring Tea Party and Mrs. Palin while generating scads of publicity for all the wrong reasons.
Even fellow Fox banalist Greta Van Susteren remonstrated that Beck's booking an event on this date at this location was like Muslims wanting to build a cultural center five blocks from Ground Zero - perfectly legal but not "sensitive." Another Fox idealogue, Bill O'Reilly, has pooh-poohed Beck estimates of 300,000 people attending. Bill even promised to give up his own show if more than 100,000 folks showed up.
Hmmmmm
Fox often hugely over-estimates attendance at Tea Party rallies and substitues video from a different venue, making certain gatherings appear much more well populated than they actually are. This confluence of circumstances could lead Bill into retirement! And Beck could wind up getting rid of his biggest competitor while sullying a great day in American history.
Wow.
Over but never out,
Scud Downing
Friday, August 20, 2010
Mrs. Palin is language elitist, radical
Sarah Palin believes and actually said that “feminists” are “A cackle of rads who want 2 crucify other women w/whom they disagree on a singular issue; it's ironic (& passé).”
This could be a case of the kettle calling out the pot for cooking up a tempest in a tea pot!
Haven’t she and husband Todd been involved for decades in an extremist form of Conservative Christianity that practices exorcism and demands a woman’s unwavering obedience to her husband? Sounds pretty radical to me, at least for AMERICA.
Isn’t her husband a long-time member of a political activist group that is STILL working to have Alaska secede from the U.S.? If THAT isn’t radical, I don’t know her brains from horse hockey.
What exactly IS a cackle as used in this setting? Is it meant to be denigrating? Why does Mrs. Palin display an almost obsessive need to mis-use words or create new words when the good old American-style English language contains adequate nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs for real Americans with real working knowledge of same? This constantly placing herself above English vocabulary and grammar rules, not to mention those that use them, feels a tad elitist, doesn’t it?
Did she receive enough English language education in Alaska during her formative years? Perhaps she could take a refresher course along with additional studies of world history (why DID North and South Korea split up, anyway?), foreign policy (look! I can see the leeward side of an island ruled by the Kremlin!) or good manners. Could her constant attack-mode communication methods represent the acting out of deep-seated insecurity?
Doth she protest too much?
As for her opinions about feminists … who does she think fought for and secured her right to vote? Or her right to own property independently of her husband? Or her eligibility to be a Mayor? Or a governor? Or even her right to disagree?
America deserves answers to these questions.
Over but never out,
Scud Downing
This could be a case of the kettle calling out the pot for cooking up a tempest in a tea pot!
Haven’t she and husband Todd been involved for decades in an extremist form of Conservative Christianity that practices exorcism and demands a woman’s unwavering obedience to her husband? Sounds pretty radical to me, at least for AMERICA.
Isn’t her husband a long-time member of a political activist group that is STILL working to have Alaska secede from the U.S.? If THAT isn’t radical, I don’t know her brains from horse hockey.
What exactly IS a cackle as used in this setting? Is it meant to be denigrating? Why does Mrs. Palin display an almost obsessive need to mis-use words or create new words when the good old American-style English language contains adequate nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs for real Americans with real working knowledge of same? This constantly placing herself above English vocabulary and grammar rules, not to mention those that use them, feels a tad elitist, doesn’t it?
Did she receive enough English language education in Alaska during her formative years? Perhaps she could take a refresher course along with additional studies of world history (why DID North and South Korea split up, anyway?), foreign policy (look! I can see the leeward side of an island ruled by the Kremlin!) or good manners. Could her constant attack-mode communication methods represent the acting out of deep-seated insecurity?
Doth she protest too much?
As for her opinions about feminists … who does she think fought for and secured her right to vote? Or her right to own property independently of her husband? Or her eligibility to be a Mayor? Or a governor? Or even her right to disagree?
America deserves answers to these questions.
Over but never out,
Scud Downing
Friday, August 13, 2010
SPOTLIGHT on the Far Right's Anti-American Views
Hey,there's a new platform for ordinary folks like us to fight back against Republicans' unethical and misrepresentational tactics. It will also hold them accountable for their public statements TODAY as opposed to all the really weird and disgusting things they have said in the past.. Project Accountability. This could be loads of FUN!!!
Let's consider ... Sharron Angle's desire to abolish Social Security OR
her characterization of BP's $20 billion pledge to mitigate the gulf oil spill catastrophe as a "slush fund." These statements were made by Angle to woo the far far far right (her point of emanation). These super conservative (and odd)opinions used to appear PROMINENTLY on her website. No more. She has "cleaned up her act." But isn't it obvious what she really believes?
Tea Party darling and Senate candidate Ken Buck opposes abortion even in cases of rape and incest. These are his RELIGIOUS convictions. Why should his religion run our country? Why should ANYONE's religion run our country?
Opthamologist (but NOT Board Certified, as he USED TO CLAIM) and senate candidate Rand Paul disapproves of the Equal Rights Amendment - doesn't believe that businesses should be FORCED to serve people even when the reason for that refusal is pure racism. Of course, he wishes we'd all forget that admission and swears he abhors racism in all its forms. But what about the people who embrace racism? Should THEY be allowed to run amok on American culture for the sake of individual liberty?
Is all this crap what YOU really believe?
If not, there is a remedy ... to make sure everyone knows a candidate's true positions ... a great solution ...Interested in being a part of it? Check out The Accountability Project:
http://www.accountabilityproject.com
See you at the polls in November!
Scud Downing
Let's consider ... Sharron Angle's desire to abolish Social Security OR
her characterization of BP's $20 billion pledge to mitigate the gulf oil spill catastrophe as a "slush fund." These statements were made by Angle to woo the far far far right (her point of emanation). These super conservative (and odd)opinions used to appear PROMINENTLY on her website. No more. She has "cleaned up her act." But isn't it obvious what she really believes?
Tea Party darling and Senate candidate Ken Buck opposes abortion even in cases of rape and incest. These are his RELIGIOUS convictions. Why should his religion run our country? Why should ANYONE's religion run our country?
Opthamologist (but NOT Board Certified, as he USED TO CLAIM) and senate candidate Rand Paul disapproves of the Equal Rights Amendment - doesn't believe that businesses should be FORCED to serve people even when the reason for that refusal is pure racism. Of course, he wishes we'd all forget that admission and swears he abhors racism in all its forms. But what about the people who embrace racism? Should THEY be allowed to run amok on American culture for the sake of individual liberty?
Is all this crap what YOU really believe?
If not, there is a remedy ... to make sure everyone knows a candidate's true positions ... a great solution ...Interested in being a part of it? Check out The Accountability Project:
http://www.accountabilityproject.com
See you at the polls in November!
Scud Downing
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
GOP will rob YOU to pay the super rich
The race is about to begin in earnest now that the primaries have been sorted out. It seems that America has two choices - support Republicans or return the Democrats to power.
In some cases, neither alternative is too tasty but there are some CLEAR differences in the policies of congressional Republican conservatives vs. those of normal all-American folks like US.
In the past 24 years, the richest 2 percent of Americans(income above $250,000/year)have seen their income levels rise by over 200%. The Poor? about 12% The Middle class? About 16%. Actually, taxes are rigged in such a way that you and I pay a higher ratio of our income to the IRS while the super rich get huge tax breaks ... and guess who has been paying for this largess to the tune of over $10,000 EACH? WE HAVE. Here's the kicker: Most members of Congress on both sides of the aisle fall into this wealthy classification and therefore receive all the big tax breaks ... while also receiving a lifetime pension and health benefits even after just one term!!!
Once in awhile, however, a democrat will actually vote against his or her own pocket book/bank account, something the OLD white guys of the GOP have never done or will never do. HEY! John Beyner plays golf 100 days a year - and calls Michelle Obama "Elitest."
Now let's look at this nation's glory years - when everything was booming ... 1945-1971. The tax rates for the super rich hovered between 71% and 94%. And yet, they still prospered and so did everyone else. Our roads were in great shape, our water systems expanding. Our schools were clean; kids had art AND phys ed and they learned to read.
Obama's tax rates are about the same as rates in 1950 - but we surely live in a different world now. We used to only prosecute one war at a time - now that number seems limitless. Teachers and fire fighters used to be able to afford home ownership. Health care didn't cost you your arm AND your leg. Our roadways and bridges were sound. Water systems were expanding. Prudential LIfe wasn't resfusing to pay life insurance to the families of dead military personnel. Corporate chiefs didn't receive $70 million in bonuses for bringing their respective companies to the brink of financial ruin.
But even then the Republicans WERE insisting on tax breaks for the richest. Some things never change!
So, if you: want to continue rewarding the billionaires; keep health care and homes out of the reach of regular Americans; reward the folks who brought you the second Great Depression and challenge the citizenship of your lawful president purely out of spite and racial bias - vote Republican in November.
If you want to give the little guy a fighting chance - Democrats are for YOU!
In some cases, neither alternative is too tasty but there are some CLEAR differences in the policies of congressional Republican conservatives vs. those of normal all-American folks like US.
In the past 24 years, the richest 2 percent of Americans(income above $250,000/year)have seen their income levels rise by over 200%. The Poor? about 12% The Middle class? About 16%. Actually, taxes are rigged in such a way that you and I pay a higher ratio of our income to the IRS while the super rich get huge tax breaks ... and guess who has been paying for this largess to the tune of over $10,000 EACH? WE HAVE. Here's the kicker: Most members of Congress on both sides of the aisle fall into this wealthy classification and therefore receive all the big tax breaks ... while also receiving a lifetime pension and health benefits even after just one term!!!
Once in awhile, however, a democrat will actually vote against his or her own pocket book/bank account, something the OLD white guys of the GOP have never done or will never do. HEY! John Beyner plays golf 100 days a year - and calls Michelle Obama "Elitest."
Now let's look at this nation's glory years - when everything was booming ... 1945-1971. The tax rates for the super rich hovered between 71% and 94%. And yet, they still prospered and so did everyone else. Our roads were in great shape, our water systems expanding. Our schools were clean; kids had art AND phys ed and they learned to read.
Obama's tax rates are about the same as rates in 1950 - but we surely live in a different world now. We used to only prosecute one war at a time - now that number seems limitless. Teachers and fire fighters used to be able to afford home ownership. Health care didn't cost you your arm AND your leg. Our roadways and bridges were sound. Water systems were expanding. Prudential LIfe wasn't resfusing to pay life insurance to the families of dead military personnel. Corporate chiefs didn't receive $70 million in bonuses for bringing their respective companies to the brink of financial ruin.
But even then the Republicans WERE insisting on tax breaks for the richest. Some things never change!
So, if you: want to continue rewarding the billionaires; keep health care and homes out of the reach of regular Americans; reward the folks who brought you the second Great Depression and challenge the citizenship of your lawful president purely out of spite and racial bias - vote Republican in November.
If you want to give the little guy a fighting chance - Democrats are for YOU!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Hilary for Vice President?
This startling and fascinating idea was tossed into the public consciousness some months ago: should Hilary Rodham Clinton, Madam Secretary of State, and Vice-President Joseph Biden switch positions for the 2012 general election?
Could Hilary and Barack run on the same ticket? Hell yes. Madam Secretary is the ultimate team player. She has "street" experience where it counts; understands about grueling and duelling campaigning; and is tough enough to have withstood her husband's shenanigans for DECADES and the far right's heavy-handed attempts to demonize her ... and still come up smelling of roses.
She is admired. She is pragmatic. She is respected. She would make history.
Would our President have enough presence of mind to recognize and/or admit that he might need her particular and unique brand of "juice" to keep sanity in the Whitehouse? It'd be a HUGE admission and not a tasty one.
Would the Vice-President go for the switcheroo? He has stated publicly that Hilary would have made a better VEEP AND he considers himself a total foreign policy WONK if not approaching true geekness.
Never been done before, you might be saying? Well, HIlary and Barack specialize in that phrase to a point where, politically, one could say they invented "the unprecedented."
Obama and Clinton in 2012? It has a solid gold ring to it, don't you think?
Scud Downing
Could Hilary and Barack run on the same ticket? Hell yes. Madam Secretary is the ultimate team player. She has "street" experience where it counts; understands about grueling and duelling campaigning; and is tough enough to have withstood her husband's shenanigans for DECADES and the far right's heavy-handed attempts to demonize her ... and still come up smelling of roses.
She is admired. She is pragmatic. She is respected. She would make history.
Would our President have enough presence of mind to recognize and/or admit that he might need her particular and unique brand of "juice" to keep sanity in the Whitehouse? It'd be a HUGE admission and not a tasty one.
Would the Vice-President go for the switcheroo? He has stated publicly that Hilary would have made a better VEEP AND he considers himself a total foreign policy WONK if not approaching true geekness.
Never been done before, you might be saying? Well, HIlary and Barack specialize in that phrase to a point where, politically, one could say they invented "the unprecedented."
Obama and Clinton in 2012? It has a solid gold ring to it, don't you think?
Scud Downing
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Go Shirley Sherrod!
The slandered Department of Agriculture employee - Shirley Sherrod - who was falsely represented as a racist by conservative blogger, black baiter and non-white hater Andrew Breitbart - has made it official. She will sue her unrepentent attacker/vilifier to redress the public - and erroneous - annihilation of her reputation and the loss of her job.
Sherrod has again been offered employment by AG but is unsure whether this "outreach" position is actually even funded yet, much less on some org chart.
Breitbart had access to the entirety of Sherrod's speech on racism but chose only those bits that misportrayed her ultimate message: we all are confronted with our own bias from time to time and we must be vigilant, look within and behave with respect and empathy.
Wonkissima wishes to THANK our intelligent and activist followers for adding impetus to the outrage engendered by this story. YOU ROCK!!!
Now ... GO GET 'EM, SHIRLEY!!!
Sherrod has again been offered employment by AG but is unsure whether this "outreach" position is actually even funded yet, much less on some org chart.
Breitbart had access to the entirety of Sherrod's speech on racism but chose only those bits that misportrayed her ultimate message: we all are confronted with our own bias from time to time and we must be vigilant, look within and behave with respect and empathy.
Wonkissima wishes to THANK our intelligent and activist followers for adding impetus to the outrage engendered by this story. YOU ROCK!!!
Now ... GO GET 'EM, SHIRLEY!!!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
WH, NAACP LOSE BALLS OVER SHIRLEY SHERROD
The White House and the NAACP have been duped yet again by conservative activists! When will they ever learn?
White supremacist and elitist Andrew Breitbart ("I don't care about Shirley Sherrod.")knowingly trashed the good reputation of a black woman he had never even met to "get back" at the NAACP for their concern about the racist element in the Tea Party movement. He admitted as much to the FOX lip-syncing mouthpiece/the poor man's Rush Limbaugh aka Sean Hannity.
Other FOX white supremacists/elitists picked up the story without fact checking - shocking! - and continued the stoning of this innocent Dept. of Agriculture employee. They should all be sued and wonkissima contributors would be overjoyed to sit on THAT jury.
What seems beyond understanding is that the White House and the NAACP jumped on the bandwagon, swallowing whole the scrofulous bilge spewed by Breitbart and FOX about this innocent victim.
It appears that the constant pre-planned and memorized ocean of lies churned out by rote by FOX, Rush, Glenn, Sean, Michelle, Laura, and Sarah has clipped the balls of groups that OUGHT TO KNOW BETTER BY NOW!
Shirley - we feel for YOU. You made a grand gesture toward racial conciliation by discussing openly and honestly what too many people will never admit - an initial prejudice based not on character but on color. We all have faced that moment but few of us have the strength to be truthful about it and fewer have come away behaving as even-handedly as you did.
The WH and the NAACP ought to feel shamed. How and when did they lose their family jewels? Those tight assed Righties? - so full of bitter venom as well as hatred for non-whites and the middle class, not to mention the poor - have no conscience and no empathy. How easily they bear false witness - and for this they will inherit the wind.
White supremacist and elitist Andrew Breitbart ("I don't care about Shirley Sherrod.")knowingly trashed the good reputation of a black woman he had never even met to "get back" at the NAACP for their concern about the racist element in the Tea Party movement. He admitted as much to the FOX lip-syncing mouthpiece/the poor man's Rush Limbaugh aka Sean Hannity.
Other FOX white supremacists/elitists picked up the story without fact checking - shocking! - and continued the stoning of this innocent Dept. of Agriculture employee. They should all be sued and wonkissima contributors would be overjoyed to sit on THAT jury.
What seems beyond understanding is that the White House and the NAACP jumped on the bandwagon, swallowing whole the scrofulous bilge spewed by Breitbart and FOX about this innocent victim.
It appears that the constant pre-planned and memorized ocean of lies churned out by rote by FOX, Rush, Glenn, Sean, Michelle, Laura, and Sarah has clipped the balls of groups that OUGHT TO KNOW BETTER BY NOW!
Shirley - we feel for YOU. You made a grand gesture toward racial conciliation by discussing openly and honestly what too many people will never admit - an initial prejudice based not on character but on color. We all have faced that moment but few of us have the strength to be truthful about it and fewer have come away behaving as even-handedly as you did.
The WH and the NAACP ought to feel shamed. How and when did they lose their family jewels? Those tight assed Righties? - so full of bitter venom as well as hatred for non-whites and the middle class, not to mention the poor - have no conscience and no empathy. How easily they bear false witness - and for this they will inherit the wind.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Do Republicans care about YOU? Or regaining Washington?
It is possible that congressional Republicans, who were willing to vote for hundreds of billions of dollars of war expenditures without paying for them, or trillions of dollars of tax cuts without paying for them, actually have YOUR best interests at heart? (Thanks to PK)
Why didn't the GOP vote for further economic aid to the states? Hell, they didn't even allow the subject to be properly debated - they filibustered!!Didn't they realize that this aid directly to the states would have significantly affected unemployment rolls in a positive way? Of course they did! Could it be that the Republicans are hoping for MORE folks to be thrown out of jobs? After all, the higher the unemployment rate, the better chance Republicans have to be elected on November 2.
Noooo, you say. No one could be so heartless and conniving - so underhanded.
Are you sure?
Remember in November!
Why didn't the GOP vote for further economic aid to the states? Hell, they didn't even allow the subject to be properly debated - they filibustered!!Didn't they realize that this aid directly to the states would have significantly affected unemployment rolls in a positive way? Of course they did! Could it be that the Republicans are hoping for MORE folks to be thrown out of jobs? After all, the higher the unemployment rate, the better chance Republicans have to be elected on November 2.
Noooo, you say. No one could be so heartless and conniving - so underhanded.
Are you sure?
Remember in November!
Monday, July 12, 2010
ALERT ALERT GOP COZIES UP TO BP – Remember in November
Will America let British Petroleum off the Hook? Will YOU?
ALERT! ALERT! ALERT! These are the politicians who’ll lead Congress and establish policy if the Republicans are returned to power this November!
*Congressman Joe Barton, the top Republican on the committee overseeing the oil spill and its aftermath, delivered a personal apology to BP, saying the $20 billion fund that President Obama directed BP to establish to provide relief to the victims of the oil disaster was a "tragedy in the first proportion." Not the disaster … the fund to mitigate the disaster.
*As criticism mounted in the wake of Joe Barton's apology to BP, Republican Representative Steve King came to his defense. "I think Joe Barton was spot-on," King avowed on the conservative Laura Ingraham radio show.
* Kentucky's Republican Senate candidate Rand Paul leaped to the defense of BP, calling President Obama's efforts to hold the British company accountable for the Gulf Coast oil spill "un-American."
*On a conservative radio show, Sharron Angle — the GOP nominee for Senate in Nevada — called the Gulf oil spill victims' relief program a "slush fund." When a caller suggested the BP payout was extortion, she agreed, saying, "Government shouldn't be doing that to a private company." Her solution to the energy crisis is to "deregulate" the oil industry.
* Representative Michele Bachmann defended BP, criticizing the Gulf Coast oil spill fund — designed to aid spill victims — as a "redistribution of wealth."
*Rush Limbaugh and other prominent Republicans refer to the BP-pledged mitigation fund as a “slush fund.”
Our thanks to the DNC for compiling this important information!
ALERT! ALERT! ALERT! These are the politicians who’ll lead Congress and establish policy if the Republicans are returned to power this November!
*Congressman Joe Barton, the top Republican on the committee overseeing the oil spill and its aftermath, delivered a personal apology to BP, saying the $20 billion fund that President Obama directed BP to establish to provide relief to the victims of the oil disaster was a "tragedy in the first proportion." Not the disaster … the fund to mitigate the disaster.
*As criticism mounted in the wake of Joe Barton's apology to BP, Republican Representative Steve King came to his defense. "I think Joe Barton was spot-on," King avowed on the conservative Laura Ingraham radio show.
* Kentucky's Republican Senate candidate Rand Paul leaped to the defense of BP, calling President Obama's efforts to hold the British company accountable for the Gulf Coast oil spill "un-American."
*On a conservative radio show, Sharron Angle — the GOP nominee for Senate in Nevada — called the Gulf oil spill victims' relief program a "slush fund." When a caller suggested the BP payout was extortion, she agreed, saying, "Government shouldn't be doing that to a private company." Her solution to the energy crisis is to "deregulate" the oil industry.
* Representative Michele Bachmann defended BP, criticizing the Gulf Coast oil spill fund — designed to aid spill victims — as a "redistribution of wealth."
*Rush Limbaugh and other prominent Republicans refer to the BP-pledged mitigation fund as a “slush fund.”
Our thanks to the DNC for compiling this important information!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Remember in November, BIG BANKS LOVE the GOP!!!!
There are only 120 or so shopping days left before the 2010 General Election. Wonkissima uses the term "shopping" because BIG Wall Street is in a buying mood and currently shoveling more gelt at the GOP than Glenn Beck is making from huckstering overly priced gold coins.
Yes, the Donkey party is being bypassed by the Too-Big-To-Fail $$$ gravy train. Why? you may wonder.
Well, because progressives and even moderate Dems have escalated their pursuit of real financial reform, Wallstreet has begun lopping them off at the pocketbook. Wait ,,, this could be a good thing.
And since the GOP is, shall we say, intimately cozy with all the BIGs - BIG Health, BIG Insurance, BIG Guns, BIG Oil, BIG Coal - it's no wonder Big Wall Street is hurling BIG bucks at Republican campaigns as fast as Rush Limbaugh can eat.
Even if it is only 5 bucks - donate to the Dems today. Cause if they lose BIG in November, little guys like us are TOAST.
Yes, the Donkey party is being bypassed by the Too-Big-To-Fail $$$ gravy train. Why? you may wonder.
Well, because progressives and even moderate Dems have escalated their pursuit of real financial reform, Wallstreet has begun lopping them off at the pocketbook. Wait ,,, this could be a good thing.
And since the GOP is, shall we say, intimately cozy with all the BIGs - BIG Health, BIG Insurance, BIG Guns, BIG Oil, BIG Coal - it's no wonder Big Wall Street is hurling BIG bucks at Republican campaigns as fast as Rush Limbaugh can eat.
Even if it is only 5 bucks - donate to the Dems today. Cause if they lose BIG in November, little guys like us are TOAST.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
To drill or not to drill? What length of investigation are 11 human lives worth?
In the wake of millions of gallons of oil ruining, perhaps forever, life as we know it in U.S. states abutting the Gulf of Mexico, the Obama administration sought to halt deep oil drilling for six months to allow for an investigation of the risks of deep water drilling with regard to BP's problem rig in particular and the risks of deep water drilling in general. Oil interests and other business interests filed suit to protest the temporary stoppage and won their first court decision from a judge in Louisiana. Now Obama et al will file an appeal.
Is a six month moratorium on deep water oil drilling a common sense safe guard to prevent further disaster? Or is it a knee jerk reaction born of fear? Even worse, is it merely a political maneuver to push energy reform?
Do we know how and why BP's rig exploded? Was it a one-in-a-million happenstance or was it an indicator of wide-spread shoddy drilling practices embraced across the oil industry to keep costs down?
What length and depth and breadth of investigation are eleven human lives worth?
How many oil rig workers are actually out of jobs because of the moratorium? How many lives would be put at risk by another explosion?
If another rig is crippled, how would the resulting leak further affect the Gulf states? Are oil rig workers' jobs more vital than protecting the eco-systems and the Gulf area from another disaster? And if the oil company responsible for a hypothetical disaster is American, would the money required for mitigation bankrupt that company? Would it bankrupt the American oil business?
How high or low is the risk of another explosion or leak?
Until we know the answers to these questions, can we make a prudent decision on this matter?
Scud Downing
Is a six month moratorium on deep water oil drilling a common sense safe guard to prevent further disaster? Or is it a knee jerk reaction born of fear? Even worse, is it merely a political maneuver to push energy reform?
Do we know how and why BP's rig exploded? Was it a one-in-a-million happenstance or was it an indicator of wide-spread shoddy drilling practices embraced across the oil industry to keep costs down?
What length and depth and breadth of investigation are eleven human lives worth?
How many oil rig workers are actually out of jobs because of the moratorium? How many lives would be put at risk by another explosion?
If another rig is crippled, how would the resulting leak further affect the Gulf states? Are oil rig workers' jobs more vital than protecting the eco-systems and the Gulf area from another disaster? And if the oil company responsible for a hypothetical disaster is American, would the money required for mitigation bankrupt that company? Would it bankrupt the American oil business?
How high or low is the risk of another explosion or leak?
Until we know the answers to these questions, can we make a prudent decision on this matter?
Scud Downing
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Americans who pay for foreign oil enable terror
It seems that the tragedy unfolding in the Gulf of Mexico may have brought the CLEAN Energy Bill back from the dead.
British Petroleum has raked in record profits estimated in the tens of BILLIONS of pounds and dollars - much of them coming from AMERICAN coastal waters. The BP rig that exploded didn't boast state-of-the-art safety measures - like the technology mandated by Great Briton from any company drilling in the North Sea or by Brazil for companies deep-water drilling off Rio. In fact, US safety requirements for oil drilling and transporting haven't been beefed up since a burst of activity just after the Exxon-Valdiz disaster some 40 years ago.
The US regulators responsible for policing ocean drilling were too busy throwing sex parties for and buying drugs from oil company executives to notice the problems and deadly short cuts with this particular rig as it was being constructed. Their perceptions, dimmed by sated lust and drug/alcohol hangovers didn't discover the dead man listed as a contact on environmental documents and other incredible (and criminal)gaffes perpetrated by BP reps.
There's a fabu commercial being shown on TV that lays out the reasons for supporting a sustainable energy bill NOW - and the environmental crisis in the Gulf is but one of these. The others include the billion dollars America sends its oil rich enemies EACH DAY, the idea that wind and sun are US resources and would never have to be "imported" and that clean energy jobs will gradually wean off American workers from oil jobs and also employ AMERICAN CITIZENS exclusively. We ain't gonna run outta wind and have to buy it from ... Iraq for example.
America currently has the energy policy she deserves because her citizens have not challenged it or probably in many cases, even been aware of it. No more pleading ingnorance - contact your representative or senator TODAY and demand CLEAN ENERGY for America's prosperity AND her security.
British Petroleum has raked in record profits estimated in the tens of BILLIONS of pounds and dollars - much of them coming from AMERICAN coastal waters. The BP rig that exploded didn't boast state-of-the-art safety measures - like the technology mandated by Great Briton from any company drilling in the North Sea or by Brazil for companies deep-water drilling off Rio. In fact, US safety requirements for oil drilling and transporting haven't been beefed up since a burst of activity just after the Exxon-Valdiz disaster some 40 years ago.
The US regulators responsible for policing ocean drilling were too busy throwing sex parties for and buying drugs from oil company executives to notice the problems and deadly short cuts with this particular rig as it was being constructed. Their perceptions, dimmed by sated lust and drug/alcohol hangovers didn't discover the dead man listed as a contact on environmental documents and other incredible (and criminal)gaffes perpetrated by BP reps.
There's a fabu commercial being shown on TV that lays out the reasons for supporting a sustainable energy bill NOW - and the environmental crisis in the Gulf is but one of these. The others include the billion dollars America sends its oil rich enemies EACH DAY, the idea that wind and sun are US resources and would never have to be "imported" and that clean energy jobs will gradually wean off American workers from oil jobs and also employ AMERICAN CITIZENS exclusively. We ain't gonna run outta wind and have to buy it from ... Iraq for example.
America currently has the energy policy she deserves because her citizens have not challenged it or probably in many cases, even been aware of it. No more pleading ingnorance - contact your representative or senator TODAY and demand CLEAN ENERGY for America's prosperity AND her security.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Is Sarah Palin a Puppet?
Who is Sarah Palin? Is she a rogue figure as her book title suggests? Greater than the sum of her parts? A genius at political manipulation? Or is she actually more of a puppet who believes and does as she is told?
Item: Sarah and husband Todd have been and are long-time members of Christian churches so conservative and out of the main stream that exorcisms are regularly conducted by their pastors in front of the congregations. One common tenant of such churches is that man was created to glorify God and that woman was created to glorify man. Or alternatively, that a woman must submit to her husband in all things.
So, who is Todd Palin and how much control does he have over his wife’s opinions and her dealings both inside the family and outside in the political world?
Item 1: Records indicate that beginning in 1995, Todd Palin was a member of the Alaska Independence Party, a radicalized ultra conservative group that insists on and actively works toward Alaska’s secession from the United States. Except for one brief period, Todd Palin remained registered with AIP until July 2002. Item 2: Several inside sources have publicly stated and written that, while Sarah was the governor of Alaska, her husband, who had no official capacity or title, was copied on most of the governor’s official emails and more often than not, sat in on official meetings of state.
Sarah Palin is plenty smart with charisma to burn. But is she relevant? Would Dick Cheney run or Mitt Romney run with her on a presidential ticket? Is her husband, the Secessionist, really calling the shots?
America deserves answers.
Scud Downing
Item: Sarah and husband Todd have been and are long-time members of Christian churches so conservative and out of the main stream that exorcisms are regularly conducted by their pastors in front of the congregations. One common tenant of such churches is that man was created to glorify God and that woman was created to glorify man. Or alternatively, that a woman must submit to her husband in all things.
So, who is Todd Palin and how much control does he have over his wife’s opinions and her dealings both inside the family and outside in the political world?
Item 1: Records indicate that beginning in 1995, Todd Palin was a member of the Alaska Independence Party, a radicalized ultra conservative group that insists on and actively works toward Alaska’s secession from the United States. Except for one brief period, Todd Palin remained registered with AIP until July 2002. Item 2: Several inside sources have publicly stated and written that, while Sarah was the governor of Alaska, her husband, who had no official capacity or title, was copied on most of the governor’s official emails and more often than not, sat in on official meetings of state.
Sarah Palin is plenty smart with charisma to burn. But is she relevant? Would Dick Cheney run or Mitt Romney run with her on a presidential ticket? Is her husband, the Secessionist, really calling the shots?
America deserves answers.
Scud Downing
Monday, May 24, 2010
Introducing Ultimate Insider SCUD DOWNING
Wonkissima is pleased to announce an additional and most valuable contributor: former WH insider, former intelligence community insider and former Hollywood insider SCUD DOWNING.
Downing has a history of kicking over rocks and skewering the parasites on those exposed underbellies; of being able to separate the oil and water; of getting the most powerful of untrustworthies to trust enough to dance the deepthroat.
Please stay tuned for the kinds of what-ifs and could-it-possibly-be-trues that demand real explanations and honest answers on a broad range of subjects. WELCOME SCUD!
Downing has a history of kicking over rocks and skewering the parasites on those exposed underbellies; of being able to separate the oil and water; of getting the most powerful of untrustworthies to trust enough to dance the deepthroat.
Please stay tuned for the kinds of what-ifs and could-it-possibly-be-trues that demand real explanations and honest answers on a broad range of subjects. WELCOME SCUD!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Is America's God just a genie in a bottle?
According to a 2007 Gallup Poll, 80% of Americans “identify” with the Christian religion. A University of Toronto sociologist recently delved more deeply into this statistic by comparing and contrasting the results from two recent surveys of Americans and their beliefs about God. Some result highlights:
• 82 percent of participants say they rely on God for assistance and guidance when making decisions.
• 71 percent said they believe that good and bad experiences are part of the Creator’s plan.
• 61 percent believe God has ordained their direction and course.
It seems that God is supposed to run our lives and that most Americans SAY they are content to let God lead while they follow; that God is in charge … “Let go and let God” That God knows best.
Then again, maybe not …
Who among us has spotted the flashing lights coming up behind our vehicle and then prayed … NOT to get the speeding ticket? Admit it, have YOU prayed that a parking place in front of the post office will open up NOW to prevent a long walk on the hottest day of the year? That it won’t rain and therefore ruin trick-or-treating? To win the lottery? To lose ten pounds? For that raise? Against your child's opposing basketball team?
Americans seem to pray for and about practically EVERYTHING.
When the citizens of this mighty nation surge into battle on the football field or in a karaoke contest or for the next big job promotion, we pray to come out on top. We don’t leave it up to God unless - or somethimes even if - we absolutely have to. If two Christian schools meet in a basketball tournament and both pray for victory, is the triumphant team closer to God? Better loved by God? More acceptable to God? What about when a secular school defeats a Catholic school?
Why do we constantly plead with, beg, importune and nag God to alter our circumstances, change our luck and miraculously protect us from the rightful consequences of questionable actions while simultaneously professing that God should be in charge of our lives?
Is it because deep down, we really don’t trust God to just bring it on? Or is it because we think of the Almighty more like a genie in a bottle – a wish granter? A benevolent father who can be manipulated by a smiley face and a pretence to obey? A Santa Claus Entity who, after receiving ample buttering up (praise and adoration) alongside a constant drone of “Please, please,please,please …” (prayer) might change His/Her mind about what the future was going to bring?
Children innocently pray for the tooth fairy to bring a dollar instead of a quarter; for a puppy; for a little brother instead of a little sister. But for those of us over 18, why do we continuously and continually attempt to interfere with or rearrange The Plan?
Wonkissima is not questioning a prayerful fight against cancer or trying to change the things we know are wrong in life, like brutality or family violence. But, as it states in the Serenity Prayer, why can’t we learn to recognize the things we can’t change and let them be?
What if our lives would actually turn out better if we did?
How much prayer is "gimme"? How much prayer is "THANK YOU!" ??
Is “Go with the flow” actually the ultimate Christian principle?
• 82 percent of participants say they rely on God for assistance and guidance when making decisions.
• 71 percent said they believe that good and bad experiences are part of the Creator’s plan.
• 61 percent believe God has ordained their direction and course.
It seems that God is supposed to run our lives and that most Americans SAY they are content to let God lead while they follow; that God is in charge … “Let go and let God” That God knows best.
Then again, maybe not …
Who among us has spotted the flashing lights coming up behind our vehicle and then prayed … NOT to get the speeding ticket? Admit it, have YOU prayed that a parking place in front of the post office will open up NOW to prevent a long walk on the hottest day of the year? That it won’t rain and therefore ruin trick-or-treating? To win the lottery? To lose ten pounds? For that raise? Against your child's opposing basketball team?
Americans seem to pray for and about practically EVERYTHING.
When the citizens of this mighty nation surge into battle on the football field or in a karaoke contest or for the next big job promotion, we pray to come out on top. We don’t leave it up to God unless - or somethimes even if - we absolutely have to. If two Christian schools meet in a basketball tournament and both pray for victory, is the triumphant team closer to God? Better loved by God? More acceptable to God? What about when a secular school defeats a Catholic school?
Why do we constantly plead with, beg, importune and nag God to alter our circumstances, change our luck and miraculously protect us from the rightful consequences of questionable actions while simultaneously professing that God should be in charge of our lives?
Is it because deep down, we really don’t trust God to just bring it on? Or is it because we think of the Almighty more like a genie in a bottle – a wish granter? A benevolent father who can be manipulated by a smiley face and a pretence to obey? A Santa Claus Entity who, after receiving ample buttering up (praise and adoration) alongside a constant drone of “Please, please,please,please …” (prayer) might change His/Her mind about what the future was going to bring?
Children innocently pray for the tooth fairy to bring a dollar instead of a quarter; for a puppy; for a little brother instead of a little sister. But for those of us over 18, why do we continuously and continually attempt to interfere with or rearrange The Plan?
Wonkissima is not questioning a prayerful fight against cancer or trying to change the things we know are wrong in life, like brutality or family violence. But, as it states in the Serenity Prayer, why can’t we learn to recognize the things we can’t change and let them be?
What if our lives would actually turn out better if we did?
How much prayer is "gimme"? How much prayer is "THANK YOU!" ??
Is “Go with the flow” actually the ultimate Christian principle?
Friday, May 7, 2010
Drill Baby Then Spill Baby
Why do Americans have to learn the hard way? Sometimes it seems we have no memory of the past - whether it's last week or last year or last century. Same old same old SAME OLD!!
This disasterous oil spill in the Gulf is threatening an array of food fish species, a quarter of U.S. crustacean beds, delicate eco systems and tourism not just for a few weeks or months but maybe forever. The oil spilled by the Exxon Valdiz is STILL evident on the coast of job quitter Sarah Palin's state even decades after the fact. (Funny that she couldn't name a single significant Supreme Court decision besides Roe V Wade ... how about Exxon Valdiz? But we digress.)
Didn't the collective we or the powers that be we or the scientific we learn anything from that debacle? Apparently not. Because when BP representatives and engineers and administrators continually and continuously assured us that they could handle any kind of oil emergency out there in the vast open sea thousands of feet beneath the mighty ocean's surface with treacherous currents and piles of debris and the oil spewing like a volcanic geyser and heaven knows what ELSE ... we believed them.
It appears BP wasn't even using the latest leak prevention/diversion/detection technology on its rig - because it is expensive and because U.S. law didn't require it. WHY DIDN'T OUR LAW REQUIRE IT? BRAZIL REGULATIONS REQUIRE state-of-the-art protection for all its off-shore drilling. Are their beaches more precious than ours? Are their fisheries and their tourism meccas more deserving of protection than our own?
Hey fellow too naive-to-be-believed citizens!! WAKE UP AND SMELL THE PATTERN!!! We deregulate the Savings and Loans and the Savings and Loans crash. We deregulate banks and insurance companies and the sky falls down on our little heads. How about the airlines or ATT? Our sad sap legacy of believing that the rich and powerful will inevitably do the right thing and promote a common good instead of an uncommon greed ... has proved to be wronger than wrong. AGAIN!
This disasterous oil spill in the Gulf is threatening an array of food fish species, a quarter of U.S. crustacean beds, delicate eco systems and tourism not just for a few weeks or months but maybe forever. The oil spilled by the Exxon Valdiz is STILL evident on the coast of job quitter Sarah Palin's state even decades after the fact. (Funny that she couldn't name a single significant Supreme Court decision besides Roe V Wade ... how about Exxon Valdiz? But we digress.)
Didn't the collective we or the powers that be we or the scientific we learn anything from that debacle? Apparently not. Because when BP representatives and engineers and administrators continually and continuously assured us that they could handle any kind of oil emergency out there in the vast open sea thousands of feet beneath the mighty ocean's surface with treacherous currents and piles of debris and the oil spewing like a volcanic geyser and heaven knows what ELSE ... we believed them.
It appears BP wasn't even using the latest leak prevention/diversion/detection technology on its rig - because it is expensive and because U.S. law didn't require it. WHY DIDN'T OUR LAW REQUIRE IT? BRAZIL REGULATIONS REQUIRE state-of-the-art protection for all its off-shore drilling. Are their beaches more precious than ours? Are their fisheries and their tourism meccas more deserving of protection than our own?
Hey fellow too naive-to-be-believed citizens!! WAKE UP AND SMELL THE PATTERN!!! We deregulate the Savings and Loans and the Savings and Loans crash. We deregulate banks and insurance companies and the sky falls down on our little heads. How about the airlines or ATT? Our sad sap legacy of believing that the rich and powerful will inevitably do the right thing and promote a common good instead of an uncommon greed ... has proved to be wronger than wrong. AGAIN!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Let's Check Everyone's Papers!
Arizona lawmakers have passed legislation making illegal immigration a crime in their state. The governor signed it into law. The police can now ask anyone "suspicious" for documentation proving legal entry into the country or proof of citizenship. The police will be trained to spot "suspicious" folks.
How will "suspicious" look? Will it be cultural - a certain type of music on the MP3 player? How about clothing? How do suspicious clothes hang?
What if the possible perp can't speak fluent English? Of course, the person in question would have to answer a question to demonstrate command of language or lack of same - so again, how would a law enforcement officer determine "suspicious"?
If someone attends a mass said in Spanish, is that suspicious? If someone is dark skinned, is that suspicious? What if they're poor? Homeless? Mentally ill? Obese? Ill shod? Addicted to artisan bread? Confused?
In Denmark during the 1940s, the Nazis, who had conquered the country, decreed that every Jew in the nation wear a yellow star on his or her sleeve. The next day, the Royal Family appeared with yellow stars on their sleeves.
Wonkissima would never compare the seriousness of the Holocost with this Arizona law - but at what moment does racial persecution begin? Could this law lead to profiling?
It may not be YOU the powers-that-be are coming for right this second, but some day. if we don't all take a stand, it just might be.
How will "suspicious" look? Will it be cultural - a certain type of music on the MP3 player? How about clothing? How do suspicious clothes hang?
What if the possible perp can't speak fluent English? Of course, the person in question would have to answer a question to demonstrate command of language or lack of same - so again, how would a law enforcement officer determine "suspicious"?
If someone attends a mass said in Spanish, is that suspicious? If someone is dark skinned, is that suspicious? What if they're poor? Homeless? Mentally ill? Obese? Ill shod? Addicted to artisan bread? Confused?
In Denmark during the 1940s, the Nazis, who had conquered the country, decreed that every Jew in the nation wear a yellow star on his or her sleeve. The next day, the Royal Family appeared with yellow stars on their sleeves.
Wonkissima would never compare the seriousness of the Holocost with this Arizona law - but at what moment does racial persecution begin? Could this law lead to profiling?
It may not be YOU the powers-that-be are coming for right this second, but some day. if we don't all take a stand, it just might be.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
McConnell lying about finance reform - what else is new?
Conservative power broker Senator Mitch McConnell is at it again ... boy is he a one-man misinformation campaign! During the health insurance reform debate, he stood on the same soap box as Righter-than-Right extremists like Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity and Sarah Palin and shouted the same lies as they did almost word for word ... "Obamacare will kill your Grannie!" or how about those supposed Death Panels? or the rape of Medicare? the decrease in medical benefits for former military? All lies. And now proven to be lies.
This week, the Senate Minority Leader from Kentucky, fresh from his sojurn to New York where he dined and wined (and whined) with the Wall Street Elite, is spouting a whole new ration of Bushwa - the bill favored by Omama will BAIL OUT failed banks!
Not true! It simply requires them to gamble with their own reserves. Not with our retirement accounts; not with tax payer money; not with OPM at all (other people's money) - but with assets owned and controlled by the banks.
Wall Street Elite brought this country to its knees in a fashion al Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden could only drool over and lust for. Now, after receiving bail outs from W Bush and the Republican controlled Congress of 2008 THAT REQUIRED NO REPAYMENT AT FAVORABLE INTEREST RATES, Wall Street bankers are raking in profits and bonuses at record rates - often by taking the same risks that rocked our financial system to its core a scant 18 months ago. Do you know what a "derivative" is? If not, maybe you should find out ...
At last, Goldman Sachs has been formally accused of fraud by the SEC. Wonkissima hopes that this prosecution will finally pierce the iron curtain of secrecy that surrounds most behind-the-scenes trades and bring the entire slimy mess into the light of day.
But don't expect Mitch and his Big Banker friends to be forthcoming with information no matter how deeply they may be enmeshed and don't expect the bought and paid for members of Congress to jump on the finance reform bandwagon.
Do expect an eventual bill with some real teeth from supported by our President and do expect lies, lies, lies from the opposition.
This week, the Senate Minority Leader from Kentucky, fresh from his sojurn to New York where he dined and wined (and whined) with the Wall Street Elite, is spouting a whole new ration of Bushwa - the bill favored by Omama will BAIL OUT failed banks!
Not true! It simply requires them to gamble with their own reserves. Not with our retirement accounts; not with tax payer money; not with OPM at all (other people's money) - but with assets owned and controlled by the banks.
Wall Street Elite brought this country to its knees in a fashion al Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden could only drool over and lust for. Now, after receiving bail outs from W Bush and the Republican controlled Congress of 2008 THAT REQUIRED NO REPAYMENT AT FAVORABLE INTEREST RATES, Wall Street bankers are raking in profits and bonuses at record rates - often by taking the same risks that rocked our financial system to its core a scant 18 months ago. Do you know what a "derivative" is? If not, maybe you should find out ...
At last, Goldman Sachs has been formally accused of fraud by the SEC. Wonkissima hopes that this prosecution will finally pierce the iron curtain of secrecy that surrounds most behind-the-scenes trades and bring the entire slimy mess into the light of day.
But don't expect Mitch and his Big Banker friends to be forthcoming with information no matter how deeply they may be enmeshed and don't expect the bought and paid for members of Congress to jump on the finance reform bandwagon.
Do expect an eventual bill with some real teeth from supported by our President and do expect lies, lies, lies from the opposition.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Only white women allowed to speak for GOP?
When you watch Conservative opinion leaders on TV - most of whom are white male TV and radio hosts or just plain old white men in general - has it ever struck you as odd that almost all the female Conservative opinion leaders are white? Think about it for a moment ... which women do Conservatives, NeoCons and Republicans rely on day to day to get their message out? Sarah Palin, Ann Coulter, Michelle Bachmann, Liz Cheney, Dana Perino, Laura Ingraham, Mary Matalin. You could have mentioned the token Michelle Malkin at one time but Fox News fired her. Uh oh ... she's ASIAN!
Name me ONE black, Hispanic or Asian woman who is prominently and regularly praised, consulted, featured or introduced as a LEADER of and/or by the GOP. How many non white women were guest speakers at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference last week?
Something is wrong with this picture.
Name me ONE black, Hispanic or Asian woman who is prominently and regularly praised, consulted, featured or introduced as a LEADER of and/or by the GOP. How many non white women were guest speakers at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference last week?
Something is wrong with this picture.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Some problems only BIG Government can solve
NeoCons, Tea Partiers and other self-proclaimed Conservatives of every stripe grouse tirelessly against federal spending in general and the stimulus package implemented by Obama and Congressional Dems in particular. “Big Government is all wet!” they may be shouting out of one corner of their mouths while the other corner is smiling at a camera taking a picture of them handing their constituents Big Checks made possible by … the federal government’s STIMULOUS PACKAGE. They scream America could never in a billion years oversee anything well and insist we’d all fare much better if elected officials would quit all that unnecessary taxing and spending. They also cry train car-loads full of tears about the huge debt which will be this generation’s legacy to the next.
Of course, that tear-full train car is probably sitting on a track that is crumbling. What would really happen if Big Government disappeared entirely – state and federal? No armed forces or National Guard. No Big Scale disaster relief or crisis response – not to mention low percentage loans for the actual disaster sufferers. No drivable bridges or roads. No drinkable water. No airports or classrooms or rapid transit systems or any other infrastructure would remain inhabitable or usable because most of it is currently falling apart and it will take a monumental effort to shore it back up. THAT’s the real legacy we are leaving our children and grandchildren – a nation whose underpinnings are literally disintegrating. The Society of Civil Engineers graded U.S. infrastructure last year – most sectors scored a D or lower! Water infrastructure scored a D-.
The $100 billion appropriated by Congress for infrastructure repair is a DROP IN THE BUCKET of what is required – a situation our president has not denied. The estimated cost of repair and replacement just for water delivery and treatment systems is $500 BILLION more than has currently been allotted! And Conservatives don’t think this is an emergency? What private business could possibly finance or even begin to address such a huge undertaking?
We need to keep our public sector strong and continually evolving so that we can compete with China and other fast growing nations. We need to be able to deliver clean, safe and AFFORDABLE water. We need state-of-the-art educational facilities, more efficient mass transit, shored up levies, repaved highways and bridges that don’t fall down when you blow on them.
Three or four decades ago, we received title to and became caretakers of trillions of dollars worth of gorgeous framework in solid condition – it is only right that we pass it along in similar condition. And that, friends, will take the kind of investment only GOVERNMENTS are equipped to make.
The Bush regime borrowed gazillions from China to finance tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans this nation has ever known. Conservatives/Repubs NEVER paid for any of it through budget cuts and 90% of us didn’t improve our lots in life from this huge yet narrow commitment of our wealth.
But all Americans will partake of the rebuilding of our nation and the wealth that investment will generate. The gift that’ll keep on giving …
Of course, that tear-full train car is probably sitting on a track that is crumbling. What would really happen if Big Government disappeared entirely – state and federal? No armed forces or National Guard. No Big Scale disaster relief or crisis response – not to mention low percentage loans for the actual disaster sufferers. No drivable bridges or roads. No drinkable water. No airports or classrooms or rapid transit systems or any other infrastructure would remain inhabitable or usable because most of it is currently falling apart and it will take a monumental effort to shore it back up. THAT’s the real legacy we are leaving our children and grandchildren – a nation whose underpinnings are literally disintegrating. The Society of Civil Engineers graded U.S. infrastructure last year – most sectors scored a D or lower! Water infrastructure scored a D-.
The $100 billion appropriated by Congress for infrastructure repair is a DROP IN THE BUCKET of what is required – a situation our president has not denied. The estimated cost of repair and replacement just for water delivery and treatment systems is $500 BILLION more than has currently been allotted! And Conservatives don’t think this is an emergency? What private business could possibly finance or even begin to address such a huge undertaking?
We need to keep our public sector strong and continually evolving so that we can compete with China and other fast growing nations. We need to be able to deliver clean, safe and AFFORDABLE water. We need state-of-the-art educational facilities, more efficient mass transit, shored up levies, repaved highways and bridges that don’t fall down when you blow on them.
Three or four decades ago, we received title to and became caretakers of trillions of dollars worth of gorgeous framework in solid condition – it is only right that we pass it along in similar condition. And that, friends, will take the kind of investment only GOVERNMENTS are equipped to make.
The Bush regime borrowed gazillions from China to finance tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans this nation has ever known. Conservatives/Repubs NEVER paid for any of it through budget cuts and 90% of us didn’t improve our lots in life from this huge yet narrow commitment of our wealth.
But all Americans will partake of the rebuilding of our nation and the wealth that investment will generate. The gift that’ll keep on giving …
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
An Open Letter to the Enemies of our President
To the enemies of our President:
We love our president. We prefer not to receive any email regarding anything unsubstantiated, any rumors, any third party gossip. any aspersions against his character particularly without his or someone else's real time opportunity to specifically refute same. Anyone can make a video or sling libel and slander. Just remember how YOU feel when friends or family members are trashing you or your character and you have no recourse to stop it or defend yourself. "Do unto others ..."
Barack Obama IS an American citizen. He is NOT a Muslim. (Even if he were, the Constitution specifically FORBIDS requiring a particular religious belief for any elected official.) The point is moot - doesn't matter, HE IS A CHRISTIAN. And to my knowledge, he has never slandered or vilified YOU or your beliefs.
He is NOT a socialist, a Marxist, a Leninist, a Maoist, a communist, a terrorist, a Nazi, a racist - as alleged by both Glenn and Rush and too many other irresponsible people who think lightly of the hatred they are setting afire. He is NOT part of a "regime" a "cabal" or a "junta." He is our PRESIDENT and he has appointed a CABINET.
As for the latest rumor ... being former CIA connected to Columbian drug cartels for some undefined yet nefarious purpose, I find this ludicrous. As in WHEN? When did he sign? Who recruited him and where was he recruited? He doesn't speak Spanish so the idea he would have been intricately involved in anything Columbian-Drug-Lord related undercover seems naive. Plus, he doesn't look too Latin in my opinion. Where are the FACTS? Why hasn't the accuser filed a Freedom of Information Act request?
George Bush SR. was the HEAD of the CIA before becoming president and conservatives revered his service in this government spy org as a sign of his patriotism. Even when he was later implicated in Iran-Contra drugs-for-guns-for hostages swaps.
I keep seeing these falsely accusatory videos about Obama labelled "watch this today - it will soon be suppressed." Guess what, after weeks and sometimes months, all those videos are still on the internet.
There is a dangerous level of violence being fanned across this country by UNPROVEN, BASELESS charges against our duly elected and sworn PRESIDENT. There are no Death Panels in Obama Care. Grannie isn't going to be "shoved off to an early death" because of Obama Care. Hospice care has NOT been eliminated or rolled back under Obama Care. Folks who say these things are lying. We insist - disagree if you will but PLEASE stick to the facts. PROVE what you SAY by citing chapter and verse. Where is the Death Panel mentioned? We have read the over 2,000 pages of this bill and have found NO DEATH PANELS. Have YOU read the bill? If not, why not? Shouldn't you KNOW what is in it instead of relying on others to make you afraid of what is in it? You are intelligent enough to make an informed decision for yourself. SO DO IT!!!!
When Dick Cheney was the veep, he stated flatly that anyone who impugned the President for ANY REASON during a time of war was fomenting treason. Obama is our LEGALLY ELECTED President. We are still fighting the wars engaged by George W. So, does this make Cheney a traitor by his own words? He has condemned himself and has no need of it from us.
How can any Christian or American of good conscience continue to fan the flames of misrepresentation and outright lying? The bible has ideas about bearing false witness. And when it comes to inciting violence and hatred purely for their own spiteful sakes, those that will not mend their ways will "surely inherit the wind."
Because what goes around does come around, and around and around.
We love our president. We prefer not to receive any email regarding anything unsubstantiated, any rumors, any third party gossip. any aspersions against his character particularly without his or someone else's real time opportunity to specifically refute same. Anyone can make a video or sling libel and slander. Just remember how YOU feel when friends or family members are trashing you or your character and you have no recourse to stop it or defend yourself. "Do unto others ..."
Barack Obama IS an American citizen. He is NOT a Muslim. (Even if he were, the Constitution specifically FORBIDS requiring a particular religious belief for any elected official.) The point is moot - doesn't matter, HE IS A CHRISTIAN. And to my knowledge, he has never slandered or vilified YOU or your beliefs.
He is NOT a socialist, a Marxist, a Leninist, a Maoist, a communist, a terrorist, a Nazi, a racist - as alleged by both Glenn and Rush and too many other irresponsible people who think lightly of the hatred they are setting afire. He is NOT part of a "regime" a "cabal" or a "junta." He is our PRESIDENT and he has appointed a CABINET.
As for the latest rumor ... being former CIA connected to Columbian drug cartels for some undefined yet nefarious purpose, I find this ludicrous. As in WHEN? When did he sign? Who recruited him and where was he recruited? He doesn't speak Spanish so the idea he would have been intricately involved in anything Columbian-Drug-Lord related undercover seems naive. Plus, he doesn't look too Latin in my opinion. Where are the FACTS? Why hasn't the accuser filed a Freedom of Information Act request?
George Bush SR. was the HEAD of the CIA before becoming president and conservatives revered his service in this government spy org as a sign of his patriotism. Even when he was later implicated in Iran-Contra drugs-for-guns-for hostages swaps.
I keep seeing these falsely accusatory videos about Obama labelled "watch this today - it will soon be suppressed." Guess what, after weeks and sometimes months, all those videos are still on the internet.
There is a dangerous level of violence being fanned across this country by UNPROVEN, BASELESS charges against our duly elected and sworn PRESIDENT. There are no Death Panels in Obama Care. Grannie isn't going to be "shoved off to an early death" because of Obama Care. Hospice care has NOT been eliminated or rolled back under Obama Care. Folks who say these things are lying. We insist - disagree if you will but PLEASE stick to the facts. PROVE what you SAY by citing chapter and verse. Where is the Death Panel mentioned? We have read the over 2,000 pages of this bill and have found NO DEATH PANELS. Have YOU read the bill? If not, why not? Shouldn't you KNOW what is in it instead of relying on others to make you afraid of what is in it? You are intelligent enough to make an informed decision for yourself. SO DO IT!!!!
When Dick Cheney was the veep, he stated flatly that anyone who impugned the President for ANY REASON during a time of war was fomenting treason. Obama is our LEGALLY ELECTED President. We are still fighting the wars engaged by George W. So, does this make Cheney a traitor by his own words? He has condemned himself and has no need of it from us.
How can any Christian or American of good conscience continue to fan the flames of misrepresentation and outright lying? The bible has ideas about bearing false witness. And when it comes to inciting violence and hatred purely for their own spiteful sakes, those that will not mend their ways will "surely inherit the wind."
Because what goes around does come around, and around and around.
Friday, March 26, 2010
ROMNEY VILIFYING OWN HEALTH PLAN
Probable 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney is vilifying, lambasting, disparaging, bemoaning, dissing and trashing the health care reform bill to anyone that will listen. Basically, the ex-Massachusetts governor is embracing the fear mongering and all out LYING that's been done about the legislation over the past 18 or so months by other BIG HEALTH-supported Republicans.
In Romney’s words, the passing of “ObamaCare” was "an unconscionable abuse of power." Romney also complained about "the extreme tactics" used to enact this law - most noticeably a process called “reconciliation.” And THEN, he whined about not having been consulted on the subject by the President or Congressional Democrats.
Of course, THE FACTS tell a slightly different tale. ObamaCare bears a striking similarity to “RomneyCare” – health care reform that was crafted by Romney and friends and became law in Massachusetts while Romney was governor. All that stuff about people HAVING to buy health insurance (the MANDATE) was HIS IDEA and was in the legislation he sponsored. Actually, the MANDATE is a dsamned good idea. Why? Because a lot of the adult Americans who haven’t been buying health insurance are younger people who are healthy as horses and consider themselves bullet proof. Why would THEY need insurance? Until something terrible happens. Then they end up in an emergency room and we wind up footing the bill, which can amount to tens of thousands of dollars. When these youngsters finally dive into the insurance pool, with financial help from their Uncle Sam, they will help spread out the risk factor.
And that reconciliation thingy so many Republicans are going on and on and on and on about? That Mr. Romney is going on and on about? It’s been used 22 times in the past 9 years – 16 times by the GOP.
Mitt Romney is supposed to be this intelligent and financially savvy guy. Did he somehow forget about RomneyCare? Is he unaware of the Republicans' use of reconciliation? Is his brain addled? Is he just plain dumb? Or is he lying with the skill and political expediency of Machiavelli?
In Romney’s words, the passing of “ObamaCare” was "an unconscionable abuse of power." Romney also complained about "the extreme tactics" used to enact this law - most noticeably a process called “reconciliation.” And THEN, he whined about not having been consulted on the subject by the President or Congressional Democrats.
Of course, THE FACTS tell a slightly different tale. ObamaCare bears a striking similarity to “RomneyCare” – health care reform that was crafted by Romney and friends and became law in Massachusetts while Romney was governor. All that stuff about people HAVING to buy health insurance (the MANDATE) was HIS IDEA and was in the legislation he sponsored. Actually, the MANDATE is a dsamned good idea. Why? Because a lot of the adult Americans who haven’t been buying health insurance are younger people who are healthy as horses and consider themselves bullet proof. Why would THEY need insurance? Until something terrible happens. Then they end up in an emergency room and we wind up footing the bill, which can amount to tens of thousands of dollars. When these youngsters finally dive into the insurance pool, with financial help from their Uncle Sam, they will help spread out the risk factor.
And that reconciliation thingy so many Republicans are going on and on and on and on about? That Mr. Romney is going on and on about? It’s been used 22 times in the past 9 years – 16 times by the GOP.
Mitt Romney is supposed to be this intelligent and financially savvy guy. Did he somehow forget about RomneyCare? Is he unaware of the Republicans' use of reconciliation? Is his brain addled? Is he just plain dumb? Or is he lying with the skill and political expediency of Machiavelli?
Monday, March 22, 2010
Today iS WORLD WATER DAY
Millions of people across the globe have no daily access to clean water. Women in rural parts of China, Africa and throughout Asia often walk miles to and from the nearest well. Just getting enough water for the cooking and drinking of a family can fill up 6 or even 8 hours. It's easy to see why millions and millions of girls and women never become educated (no time) or develop real support systems (no time).
Most of us can't imagine a scenario in which we turn on a tap and nothing happens. But even in America water systems are antiquated and crumbling and industrial poisons and perscription drugs are seeping into groundwater supplies. WE are over pumping our aquifers (natural reservoirs beneath the Earth's surface)while praying for rain as more and more folks migrate to arid and semi arid regions within our borders. Forget climate change ... unfortunately for us, droughts in the west and southwest of this nation have often lasted 30, 60 or even 150 years over the past 11,000 years.
Let's say you have a checking account from which you take money every month and to which you never make a deposit. Eventually, the money runs out.
America's surface and ground water caches are a lot like that bank account - and so are the pipes and wells and pumps we built decades ago that we have rarely properly maintained or replaced.
That bill is coming due and when it does, the scrabble and infighting over water will become ugly right HERE.
What can we do, any of us? Know where your water comes from. Know what kind of shape the pumps, pipes and wells are in. Know how much it costs for your water agency to deliver this precious commodity to you. For example, it may cost them $100 an acre foot, $300 an acre foot, $600 an acre foot? (An acre foot = about 326,000 gallons and is a common water measure.) But if your water source is endangered for whatever reason and your water company has to look for additional sources of water, you're talking REAL money - water entitlements in California are about $5,000 per acre foot.
So the next time you turn on the tap, think about it. And the next time you think about "my water" try to remember - it's OUR water.
Celebrate World Water Day!!!
Most of us can't imagine a scenario in which we turn on a tap and nothing happens. But even in America water systems are antiquated and crumbling and industrial poisons and perscription drugs are seeping into groundwater supplies. WE are over pumping our aquifers (natural reservoirs beneath the Earth's surface)while praying for rain as more and more folks migrate to arid and semi arid regions within our borders. Forget climate change ... unfortunately for us, droughts in the west and southwest of this nation have often lasted 30, 60 or even 150 years over the past 11,000 years.
Let's say you have a checking account from which you take money every month and to which you never make a deposit. Eventually, the money runs out.
America's surface and ground water caches are a lot like that bank account - and so are the pipes and wells and pumps we built decades ago that we have rarely properly maintained or replaced.
That bill is coming due and when it does, the scrabble and infighting over water will become ugly right HERE.
What can we do, any of us? Know where your water comes from. Know what kind of shape the pumps, pipes and wells are in. Know how much it costs for your water agency to deliver this precious commodity to you. For example, it may cost them $100 an acre foot, $300 an acre foot, $600 an acre foot? (An acre foot = about 326,000 gallons and is a common water measure.) But if your water source is endangered for whatever reason and your water company has to look for additional sources of water, you're talking REAL money - water entitlements in California are about $5,000 per acre foot.
So the next time you turn on the tap, think about it. And the next time you think about "my water" try to remember - it's OUR water.
Celebrate World Water Day!!!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
All Americans are NOT equal but they SHOULD be!
When our nation struggled into existence, the men who forged the agreements by which we are still bound had some RADICAL ideas. For example, the idea that all men were created equal had never before been spelled out in a written state document. Even the Magna Carta, which laid out the rights of the governed in England and limited the power of the King distinguished between free men and those bound in slavery or service of some kind. Still, in the Western world, the Great Charter was a significant document for 1215 and a natural precursor to our Constitution.
But back in 1787 when the Constitution was written, the idea that one man was not intrinsically better than another by birthright was as revolutionary a concept as any that has existed on this Earth. Of course, this nation flourished with slavery. And yet, the IDEA that everyone had equal protection under the law was still a magnificent step forward.
In fact, most holy writings, ancient cultures and even a number of modern societies favor one race or one religion or one line of work over all others.
Across the globe and throughout the span of history, some have always been born into wealth and high position while most were born into poverty, servitude, ignorance, punishment, starvation and an early death often after being literally worked to death.
For women, the entire history of homo sapiens has been even more brutal - a painful truth still very much extant in this modern day. That’s why spelled out legal rights have always been and will always be of the utmost importance.
America, land of the FREE where ALL are equal in the eyes of the law …!
Really? Then why do those we employ to run our affairs of state behave as though they have been placed above We the People who put them there? When did our electeds begin positioning themselves above the law – and above us? They rarely are even censured for transgressions most of us would be summarily fired for. When they don’t pay their taxes, when they use public money for private purposes, they are often rewarded by being returned to the scene of their crimes … Washington D.C.!!!
And why can’t all of us rely on: - a lifetime pension and health benefits after just two years on the job; - a post-electorate selling (to the highest corporate bidder) of the knowledge and influence the taxpayers funded; OR - a fabulous, inclusive, affordable health plan! Our senators and congresspeople enjoy ALL of the above. Therefore, wonkissima supports the following:
28th amendment: "Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to Senators and Representatives; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States."
But back in 1787 when the Constitution was written, the idea that one man was not intrinsically better than another by birthright was as revolutionary a concept as any that has existed on this Earth. Of course, this nation flourished with slavery. And yet, the IDEA that everyone had equal protection under the law was still a magnificent step forward.
In fact, most holy writings, ancient cultures and even a number of modern societies favor one race or one religion or one line of work over all others.
Across the globe and throughout the span of history, some have always been born into wealth and high position while most were born into poverty, servitude, ignorance, punishment, starvation and an early death often after being literally worked to death.
For women, the entire history of homo sapiens has been even more brutal - a painful truth still very much extant in this modern day. That’s why spelled out legal rights have always been and will always be of the utmost importance.
America, land of the FREE where ALL are equal in the eyes of the law …!
Really? Then why do those we employ to run our affairs of state behave as though they have been placed above We the People who put them there? When did our electeds begin positioning themselves above the law – and above us? They rarely are even censured for transgressions most of us would be summarily fired for. When they don’t pay their taxes, when they use public money for private purposes, they are often rewarded by being returned to the scene of their crimes … Washington D.C.!!!
And why can’t all of us rely on: - a lifetime pension and health benefits after just two years on the job; - a post-electorate selling (to the highest corporate bidder) of the knowledge and influence the taxpayers funded; OR - a fabulous, inclusive, affordable health plan! Our senators and congresspeople enjoy ALL of the above. Therefore, wonkissima supports the following:
28th amendment: "Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to Senators and Representatives; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States."
Friday, March 12, 2010
America is NOT a Christian Theocracy!
Thomas Jefferson and other of America’s Founding Fathers (Madison, Monroe, Adams, Washington, et al) were careful to design the rules of our birthing nation so that the Church and the State would be separated by “a wall.” The drafters and signers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were well aware of the way religion dictated behavior, morals, education and even the practice of medicine and science in many European countries. And how otherwise law abiding citizens were persecuted, tortured and even put to death for daring to question religious teaching. Indeed Galileo was damned to hell because he had posited and proved that the Earth rotated around the sun and not vice-versa.
In fact, the Constitution makes it plain that being a Christian – or a member of any other religion – would never be a requirement of elected office. Jews, Buddhists, Hindis, Muslims, agnostics and atheists are all welcome to serve this nation as long as they are legal citizens.
Jefferson was a DEIST and believed in some universal creative power. Although raised as a Christian, he often questioned the tenants he learned as a boy and even compiled his own version of the Good Book. It is called “The Jefferson Bible.”
One of his quotes about the Bible:
The whole history of these books [the Gospels] is so defective and doubtful that it seems vain to attempt minute enquiry into it: and such tricks have been played with their text, and with the texts of other books relating to them, that we have a right, from that cause, to entertain much doubt what parts of them are genuine. In the New Testament there is internal evidence that parts of it have proceeded from an extraordinary man; and that other parts are of the fabric of very inferior minds. It is as easy to separate those parts, as to pick out diamonds from dunghills. -Thomas Jefferson, letter to John Adams, January 24, 1814
Here are some other interesting things President Jefferson had to say on this subject:
I never submitted the whole system of my opinions to the creed of any party of men whatever in religion, in philosophy, in politics, or in anything else where I was capable of thinking for myself. Such an addiction is the last degradation of a free and moral agent. Thomas Jefferson, letter to Francis Hopkinson, March 13, 1789
History, I believe, furnishes no example of a priest-ridden people maintaining a free civil government. This marks the lowest grade of ignorance of which their civil as well as religious leaders will always avail themselves for their own purposes. Thomas Jefferson to Alexander von Humboldt, Dec.6, 1813.
In fact, the Constitution makes it plain that being a Christian – or a member of any other religion – would never be a requirement of elected office. Jews, Buddhists, Hindis, Muslims, agnostics and atheists are all welcome to serve this nation as long as they are legal citizens.
Jefferson was a DEIST and believed in some universal creative power. Although raised as a Christian, he often questioned the tenants he learned as a boy and even compiled his own version of the Good Book. It is called “The Jefferson Bible.”
One of his quotes about the Bible:
The whole history of these books [the Gospels] is so defective and doubtful that it seems vain to attempt minute enquiry into it: and such tricks have been played with their text, and with the texts of other books relating to them, that we have a right, from that cause, to entertain much doubt what parts of them are genuine. In the New Testament there is internal evidence that parts of it have proceeded from an extraordinary man; and that other parts are of the fabric of very inferior minds. It is as easy to separate those parts, as to pick out diamonds from dunghills. -Thomas Jefferson, letter to John Adams, January 24, 1814
Here are some other interesting things President Jefferson had to say on this subject:
I never submitted the whole system of my opinions to the creed of any party of men whatever in religion, in philosophy, in politics, or in anything else where I was capable of thinking for myself. Such an addiction is the last degradation of a free and moral agent. Thomas Jefferson, letter to Francis Hopkinson, March 13, 1789
History, I believe, furnishes no example of a priest-ridden people maintaining a free civil government. This marks the lowest grade of ignorance of which their civil as well as religious leaders will always avail themselves for their own purposes. Thomas Jefferson to Alexander von Humboldt, Dec.6, 1813.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Supreme Court, Cheney, Lindsay Gramm al Qaeda sympathizers?
Stunning and astonishing! On March 4, 2010, Rachel Maddow proved an undeniable and irrefutable “sympathizer connection” between al Qaeda terrorists and the current US Supreme Court, George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and Sen. Lindsay Gramm.
Building on previous allegations by Liz Cheney regarding the so-called “alQaeda 7” – lawyers who have defended terrorists in American courts and military tribunals – and using investigatory journalism techniques mastered by Glenn Beck, Maddow unloaded a bombshell of a secret – how many of our highest ranking officials are actually Islamic extremist puppets. Apparently, a vast swath of our nation’s leaders have either handed down judicial rulings favoring the rights of al Qaeda suspects, urged lawyers from across the country to defend al Qaeda suspects or actually assisted in accomplishing the release of al Qaeda suspects from captivity at Guantanamo by “proving” there was no real evidence to support prosecution.
The lengthy list of damning associations and historical facts, laid bare by an increasingly agitated Maddow during her nightly news hour on MSNBC, was shocking and disgusting. But the last blast of accusations hurled out onto the airwaves by Maddow were gasp-producing – it seems that Liz Cheney had only actually accused the “al Qaeda 7” in order to prevent her own terrorist associations and those of her father the former Vice President, from discovery.
As the show ended, a uniformed officer led Maddow away in handcuffs when it was revealed that Maddow had ties to Liz Cheney.
WHAT IS THIS NATION COMING TO?
Building on previous allegations by Liz Cheney regarding the so-called “alQaeda 7” – lawyers who have defended terrorists in American courts and military tribunals – and using investigatory journalism techniques mastered by Glenn Beck, Maddow unloaded a bombshell of a secret – how many of our highest ranking officials are actually Islamic extremist puppets. Apparently, a vast swath of our nation’s leaders have either handed down judicial rulings favoring the rights of al Qaeda suspects, urged lawyers from across the country to defend al Qaeda suspects or actually assisted in accomplishing the release of al Qaeda suspects from captivity at Guantanamo by “proving” there was no real evidence to support prosecution.
The lengthy list of damning associations and historical facts, laid bare by an increasingly agitated Maddow during her nightly news hour on MSNBC, was shocking and disgusting. But the last blast of accusations hurled out onto the airwaves by Maddow were gasp-producing – it seems that Liz Cheney had only actually accused the “al Qaeda 7” in order to prevent her own terrorist associations and those of her father the former Vice President, from discovery.
As the show ended, a uniformed officer led Maddow away in handcuffs when it was revealed that Maddow had ties to Liz Cheney.
WHAT IS THIS NATION COMING TO?
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
WATER: America's Achilles Heel
Most Americans are clueless about their water. Too few of us know where our precious water comes from; what kind of shape the delivery system (pipes, wells, storage tanks, etc)is in; have a clue about possible contaminents or vulnerability of nearby surface and/or groundwater resources.
This lack of knowledge is criminal and puts the future of our nation at risk.
According to the EPA, 36 states will face a water CRISIS in the next 10 years under normal rainfall conditions. Under drought conditions, the number jumps to 46!
Even though most areas of the nation have recently experienced plentiful rain and snow fall, groundwater basins from New Jersey and Maryland through Las Vegas to Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley are declining because water is being pumped out of them faster than it can be or will be replenished.
Desalination (taking salt and minerals out of sea water or non-potable "brackish" water) is EXPENSIVE and the process is an energy hog. Plus, ocean desal produces 100% marine mortality - any living thing sucked up into the machinery dies. PLUS Plus, where do you put the waste stream? If you dump the salt and minerals back into the ocean, you eventually change the PH of the area. Ask the folks in Dubai and elsewhere how the number and concentration of their fish species have changed since large scale ocean desal plants were built on their coasts.
We at Wankissima believe that water is THE ISSUE of the 21st Century ... and will far surpass the importance of oil, diamonds and gold together. Of course, we can all survive quite well without oil, diamonds and gold - but a human being in reasonable shape can only last 2-3 weeks without water.
Sadly, the water picture in other parts of the globe is even more dire than here - perhaps as many as a billion people have no daily access to enough clean water for the most rudimentary drinking and sanitation needs.
For thousands of years, the peoples of the world have fought bitterly over wealth, land, religion and yes, water. In the 21st Century, the desperate and increasing need for water for the Earth's billions of people will further buckle already strained water resources and infrastructure. So, now what?
Wankissima will continue to outline this issue and provide what we feel are some practical and reasonable solutions. In the meantime, FIND OUT WHERE YOUR WATER COMES FROM!
This lack of knowledge is criminal and puts the future of our nation at risk.
According to the EPA, 36 states will face a water CRISIS in the next 10 years under normal rainfall conditions. Under drought conditions, the number jumps to 46!
Even though most areas of the nation have recently experienced plentiful rain and snow fall, groundwater basins from New Jersey and Maryland through Las Vegas to Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley are declining because water is being pumped out of them faster than it can be or will be replenished.
Desalination (taking salt and minerals out of sea water or non-potable "brackish" water) is EXPENSIVE and the process is an energy hog. Plus, ocean desal produces 100% marine mortality - any living thing sucked up into the machinery dies. PLUS Plus, where do you put the waste stream? If you dump the salt and minerals back into the ocean, you eventually change the PH of the area. Ask the folks in Dubai and elsewhere how the number and concentration of their fish species have changed since large scale ocean desal plants were built on their coasts.
We at Wankissima believe that water is THE ISSUE of the 21st Century ... and will far surpass the importance of oil, diamonds and gold together. Of course, we can all survive quite well without oil, diamonds and gold - but a human being in reasonable shape can only last 2-3 weeks without water.
Sadly, the water picture in other parts of the globe is even more dire than here - perhaps as many as a billion people have no daily access to enough clean water for the most rudimentary drinking and sanitation needs.
For thousands of years, the peoples of the world have fought bitterly over wealth, land, religion and yes, water. In the 21st Century, the desperate and increasing need for water for the Earth's billions of people will further buckle already strained water resources and infrastructure. So, now what?
Wankissima will continue to outline this issue and provide what we feel are some practical and reasonable solutions. In the meantime, FIND OUT WHERE YOUR WATER COMES FROM!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Most Red states are Marxist
Republican Senators/Congresspeople and conservative dissemblers like Rush and Glenn and Sarah and Sean and other BFHPL (big fat Hypocritan Party liars) yell and scream and moan and groan daily about how the nasty, socialist Democrats are ruining the country with all their taxing and spending. A familiar drone of the superbly rehearsed and mutually echoing Red State representatives and their mouthpieces can be heard each afternoon on the radio, in Houses of Congress sound bites and on nightly news shows who pretend to be fair and balanced but who don’t always reveal the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Republicans insist that Progressives are redistributing America’s wealth. Republicans are promising an angry constituency to once again be the party of fiscal responsibility. Whether NeoCon or Tea Partier, they declare with right hand on Protestant bible (heavens! Not Catholic or Morman) that they absolutely positively HATE Big Government; LOATHE Big Spending; DETEST Government Handouts and Bailouts.
Hmmm. Check THIS out:
Below, see the states that make real money from your taxes and ours. They can’t support themselves so they suck the life’s blood out of the national treasury. The first list details what the top ten least productive states receive in federal aid, funding and grants in exchange for each dollar they pay in. (Ms.Palin, see #5.)
1)D.C. ($6.17) 2. North Dakota ($2.03) 3. New Mexico ($1.89) 4. Mississippi $1.84) 5. Alaska ($1.82) 6. West Virginia ($1.74) 7. Montana ($1.64)
8. Alabama ($1.61) 9. South Dakota ($1.59) 10. Arkansas ($1.53)
THIS is a list of the top ten states who pay a great deal more in federal taxes than they get back. Each amount is per dollar paid in.
1.New Jersey ($0.62) 2. Connecticut ($0.64) 3. New Hampshire ($0.68) 4. Nevada ($0.73) 5. Illinois ($0.77) 6. Minnesota ($0.77) 7. Colorado ($0.79)
8. Massachusetts ($0.79) 9. California ($0.81) 10. New York ($0.81)
No wonder so many Blue states are in financial trouble – look what they’re dragging along behind them? Why should the richest states prop up the poorest? Isn't that Marxism? "From each according to his ability; to each according to his need."
Of course, tho the Bible contends that we are all our brothers' keepers, many of the most self-professed believers on our national stage act like it's a sin to reach out and help those less fortunate. Unless those unfortunates are constituents.
This list compiled by taxprofblog - 2004
Republicans insist that Progressives are redistributing America’s wealth. Republicans are promising an angry constituency to once again be the party of fiscal responsibility. Whether NeoCon or Tea Partier, they declare with right hand on Protestant bible (heavens! Not Catholic or Morman) that they absolutely positively HATE Big Government; LOATHE Big Spending; DETEST Government Handouts and Bailouts.
Hmmm. Check THIS out:
Below, see the states that make real money from your taxes and ours. They can’t support themselves so they suck the life’s blood out of the national treasury. The first list details what the top ten least productive states receive in federal aid, funding and grants in exchange for each dollar they pay in. (Ms.Palin, see #5.)
1)D.C. ($6.17) 2. North Dakota ($2.03) 3. New Mexico ($1.89) 4. Mississippi $1.84) 5. Alaska ($1.82) 6. West Virginia ($1.74) 7. Montana ($1.64)
8. Alabama ($1.61) 9. South Dakota ($1.59) 10. Arkansas ($1.53)
THIS is a list of the top ten states who pay a great deal more in federal taxes than they get back. Each amount is per dollar paid in.
1.New Jersey ($0.62) 2. Connecticut ($0.64) 3. New Hampshire ($0.68) 4. Nevada ($0.73) 5. Illinois ($0.77) 6. Minnesota ($0.77) 7. Colorado ($0.79)
8. Massachusetts ($0.79) 9. California ($0.81) 10. New York ($0.81)
No wonder so many Blue states are in financial trouble – look what they’re dragging along behind them? Why should the richest states prop up the poorest? Isn't that Marxism? "From each according to his ability; to each according to his need."
Of course, tho the Bible contends that we are all our brothers' keepers, many of the most self-professed believers on our national stage act like it's a sin to reach out and help those less fortunate. Unless those unfortunates are constituents.
This list compiled by taxprofblog - 2004
Friday, February 12, 2010
GOP loves the rich and mighty
Your mortgage is twice what your house is now worth. Or maybe you already lost your house. The Republicans are saying that most of you made bad financial decisions and must suffer the consequences.
Hey! You lost it to a bunch of thug-like bankers who GOT BAILED OUT WHEN THEY MADE BAD FINANCIAL DECISIONS! And then got billions in bonuses for screwing up. Known as "retention" bonuses, those payment's purpose was and is to keep valuable people (too valuable to fire) working at big banks (too big to fail.) The logic is: if you don't pay those geniuses tons of money (for accomplishing what Usama Bin Laden couldn't - bringing America's financial system to its knees), they might end up working for a financial competitor. Horrors!
And here's an interesting wrinkle - even people who had already left their jobs received "retention" bonuses!
Lost your job? Join the club and get to the back of the line - which is now 8 million people long. Of course, CEO's in some industries are making record salaries and getting millions of dollars in stock options. They made their companies less vulnerable by sending millions of guys and gals in entry level jobs to the unemployment lines. SCROTUS (Supreme Court Republicans of the United States) recently ruled that those rich and powerful companies who always slash the workforce first and then investigate company efficiency, can now spend as much moolah as they want to get their favorite elected officials re-elected.
When the Republicans controlled both Houses of Congress and the White House in 2004 and 2006 - how much healthcare reform did they pass? Zero, zilch, nada, rien de tout, zippo. In the long and storied history of this great nation, when Republicans controlled the White House and/or both Houses of Congress, how much healthcare reform did they pass? Please see preceding sentence.
And finally, you know all those conservative GOP southerners who rail and rant and rage against Big Government, Big Spending, the Big Bailout, the Big Tarp? And then pose for photographs with their constituents holding the Big Government Check? Most of those guys all represent states that pay $1.00 in federal taxes and get back $1.50 in federal aid. Or even $1.75. Blue states like California and New Jersey? They pay in $1.00 and get back $.73 or even less in federal aid. Could this be the REAL reason why some progressive blue states are in greater financial trouble than the antigressive reddest of the red states? Hmmm ...
Hey! You lost it to a bunch of thug-like bankers who GOT BAILED OUT WHEN THEY MADE BAD FINANCIAL DECISIONS! And then got billions in bonuses for screwing up. Known as "retention" bonuses, those payment's purpose was and is to keep valuable people (too valuable to fire) working at big banks (too big to fail.) The logic is: if you don't pay those geniuses tons of money (for accomplishing what Usama Bin Laden couldn't - bringing America's financial system to its knees), they might end up working for a financial competitor. Horrors!
And here's an interesting wrinkle - even people who had already left their jobs received "retention" bonuses!
Lost your job? Join the club and get to the back of the line - which is now 8 million people long. Of course, CEO's in some industries are making record salaries and getting millions of dollars in stock options. They made their companies less vulnerable by sending millions of guys and gals in entry level jobs to the unemployment lines. SCROTUS (Supreme Court Republicans of the United States) recently ruled that those rich and powerful companies who always slash the workforce first and then investigate company efficiency, can now spend as much moolah as they want to get their favorite elected officials re-elected.
When the Republicans controlled both Houses of Congress and the White House in 2004 and 2006 - how much healthcare reform did they pass? Zero, zilch, nada, rien de tout, zippo. In the long and storied history of this great nation, when Republicans controlled the White House and/or both Houses of Congress, how much healthcare reform did they pass? Please see preceding sentence.
And finally, you know all those conservative GOP southerners who rail and rant and rage against Big Government, Big Spending, the Big Bailout, the Big Tarp? And then pose for photographs with their constituents holding the Big Government Check? Most of those guys all represent states that pay $1.00 in federal taxes and get back $1.50 in federal aid. Or even $1.75. Blue states like California and New Jersey? They pay in $1.00 and get back $.73 or even less in federal aid. Could this be the REAL reason why some progressive blue states are in greater financial trouble than the antigressive reddest of the red states? Hmmm ...
Friday, February 5, 2010
Glenn Beck Castrato #2 indeedy doody
Glenn Beck has a sweet deal. Every time he gins ups the fear factor in America, he rakes in the gelt with both hands. Hey! It’s working! His estimated take is $38 million a year, making him well and truly an Official Fat Cat and yanking him farther and farther away from the realities of his everyman/woman base. (We use the word “realities” loosely here. Mr. Beck ain’t too grounded in FACT nor obviously does he wish to be.)
If you’ve ever listened to the nation’s greatest Chicken Little impersonator (THE SKY IS FALLING!!!), you’d realize he’s more full of twaddle than any Area 51 enthusiast and would humble Oliver Stone in a head-to-head conspiracy theory smack down.
His wildly outlandish assertions are unsupported by such trivialities as documentation, main stream experts, smoking guns or rational thinking. In one famous example, he revealed to his faithful listeners that the decorations on the very building from whence he broadcasts are actually powerful symbols of everything evil in the world. Such a brave man to go to work each day with no bodyguards or Catholic priests versed in exorcism! (Or does Beck, raised a rigorous Latter Day Saint, believe that Catholics and their Pope are Lucifer’s minions?)
Yes indeedy doody (with doody being the operative word) Glenn Beck appears to be a master of: the treachery treatise, intrigue ideology, cabal conjecture, perfidy premise and general major misconception. We think he is sowing the seeds of mistrust, casting aspersions, bearing false witness and profiteering mightily from it all. What do YOU think, lovely readers? Should we dub him the Hero of Hoohah? The King of Cuckoo? The Maven of Misery? The Foremost Fruitcake Aficionado?
We think we have a better idea. After careful consideration … we are proud to name Mr. Glenn Beck as Wankissima’s Castrato Numero Dos! His willful fear mongering and misinformation machine qualify him Eunuch-ly!
If you’ve ever listened to the nation’s greatest Chicken Little impersonator (THE SKY IS FALLING!!!), you’d realize he’s more full of twaddle than any Area 51 enthusiast and would humble Oliver Stone in a head-to-head conspiracy theory smack down.
His wildly outlandish assertions are unsupported by such trivialities as documentation, main stream experts, smoking guns or rational thinking. In one famous example, he revealed to his faithful listeners that the decorations on the very building from whence he broadcasts are actually powerful symbols of everything evil in the world. Such a brave man to go to work each day with no bodyguards or Catholic priests versed in exorcism! (Or does Beck, raised a rigorous Latter Day Saint, believe that Catholics and their Pope are Lucifer’s minions?)
Yes indeedy doody (with doody being the operative word) Glenn Beck appears to be a master of: the treachery treatise, intrigue ideology, cabal conjecture, perfidy premise and general major misconception. We think he is sowing the seeds of mistrust, casting aspersions, bearing false witness and profiteering mightily from it all. What do YOU think, lovely readers? Should we dub him the Hero of Hoohah? The King of Cuckoo? The Maven of Misery? The Foremost Fruitcake Aficionado?
We think we have a better idea. After careful consideration … we are proud to name Mr. Glenn Beck as Wankissima’s Castrato Numero Dos! His willful fear mongering and misinformation machine qualify him Eunuch-ly!
Monday, February 1, 2010
HR 615 makes Americans = to House and Senate
A vote for HR 615 would help put the average American voter on equal health insurance footing with Congressmen/women and Senators!! Hey what a Fabulous idea - especially considering THEY actually work for YOU AND ME!!!
Wankissima is ecstatic to report that on Tuesday, the Senate Health Committee approved, by a vote of 12-11, Senator Tom Coburn's amendment requiring that Members of Congress and their staff be covered by any new government-run health plan.
Congressman John Fleming is offering a similar amendment that would require Congressman/women and Senators to buy into the same health care insurance they mandate for all of us. (Currently, under proposed health care reform, Congress would be exempted from this law and could actually receive any health insurance they wished!)
We encourage all of our enthusiasts to go to Rep. Fleming's web site and SIGN THE PETITION in support of his amendment. Simply navigate to http://fleming.house.gov and follow the prompts.
Coburn and Fleming are both medical doctors which means they actually may know something about this important subject. So make your voice heard and tell your friends! After all, it's YOUR LIFE we're talking about here ... and your future.
Wankissima is ecstatic to report that on Tuesday, the Senate Health Committee approved, by a vote of 12-11, Senator Tom Coburn's amendment requiring that Members of Congress and their staff be covered by any new government-run health plan.
Congressman John Fleming is offering a similar amendment that would require Congressman/women and Senators to buy into the same health care insurance they mandate for all of us. (Currently, under proposed health care reform, Congress would be exempted from this law and could actually receive any health insurance they wished!)
We encourage all of our enthusiasts to go to Rep. Fleming's web site and SIGN THE PETITION in support of his amendment. Simply navigate to http://fleming.house.gov and follow the prompts.
Coburn and Fleming are both medical doctors which means they actually may know something about this important subject. So make your voice heard and tell your friends! After all, it's YOUR LIFE we're talking about here ... and your future.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Prez speech deserves YOUR time
Our Commander in Chief will be addressing us tonight on the State of the Union. You might be thinking "Snore time!" Or "So What?" Or "I've got better things to do than to listen to some smoke blown by some politician."
Think again.
People who don't vote get the government they deserve. And people who are not involved in the political process GET THE GOVERNMENT THEY DESERVE. SO STOP MOANING AND GROANING AND DO SOMETHING!
Rmember how many of us were swept up in the excitement of the last election? And then many of us disappeared from the political arena ... poof! So, the idiots that pretend to represent us went back to their very very bad and dishonest and disgusting and selfish and self-serving and fear based and war profiteering and totally partisan behavior. We may be crying boohoo now but WE let it happen.
These days, you can easily affect what Washington insiders do; what your state capital insiders do; what your City and County insiders do - tweet your opinions every day or every week. Go to their Face Book page and give them hell if that's what's on your mind. Keep your own little bursts of pressure ON and it WILL have an effect over time. Water torture takes a while but it does wear away stone eventually - how do you think the Grand Canyon was formed?
"Who am I by myself to make a difference in this big crazy world?" you might be asking yourself. Well, there's over 300,000,000 of us regular folks out here and we can kick some serious posterior.
You want more and better jobs for your age group? Let 'em know! Is healthcare on top of your list? Text or tweet today. And tomorrow. And next week and again the week after. Tired of fighting wars we can't win? Access your access. Bombard the jerks who are into their own scrofulous agendas at the expense of the wishes of the VOTERS. That's US!!!!!
This message is especially for the Futurists out there - you DO affect and change and create the universe you experience.
And if it takes too much time, if it's too much trouble, if you can't take the 30 seconds a day or a week to make your self HEARD - then you are getting the government you deserve. If you don't like it, at least bitch to the folks who can actually DO something!!!
Start tonight. Listen to Obama's speech. You don't have to agree. Just listen. Then think. Then COMMUNICATE!
Think again.
People who don't vote get the government they deserve. And people who are not involved in the political process GET THE GOVERNMENT THEY DESERVE. SO STOP MOANING AND GROANING AND DO SOMETHING!
Rmember how many of us were swept up in the excitement of the last election? And then many of us disappeared from the political arena ... poof! So, the idiots that pretend to represent us went back to their very very bad and dishonest and disgusting and selfish and self-serving and fear based and war profiteering and totally partisan behavior. We may be crying boohoo now but WE let it happen.
These days, you can easily affect what Washington insiders do; what your state capital insiders do; what your City and County insiders do - tweet your opinions every day or every week. Go to their Face Book page and give them hell if that's what's on your mind. Keep your own little bursts of pressure ON and it WILL have an effect over time. Water torture takes a while but it does wear away stone eventually - how do you think the Grand Canyon was formed?
"Who am I by myself to make a difference in this big crazy world?" you might be asking yourself. Well, there's over 300,000,000 of us regular folks out here and we can kick some serious posterior.
You want more and better jobs for your age group? Let 'em know! Is healthcare on top of your list? Text or tweet today. And tomorrow. And next week and again the week after. Tired of fighting wars we can't win? Access your access. Bombard the jerks who are into their own scrofulous agendas at the expense of the wishes of the VOTERS. That's US!!!!!
This message is especially for the Futurists out there - you DO affect and change and create the universe you experience.
And if it takes too much time, if it's too much trouble, if you can't take the 30 seconds a day or a week to make your self HEARD - then you are getting the government you deserve. If you don't like it, at least bitch to the folks who can actually DO something!!!
Start tonight. Listen to Obama's speech. You don't have to agree. Just listen. Then think. Then COMMUNICATE!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Supreme Court bought and paid for
The U.S. Supreme Court has finally gone the way of most other political office holders and appointees in this country by selling out American votes in favor of Big Business. In the past, an individual could spend as much as they wished to get someone elected. They could NOT give as much as they wished to any one candidate; that was limited to $2,400 per.
Corporations were limited on how much they could spend on getting someone elected and were also limited in direct contributions.
But our Unholy Nine have slapped all previous precedent to hell in a hand basket. They have ruled - contrary to all findings in this arena since the early-mid 20th century - that Corporate America is now the KING of US Politics. Not you and not us.
The conservative-heavy, conservative activist Group of 5 robber-barons reinterpreted the law, stood the law on its head, kicked the law in general to the curb by saying that Big Business can spend as much as it wants to help elect someone. This ruling means that Big Business will be much more important in all future elections THAN THE INDIVIDUAL VOTER and that the rich and mighty will totally trump regular old citizens like us!!!!
It gives Big Business a totally unequal footing over the Little Guy not to mention increased access; greater leverage to our elected officials.
Oddly enough, Conservatives have been boo-hooing non-stop about Sotomayor's supposed "activism" as a jurist since her nomination to the highest court. They were so afraid she'd "create new law." But the five old men who made this latest decision went where no previous Supreme Court did or dared to - because it isn't the law now nor has it ever been the law.
So, conservatives, where is your outrage? Tea Partiers, is THIS what you expect from your Court? Sen. McCain, why are you not expressing dismay and shock. Your campaign finance action with Sen. Russ Feingold was the right thing to do. Now you're expressing your "disappointment?" Where are your balls? Where are your GUTS? Have you all become Castrati?
Corporations were limited on how much they could spend on getting someone elected and were also limited in direct contributions.
But our Unholy Nine have slapped all previous precedent to hell in a hand basket. They have ruled - contrary to all findings in this arena since the early-mid 20th century - that Corporate America is now the KING of US Politics. Not you and not us.
The conservative-heavy, conservative activist Group of 5 robber-barons reinterpreted the law, stood the law on its head, kicked the law in general to the curb by saying that Big Business can spend as much as it wants to help elect someone. This ruling means that Big Business will be much more important in all future elections THAN THE INDIVIDUAL VOTER and that the rich and mighty will totally trump regular old citizens like us!!!!
It gives Big Business a totally unequal footing over the Little Guy not to mention increased access; greater leverage to our elected officials.
Oddly enough, Conservatives have been boo-hooing non-stop about Sotomayor's supposed "activism" as a jurist since her nomination to the highest court. They were so afraid she'd "create new law." But the five old men who made this latest decision went where no previous Supreme Court did or dared to - because it isn't the law now nor has it ever been the law.
So, conservatives, where is your outrage? Tea Partiers, is THIS what you expect from your Court? Sen. McCain, why are you not expressing dismay and shock. Your campaign finance action with Sen. Russ Feingold was the right thing to do. Now you're expressing your "disappointment?" Where are your balls? Where are your GUTS? Have you all become Castrati?
Friday, January 22, 2010
Dems in a panic; GOP gloating; a pox on them both
So we now have a Republican Senator from Blue Blue Blue Massachusetts! Sen Brown - did he REALLY pose nude for a woman's mag? The so-called liberal candidate was a dud - she could examine her campaign every day for a decade and still not identify all the ways she came a cropper. And Brown refuses to use the term "Republican." Good move on his part.
This amazingly infuriating debacle proves once again that the Democrats exemplify the concept of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. In our opinion, the party represented by an ass has been behaving and continues to behave like one. Picture Chicken Little zigging and zagging across D.C. screaming the sky is falling! Couldn't they have just removed Big Health's exemption from anti-trust laws? It wouldn't have cost one penny and the American people would have been soundly behind such a move. And if our President now realizes that Al Quaeda is ACTUALLY IN PAKISTAN, then why are we sending so many more troops to Afghanistan? It is not cost effective to continue wars we can't win. Instead, let's just stop all undesirables from crossing into our country by using OUR OWN MILITARY AT OUR BORDERS and in FOREIGN AIRPORTS THAT HAVE FLIGHTS COMING HERE! And while we're at it, let's suspend ALL FOREIGN AID FOR ONE YEAR - except to Haiti. That could put our national finances back into some order.
The Republicans are crowing and gloating now that their delay delay delay and lying lying lying tactics have taken firmly hold. Remember, these are the folks who swore that Obama was not American - even though admitting his mother WAS. They refused to even discuss Obama's pick to head the TSA - and then ran madly to blame the Administration when a bomber made it onto an American commercial flight. These are the folks who want Big Health to remain exempt from anti-trust laws (as is currently the case) and Big Banking to continue running amok and continue taking HUGE RISKS WITH OUR MONEY. Let's not forget their love of torture and pushing hideously expensive war on one side while shouting "fiscal responsibility" on the other - without ever squaring the COST OF WAR which is in the trillions of dollars!!!! In fact, under Bush, the cost of Irag never even made it into the published budget!
A POX ON THEM ALL!!!
Distinguished readers, may we introduce a sane concept to the American political scene? Futurism. This is a cultural/spiritual attitude based on the idea that as humankind expands in compassion, wisdom, inclusivity, technology, science and trust in a power greater than ourselves, our problems will start to work themselves out. As each singular universe changes for the better - the one each of us is creating every day - the larger universe we all share can't help but change as well.
Related ideas include noetics, quantum physics, a movie called "What the Bleep Do We Know?" and observable changes in one's own life when one TRULY takes responsibility for one's reaction to "the outside world" and in the same heartbeat realizes that "the outside world" and the internal dialogue ARE ONE AND THE SAME.
We see the Futurist Party in our national future.
This amazingly infuriating debacle proves once again that the Democrats exemplify the concept of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. In our opinion, the party represented by an ass has been behaving and continues to behave like one. Picture Chicken Little zigging and zagging across D.C. screaming the sky is falling! Couldn't they have just removed Big Health's exemption from anti-trust laws? It wouldn't have cost one penny and the American people would have been soundly behind such a move. And if our President now realizes that Al Quaeda is ACTUALLY IN PAKISTAN, then why are we sending so many more troops to Afghanistan? It is not cost effective to continue wars we can't win. Instead, let's just stop all undesirables from crossing into our country by using OUR OWN MILITARY AT OUR BORDERS and in FOREIGN AIRPORTS THAT HAVE FLIGHTS COMING HERE! And while we're at it, let's suspend ALL FOREIGN AID FOR ONE YEAR - except to Haiti. That could put our national finances back into some order.
The Republicans are crowing and gloating now that their delay delay delay and lying lying lying tactics have taken firmly hold. Remember, these are the folks who swore that Obama was not American - even though admitting his mother WAS. They refused to even discuss Obama's pick to head the TSA - and then ran madly to blame the Administration when a bomber made it onto an American commercial flight. These are the folks who want Big Health to remain exempt from anti-trust laws (as is currently the case) and Big Banking to continue running amok and continue taking HUGE RISKS WITH OUR MONEY. Let's not forget their love of torture and pushing hideously expensive war on one side while shouting "fiscal responsibility" on the other - without ever squaring the COST OF WAR which is in the trillions of dollars!!!! In fact, under Bush, the cost of Irag never even made it into the published budget!
A POX ON THEM ALL!!!
Distinguished readers, may we introduce a sane concept to the American political scene? Futurism. This is a cultural/spiritual attitude based on the idea that as humankind expands in compassion, wisdom, inclusivity, technology, science and trust in a power greater than ourselves, our problems will start to work themselves out. As each singular universe changes for the better - the one each of us is creating every day - the larger universe we all share can't help but change as well.
Related ideas include noetics, quantum physics, a movie called "What the Bleep Do We Know?" and observable changes in one's own life when one TRULY takes responsibility for one's reaction to "the outside world" and in the same heartbeat realizes that "the outside world" and the internal dialogue ARE ONE AND THE SAME.
We see the Futurist Party in our national future.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Limbaugh profits on tragedy and suffering
We`are all God's children ... some of us are just cleverly disguised.
Rush Limbaugh's latest words about our President's and our government's rush to help the nation of Haiti is a perfect example of hubris overarching human dignity. The human Michelin Man's total belief in his own greatness and his insistence that his hate-speech is simply intelligent political discourse trumps any wisp of compassion that could still be discovered in the jiggling and chaotic ectoplasm that is his body.
We feel certain Rush is not afraid of Judgement Day however many slurs he casts upon the world's woeful or upon good people that simply wish to help. His egomaniacal pronouncements on Obama's motives never cease to amaze and disgust us, especially in relation to the terrible plight of the good people of Haiti. And his "insights" into the social and cultural conditions of "light skinned" and "dark skinned" blacks is the effluent and pestulance of conservative talk radio.
Rush often speaks as though he thinks he is God - the One and Only, the One True All Seeing and All Knowing. Luckily for his ever expanding wallet, Lord Rotundity's slavish followers seem as addicted to his venomous words as he is to oxycontin. And food. Of course, his opinions say so much more about his own driving core beliefs than anyone else's. He preaches about what our President REALLY intends - and reveals with breathtaking clarity what he, Rush Limbaugh, really intends.
Rush's legacy thus far as we see it: half a billion dollars; a predilection for lying; the love of the sound of his own voice above all else; ex-wives scattered across the nation; a growing rift between his dittohead yes-men and -women and the thinking portion of our population; and yelling obscenities replacing a real exchange of ideas.
Wow!
Rush Limbaugh's latest words about our President's and our government's rush to help the nation of Haiti is a perfect example of hubris overarching human dignity. The human Michelin Man's total belief in his own greatness and his insistence that his hate-speech is simply intelligent political discourse trumps any wisp of compassion that could still be discovered in the jiggling and chaotic ectoplasm that is his body.
We feel certain Rush is not afraid of Judgement Day however many slurs he casts upon the world's woeful or upon good people that simply wish to help. His egomaniacal pronouncements on Obama's motives never cease to amaze and disgust us, especially in relation to the terrible plight of the good people of Haiti. And his "insights" into the social and cultural conditions of "light skinned" and "dark skinned" blacks is the effluent and pestulance of conservative talk radio.
Rush often speaks as though he thinks he is God - the One and Only, the One True All Seeing and All Knowing. Luckily for his ever expanding wallet, Lord Rotundity's slavish followers seem as addicted to his venomous words as he is to oxycontin. And food. Of course, his opinions say so much more about his own driving core beliefs than anyone else's. He preaches about what our President REALLY intends - and reveals with breathtaking clarity what he, Rush Limbaugh, really intends.
Rush's legacy thus far as we see it: half a billion dollars; a predilection for lying; the love of the sound of his own voice above all else; ex-wives scattered across the nation; a growing rift between his dittohead yes-men and -women and the thinking portion of our population; and yelling obscenities replacing a real exchange of ideas.
Wow!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Haiti Needs Our Help
Send a contribution today to any legitimate International Aid Organization!!!!!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Rush Limbaugh adores subsidized health care
After spewing vitriol day after day for years, is it any wonder Rush Limbaugh found himself in the hospital during his Hawaiian vacation with what he thought was a heart attack? Bile does eat away at body parts ... and acid reflux is painful.
According to his post-release press conference, Mr. Mouth apparently adores unionized, socialized Blue state American health care. Mr. Limbaugh praised the doctors and nurses, the hospital, the facilities - his entire experience. We are certain he was not aware that Hawaii offers the most progressive and highly subsidized medical insurance in this country. Island healthcare is socialized up the wazoo and unionized to beat the band. And we have Mr. Limbaugh's unpaid and unsolicited testimonial to inform us how well that kind of system performs - perfectly!
Here are some tenants of Hawaiian law: employers are required to provide health coverage to "regular employees" who earn a threshold wage (about 20 hoursper week); businesses can purchase a state approved plan or fund their own; employers pay at least half the premiums while workers only pay up to 1.5% of their income - additional cost is supplemented by the state!
In Hawaii, poor schlubs like us would be afforded the same safety net and receive the same treatment as The Pompous One without having to clear $38 mil a year. Hmmm.
We welcome Rush to the enlightened side of the discussion, unwitting tho he was, and await with bated breath and eager anticipation his next pronouncements on the issue!
According to his post-release press conference, Mr. Mouth apparently adores unionized, socialized Blue state American health care. Mr. Limbaugh praised the doctors and nurses, the hospital, the facilities - his entire experience. We are certain he was not aware that Hawaii offers the most progressive and highly subsidized medical insurance in this country. Island healthcare is socialized up the wazoo and unionized to beat the band. And we have Mr. Limbaugh's unpaid and unsolicited testimonial to inform us how well that kind of system performs - perfectly!
Here are some tenants of Hawaiian law: employers are required to provide health coverage to "regular employees" who earn a threshold wage (about 20 hoursper week); businesses can purchase a state approved plan or fund their own; employers pay at least half the premiums while workers only pay up to 1.5% of their income - additional cost is supplemented by the state!
In Hawaii, poor schlubs like us would be afforded the same safety net and receive the same treatment as The Pompous One without having to clear $38 mil a year. Hmmm.
We welcome Rush to the enlightened side of the discussion, unwitting tho he was, and await with bated breath and eager anticipation his next pronouncements on the issue!
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