Marine One approaches the South Lawn of the White House during President Barack Obama’s flight from Joint Base Andrews, Md., Dec. 20, 2011. President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden attended a ceremony at Joint Base Andrews marking the return of the United States Forces-Iraq colors to the United States. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
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Morning everyone. I’ll be out for most of the day, but will catch up with you and all the news when I get back. Have a perfect day 😉
Morning Joe is claiming President Obama said he was the fourth best president of all time. PBO said nothing of the sort. He was discussing his number of accomplishments on 60 Minutes compared to past modern presidents. Big difference. As usual no one contested Joe.
Good Morning Bill, hope you had a peaceful restful night. I hope you have a wonderful day. I have always heard if you can’t say anything good about someone then don’t say anything at all. So I choose not to discuss Morning Joke. I did all that yesterday and we all know what they are all about. Take care.
Bill, this was a question asked by ed henry from faux news yesterday at Jay carney’s press briefing. So I guess this it most be the right wing talking point on faux news and the right-wing freak party…. The joke is not even original and he must be afraid of those poll numbers..
Hey Bill, I think the historian Doris Kearns Goodwin did a great job in pushing back on Joe’s mockery of PBO. She said PBO had every right to be very proud of his legislative accomplishments. She listed ACA, DADT repeal, Wall Street Reform, End of Iraq war, hate crimes bill, killing of OBL, liberating Libya, going forcefully after Al Quaida and on and on and on.
UT Austin, I agree, she certainly did and was great. However, my point was that no one pushed back on Joe and Mika saying President Obama claimed he was the fourth best president of all time, which he never said.
Not concerned GOPOLITCO had three stories about that….and the president said nothing of the sort. He was talking about legislative accomplishments and hell, Kroft, was the one that said the President has had many, and the president agreed. Yawn. Cue the next wing nut outrage. I wonder why Joe is not talking about the walk away caucus. What a sad bunch. I agree with most posters, I don’t give that show any time. Stopped watching a long time ago…actually their ratings are up (still crappy compared to Fox). Morning Schmuck does nothing for me and neither does his sidekick Mika the Mouse.
All of which no doubt came from Frank Luntz’ latest talking points. I tweeted Frank this week, and asked how he sleeps at night. Not that the question means anything to him. And I never watch Morning Joke anymore, although I did before. Almost wish the dreaded Don Imus were back in that slot – at least he knew he was the joke.
His 60 minute interview was on Sunday, right? And Joe is talking about this today? all those good poll numbers and news from yesterday got them scared.
awesome pic! Yes that is the best I could come up with. So is the House really gone for the holiday orn they somehow be forced to come back on the 27th.
I heard the Senate went home and the Dems in the House. I also heard Thom Hartmann complain that the House GOP were winning the talking points with the stenographer press even the NPR journalists were just reporting the year vs two months and not detailing all the poison pills they were trying to slip into the year tax extension. I wrote an email to NPR this morning about the lack of journalistic integrity they were showing on this.
Yes – I plan to challenge the NPR “journalist” – I think her name was Tamra Keith. She really got my blood boiling this morning with her skewed reporting.
Here’s an interesting perspective that I just came across:
Capitalism and Racism: Remembering the Great Oliver C. Cox
By Joe
In doing some research on capitalism and racism lately, I have been re-reading Oliver Cromwell Cox’s pioneering and excellent Caste, Class, & Race; A Study in Social Dynamics book, which was first published in the late 1940s. It is still very much worth reading and learning from. It is available for free in various pdf and ereader formats for the Monthly Review Press edition here. (I use the Kindle formatting in quotes below.)
Racial antagonism is part and parcel of this class struggle, because it developed within the capitalist system as one of its fundamental traits…. Race prejudice in the United States is the socio-attitudinal matrix supporting a calculated and determined effort of a white ruling class to keep some people or peoples of color and their resources exploitable. In a quite literal sense the white ruling class is the Negro’s burden; the saying that the white man will do anything for the Negro except get off his back puts the same idea graphically.
It is the economic content of race prejudice which makes it a powerful and fearfully subduing force. . . . However, it is the human tendency, under capitalism, to break out of such a place, together with the determined counterpressure of exploiters, which produces essentially the lurid psychological complex called race prejudice. Thus race prejudice may be thought of as having its genesis in the propagandistic and legal contrivances of the white ruling class for securing mass support of its interest. (Kindle Locations 11973-11982).
I think the majority of them have gone home..some may still be there, perhaps leadership on the Republican side. I have read that some DEMS plan to stay to beat the snot out of the Republicans for staying.
Martin always see what others fail to see, and he always tell it like it is. I wonder if Bohner realizes that snake Cantor is really calling the shots and Bohner is nothing but a puppet.
And just as Iago, Cantor will not stop until he destroys everyone around him. But to continue the Shakespearean analogies, we have Prince Hal on our side who calls us and leads us “once more in to the breach” to fight the way to victory once more.
Lurking over at HuffyPuffy on the thread about President Obama telling John Boehner to pass the Senate compromise, it seems that one of the right wing talking heads decided to circulate a talking point about Obama’s vacation cost, that is all the right wing apparently has. That, and the right wing posters are actually buying Boehner’s garbage about “kicking the can down the road.”
President Obama played this exactly right. Now John Boehner and the Walk Away Caucus own the impending tax hike on the middle class, unless John Boehner decided to call them back from holiday recess early, which isn’t likely.
the Reps know no shame, why else are they playing political games with the middle class?
It looks like Boehner caved in to Can’tor and the TeaPub crazies in his caucus. There is no other explanation on why Boehner would reject a Senate bill that almost every Senator voted for, 89-10 in favor.
They are whining about the vaca and about the Progressives (cough) in the media going to the WH quoting Jake the Snake Tapper.
Here is one comment. “Only a weak coward would surround himself with preeners. A true leader would invite a bi-partisan group. Anyhow this shows how in the tank the MSM are for this guy. ”
So… I asked this person to identify the people in this picture.
That this person made this type of comment shows how little he/she understands about the way our government operates. The Constitution clearly states that it is the job of Congress to deal with issues of spending. PBO did the right thing in letting Boehner and the republicans take their own licks for their ineptitude and obstructionist tactics. It’s a clear signal to Boehner, Cantor, and the other GOPers that PBO is no longer willing to bail them out of messes they deliberately create because of their hatred of him. He’s through with that BullStank. Just the fact that Boehner sent PBO a letter “demanding” that he “make” the dems in the Senate re-negotiate the deal with the House is a clear sign that Boehner has NO control over his caucus. I can imagine the phone calls that are now taking place between Boehner, Rove, Priebus, Luntz, and other GOPers discussing ways to spin their failure to help the middle class for two freeking months to their advantage, and the comment you shared shows that some people will believe whatever lie they come up with over the holidays.
They will say anything at this point but it sounds flat, stale and very old. The president and his family pay for their own vacation, except for the Secret Service protection that is rightly paid for by the government, as it has been for every other president. This is such blatant and petty criticism that a child could see through it. The Republicans have perfected the game of ‘kick the can down the road’ for their entire existence as a party and now they want to self-righteously claim to dislike the game when the welfare of middle class and UI recipients are at stake. They are phonies and it shows. Too much is at stake this time that directly affects the pockets of individual Americans and their garbage isn’t going to sell. Doing a two-month extension while you negotiate differences is NOT kicking the can down the road. It’s common sense when so much is at stake.
Our job is to keep making the lives of these Republican traitors miserable. Write and twitter everyday. Use Facebook. Leave messages in their offices so their inboxes jam. Write LTEs. The American people have to see who is on their side and who isn’t. They have to understand that we are operating as a nation with a rogue House of Representatives that is a slave to a rump portion of the Republican party and does not have the interests of the American people at heart. This is the most important message we have to deliver. This crowd must go for the sake of our country. Obama/Biden 2012 and a Democratic House and Senate.
The Obama Hawaii Vacation Pricetag: Much Ado About Nothing
Oh, the screaming and crying and gnashing of teeth at the price tag for the Obama’s approximately $4.1 million Hawaii vacation. You really gotta hand it to The Huffington Post, and its founder, politically schizophrenic Arianna Huffington who hasn’t quite figured out what she wants to be when she grows up.
I’m with you, Jackie! It’s time to put those boots on and put foot to the GOP’s azz.~
We Will Not Allow The Tea Party To Mug The Middle Class This Christmas
December 20, 2011
By Jason Easley
Due to the straight majority rules in the House, there is nothing that House Democrats can procedurally do about the Republican led implosion of the payroll tax cut extension. What they can do is make sure that Boehner’s latest cave to the tea party carries a heavy political price. That’s where you come in.
By signing this petition and calling House Republicans, you can let them know that you are watching and you make sure that you, your friends, your neighbors, and your family will be voting for their opponents in 2012.
Call the House Republicans at (202) 224-3121 and make it clear that their days in power are numbered if they let the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits extensions expire. America has had enough of the tea party shakedown. Tell them the game is over by signing the petition today.
Stand with President Obama: Stop the Middle Class Tax Hike
BREAKING: House Republicans just blocked the bipartisan Senate proposal, meaning 160 million Americans will see a $1,000 tax hike on January 1st, 2012.
Over the weekend, Democrats and Senate Republicans worked together to extend the payroll tax cut and prevent a $1,000 tax hike on 160 million middle class families.
Sounds too good to be true, right? It is. Today, Tea Party House Republican voted down the proposal.
The Tea Party is mugging the middle class with a tax increase because they don’t think millionaires and corporations should pay their fair share.
Sign our petition today and tell House Republicans to stand with the middle class, not the Tea Party, and support the $1,000 payroll tax cut compromise before it’s too late.
Please everybody: SIGN THE PETITION I have shared this inf with all of our friends and family
let’s go The fucking Tea Party can NOT get away this a treason to the Country.
They’re all idiots. This President could go to Hawaii every 3 months for the next 10 years and it wouldn’t put a dent in the amount of taxpayer money that has been wasted by Bush & Co……another faux outrage. As usual.
MSM often talk of politicians being in “the bubble”, yet they are ever so much in the same bubble. Talking about eating in folksy places in Iowa and NH every four years does not make MSM part of the middle class.
I was given Brokaw’s “Boomers” book as a gift, since I’m an original baby boomer. It was BORING, and I lived through all that. He missed at least half of what was going on, just as he does now.
Yes because I care way more about some funny name sounding company than 40 bucks being taken from my pocket weekly. And this is Bush’s Brain/Architect…
Today’s Today Show Repub—–5th place lie- to- your- face Michele Bachmann—–must have run through all other options. Ann Curry did ask her about an op ed she wrote where she said it was time to restore “someone of character” to the WH—–did she not think President Obama was “someone of character”? Bachmann had no answer, sputtered around and then came up with some nonsense about the founding fathers. Bachmann looked ridiculous, everyone knows Obama is someone of impeccable character, and she was caught in an outright lie, a false premise, as false as false can be.
I want to officially lodge a complaint against Chipsticks and TOD family. I have been somewhat politicially aware for a while now, but got most of my information from the usual local and national media sources on TV and in print. But since I’ve started coming here I have become more aware and sensitive to the tone in many newscasts. For instance, my local TV station in Atlanta characterized the payroll tax cut difference as “Obama and the Democratic Senate only wants to extend the tax cuts for 2 months but Bone-head and the Republician house want to extend it for one year.” Where at one point I would have said that does not sound right, because I come here and read all of the great information you have I was up cursing and yelling at the TV and now I feel compelled to send the station an email about the stupidity that they are repeating!
So, thanks to Chips and TOD for making my blood pressure go up and ruining my Christmas. As long as I come here I can never walk around blissfully unaware again! 🙂
AH! Welcome, Brookwater! Your ears will begin to fine tune themselves to the RW slant of the news! It is IMPERATIVE that you call them out, every single time they do this!!!!! Do it in response to Tv news broadcasts, blog posts, TV blogs…everywhere you see it 🙂 The public is being lied to and manipulated by the corporate owned media….daily. It is our job to set them straight and not let them get away with the lies! Welcome to the family 🙂
Just sent an email to NPR about not giving all the facts and just repeating the House GOP talking points this morning on their news. I said I was disappointed in their lack of journalistic integrity.
Thanks for the feedback Brookwater. Your update made my day because it clearly demonstrates that “knowledge is power”. That’s the beauty of this amazing website that our dear Chips has created. Letting your local tv station know that they are being dishonest with their reporting should feel incredibly gratifying. Hold their feet to the fire.
Getting the facts to the American people continues to be a challenge. But day after day it is clear that the relentless push back from sites like TOD is making a difference. With over 6 million hits, TOD has done wonders for educating the public and the media with the facts on President Obama.
How can any newscaster say that when PBO has been going on and on about a 1 year extension for months? Why don’t these folks ever mention what else the GOP wanted? Did they have to jump to celebrity gossip segment or something?
Thank You Brookwater you have made the point that I have been trying to express. Folks are being duped by our media. Many still trust the media and are left with a right leaning conclusion. So often I hear people here say “how can 45% of the country think the Republicans will do a better job at some policy”. This is your answer. Perception is everything and our media knows this. They have worked like crazy to paint this administration as incompetent and that the likes of a “Romney” can fix what ails this country.
And its not that people are dumb or lazy about seeking information. Its just that the information they are getting (which they think is good information) is bias and false.
I’m so happy you found your way here and am is truly an informed person who can push back on the lies and the bias. Each one, must teach one….
And! You will never be alone again…. My prayer is that millions take this step along the path you now follow with us. Now wouldn’t we see America rise up fast!
I live in GA, too, Brookwater, and as we both know, everything here has a RW spin. The republicans’ misdeeds seem to never get a fair airing out, and the voters remain clueless about how hard PBO is working on their behalf.
The Wall Street Journal’s editorial page, one of the most conservative pieces of media real estate in the country, went considerably further today, blasting the GOP’s “payroll tax fiasco,” and mocking Republicans for “managing to lose the tax issue” to President Obama.
Will chuck Todd ask mittens any tough questions today?
I noticed, mittens has three dine and eats with voters today.
Maybe chuck, will then tell us all how he connects so wonderfully with ordinary people.
Remember, today is the day that Lisa Jackson announces new clean air act regulations.
These clean air act rules were ignored in past administrations.
If you got to EPA.gov, her department fines big business for clean air act and clean water act everyday.
Last week she fined a Texas business 12 million bucks for clean water act violations.
That said, these new rules will cost companies 10+ billion by 2016, for special scrubbers.
But, it will save 17k lives.
How about that Lisa Jackson, best EPA administrator ever!!!
Guess what? I just read on the hill that the house republicans want these rules to be gone.
They want these repealed and put into the supposed taxcut deal.
We wouldn’t want to do that because part of the fine print is that the candidate selected by voters via internet primary (but with veto power by a cabal of the instigators) must pick a Veep from “a different party”. If we infiltrate, it should be to pick a loser like Sarah Palin or Ron Paul who can’t win a general and would peel off votes from Romney/Gingrich/whoever the Repubs choose as their official nominee.
It’s bad enough that Mitt “Who Am I This Time” Romney flip flops so much on every issue that it just makes you dizzy. But what I find most egregious is that this man is just plain dishonest. On top of that he’s a phony. He has no core. His latest speech (where he used a teleprompter) was another opportunity to attack President Obama and make stuff up. It’s really astonishing. Steve Benen documents the atrocities in the link below.
The point at which Mitt Romney loses his mind
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And Romney is just a weak man who lacks the courage necessary to have a credible debate over economic policies. Such an argument requires honesty, an understanding of the basics, and a willingness to be consistent and principled — and given Romney glaring character flaws, he simply lacks the integrity to engage in such a discussion.
The press is fixated on the new quinnipiac Virginia poll that has Romney beating Obama by 2.
The polls are all over the place., because nobody knows what methodology to use, you can basically write your own outcome before the poll is taken!
I think Nate Silver said Quinn had a Repub bias..their polls are always horrible for the President. Hey Jovie here is a pretty good read on the Taliban is not our enemy story. It’s from a vet.
An excerpt:
It is my opinion that what the vice president said is something many of us combat veterans of Afghanistan already know: the only reason we are at war in Afghanistan today is that Afghanistan is where Osama Bin Laden was hiding on September 11, 2001. And because the Taliban leaders and their cultural code of pashtunwali value pride and stubborness to such a degree that they refused to give him up, we now find ourselves still shedding blood there, long after al Qaeda has been crushed and is no longer a presence in that country.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Can’t Quit Hitting The Sauce
Posted by Zandar
The mighty Tea Party has feet of clay, and nobody’s more clay-colored than Orange Julius as the House GOP picks up their payroll tax cut and unemployment benefit extensions ball and goes home for the holidays. The Tea Party drinks your smoothie, John. They drink it up.
Obama insisted today that the only path to continuing the tax break past its Dec. 31 expiration is for the House of Representatives to send him a two-month extension passed by the Senate. At the White House today, he blamed a “faction” of Republicans for blocking the bill by including extraneous issues.
Meanwhile, Boehner and the Republican-controlled House pressed ahead with their plan. The House voted 229-193 to reject the Senate bill and insist on a year-long extension of the tax cut. Boehner, an Ohio Republican, then chose eight House Republican negotiators and demanded the Senate name lawmakers to attend formal talks.
“There’s no reason we can’t do this,” Boehner said at a news conference.
Actually there is, Johnny. And it’s called “You have no control over your caucus anymore.” They’re over you. You’re irrelevant, you can’t deliver a deal, you have no clout on the Hill, and you’re a joke.
That about sums it up,rikyrah. Plus the fact that nobody’s responding to his stupid call, so he would end up negotiating with himself. That’s why he had to call on Daddy PBO to bail him out. But Daddy told him to stuff it.
December 21, 2011 8:00 AM
The Republicans’ ‘payroll tax fiasco’
By Steve Benen
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) told CNN yesterday that the fight over extending the payroll tax cut is “harming the Republican Party,” adding, “We’ve got to get this resolved and with the realization that the payroll-tax cut must remain in effect.”
The Wall Street Journal’s editorial page, one of the most conservative pieces of media real estate in the country, went considerably further today, blasting the GOP’s “payroll tax fiasco,” and mocking Republicans for “managing to lose the tax issue” to President Obama.
GOP Senate leader Mitch McConnell famously said a year ago that his main task in the 112th Congress was to make sure that President Obama would not be re-elected. Given how he and House Speaker John Boehner have handled the payroll tax debate, we wonder if they might end up re-electing the President before the 2012 campaign even begins in earnest.
The GOP leaders have somehow managed the remarkable feat of being blamed for opposing a one-year extension of a tax holiday that they are surely going to pass. This is no easy double play.
that was hateful Ladyhawke. He is basically saying gay Americans should vote for the other guy if human rights will be a central issue in their decision making because frankly my dear, he doesn’t give a darn.
TPMDC
How The Payroll Tax Fight Descended Into Chaos
Brian Beutler- December 21, 2011, 5:45 AM
The fight over renewing the payroll tax cut into next year has escalated into a multi-front political war, both between Republicans and Democrats, and within the Republican party itself.
Lost in the gamesmanship and the arguments about process, hypocrisy, and leadership are the issues at stake.
So let’s review.
This debate started when President Obama introduced his jobs bill, the priciest provisions of which were a one year renewal (and broadening of) this year’s payroll tax holiday, and an extension of emergency unemployment benefits.
Republicans were never wild about moving ahead with either of these items to begin with — but a very public campaign by President Obama made it too politically toxic for GOP leaders to oppose them outright. Instead they just made it as difficult as possible for either to pass. They could’ve agreed to support the measures without paying for them, or to pay for them with war savings, as some Dems to suggest, or with a mix of payfors that included a balanced mix of tax revenue and spending cuts. Likewise they could’ve agreed to pass the measures “cleanly” — without attaching unrelated policy riders to the legislation.
“Lost in the gamesmanship and the arguments about process, hypocrisy, and leadership are the issues at stake.”
Only quibble: President Obama and other Dems have not lost sight of the effect this bill will have on millions of Americans.
December 21, 2011 8:35 AM
The point at which Mitt Romney loses his mind
By Steve Benen
Mitt Romney unveiled a brand-new stump speech in New Hampshire last night, reading a carefully-crafted, poll-tested text from two teleprompters. Confident that his Republican primarily rivals simply won’t (or can’t) catch him, the former one-term governor ignored the other GOP candidates in his speech, and focused exclusively on attacking President Obama.
Unfortunately for those who have even a passing interest in reality or a civil discourse, Romney, allegedly the responsible one in the Republican field, has been reduced to lying uncontrollably.
Just a couple of weeks ago in Kansas, President Obama lectured us about Teddy Roosevelt’s philosophy of government. But he failed to mention the important difference between Teddy Roosevelt and Barack Obama. Roosevelt believed that government should level the playing field to create equal opportunities. President Obama believes that government should create equal outcomes.
“In an entitlement society, everyone receives the same or similar rewards, regardless of education, effort, and willingness to take risk. That which is earned by some is redistributed to the others. And the only people who truly enjoy any real rewards are those who do the redistributing — the government.
“The truth is that everyone may get the same rewards, but virtually everyone will be worse off.”
It stands to reason that Romney, who’s completed the transition from “progressive” views to far-right hysterics, would present a worldview different from the center-left president’s. But this speech was written in a twisted fantasy land, and it ascribes views to Obama that are simply made up. It’s simply madness.
Wow, Romney is reduced to concocting fantasies about phantom President Obamas who speak to him in another sphere that none of us can see or hear. This equal outcomes crap is as old as the hills and I remember it as a RW talking point during the Civil Rights movement. No civil rights leaders ever said or thought about creating equal outcomes, but the R’s always dug up that straw man to create outrage. And name one American who’s struggling to get a job, feed a family, get their kids through college, save a buck for retirement,or try to meet monthly bills who feels this is an “entitlement” society. Having a safety net for senior citizens that they have contributed to all their lives, and providing some base of societal support for the disabled and those unable to work IS THE LEAST a civilized society can do for its people. Heck, even the Egyptian pharoahs knew this. If this is Romney’s stump speech, he has nothing. He hasn’t got the wit the attack the things the president actually says and does and he has not one original thought to add to the discussion. That’s why he needs to go back in time to dig up a dead issue.
December 20, 2011
Hang tough
Thus spoke John Boehner:
[T]he issue now is will the president engage with the Senate Democrats and bring them to the table so we can resolve this and give to the president what he has asked us to give him: a one-year extension of these expiring programs.
Oh we get it. Speaker Boehner and pals were trying to be helpful.
Ah, screw it. When one is contemplating contemporary GOP politics, ridicule remedies nothing and reason is futile. Excepting maybe Sen. Scott Brown, who’s been terrified into reasonableness, all the usual partisan, pseudoconservative yahoos will line up before the cable cameras and yap away with identically insufferable propaganda; see above.
No, John, the issue is whether you will ever get a clue and stand up to your own caucus. You are whistling in the wind and nobody cares what you say or think. You dug the hole–it’s all yours. And, John, may you have the same kind of Christmas you wished on 160,000 other Americans.
Shakespeare always has beautiful lines for all situations. Yes, Cantor is Iago to Boehner’s Othello, Othello who was so totally gulled by a totally evil person, whose only motivation seemed to be “the green-eyed monster” jealousy, yes, Shakespeare coined that expression in that play.
But I love the reference to Henry V’s St. Crispin’s Day speech…”Once more unto the breach” and we know who won that day…..the young King Henry. He had the long view, and our valiant President has the long view.
If you want a treat, one that will stir you and encourage you, watch Kenneth Branagh’s Henry V. It is far superior to Laurence Olivier’s which is all posturing. My husband went with me years ago to see it, and not being a Shakespeare aficionado, didn’t know what to expect. He was touched and completely won over. Said the language was difficult at first, but my by the time you get to that great speech and the battle, he was into the movie, and I believe you will be completely enthralled and weeping.
Thank you for bringing that idea to mind. This entire experience of our country’s for the past nine years is like a Shakespearean play, and our valiant President is doing all he can to prevent it from being a tragedy. If we rise up, as the English did with Henry V, we will prevail, and the evil will be put down.
The speech that makes me tear up, every time! I hold a special place in my heart for that speech (Branagh’s version)….when my daughter was young (3 or 4) she watched that speech over and over again with her dad. She watched it SO much, that she had memorized the entire thing and would recite it for speechless relatives! She was adorable, and recited it with the same passion that she heard on TV….she called it the “Hendery speech” She’s 20 years old now….and has long since forgotten that she did that…wish I thought to video tape that….maybe if we show that to her now…..
TODers who tweet, is it possible to send Matt a list of the President’s accomplishments or each person could send a different accomplishment until the list is completed. I think that would be an effective way to show him just how wrong he is! Just a thought…
Or you could send him the link to this article. I just love posting this list. Facts, facts, and more facts! Thank you, Milt Shook. 🙂
A List of President Obama’s Accomplishments So Far!
One of the most irritating things I hear these days is the idea that President Obama is really no different than Bush, or that he’s a “disappointment.” Both of those characterizations are flat ignorant. If you truly believe that, you’re in serious denial, and you can’t be paying very close attention. In fairness, perhaps you were in a coma for the eight Bush Years, and if so, I forgive you. But please join the real world. So far, this Barack-obamapresident has done most of what he said he would do if elected, and he’s not even through his first term. Imagine what he could have done by now if we supported him, and gave him a Congress that doesn’t look at him as if he’s the demon seed.
~snip~
What follows is a PARTIAL list of Obama’s accomplishments so far. Unlike many such lists, there is a link to a citation supporting every single one. Anytime someone, right OR left, tells you Obama sucks, or is a “disappointment,” show them this list and tell them to kiss a part of your body not usually considered pleasant to kiss. The first section alone should make them sit down and shut up.
If Matt Damon didn’t have his head buried in his ass he would have seen what all President Obama has accomplished instead of looking like a clueless braindead dick.
REPUBLICANS ATTACK PRESIDENT OBAMA’S LEADERSHIP (Try to control your laughter)
=================================================
The Rovian tactic of attacking your opponents strengths has been on full display lately. GOP polling must be confirming what we all know – that President Obama gets high marks for his leadership skills. That must be why every one of the GOP clown car presidential candidates has spouted some nonsensical comment blasting PBO for not leading. This is just laughable. It just makes the clown car candidates look more unhinged and deranged because the facts just don’t support their criticism. It just shows how desperate they are. They got nothin…..
There was a good segment on Ed Shultz last night that focused on President Obama’s leadership skills and his accomplishments. I was especially disgusted with attack dog Chris Christie’s puffery. We all know he supports Mitt Romney and probably wants the VP slot.
Mitt Romney has reworked his stump speech and delivered the new version last night. It’s premised on … a total lie:
………………………………………….
This isn’t just a casual line. In eight sentences, Romney asserts over and over again that Obama wants to create “equal outcomes” and give everybody the “same rewards.” This is nuts, Glenn Beck–level insane. Restoring Clinton-era taxes is not a plan to equalize outcomes, or even close. It’s not even a plan to stop rising inequality. Obama’s America will continue to be the most unequal society in the advanced world — only slightly less so. The alternative proposals accelerate inequality even further.
This is a form of insanity that has become extremely pervasive in the Republican Party since 2009. The response to liberal invocation of rising inequality from the right’s intellectual leaders has been to argue against not liberal policies but against socialism. This wild lie has become so widespread that press accounts don’t even bother to mention it anymore
Well, sometimes it is true that you reap what you sow. In shilling for the GOP and upholding, denying, and promoting their failed policies, Fox created a monster. IMO, it’s too late now to denounce the monster, especially when it’s lying in the bed right beside you. I think what the Foxers hate most is the fact that the GOP came out of this fight exposed as enemies of the middle class and poor and stinking like the pieces of feces that they really are.
While President Obama was stuck in Washington on Monday, First Lady Michelle Obama was in Hawaii introducing daughters Malia and Sasha to the wonders of organic farming, Aloha style. Joined by Senior Policy Advisor for Healthy Food Initiatives Sam Kass, Mrs. Obama took her girls for a visit to MA’O Organic Farms in the Waianae area, according to Honolulu chef Ed Kenney, a board member for the community farm. Using fresh produce, Kenney and Kass cooked veggie-laden pizzas in a fire oven. Mrs. Obama first visited the farm in November, when she hosted a Let’s Move! event there as President Obama hosted the APEC Leaders Meeting in Honolulu. (Above: Mrs. Obama and Kenney during her first visit to the farm)
I wouldn’t be surprised if the ladies flew back to Washington to spend Christmas with dad. I get the feeling he’s not leaving. He doesn’t say things he doesn’t intend on doing.
That’s what I said earlier. I said if this drags on past the 23rd they would probably fly back to DC but that was when we were on the brink of the Senate deal and I thought everything was good to go.
That’s my take, jojocat. He is the President. He’s not running out on the American people. If the American people are that sensitive as to think it would be a bad optic, then they deserve the clowns voted in. President Obama should not put his personal life on hold where staying in DC would produce nothing, while everyone else gets to vacate. I imagined him alone, wondering what the hell is he going to be doing while his family is in Hawaii, for Christmas, for pete’s sake. Fuck the congress, the media, the haters.
Why should POTUS stay in Washington when congress goes off on a month long vacation? He deserves time with his family and I agree, if American people are offended by this “they deserve the clowns” who, by the way will also go away for the holidays.
I hope Huntsman takes votes away from this POS. I don’t care which fruit loop wins the primaries, as long as it’s not this liar. I can’t even listen to him speak without feeling ill, has any one of the “journalists” who have interviewed him called him out on his lies?
I agree. I despise him. How can someone who claims to be a Christian and talks about how important his faith is lie like a dog every waking moment of each day. And when he’s called out on it, he just lies some more and never ever admits to flip flopping or lying. If I were a Republican I would rather stay home than vote for some one who is clearly a psychopathic liar. How could any of our allies or any world leader trust anything he says.
Debz, I completely agree. I was telling my sister how many I just can’t stand this man, Lord forgive me. He is such a pathological liar. He is wooden and down right mean.
WASHINGTON–The year 2012 will bring publication of two new books about Barack and Michelle Obama, with “The Obamas” by Jodi Kantor published on Jan. 10 and an Obama biography by David Maraniss out around June.
From blurbs on “The Obamas” at Kantor’s web site:
“When Barack Obama won the 2008 presidential election, he also won a long-running debate with his wife Michelle. Contrary to her fears, politics now seemed like a worthwhile, even noble pursuit. Together they planned a White House life that would be as normal and sane as possible.
“Then they moved in.”
I see Kantor got a 7 figure deal on her book. I am always a little apprehensive when the tease is she will take us “deep inside the WH” and provide “riveting detail and insight into their partnership”. Will hope for the best. And for Maraniss’ biography.
She’s been a writer on the campaign for the NYT. She’s done a very decent job in her reporting but when I read her blurb for her new book I tweeted her and asked her if she was going to go the way of the rest of the media and focus on negative narrative. She wrote back to me but didn’t say all that much about content. I hope she doesn’t go there.
I really believe that many of the folks who claim to be “disappointed” with PBO just want to get close to him to make money by writing books or to affirm their social status and to be able to say he’s their friend because whether you like PBO or not he is now and forever an historic figure. People should know that true friendship is not instant; it develops over time and is generally rooted in some commonality. I admire PBO and the First Lady for keeping these vultures at bay and maintaining their friendships from Chicago.
The one author’s book I would definitely read about PBO’s two terms is Doris Kearns Goodwin—because she is a historian. Though she’s been to the WH several times, it’s really for PBO to listen to other historians. She’s good at getting a good perspective of Presidential history without the TMZ “reporting” that we see prevalent in today’s media. I think she’s one of those few people that if she were to write a book, the President would give her a personal interview for some background information.
I will not be buying another book about the Obamas, as I don’t want to feed anyone’s ego. The Obamas are alive and well, they are successful, smart, and all out a together couple and family. I shall wait until Mrs. O, should she ever decide, to write about her own life in the White House, and will wait with baited breath, the historical accounts of President O’s life in that same place. No more getting famous off of my dime, pimping this historical period, way before it has had time to solidify it’s place in history.
I agree. The only book I own about PBO is Dreams from My Father. I still have to get The Audacity of Hope. But I decided I would only purchase books authored by the family. I was becoming appalled that everyone was writing books disecting PBO just to make a quick buck. I could make an exception for a book by Doris Kearns-Goodwin.
I too will not be buying any more of these 3rd party Obama books. I will wait till the President and First lady write about their sojourn!!!
As for Jodi Kantor, I do not trust her and will NOT be buying her book!!!
I’ve seen some of her reporting and as usual there is always that bit of gratuitous slighting and dissing of the Obamas.
Sorry but Jodi Kantor can keep her greed-driven book to herself!!!
I hear ya…whenever they increase your income from one source, they take it away from you from another source. COLA almost always is a wash for me, sometimes I even end up with less money than before.
Tien Le, here’s an article about retirement benefit changes that contains some good information.
11 Retirement Benefit Changes Coming in 2012
By Emily Brandon| December 5, 2011
Here’s a look at how retirement benefits will likely change in 2012.
Bigger Social Security checks.
Higher Social Security taxes.
A small increase in Medicare Part B premiums.
Slightly better Medicare Part D gap coverage.
Higher 401(k) limits.
401(k) fee disclosure.
More 401(k) investment advice.
More 401(k) match reinstatements.
Increased IRA income limits.
Increased access to the Saver’s Credit.
Higher pension insurance limits.
Haven’t read all of the comments this morning, but did everybody get the cute email from Reggie Love about Dinner with Barack and Michelle? So adorable!
Turned on MSNBC – why oh why? They played a robocall to elect Hillary Clinton. It said (I paraphrase) If Hillary were President, Wall Streeters would be in jail, there would be no foreclosures and something else that I can’t remember. It was really, really tired. These people just don’t quit with the nonsense. The reporter said they don’t know who is behind the calls. They don’t want to know.
I keep on saying it’s Hillary’s husband, Slick Willy Bill. He was recently on BillOLiely sniveling about how the media supposedly favored Obama over Hillary during primary season 2008. Slick Willy is proving the adage that he was the best Republican President we ever had.
Why can’t he let it go? She lost. The stench of his disappointment is damaging the remnants of the reputation that he has left. He really needs to grow up and let go.
For those who still think Clinton supports the POTUS, this is what else he had to say during the interview with Bill O’Reilly. You can’t convince me that he’s not trying to start some shit!~
Bill O’Reilly Gives Bill Clinton The ‘No-Spin Zone’ Treatment In Extended Interview
by Frances Martel | 8:36 pm, December 20th, 2011
The hypothetical vote questions continued, as O’Reilly asked Clinton whether he would vote for Mitt Romney in New Hampshire. Clinton answered that he was “not going to get in that Republican Party” with a chuckle, but later recanted and added that he liked Jon Huntsman, and argued “he arguably has the most consistently conservative economic record of anyone running.”
O’Reilly then pushed him to answer why he believed the media supported more liberal candidates– in 2008, to the detriment of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Clinton hesitated to answer, instead adding, “nothing I say will be helpful on this,” and after some repeated questions arguing that he did not believe the media was consistently liberal. That said, he repeated with humor, “nothing I say will result in anything good happening in America.”
Clinton told O’Reilly he believed that President Obama appeared more vulnerable now that he will in the general election because “he’s out there running against himself out,” though O’Reilly countered that he believed 2012 would be a referendum vote.
I don’t believe Former President Clinton would stoop so low. As previously reported on TOD, this robocall movement is spear headed by two so called “Democrats” Doug Schoen and Paul Caddell I believe, who are employed by Fox News to represent the “Democratic” viewpoint.
Let the pumas reemerge in 2016. As a African American I feel President Obama have been shown such disrespect, like no other President. And to the Pumas, here’s something you need to think about, I will not vote for any Democrat in 2012, but President Barack Obama.
I think these kinds have destroyed their future elective chances by many AA Democrats after the horrendous treatment the first AA President has received. You all can count me as one of them. After 2012, I’m out. Zilch. Kaput. Nada. Asta la vista. Whatever! Not feeling any love. Don’t give a shit. Drained. And hinging on hatred of the politics of this historic time, more than in any time in my life.
I’m going to hang in there — ever election until I die. Too many of our ancestors marched, prayed, cried, were beaten and battered, some even died so that we could exercise our civic responsibility. No way I’m going to let them down. The teabaggers/firebaggers/etc WANT us to become discouraged. My mantra is “REMEMBER 2010!”
The only African-Americans that would go along with this idiocy are West, Smiley (who should come out the closet) and Wilder. Many AA I’m told 2012 will be the last time they vote Democratic.
Unfortunately, what you’re saying is being said by many. In our community. I understand and certainly feel that way as well. But voting matters and I worry what will happen to the masses of African Americans and what political clout we may have had, will be lost if our vote isn’t in large numbers. Hope that makes sense. Typing on my iPad and it’s not good!
The corporate elite ( Wall St, Big Oil, defense contractors, etc.) want Barack Obama out of the White House. They will try every trick in the book. This building up Hillary is one of them. The American Elect thing is another one.
God, I wish the “left” would wise up and see that Barack Obama IS liberal and progressive, and a TRUE agent of change who scares the hell out of some greedy and powerful people in America ( and in the world too).
This is a violation of their oath of office. Just unbelievable.
House of Representatives Oath of Office
“I, (name of Member), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.”
They really are. And MSNBC allows Repubs to come on say, but, but, but, but, we onnnllly want to extend the tax cuts for a year. We just don’t understand why the Democrats won’t meet with us so we can extend it for a year instead of the lousy two months they want. I could scream.
Conservatives Pan GOP Strategy On Payroll Tax Cut: ‘A Fiasco,’ ‘Entirely Outplayed’ By Obama
By Pat Garofalo on Dec 21, 2011 at 9:35 am
Most of the House of Representatives left for the holidays yesterday after House Republicans rejected a bipartisan Senate compromise to extend the payroll tax cut that is expiring at the end of the year. Several Republican senators took the House GOP to task, with Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA) calling the House’s action “irresponsible and wrong,” while Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) said the standoff is “harming the Republican party.”
Now their concern has migrated into the wider conservative movement. In an editorial today, the notoriously right-wing Wall Street Journal called the GOP’s strategy “a fiasco,” saying “the GOP leaders have somehow managed the remarkable feat of being blamed for opposing a one-year extension of a tax holiday that they are surely going to pass. This is no easy double play.”
What Happens To The Economy If The Payroll Tax Cut Expires?
By Pat Garofalo on Dec 19, 2011 at 11:00 am
House Republicans intend to vote down the Senate’s bill tonight, leaving the issue unresolved. But what happens if the payroll tax cut is allowed to expire? According to several economic analysts, it would severely affect growth and job creation next year:
– According to Macroeconomic Advisers, allowing the payroll tax cut to lapse “would reduce GDP growth by 0.5 percent and cost the economy 400,000 jobs.”
– Barclay’s estimated that letting the cut expire would knock 1.5 percent off of first quarter growth next year.
Meanwhile:
– Ameriprise Financial Services estimated that extending the cut “is likely to add between 750,000 to 1 million jobs.”
– Susan Wachter, a finance professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, calculated that the payroll tax cut “would add 1 percentage point to economic growth and create 1 million jobs next year.”
– Regional Economic Models Inc. estimated that the cut would pump “$120 billion into U.S. households in 2012.”
Actually this is exactly what the Republicans want. If you have been listening at all to them over the last year their only goal is to get rid of Obama. Everything they have done is to undercut him and keep him from accomplishing anything for the good of the country. They don’t care that this will cost the economy growth. They don’t care that this will cause the loss of more jobs. They simply don’t care. They don’t care that 1 in 2 Americans are now in, or near poverty. They don’t care. When you call a Congressman’s office to express your opinion, you are treated rudely and told you don’t know what you are talking about. You give them FACTS and they brush you off like you are the biggest annoyance out there. There only goal is to see Obama gone, Keep the House and re-take the Senate. The majority of Americans and their welfare? Well they can go to hell, that is the Republican attitude. We will do as we please, who are you to question us? Well voters, I suggest we remember the Republican priorities come next November, and send them all home.
December 21, 2011 10:10 AM
They should watch ‘Braveheart’ to the end
By Steve Benen
In July, when House Republicans were prepared to crash the global economy on purpose, they took inspiration from a movie clip. It was a scene from the movie “The Town” in which Ben Affleck’s character said, “I need your help. I can’t tell you what it is. You can never ask me about it later — and we’re going to hurt some people.”
It was, in the words of one right-wing lawmaker, a scene that helped “forge a sense of unity” among House Republicans.
This week, these same unhinged GOP lawmakers had a different movie in mind. Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-Ga.) said this week, “Look, this is a ‘Braveheart’ moment. You, Mr. Speaker, are our William Wallace. Let’s rush to the fight.”
The “fight,” in this case, was blocking a middle-class tax cut and unemployment benefits a few days before Christmas. Dana Milbank marveled at the nonsense.
Newt To Gay Voter: Support Obama
Pema Levy December 21, 2011, 11:01 AM
If you’re a gay American, don’t vote for Newt Gingrich.
That’s not a Democratic talking point — that’s reportedly what Newt himself said to a gay man in Iowa Tuesday.
“I asked him if he’s elected, how does he plan to engage gay Americans. How are we to support him?” Scott Arnold, an associate professor of writing at William Penn University, told the Des Moines Register. “And he told me to support Obama.”
Newt To Gay Voter: Support Obama
Pema Levy December 21, 2011, 11:01 AM
If you’re a gay American, don’t vote for Newt Gingrich.
That’s not a Democratic talking point — that’s reportedly what Newt himself said to a gay man in Iowa Tuesday.
“I asked him if he’s elected, how does he plan to engage gay Americans. How are we to support him?” Scott Arnold, an associate professor of writing at William Penn University, told the Des Moines Register. “And he told me to support Obama.”
December 21, 2011 11:00 AM
Literally walking away from a fight
By Steve Benen
It was rather remarkable this morning to watch the proceedings on the House floor. House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) wanted to try again to bring up the Senate’s bipartisan payroll-tax-break compromise, and instead of debating, Republicans literally walked away from the fight.
If you watch the clip, you’ll notice that Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), who was presiding over the House session at the time, got out of the Speaker’s chair and left the chamber altogether. Other Republicans joined him. Hoyer, of course, noticed, and explained, “You’re walking out, you’re walking away, just as so many Republicans have walked away from middle class taxpayers, the unemployed, and … those who will be seeking medical assistance from their doctors.”
When Hoyer finished speaking and turned to Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) to continue the debate, GOP leaders demanded that C-SPAN turn off the cameras so the public couldn’t hear the debate any more.
Video- Fox’s Crowley Claims Obama Had A Year Of “Disappointing And Dangerous Foreign Policy Fumbles” — No Mention Of Bin Laden
Posted on Wednesday, December 21, 2011, 8:00 am by Paddy
Newt To Gay Voter: Support Obama
Pema Levy December 21, 2011, 11:01 AM
If you’re a gay American, don’t vote for Newt Gingrich.
That’s not a Democratic talking point — that’s reportedly what Newt himself said to a gay man in Iowa Tuesday.
“I asked him if he’s elected, how does he plan to engage gay Americans. How are we to support him?” Scott Arnold, an associate professor of writing at William Penn University, told the Des Moines Register. “And he told me to support Obama.”
Hi everyone! I delurked last week and finally got the nerve to post this video re Min. Farrakhan blasting the media during the commercial break of a radio interview he did here in Chicago. Whatever one may think of Min. Farrakhan, he always tells the truth. I hope I do this right – not too good at this computer stuff.
Nothing personal, but did he tell the truth when he blasted PBO about Libya, jeopardizing his (Farrakhan’s) relationship with Gadhafi? Yes, he has been known to be straight and many times truthful, and I would give him a listen quite often, until he went against his very own advice of not chastising the first AA President. Differences aside, I heard he was unmerciful about the Libya issue. Critique is one thing, but he went the way of the emoprogs. Hopefully he has settled back into reason.
He has his own truth about Gadhafi and Libya. I only posted this because of what he said about the media, which I believe should be considered our worst enemy at this time.
I agree with you. I just wanted others to know Farrakhan as a lot of people won’t give him the time of day. As I said, he went off on PBO, so I need for him to be a man of convictions, and not cause discord. I was disappointed in him for that occurrence. But it does not take away from his overall knowledge and insight.
I am glad you did because he told those “media slaves” the truth. They will look the other way to save their jobs. I can’t think of a situation where I would work from someone that I had to lie, cheat, steal, kill in order to keep my job. I’d look for another profession. To go into journalism as a career is a joke!
You just wanted to share something and there’s nothing wrong with that idea. You just have to be prepared that everyone is not going to agree. And that’s okay too. Remember we are just a group of friends having a discussion.
elayne. Post, post, post! Even though I have my own beef with Farrakhan, doesn’t mean what he says shouldn’t be heard. Post to your heart’s content and welcome into the fold. Hope to see more comments from you!
CALL TO ACTION
We need to hit twitter, email, fax, phone,
Start with Boehners office, then contact your congressional representative and hang tough. or tell the Rep. to vote for the bill.
I just read this quote from an article at CBS –
———–
“This is not a game,” Mr. Obama said. “The clock is ticking.”
The Obama campaign promptly took to Twitter and Facebook to fight it out. With their candidate’s poll numbers rising, Democratic operatives seemed almost giddy at the prospect of a prolonged battle.
“The response was overwhelming,” said a White House official requiring anonymity to discuss Obama’s political efforts.
——–
So today we need to help make the response overwhelming again. We need to do what Senator Schumer said, keep the pressure on.
I’ve been blasting Boehner, Cantor, and McConnell on Twitter, and I will continue to do so. In one tweet I sent Boehner a link to a Reuters article to inform him that his failure as Speaker is no longer limited to the U.S. I’m expecting him to block me because I’ve really been hammering him.
Iran War? Iranians aren’t worried
Jason Rezaian| December 21, 2011 06:23
TEHRAN, Iran — Despite the crescendo of war rhetoric sounding among US, Israeli and Iranian officials, life on the smoggy streets of Tehran has remained business as usual. For the time being, the shops are still well-stocked and Iranians are going about their daily lives as if what some say is the coming war is not actually, and will never, come at all.
“Everybody fears war; that’s natural,” said Mohsen, a 44-year-old high-school English teacher. “But in the current circumstances it’s not something to worry about. There has to be a good reason for a war, and in this case the consequences for America and Israel of a war against Iran outweigh the reasons for doing it. No one actually thinks the US wants to occupy Iran.”
I had an interesting conversation yesterday with a friend/coworker that is Iranian. We always talk politics (on the DL because it’s not really allowed at work). His family is there, still. He was unhappy with the President’s sanctions on the country, saying that it hurts the average person, and is squeezing them all pretty hard, when they actually like the US and our people. The citizens are very pro America,it’s the govt that is not. He was feeling very badly for all the suffering that these sanctions have imposed on the average Iranian, and didn’t want those difficult sanction results to harm the people’s feelings toward America.
He expressed his frustrations with PBO in this regard.He is a big supporter of the President, as is his beautiful wife. We talked for quite some time about the world, the realities(!!!) and the wisdom of this President. In the end, I talked him down. I asked questions that made him think. He is an incredibly aware man…a well traveled and intelligent man that has lived all over the world.I think that because of this, and because he understands the complexities of the national politics and global politics, he was able to see my POV, and understand my issues with his concerns over this President. He supports this President…I just needed to give him more food for thought…it is best when one realizes certain realities on their own.THESE are the conversations that i love to have….with a knowledgeable, genuinely concerned person, not intent on spewing talking points at me….it’s always a pleasure to speak to someone else that realizes that knowledge is power…..I adore him….he thinks, like I do, about ALL the issues of a complicated world, that seen to happen at breakneck speed….never able to catch your breath before the next catastrophe hits. Information overload is what we suffer from. I think it felt good for him to vent those concerns to me. Ignorance is NOT bliss.
Posted at 11:13 AM ET, 12/21/2011
Harry Reid to John Boehner: Game over.
By Greg Sargent
Don’t look now, but it really does look as if Dems just may hold the line in the payroll tax cut fight. With House Republicans calling on Senate Dems to reopen negotiations over the Senate bill temporarily extending the tax cut, Harry Reid has now sent a letter to House Speaker John Boehner firmly rebuffing the demand.
Reid also offers Boehner a deal that he’ll have a very hard time refusing: Reid says he’s willing to sit down and negotiate over the terms of the one-year extension — but only if the House GOP passes the shorter-term extension first. Here’s the letter:
………………………………………………..
Reid responds to the House GOP argument that a one-year extension is necessary by pointing out that Boehner himself appointed Mitch McConnell as his negotiator to find a solution with Dems, and by noting that the solution they found passed the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support. Reid also tells Boehner he’s fully prepared to negotiate over the one-year extension the House GOP wants, but that in the name of giving middle class families tax relief and “certainty” (a favorite GOP buzzword) those talks won’t happen until House Republicans relent and pass the short term extension.
Kim Jong Un “to share power with military and uncle”: report
News Desk| December 21, 2011 04:17
Kim Jong Un, North Korea’s new young leader, will share power with uncle Jang Song-thaek and the military, according to a Reuters report. Kim Jong Un, said to be in his late 20s, is the son and successor of Kim Jong Il, who died Saturday.
Jang Song-thaek, 65, is the brother-in-law of Kim Jong Il and is described as a charismatic man with powerful political and military connections. In 2009 he was appointed to the National Defense Commission of North Korea, the supreme leadership council that Kim Jong Il led.
Reuters, citing a source with close ties to Pyongyang and Beijing, said North Korea’s military has given its backing to Kim Jong Un.
I just called Boehner’s office. I was on hold for 12 minutes. The loud patriotic music almost made me hang up. The person answering the phone did not even ask me where I lived, just quickly thanked me and hung up.
My point is this, we need to clog the phones and all other methods of communication everyday (except maybe Xmas). Boehner is counting on people being too busy with Xmas to notice, discouraged, or buying his Baloney.
Even if you only have 10 minutes you can leave a message, send a tweet or email the speaker.
Took several mins but finally spoke to whomever answered Boehner’s phone and told them ‘the Speaker is not representing me, he is violating the Norquist Pledge and increasing taxes on 160M of us, tell him to do his job and pass the Senate bill’ ….
way to go Linda – I tweeted cantor and boehner this morning. I’ll try faxing them too. Sent WhipHoyer a little love. gotta send some to Reid and Nancy Smash.
Regional Editorial Roundup: Will House Republicans Allow Taxes To Go Up On 160 Million Americans?
Posted by Josh Earnest on December 21, 2011 at 11:44 AM EST
“Now is not the time for political brinksmanship. Nobody wants to see their taxes go up in just ten days. Not right now. Not when families are trying to pay the bills or make ends meet. Unfortunately, if House Republicans fail to act, this tax cut will expire and millions of families will have $1,000 less next year.
Judging from the local newspaper editorials below, it looks like we’re not the only ones who believe the House Republicans should get to work and get this done before the end of the year.” Let’s take a look:
This is very cool, and a wonderful chance for us to put our ” Local teams ” into action. Fina an editorial in your state and send it to friends, tweet the story, make a comment on the page or call the local paper and thank them for the article.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood hailed new rules for pilot scheduling Wednesday that were spurred by a plane crash almost three years ago, but agreed with the families of victims that they had taken too long to be finalized.
LaHood argued Wednesday the new rules for pilot scheduling was a “big deal.”
“What we did in three years is more than what does in the previous 21 years,” he said during a news conference at the Department of Transportation’s headquarters in Washington.
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) announced Wednesday that it has adopted portions of its contentious union election rule.
Portions of the rule will reduce litigation on union elections by limiting testimony at regional hearings and consolidating appeals of regional director decisions into one post-election review request, the labor board said.
The election rule is strongly opposed by business groups, and House Republicans passed legislation earlier this year to void the regulation.
Newt Gingrich’s Congressional Ethics Scandal Explained: Everything you need to know about the allegations that brought down the speaker of the House.
—By Tim Murphy| Tue Dec. 20, 2011 3:00 AM PST
Gingrich told the Des Moines Register editorial board on Thursday. “It’s truly one of the most frustrating things of my career.” He blamed his congressional downfall on bad lawyering and on the zealotry of the House ethics committee (although half of the members were Republican). Lost in the campaign trail barbs about Gingrich’s ethical lapses, however, is any sense of what Gingrich actually did, either allegedly or as a matter of record.
Governing on Empty
Harold Meyerson| December 21, 2011
With the Tea Party in control, House Speaker John Boehner can do little but make empty promises. The current House Republican talking point is that a two-month compromise won’t solve anything, that they want to extend the payroll tax cut for an entire year. But this summer, they were disavowing any interest in extending the tax cut at all.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” said Dave Camp, the Michigan Republican who chairs the Ways and Means Committee. Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan complained that extending the tax cut “would simply exacerbate our debt problems.”
Of course, the Republicans had made huge cuts to the income tax, chiefly benefiting the rich, during George W. Bush’s first term, and expressed no concern about the cuts’ effect on the nation’s debt. With Democrats highlighting the fact, however, that the Republicans had finally found a tax cut they opposed—a tax on working people—Republicans discovered that in fact they supported extending the payroll tax cuts after all.
Not only have a couple strands been pulled loose from Romney’s usual perfectly coiffed do, but I see he is in Obama’s fave presidential casual checked shirt too. Everything about Romney is manipulative and unnatural.
At one of his rallys, the jeans that he wore appear to be specially picked to look like he was part of the middle class working person. They were the faded kind which was a little rugged . No way would he wear those jeans if he was not running for office. I can’t stand him. He constantly complain about PBO but he emulate everything President Obama does. He doesn’t realize that you need a heart and and a core to go along with it.
DF this is such a heart wrenching story. Arpaio and his bandits needs to be in jail themselves. I pray that justice is served for his family. I thank him for his service to our country and may he RIP.
had a dream last night that the House left Washington without passing the bill and PBO went on air to call them back. They ignored him so he pulled a Scott Walker. He sent out National Guards to round up all the repubs and haul ’em back to DC. The best part was the look on Boner’s face when he answered the door and saw the NG!!!!! It was hilarious! I thought I was gonna piss his pants!don’t know where that dream came from but it surely made me feel good this morning when I woke up! Hiya folks!
WTF..Bill Clinton really needs to shut the F up sometimes. I’m sorry, but I think Clinton who may have been some great Dem strategist back in the day is no longer so great. I know the MSM like to tout his cunning in political matters, but lately he’s been almost completely off his game. Going on FoxNews of all places. His mind is not as agile as it use to be, but his mouth hasn’t caught on to it’s limitations.
Slick Willy Bill is another overrated and lionized politician, like Reagan and FDR. It’s because of Slick Willy that we got NAFTA, DADT, DOMA, Gramm Leach Biley, and his campaign against Barack Obama in the 2008 primary season was shameful. His wife seems to have gotten over that bitter primary, but he hasn’t… Hillary needs to tell her man to STFU!!!! 😡 👿
I cannot believe how much that Matt Damon story angered me…..I never hit anyone in my life but I think I would punch his face if he was in front of me, that’s how mad I am…..that’s not good.
Funny. As I was driving to work I wondered the same thing. Are his feelings hurt because he hasn’t received an Oval Office invite? His behavior comes off as very bitter.
I believe you’re right. He feels very entitled. George Clooney has gotten personal access multiple times. But in the end, celebrity tantrums do not intimidate the President. But the disrespect leveled at PBO is something I can never forget…..ever.
I agreed. I am beyond tired of the disrespect. It’s so uncalled for and serves no point, but just to be nasty. ODS indeed. Saw on twitter this morning from DCPlod.
Dear Matt Damon: America does have a president with balls. What it lacks is celebrities with brains.
Thanks AnitaW, for that uplifting Twitter! I take it this is a recent matt damon whine? I was hoping he would have thought about the big picture and a couple of his friends’ view..George Clooney & Ben Affleck(who along with his wife, Jennifer Garner, has already donated to PObama’s 2012 Campaign) and decided to stop with the disingenuous whining.
I wouldn’t watch a movie with him the other night because looking at him would remind me what a stupid ass he is.
Draw a picture of his face on a sheet of paper. Tape it to a big pillow and punch it really hard. I swear it works and will make you feel so much better. I do it to Boehner, Cantor and McDonnell all the time 🙂
I agree with this, but expect the soul patrol to be pissed by this. Let’s bet on who will be first..for my money: Maxine Waters
“On the substance, Wilder couldn’t be more off base. But honestly, we’d pay more attention to this if he wasn’t known as Doug “in the Wilderness” Wilder. The last time he was relevant to the political process cell phones were the size of shoe boxes. Doug Wilder is dying for relevance – but we’re not going to help by paying attention to his rantings.” http://www.politico.com/blogs/ben-smith/2011/12/dem-blasts-wilder-rantings-108325.html
If you follow political news like I do, you may remember this year for its GOP horse race: who was up, who was down, who had an “oops” moment. But that’s not how I’ll remember it.
I’ll remember it as a pretty incredible year for Democrats. Here’s why:
Just in the last week, we’ve seen solid evidence that health care reform is working: 2.5 million Americans are now insured thanks to a provision in the Affordable Care Act that allows young adults to stay on their parent’s health insurance, more than double the number previously estimated.
And with the last troops leaving this past Sunday, the war in Iraq has come to a responsible end. Because of the veterans provisions of the American Jobs Act and the Hiring Heroes Act, which provide tax incentives to businesses who hire veterans in need of work, our troops coming home and all our veterans know that they can get the help they need in finding work and supporting their families.
These are the kinds of fights Democrats are waging — and winning. They’re crucial victories, but they don’t happen without you.
Next year, the stakes will be even higher. That’s why I’m asking you to step up right now and say you’re ready for the fights ahead:
Chip in $20 or more for 2012.
Next year’s election will be huge, that’s for sure — but the work we did in 2011 shows just what a grassroots campaign can do. Across the country this year, Democrats worked together and fought critical statewide battles on the ground.
In Mississippi, folks worked tirelessly to protect a woman’s right to choose and soundly defeated the Personhood amendment, which would’ve made abortion illegal, including in cases of rape or incest, and even banned some forms of birth control.
Up in Maine, statewide Democratic groups worked together to overturn the state legislature’s recent ban on allowing people to register and vote on the same day — a nearly 40-year tradition that’s helped the state have some of the highest voter turnout rates in the country.
And in the bellwether state of Ohio, the state Democratic party and progressive allies collected more than 300,000 signatures to stop a law that would greatly reduce how and when Ohioans can early vote — and put it up for a statewide vote next year. Thanks in part to thousands who were able to cast their ballots early, Ohio voters in November successfully repealed a collective bargaining law that would’ve stripped away the rights of teachers and firefighters to negotiate for important benefits and working conditions.
We have a ways to go to get the economy working for everyone, and there’s much more work to be done.
But we have a lot to feel good about. We’ve worked together at the national level to make change that’s going to affect millions of lives every day, like repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and we’ve banded together in our states and communities to stand for our party’s principles.
It’s what Democrats do.
But don’t doubt that for every victory we’ve had this year, the GOP is ready and waiting to reverse it. Repealing health care reform, reinstating “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” restricting voting rights, and putting Personhood amendments on the ballot in other states are all things the other side has promised to do if given the chance.
That’s why we need to be ready to fight for the change we’ve made — and make certain we’ll get to keep pushing for more.
It can’t happen without you. Show you’re ready for 2012 by giving $20 or more today:
Democrats have accomplished a lot but some Dems seem hesitant to say what those things are. Stop running away from your record and the president and tell the people what’s up.
Jay is flipping killing them. I love Gibbs….but Jay can needle you with a straight face. And only after he owned you….do you realize it. Some Peanut Gallery Jr Member said would the president let the speaker be cornered in a box and not do anything to help him? WTF?
On twitter CBS reporter Pete Maer says Pres Obama went shopping at a mall and took Bo into a pet store. How funny is this. President Obama went to do some Christmas shopping while Boehner and his walk away GOP congress twist in the mess they made. Love it!
One of the reporters asked Jay what was the message behind PBO’s shopping and buying Bo a chew toy? somene said” an expensive one at that”. Jay should have told her that he was just being human like everyone else during this holiday season. I am just waiting for the story on this one.
Expensive? The President can spend his money any way he likes. I read on twitter the toy cost $29.99. What is with these idiots even keeping track of what the Pres spends on his dog. Dang they are ignorant.
That’s right. You and I have the same breed of dog. As soon as I figure out how to post pictures I will show you one of Mr. Darcy. He went to the groomers this morning to get beautiful for Christmas and he was not happy .
Spent mucho dinero on my little yorkie—-treats and toys, even the most adorable boots once—-felt sorry for him walking on icy roads—he kept kicking them off—oh well, I tried. Husband still teases me about going to the lumber store when he was a brand new puppy the size of my hand and bought a bunch of supplies to build a pen of sorts in our laundry room, trying to keep the pee in one place—didn’t like cages—claustro—-and by the time I got done with it and proudly plopped him in there, with a nice soft blankey and toys to make it all homey and nice, he immediately jumped over my newly built “wall”. And that was that—-Big Fail.
Someone in Hawaii “tricked” a reporter—–said they hadn’t seen Michelle and girls but they did see someone walking Bo. Obviously Bo is not on vacay, he is keeping his human daddy company——-and going to the doggie toy store to select his xmas present.
I’m glad Bo stayed as well. I was worried about PBO being lonely, rambling around in that big old place by himself. Of course, Bo cannot take the place of the rest of the family, but he does his part. I love that he went Christmas shopping; no staffing out family gifts for this president.
Am I really hearing that Doug Wilder has suggested Joe Biden be dropped from the ticket in 2012? Last weekend it was “POTUS isn’t appointing enough black folks” and now it’s drop VPOTUS Biden????? Doesn’t he have some X-mas shopping to do??? A bar to hit up, perhaps??
He is doing it for the same reason Bill Clinton comes out and says some shady stuff every now and then. Bitter and not true supporters of the president. Plus, they like their moment in the spotlight and this is the way to get it since they are both, for the most part, irreleveant…obviously Wilder much more than Bill Clinton.
It seems like most of the real Washington insiders aren’t supportive of the president. Aside from Namcy Pelosi and Joe Biden, his support comes from ourside the “Beltway.” Regular people like us.
“Gov. Wilder, you ran for President and failed miserably! You didn’t even get 2% of the votes in the early caucus and primaries. I am sorry your are envious of the President because, unlike you, he was successful in winning the presidency. But, sir, why not act like a grown up and go tend your gardens, and enjoy hanging out with your grandchildren and let President Obama govern without you second guessing everything he does? He is the duly elected President of the United States. I don’t think he has to prove anything to you about his care and commitment to Black people. Nor does he have to listen to you about VP choices. Besides, VP Joe Biden is a highly respected leader with unimpeachable integrity. VP Biden has served the President and the country with honor for the past three years. President Obama and VP Biden won the election without paying attention to your idiotic demands. Why should they pay attention to you now? Remember, Governor Wilder, when the history books are written, they will record that you ran for president and very few people paid attention, but Barack H. Obama was elected 44th President of the United States. This tells me that he has more political skills than you.”
As Monty Python would say, “Blood, Devastation, Death, War and Horror”.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Newt Gingrich is urging House Republicans to give in, and go along with the White House and Democratic Senate on the payroll tax-cut extension. Gingrich does make clear that this is a calculation of the political realities — as a man who previously faced a Democratic president in government standoffs — while still siding with the GOP’s position in principle…
Presidential travel pool is assembling for an unannounced Obama trip; destination unknown.
UPDATE: A TV pool report says the president went to Potomac Yard Center in Alexandria, Va. to go shopping. He’s been to Best Buy to buy gifts, and PetSmart to buy chew toys for the first family’s dog, Bo, who’s with him on the trip.
The impasse is NOT about the payroll tax cut. It is ONLY about the Keystone Pipeline and weakening the Social Compact (unemployment, Medicare, SS).
The pipeline is the Kochs’ personal baby. It is the spear-tip of their war against Clean energy policy/initiatives/legislation and Pres. Obama personally. The teabagger House members are the Kochs’ servants sent on a Kamikaze mission. They don’t care about re-election as Koch will reward them amply. Kochs don’t care about the Repug party itself per se, only as a vessel to freight them to power and total control of this country.
The Kochs have greased the palms of the media to bend the narrative to their favor no matter what, bought unlimited access for their Teabagger congresscritters. Also dangled huge superpac advertising $$$$ in front of corporate media’s eyes. Now they are cashing their chips, 160 million Americans be damned!
“What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them.” — Pres. Obama (1/20/2009)
Yes, Indeed, Jackie! As always, Zizi went to the heart of the matter! The Kochs are on a mission to control this country. And as you said, the only way to stop them is to continuously “expose” their dirty machinations.
So after being on hold for almost 10 minutes at Boehner’s office they transfer me to his voicemail. I call back and it goes straight into voicemail. I let him have it in the message I left. I asked him to for once do what is right for the American public instead what he thinks will keep him in power. I told him it was unconscionable to think that his Republican Congress was going to go home without allowing a vote on the Senate bill that passed overwhelmingly with almost 90 percent agreement. To go home and leave millions and millions of people guessing right here before Christmas if they will have the funds needed to keep their lights on next month is a travesty.I then tried to appeal to his better nature (if he has one) to look beyond himself and answer the call to allow a vote on the Senate bill otherwise many will suffer because of his House’s inaction.
Mr. Boehner held a news conference with his appointees to the nonexistent conference committee. The members faced 10 empty high-back chairs, meant to represent missing Democrats.
“We’re here,” he said. “We’re ready to work.” He added later, “It would be helpful if members of the Senate of both parties were here.”
Boehner’s caucus has isolated him from both parties. Surely, this is not a scene he dreamed of when he became Speaker. Talking to empty chairs, isolated from both parties and leading a refusal to end tax cuts on the middle class.
House Dem Leaders to Stay in Washington Until Payroll Tax Cut Resolved
———————————–
Washington, DC
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
House Democratic Leaders promised, at a press briefing Wednesday, to return to the Capitol every day until the dispute over extending the payroll tax cut is resolved.
Minority Leader Steny Hoyer (MD) and Budget Committee Ranking Member Chris Van Hollen (MD) went to the House floor Wednesday morning to speak on the issue, but were not recognized by the presiding Republican Speaker. House Democrats want the Republican leadership to hold a vote on a Senate-passed payroll tax cut bill that passed over the weekend with a large bipartisan majority.
Wow, the security must have been tight in those stores today. I remember when Bill Clinton used to do his shopping at Union Station Mall in DC. just before Christmas. If you were there, you were hustled behind a barrier and a row of Secret Service men and were lucky if you caught a glimpse of Clinton’s head.
Bobfr Collapse
Our4thEstate Bobfr
@MittRomney Do you stand with #KochServant @SpeakerBoehner & the Tea Party on raising taxes on 160 M Americans? http://t.co/ruboeaQo
December 21, 2011 1:50 PM
House GOP loses another ally in tax fight
By Steve Benen
When the Senate voted over the weekend on its bipartisan payroll-tax-cut compromise, it passed 89 to 10. One of the 10 was Sen. Bob Corker (R) of Tennessee.
Corker’s concerns had nothing to do with procedures or timetables; he simply doesn’t want there to be a payroll tax break. He’s heard the warnings about the economic impacts, and he knows it would shrink the paychecks of 160 million Americans, but Corker thinks it’s a bad idea anyway.
It’s noteworthy, then, that Corker has decided it’s time for his party to give in and move on.
Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) said Wednesday that Republicans are losing the public relations battle over a payroll tax cut extension and should find a way to extend the tax holiday and move on.
“Are Republicans getting killed now in public opinion? There’s no question,” Corker said Wednesday on CNBC.
“Both Republicans and Democrats have agreed that this is going to happen and probably the best thing to happen now is just to get it over with — one more policy blunder — but just get it over with and move on because now it’s been framed as a tax increase which it’s not,” he said.
TPMDC
Dems Redouble Efforts To Break House GOP Will On Payroll Tax Cut
Brian Beutler- December 21, 2011, 1:48 PM
With Republicans so perilously on the ropes, Democrats aren’t relenting in their push to break House GOP leaders’ will, and force them to pass the Senate’s payroll tax cut compromise. Not in the White House, not in the House, not in the Senate.
On a conference call with reporters this morning, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) — joined by Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) — called on John Boehner to wave the white flag.
“This is the end of the road,” Schumer said. “The first thing that they have to do to show their good faith is pass the two-month extension…. I feel for Speaker Boehner because I know he didn’t choose this path. But they’re pretty far down a dead-end path.”
For the first time in recent memory, that’s the same thing the House GOP is hearing from House Dems and the Obama administration. President Obama called Boehner this morning and told him to pass the Senate’s payroll tax cut compromise “to ensure that middle class families aren’t hit with a tax hike in 10 days,” per a White House readout.
It’s officially open season on Romney’s Bain Capital days in the Republican primary. On Wednesday, Jon Huntsman’s campaign became the latest to accuse the private equity firm Romney co-founded of cruelly laying off workers.
In a conference call with reporters, Huntsman supporters in New Hampshire described the pain of watching dozens of their neighbors lose their jobs as a a factory owned by Holson Burnes Group Inc. was trimmed and then closed entirely after being taken over by Bain Capital, which ended up making an impressive profit off the company as many of its operations were moved overseas.
“The people who worked there, people who were laid off, the final 37 [workers] we had to deliver the news to, they where constituents, they were families,” former Claremont Mayor Scott Pope said. “They had hopes and dreams.”
These things happen quite quickly in the public’s mind. An event crystallizes an inchoate general feeling, and gives it clarity. I think of the moment Gingrich threw a hissy-fit about his seat on Airforce One; or the moment when Americans first saw Bill Clinton sitting for a taped deposition, and changed sides almost instantly.
The House Republicans have now all but guaranteed that taxes will go up on middle-class Americans because of what they themselves have called “high stakes poker.” And this moment may as well sum up why Americans despise this Congress as deeply as they do:
Yep, he is literally walking away – giving Hoyer a perfect moment for the rhetorical slam-dunk.
Romney Refuses To Take Position On Payroll Tax Holiday
By Alex Seitz-Wald on Dec 21, 2011 at 10:30 am
In two TV interviews today, GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney refused to take a stance on the biggest issue in Washington today: the extension of the payroll tax holiday. A huge bipartisan majority in the Senate passed a two-month extension of the cut, but the House rejected that yesterday.
A number of Republican senators have slammed House Republicans for blocking the extension, but on Fox News this morning, Romney wouldn’t say whether he sided with the House or Senate, dismissing the issue as an “internal battle.” “I’d like to see this payroll tax holiday extended,” Romney said, without saying for how long.
December 21, 2011 2:05 PM
Why Boehner wants a conference committee
By Steve Benen
So far, we’ve seen the payroll tax-break fight play out in a variety of steps. The first was House Republicans passing a ridiculous, right-wing extension of the tax policy, filled with extremist goodies that necessarily made the bill a non-starter. The second was the Senate approving a temporary, bipartisan compromise.
The third, of course, came yesterday when House Republicans rejected the bipartisan compromise and said they wanted a conference committee to reconcile the two bills.
It’s quickly looking like the conference committee itself is at the heart of the GOP strategy, such as it is. It’s worth taking a moment to consider why.
And this is why the Democrats have to call their bluff. Schumer said yesterday that the conference committee idea is a ruse to kill hte bill. He’s right and everyone needs to know it.
You guys have to check this out. True genius very cool. Every time you enter http://www.NewtGingrich.com it goes to a different site related to his past. TRY IT.
@Ali_Davis
Ali Davis
@MaddowBlog Genius hack alert over at NewtGingrich.com.
December 21, 2011 2:45 PM
Romney’s layoffs move towards center stage
By Steve Benen
I’ve been wondering for months why Mitt Romney’s Republican rivals weren’t going after the former governor’s vulture-capitalist record. It turns out, they were just waiting until crunch time.
To briefly review, Romney got very rich running a private-equity firm, Bain Capital, which broke up companies and laid off American workers. He had considerable success orchestrating leveraged buyouts, seeking taxpayer subsidies, flipping companies quickly for large profits, and making money for investors “even when companies slid into bankruptcy.” Romney, it turns out, is still making millions from the firm he left more than a decade ago.
This is starting to matter. Newt Gingrich took a shot at the Bain record last week; Rick Perry’s campaign has a new spot slamming Romney for “making millions … laying off workers”; and Jon Huntsman’s campaign is following highlighting all the New Hampshire workers who lost their jobs because Romney, at least indirectly, fired them.
This coincides with a very tough AP article, published on Monday, noting the hundreds of layoffs Romney’s firm orchestrated in South Carolina, creating lots of profits for Romney and his investors.
It’s about time this phoney so-called Willard the “job creator” face the music on what he did to people. I am so happy they are running ads regarding this.
Rick Perry and Dan Choi—–eat Sh&^, OK now that I have that out of my system here is a nice article from the AP
Navy tradition caught up with the repeal of the U.S. military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” rule on Wednesday when two women sailors became the first to share the coveted “first kiss” on the pier after one of them returned from 80 days at sea.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Marissa Gaeta of Placerville, Calif., descended from the USS Oak Hill amphibious landing ship and shared a quick kiss in the rain with her partner, Petty Officer 3rd Class Citlalic Snell of Los Angeles. Gaeta, 23, wore her Navy dress uniform while Snell, 22, wore a black leather jacket, scarf and blue jeans. The crowd screamed and waved flags around them.
And my friends, this is what the teabagger faction is so afraid of: a changing America, where everyone is accepted on his or her own merits, where people aren’t looked down on because of belief or orientation. They know that America is coming, that its arrival gains speed every day, and that they’ll have no place in it. That’s what we’re fighting for.
This post raises some interesting questions about Choi’s flawed decision to wear his uniform in public–while protesting. Thank you, Norbrook!
Was Dan Choi Ever In the Army? You Have to Wonder
More recently, I’ve been seeing supporters claim that he had the right to wear his uniform to this. Well, no. In fact, Dan Choi is wrong on many counts. He is no longer on active duty. He can say he’s retired, or claim veteran status, but he’s no longer serving in active or active reserve status. He shows up at a military base in uniform, to attend an Article 32 hearing, to “support” PFC Manning, and make a political point. After that, he goes on television to give an interview – again, in uniform.
Why is that important. Everyone who has been in the Army knows “there’s a regulation” about uniforms. Most of us can even tell you what it is: Army Regulation 670-1. It details everything about the uniform. What’s allowed, what isn’t, and how they’re to be put together.
America is finally growing up. The ankle-biters (far-right wing conservatives and other haters) are trying, but we will keep kicking them loose and pressing on to make our union more perfect. I am so thankful for the visionary leadership of President Obama.
R epublicans will do anything to make Obama a one term president.
E ven destroy the economy to do it.
P eople need to wake up and vote to defeat them in every state.
U nder their rule America is doomed to failure.
B ecause they only care about money
L et’s remove them from office because they put
I deology before country. Republicans
C aused this mess
A nd now refuse to pay the bill for their frivolous spending.
N ow more than every we need to vote them out of office.
S ave America from republican ideals.
A ngry voters will remove them all from office and
R elieve them of any responisiblity within the government.
E ventually they will all be removed from office.
L et’s move America forward again by voting ALL republicans out and
I nvesting in America’s future.
A fter we remove them all America will move towards a possitive future.
R epublican ideology can no longer be allowed to thrive in America.
S top the republican’s Pathway to Poverty.
h/t to GomezAdams over at HP.. ( he is one of the few originals that still fights the good fight )
guys on this site where you can watch MSNBC live, people are watching and having a convo about DWS cancer coming back. One person thought it had gone into remission but others said its back. WTF?! I hope this isn’t true.
Here’s another revealing post on Ron Paul from Little Green Footballs. Yet people like Barry Manilow and counter-cultural hero, Arlo Guthrie, support him.(see the comments section accompanying the post.) It takes some ignorance, willfull blindness or twisted logic to support this man while calling oneself a liberal.
Strong Evidence That Ron Paul Really Did Write Those Racist Newsletters
Far right dishonesty, in your face
Charles Johnson
POLITICS • Tue Dec 20, 2011 at 8:10 pm PST • Views: 11,424
In New Hampshire today, Ron Paul denied that he had anything to do with the blatantly racist newsletters sent out by his organization in the 1990s, despite undeniable evidence to the contrary: Ron Paul Denies Writing Past Newsletters Featuring Racial Slurs.
“Everybody knows I didn’t write them,” Paul said during a Tuesday campaign stop in New Hampshire. “It’s not my sentiment, so it’s sort of politics as usual.”
I haven’t seen these videos, btw. But from what I’ve read, this man is a stealth racist, antisemite and conspiracy monger who has apparently fooled young and old alike with his signature anti-war, pro-drug freedom, small government posturing. He doesn’t care what the folks smoke as long as he can take charge of women’s sexual and reproductive life. I wonder what plans he’d have for her if she drank or drugged while pregnant?
This list keeps getting longer and longer! Makes an excellent reference tool to push back against the media, PL, and emoprogs. Thank you, Milt Shook!~
A List of President Obama’s Accomplishments So Far!
One of the most irritating things I hear these days is the idea that President Obama is really no different than Bush, or that he’s a “disappointment.” Both of those characterizations are flat ignorant. If you truly believe that, you’re in serious denial, and you can’t be paying very close attention. In fairness, perhaps you were in a coma for the eight Bush Years, and if so, I forgive you. But please join the real world. So far, this Barack-obamapresident has done most of what he said he would do if elected, and he’s not even through his first term. Imagine what he could have done by now if we supported him, and gave him a Congress that doesn’t look at him as if he’s the demon seed.
What follows is a PARTIAL list of Obama’s accomplishments so far. Unlike many such lists, there is a link to a citation supporting every single one.
One of the most visited public gardens in the United States, and a popular attraction for elaborate holiday decorations, is now running on solar power thanks to help from the Energy Department.
Longwood Gardens, located in Pennsylvania’s Brandywine Valley, has commissioned an American-made 1.2 megawatt, 10.7-acre solar field as part of a goal to generate three megawatts of renewable energy by 2018. Once achieved, this solar power will provide 100 percent of Longwood’s electrical needs on a sunny day.
My cat lays on me like that (only I don’t do yoga, mostly passed out on the sofa) even my fella. We were watching a movie and we both fell asleep and she was curled up on his butt. 🙂
2012 Will Be The Year Of Republican Hypocrisy
December 21, 2011
By Chad Henderson
They don’t have much of a choice. The Republican Party have two options to go up against President Obama: Newt Gingrich or Mitt Romney. When the Republican voters go out to the polls at the beginning of the year the majority of them will vote for a person who has a background that these voters blasted years ago.
For instance: A decade ago some Republican voter probably said, “I can’t believe that ole’ Clinton had a daggum affair while in the White House. He has ruined our image and I could never vote for someone who cheated on his wife and lied to God by breaking a vow.” Well, this same person could very well vote for Newt Gingrich who has had three wives, breaking two vows to God. Uh oh!
~snip~
So lets recap for just a moment: the Republican voters didn’t want someone who cheated on his wife and they didn’t want someone who wasn’t a under the Christian label. Then they got Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney. Looks like those talking points were thrown out the window and forgotten about.
Just walked by the television at the office and CNN is covering the #40dollars question. MSNBC RATigan and Rendell are discussing 60 Minutes interview and taking it out of context as usual. I’m glad I cannot recall the last time I watched an MSNBC show. Sorry to Rev. Al but I haven’t watched his either. And guess what? It feels good.
I hope that House repubs finally give up and agree to Reid’s offer.
And then… And then… Folks, do you realize that the House republicans have just made themselves the champions of the full-year tax extension, after saying a few weeks ago they were against it !!? Meaning … they won’t have a lot of leverage in the next negociations ha ha…
The next negociations will indeed be interesting. If the House republicans refuse to vote for a full-year extension unless it comes with some defunding of ACA or any other crazy idea, they will further expose themselves. In another scenario where the GOP decides that the House republicans will vote yes and ask the Senate repubs this time to play the role of the obstructionists, it will further expose the GOP as chaotic and fractured.
Even better when it comes time to debate the Bush tax cuts. They are going to have to argue for extending them, but also find a way to pay for them. They will of course try to do this on the back of the middle-class which is why it’s so important that we win back the House and hold the Senate next year. Very important.
AnitaW, I am with you 100%! Last December (2010) President Obama promised to have this debate. As usual the frustrati emoprogs paid no attention to his words as they went on a rampage demonizing him. But this President, who has demonstrated over and over again that he keeps his promises, has once again delivered. By insisting on a middle-class tax cut the President has backed the teabag-Republicans in the corner. After their instance on maintaining the Bush tax cuts that favor the rich, they now have to explain why they oppose tax cuts for the poor and the middle-class.
Holder: Obama Will Issue Signing Statement With NDAA Detention Rules
Attorney General Eric Holder confirmed speculation Wednesday that President Barack Obama would issue a signing statement when he makes the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and its controversial detention provisions law.
“We made really substantial progress in moving from something that was really unacceptable to the administration to something with which we still have problems,” Holder said in response to a question from the Wall Street Journal’s Evan Perez. “But I think through these procedures, with these regulations we will be crafting, we can minimize the problems that will actually affect us in an operational way.”
Some people who supported PBO, but are ‘disappointed’ with him now already said ‘Signing statements are bad! Just like Bush!” These are also people who wanted PBO to ride rough shod over everyone else and do things their way our else! In other words be a bully, just like Bush!
For those concerned about the NDAA here’s some good news:
@adept2u
adept2u
#Obamaistheworst Well a signing statement to clarify #NDAA to assure liberties. Signing statement! Just like BUSH http://t.co/SIz3F5SA
There were still troubling parts of the NDAA and I believe it was Adam Serwer or Bob Cesca that said if PBO did a signing statement it would render one of those areas moot.
I thought so too because someone posted an article quoting a man who lived near where the family was vacationing who said he’d seen the First Lady, the girls and Bo. I guess he was mistaken, unless for Bo’s protection Secret Service ordered that he have a double.:)
he has a movie coming out. he’s probably trying to get his fellow firebaggers and other Obama haters out to see his stupid ass movie— no offense to the real family the movie was based on. Damon can go suck it. No one in film history is gonna remember him. He’s a schmuck.
All I can say is: BRAVO! She lets Choi and Olbermann have it…
Dan Choi Has Lost It, and Dan Ellsberg’s Not Far Behind
Posted by: Linda Carbonell on December 16, 2011.
As usual, I’m watching Countdown while I work. I just listened to Lt. Dan Choi calling Bradley Manning “an excellent soldier.” If Lt. Choi’s appraisal is indicative of what his supporters know about Manning, they are fools.
As for Manning “defending our Constitution” – could Choi please provide us with a citation from the Constitution for handing over American military and diplomatic documents to a member of another country’s government? We charge people with espionage if they steal documents to give to our allies. Birgit Jonsdottir, a member of the board of WikiLeaks, was also a member of the Icelandic Parliament. That, Lt. Choi, qualified Manning for charges of espionage.
Furthermore, an excellent soldier does not hand over to some irresponsible, glory-seeking prick information that endangers the lives of dissidents inside brutal dictatorships, particularly some paranoid asshole who’s so determined to damage this country that he put these documents out without redaction of the names of people who would be endangered by them. Choi needs to sit down sometime with the real journalists who worked with Julian Assange and find out what really transpired.
Choi is a disgrace to the military. He’s an absolute embarrassment and not a spokesperson for all gays in the military like he thinks he is. I’m sure there are many gay military personnel who wish he’d shut his ignorant trap.
One of the advantages of having put your soul on eBay is that it frees you up. You can say anything to anyone, and feel no consequences. You can go from promising to be more pro-gay than Ted Kennedy to backing an amendment to the Constitution permanently putting gays into second class status. You can go from calling yourself “progressive” to “the most conservative candidate in this race.” And you also can repeat in increasingly crude terms the notion that this president is some kind of anti-American, far-left ideologue determined to turn 21st Century America into Eastern Europe c. 1978 … and pretend that this is the actual debate we are having and that this is the universe we are living in. Given the alternative galaxies proferred by Roger Ailes, any other narrative might prove confusing for the true believers, I suppose. But if you want to read a long list of the whoppers that Romney has been touting, check out Sargent.
This is a lie:
Roosevelt believed that government should level the playing field to create equal opportunities. President Obama believes that government should create equal outcomes.
I hereby challenge Romney to cite a single case or action in which president Obama has said he believes that government should enforce equal outcomes in the workplace or the economy or anywhere else. His signature policy in education is called “Race To The Top”, for Pete’s sake. He chose to extend the Bush tax cuts. He has actually cut Medicare and taxes on a majority of Americans. The idea that at a time when the debt is soaring the wealthy might be asked to contribute their fair share to balancing the buget is not Marxist. It’s something the most right-wing economic government in the West, Britain’s Conservative Party, has insisted upon.
Company owners fake being disabled vets for government contracts
By David Edwards| Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Each year millions in government funds intended to help veterans get back to work go to firms where owners have lied about being disabled vets, according to government watchdogs. The federal government sets aside billions in contracts each year for companies considered to be service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSB). The program is intended to help returning veterans find employment.
But each year, about $500 million in Veterans Affairs (VA) contracts go to ineligible firms, the VA inspector general’s office has found. Even after the VA claimed it had increased fraud-prevention controls, the Veterans Affairs inspector general’s office found that 1,800 of the companies awarded contracts were not eligible. At least 70 of those firms have been referred for criminal prosecution.
President Obama Tells Boehner No Negotiations, Vote On The Senate Bill
What the tea party is doing to the Republican Party is less Braveheart and more kamikaze. Since the Senate left town, the House’s usual hostage taking tactics are not going to work this time. Obama is not going to make the Senate return to Washington. Reid is not going to appoint conferees. No one is going to help Boehner out of the mess that he created this time.
December 21, 2011 3:45 PM
‘History is made’ on mercury emissions
By Steve Benen
It’s not uncommon for the Obama administration to do something worthwhile. Once in a while, though, the administration does something very worthwhile that will have a major impact on society.
Dave Roberts has a helpful piece today on the EPA’s new national standards for mercury pollution from coal- and oil-fired power plants — the first of their kind — which he described as “a Big Deal” and an instance in which “history is being made.”
Finally controlling mercury and toxics will be an advance on par with getting lead out of gasoline. It will save tens of thousands of lives every year and prevent birth defects, learning disabilities, and respiratory diseases. It will make America a more decent, just, and humane place to live. […]
[T]his is an historic day and a real step forward for the forces of civilization. It’s the beginning of the end of one of the last of the old-school, 20th-century air pollution problems…. Long after everyone has forgotten who “won the morning” in the fight over these rules, or what effect they had on Obama’s electoral chances, the rule’s legacy will live on in a healthier, happier American people.
Thank you so much Rikyrah for sharing this important news that will benefit the health of many Americans. I really appreciate the work you do, both here and at the POU site, linking us to valuable news and information, which is routinely ignored by the so called mainstream media. Without your link, I would probably have missed the details of this important news story that has major implication for the well being of all Americans.
Can a Montana Program to Reduce Veteran Suicide Succeed at the National Level?
By: Eric Newhouse| Wednesday 21 December 2011
As America closes out its mission in Iraq, the Pentagon is gearing up to provide hundreds of thousands of returning soldiers with a new safeguard: intensive screenings for mental and emotional problems caused by combat. But military suicides – on average, one soldier has taken his or her own life every 36 hours between 2005 and 2010 – aren’t slowing down yet, according to an alarming new report this fall that says the suicide rate could threaten the United States’ decades-long reprieve from conscripted service.
Troubled in large part by those suicides, Congress passed legislation two years ago requiring three mental-health screenings for each soldier within the two-year period after he or she returns from combat. As of October, the Pentagon had hired nearly 3,500 health-care providers to screen its returning combat vets for elevated stress levels. The Army has already provided its initial examinations of the first 400,000 troops, although it hasn’t announced the results of those exams yet.
“Before this law, many of our troops received only a paper questionnaire, and never received an individualized assessment,” Baucus said. “Thanks to this law, they are now getting personal, and private, one-on-one attention from a trained health-care provider. And they get follow-up assessments for at least two years after they return.”
Remarks by the President at Signing of Caregives and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act
We’ve dramatically increased funding for veterans’ health care, including our wounded warriors, especially those with the signature wounds of today’s wars -— post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. Under Secretary Ric Shinseki’s outstanding leadership, we’re building a 21st century VA, including budget reform to ensure predictable funding, and a historic increase in the VA budget.
As a nation, as the beneficiaries of their service, there’s always more we can do and more that we must do. And that’s what we’re doing today, as I sign this important legislation —- the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act.
With this legislation, we’re expanding mental health counseling and services for our veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq, including our National Guardsmen and Reservists.
We’re authorizing the VA to utilize hospitals and clinics outside the VA system to serve more wounded warriors like Ted with traumatic brain injury.
We’re increasing support to veterans in rural areas, with the transportation and housing they need to reach VA hospitals and clinics.
We’re expanding and improving health care for our women’s veterans, to meet their unique needs, including maternity care for newborn children.
And we’ll launch a pilot program to provide child care for veterans receiving intensive medical care.
We’re eliminating co-pays for veterans who are catastrophically disabled.
And we’re expanding support to homeless veterans, because in the United States of America, no one who has served this nation in uniform should ever be living on the streets.
Tease for HBO movie Game Change, coming in March. Looks good, but can’t stand the thought that Mark Dick Halperin made money from selling the movie rights to HBO (with Heilemann)
In the middle of this video, one guy says: “I disagree with you on ______, but I think you’re doing” (I think he said) “a good job.”—-don’t quote me on that, but the spirit of what he said was similar to that.—
thanks Donna!!! You have once again proven just why Chips crowned you video queen!!
Great! that’s what real politically enlightened people do. you can disagree on some things but still think PBO is doing a good job and trying his best. I’m talking to you, Matt Damon! You punkass trash bucket!
House Republicans will soon – probably within 24 hours – cave in and accept the two-month extension of the payroll tax cut passed last week by the Senate.
I base this on conversations with House Republicans who know they are losing the public relations battle and losing it badly. They know they are taking the blame for a stand-off that threatens to raise taxes on 160 million Americans. And they cannot let that happen.
As one top House Republican aide just told me: “I do not expect taxes to go up on January 1st.”
At this point, there is really only one way for taxes not to go up on January 1st: House Republicans need to fold. Democrats won’t give in because they are completely confident that House Republicans will take the blame for the impasse. And Republicans don’t disagree.
Tea Party Deadbeat Dad Horribleness Joe Walsh’s Repub primary opponent has dropped out of the race. Not sure what the thinking is there—-she was supt. of schools and a more sane Repub, if there is such a thing these days. Of course, anyone appears sane next to nutball Joe Walsh. Maybe because Walsh is now in a Dem leaning district with 2 excellent Dem candidates, Tammy Duckworth and Raja Krishnamoorthi (sp.?) This will be an important race, one big reason is Walsh needs to be gone from our government —–forever. He’s done enough damage.
Chips, please put the video of President Obama in Pet Smart, Best Buy and going out to greet the citizens on the street it is PRICELESS. The Secret Service guys, bless their hearts are having a time trying to keep up with his every move. The video is wonderful. It’s on the CBS website.
He was sure putting the Sec Ser. guys through their paces—-they were nervous and scrambling—–fun to watch tho—-the people——I repeat, the people—love Obama. It seems joyful crowds gather wherever he goes—–and a joyful noise too.
There was always a slightly puzzling dynamic at work in the fight over the public option. It polled extremely well, but key Democrats in the Senate opposed it. Now, you could envision a justification for Democrats from red states opposing the measure on political grounds – even if the measure itself was popular, perhaps they saw more value in breaking from the liberal wing and demonstrating “moderation,” regardless of the specifics of the issue. But then you had, among the public option skeptics, blue state Democrats like Lieberman and Carper. It’s … interesting to learn that they were meeting with hedge-fund executives and telling them about their efforts to subvert the public option. (Emphases mine)
Wasn’t Obama. Sorry firebaggers, it just wasn’t. Anyone who tells you Obama killed the public option might as well be telling you he was born in Kenya.
Too Early To Chill The Champagne, But Action to Overturn Citizens United Heats Up
(By Joanne Boyer, cross-posted at Wisdom Voices)
The hustle and bustle of the holidays, the background noise of the GOP presidential debates and before you know it, you’ve missed a story that takes root in the month of December. It’s the time of year when it’s pretty easy to lose track of some noteworthy news items, no matter how many aggregated news services or web sites you monitor.
I took note the last few weeks on what seemed like an unusually high amount of activity around the topic of a constitutional amendment to overturn the horrendous Supreme Court Citizens United decision. It was as though every day brought another mention of someone doing something. For your review, I offer the following:
You know, this is just bad. I got up this morning with a looooong list of stuff I had to do, and here I am an hour and a half later, still reading stuff on this blog – the very first piece of email I opened! I can’t believe how much stuff you all dig up and contribute!
The Obama Diary 
hehe..First..!!
·oooO·.·.·.·.·.·.·.
·.·(·.·.)·.·.Oooo·
·.·.\·.(·.·.·.·(·.·.)·.·
·.·.·\_)·.·.·.·)·./·.·.
·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·(_/·.·.·
·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·
·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·
·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·
·.·Rock Wuz Here.·.
·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·
·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·
FIRED UP…!!
READY TO GO..!!! 😀
Mornin’ Rock!
Congrats, Rock!
Morning Joe is claiming President Obama said he was the fourth best president of all time. PBO said nothing of the sort. He was discussing his number of accomplishments on 60 Minutes compared to past modern presidents. Big difference. As usual no one contested Joe.
Good Morning Bill, hope you had a peaceful restful night. I hope you have a wonderful day. I have always heard if you can’t say anything good about someone then don’t say anything at all. So I choose not to discuss Morning Joke. I did all that yesterday and we all know what they are all about. Take care.
Bill, this was a question asked by ed henry from faux news yesterday at Jay carney’s press briefing. So I guess this it most be the right wing talking point on faux news and the right-wing freak party…. The joke is not even original and he must be afraid of those poll numbers..
Ed Henry just asked Jay Carney to comment on it again.
Hey Bill, I think the historian Doris Kearns Goodwin did a great job in pushing back on Joe’s mockery of PBO. She said PBO had every right to be very proud of his legislative accomplishments. She listed ACA, DADT repeal, Wall Street Reform, End of Iraq war, hate crimes bill, killing of OBL, liberating Libya, going forcefully after Al Quaida and on and on and on.
UT Austin, I agree, she certainly did and was great. However, my point was that no one pushed back on Joe and Mika saying President Obama claimed he was the fourth best president of all time, which he never said.
I guess they thought that comment didn’t warrant a serious discussion and instead chose to focus on the list UT provided.
I agree with that assessment.
Not concerned GOPOLITCO had three stories about that….and the president said nothing of the sort. He was talking about legislative accomplishments and hell, Kroft, was the one that said the President has had many, and the president agreed. Yawn. Cue the next wing nut outrage. I wonder why Joe is not talking about the walk away caucus. What a sad bunch. I agree with most posters, I don’t give that show any time. Stopped watching a long time ago…actually their ratings are up (still crappy compared to Fox). Morning Schmuck does nothing for me and neither does his sidekick Mika the Mouse.
Redstate. Com is freaking out that he compared what he got done with lincoln, lbj and fdr
And then it was exaggerated, which led us to Morning dickheads.
All of which no doubt came from Frank Luntz’ latest talking points. I tweeted Frank this week, and asked how he sleeps at night. Not that the question means anything to him. And I never watch Morning Joke anymore, although I did before. Almost wish the dreaded Don Imus were back in that slot – at least he knew he was the joke.
His 60 minute interview was on Sunday, right? And Joe is talking about this today? all those good poll numbers and news from yesterday got them scared.
That interview was DECEMBER 11th. That was 10 days ago. This Republican talk show is all manipulative propaganda.
OMG. Desperate.
Morning Joe is a propaganda machine.
awesome pic! Yes that is the best I could come up with. So is the House really gone for the holiday orn they somehow be forced to come back on the 27th.
How can we fine out if those House Republicans have gone home? Call their office. I think I will call my Congressman this morning.
I heard the Senate went home and the Dems in the House. I also heard Thom Hartmann complain that the House GOP were winning the talking points with the stenographer press even the NPR journalists were just reporting the year vs two months and not detailing all the poison pills they were trying to slip into the year tax extension. I wrote an email to NPR this morning about the lack of journalistic integrity they were showing on this.
Yes – I plan to challenge the NPR “journalist” – I think her name was Tamra Keith. She really got my blood boiling this morning with her skewed reporting.
Here’s an interesting perspective that I just came across:
Capitalism and Racism: Remembering the Great Oliver C. Cox
By Joe
In doing some research on capitalism and racism lately, I have been re-reading Oliver Cromwell Cox’s pioneering and excellent Caste, Class, & Race; A Study in Social Dynamics book, which was first published in the late 1940s. It is still very much worth reading and learning from. It is available for free in various pdf and ereader formats for the Monthly Review Press edition here. (I use the Kindle formatting in quotes below.)
Racial antagonism is part and parcel of this class struggle, because it developed within the capitalist system as one of its fundamental traits…. Race prejudice in the United States is the socio-attitudinal matrix supporting a calculated and determined effort of a white ruling class to keep some people or peoples of color and their resources exploitable. In a quite literal sense the white ruling class is the Negro’s burden; the saying that the white man will do anything for the Negro except get off his back puts the same idea graphically.
It is the economic content of race prejudice which makes it a powerful and fearfully subduing force. . . . However, it is the human tendency, under capitalism, to break out of such a place, together with the determined counterpressure of exploiters, which produces essentially the lurid psychological complex called race prejudice. Thus race prejudice may be thought of as having its genesis in the propagandistic and legal contrivances of the white ruling class for securing mass support of its interest. (Kindle Locations 11973-11982).
Read more: http://www.racismreview.com/blog/2011/12/21/capitalism-and-racism-remembering-the-great-oliver-c-cox/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+racismreview%2FnYnz+%28racismreview.com%29
I love that there are no tall buildings in DC blocking those beautiful buildings and monuments.
I think the majority of them have gone home..some may still be there, perhaps leadership on the Republican side. I have read that some DEMS plan to stay to beat the snot out of the Republicans for staying.
I love Martin….I wish his show was on at 7 PM instead of the repeat of Tweety Bird.
Martin always see what others fail to see, and he always tell it like it is. I wonder if Bohner realizes that snake Cantor is really calling the shots and Bohner is nothing but a puppet.
This video is great. I agree; MSNBC please move his show to 7 PM.
This was right on.
And just as Iago, Cantor will not stop until he destroys everyone around him. But to continue the Shakespearean analogies, we have Prince Hal on our side who calls us and leads us “once more in to the breach” to fight the way to victory once more.
Have a great day everyone.
I wish I could quote Shakespeare like that – so easily weaved into the conversation. Makes it come alive!
Elqouenttttttt and on point
Wow that was good. Martin Bashir is one of my favorites.
Good Morning.
Did Eric Burns leave Media Matters ?
Yes, he and Carl Frish formed a blog called “Bullfight strategies” or something. He makes appearances on Stephanie Miller and other shows.
http://www.facebook.com/bullfightstrategies
http://bullfightstrategies.com/
I love them both. They really are bulldogs. I’m so glad they are on our team.
Did UpChuckTodd just say Gingrich has to go to Virgina tonight because he does not have enough signatures yet to get his name on the ballot ?
Lurking over at HuffyPuffy on the thread about President Obama telling John Boehner to pass the Senate compromise, it seems that one of the right wing talking heads decided to circulate a talking point about Obama’s vacation cost, that is all the right wing apparently has. That, and the right wing posters are actually buying Boehner’s garbage about “kicking the can down the road.”
President Obama played this exactly right. Now John Boehner and the Walk Away Caucus own the impending tax hike on the middle class, unless John Boehner decided to call them back from holiday recess early, which isn’t likely.
Is the Pres going to join his family? Or can the Reps be shamed into passing the bill.
the Reps know no shame, why else are they playing political games with the middle class?
It looks like Boehner caved in to Can’tor and the TeaPub crazies in his caucus. There is no other explanation on why Boehner would reject a Senate bill that almost every Senator voted for, 89-10 in favor.
They are whining about the vaca and about the Progressives (cough) in the media going to the WH quoting Jake the Snake Tapper.
Here is one comment. “Only a weak coward would surround himself with preeners. A true leader would invite a bi-partisan group. Anyhow this shows how in the tank the MSM are for this guy. ”
So… I asked this person to identify the people in this picture.
That this person made this type of comment shows how little he/she understands about the way our government operates. The Constitution clearly states that it is the job of Congress to deal with issues of spending. PBO did the right thing in letting Boehner and the republicans take their own licks for their ineptitude and obstructionist tactics. It’s a clear signal to Boehner, Cantor, and the other GOPers that PBO is no longer willing to bail them out of messes they deliberately create because of their hatred of him. He’s through with that BullStank. Just the fact that Boehner sent PBO a letter “demanding” that he “make” the dems in the Senate re-negotiate the deal with the House is a clear sign that Boehner has NO control over his caucus. I can imagine the phone calls that are now taking place between Boehner, Rove, Priebus, Luntz, and other GOPers discussing ways to spin their failure to help the middle class for two freeking months to their advantage, and the comment you shared shows that some people will believe whatever lie they come up with over the holidays.
wow Sukey beautiful work I was looking at your gravatar – you’ve made your living for the past 30 years being a pottery artist? that’s amazing
They will say anything at this point but it sounds flat, stale and very old. The president and his family pay for their own vacation, except for the Secret Service protection that is rightly paid for by the government, as it has been for every other president. This is such blatant and petty criticism that a child could see through it. The Republicans have perfected the game of ‘kick the can down the road’ for their entire existence as a party and now they want to self-righteously claim to dislike the game when the welfare of middle class and UI recipients are at stake. They are phonies and it shows. Too much is at stake this time that directly affects the pockets of individual Americans and their garbage isn’t going to sell. Doing a two-month extension while you negotiate differences is NOT kicking the can down the road. It’s common sense when so much is at stake.
Our job is to keep making the lives of these Republican traitors miserable. Write and twitter everyday. Use Facebook. Leave messages in their offices so their inboxes jam. Write LTEs. The American people have to see who is on their side and who isn’t. They have to understand that we are operating as a nation with a rogue House of Representatives that is a slave to a rump portion of the Republican party and does not have the interests of the American people at heart. This is the most important message we have to deliver. This crowd must go for the sake of our country. Obama/Biden 2012 and a Democratic House and Senate.
The Obama Hawaii Vacation Pricetag: Much Ado About Nothing
Oh, the screaming and crying and gnashing of teeth at the price tag for the Obama’s approximately $4.1 million Hawaii vacation. You really gotta hand it to The Huffington Post, and its founder, politically schizophrenic Arianna Huffington who hasn’t quite figured out what she wants to be when she grows up.
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2011/12/20/the-obama-hawaii-vacation-pricetag-much-ado-about-nothing/
It figures that the right wing would parrot a talking point from a rightwinger masquerading as a liberal.
Thank you, Ladyhawke! Wonderful piece by Julie Driscoll~ I’m adding addicting information to my address bar right now!
There’s even a never seen by me before pic of PObama with a Boogie Board in the surf and little surf kids. This should go Viral!
I’m with you, Jackie! It’s time to put those boots on and put foot to the GOP’s azz.~
We Will Not Allow The Tea Party To Mug The Middle Class This Christmas
December 20, 2011
By Jason Easley
Due to the straight majority rules in the House, there is nothing that House Democrats can procedurally do about the Republican led implosion of the payroll tax cut extension. What they can do is make sure that Boehner’s latest cave to the tea party carries a heavy political price. That’s where you come in.
By signing this petition and calling House Republicans, you can let them know that you are watching and you make sure that you, your friends, your neighbors, and your family will be voting for their opponents in 2012.
Call the House Republicans at (202) 224-3121 and make it clear that their days in power are numbered if they let the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits extensions expire. America has had enough of the tea party shakedown. Tell them the game is over by signing the petition today.
http://www.politicususa.com/en/tea-party-mugging
Here’s the format for the petition!~
Stand with President Obama: Stop the Middle Class Tax Hike
BREAKING: House Republicans just blocked the bipartisan Senate proposal, meaning 160 million Americans will see a $1,000 tax hike on January 1st, 2012.
Over the weekend, Democrats and Senate Republicans worked together to extend the payroll tax cut and prevent a $1,000 tax hike on 160 million middle class families.
Sounds too good to be true, right? It is. Today, Tea Party House Republican voted down the proposal.
The Tea Party is mugging the middle class with a tax increase because they don’t think millionaires and corporations should pay their fair share.
Sign our petition today and tell House Republicans to stand with the middle class, not the Tea Party, and support the $1,000 payroll tax cut compromise before it’s too late.
SIGN THE PETITION: http://dccc.org/MiddleClassTax
https://secure.dccc.org/page/share/middleclasstax?action_code=FgxRWxYUOVIKQV0YB1YGTFM&td=VVBNTwIxFPwrTU-aQNku7gLLxcRET-iFhIOYpmzfQrXbbvqBZI3_3beBiCY9dN5MZt6bLwqt1IZWNCQbDtqCeJd9f38Er3tnmYVIR7TRPkQrW0AdQiP_ol53-MlynnNEHpT2UEeRvDnzQuykMS5ekO
Please everybody: SIGN THE PETITION I have shared this inf with all of our friends and family
let’s go The fucking Tea Party can NOT get away this a treason to the Country.
Done! Also shared with friends and family and urged them to sign.
We could save some money if the press corps didn’t travel with him – or if they paid their own way…They are completely useless.
Nin…here’s a good piece (NOT AT HUFFPUFF) about the cost of vacation…..
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2011/12/20/the-obama-hawaii-vacation-pricetag-much-ado-about-nothing/
They’re all idiots. This President could go to Hawaii every 3 months for the next 10 years and it wouldn’t put a dent in the amount of taxpayer money that has been wasted by Bush & Co……another faux outrage. As usual.
Twitter language today please…the walk away caucus…this is not a game etc.
Gotcha!
Tom Brokow is an elitist snob. His “Boomers” documentary was horrible and not even close to reality.
He sounds so full of himself.
He is a limousine liberal….
MSM often talk of politicians being in “the bubble”, yet they are ever so much in the same bubble. Talking about eating in folksy places in Iowa and NH every four years does not make MSM part of the middle class.
I was given Brokaw’s “Boomers” book as a gift, since I’m an original baby boomer. It was BORING, and I lived through all that. He missed at least half of what was going on, just as he does now.
Ha…I just saw Rove’s ” Solyndra” ad running on MSNBC. I think Karl has lost his groove…
Yes because I care way more about some funny name sounding company than 40 bucks being taken from my pocket weekly. And this is Bush’s Brain/Architect…
Today’s Today Show Repub—–5th place lie- to- your- face Michele Bachmann—–must have run through all other options. Ann Curry did ask her about an op ed she wrote where she said it was time to restore “someone of character” to the WH—–did she not think President Obama was “someone of character”? Bachmann had no answer, sputtered around and then came up with some nonsense about the founding fathers. Bachmann looked ridiculous, everyone knows Obama is someone of impeccable character, and she was caught in an outright lie, a false premise, as false as false can be.
I want to officially lodge a complaint against Chipsticks and TOD family. I have been somewhat politicially aware for a while now, but got most of my information from the usual local and national media sources on TV and in print. But since I’ve started coming here I have become more aware and sensitive to the tone in many newscasts. For instance, my local TV station in Atlanta characterized the payroll tax cut difference as “Obama and the Democratic Senate only wants to extend the tax cuts for 2 months but Bone-head and the Republician house want to extend it for one year.” Where at one point I would have said that does not sound right, because I come here and read all of the great information you have I was up cursing and yelling at the TV and now I feel compelled to send the station an email about the stupidity that they are repeating!
So, thanks to Chips and TOD for making my blood pressure go up and ruining my Christmas. As long as I come here I can never walk around blissfully unaware again! 🙂
Welcome to the ranks. As has been said “once you know better, you do better.”
AH! Welcome, Brookwater! Your ears will begin to fine tune themselves to the RW slant of the news! It is IMPERATIVE that you call them out, every single time they do this!!!!! Do it in response to Tv news broadcasts, blog posts, TV blogs…everywhere you see it 🙂 The public is being lied to and manipulated by the corporate owned media….daily. It is our job to set them straight and not let them get away with the lies! Welcome to the family 🙂
Just sent an email to NPR about not giving all the facts and just repeating the House GOP talking points this morning on their news. I said I was disappointed in their lack of journalistic integrity.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
Thanks for the feedback Brookwater. Your update made my day because it clearly demonstrates that “knowledge is power”. That’s the beauty of this amazing website that our dear Chips has created. Letting your local tv station know that they are being dishonest with their reporting should feel incredibly gratifying. Hold their feet to the fire.
Getting the facts to the American people continues to be a challenge. But day after day it is clear that the relentless push back from sites like TOD is making a difference. With over 6 million hits, TOD has done wonders for educating the public and the media with the facts on President Obama.
How can any newscaster say that when PBO has been going on and on about a 1 year extension for months? Why don’t these folks ever mention what else the GOP wanted? Did they have to jump to celebrity gossip segment or something?
Thank You Brookwater you have made the point that I have been trying to express. Folks are being duped by our media. Many still trust the media and are left with a right leaning conclusion. So often I hear people here say “how can 45% of the country think the Republicans will do a better job at some policy”. This is your answer. Perception is everything and our media knows this. They have worked like crazy to paint this administration as incompetent and that the likes of a “Romney” can fix what ails this country.
And its not that people are dumb or lazy about seeking information. Its just that the information they are getting (which they think is good information) is bias and false.
I’m so happy you found your way here and am is truly an informed person who can push back on the lies and the bias. Each one, must teach one….
Ha Brookwater that made me smile. Yep you can never be “Blissfully unaware” again. Good for you to correct your local media. 🙂
And! You will never be alone again…. My prayer is that millions take this step along the path you now follow with us. Now wouldn’t we see America rise up fast!
Brookwater – We’ve all fallen into the Chipsticks’ “trap”! Welcome, and don’t let it ruin your Christmas! 🙂
I live in GA, too, Brookwater, and as we both know, everything here has a RW spin. The republicans’ misdeeds seem to never get a fair airing out, and the voters remain clueless about how hard PBO is working on their behalf.
THE REPUBLICAN ‘PAYROLL TAX’ FIASCO
==================================
The Wall Street Journal’s editorial page, one of the most conservative pieces of media real estate in the country, went considerably further today, blasting the GOP’s “payroll tax fiasco,” and mocking Republicans for “managing to lose the tax issue” to President Obama.
===================================
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/the_republicans_payroll_tax_fi034233.php
Will chuck Todd ask mittens any tough questions today?
I noticed, mittens has three dine and eats with voters today.
Maybe chuck, will then tell us all how he connects so wonderfully with ordinary people.
Bet?
Remember, today is the day that Lisa Jackson announces new clean air act regulations.
These clean air act rules were ignored in past administrations.
If you got to EPA.gov, her department fines big business for clean air act and clean water act everyday.
Last week she fined a Texas business 12 million bucks for clean water act violations.
That said, these new rules will cost companies 10+ billion by 2016, for special scrubbers.
But, it will save 17k lives.
How about that Lisa Jackson, best EPA administrator ever!!!
Love her! Thank you, Lisa Jackson!!!!
Guess what? I just read on the hill that the house republicans want these rules to be gone.
They want these repealed and put into the supposed taxcut deal.
No! I would rather the tax cuts to expire!
GOD BLESS PBO…WILL CATCH UP MORE LATER…LOTS OF FAMILY VISITING RIGHT NOW!
have fun sue – Merry Christmas!
So, Americans elect is letting the Internet pick their candidate?-
http://swampland.time.com/2011/12/21/americans-elect-can-a-well-heeled-group-of-insiders-create-a-populist-third-party-sensation/
This is a bozo way of doing things and of course Doug scohen us the one that is interviewed. Ugh!
If they’re letting the Internet pick their candidate, I wonder if we can infiltrate the and select PBO? 😀
We wouldn’t want to do that because part of the fine print is that the candidate selected by voters via internet primary (but with veto power by a cabal of the instigators) must pick a Veep from “a different party”. If we infiltrate, it should be to pick a loser like Sarah Palin or Ron Paul who can’t win a general and would peel off votes from Romney/Gingrich/whoever the Repubs choose as their official nominee.
Good point!
ECB to lend 489 euros to euro area banks.
Phew! That will help!
MITT ROMNEY IS A FLIP FLOPPING LIAR
It’s bad enough that Mitt “Who Am I This Time” Romney flip flops so much on every issue that it just makes you dizzy. But what I find most egregious is that this man is just plain dishonest. On top of that he’s a phony. He has no core. His latest speech (where he used a teleprompter) was another opportunity to attack President Obama and make stuff up. It’s really astonishing. Steve Benen documents the atrocities in the link below.
The point at which Mitt Romney loses his mind
====================================
And Romney is just a weak man who lacks the courage necessary to have a credible debate over economic policies. Such an argument requires honesty, an understanding of the basics, and a willingness to be consistent and principled — and given Romney glaring character flaws, he simply lacks the integrity to engage in such a discussion.
====================================
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/the_point_at_which_mitt_romney034234.php
The press is fixated on the new quinnipiac Virginia poll that has Romney beating Obama by 2.
The polls are all over the place., because nobody knows what methodology to use, you can basically write your own outcome before the poll is taken!
I think Nate Silver said Quinn had a Repub bias..their polls are always horrible for the President. Hey Jovie here is a pretty good read on the Taliban is not our enemy story. It’s from a vet.
An excerpt:
It is my opinion that what the vice president said is something many of us combat veterans of Afghanistan already know: the only reason we are at war in Afghanistan today is that Afghanistan is where Osama Bin Laden was hiding on September 11, 2001. And because the Taliban leaders and their cultural code of pashtunwali value pride and stubborness to such a degree that they refused to give him up, we now find ourselves still shedding blood there, long after al Qaeda has been crushed and is no longer a presence in that country.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/12/20/i-hate-the-taliban-afghan-war-vet-says-but-biden-was-right.html
Thanks.
I also left you a response from Jay Carney on the thread where you asked for info.
The PPP poll had Obama beating Mitt in Virginia last week. I agree with your observation about polls being all over the place.
Jovie, that means it’s a tie, right? Romney leads in Virginia by 2, if it was Obama leading by 2 they would call it a tie.
More insight into the crazy R brain
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/12/21/how-the-republicans-blew-the-payroll-tax-debate.html
Good Morning, Everyone 🙂
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Can’t Quit Hitting The Sauce
Posted by Zandar
The mighty Tea Party has feet of clay, and nobody’s more clay-colored than Orange Julius as the House GOP picks up their payroll tax cut and unemployment benefit extensions ball and goes home for the holidays. The Tea Party drinks your smoothie, John. They drink it up.
Obama insisted today that the only path to continuing the tax break past its Dec. 31 expiration is for the House of Representatives to send him a two-month extension passed by the Senate. At the White House today, he blamed a “faction” of Republicans for blocking the bill by including extraneous issues.
Meanwhile, Boehner and the Republican-controlled House pressed ahead with their plan. The House voted 229-193 to reject the Senate bill and insist on a year-long extension of the tax cut. Boehner, an Ohio Republican, then chose eight House Republican negotiators and demanded the Senate name lawmakers to attend formal talks.
“There’s no reason we can’t do this,” Boehner said at a news conference.
Actually there is, Johnny. And it’s called “You have no control over your caucus anymore.” They’re over you. You’re irrelevant, you can’t deliver a deal, you have no clout on the Hill, and you’re a joke.
http://zandarvts.blogspot.com/
That about sums it up,rikyrah. Plus the fact that nobody’s responding to his stupid call, so he would end up negotiating with himself. That’s why he had to call on Daddy PBO to bail him out. But Daddy told him to stuff it.
It is hilarious how Willard now has a few strands of hair out of place. A focus group must have come to the conclusion it makes him look more natural.
I thought I was the only one who noticed that
There is no makeup or hair treatment in the world that would make Willard look natural. Wood is wood and that’s what he is.
December 21, 2011 8:00 AM
The Republicans’ ‘payroll tax fiasco’
By Steve Benen
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) told CNN yesterday that the fight over extending the payroll tax cut is “harming the Republican Party,” adding, “We’ve got to get this resolved and with the realization that the payroll-tax cut must remain in effect.”
The Wall Street Journal’s editorial page, one of the most conservative pieces of media real estate in the country, went considerably further today, blasting the GOP’s “payroll tax fiasco,” and mocking Republicans for “managing to lose the tax issue” to President Obama.
GOP Senate leader Mitch McConnell famously said a year ago that his main task in the 112th Congress was to make sure that President Obama would not be re-elected. Given how he and House Speaker John Boehner have handled the payroll tax debate, we wonder if they might end up re-electing the President before the 2012 campaign even begins in earnest.
The GOP leaders have somehow managed the remarkable feat of being blamed for opposing a one-year extension of a tax holiday that they are surely going to pass. This is no easy double play.
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/the_republicans_payroll_tax_fi034233.php
Newt Gingrich Secures Endorsement Of Anti-Gay ‘Family’ Group He Helped Fund
http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2011/12/20/392871/newt-gingrich-secures-endorsement-of-anti-gay-group-he-helped-fund/
Newt Gingrich Tells Gay Iowan To Vote For Obama
http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2011/12/20/393663/newt-gingrich-tells-gay-iowan-to-vote-for-obama/
that was hateful Ladyhawke. He is basically saying gay Americans should vote for the other guy if human rights will be a central issue in their decision making because frankly my dear, he doesn’t give a darn.
hateful
TPMDC
How The Payroll Tax Fight Descended Into Chaos
Brian Beutler- December 21, 2011, 5:45 AM
The fight over renewing the payroll tax cut into next year has escalated into a multi-front political war, both between Republicans and Democrats, and within the Republican party itself.
Lost in the gamesmanship and the arguments about process, hypocrisy, and leadership are the issues at stake.
So let’s review.
This debate started when President Obama introduced his jobs bill, the priciest provisions of which were a one year renewal (and broadening of) this year’s payroll tax holiday, and an extension of emergency unemployment benefits.
Republicans were never wild about moving ahead with either of these items to begin with — but a very public campaign by President Obama made it too politically toxic for GOP leaders to oppose them outright. Instead they just made it as difficult as possible for either to pass. They could’ve agreed to support the measures without paying for them, or to pay for them with war savings, as some Dems to suggest, or with a mix of payfors that included a balanced mix of tax revenue and spending cuts. Likewise they could’ve agreed to pass the measures “cleanly” — without attaching unrelated policy riders to the legislation.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/what-its-all-about-a-recap-of-how-the-payroll-tax-fight-descended-into-chaos.php
“Lost in the gamesmanship and the arguments about process, hypocrisy, and leadership are the issues at stake.”
Only quibble: President Obama and other Dems have not lost sight of the effect this bill will have on millions of Americans.
December 21, 2011 8:35 AM
The point at which Mitt Romney loses his mind
By Steve Benen
Mitt Romney unveiled a brand-new stump speech in New Hampshire last night, reading a carefully-crafted, poll-tested text from two teleprompters. Confident that his Republican primarily rivals simply won’t (or can’t) catch him, the former one-term governor ignored the other GOP candidates in his speech, and focused exclusively on attacking President Obama.
Unfortunately for those who have even a passing interest in reality or a civil discourse, Romney, allegedly the responsible one in the Republican field, has been reduced to lying uncontrollably.
Just a couple of weeks ago in Kansas, President Obama lectured us about Teddy Roosevelt’s philosophy of government. But he failed to mention the important difference between Teddy Roosevelt and Barack Obama. Roosevelt believed that government should level the playing field to create equal opportunities. President Obama believes that government should create equal outcomes.
“In an entitlement society, everyone receives the same or similar rewards, regardless of education, effort, and willingness to take risk. That which is earned by some is redistributed to the others. And the only people who truly enjoy any real rewards are those who do the redistributing — the government.
“The truth is that everyone may get the same rewards, but virtually everyone will be worse off.”
It stands to reason that Romney, who’s completed the transition from “progressive” views to far-right hysterics, would present a worldview different from the center-left president’s. But this speech was written in a twisted fantasy land, and it ascribes views to Obama that are simply made up. It’s simply madness.
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/the_point_at_which_mitt_romney034234.php
Wow, Romney is reduced to concocting fantasies about phantom President Obamas who speak to him in another sphere that none of us can see or hear. This equal outcomes crap is as old as the hills and I remember it as a RW talking point during the Civil Rights movement. No civil rights leaders ever said or thought about creating equal outcomes, but the R’s always dug up that straw man to create outrage. And name one American who’s struggling to get a job, feed a family, get their kids through college, save a buck for retirement,or try to meet monthly bills who feels this is an “entitlement” society. Having a safety net for senior citizens that they have contributed to all their lives, and providing some base of societal support for the disabled and those unable to work IS THE LEAST a civilized society can do for its people. Heck, even the Egyptian pharoahs knew this. If this is Romney’s stump speech, he has nothing. He hasn’t got the wit the attack the things the president actually says and does and he has not one original thought to add to the discussion. That’s why he needs to go back in time to dig up a dead issue.
December 20, 2011
Hang tough
Thus spoke John Boehner:
[T]he issue now is will the president engage with the Senate Democrats and bring them to the table so we can resolve this and give to the president what he has asked us to give him: a one-year extension of these expiring programs.
Oh we get it. Speaker Boehner and pals were trying to be helpful.
Ah, screw it. When one is contemplating contemporary GOP politics, ridicule remedies nothing and reason is futile. Excepting maybe Sen. Scott Brown, who’s been terrified into reasonableness, all the usual partisan, pseudoconservative yahoos will line up before the cable cameras and yap away with identically insufferable propaganda; see above.
http://pmcarpenter.blogs.com/p_m_carpenters_commentary/2011/12/hang-tough.html
No, John, the issue is whether you will ever get a clue and stand up to your own caucus. You are whistling in the wind and nobody cares what you say or think. You dug the hole–it’s all yours. And, John, may you have the same kind of Christmas you wished on 160,000 other Americans.
I think you are missing some zeros.
Oops, meant 160,000,000.
Shakespeare always has beautiful lines for all situations. Yes, Cantor is Iago to Boehner’s Othello, Othello who was so totally gulled by a totally evil person, whose only motivation seemed to be “the green-eyed monster” jealousy, yes, Shakespeare coined that expression in that play.
But I love the reference to Henry V’s St. Crispin’s Day speech…”Once more unto the breach” and we know who won that day…..the young King Henry. He had the long view, and our valiant President has the long view.
If you want a treat, one that will stir you and encourage you, watch Kenneth Branagh’s Henry V. It is far superior to Laurence Olivier’s which is all posturing. My husband went with me years ago to see it, and not being a Shakespeare aficionado, didn’t know what to expect. He was touched and completely won over. Said the language was difficult at first, but my by the time you get to that great speech and the battle, he was into the movie, and I believe you will be completely enthralled and weeping.
Thank you for bringing that idea to mind. This entire experience of our country’s for the past nine years is like a Shakespearean play, and our valiant President is doing all he can to prevent it from being a tragedy. If we rise up, as the English did with Henry V, we will prevail, and the evil will be put down.
The speech that makes me tear up, every time! I hold a special place in my heart for that speech (Branagh’s version)….when my daughter was young (3 or 4) she watched that speech over and over again with her dad. She watched it SO much, that she had memorized the entire thing and would recite it for speechless relatives! She was adorable, and recited it with the same passion that she heard on TV….she called it the “Hendery speech” She’s 20 years old now….and has long since forgotten that she did that…wish I thought to video tape that….maybe if we show that to her now…..
Do you know I read this speech on every election day morning. It’s a stirring way to get your juices going for the battle ahead.
Seriously? Great motivator !!
We want a L O N G primary season, so people like him, can spout things like THIS!
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2011/12/20/393185/romney-defends-wall-street-and-insurance-company-executives-from-obamas-criticism/
Header at HuffPuff.
MATT DAMON SLAMS OBAMA ! A long article about an interview Damon did for Elle Magazine….
One problem….the article at Elle is two pages and Damon only mention PBO in the last paragraph and his complaint is old news.
Epic Fail at HP. ( I am shocked it is not their Main story .)
SHOCKED! At the fail!
and yet they defended billionaire Michael Moore after he was exposed for funding his films through a company funded by Goldman Sachs.
Of course he would be in the Michael Moore cult. What will Damon say when PBO’s reelected and OWS fades into oblivion?
So he brought up the President again. Damn he sucks. I’m definitely not seeing your whack ass movie.
You can have Matt Damon, I’ll take George Clooney, Denzel Washington, any day any time over that Matt who character.
Makes it easier to decide which movie not to see. My god-daughter may have liked this, but there’s always Tin Tin.
He makes as much sense as Michael Moore….Ignorant jerk.
Matt Damon: “You know, a one-term president with some balls who actually got stuff done would have been, in the long run of the country, much better.”
Matt, an actor with more talent, would, in the long run, have made better movies.
Jackie, I am so tweeting that to damon…… 🙂
TODers who tweet, is it possible to send Matt a list of the President’s accomplishments or each person could send a different accomplishment until the list is completed. I think that would be an effective way to show him just how wrong he is! Just a thought…
Or you could send him the link to this article. I just love posting this list. Facts, facts, and more facts! Thank you, Milt Shook. 🙂
A List of President Obama’s Accomplishments So Far!
One of the most irritating things I hear these days is the idea that President Obama is really no different than Bush, or that he’s a “disappointment.” Both of those characterizations are flat ignorant. If you truly believe that, you’re in serious denial, and you can’t be paying very close attention. In fairness, perhaps you were in a coma for the eight Bush Years, and if so, I forgive you. But please join the real world. So far, this Barack-obamapresident has done most of what he said he would do if elected, and he’s not even through his first term. Imagine what he could have done by now if we supported him, and gave him a Congress that doesn’t look at him as if he’s the demon seed.
~snip~
What follows is a PARTIAL list of Obama’s accomplishments so far. Unlike many such lists, there is a link to a citation supporting every single one. Anytime someone, right OR left, tells you Obama sucks, or is a “disappointment,” show them this list and tell them to kiss a part of your body not usually considered pleasant to kiss. The first section alone should make them sit down and shut up.
~snip~
Read more: http://pleasecutthecrap.typepad.com/main/what-has-obama-done-since-january-20-2009.html
If Matt Damon didn’t have his head buried in his ass he would have seen what all President Obama has accomplished instead of looking like a clueless braindead dick.
REPUBLICANS ATTACK PRESIDENT OBAMA’S LEADERSHIP (Try to control your laughter)
=================================================
The Rovian tactic of attacking your opponents strengths has been on full display lately. GOP polling must be confirming what we all know – that President Obama gets high marks for his leadership skills. That must be why every one of the GOP clown car presidential candidates has spouted some nonsensical comment blasting PBO for not leading. This is just laughable. It just makes the clown car candidates look more unhinged and deranged because the facts just don’t support their criticism. It just shows how desperate they are. They got nothin…..
There was a good segment on Ed Shultz last night that focused on President Obama’s leadership skills and his accomplishments. I was especially disgusted with attack dog Chris Christie’s puffery. We all know he supports Mitt Romney and probably wants the VP slot.
THE ED SHOW
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/45745162#45745162
I saw that last night…..it is sweet.
oh….but that other story about the 8 soldiers in Afghanistan being charged in the death of the Chinese soldier is disturbing.
http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/21/9605061-8-us-soldiers-charged-in-death-of-fellow-gi
I worry about the mental health of our soldiers sooooo much…
Today at 7:57 AM
Mitt Romney Goes Glenn Beck
Mitt Romney has reworked his stump speech and delivered the new version last night. It’s premised on … a total lie:
………………………………………….
This isn’t just a casual line. In eight sentences, Romney asserts over and over again that Obama wants to create “equal outcomes” and give everybody the “same rewards.” This is nuts, Glenn Beck–level insane. Restoring Clinton-era taxes is not a plan to equalize outcomes, or even close. It’s not even a plan to stop rising inequality. Obama’s America will continue to be the most unequal society in the advanced world — only slightly less so. The alternative proposals accelerate inequality even further.
This is a form of insanity that has become extremely pervasive in the Republican Party since 2009. The response to liberal invocation of rising inequality from the right’s intellectual leaders has been to argue against not liberal policies but against socialism. This wild lie has become so widespread that press accounts don’t even bother to mention it anymore
http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2011/12/mitt-romney-goes-glenn-beck.html
I have grown to despise the word ” cave ” regardless of which side uses it. It is so offensive to me.
Me too. It’s the most overused word since 2009. Please find a new one.
“Kick the can down the road” is also becoming very tedious.
The other over used word is “punting” ex. The Repubs/Dems keep punting. I’m tired of that word. It needs to be retired.
you aren’t the only one. It is comes off as juvenile. As in no one is supposed to compromise EVER.
Ridiculous. I feel the same way Linda. Regardless of which side uses it.
Well, sometimes it is true that you reap what you sow. In shilling for the GOP and upholding, denying, and promoting their failed policies, Fox created a monster. IMO, it’s too late now to denounce the monster, especially when it’s lying in the bed right beside you. I think what the Foxers hate most is the fact that the GOP came out of this fight exposed as enemies of the middle class and poor and stinking like the pieces of feces that they really are.
This is how you all know that I’m officially on vacation and can afford the time to eff off on the intertubes!
ALERT!!!! Chips, you MAY have to update and revise the Mankini pics…I found some juicers!
http://newtsnudes.com/
Gonna be bad here: The one of him with the little weenie. Bet that’s about right.
Teeny, tiny.
While President Obama was stuck in Washington on Monday, First Lady Michelle Obama was in Hawaii introducing daughters Malia and Sasha to the wonders of organic farming, Aloha style. Joined by Senior Policy Advisor for Healthy Food Initiatives Sam Kass, Mrs. Obama took her girls for a visit to MA’O Organic Farms in the Waianae area, according to Honolulu chef Ed Kenney, a board member for the community farm. Using fresh produce, Kenney and Kass cooked veggie-laden pizzas in a fire oven. Mrs. Obama first visited the farm in November, when she hosted a Let’s Move! event there as President Obama hosted the APEC Leaders Meeting in Honolulu. (Above: Mrs. Obama and Kenney during her first visit to the farm)
http://obamafoodorama.blogspot.com/2011/12/hawaii-vacation-michelle-obama-brings.html
I really hope he gets to spend the holidays in Hawaii with his family. These games are stupid.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the ladies flew back to Washington to spend Christmas with dad. I get the feeling he’s not leaving. He doesn’t say things he doesn’t intend on doing.
That’s what I said earlier. I said if this drags on past the 23rd they would probably fly back to DC but that was when we were on the brink of the Senate deal and I thought everything was good to go.
We shall see….
Why can’t he fly to HI for Xmas eve and day, then fly back? He is the President….F’ em.
That’s my take, jojocat. He is the President. He’s not running out on the American people. If the American people are that sensitive as to think it would be a bad optic, then they deserve the clowns voted in. President Obama should not put his personal life on hold where staying in DC would produce nothing, while everyone else gets to vacate. I imagined him alone, wondering what the hell is he going to be doing while his family is in Hawaii, for Christmas, for pete’s sake. Fuck the congress, the media, the haters.
Why should POTUS stay in Washington when congress goes off on a month long vacation? He deserves time with his family and I agree, if American people are offended by this “they deserve the clowns” who, by the way will also go away for the holidays.
he’s such a weasel
I hope Huntsman takes votes away from this POS. I don’t care which fruit loop wins the primaries, as long as it’s not this liar. I can’t even listen to him speak without feeling ill, has any one of the “journalists” who have interviewed him called him out on his lies?
I agree. I despise him. How can someone who claims to be a Christian and talks about how important his faith is lie like a dog every waking moment of each day. And when he’s called out on it, he just lies some more and never ever admits to flip flopping or lying. If I were a Republican I would rather stay home than vote for some one who is clearly a psychopathic liar. How could any of our allies or any world leader trust anything he says.
Debz, I completely agree. I was telling my sister how many I just can’t stand this man, Lord forgive me. He is such a pathological liar. He is wooden and down right mean.
WASHINGTON–The year 2012 will bring publication of two new books about Barack and Michelle Obama, with “The Obamas” by Jodi Kantor published on Jan. 10 and an Obama biography by David Maraniss out around June.
From blurbs on “The Obamas” at Kantor’s web site:
“When Barack Obama won the 2008 presidential election, he also won a long-running debate with his wife Michelle. Contrary to her fears, politics now seemed like a worthwhile, even noble pursuit. Together they planned a White House life that would be as normal and sane as possible.
“Then they moved in.”
http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2011/12/the_obamas_new_book_on_first_c.html
Can’t wait. I think I might pre-order the jan 10th book.
I see Kantor got a 7 figure deal on her book. I am always a little apprehensive when the tease is she will take us “deep inside the WH” and provide “riveting detail and insight into their partnership”. Will hope for the best. And for Maraniss’ biography.
Who is she? Her name sounds vaguely familiar. Is she the photographer from the campaign?
She’s been a writer on the campaign for the NYT. She’s done a very decent job in her reporting but when I read her blurb for her new book I tweeted her and asked her if she was going to go the way of the rest of the media and focus on negative narrative. She wrote back to me but didn’t say all that much about content. I hope she doesn’t go there.
I really believe that many of the folks who claim to be “disappointed” with PBO just want to get close to him to make money by writing books or to affirm their social status and to be able to say he’s their friend because whether you like PBO or not he is now and forever an historic figure. People should know that true friendship is not instant; it develops over time and is generally rooted in some commonality. I admire PBO and the First Lady for keeping these vultures at bay and maintaining their friendships from Chicago.
The one author’s book I would definitely read about PBO’s two terms is Doris Kearns Goodwin—because she is a historian. Though she’s been to the WH several times, it’s really for PBO to listen to other historians. She’s good at getting a good perspective of Presidential history without the TMZ “reporting” that we see prevalent in today’s media. I think she’s one of those few people that if she were to write a book, the President would give her a personal interview for some background information.
I agree and I like her too. She would be more interested in an historical record of PBO’s presidency rather than her own selfish or personal agenda.
THIS!
My reply was in reference to L3 comments about the haters who still want to get close to the Obamas.
I will not be buying another book about the Obamas, as I don’t want to feed anyone’s ego. The Obamas are alive and well, they are successful, smart, and all out a together couple and family. I shall wait until Mrs. O, should she ever decide, to write about her own life in the White House, and will wait with baited breath, the historical accounts of President O’s life in that same place. No more getting famous off of my dime, pimping this historical period, way before it has had time to solidify it’s place in history.
I agree. The only book I own about PBO is Dreams from My Father. I still have to get The Audacity of Hope. But I decided I would only purchase books authored by the family. I was becoming appalled that everyone was writing books disecting PBO just to make a quick buck. I could make an exception for a book by Doris Kearns-Goodwin.
My sentiments exactly edp4. The Obamas know how to speak for themselves, thank you very much!!!
I too will not be buying any more of these 3rd party Obama books. I will wait till the President and First lady write about their sojourn!!!
As for Jodi Kantor, I do not trust her and will NOT be buying her book!!!
I’ve seen some of her reporting and as usual there is always that bit of gratuitous slighting and dissing of the Obamas.
Sorry but Jodi Kantor can keep her greed-driven book to herself!!!
I received a notice from Social Security yesterday. My increase will be $ 51.00 a month Starting in January . Up 3.6 % !
Yeah my Mom’s SSI was reduced $51 next month due to the raise.
Why ?
JoJothecat did you mean “increased”??
I hear ya…whenever they increase your income from one source, they take it away from you from another source. COLA almost always is a wash for me, sometimes I even end up with less money than before.
Tien Le, here’s an article about retirement benefit changes that contains some good information.
11 Retirement Benefit Changes Coming in 2012
By Emily Brandon| December 5, 2011
Here’s a look at how retirement benefits will likely change in 2012.
Bigger Social Security checks.
Higher Social Security taxes.
A small increase in Medicare Part B premiums.
Slightly better Medicare Part D gap coverage.
Higher 401(k) limits.
401(k) fee disclosure.
More 401(k) investment advice.
More 401(k) match reinstatements.
Increased IRA income limits.
Increased access to the Saver’s Credit.
Higher pension insurance limits.
Read more: http://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/articles/2011/12/05/11-retirement-benefit-changes-coming-in-2012
Thanks!
Kewl
Federal Retirement, Military Retirement, and VA Disability Checks will also increase by 3.6%.
You see, the republicans are spinning and lying all over the cable stations.
Oh, and it’s all the Presidents fault.
Lol!
ECB is up to 645 billion dollar bailout of europea banks.
They are calling it TARP 3.
Preaching to the GOP – Do The Right Thing
wow. rikyrah. that is powerful stuff. man. off to tweet this down boehners throat. oh and that dingbat Cantor.
Haven’t read all of the comments this morning, but did everybody get the cute email from Reggie Love about Dinner with Barack and Michelle? So adorable!
Turned on MSNBC – why oh why? They played a robocall to elect Hillary Clinton. It said (I paraphrase) If Hillary were President, Wall Streeters would be in jail, there would be no foreclosures and something else that I can’t remember. It was really, really tired. These people just don’t quit with the nonsense. The reporter said they don’t know who is behind the calls. They don’t want to know.
I keep on saying it’s Hillary’s husband, Slick Willy Bill. He was recently on BillOLiely sniveling about how the media supposedly favored Obama over Hillary during primary season 2008. Slick Willy is proving the adage that he was the best Republican President we ever had.
I don’t trust Pres. Clinton and he sure as foot in mouth disease but he wouldn’t do this. This is Americans Elect or a right wing group.
Why can’t he let it go? She lost. The stench of his disappointment is damaging the remnants of the reputation that he has left. He really needs to grow up and let go.
For those who still think Clinton supports the POTUS, this is what else he had to say during the interview with Bill O’Reilly. You can’t convince me that he’s not trying to start some shit!~
Bill O’Reilly Gives Bill Clinton The ‘No-Spin Zone’ Treatment In Extended Interview
by Frances Martel | 8:36 pm, December 20th, 2011
The hypothetical vote questions continued, as O’Reilly asked Clinton whether he would vote for Mitt Romney in New Hampshire. Clinton answered that he was “not going to get in that Republican Party” with a chuckle, but later recanted and added that he liked Jon Huntsman, and argued “he arguably has the most consistently conservative economic record of anyone running.”
O’Reilly then pushed him to answer why he believed the media supported more liberal candidates– in 2008, to the detriment of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Clinton hesitated to answer, instead adding, “nothing I say will be helpful on this,” and after some repeated questions arguing that he did not believe the media was consistently liberal. That said, he repeated with humor, “nothing I say will result in anything good happening in America.”
http://www.mediaite.com/tv/bill-oreilly-gives-bill-clinton-the-no-spin-zone-treatment-in-extended-interview/
Oh, and there’s THIS from the same article.
Clinton told O’Reilly he believed that President Obama appeared more vulnerable now that he will in the general election because “he’s out there running against himself out,” though O’Reilly countered that he believed 2012 would be a referendum vote.
I don’t believe Former President Clinton would stoop so low. As previously reported on TOD, this robocall movement is spear headed by two so called “Democrats” Doug Schoen and Paul Caddell I believe, who are employed by Fox News to represent the “Democratic” viewpoint.
So why aren’t both Clintons speaking out loudly and clearly AGAINST these attempts to use them to divide the Democratic party???
I just do not trust them and believe they will stoop to any level!!!
They don’t know ego is behind the calls.
Meanwhile, fox and CNN have dine interviews with bill Clinton.
The media is trying to build up Hillary again.
Why would they do that Jovie? Hillary is a smart and loyal Democrat, she knows it would destroy the Democratic Party if she talks about running.
They want the pumas to reemerge!
Let the pumas reemerge in 2016. As a African American I feel President Obama have been shown such disrespect, like no other President. And to the Pumas, here’s something you need to think about, I will not vote for any Democrat in 2012, but President Barack Obama.
I think these kinds have destroyed their future elective chances by many AA Democrats after the horrendous treatment the first AA President has received. You all can count me as one of them. After 2012, I’m out. Zilch. Kaput. Nada. Asta la vista. Whatever! Not feeling any love. Don’t give a shit. Drained. And hinging on hatred of the politics of this historic time, more than in any time in my life.
I’m going to hang in there — ever election until I die. Too many of our ancestors marched, prayed, cried, were beaten and battered, some even died so that we could exercise our civic responsibility. No way I’m going to let them down. The teabaggers/firebaggers/etc WANT us to become discouraged. My mantra is “REMEMBER 2010!”
The only African-Americans that would go along with this idiocy are West, Smiley (who should come out the closet) and Wilder. Many AA I’m told 2012 will be the last time they vote Democratic.
Unfortunately, what you’re saying is being said by many. In our community. I understand and certainly feel that way as well. But voting matters and I worry what will happen to the masses of African Americans and what political clout we may have had, will be lost if our vote isn’t in large numbers. Hope that makes sense. Typing on my iPad and it’s not good!
The corporate elite ( Wall St, Big Oil, defense contractors, etc.) want Barack Obama out of the White House. They will try every trick in the book. This building up Hillary is one of them. The American Elect thing is another one.
God, I wish the “left” would wise up and see that Barack Obama IS liberal and progressive, and a TRUE agent of change who scares the hell out of some greedy and powerful people in America ( and in the world too).
OH. MY. GOD.
Unfreakinbelievable. Here’s an embed.
MAKING A MOCKERY OF OUR DEMOCRACY
This is a violation of their oath of office. Just unbelievable.
House of Representatives Oath of Office
“I, (name of Member), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.”
I’m trying to figure out what the rules are for a Senate pro forma session. Don’t they have to recognize a call from the floor?
to quote the great Bernie Mac:
‘Punk Azz Summabishes’
this needs to be front page. This needs to be tweeted, face booked, emailed
. . . . this needs to go viral.
They are a disgrace.
They really are. And MSNBC allows Repubs to come on say, but, but, but, but, we onnnllly want to extend the tax cuts for a year. We just don’t understand why the Democrats won’t meet with us so we can extend it for a year instead of the lousy two months they want. I could scream.
What assholes. Kudos to Steny Hoyer for calling them out!
yep nin, I agree I tweeted him some love. yay steny!
The President still has not signed the defense act!
Pocket Veto?
Cool!!
Love this!
CNN iReport picked up the WH #40Dollar idea and is asking people to send in videos of what they would do with $40 – Cool.
Heartwarming. especially Jill Biden sitting on the floor with the kids watching the video. How cool is that??
Conservatives Pan GOP Strategy On Payroll Tax Cut: ‘A Fiasco,’ ‘Entirely Outplayed’ By Obama
By Pat Garofalo on Dec 21, 2011 at 9:35 am
Most of the House of Representatives left for the holidays yesterday after House Republicans rejected a bipartisan Senate compromise to extend the payroll tax cut that is expiring at the end of the year. Several Republican senators took the House GOP to task, with Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA) calling the House’s action “irresponsible and wrong,” while Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) said the standoff is “harming the Republican party.”
Now their concern has migrated into the wider conservative movement. In an editorial today, the notoriously right-wing Wall Street Journal called the GOP’s strategy “a fiasco,” saying “the GOP leaders have somehow managed the remarkable feat of being blamed for opposing a one-year extension of a tax holiday that they are surely going to pass. This is no easy double play.”
~snip~
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2011/12/21/393785/conservative-worry-gop-payroll/
What Happens To The Economy If The Payroll Tax Cut Expires?
By Pat Garofalo on Dec 19, 2011 at 11:00 am
House Republicans intend to vote down the Senate’s bill tonight, leaving the issue unresolved. But what happens if the payroll tax cut is allowed to expire? According to several economic analysts, it would severely affect growth and job creation next year:
– According to Macroeconomic Advisers, allowing the payroll tax cut to lapse “would reduce GDP growth by 0.5 percent and cost the economy 400,000 jobs.”
– Barclay’s estimated that letting the cut expire would knock 1.5 percent off of first quarter growth next year.
Meanwhile:
– Ameriprise Financial Services estimated that extending the cut “is likely to add between 750,000 to 1 million jobs.”
– Susan Wachter, a finance professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, calculated that the payroll tax cut “would add 1 percentage point to economic growth and create 1 million jobs next year.”
– Regional Economic Models Inc. estimated that the cut would pump “$120 billion into U.S. households in 2012.”
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2011/12/19/391989/what-happens-payroll-tax-expire/
The perfect comment left on this post at TP:
Actually this is exactly what the Republicans want. If you have been listening at all to them over the last year their only goal is to get rid of Obama. Everything they have done is to undercut him and keep him from accomplishing anything for the good of the country. They don’t care that this will cost the economy growth. They don’t care that this will cause the loss of more jobs. They simply don’t care. They don’t care that 1 in 2 Americans are now in, or near poverty. They don’t care. When you call a Congressman’s office to express your opinion, you are treated rudely and told you don’t know what you are talking about. You give them FACTS and they brush you off like you are the biggest annoyance out there. There only goal is to see Obama gone, Keep the House and re-take the Senate. The majority of Americans and their welfare? Well they can go to hell, that is the Republican attitude. We will do as we please, who are you to question us? Well voters, I suggest we remember the Republican priorities come next November, and send them all home.
I think she is right on point.
December 21, 2011 10:10 AM
They should watch ‘Braveheart’ to the end
By Steve Benen
In July, when House Republicans were prepared to crash the global economy on purpose, they took inspiration from a movie clip. It was a scene from the movie “The Town” in which Ben Affleck’s character said, “I need your help. I can’t tell you what it is. You can never ask me about it later — and we’re going to hurt some people.”
It was, in the words of one right-wing lawmaker, a scene that helped “forge a sense of unity” among House Republicans.
This week, these same unhinged GOP lawmakers had a different movie in mind. Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-Ga.) said this week, “Look, this is a ‘Braveheart’ moment. You, Mr. Speaker, are our William Wallace. Let’s rush to the fight.”
The “fight,” in this case, was blocking a middle-class tax cut and unemployment benefits a few days before Christmas. Dana Milbank marveled at the nonsense.
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/they_should_watch_braveheart_t034237.php
Putin calls for 1.3T in stimulus to create 25 million jobs, in Russia!
Must be nice!
Newt To Gay Voter: Support Obama
Pema Levy December 21, 2011, 11:01 AM
If you’re a gay American, don’t vote for Newt Gingrich.
That’s not a Democratic talking point — that’s reportedly what Newt himself said to a gay man in Iowa Tuesday.
“I asked him if he’s elected, how does he plan to engage gay Americans. How are we to support him?” Scott Arnold, an associate professor of writing at William Penn University, told the Des Moines Register. “And he told me to support Obama.”
~snip~
http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/newt-to-gay-voter-support-obama.php?ref=fpnewsfeed
Newt To Gay Voter: Support Obama
Pema Levy December 21, 2011, 11:01 AM
If you’re a gay American, don’t vote for Newt Gingrich.
That’s not a Democratic talking point — that’s reportedly what Newt himself said to a gay man in Iowa Tuesday.
“I asked him if he’s elected, how does he plan to engage gay Americans. How are we to support him?” Scott Arnold, an associate professor of writing at William Penn University, told the Des Moines Register. “And he told me to support Obama.”
~snip~
http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/newt-to-gay-voter-support-obama.php?ref=fpnewsfeed
December 21, 2011 11:00 AM
Literally walking away from a fight
By Steve Benen
It was rather remarkable this morning to watch the proceedings on the House floor. House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) wanted to try again to bring up the Senate’s bipartisan payroll-tax-break compromise, and instead of debating, Republicans literally walked away from the fight.
If you watch the clip, you’ll notice that Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), who was presiding over the House session at the time, got out of the Speaker’s chair and left the chamber altogether. Other Republicans joined him. Hoyer, of course, noticed, and explained, “You’re walking out, you’re walking away, just as so many Republicans have walked away from middle class taxpayers, the unemployed, and … those who will be seeking medical assistance from their doctors.”
When Hoyer finished speaking and turned to Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) to continue the debate, GOP leaders demanded that C-SPAN turn off the cameras so the public couldn’t hear the debate any more.
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/literally_walking_away_from_a034239.php
The are freaking cowards who can’t stand the truth.
So much for “transparency”. 🙄
Video- Fox’s Crowley Claims Obama Had A Year Of “Disappointing And Dangerous Foreign Policy Fumbles” — No Mention Of Bin Laden
Posted on Wednesday, December 21, 2011, 8:00 am by Paddy
http://thepoliticalcarnival.net/2011/12/21/video-quick-clip-print-email-foxs-crowley-claims-obama-had-a-year-of-disappointing-and-dangerous-foreign-policy-fumbles-no-mention-of-bin-laden/
Newt To Gay Voter: Support Obama
Pema Levy December 21, 2011, 11:01 AM
If you’re a gay American, don’t vote for Newt Gingrich.
That’s not a Democratic talking point — that’s reportedly what Newt himself said to a gay man in Iowa Tuesday.
“I asked him if he’s elected, how does he plan to engage gay Americans. How are we to support him?” Scott Arnold, an associate professor of writing at William Penn University, told the Des Moines Register. “And he told me to support Obama.”
~snip~
http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/newt-to-gay-voter-support-obama.php?ref=fpnewsfeed
Hi everyone! I delurked last week and finally got the nerve to post this video re Min. Farrakhan blasting the media during the commercial break of a radio interview he did here in Chicago. Whatever one may think of Min. Farrakhan, he always tells the truth. I hope I do this right – not too good at this computer stuff.
Nothing personal, but did he tell the truth when he blasted PBO about Libya, jeopardizing his (Farrakhan’s) relationship with Gadhafi? Yes, he has been known to be straight and many times truthful, and I would give him a listen quite often, until he went against his very own advice of not chastising the first AA President. Differences aside, I heard he was unmerciful about the Libya issue. Critique is one thing, but he went the way of the emoprogs. Hopefully he has settled back into reason.
He has his own truth about Gadhafi and Libya. I only posted this because of what he said about the media, which I believe should be considered our worst enemy at this time.
We have many other more widely respected spokespeople pointing out the truth about the media.
I agree with you. I just wanted others to know Farrakhan as a lot of people won’t give him the time of day. As I said, he went off on PBO, so I need for him to be a man of convictions, and not cause discord. I was disappointed in him for that occurrence. But it does not take away from his overall knowledge and insight.
I guess maybe I shouldn’t have posted this!
I am glad you did because he told those “media slaves” the truth. They will look the other way to save their jobs. I can’t think of a situation where I would work from someone that I had to lie, cheat, steal, kill in order to keep my job. I’d look for another profession. To go into journalism as a career is a joke!
You just wanted to share something and there’s nothing wrong with that idea. You just have to be prepared that everyone is not going to agree. And that’s okay too. Remember we are just a group of friends having a discussion.
elayne. Post, post, post! Even though I have my own beef with Farrakhan, doesn’t mean what he says shouldn’t be heard. Post to your heart’s content and welcome into the fold. Hope to see more comments from you!
very true.
No thank you.
CALL TO ACTION
We need to hit twitter, email, fax, phone,
Start with Boehners office, then contact your congressional representative and hang tough. or tell the Rep. to vote for the bill.
I just read this quote from an article at CBS –
———–
“This is not a game,” Mr. Obama said. “The clock is ticking.”
The Obama campaign promptly took to Twitter and Facebook to fight it out. With their candidate’s poll numbers rising, Democratic operatives seemed almost giddy at the prospect of a prolonged battle.
“The response was overwhelming,” said a White House official requiring anonymity to discuss Obama’s political efforts.
——–
So today we need to help make the response overwhelming again. We need to do what Senator Schumer said, keep the pressure on.
Visit http://www.whatisworking.com/2011/05/contact-congress-address-phone-twitter.html
I have added a fax for free link near the top of the page.
Boehners info
Twitter SpeakerBoehner (202) 225-6205 :: (202) 225-0704 fax email http://www.speaker.gov/Contact/
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/johnboehner
PressOn
I’ve been blasting Boehner, Cantor, and McConnell on Twitter, and I will continue to do so. In one tweet I sent Boehner a link to a Reuters article to inform him that his failure as Speaker is no longer limited to the U.S. I’m expecting him to block me because I’ve really been hammering him.
majii….did I see you commenting on Phoenix New Times article about Arpiao? Just so you know, the Army veteran in question has died.
Iran War? Iranians aren’t worried
Jason Rezaian| December 21, 2011 06:23
TEHRAN, Iran — Despite the crescendo of war rhetoric sounding among US, Israeli and Iranian officials, life on the smoggy streets of Tehran has remained business as usual. For the time being, the shops are still well-stocked and Iranians are going about their daily lives as if what some say is the coming war is not actually, and will never, come at all.
“Everybody fears war; that’s natural,” said Mohsen, a 44-year-old high-school English teacher. “But in the current circumstances it’s not something to worry about. There has to be a good reason for a war, and in this case the consequences for America and Israel of a war against Iran outweigh the reasons for doing it. No one actually thinks the US wants to occupy Iran.”
~snip~
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/middle-east/111220/iran-war-israel
I had an interesting conversation yesterday with a friend/coworker that is Iranian. We always talk politics (on the DL because it’s not really allowed at work). His family is there, still. He was unhappy with the President’s sanctions on the country, saying that it hurts the average person, and is squeezing them all pretty hard, when they actually like the US and our people. The citizens are very pro America,it’s the govt that is not. He was feeling very badly for all the suffering that these sanctions have imposed on the average Iranian, and didn’t want those difficult sanction results to harm the people’s feelings toward America.
He expressed his frustrations with PBO in this regard.He is a big supporter of the President, as is his beautiful wife. We talked for quite some time about the world, the realities(!!!) and the wisdom of this President. In the end, I talked him down. I asked questions that made him think. He is an incredibly aware man…a well traveled and intelligent man that has lived all over the world.I think that because of this, and because he understands the complexities of the national politics and global politics, he was able to see my POV, and understand my issues with his concerns over this President. He supports this President…I just needed to give him more food for thought…it is best when one realizes certain realities on their own.THESE are the conversations that i love to have….with a knowledgeable, genuinely concerned person, not intent on spewing talking points at me….it’s always a pleasure to speak to someone else that realizes that knowledge is power…..I adore him….he thinks, like I do, about ALL the issues of a complicated world, that seen to happen at breakneck speed….never able to catch your breath before the next catastrophe hits. Information overload is what we suffer from. I think it felt good for him to vent those concerns to me. Ignorance is NOT bliss.
Good for you, desertflower. This is how we make a better world–one conversation at a time.
Posted at 11:13 AM ET, 12/21/2011
Harry Reid to John Boehner: Game over.
By Greg Sargent
Don’t look now, but it really does look as if Dems just may hold the line in the payroll tax cut fight. With House Republicans calling on Senate Dems to reopen negotiations over the Senate bill temporarily extending the tax cut, Harry Reid has now sent a letter to House Speaker John Boehner firmly rebuffing the demand.
Reid also offers Boehner a deal that he’ll have a very hard time refusing: Reid says he’s willing to sit down and negotiate over the terms of the one-year extension — but only if the House GOP passes the shorter-term extension first. Here’s the letter:
………………………………………………..
Reid responds to the House GOP argument that a one-year extension is necessary by pointing out that Boehner himself appointed Mitch McConnell as his negotiator to find a solution with Dems, and by noting that the solution they found passed the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support. Reid also tells Boehner he’s fully prepared to negotiate over the one-year extension the House GOP wants, but that in the name of giving middle class families tax relief and “certainty” (a favorite GOP buzzword) those talks won’t happen until House Republicans relent and pass the short term extension.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line
Nice. I think we should call, email, Tweet , Harry Reid a big, fat thank you! Stand firm!
Not only him, but every democrat who voted for the Senate bill. Heck, make it every senator, republicans included.
And Nancy Pelosi and her caucus.
John Boner cut the mike on C=SPAN…What a douche!
Kim Jong Un “to share power with military and uncle”: report
News Desk| December 21, 2011 04:17
Kim Jong Un, North Korea’s new young leader, will share power with uncle Jang Song-thaek and the military, according to a Reuters report. Kim Jong Un, said to be in his late 20s, is the son and successor of Kim Jong Il, who died Saturday.
Jang Song-thaek, 65, is the brother-in-law of Kim Jong Il and is described as a charismatic man with powerful political and military connections. In 2009 he was appointed to the National Defense Commission of North Korea, the supreme leadership council that Kim Jong Il led.
Reuters, citing a source with close ties to Pyongyang and Beijing, said North Korea’s military has given its backing to Kim Jong Un.
~snip~
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/asia-pacific/111221/north-korea-news-kim-jong-un-uncle-jang-song-thaek-military-share-power
Soooo….
I just called Boehner’s office. I was on hold for 12 minutes. The loud patriotic music almost made me hang up. The person answering the phone did not even ask me where I lived, just quickly thanked me and hung up.
My point is this, we need to clog the phones and all other methods of communication everyday (except maybe Xmas). Boehner is counting on people being too busy with Xmas to notice, discouraged, or buying his Baloney.
Even if you only have 10 minutes you can leave a message, send a tweet or email the speaker.
Boehners info
Twitter SpeakerBoehner (202) 225-6205 :: (202) 225-0704 fax email http://www.speaker.gov/Contact/
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/johnboehner
Dems hang tough
Republicans – do the right thing
Took several mins but finally spoke to whomever answered Boehner’s phone and told them ‘the Speaker is not representing me, he is violating the Norquist Pledge and increasing taxes on 160M of us, tell him to do his job and pass the Senate bill’ ….
#PRESSON
way to go Linda – I tweeted cantor and boehner this morning. I’ll try faxing them too. Sent WhipHoyer a little love. gotta send some to Reid and Nancy Smash.
and PBO of course.
WE”RE WINNING! KEEP THE PRESSURE ON!
This is cool:
The White House Blog
Regional Editorial Roundup: Will House Republicans Allow Taxes To Go Up On 160 Million Americans?
Posted by Josh Earnest on December 21, 2011 at 11:44 AM EST
“Now is not the time for political brinksmanship. Nobody wants to see their taxes go up in just ten days. Not right now. Not when families are trying to pay the bills or make ends meet. Unfortunately, if House Republicans fail to act, this tax cut will expire and millions of families will have $1,000 less next year.
Judging from the local newspaper editorials below, it looks like we’re not the only ones who believe the House Republicans should get to work and get this done before the end of the year.” Let’s take a look:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/12/21/regional-editorial-roundup-will-house-republicans-allow-taxes-go-160-million-america?utm_source=wh.gov&utm_medium=shorturl&utm_campaign=shorturl
This is very cool, and a wonderful chance for us to put our ” Local teams ” into action. Fina an editorial in your state and send it to friends, tweet the story, make a comment on the page or call the local paper and thank them for the article.
Nice job, WiW!!! This is EXACTLY what was in mind 🙂 Let’s get to work!
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood hailed new rules for pilot scheduling Wednesday that were spurred by a plane crash almost three years ago, but agreed with the families of victims that they had taken too long to be finalized.
LaHood argued Wednesday the new rules for pilot scheduling was a “big deal.”
“What we did in three years is more than what does in the previous 21 years,” he said during a news conference at the Department of Transportation’s headquarters in Washington.
http://thehill.com/blogs/transportation-report/aviation/200769-faa-unveils-pilot-fatigue-rules-that-go-as-our-government-have-ever-gone
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) announced Wednesday that it has adopted portions of its contentious union election rule.
Portions of the rule will reduce litigation on union elections by limiting testimony at regional hearings and consolidating appeals of regional director decisions into one post-election review request, the labor board said.
The election rule is strongly opposed by business groups, and House Republicans passed legislation earlier this year to void the regulation.
http://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/200759-labor-board-finalizes-union-election-rule
Newt Gingrich’s Congressional Ethics Scandal Explained: Everything you need to know about the allegations that brought down the speaker of the House.
—By Tim Murphy| Tue Dec. 20, 2011 3:00 AM PST
Gingrich told the Des Moines Register editorial board on Thursday. “It’s truly one of the most frustrating things of my career.” He blamed his congressional downfall on bad lawyering and on the zealotry of the House ethics committee (although half of the members were Republican). Lost in the campaign trail barbs about Gingrich’s ethical lapses, however, is any sense of what Gingrich actually did, either allegedly or as a matter of record.
~snip~
http://motherjones.com/politics/2011/12/gingrich-congressional-ethics-scandal-explained-newt-inc
TODers, is anyone else have this problem? Whenever I attempt to post an article about Newt Gingrich, it disappears…
s/b anyone else having this problem?
WordPress probably hates the Brunch so much that it automatically deletes anything to do with him……now if only it would do the same for Willard. Hm. 😐
No…but these folks are having a TOTALLY different problem 🙂
http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/newtgingrichcom-takes-viewers-to-anti-newt-websites.php?ref=fpb
Governing on Empty
Harold Meyerson| December 21, 2011
With the Tea Party in control, House Speaker John Boehner can do little but make empty promises. The current House Republican talking point is that a two-month compromise won’t solve anything, that they want to extend the payroll tax cut for an entire year. But this summer, they were disavowing any interest in extending the tax cut at all.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” said Dave Camp, the Michigan Republican who chairs the Ways and Means Committee. Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan complained that extending the tax cut “would simply exacerbate our debt problems.”
Of course, the Republicans had made huge cuts to the income tax, chiefly benefiting the rich, during George W. Bush’s first term, and expressed no concern about the cuts’ effect on the nation’s debt. With Democrats highlighting the fact, however, that the Republicans had finally found a tax cut they opposed—a tax on working people—Republicans discovered that in fact they supported extending the payroll tax cuts after all.
~snip~
http://prospect.org/article/governing-empty
Not only have a couple strands been pulled loose from Romney’s usual perfectly coiffed do, but I see he is in Obama’s fave presidential casual checked shirt too. Everything about Romney is manipulative and unnatural.
everything about him is contrived but he truly is an asshole.
At one of his rallys, the jeans that he wore appear to be specially picked to look like he was part of the middle class working person. They were the faded kind which was a little rugged . No way would he wear those jeans if he was not running for office. I can’t stand him. He constantly complain about PBO but he emulate everything President Obama does. He doesn’t realize that you need a heart and and a core to go along with it.
Well said COS!
The Army veteran in Arpiao’s jail has died. His family took him off life support.
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/latino_military_veteran_injured_in_arpaios_jail_taken_off_life_support.php?ref=fpb
DF this is such a heart wrenching story. Arpaio and his bandits needs to be in jail themselves. I pray that justice is served for his family. I thank him for his service to our country and may he RIP.
Truly is, donna. There is another lawsuit that was just brought against Arpiao, and assorted others.
http://www.kpho.com/story/16367253/woman-sues-mcso-over-treatment-while-pregnant-in-jail
had a dream last night that the House left Washington without passing the bill and PBO went on air to call them back. They ignored him so he pulled a Scott Walker. He sent out National Guards to round up all the repubs and haul ’em back to DC. The best part was the look on Boner’s face when he answered the door and saw the NG!!!!! It was hilarious! I thought I was gonna piss his pants!don’t know where that dream came from but it surely made me feel good this morning when I woke up! Hiya folks!
Hey Lisa…lol that’s some dream.
Sweet dream lisa!! Can you imagine the hype; Obama the Dictator.
WTF..Bill Clinton really needs to shut the F up sometimes. I’m sorry, but I think Clinton who may have been some great Dem strategist back in the day is no longer so great. I know the MSM like to tout his cunning in political matters, but lately he’s been almost completely off his game. Going on FoxNews of all places. His mind is not as agile as it use to be, but his mouth hasn’t caught on to it’s limitations.
Slick Willy Bill is another overrated and lionized politician, like Reagan and FDR. It’s because of Slick Willy that we got NAFTA, DADT, DOMA, Gramm Leach Biley, and his campaign against Barack Obama in the 2008 primary season was shameful. His wife seems to have gotten over that bitter primary, but he hasn’t… Hillary needs to tell her man to STFU!!!! 😡 👿
I cannot believe how much that Matt Damon story angered me…..I never hit anyone in my life but I think I would punch his face if he was in front of me, that’s how mad I am…..that’s not good.
*deep breaths*
I would too if I could, but imho he like so many expected the President to kiss his posterior after the 2008 campaign!!
Funny. As I was driving to work I wondered the same thing. Are his feelings hurt because he hasn’t received an Oval Office invite? His behavior comes off as very bitter.
I believe you’re right. He feels very entitled. George Clooney has gotten personal access multiple times. But in the end, celebrity tantrums do not intimidate the President. But the disrespect leveled at PBO is something I can never forget…..ever.
I agreed. I am beyond tired of the disrespect. It’s so uncalled for and serves no point, but just to be nasty. ODS indeed. Saw on twitter this morning from DCPlod.
Dear Matt Damon: America does have a president with balls. What it lacks is celebrities with brains.
So far my favorite of the day.
Thanks AnitaW, for that uplifting Twitter! I take it this is a recent matt damon whine? I was hoping he would have thought about the big picture and a couple of his friends’ view..George Clooney & Ben Affleck(who along with his wife, Jennifer Garner, has already donated to PObama’s 2012 Campaign) and decided to stop with the disingenuous whining.
I wouldn’t watch a movie with him the other night because looking at him would remind me what a stupid ass he is.
Draw a picture of his face on a sheet of paper. Tape it to a big pillow and punch it really hard. I swear it works and will make you feel so much better. I do it to Boehner, Cantor and McDonnell all the time 🙂
lol good tip Donna…
I’m not even going over there to look. Fuck Damon. He’s a good-for- nothing, no-count imitation of what an actor ie: George Clooney,is supposed to be.
I had to stop reading the article after that:..
Matt Damon on Obama “You know, a one-term pres with some balls who actually got stuff done would have been, in the long run, much better.”
I was livid….it’s a &%&% lie…..the disrespect drives me crazy.
I wish Damon would grow some balls and shut the f#@& up.:x
an actor with enough balls to make those statements would have no trouble running for office himself.
I agree with this, but expect the soul patrol to be pissed by this. Let’s bet on who will be first..for my money: Maxine Waters
“On the substance, Wilder couldn’t be more off base. But honestly, we’d pay more attention to this if he wasn’t known as Doug “in the Wilderness” Wilder. The last time he was relevant to the political process cell phones were the size of shoe boxes. Doug Wilder is dying for relevance – but we’re not going to help by paying attention to his rantings.”
http://www.politico.com/blogs/ben-smith/2011/12/dem-blasts-wilder-rantings-108325.html
If you follow political news like I do, you may remember this year for its GOP horse race: who was up, who was down, who had an “oops” moment. But that’s not how I’ll remember it.
I’ll remember it as a pretty incredible year for Democrats. Here’s why:
Just in the last week, we’ve seen solid evidence that health care reform is working: 2.5 million Americans are now insured thanks to a provision in the Affordable Care Act that allows young adults to stay on their parent’s health insurance, more than double the number previously estimated.
And with the last troops leaving this past Sunday, the war in Iraq has come to a responsible end. Because of the veterans provisions of the American Jobs Act and the Hiring Heroes Act, which provide tax incentives to businesses who hire veterans in need of work, our troops coming home and all our veterans know that they can get the help they need in finding work and supporting their families.
These are the kinds of fights Democrats are waging — and winning. They’re crucial victories, but they don’t happen without you.
Next year, the stakes will be even higher. That’s why I’m asking you to step up right now and say you’re ready for the fights ahead:
Chip in $20 or more for 2012.
Next year’s election will be huge, that’s for sure — but the work we did in 2011 shows just what a grassroots campaign can do. Across the country this year, Democrats worked together and fought critical statewide battles on the ground.
In Mississippi, folks worked tirelessly to protect a woman’s right to choose and soundly defeated the Personhood amendment, which would’ve made abortion illegal, including in cases of rape or incest, and even banned some forms of birth control.
Up in Maine, statewide Democratic groups worked together to overturn the state legislature’s recent ban on allowing people to register and vote on the same day — a nearly 40-year tradition that’s helped the state have some of the highest voter turnout rates in the country.
And in the bellwether state of Ohio, the state Democratic party and progressive allies collected more than 300,000 signatures to stop a law that would greatly reduce how and when Ohioans can early vote — and put it up for a statewide vote next year. Thanks in part to thousands who were able to cast their ballots early, Ohio voters in November successfully repealed a collective bargaining law that would’ve stripped away the rights of teachers and firefighters to negotiate for important benefits and working conditions.
We have a ways to go to get the economy working for everyone, and there’s much more work to be done.
But we have a lot to feel good about. We’ve worked together at the national level to make change that’s going to affect millions of lives every day, like repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and we’ve banded together in our states and communities to stand for our party’s principles.
It’s what Democrats do.
But don’t doubt that for every victory we’ve had this year, the GOP is ready and waiting to reverse it. Repealing health care reform, reinstating “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” restricting voting rights, and putting Personhood amendments on the ballot in other states are all things the other side has promised to do if given the chance.
That’s why we need to be ready to fight for the change we’ve made — and make certain we’ll get to keep pushing for more.
It can’t happen without you. Show you’re ready for 2012 by giving $20 or more today:
http://my.democrats.org/Ready-for-2012
Thanks,
Debbie
Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Chair
Democratic National Committee
Democrats have accomplished a lot but some Dems seem hesitant to say what those things are. Stop running away from your record and the president and tell the people what’s up.
Seen on Twitter:
@ElleLamar
ELAMAR
Jay is reading off #40Dollars tweets & FB posts. Love that the our voice is important to #POTUS! #nw Whitehouse Briefing
I read many #40dollars tweets yesterday….it was very moving!
Jay is flipping killing them. I love Gibbs….but Jay can needle you with a straight face. And only after he owned you….do you realize it. Some Peanut Gallery Jr Member said would the president let the speaker be cornered in a box and not do anything to help him? WTF?
LOL, thanks for mentioning this. I thought I was hearing things when I heard the question.
Jay is having to comment on the 60 Minutes brouhaha again.
And at every opportunity..he is making them look like children.
Why should Pres.Obama protect John Boehner?
That tickles me 🙂
Ha! Tha’s our guy out there stimulating the economy. What a treat for those folks at that Best Buy 🙂
I wonder what he brought?
That is wonderful!
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/12/21/readout-president-s-calls-speaker-john-boehner-and-majority-leader-harry
On twitter CBS reporter Pete Maer says Pres Obama went shopping at a mall and took Bo into a pet store. How funny is this. President Obama went to do some Christmas shopping while Boehner and his walk away GOP congress twist in the mess they made. Love it!
More: Pres Obama bought a chew toy for Bo and is shopping for the girls at Best Buy. How cool is our Pres?
One of the reporters asked Jay what was the message behind PBO’s shopping and buying Bo a chew toy? somene said” an expensive one at that”. Jay should have told her that he was just being human like everyone else during this holiday season. I am just waiting for the story on this one.
Meant “someone”. 🙂
Expensive? The President can spend his money any way he likes. I read on twitter the toy cost $29.99. What is with these idiots even keeping track of what the Pres spends on his dog. Dang they are ignorant.
I never leave the pet store without spending less than $50.00 dollars. He actually did good.
Me either. My Lhasa apso, Jazz, costs me a small fortune.
That’s right. You and I have the same breed of dog. As soon as I figure out how to post pictures I will show you one of Mr. Darcy. He went to the groomers this morning to get beautiful for Christmas and he was not happy .
Jazz hates it, too. Shows out all the time and then won’t play with me for a while. Ha.
Correction: Mark Knoller says it cost $24.99.
And yes the WH press pool are ignorant.
At least Bo rode IN the car instead of ON TOP of it….
OMG TrumpDog….I’m hollering over here 🙂 🙂 🙂
Spent mucho dinero on my little yorkie—-treats and toys, even the most adorable boots once—-felt sorry for him walking on icy roads—he kept kicking them off—oh well, I tried. Husband still teases me about going to the lumber store when he was a brand new puppy the size of my hand and bought a bunch of supplies to build a pen of sorts in our laundry room, trying to keep the pee in one place—didn’t like cages—claustro—-and by the time I got done with it and proudly plopped him in there, with a nice soft blankey and toys to make it all homey and nice, he immediately jumped over my newly built “wall”. And that was that—-Big Fail.
Someone in Hawaii “tricked” a reporter—–said they hadn’t seen Michelle and girls but they did see someone walking Bo. Obviously Bo is not on vacay, he is keeping his human daddy company——-and going to the doggie toy store to select his xmas present.
I hope there’s a video outhere! How cute!!!
This is hilarious!
Obama buys Just Dance for Wii at Best Buy #youcantmakethisup
1 minute ago
HAHAHHAHAHAHAH
I’m glad Bo stayed behind with POTUS. And that they both got some fresh air. Jay was just asked about this at the dpb.
Knoller reporting Pres Obama bought Just Dance 3 and iTunes gift cards for the girls. Stopped for pizza lunch with VA Rep. Jim Moran.
Great, spoil the surprise for them!
Excactly. 🙄
I mean “exactly”.
I’m glad Bo stayed as well. I was worried about PBO being lonely, rambling around in that big old place by himself. Of course, Bo cannot take the place of the rest of the family, but he does his part. I love that he went Christmas shopping; no staffing out family gifts for this president.
LOL THE JACKALS THINK PBO SHOULD BAIL BONER OUT. HELL NO YOU CAN”T!!
lolol
Hysterical, lol
Am I really hearing that Doug Wilder has suggested Joe Biden be dropped from the ticket in 2012? Last weekend it was “POTUS isn’t appointing enough black folks” and now it’s drop VPOTUS Biden????? Doesn’t he have some X-mas shopping to do??? A bar to hit up, perhaps??
Hey Vero, I use to respect Doug wilder. Next, he will be joining Tavis and West on a tour. He should just shut up. Why is he doing this?
Being paid, come to find out he works for Americans elect!
Are you serious? Doug Wilder works for Americans Elect? Do you have a link to this fact?
He is doing it for the same reason Bill Clinton comes out and says some shady stuff every now and then. Bitter and not true supporters of the president. Plus, they like their moment in the spotlight and this is the way to get it since they are both, for the most part, irreleveant…obviously Wilder much more than Bill Clinton.
It seems like most of the real Washington insiders aren’t supportive of the president. Aside from Namcy Pelosi and Joe Biden, his support comes from ourside the “Beltway.” Regular people like us.
That’s because he doesn’t kiss their azz. Jealously is a terrible thing.
Oh FFS….sick and tired of idiots
Here we go again with the micromanaging know-it-alls.
If Wilder thinks he knows better than the president, why doesn’t he fucking run?
I’m so sick of these people. They make me sick.
“If Wilder thinks he knows better than the president, why doesn’t he fucking run?”
exactly
I want to see ALL the PUNDITS run for office and actually win.
Here is my message sent to Doug Wilder:
“Gov. Wilder, you ran for President and failed miserably! You didn’t even get 2% of the votes in the early caucus and primaries. I am sorry your are envious of the President because, unlike you, he was successful in winning the presidency. But, sir, why not act like a grown up and go tend your gardens, and enjoy hanging out with your grandchildren and let President Obama govern without you second guessing everything he does? He is the duly elected President of the United States. I don’t think he has to prove anything to you about his care and commitment to Black people. Nor does he have to listen to you about VP choices. Besides, VP Joe Biden is a highly respected leader with unimpeachable integrity. VP Biden has served the President and the country with honor for the past three years. President Obama and VP Biden won the election without paying attention to your idiotic demands. Why should they pay attention to you now? Remember, Governor Wilder, when the history books are written, they will record that you ran for president and very few people paid attention, but Barack H. Obama was elected 44th President of the United States. This tells me that he has more political skills than you.”
http://twitpic.com/7wdbsb
It’s official, EPA gives first mercury standard for smokestacks-
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/931381dfcd9a5c308525779700424ccd/bd8b3f37edf5716d8525796d005dd086!OpenDocument
Hemming and a hawing
As Monty Python would say, “Blood, Devastation, Death, War and Horror”.
Story here: Gingrich: House GOP Should Give In To White House On Payroll Tax Cut.
Presidential travel pool is assembling for an unannounced Obama trip; destination unknown.
UPDATE: A TV pool report says the president went to Potomac Yard Center in Alexandria, Va. to go shopping. He’s been to Best Buy to buy gifts, and PetSmart to buy chew toys for the first family’s dog, Bo, who’s with him on the trip.
THE KOCHS WANT THEIR POUND OF FLESH
The impasse is NOT about the payroll tax cut. It is ONLY about the Keystone Pipeline and weakening the Social Compact (unemployment, Medicare, SS).
The pipeline is the Kochs’ personal baby. It is the spear-tip of their war against Clean energy policy/initiatives/legislation and Pres. Obama personally. The teabagger House members are the Kochs’ servants sent on a Kamikaze mission. They don’t care about re-election as Koch will reward them amply. Kochs don’t care about the Repug party itself per se, only as a vessel to freight them to power and total control of this country.
The Kochs have greased the palms of the media to bend the narrative to their favor no matter what, bought unlimited access for their Teabagger congresscritters. Also dangled huge superpac advertising $$$$ in front of corporate media’s eyes. Now they are cashing their chips, 160 million Americans be damned!
“What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them.” — Pres. Obama (1/20/2009)
you were the one who told me about the KOCH BROTHERS attachment to the Keystone Pipeline.
thank you for telling me.
You have nailed it, Zizi. This is the huge threat looming over the US. These guys have to be exposed.
Yes, Indeed, Jackie! As always, Zizi went to the heart of the matter! The Kochs are on a mission to control this country. And as you said, the only way to stop them is to continuously “expose” their dirty machinations.
ORC poll for CNN (PDF). December 16-18, 2011. American adults. ±3%.
Do you approve or disapprove of the decision to remove all U.S. combat troops from Iraq by the end of this year?
Approve: 78
Disapprove: 21
Click to access rel20d.pdf
Sign of the times when this happens and makes no splash at all. Know hope.
2 women share 1st kiss at US Navy ship’s return
Kiss marks first time on record that a same-sex couple was chosen for homecoming tradition
So after being on hold for almost 10 minutes at Boehner’s office they transfer me to his voicemail. I call back and it goes straight into voicemail. I let him have it in the message I left. I asked him to for once do what is right for the American public instead what he thinks will keep him in power. I told him it was unconscionable to think that his Republican Congress was going to go home without allowing a vote on the Senate bill that passed overwhelmingly with almost 90 percent agreement. To go home and leave millions and millions of people guessing right here before Christmas if they will have the funds needed to keep their lights on next month is a travesty.I then tried to appeal to his better nature (if he has one) to look beyond himself and answer the call to allow a vote on the Senate bill otherwise many will suffer because of his House’s inaction.
LIVE: Clean Air Act Event with Administrator Lisa P. Jackson
http://epa.gov/
Here’s a very cute photo of POTUS and Bo!!
http://news.yahoo.com/photos/us-president-barack-obama-slideshow/president-obama-goes-shopping-20111221-104256-310.html
It will likely change position soon as they add more photos.
Here’s a better URL:
http://www.daylife.com/photo/07g15Fx2qabFc?__site=daylife&q=Barack+Obama
How sweet is that?!
Cute…I’m sure he’s feeling antsy and ready to meet up with the fam in Hawaii.
Those are great meta, thanks!
Mr. Boehner held a news conference with his appointees to the nonexistent conference committee. The members faced 10 empty high-back chairs, meant to represent missing Democrats.
“We’re here,” he said. “We’re ready to work.” He added later, “It would be helpful if members of the Senate of both parties were here.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/22/us/politics/obama-reaches-out-to-congressional-leaders-over-payroll-tax-standoff.html
Boehner’s caucus has isolated him from both parties. Surely, this is not a scene he dreamed of when he became Speaker. Talking to empty chairs, isolated from both parties and leading a refusal to end tax cuts on the middle class.
Theatrics.
2010 GOP House. More silly games!
I hope the people who stayed home in order to “show President Obama” are happy with the results.
House Dem Leaders to Stay in Washington Until Payroll Tax Cut Resolved
———————————–
Washington, DC
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
House Democratic Leaders promised, at a press briefing Wednesday, to return to the Capitol every day until the dispute over extending the payroll tax cut is resolved.
Minority Leader Steny Hoyer (MD) and Budget Committee Ranking Member Chris Van Hollen (MD) went to the House floor Wednesday morning to speak on the issue, but were not recognized by the presiding Republican Speaker. House Democrats want the Republican leadership to hold a vote on a Senate-passed payroll tax cut bill that passed over the weekend with a large bipartisan majority.
————————————-
http://www.c-span.org/Events/House-Dem-Leaders-to-Stay-in-Washington-Until-Payroll-Tax-Cut-Resolved/10737426536/
Bo Obama flirts it up while out from under his mommy’s watchful eyes:
http://www.daylife.com/photo/0fcu00pe2R3tp?__site=daylife&q=bo+obama
HA!!
CBS write-up:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57346223-503544/obama-goes-christmas-shopping-at-best-buy/
Wow, the security must have been tight in those stores today. I remember when Bill Clinton used to do his shopping at Union Station Mall in DC. just before Christmas. If you were there, you were hustled behind a barrier and a row of Secret Service men and were lucky if you caught a glimpse of Clinton’s head.
This is so cute. I wonder how often Bo gets to be around other dogs?
Bo is too cool…
How cute. Just Bo and Daddy having male bonding time. Hehe.
Fun—Bo made a friend! Would love to know what was said that was so funny too.
This is good. One more example of good messaging from the White House and campaign. Everyone should tweet.
Posted at BarackObama.com
Bobfr Collapse
Our4thEstate Bobfr
@MittRomney Do you stand with #KochServant @SpeakerBoehner & the Tea Party on raising taxes on 160 M Americans? http://t.co/ruboeaQo
#YesWeCanDOMoreTogher – We Must! #OutPerform1936
So where does Daddy flip flopper stand on the pay roll tax cuts? Willard isn’t showing leadership here.
December 21, 2011 1:50 PM
House GOP loses another ally in tax fight
By Steve Benen
When the Senate voted over the weekend on its bipartisan payroll-tax-cut compromise, it passed 89 to 10. One of the 10 was Sen. Bob Corker (R) of Tennessee.
Corker’s concerns had nothing to do with procedures or timetables; he simply doesn’t want there to be a payroll tax break. He’s heard the warnings about the economic impacts, and he knows it would shrink the paychecks of 160 million Americans, but Corker thinks it’s a bad idea anyway.
It’s noteworthy, then, that Corker has decided it’s time for his party to give in and move on.
Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) said Wednesday that Republicans are losing the public relations battle over a payroll tax cut extension and should find a way to extend the tax holiday and move on.
“Are Republicans getting killed now in public opinion? There’s no question,” Corker said Wednesday on CNBC.
“Both Republicans and Democrats have agreed that this is going to happen and probably the best thing to happen now is just to get it over with — one more policy blunder — but just get it over with and move on because now it’s been framed as a tax increase which it’s not,” he said.
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/house_gop_loses_another_ally_i034238.php
TPMDC
Dems Redouble Efforts To Break House GOP Will On Payroll Tax Cut
Brian Beutler- December 21, 2011, 1:48 PM
With Republicans so perilously on the ropes, Democrats aren’t relenting in their push to break House GOP leaders’ will, and force them to pass the Senate’s payroll tax cut compromise. Not in the White House, not in the House, not in the Senate.
On a conference call with reporters this morning, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) — joined by Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) — called on John Boehner to wave the white flag.
“This is the end of the road,” Schumer said. “The first thing that they have to do to show their good faith is pass the two-month extension…. I feel for Speaker Boehner because I know he didn’t choose this path. But they’re pretty far down a dead-end path.”
For the first time in recent memory, that’s the same thing the House GOP is hearing from House Dems and the Obama administration. President Obama called Boehner this morning and told him to pass the Senate’s payroll tax cut compromise “to ensure that middle class families aren’t hit with a tax hike in 10 days,” per a White House readout.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/dems-dont-relent-in-push-to-break-house-gop-will-on-payroll-tax-cut.php?ref=fpa
Huntsman Camp Slams Bain Layoffs In New Hampshire
It’s officially open season on Romney’s Bain Capital days in the Republican primary. On Wednesday, Jon Huntsman’s campaign became the latest to accuse the private equity firm Romney co-founded of cruelly laying off workers.
In a conference call with reporters, Huntsman supporters in New Hampshire described the pain of watching dozens of their neighbors lose their jobs as a a factory owned by Holson Burnes Group Inc. was trimmed and then closed entirely after being taken over by Bain Capital, which ended up making an impressive profit off the company as many of its operations were moved overseas.
“The people who worked there, people who were laid off, the final 37 [workers] we had to deliver the news to, they where constituents, they were families,” former Claremont Mayor Scott Pope said. “They had hopes and dreams.”
http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/huntsman-camp-slams-bain-layoffs-in-new-hampshire.php?ref=fpnewsfeed
Intrade:
Obama – 52.2%
Romney – 33.0%
Paul – 5.0%
Gingrich – 4.0%
Huntsman – 2.8%
Perry – 1.4%
LMAO @ Bachmann and Santorum not even on Intrade’s radar!
But, but, but Dylan Rotigun said…
Is This The Moment The GOP Implodes?
These things happen quite quickly in the public’s mind. An event crystallizes an inchoate general feeling, and gives it clarity. I think of the moment Gingrich threw a hissy-fit about his seat on Airforce One; or the moment when Americans first saw Bill Clinton sitting for a taped deposition, and changed sides almost instantly.
The House Republicans have now all but guaranteed that taxes will go up on middle-class Americans because of what they themselves have called “high stakes poker.” And this moment may as well sum up why Americans despise this Congress as deeply as they do:
Yep, he is literally walking away – giving Hoyer a perfect moment for the rhetorical slam-dunk.
http://andrewsullivan.thedailybeast.com/2011/12/is-this-the-moment-the-gop-implodes.html
Romney Refuses To Take Position On Payroll Tax Holiday
By Alex Seitz-Wald on Dec 21, 2011 at 10:30 am
In two TV interviews today, GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney refused to take a stance on the biggest issue in Washington today: the extension of the payroll tax holiday. A huge bipartisan majority in the Senate passed a two-month extension of the cut, but the House rejected that yesterday.
A number of Republican senators have slammed House Republicans for blocking the extension, but on Fox News this morning, Romney wouldn’t say whether he sided with the House or Senate, dismissing the issue as an “internal battle.” “I’d like to see this payroll tax holiday extended,” Romney said, without saying for how long.
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2011/12/21/393843/romney-payroll-tax-refuses/
December 21, 2011 2:05 PM
Why Boehner wants a conference committee
By Steve Benen
So far, we’ve seen the payroll tax-break fight play out in a variety of steps. The first was House Republicans passing a ridiculous, right-wing extension of the tax policy, filled with extremist goodies that necessarily made the bill a non-starter. The second was the Senate approving a temporary, bipartisan compromise.
The third, of course, came yesterday when House Republicans rejected the bipartisan compromise and said they wanted a conference committee to reconcile the two bills.
It’s quickly looking like the conference committee itself is at the heart of the GOP strategy, such as it is. It’s worth taking a moment to consider why.
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/why_boehner_wants_a_conference034243.php
And this is why the Democrats have to call their bluff. Schumer said yesterday that the conference committee idea is a ruse to kill hte bill. He’s right and everyone needs to know it.
You guys have to check this out. True genius very cool. Every time you enter http://www.NewtGingrich.com it goes to a different site related to his past. TRY IT.
@Ali_Davis
Ali Davis
@MaddowBlog Genius hack alert over at NewtGingrich.com.
omg you’re right! how funny!
I tried it and it went to his Intrade page. Seems like they’re mixing up the redirects.
Ha !… I hope one of gets him Rick Rolled.
“Never gonna give you up
“Never gonna let you down,
“Never gonna turn around
“And hurt you.”
— What Leroy tells all his mistresses
lol….
OMG I could have so much fun with this all day.
Indecisive. Cowardly. No core values.
Hah! Just got redirected to Tiffany & Co.
there are several more. It goes to fanniemae, a commercial he did with Pelosi, an article from WaPo and ThinkProgress. its hilarious.
Mine too.
December 21, 2011 2:45 PM
Romney’s layoffs move towards center stage
By Steve Benen
I’ve been wondering for months why Mitt Romney’s Republican rivals weren’t going after the former governor’s vulture-capitalist record. It turns out, they were just waiting until crunch time.
To briefly review, Romney got very rich running a private-equity firm, Bain Capital, which broke up companies and laid off American workers. He had considerable success orchestrating leveraged buyouts, seeking taxpayer subsidies, flipping companies quickly for large profits, and making money for investors “even when companies slid into bankruptcy.” Romney, it turns out, is still making millions from the firm he left more than a decade ago.
This is starting to matter. Newt Gingrich took a shot at the Bain record last week; Rick Perry’s campaign has a new spot slamming Romney for “making millions … laying off workers”; and Jon Huntsman’s campaign is following highlighting all the New Hampshire workers who lost their jobs because Romney, at least indirectly, fired them.
This coincides with a very tough AP article, published on Monday, noting the hundreds of layoffs Romney’s firm orchestrated in South Carolina, creating lots of profits for Romney and his investors.
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/romneys_layoffs_move_towards_c034247.php
But, but, but, that’s class warfare, and free markets, and go to Moscow you socialist communistic anti-American!
It’s about time this phoney so-called Willard the “job creator” face the music on what he did to people. I am so happy they are running ads regarding this.
Rick Perry and Dan Choi—–eat Sh&^, OK now that I have that out of my system here is a nice article from the AP
Navy tradition caught up with the repeal of the U.S. military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” rule on Wednesday when two women sailors became the first to share the coveted “first kiss” on the pier after one of them returned from 80 days at sea.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Marissa Gaeta of Placerville, Calif., descended from the USS Oak Hill amphibious landing ship and shared a quick kiss in the rain with her partner, Petty Officer 3rd Class Citlalic Snell of Los Angeles. Gaeta, 23, wore her Navy dress uniform while Snell, 22, wore a black leather jacket, scarf and blue jeans. The crowd screamed and waved flags around them.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_NAVY_GAY_KISS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
And my friends, this is what the teabagger faction is so afraid of: a changing America, where everyone is accepted on his or her own merits, where people aren’t looked down on because of belief or orientation. They know that America is coming, that its arrival gains speed every day, and that they’ll have no place in it. That’s what we’re fighting for.
THIS!
Why does Choi still wear his uniform ? Isn’t he a civilian ?
Because if he didn’t wear it we wouldn’t know him from all the other idiots.
This post raises some interesting questions about Choi’s flawed decision to wear his uniform in public–while protesting. Thank you, Norbrook!
Was Dan Choi Ever In the Army? You Have to Wonder
More recently, I’ve been seeing supporters claim that he had the right to wear his uniform to this. Well, no. In fact, Dan Choi is wrong on many counts. He is no longer on active duty. He can say he’s retired, or claim veteran status, but he’s no longer serving in active or active reserve status. He shows up at a military base in uniform, to attend an Article 32 hearing, to “support” PFC Manning, and make a political point. After that, he goes on television to give an interview – again, in uniform.
Why is that important. Everyone who has been in the Army knows “there’s a regulation” about uniforms. Most of us can even tell you what it is: Army Regulation 670-1. It details everything about the uniform. What’s allowed, what isn’t, and how they’re to be put together.
~snip~
http://cendax.wordpress.com/2011/12/21/was-dan-choi-ever-in-the-army-you-have-to-wonder/
America is finally growing up. The ankle-biters (far-right wing conservatives and other haters) are trying, but we will keep kicking them loose and pressing on to make our union more perfect. I am so thankful for the visionary leadership of President Obama.
R epublicans will do anything to make Obama a one term president.
E ven destroy the economy to do it.
P eople need to wake up and vote to defeat them in every state.
U nder their rule America is doomed to failure.
B ecause they only care about money
L et’s remove them from office because they put
I deology before country. Republicans
C aused this mess
A nd now refuse to pay the bill for their frivolous spending.
N ow more than every we need to vote them out of office.
S ave America from republican ideals.
A ngry voters will remove them all from office and
R elieve them of any responisiblity within the government.
E ventually they will all be removed from office.
L et’s move America forward again by voting ALL republicans out and
I nvesting in America’s future.
A fter we remove them all America will move towards a possitive future.
R epublican ideology can no longer be allowed to thrive in America.
S top the republican’s Pathway to Poverty.
h/t to GomezAdams over at HP.. ( he is one of the few originals that still fights the good fight )
AMEN!!
guys on this site where you can watch MSNBC live, people are watching and having a convo about DWS cancer coming back. One person thought it had gone into remission but others said its back. WTF?! I hope this isn’t true.
http://www.rentadrone.tv/msnbc-live-rockinroosters/
A truly disturbing look at Ron Paul: http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/12/old-news/250331/
Here’s another revealing post on Ron Paul from Little Green Footballs. Yet people like Barry Manilow and counter-cultural hero, Arlo Guthrie, support him.(see the comments section accompanying the post.) It takes some ignorance, willfull blindness or twisted logic to support this man while calling oneself a liberal.
http://littlegreenfootballs.com/article/39649_Strong_Evidence_That_Ron_Paul_Really_Did_Write_Those_Racist_Newsletters
Strong Evidence That Ron Paul Really Did Write Those Racist Newsletters
Far right dishonesty, in your face
Charles Johnson
POLITICS • Tue Dec 20, 2011 at 8:10 pm PST • Views: 11,424
In New Hampshire today, Ron Paul denied that he had anything to do with the blatantly racist newsletters sent out by his organization in the 1990s, despite undeniable evidence to the contrary: Ron Paul Denies Writing Past Newsletters Featuring Racial Slurs.
“Everybody knows I didn’t write them,” Paul said during a Tuesday campaign stop in New Hampshire. “It’s not my sentiment, so it’s sort of politics as usual.”
“Everybody knows I didn’t write them.”
Maybe Ron Paul should explain why this 1992 edition of his newsletter cites a magazine that only a professional gynecologist (like Ron Paul) would be expected to follow: Contemporary OB-GYN.
Read more….http://littlegreenfootballs.com/article/39649_Strong_Evidence_That_Ron_Paul_Really_Did_Write_Those_Racist_Newsletters
———————————
Here are some video links of Ron Paul speaking at the John Birch Society (google search results)
http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=ron+paul+video+john+birch+society+speech&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
Here, Paul at the 50th Anniversary of the John Birch Society.
http://www.jbs.org/birchtube/viewvideo/1007/constitution/ron-paul-at-the-50th-anniversary-of-jbs
I haven’t seen these videos, btw. But from what I’ve read, this man is a stealth racist, antisemite and conspiracy monger who has apparently fooled young and old alike with his signature anti-war, pro-drug freedom, small government posturing. He doesn’t care what the folks smoke as long as he can take charge of women’s sexual and reproductive life. I wonder what plans he’d have for her if she drank or drugged while pregnant?
😆 😆 😆 (skip to :26)
They Can’t hold a candle to our Miche 🙂
http://www.grist.org/fossil-fuels/2011-12-21-the-mercury-rules-announced-today-are-a-bona-fide-big-deal
BFD
This list keeps getting longer and longer! Makes an excellent reference tool to push back against the media, PL, and emoprogs. Thank you, Milt Shook!~
A List of President Obama’s Accomplishments So Far!
One of the most irritating things I hear these days is the idea that President Obama is really no different than Bush, or that he’s a “disappointment.” Both of those characterizations are flat ignorant. If you truly believe that, you’re in serious denial, and you can’t be paying very close attention. In fairness, perhaps you were in a coma for the eight Bush Years, and if so, I forgive you. But please join the real world. So far, this Barack-obamapresident has done most of what he said he would do if elected, and he’s not even through his first term. Imagine what he could have done by now if we supported him, and gave him a Congress that doesn’t look at him as if he’s the demon seed.
What follows is a PARTIAL list of Obama’s accomplishments so far. Unlike many such lists, there is a link to a citation supporting every single one.
~snip~
http://pleasecutthecrap.typepad.com/main/what-has-obama-done-since-january-20-2009.html
My apologies for the duplicate post upthread. I thought the first one didn’t go through!~
One of the most visited public gardens in the United States, and a popular attraction for elaborate holiday decorations, is now running on solar power thanks to help from the Energy Department.
Longwood Gardens, located in Pennsylvania’s Brandywine Valley, has commissioned an American-made 1.2 megawatt, 10.7-acre solar field as part of a goal to generate three megawatts of renewable energy by 2018. Once achieved, this solar power will provide 100 percent of Longwood’s electrical needs on a sunny day.
http://energy.gov/articles/solar-field-powers-historic-garden-holiday-display
Did Karen Finney just claim that Keystone is a client of Grover Norquist ?
Yes, I am home and I did hear her say that group was his client.
Yes Ms. Finney did say Keystone was a client of Grover Norquist.
Cats are yogis by genetics.
My cat lays on me like that (only I don’t do yoga, mostly passed out on the sofa) even my fella. We were watching a movie and we both fell asleep and she was curled up on his butt. 🙂
2012 Will Be The Year Of Republican Hypocrisy
December 21, 2011
By Chad Henderson
They don’t have much of a choice. The Republican Party have two options to go up against President Obama: Newt Gingrich or Mitt Romney. When the Republican voters go out to the polls at the beginning of the year the majority of them will vote for a person who has a background that these voters blasted years ago.
For instance: A decade ago some Republican voter probably said, “I can’t believe that ole’ Clinton had a daggum affair while in the White House. He has ruined our image and I could never vote for someone who cheated on his wife and lied to God by breaking a vow.” Well, this same person could very well vote for Newt Gingrich who has had three wives, breaking two vows to God. Uh oh!
~snip~
So lets recap for just a moment: the Republican voters didn’t want someone who cheated on his wife and they didn’t want someone who wasn’t a under the Christian label. Then they got Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney. Looks like those talking points were thrown out the window and forgotten about.
Read more: http://www.addictinginfo.org/2011/12/21/2012-will-be-the-year-of-republican-hypocrisy/
h/t Addicting Info
Whoever was the dude or dudette, who thought of that 40 dollar number, was brilliant.
It’s on every news show.
Good messaging!
Just walked by the television at the office and CNN is covering the #40dollars question. MSNBC RATigan and Rendell are discussing 60 Minutes interview and taking it out of context as usual. I’m glad I cannot recall the last time I watched an MSNBC show. Sorry to Rev. Al but I haven’t watched his either. And guess what? It feels good.
Dylan Ratigan is a hater.
It’s more than that!
What do you mean ?
Another libertarian far left racist.
I kind of thought he might be a libertarian….
My next guess was …What the heck is that on the top of his head !
He is also a loud screamer.
I hope that House repubs finally give up and agree to Reid’s offer.
And then… And then… Folks, do you realize that the House republicans have just made themselves the champions of the full-year tax extension, after saying a few weeks ago they were against it !!? Meaning … they won’t have a lot of leverage in the next negociations ha ha…
The next negociations will indeed be interesting. If the House republicans refuse to vote for a full-year extension unless it comes with some defunding of ACA or any other crazy idea, they will further expose themselves. In another scenario where the GOP decides that the House republicans will vote yes and ask the Senate repubs this time to play the role of the obstructionists, it will further expose the GOP as chaotic and fractured.
Karma is a bitch…
Even better when it comes time to debate the Bush tax cuts. They are going to have to argue for extending them, but also find a way to pay for them. They will of course try to do this on the back of the middle-class which is why it’s so important that we win back the House and hold the Senate next year. Very important.
AnitaW, I am with you 100%! Last December (2010) President Obama promised to have this debate. As usual the frustrati emoprogs paid no attention to his words as they went on a rampage demonizing him. But this President, who has demonstrated over and over again that he keeps his promises, has once again delivered. By insisting on a middle-class tax cut the President has backed the teabag-Republicans in the corner. After their instance on maintaining the Bush tax cuts that favor the rich, they now have to explain why they oppose tax cuts for the poor and the middle-class.
Exactly. They are hoping that people forget. And it’s up to us to keep the focus on the income disparity that’s going on thanks to the GOP.
Holder: Obama Will Issue Signing Statement With NDAA Detention Rules
Attorney General Eric Holder confirmed speculation Wednesday that President Barack Obama would issue a signing statement when he makes the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and its controversial detention provisions law.
“We made really substantial progress in moving from something that was really unacceptable to the administration to something with which we still have problems,” Holder said in response to a question from the Wall Street Journal’s Evan Perez. “But I think through these procedures, with these regulations we will be crafting, we can minimize the problems that will actually affect us in an operational way.”
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/holder_obama_will_issue_signing_statement_with_ndaa.php?ref=fpnewsfeed
I knew he would come through…. Maybe this will shut up those emoprogs for a minute.
Surely you jest.
Don’t count on it, Linda! The emoprogs are like the teabaggers. For them, It’s all or nothing!
Some people who supported PBO, but are ‘disappointed’ with him now already said ‘Signing statements are bad! Just like Bush!” These are also people who wanted PBO to ride rough shod over everyone else and do things their way our else! In other words be a bully, just like Bush!
Our4thEstate Bobfr
Yo Emoprogs (aka ClosetGOP) Holder: Obama Will Issue Signing Statement With NDAA Detention Rules tinyurl.com/75abez7 #OutPerform1936
#PRESSON
LOL…SNL could really have fun with that.
President Obama clip from Osawatomie
Laws that make sure everybody follows the rules will transform our economy.
For those concerned about the NDAA here’s some good news:
@adept2u
adept2u
#Obamaistheworst Well a signing statement to clarify #NDAA to assure liberties. Signing statement! Just like BUSH http://t.co/SIz3F5SA
There were still troubling parts of the NDAA and I believe it was Adam Serwer or Bob Cesca that said if PBO did a signing statement it would render one of those areas moot.
You can read more here:
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/holder_obama_will_issue_signing_statement_with_ndaa.php
Now I’m curious to see where the goal post is moved now because those who were upset were asking for this.
More Bo and the President shopping photos—–Bo gets REAL FRIENDLY with his new friend:
http://nationaljournal.com/pictures-video/president-obama-and-bo-go-holiday-shopping-pictures-20111221
I thought Bo was in Hawaii with FLOTUS and the girls.
I thought so too because someone posted an article quoting a man who lived near where the family was vacationing who said he’d seen the First Lady, the girls and Bo. I guess he was mistaken, unless for Bo’s protection Secret Service ordered that he have a double.:)
Aww. Bo found a little girlfriend! LOL, the ladies love Bo just like they love PBO! LOL
whoops, I screwed up my post sorry for the huge link!
oh good, it didn’t post.
Firebagger Matt Damon is at it again. I’m seriously sick of this loser!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/barackobama/8971506/Matt-Damon-dismisses-Barack-Obama-as-one-term-president.html
He is not relevent…really.
True. He’s just desperate for attention.
he has a movie coming out. he’s probably trying to get his fellow firebaggers and other Obama haters out to see his stupid ass movie— no offense to the real family the movie was based on. Damon can go suck it. No one in film history is gonna remember him. He’s a schmuck.
well said.
That helps me decide not to see his new Zoo movie. Easy decision!
All I can say is: BRAVO! She lets Choi and Olbermann have it…
Dan Choi Has Lost It, and Dan Ellsberg’s Not Far Behind
Posted by: Linda Carbonell on December 16, 2011.
As usual, I’m watching Countdown while I work. I just listened to Lt. Dan Choi calling Bradley Manning “an excellent soldier.” If Lt. Choi’s appraisal is indicative of what his supporters know about Manning, they are fools.
As for Manning “defending our Constitution” – could Choi please provide us with a citation from the Constitution for handing over American military and diplomatic documents to a member of another country’s government? We charge people with espionage if they steal documents to give to our allies. Birgit Jonsdottir, a member of the board of WikiLeaks, was also a member of the Icelandic Parliament. That, Lt. Choi, qualified Manning for charges of espionage.
Furthermore, an excellent soldier does not hand over to some irresponsible, glory-seeking prick information that endangers the lives of dissidents inside brutal dictatorships, particularly some paranoid asshole who’s so determined to damage this country that he put these documents out without redaction of the names of people who would be endangered by them. Choi needs to sit down sometime with the real journalists who worked with Julian Assange and find out what really transpired.
~snip~
http://lezgetreal.com/2011/12/dan-choi-has-lost-it-and-dan-ellsbergs-not-far-behind/
h/t Angry Black Lady
Choi is a disgrace to the military. He’s an absolute embarrassment and not a spokesperson for all gays in the military like he thinks he is. I’m sure there are many gay military personnel who wish he’d shut his ignorant trap.
I absolutely despise that man. I really wish someone would buy the “liberal” media a watch and tell them fame whore Choi’s 15 minutes are up
this is too easy for me.
21 Dec 2011 03:15 PM
Mitt Romney Is A Big Fat Liar
One of the advantages of having put your soul on eBay is that it frees you up. You can say anything to anyone, and feel no consequences. You can go from promising to be more pro-gay than Ted Kennedy to backing an amendment to the Constitution permanently putting gays into second class status. You can go from calling yourself “progressive” to “the most conservative candidate in this race.” And you also can repeat in increasingly crude terms the notion that this president is some kind of anti-American, far-left ideologue determined to turn 21st Century America into Eastern Europe c. 1978 … and pretend that this is the actual debate we are having and that this is the universe we are living in. Given the alternative galaxies proferred by Roger Ailes, any other narrative might prove confusing for the true believers, I suppose. But if you want to read a long list of the whoppers that Romney has been touting, check out Sargent.
This is a lie:
Roosevelt believed that government should level the playing field to create equal opportunities. President Obama believes that government should create equal outcomes.
I hereby challenge Romney to cite a single case or action in which president Obama has said he believes that government should enforce equal outcomes in the workplace or the economy or anywhere else. His signature policy in education is called “Race To The Top”, for Pete’s sake. He chose to extend the Bush tax cuts. He has actually cut Medicare and taxes on a majority of Americans. The idea that at a time when the debt is soaring the wealthy might be asked to contribute their fair share to balancing the buget is not Marxist. It’s something the most right-wing economic government in the West, Britain’s Conservative Party, has insisted upon.
http://andrewsullivan.thedailybeast.com/2011/12/mitt-romney-is-a-big-fat-liar.html
Another cute Obama photo—-getting pic taken w/2 kids
he’s so cute!
Company owners fake being disabled vets for government contracts
By David Edwards| Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Each year millions in government funds intended to help veterans get back to work go to firms where owners have lied about being disabled vets, according to government watchdogs. The federal government sets aside billions in contracts each year for companies considered to be service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSB). The program is intended to help returning veterans find employment.
But each year, about $500 million in Veterans Affairs (VA) contracts go to ineligible firms, the VA inspector general’s office has found. Even after the VA claimed it had increased fraud-prevention controls, the Veterans Affairs inspector general’s office found that 1,800 of the companies awarded contracts were not eligible. At least 70 of those firms have been referred for criminal prosecution.
~snip~
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/12/21/company-owners-fake-being-disabled-vets-for-government-contracts/
THE HOSTAGE THIS TIME IS THE REPUBLICAN PARTY
=============================================
President Obama Tells Boehner No Negotiations, Vote On The Senate Bill
What the tea party is doing to the Republican Party is less Braveheart and more kamikaze. Since the Senate left town, the House’s usual hostage taking tactics are not going to work this time. Obama is not going to make the Senate return to Washington. Reid is not going to appoint conferees. No one is going to help Boehner out of the mess that he created this time.
=============================================
http://www.politicususa.com/en/obama-boehner-payroll-tax
December 21, 2011 3:45 PM
‘History is made’ on mercury emissions
By Steve Benen
It’s not uncommon for the Obama administration to do something worthwhile. Once in a while, though, the administration does something very worthwhile that will have a major impact on society.
Dave Roberts has a helpful piece today on the EPA’s new national standards for mercury pollution from coal- and oil-fired power plants — the first of their kind — which he described as “a Big Deal” and an instance in which “history is being made.”
Finally controlling mercury and toxics will be an advance on par with getting lead out of gasoline. It will save tens of thousands of lives every year and prevent birth defects, learning disabilities, and respiratory diseases. It will make America a more decent, just, and humane place to live. […]
[T]his is an historic day and a real step forward for the forces of civilization. It’s the beginning of the end of one of the last of the old-school, 20th-century air pollution problems…. Long after everyone has forgotten who “won the morning” in the fight over these rules, or what effect they had on Obama’s electoral chances, the rule’s legacy will live on in a healthier, happier American people.
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/history_is_made_on_mercury_emi034248.php
Thank you so much Rikyrah for sharing this important news that will benefit the health of many Americans. I really appreciate the work you do, both here and at the POU site, linking us to valuable news and information, which is routinely ignored by the so called mainstream media. Without your link, I would probably have missed the details of this important news story that has major implication for the well being of all Americans.
Can a Montana Program to Reduce Veteran Suicide Succeed at the National Level?
By: Eric Newhouse| Wednesday 21 December 2011
As America closes out its mission in Iraq, the Pentagon is gearing up to provide hundreds of thousands of returning soldiers with a new safeguard: intensive screenings for mental and emotional problems caused by combat. But military suicides – on average, one soldier has taken his or her own life every 36 hours between 2005 and 2010 – aren’t slowing down yet, according to an alarming new report this fall that says the suicide rate could threaten the United States’ decades-long reprieve from conscripted service.
Troubled in large part by those suicides, Congress passed legislation two years ago requiring three mental-health screenings for each soldier within the two-year period after he or she returns from combat. As of October, the Pentagon had hired nearly 3,500 health-care providers to screen its returning combat vets for elevated stress levels. The Army has already provided its initial examinations of the first 400,000 troops, although it hasn’t announced the results of those exams yet.
“Before this law, many of our troops received only a paper questionnaire, and never received an individualized assessment,” Baucus said. “Thanks to this law, they are now getting personal, and private, one-on-one attention from a trained health-care provider. And they get follow-up assessments for at least two years after they return.”
~snip~
http://www.truth-out.org/can-montana-program-reduce-veteran-suicide-succeed-national-level/1324394752
Thank you, President Obama for making it happen!~
Remarks by the President at Signing of Caregives and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act
We’ve dramatically increased funding for veterans’ health care, including our wounded warriors, especially those with the signature wounds of today’s wars -— post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. Under Secretary Ric Shinseki’s outstanding leadership, we’re building a 21st century VA, including budget reform to ensure predictable funding, and a historic increase in the VA budget.
As a nation, as the beneficiaries of their service, there’s always more we can do and more that we must do. And that’s what we’re doing today, as I sign this important legislation —- the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act.
With this legislation, we’re expanding mental health counseling and services for our veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq, including our National Guardsmen and Reservists.
We’re authorizing the VA to utilize hospitals and clinics outside the VA system to serve more wounded warriors like Ted with traumatic brain injury.
We’re increasing support to veterans in rural areas, with the transportation and housing they need to reach VA hospitals and clinics.
We’re expanding and improving health care for our women’s veterans, to meet their unique needs, including maternity care for newborn children.
And we’ll launch a pilot program to provide child care for veterans receiving intensive medical care.
We’re eliminating co-pays for veterans who are catastrophically disabled.
And we’re expanding support to homeless veterans, because in the United States of America, no one who has served this nation in uniform should ever be living on the streets.
~snip~
http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/improving-health-care-veterans#transcript
Tease for HBO movie Game Change, coming in March. Looks good, but can’t stand the thought that Mark Dick Halperin made money from selling the movie rights to HBO (with Heilemann)
So who is playing the role of PBO? 🙂 🙂
The book barely mentioned then candidate Sen. Obama. So I read on the internet. I haven’t read the book myself.
She sounds more like Tina Fey than Sarah Palin – LOL…no one can get that nail on the chalkboard tone to that woman’s voice.
A couple of videos from CBS on President Obama’s shopping trip.
He seems to be having a ball!
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57346223-503544/obama-goes-christmas-shopping-at-best-buy/
scroll down to see the second video.
In the middle of this video, one guy says: “I disagree with you on ______, but I think you’re doing” (I think he said) “a good job.”—-don’t quote me on that, but the spirit of what he said was similar to that.—
thanks Donna!!! You have once again proven just why Chips crowned you video queen!!
Oh thanks so much for the complement Lisa but I just lucked up on this video. It’s our other donna that wears the video crown. 🙂
😳 !!!! yowza! Still Donna, you did good! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Thanks for the video Donna. The little girl who was crying was in a bad mood or a republican. slap me couldn’t help myself. 🙂
I thought she was a republican too. It’s honestly the first thing that came to mind!!!! 😆 😆
I just read on POU he said he disagreed with PBO on the Keystone Pipeline but thought he was doing a good job for the country otherwise.
Great! that’s what real politically enlightened people do. you can disagree on some things but still think PBO is doing a good job and trying his best. I’m talking to you, Matt Damon! You punkass trash bucket!
Thanks, Donna. I needed a boost of this today. Sweet!!
ABC’s Jonathan Karl predicts:
House Republicans will soon – probably within 24 hours – cave in and accept the two-month extension of the payroll tax cut passed last week by the Senate.
I base this on conversations with House Republicans who know they are losing the public relations battle and losing it badly. They know they are taking the blame for a stand-off that threatens to raise taxes on 160 million Americans. And they cannot let that happen.
As one top House Republican aide just told me: “I do not expect taxes to go up on January 1st.”
At this point, there is really only one way for taxes not to go up on January 1st: House Republicans need to fold. Democrats won’t give in because they are completely confident that House Republicans will take the blame for the impasse. And Republicans don’t disagree.
—
A collage of crybaby boehner.
Tea Party Deadbeat Dad Horribleness Joe Walsh’s Repub primary opponent has dropped out of the race. Not sure what the thinking is there—-she was supt. of schools and a more sane Repub, if there is such a thing these days. Of course, anyone appears sane next to nutball Joe Walsh. Maybe because Walsh is now in a Dem leaning district with 2 excellent Dem candidates, Tammy Duckworth and Raja Krishnamoorthi (sp.?) This will be an important race, one big reason is Walsh needs to be gone from our government —–forever. He’s done enough damage.
Seen on Twitter
@TheDemocrats
The Democrats
94 percent say Speaker Boehner is to blame for the payroll tax impasse. http://t.co/CPVJ9xS3
Chips, please put the video of President Obama in Pet Smart, Best Buy and going out to greet the citizens on the street it is PRICELESS. The Secret Service guys, bless their hearts are having a time trying to keep up with his every move. The video is wonderful. It’s on the CBS website.
Lorraine – Looks as though Donna Dem posted the videos upthread. 🙂
Jacqueline,
Thanks so much for letting me know, ma’am.
He was sure putting the Sec Ser. guys through their paces—-they were nervous and scrambling—–fun to watch tho—-the people——I repeat, the people—love Obama. It seems joyful crowds gather wherever he goes—–and a joyful noise too.
HA HA! Ron Paul got questioned about his racist newsletters and walks out on the interview.
It seems the only thing the House GOP folks are good at is walking out with things get too hot.
Yep. you got it exactly right. Get too deep and they walk away, lock doors, ban cameras, recorders, reporters, etc.
And cry loudly into their pillows.
Didn’t like being asked about them—-and about being asked about making over a million bucks off of the racist rants.
http://www.mediaite.com/tv/ron-paul-gets-irked-by-newsletter-questions-walks-out-of-gloria-borger-interview/
Chicken.
Agree with bwd’s tweet—–Romney is desperate—–he’s asking that Obama’s uncle be deported! Wow—-Romney’s got nothin’.
http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/romney-deport-obamas-uncle.php
http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/first-look-hbo-releases-game-change-trailer_b103646
Hbo game change trailer!
Thanks Jovie – dotster3 also posted a few comments above!
Thank you, Matt Osborne!~
Last Word on the Public Option
Dec 21, 2011
Congress did it. Jonathan Chait:
There was always a slightly puzzling dynamic at work in the fight over the public option. It polled extremely well, but key Democrats in the Senate opposed it. Now, you could envision a justification for Democrats from red states opposing the measure on political grounds – even if the measure itself was popular, perhaps they saw more value in breaking from the liberal wing and demonstrating “moderation,” regardless of the specifics of the issue. But then you had, among the public option skeptics, blue state Democrats like Lieberman and Carper. It’s … interesting to learn that they were meeting with hedge-fund executives and telling them about their efforts to subvert the public option. (Emphases mine)
Wasn’t Obama. Sorry firebaggers, it just wasn’t. Anyone who tells you Obama killed the public option might as well be telling you he was born in Kenya.
http://www.osborneink.com/2011/12/last-word-on-the-public-option.html
We rest our case.
Thanks creolechild!
Too Early To Chill The Champagne, But Action to Overturn Citizens United Heats Up
(By Joanne Boyer, cross-posted at Wisdom Voices)
The hustle and bustle of the holidays, the background noise of the GOP presidential debates and before you know it, you’ve missed a story that takes root in the month of December. It’s the time of year when it’s pretty easy to lose track of some noteworthy news items, no matter how many aggregated news services or web sites you monitor.
I took note the last few weeks on what seemed like an unusually high amount of activity around the topic of a constitutional amendment to overturn the horrendous Supreme Court Citizens United decision. It was as though every day brought another mention of someone doing something. For your review, I offer the following:
~snip~
Read more: http://www.winningprogressive.org/too-early-to-chill-the-champagne-but-action-to-overturn-citizens-united-heats-up
h/t Winning Progressive
From CBS News
House GOP takes a political beating in payroll tax fight
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57346130-503544/house-gop-takes-a-political-beating-in-payroll-tax-fight/?tag=cbsContent;cbsCarousel
I see even Rove is saying the GOP blew it on the payroll tax cut fiasco—–agrees with WSJ——telling Repubs to wait till Obama gets on plane to Hawaii, pass the 2 mo. extension, and then blame the absent Dems and Obama for deserting and failing to pass the 1 yr. deal.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/karl-rove-says-house-gop-should-throw-in-the-towel-on-payroll-tax-video.php
Chips…Chips come back to us soon. There are soooo many comments and videos on this thread that my computer (here at work) is running at snails pace. 😦
At last, a new post!
http://theobamadiary.com/2011/12/21/christmas-shopping-updating/
You know, this is just bad. I got up this morning with a looooong list of stuff I had to do, and here I am an hour and a half later, still reading stuff on this blog – the very first piece of email I opened! I can’t believe how much stuff you all dig up and contribute!